Solo Travel: Best Destinations and How to Choose a Safe, Sociable Hotel
The best places to travel solo and how to choose the right hotel when travelling alone: avoiding single supplements, staying safe, meeting people and getting good value.
Key takeaways
- Choose central, well-reviewed hotels with 24-hour reception and good transport links.
- Avoid single supplements by booking single rooms, hostels with private rooms, or hotels without per-person pricing.
- Sociable hotels, guided tours and cooking classes are great ways to meet people.
- Share your itinerary and follow official travel advice.
In this guide
- Best destinations for solo travellers
- Choosing a solo-friendly hotel
- Types of accommodation
- Avoiding single supplements
- Meeting people
- Safety tips for solo travellers
- Budget tips
- Solo-friendly hotel features worth paying for
- Sample solo trips
- Dining alone with confidence
- Women travelling solo
- Budget comparison for solo travellers
- The bottom line
Solo travel is one of the most rewarding ways to see the world. You choose every detail of the trip, meet new people and gain confidence. The right hotel makes a big difference to your safety, comfort and social life.
Best destinations for solo travellers
| Destination | Why it's great solo | Good from |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | Very safe, excellent transport, solo dining culture | AU, UK, US |
| Portugal | Friendly, affordable, easy trains | UK, US |
| New Zealand | Outdoor adventures, backpacker networks | AU, UK |
| Iceland | Safe, dramatic nature, tours | UK, US |
| Scotland | Walkable cities, Highlands tours | US, AU |
| Ireland | Pubs, music, friendly locals | US, UK |
| Denmark and Netherlands | Cycling, safety, English widely spoken | UK, US |
| Singapore | Safe, clean, great food | AU, UK |
| Vietnam | Value, food, sociable hostels | AU, UK |
| Costa Rica | Adventure, eco-lodges | US |
| Australia | Easy to navigate, backpacker culture | UK, US |
Choosing a solo-friendly hotel
- Location first: central, well-lit areas near public transport.
- 24-hour reception: for late arrivals and security.
- Recent reviews from solo travellers: look for comments about safety and atmosphere.
- Social spaces: lobbies, rooftop bars, communal tables, events.
- Room security: deadbolts, safes, peepholes. See our hotel safety tips.
Types of accommodation
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Boutique / social hotels | Atmosphere, events | Can be pricey |
| Chain hotels | Consistent, safe | Less social |
| Hostels (private rooms) | Social and affordable | Shared facilities in some |
| Hostels (dorms) | Cheapest, very social | Less privacy |
| Guesthouses / B&Bs | Local tips from hosts | Limited facilities |
| Capsule hotels (Japan) | Unique, cheap | Very compact |
Avoiding single supplements
Many hotels and tours charge per person based on two people sharing, so solo travellers pay a "single supplement". To avoid it:
- Book single rooms, common in the UK and Europe.
- Choose hotels priced per room, not per person.
- Use solo-specialist tour operators that waive or reduce supplements.
- Look for promotions that waive supplements in off-peak periods.
- Consider hostels' private rooms for value.
Meeting people
- Join walking tours, cooking classes and day trips.
- Stay in hotels with social events.
- Use community events and meetup apps.
- Eat at counter seats or communal tables.
Safety tips for solo travellers
- Share your itinerary with someone at home.
- Keep your room number private.
- Use reputable transport, especially at night.
- Avoid oversharing about being alone.
- Follow official travel advice (FCDO, US State Department, Smartraveller).
- Watch for booking scams. See hotel booking scams.
Budget tips
- Travel to cheaper destinations.
- Book refundable rates and rebook if prices drop.
- Self-cater in aparthotels for longer stays.
- Use public transport passes.
Solo-friendly hotel features worth paying for
Some features matter more when you are on your own:
- A hotel bar or lounge with communal seating: easy places to relax without feeling conspicuous.
- A good breakfast: a full breakfast is a sociable, relaxed way to start the day and saves money.
- A helpful front desk or concierge: valuable for local advice when you have no travel companion to plan with.
- Free walking tours or events: many social hotels and hostels run them.
- Laundry facilities: useful for longer trips with light luggage.
- Location near transport: you will rely on public transport more often.
Sample solo trips
| Trip | Length | Why it works solo |
|---|---|---|
| Lisbon and Porto by train | 7–9 nights | Walkable cities, affordable, easy rail link |
| Tokyo and Kyoto | 10–12 nights | Very safe, solo dining is normal, superb transport |
| Edinburgh and the Highlands | 6–8 nights | Small-group tours make meeting people easy |
| Vietnam north to south | 14–21 nights | Strong backpacker trail, great value |
| New Zealand South Island | 10–14 nights | Adventure activities and hop-on buses |
| Iceland Ring Road | 7–10 nights | Organised tours and guesthouses |
Dining alone with confidence
- Choose places with counter seating: sushi bars, tapas bars, ramen shops and wine bars.
- Eat your main meal at lunchtime, when solo diners are more common and prices are often lower.
- Bring a book or plan the next day's route while you eat.
- Ask hotel staff for restaurants where solo diners feel comfortable.
Women travelling solo
Many women travel solo safely every year. Extra steps some travellers take include choosing hotels with female-only floors or dorms, arranging airport transfers for late arrivals, and checking reviews from other women travelling alone. Follow official advice for each destination and trust your instincts: if a hotel or area does not feel right, it is fine to move.
Budget comparison for solo travellers
The main extra cost of solo travel is not sharing a room. In expensive cities like London, Sydney or New York, a well-located single room or a private room in a quality hostel can be the best value. In cheaper countries, a comfortable private hotel room costs far less, which is one reason Southeast Asia and parts of Europe are so popular with solo travellers.
The bottom line
Solo travel is safer and easier than ever. Choose central, well-reviewed hotels, look for social spaces, avoid single supplements, and you will have the freedom to make the trip entirely your own.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best places to travel solo?
Japan, Portugal, New Zealand, Australia, Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, Ireland, Scotland, Singapore and Vietnam are popular for solo travellers thanks to safety, transport and friendly locals.
How can I avoid single supplements?
Look for single rooms, solo-friendly tour operators, hotels that charge per room rather than per person, hostels with private rooms, and promotions that waive supplements.
Is it safe to stay in a hostel as a solo traveller?
Generally yes if you choose well-reviewed hostels, use lockers, and consider female-only dorms or private rooms if preferred.
Prices, fees, taxes and booking rules change often and vary by hotel, date and country. Figures in this guide are typical ranges for planning, not quotes. Always confirm the total price and cancellation terms with the hotel or booking site before you pay.
