Solo travel might be very rewarding, whether or not it is only a weekend to your self or a for much longer journey of self-discovery.
Though planning your first large solo journey could appear daunting, most individuals discover the expertise empowering. You may have the liberty to plan your journey (or play it by ear) based mostly by yourself preferences, with out worrying about anybody else. You’ll be able to step outdoors your consolation zone, attempt new issues and make connections with fellow vacationers and locals you meet.
Plus, you are extra prone to discover nice offers on award flights when you do not want a number of seats collectively.
Begin the method by deciding what sort of journey you need. Rejuvenating by the seashore? Consuming your method by means of a metropolis? Mountaineering solo by means of the mountains? Fortunately, this checklist of the perfect locations to journey solo has all of it.
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Thailand
Greatest for: Adventurers who need to discover a well-trodden vacation spot
For vacationers planning their first solo journey, Thailand is a good starter locale. The well-established tourism business — which began because the spine of the backpacker journey scene — runs like a well-oiled machine.
You may need to bookend your journey with just a few days in Bangkok, which is understood for its implausible meals scene and pulsing nightlife. Then head to Chiang Mai, the center of Thailand’s mountainous north, to get your fill of Buddhist temples. That is additionally a super jumping-off level for multiday jungle treks.
On the southern aspect, you will discover tropical islands like Koh Samui (the place elements of “The White Lotus” Season Three had been filmed) and Koh Tao (recognized for world-class diving), in addition to seashore resorts for all budgets in Phuket, Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands.
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TPG tip: Bangkok’s glittering lodge scene added one other jewel in 2025: The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok, a Marriott Bonvoy property. Nightly charges begin round $425 or 56,000 Marriott factors, which means you can e-book a stick with a 50,000-point free night award topped up with just a few thousand factors.
Proper now, the next Marriott playing cards are providing these helpful certificates as a part of their welcome bonuses:
New York Metropolis
Greatest for: Vacationers in search of power, tradition and a endless checklist of issues to do
In New York Metropolis, doing issues alone is not simply regular; it is cool. Dinner for one? Stylish. A Broadway present solo? Energy transfer. Museum-hopping at your personal tempo? Chef’s kiss.
Begin your day with a correct New York Metropolis breakfast: a bagel. Then, wander the paths or people-watch in Central Park, and reward your self some retail remedy at SoHo’s designer boutiques or Fifth Avenue’s iconic flagships.
After darkish, watch town sparkle from the highest of the Empire State Constructing or rating offers on last-minute Broadway tickets by way of TodayTix.
TPG tip: After an eight-year renovation, the Waldorf Astoria New York made TPG’s checklist of the best new hotels in 2025, because of its 375 opulent rooms you may e-book with factors. Charges begin round $937 or 150,000 Hilton Honors factors per night time, making this an awesome use of your Hilton free night certificate.
You possibly can keep two nights at this luxury lodge for primarily free by including the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card to your pockets. Not solely does this card grant cardholders one helpful free night time certificates upon opening the cardboard and annually after your account renewal, however it additionally presents 150,000 Hilton Honors bonus factors after you spend $6,000 on purchases inside your first six months of card membership.
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Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Greatest for: Seaside lovers who additionally need a buzzy nightlife scene
Mexico has an extended checklist of sizzling spots for solo vacationers, however Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific coast shines for its mixture of seashores, tradition and simply the correct amount of after-dark enjoyable. Plus, it is probably the most LGBTQIA+-friendly locations on this planet.
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Begin your day exploring the cobblestone streets and colourful road artwork of Previous City (aka Zona Romantica). The neighborhood’s legendary tacos are the proper gas for a stroll alongside the Malecon, Puerto Vallarta’s beachfront promenade, or the 2-mile coastal hike from Boca de Tomatlan to Playa Las Animas.
To pattern different native fare, from ceviche to el pastor, join a meals tour — a good way to fulfill like-minded vacationers. And do not miss the city’s nightlife scene, which might solely be described as “flip-flop stylish.”
TPG tip: With The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta set to reopen as an all-inclusive on Could 1, there isn’t any higher time to e-book a visit with factors. Costs will begin from $423 or 188,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time for 2 folks.
Associated: The best all-inclusive resorts in Puerto Vallarta
South Africa
Greatest for: Your first solo journey to Africa
South Africa’s thriving cities and sturdy infrastructure make it probably the most accessible locations on the African continent, particularly for solo vacationers.
Cape City has turn out to be a beacon for digital nomads. Not solely is it comparatively simple to achieve, with United Airways and Delta Air Strains providing a number of direct flights from the U.S., however it’s additionally ideally situated for day journeys to locations just like the Stellenbosch wine area and the penguin-populated Boulder Seaside. One other primary hub, Johannesburg, is the place to begin your self-drive safari in Kruger Nationwide Park.
If you happen to’re feeling social, South African backpacker hostels are often fashionable affairs that supply ample alternatives to fulfill different adventurers. You will not want to remain in a dorm room both; most provide personal lodging.
TPG tip: South Africa just lately added two new inns to its factors portfolio. You’ll be able to e-book Cape City’s Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof from $156 or 44,000 Hilton Honors factors per night time or the Park Hyatt Johannesburg from $427 or 25,000 World of Hyatt factors per night time.
New Zealand
Greatest for: Thrill-seekers and road-trippers
Adrenaline junkies seeking to push their boundaries will love New Zealand, the birthplace of bungee leaping.
This lengthy and wildly diversified nation presents every little thing from seashores and mountains to lakes and glaciers — and there isn’t any higher method to absorb its beautiful surroundings than with adventurous pursuits like skydiving, white water rafting and heli-skiing. Don’t be concerned, tamer choices like climbing and tenting are on provide, too.
Queenstown is an effective start line for a road trip around the South Island, dwelling to simply 25% of New Zealand’s inhabitants however 10 of its 13 nationwide parks. Or, fly into Auckland to discover the North Island, dwelling to Rotorua, a sizzling spot for each geothermal exercise and Maori tradition, in addition to the Hobbiton Film Set.
TPG tip: Hotel Indigo Auckland marks the model’s debut in New Zealand and the newest in a latest string of recent IHG One Rewards properties within the nation. Nightly charges begin round $118 or 24,000 IHG factors.
Puerto Rico
Greatest for: A tropical getaway with out a passport
As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico is doubly handy for American vacationers: It presents a Caribbean expertise with out a passport and makes use of the U.S. greenback as its forex.
The capital, San Juan, makes a super dwelling base. You should use San Juan’s plentiful Ubers to get round city and make day journeys to different points of interest like Culebra Island, a snorkeler’s dream.
Hikers can tramp to their hearts’ content material — and even physique surf down pure rock waterslides — within the lush rainforest of El Yunque Nationwide Forest. One other must-do is a kayak tour by means of one of many island’s three bioluminescent bays on a moonless night time, when microscopic dinoflagellate organisms make the water glow neon inexperienced and blue.
TPG tip: San Juan’s La Concha Resort, Puerto Rico simply bought a significant rework and joined Marriott’s Autograph Assortment, with charges beginning at $254 or 52,000 Marriott factors per night time.
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Switzerland
Greatest for: Prepare journey fanatics who need an eye-filling dose of surroundings
Switzerland’s famend practice system makes it protected and simple for solo vacationers to discover this small however adventure-packed nation. You should buy a Swiss Travel Pass for limitless journey by practice, bus and boat.
Prepare fanatics will need a ticket on one of many nation’s most scenic rail routes, just like the Sixties cogwheel Gornergrat or the panoramic Bernina Express, whereas outdoorsy vacationers could have a area day within the Swiss Alps. The car-free city of Zermatt, with its Matterhorn backdrop, attracts a justifiable share of solo vacationers who come to climb, hike and bike in summer season and ski in winter.
The hub of Geneva presents the perfect of each worlds, because it’s surrounded by mountains and a lake but has all of the historical past and tradition of a significant metropolis. You’ll be able to even make your personal Swiss watch at an Initium watchmaking workshop.
TPG tip: For an expensive solo retreat, e-book The Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix, Geneva, ranging from $662 or 102,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time.
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Santa Fe, New Mexico
Greatest for: A therapeutic spa retreat in an inventive setting
Whenever you want a rejuvenating solo retreat, look no additional than Santa Fe. New Mexico’s capital is understood for its serene high-desert setting, thriving artwork scene and award-winning spas.
“The town totally different,” because the all-adobe state capital payments itself, is virtually an paintings in itself. However it’s additionally dwelling to dozens of artwork galleries and world-class museums, in addition to the unique Meow Wolf immersive artwork set up, “House of Eternal Return.” In summer season, the open-air Santa Fe Opera attracts a world viewers.
After a day of exploring, unwind with a therapeutic massage or sizzling spring soak at Ojo Santa Fe or Ten Thousand Waves. Spas like these provide wholesome eating choices as effectively, however you will not need to miss Santa Fe’s New Mexican meals scene, which rivals that of a lot bigger cities.
TPG tip: There are a number of choices for attending to Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF) with factors and miles. As an illustration, you can fly nonstop from Dallas for 9,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles one-way or from Chicago for 14,000 AAdvantage miles one-way, plus beneath $20 in taxes and charges.
For a restricted time, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) is providing 100,000 American Airways AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $10,000 on purchases throughout the first three months of account opening.
Cinque Terre, Italy
Greatest for: Solo strolling expeditions
The Cinque Terre area on Italy’s northwest coast presents most of the perks you’d count on from the Amalfi Coast — recent seafood, sun-drenched vineyards and rugged cliffs — with out the crowds.
Solo vacationers will really feel proper at dwelling within the area’s pleasant seaside villages, 5 of that are linked by a cliffside climbing path often called the Sentiero Azzurro. Preplanned, self-guided strolling excursions, reminiscent of these provided by Macs Adventure, take the stress out of planning your journey. These excursions sometimes present nightly lodging and each day baggage transfers, so you may give attention to connecting with nature (or new pals you meet alongside the way in which).
TPG tip: The closest airports are Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA), Pisa Worldwide Airport (PSA) and Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP). From there, you may take a practice to the village of Monterosso or Levanto. Air France and KLM provide direct flights from Boston and Atlanta to MXP, with bookings by way of their joint Flying Blue loyalty program ranging from 24,000 miles one-way.
Flying Blue is a 1:1 transfer partner of all the foremost factors and miles packages: American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards and Wells Fargo Rewards.
Chile
Greatest for: Trekking, stargazing and sizzling spring soaking amid surreal topography
Chile is understood for its spectacular array of pure landscapes, starting from the otherworldly Atacama Desert within the north to Patagonia’s Torres del Paine Nationwide Park within the south. You will not stumble upon many different vacationers whereas exploring the park’s ever-shifting panorama of jagged peaks, dense forests and thundering waterfalls, making this a super spot for a calming solo retreat.
To get to Patagonia, you will have to fly into the capital, Santiago, and catch a regional flight to hubs like Punta Arenas or Balmaceda. It is value spending just a few days in Santiago when you’re at it. The bohemian Bellavista neighborhood is ideal for sipping Chile’s famed pink wine or pisco (grape brandy), and tradition hounds will get pleasure from a go to to La Chascona, an artwork museum and the previous dwelling of poet Pablo Neruda.
TPG tip: Tierra Patagonia, a luxurious journey lodge overlooking Lake Sarmiento and Torres del Paine Nationwide Park, presents a gateway to Chile’s nice outside. Whereas not cheap, the all-inclusive price (beginning at $2,550 per night time) covers meals, drinks, guided excursions and airport transfers. Plus, eligible Amex cardmembers can benefit from perks by means of American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts. The property is closed throughout Chile’s winter season from Could to mid-September.
Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
Greatest for: Medieval cities, seashores and “Recreation of Thrones” set-jetting
With comparable subtle seashore vibes to Greece’s Santorini and Italy’s Amalfi Coast (however extra reasonably priced costs), Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast makes for a dreamy solo getaway.
Start within the fairy-tale metropolis of Dubrovnik on the nation’s southern tip. The medieval Previous City is a spotlight for many vacationers, however “Recreation of Thrones” followers will likely be particularly thrilled to go to this King’s Touchdown set location. A 3-hour drive north, you will discover Cut up, one other medieval walled metropolis and “Recreation of Thrones” backdrop. (It’s going to additionally get a new direct flight from the U.S. beginning in April.)
Alongside the way in which, enjoy the fantastic thing about the area’s pebble and sand seashores, bordered by the aquamarine waters of the Adriatic Sea on one aspect and dramatic limestone cliffs on the opposite.
TPG tip: The Dalmatian Coast has a definite summer season excessive season, and lodging charges can greater than double throughout July and August, particularly in Dubrovnik. So, it can save you cash by reserving off-peak dates.
The brand new Hyatt Regency Zadar, which opened in spring 2025, begins at $180 or 17,000 World of Hyatt factors per night time within the offseason. Or, since this lodge is a Class 4 property, you can redeem a Hyatt Category 1-4 free night award.
The World of Hyatt Credit Card (see rates and fees) is at present providing as much as 5 Class 1-4 free night time awards as a part of its welcome bonus: Earn three free nights after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening, plus two free nights after you spend $15,000 on purchases within the first six months.
Japan
Greatest for: Foodies with an urge for food for tradition and historical past
The choices for solo journeys in Japan are as diversified because the kinds of sushi.
If you happen to want a quiet, introspective retreat, Kyoto is simply what the physician ordered. Wander the cherry tree-lined temples and shrines of the Thinker’s Path in Kyoto, then get pleasure from a multicourse meal and a sizzling spring soak at a ryokan (conventional Japanese inn).
For one thing just a little fresher, head to Tokyo to benefit from the nightlife and eat your method by means of hole-in-the-wall ramen joints and conveyor belt sushi bars. There’s additionally the world’s busiest pedestrian intersection, Shibuya Crossing, the place 1000’s of walkers cross with every streetlight cycle.
When you’ve got the time, there’s loads extra to discover past the massive cities, from the legendary ski slopes of Hokkaido to the tropical seashores of Okinawa. It is simple to get round Japan by yourself, however a tour operator may also help you take advantage of your time with minimal effort.
TPG tip: Alaska Airways fees as few as 30,000 Atmos Rewards factors plus minimal taxes and charges for nonstop Hawaiian Airways flights between Seattle-Tacoma Worldwide Airport (SEA) and Tokyo’s Narita Worldwide Airport (NRT) in financial system.
You’ll be able to earn greater than sufficient for a round-trip ticket with the welcome bonus on certainly one of these cobranded playing cards:
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Iceland
Greatest for: Unforgettable pure phenomena
On the subject of seeing nature in all its glory, you merely cannot beat Iceland.
The aptly named Land of Fireplace and Ice has all of it, from glaciers and ice caves to volcanoes and geothermal sizzling springs, such because the famed Blue Lagoon. You’ll be able to even snorkel between tectonic plates within the frigid waters of the Silfra fissure in Thingvellir Nationwide Park.
From September to April, this is among the greatest locations to test the northern lights off your bucket checklist. And on Aug. 12, Iceland will likely be within the path of totality throughout the 2026 photo voltaic eclipse.
The Golden Circle is a well-liked drive that hits a lot of Iceland’s central points of interest. You’ll be able to lease a automobile and drive it your self, or use Reykjavik as your property base and e-book day journeys to close by actions.
TPG tip: The brand-new Skald Resort Akureyri Curio Assortment by Hilton is now accepting reservations for stays from July 15 onward. Positioned alongside the nation’s northern coast, it is going to be certainly one of just a few factors properties outdoors of Reykjavik. Nightly charges begin round $238 or 51,000 Hilton factors.
Associated: Alaska Airlines adds London and Iceland routes, unveils new Dreamliner livery
Backside line
In fact, you may — and will — go wherever by yourself, however some locations provide easy accessibility and pleasant communities of like-minded vacationers that make solo journey much more enjoyable.
If you happen to’re feeling intimidated on the considered planning a visit by yourself, bear in mind: It is simpler to plan if you’re solely making an attempt to please one particular person.
And due to tour firms providing new group journeys geared towards single vacationers — and money-saving factors and miles packages — solo journey is extra accessible than ever.
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