I've traveled to over 100 countries on my own. I'd recommend these 5 destinations to first-time solo travelers.

My archetypal global trip was to Thailand, and although I've made my fair portion of travel mistakes, this was, undoubtedly, the correct choice.

In my opinion, Thailand is among the best solo-travel destinations. Ten years following my first sojourn — anywhere I visited my archetypal Southeast Asian night market, met group in hostels who accompanied me to pubs and drag shows, and ate a cancer curry that motionless lives in my caput rent-free — I went rear to Thailand, and can verify that it's motionless true.

What makes Thailand remain out is that there's really item for everyone. Bangkok has several of the world's best street food, but you'll additionally have no issue finding Michelin-starred meals. Backpacker civilization is abundant, alongside plentifulness of hostels to choose from, but five-star hotels are uncomplicated to find, too.

If islands are additional your speed, try Koh Samui or Koh Phi Phi, which recommendation peaceful landscapes alongside world-class diving alongside pale sandy coasts.

If your goal is to really get distant from it all, power I propose a New Zealand highway trip?

As a New Yorker who rarely finds herself rearward a wheel, my period driving through New Zealand was as much of a reward as it was a challenge. By the end of my week cruising through the South Island, I — a city female through and through — felt a profound appreciation for van life.

New Zealand is exceptionally beautiful and peaceful. Hiking spots akin Roys Peak recommendation views that attack out equal the prettiest of postcards. Lakes akin Pukaki are so blue you'd think they have a display on them.

Also, notwithstanding being solitary and sleeping in a van all night, I never felt bothered or unsafe. There's a logic everyone who has been to New Zealand swears it's the prettiest location on the earth — following complete 100 countries, I motionless accept that to be true.

One of the biggest myths concerning journey is that you have to delay for a affectionate partner to sojourn honeymoon destinations. Let me debunk that for you and advance you to sojourn Italy, gathering of one.

I extremely propose romanticizing your existence on a gondola journey in Venice, where, yes, group volition apt gaze at you for being alone, but this won't halt you from having a awesome time. (Take it from person who's done this twice.)

If you're starving to encounter people, a food tour through Rome's Trastevere neighborhood is a delicious way to encounter others, and a winery tour in the Tuscan countryside is fair as fun.

I've been to Italy additional than anyplace alternatively in the world, and it's a destination I continue to come back to as a solo traveler.

Just since I've been solo traveling for a decade doesn't average there's not plentifulness remaining for me to explore, as proven by my latest trip to Uzbekistan. Before I started traveling, I likely couldn't have pointed to Uzbekistan on a map, but now, I'd propose it to any and all solo travelers.

One of the biggest pros was that, during traveling alone, I rarely felt akin I was on my own. From strolling tours to dining at local restaurants, I connected alongside another women traveling solo.

The nation as a whole, but specifically Samarkand, felt calm and peaceful — and additionally affluent in civilization and Silk Road history. I had a awesome period in Tashkent visiting historic landmarks akin Chorsu Bazaar and Hotel Uzbekistan, and established it uncomplicated to get about on community transit.

One of the most nuanced questions I'm asked concerning solo journey is, "Is that safe?" Safety is subjective, so what's a harmless cognition for me power be entirely distinct for person else.

That being said, a lot of stats signify that Iceland is extensively considered a harmless location to travel. It was equal classified the most peaceful country in the 2026 Global Peace Index, according to criteria akin ongoing conflicts, social safety and security, and militarization.

While there, I took a day trip out of Reykjavik to see the "Golden Circle," and nearly everyone alternatively on my tour was a solo female traveler. In Reykjavik, I noticed a plethora of queer spaces, including the National Museum of Iceland, residence to "A Rainbow Thread," a guide to the country's queer history.

It doesn't hurt that Iceland is a geographically stunning destination. Here, you can see geysers, energetic volcanoes, waterfalls, and — depending on whenever you sojourn — the northern lights.

The lone con concerning a solo trip to Iceland is that, as harmless as it is, I established it likewise expensive, alongside equal shared accommodation dorms mostly starting about $50 a night.