At Indagare, we chart our personal growth by journeys taken, borders crossed and people met along the way. One of the best ways to experience the transformative power of travel is to step outside of your comfort zone by venturing out into the world alone. Traveling solo, be it to a far-flung destination or to one of your all-time favorite cities, can be an intensely exhilarating and liberating experience; as Pico Iyer wrote in The Open Road, “When I travel alone, I find myself having one-on-one encounters with people and places that leave my heart shaking and my sense of direction turned around.” If you're feeling the desire for a fresh start—the breaking of old routines and mindsets; perhaps the commitment to healthier, more productive habits; or the hope that the months ahead promise joy and fulfillment—we’ve rounded up the best places to travel solo around the world, from Norway to Namibia, for all levels of experience, so you can try solo travel for yourself.
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Best Places to Travel Solo: For the Curious Beginner — Solitude and Wellness Retreats
Traveling on your own is one of the best ways to make time to check in with yourself for reflection, peace and restoration. For the wellness seeker, we recommend off-the-beaten-path retreats and spa centers that specialize in caring for the whole self—and for beginner solo travelers, these properties provide a safe home base where you can just stay put.
FOGO ISLAND INN, NEWFOUNDLAND
Fogo Island sits off the northeast coast of Newfoundland and is home to one of our favorite retreats, the Fogo Island Inn. Described as “far away from far away,” the retreat combines personal attention and relaxation with the opportunity to marvel at such natural wonders as icebergs and the Northern Lights.MII AMO, SEDONA, ARIZONA
Tucked away in the red rocks of Sedona, Mii amo is an intimate spa that nourishes the mind, body and soul. A favorite of Indagare founder Melissa Biggs Bradley, the exquisite property offers a wide variety of restorative activities and treatments, including meditation sessions with spiritual healers, hiking and relaxing facials. Unlike many other wellness destinations, Mii amo offers solo travelers the freedom to craft their own experience and participate in as many or as few programs as they wish.CAL-A-VIE, CALIFORNIA
Not far from San Diego, the Cal-a-Vie spa retreat in the California mountains provides a warm and supportive environment for solo travelers to rejuvenate and refresh. The spa, which is decorated with a lovely array of the owner’s antique furniture, offers an extensive menu of massages, skin treatments, hikes, walks and exercise classes in a beautiful setting. Less spiritual than Mii amo, Cal-a-Vie is another ideal destination if you are looking to live a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.HACIENDA ALTAGRACIA, COSTA RICA
With just 50 casitas built into a lush 180-acre property in the foothills of Costa Rica’s Talamanca Mountains, Hacienda AltaGracia, an Auberge Resorts Collection property, was relaunched in the fall of 2021 as the ultimate getaway for sun, sea and serenity. Communal dining spaces and amazing guides offer solo travelers the chance to socialize, while the expanses of natural reserves allow for a completely intimate experience (described by Indagare COO Eliza Harris, who recently scouted the property, as such: “You might spend your morning hiking to a waterfall or exploring the rain forest with a naturalist, following winding trails past towering ferns and banks of blossoming orchids, punctuated by rainbow eucalyptus trees, their trunks striped with lime green and orange and long curls of bark. Everywhere on the property is color and life: the swoop of birds, the layers of green hills cut through with a gently curving road that weaves amid the scarlet bougainvillea, pink hibiscus and drifts of golden lilies.”). The spirit of innovation, respect for ancient practices and deep focus on holistic wellness makes Hacienda AltaGracia, in partnership with THE WELL, a transformative well-being experience for individual guests; after all, the national motto of Costa Rica is “pura vida,” or “pure life!”SÁPMI NATURE CAMP, SWEDEN
Although its spa facilities are limited to a wood-burning sauna, the Sápmi Nature Camp in Sweden’s Sápmi region hosts a glamping getaway that offers truly unparalleled solitude (positioned in the middle of the UNESCO-protected Sjávnjá Nature Reserve, the camp has only five tents). With no electricity or WiFi, solo travelers here can disconnect in the dazzling Arctic wilderness through such outdoor activities as Northern Lights viewing, skiing and learning from the indigenous Sámi people about regional traditions, including foraging and reindeer herding.
Explore Further: Read the Reviews
Other top picks include… Capella Ubud in Indonesia, Chablé Yucatán in Mexico, Nekupe in Granada, Bawah Reserve in Indonesia, Amanemu in Japan, Dunton Hot Springs in Colorado. Plus: See the list of Indagare's Best Wellness Retreats.
Best Places to Travel Solo: For the Curious Beginner — Urban Exploration
If you are new to solo travel and prefer an urban adventure, we recommend that you start by visiting friendly, culture-rich cities that are easy to navigate and offer robust touring options.
PARIS
A haven for solo travelers, Paris offers endless entertainments to enjoy by yourself, including shopping the Marais, relaxing with a book and café crème along the Seine and people-watching in a local bistro. If you’re looking for some time to yourself but are concerned about being lonely, Paris is the place for you: within this bustling metropolis, you can go about your day independently.BARCELONA
Barcelona delights all of the senses with its vibrant art, fascinating history, delicious tapas and lively mood. A solo visit here is a treat for any traveler, as you can fill your days with the city’s rich culture—without compromise—and spend your nights tucked away in an intimate restaurant, before an evening stroll along the buzzing, wide boulevards. The city is clean and easy to get around, and the locals are warm and welcoming.COPENHAGEN
Those who are looking for an approachable solo adventure should head to the capital of hygge, the Nordic concept for coziness and contentment. From your home base at one of the city’s stylish boutique hotels, you can recharge and reconnect with inspiration by exploring Copenhagen’s many groundbreaking farm-to-table restaurants and innovative design galleries.DUBLIN
The Irish are known for their hospitality, and a solo traveler in Dublin will never feel lonely. The city’s wealth of pubs offer great opportunities to meet other travelers and locals, while the rich musical and literary history and burgeoning culinary scene beg to be explored in depth.MONTREAL
This charming city offers a Parisian-style solo experience—within a two-hour flight of New York City. Full of delicious restaurants, vibrant artistic neighborhoods like Mile End and Griffintown and several lush parks to explore, travelers to Montreal can be as busy or relaxed as they’d like.WASHINGTON, D.C.
An easy flight or train ride away from most major U.S. cities, Washington D.C. has become a culture and foodie hotspot in recent years, with much more to explore outside of Capitol Hill. Solo travelers can fill their days here exploring artwork in the Phillips Collection, the Rubell Museum and the Renwick Gallery, confronting history at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, shopping in Georgetown and eating and drinking in up-and-coming areas like the Navy Yard—and relaxing at one of the city’s many wonderful hotels.Explore Further: Indagare Guides
Best Places to Travel Solo: For the Intrepid Explorer
If you’re excited by the prospect of solo travel and want to test your boundaries, we recommend visiting untapped cultural hotspots and locales with more difficult terrains.
NORWAY
Thanks to its dramatic, untouched fjords and the city of Oslo, one of Europe’s fastest-growing capitals, Norway is the perfect destination for the solo traveler in search of energy and inspiration. With stunning natural features—like the Norwegian Fjords—unique history and up-and-coming creative centers, this country will fascinate the solo traveler looking to head north.MEXICO CITY
As one of the largest, most dynamic and culture-packed cities in the world, Mexico City is a challenging destination for the solo traveler who wants to dive into an overwhelming number of top-notch museums, galleries, restaurants and bars, which can be harder to navigate with companions in tow. In addition to classic hotels like the Four Seasons and the St. Regis, Mexico City is full of chic boutique hotels and apartment accommodations that provide an intimate setting for solo travelers to interact with fellow guests and locals.ALASKA
Alaska is a mind-blowing ecological wonderland bordering the Arctic Circle and three bodies of ocean. Though not a pampering destination, the 49th state wows with spectacularly wild landscapes and diverse marine and wildlife, making it one of the world’s great adventure destinations for the rugged solo traveler.ESTONIA
Next to other Eastern European capitals like Prague and Budapest, Estonia’s Tallinn is often overlooked. This lack of tourism keeps price points low, which can be helpful if you want to travel alone without splurging. Within the quaint cobblestone streets of the city, a young art and culture scene is booming—and begging to be explored.MARFA
A haven for contemporary art lovers, the ghost-town-meets-hipster-enclave of Marfa, Texas is highly unique. Home to such art institutions as the Chinati and Judd Foundations, as well as the iconic Prada Marfa building and the mysterious Marfa lights, this edgy destination is rich with innovation for the solo traveler to explore. It can be hard to get to, but Indagare can arrange seamless access and transport. Contact our team to learn more.MOROCCO
From the winding souks of Marrakech to the quiet sand dune expanses of the Sahara and the salty shores of the coast, Morocco offers plenty of beautiful, culture-rich places for the solo traveler to lose herself. Whether you’re interested in shopping and design, food and anthropology or outdoor adventure, there’s so much to experience here—and the destination feels approachable yet decidedly foreign.BHUTAN
Though more advanced in terms of travel distance and remoteness, Bhutan is a wonderful destination for solo travelers to test the waters: As one of the world’s oldest Buddhist countries, Bhutan embraces visitors with its warmth, spirituality and hospitality. It is home to one of the world’s most fascinating cultures (it claims to be the happiest country on earth) and beautiful landscapes that are truly wild (it is the only country that is carbon-negative). You can explore this captivating place with daily hikes through rural towns and lush forests, in the company of local guides. At the end of the day, return home to one of the country’s many five-star resorts for some pampering.Explore Further: Indagare Guides
Best Places to Travel Solo: For the Advanced Solo Sojourner
Those who are confident in their ability to travel alone will discover a whole new solo experience through longer, more intense trips to larger-than-life places far from home. A journey to one of these destinations will change the way that you understand yourself and your position in the world.
ANTARCTICA
The world’s last frontier was once only traversed by pathfinders and scientists willing to risk their lives, but now solo travelers can sail through Antarctic waters for once-in-a-lifetime wildlife and nature-viewing and adventure activities, with responsible tour operators like Quark. In the words of Indagare's Colin Heinrich, “It was my favorite trip I’ve ever been on. Antarctica is the most gorgeous place you can possibly visit on this planet; it is the most pristine natural environment we have left. At the same time, it is critically threatened by climate change. Travel here is completely regulated to avoid overtourism, so explorers can feel good about going. It’s a destination that needs support and tourism more than anywhere else, and it needs it right now.”THE HIMALAYAS
In the words of Indagare COO Eliza Harris, “For as long as I can remember, the Himalayas have pulled at my imagination: the highest and most majestic mountain range on earth, formed by two continents crashing together, a spiritual home for seekers across the millennia. Ten years ago, when I heard about Shakti Himalaya, which offers the chance to live in rural villages in houses equipped with Western comforts, I thought: *there‘s my way in*. I set my sights on the Ladakh region of northern India, a high-altitude (10,000-plus feet) landscape of fierce contrasts, with jagged peaks and lunar desert cut through by rivers that make possible fertile green valleys and orchards.” For solo travelers passionate about Buddhism, hiking, untouched natural landscapes and ancient culture, the Shakti Himalaya experience is sure to be a home-run. Read Eliza’s Shakti report.NAMIBIA
Often described as southern Africa’s final frontier, Namibia is known for its stretches of open desert and great swaths of silence. As you hike the striking edges of the sand dunes, meet with nomadic tribes and fly over shipwrecks on the Skeleton Coast, you will challenge the boundaries of your own existence within this wondrous place. In the words of Indagare’s Elise Bronzo, “While most travelers consider Namibia to be a safari destination, it would be more accurately described as a wilderness destination suited to nature seekers who love places like Chile, Peru, New Zealand and the American West. For me, it ranks as one of the most humbling landscapes in the world.” Read more about Elise’s road trip in Namibia.NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand is a land of fantasy and fairytale, where active volcanoes, icy glaciers and geothermal springs provide a window into the earth’s past. Traveling to New Zealand solo, without distractions, will allow you to soak in this vast, raw beauty and fully marvel in the power of nature.JAPAN
Japan is a fabulous destination for culturally curious solo travelers. Especially in cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, it’s quite common for people to dine alone—and the deep sense of mutual obligation and accountability that governs the captivating dance of daily life in Japan means that the solo traveler there will feel safe, welcomed and taken care of. It’s very easy to get around, and the fact that the destination has surged in popularity for foreigners means that the language barrier is much less wide than it was 20 or even 10 years ago. There is so much to sink your teeth into, and many fascinating places to visit beyond the major cities, like Hokkaido, Nara, Nikko, Kobe, Kanazawa, Yamaguchi and the southern islands (and there’s no shortage of fantastic hotels to choose from).Explore Further: Indagare Guides
Our expert team can help you choose the best places to travel solo for your goals and recommend itineraries, hotels, restaurants and activities. Contact Indagare to start planning your solo travel journey today. Are you a solo traveler curious about joining a group travel experience? Click here to learn more about our incredible small-group Indagare Journeys.
Updated onOctober 24, 2025
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