Solo journey will 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 huge solo journey could seem daunting, most individuals discover the expertise empowering. You will have the liberty to plan your journey (or play it by ear) based mostly by yourself preferences, with out worrying about anybody else. You possibly can 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 means by means of a metropolis? Mountain climbing solo by means of the mountains? Fortunately, this record of the perfect locations to journey solo has all of it.
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Thailand
Greatest for: Adventurers who wish 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 will wish to bookend your journey with a couple of days in Bangkok, which is understood for its unbelievable meals scene and pulsing nightlife. Then head to Chiang Mai, the guts 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 facet, you will discover tropical islands like Koh Samui (the place elements of “The White Lotus” Season Three had been filmed) and Koh Tao (identified 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, that means you possibly can e book a stick with a 50,000-point free night time award topped up with a couple of thousand factors.
Proper now, the next Marriott playing cards are providing these precious certificates as a part of their welcome bonuses:
New York Metropolis
Greatest for: Vacationers in search of vitality, tradition and a unending record 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 individual 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 present 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 record of the perfect new accommodations in 2025, because of its 375 opulent rooms you possibly can e book with factors. Charges begin round $937 or 150,000 Hilton Honors factors per night time, making this an excellent use of your Hilton free night time certificates.
You might keep two nights at this luxury lodge for primarily free by including the Hilton Honors American Specific Aspire Card to your pockets. Not solely does this card grant cardholders one precious free night time certificates upon opening the cardboard and annually after your account renewal, nevertheless it additionally gives 150,000 Hilton Honors bonus factors after you spend $6,000 on purchases inside your first six months of card membership.
Associated: Greatest solo journeys within the US
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Greatest for: Seaside lovers who additionally desire a buzzy nightlife scene
Mexico has an extended record 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 one of the vital LGBTQIA+-friendly locations on the planet.
Associated: 12 under-the-radar LGBTQIA+ seashore locations
Begin your day exploring the cobblestone streets and colourful avenue artwork of Previous City (aka Zona Romantica). The neighborhood’s legendary tacos are the proper gasoline 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 satisfy like-minded vacationers. And do not miss the city’s nightlife scene, which may 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 is no 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 perfect 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 one of the vital 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 straightforward to succeed in, with United Airways and Delta Air Strains providing a number of direct flights from the U.S., nevertheless it’s additionally ideally situated for day journeys to locations just like the Stellenbosch wine area and the penguin-populated Boulder Seaside. One other essential hub, Johannesburg, is the place to begin your self-drive safari in Kruger Nationwide Park.
In the event you’re feeling social, South African backpacker hostels are normally trendy affairs that supply ample alternatives to satisfy 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 accommodations to its factors portfolio. You possibly can e book Cape City’s Cover by Hilton Cape City 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 diverse nation gives all the pieces from seashores and mountains to lakes and glaciers — and there is no higher means to absorb its beautiful surroundings than with adventurous pursuits like skydiving, white water rafting and heli-skiing. Don’t fret, tamer choices like climbing and tenting are on provide, too.
Queenstown is an effective start line for a street journey across the South Island, house to simply 25% of New Zealand’s inhabitants however 10 of its 13 nationwide parks. Or, fly into Auckland to discover the North Island, house to Rotorua, a sizzling spot for each geothermal exercise and Maori tradition, in addition to the Hobbiton Film Set.
TPG tip: Lodge 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 gives 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 house base. You should utilize 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 serious rework and joined Marriott’s Autograph Assortment, with charges beginning at $254 or 52,000 Marriott factors per night time.
Associated: Are there any all-inclusive resorts in San Juan, Puerto Rico?
Switzerland
Greatest for: Practice journey lovers who need an eye-filling dose of surroundings
Switzerland’s famend prepare system makes it secure and straightforward for solo vacationers to discover this small however adventure-packed nation. You should buy a Swiss Journey Go for limitless journey by prepare, bus and boat.
Practice lovers will desire a ticket on one of many nation’s most scenic rail routes, just like the Sixties cogwheel Gornergrat or the panoramic Bernina Specific, whereas outdoorsy vacationers may have a area day within the Swiss Alps. The car-free city of Zermatt, with its Matterhorn backdrop, attracts a fair proportion of solo vacationers who come to climb, hike and bike in summer season and ski in winter.
The hub of Geneva gives 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 serious metropolis. You possibly can even make your individual Swiss watch at an Initium watchmaking workshop.
TPG tip: For an expensive solo retreat, e book The Ritz-Carlton Lodge de la Paix, Geneva, ranging from $662 or 102,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time.
Associated: Probably the most scenic prepare rides on Earth
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Greatest for: A therapeutic spa retreat in a creative setting
While 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.
“Town totally different,” because the all-adobe state capital payments itself, is virtually an art work in itself. Nevertheless it’s additionally house to dozens of artwork galleries and world-class museums, in addition to the unique Meow Wolf immersive artwork set up, “Home of Everlasting 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 nicely, however you will not wish 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. For example, you possibly can fly nonstop from Dallas for 9,000 American Airways 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® Government World Elite Mastercard® (see charges and charges) 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 gives lots of the perks you’d anticipate from the Amalfi Coast — contemporary seafood, sun-drenched vineyards and rugged cliffs — with out the crowds.
Solo vacationers will really feel proper at house within the area’s pleasant seaside villages, 5 of that are linked by a cliffside climbing path often known as the Sentiero Azzurro. Preplanned, self-guided strolling excursions, similar to these supplied by Macs Journey, take the stress out of planning your journey. These excursions usually present nightly lodging and each day baggage transfers, so you possibly can give attention to connecting with nature (or new mates you meet alongside the best way).
TPG tip: The closest airports are Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA), Pisa Worldwide Airport (PSA) and Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP). From there, you possibly can take a prepare 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 switch associate of all the main factors and miles packages: American Specific Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One miles, Chase Final 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 soothing 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 price spending a couple of 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 take pleasure in a go to to La Chascona, an artwork museum and the previous house of poet Pablo Neruda.
TPG tip: Tierra Patagonia, a luxurious journey lodge overlooking Lake Sarmiento and Torres del Paine Nationwide Park, gives a gateway to Chile’s nice outside. Whereas not cheap, the all-inclusive fee (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 Specific Positive Lodges + 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 refined seashore vibes to Greece’s Santorini and Italy’s Amalfi Coast (however extra inexpensive 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 probably be particularly thrilled to go to this King’s Touchdown set location. A 3-hour drive north, you will discover Break up, one other medieval walled metropolis and “Recreation of Thrones” backdrop. (It can additionally get a new direct flight from the U.S. beginning in April.)
Alongside the best way, enjoy the fantastic thing about the area’s pebble and sand seashores, bordered by the aquamarine waters of the Adriatic Sea on one facet 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 possibly can redeem a Hyatt Class 1-4 free night time award.
The World of Hyatt Credit score Card (see charges and charges) is presently 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 diverse because the kinds of sushi.
In the event you 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 take pleasure in a multicourse meal and a sizzling spring soak at a ryokan (conventional Japanese inn).
For one thing somewhat brisker, head to Tokyo to benefit from the nightlife and eat your means 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 hundreds of walkers cross with every streetlight cycle.
When you’ve got the time, there’s a lot extra to discover past the massive cities, from the legendary ski slopes of Hokkaido to the tropical seashores of Okinawa. It is easy to get round Japan by yourself, however a tour operator can assist you profit from your time with minimal effort.
TPG tip: Alaska Airways prices 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 possibly can earn greater than sufficient for a round-trip ticket with the welcome bonus on one in every of these cobranded playing cards:
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Iceland
Greatest for: Unforgettable pure phenomena
In the case 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 possibly can even snorkel between tectonic plates within the frigid waters of the Silfra fissure in Thingvellir Nationwide Park.
From September to April, this is likely one of the finest locations to verify the northern lights off your bucket record. And on Aug. 12, Iceland will probably be within the path of totality through the 2026 photo voltaic eclipse.
The Golden Circle is a well-liked drive that hits lots of Iceland’s central points of interest. You possibly can hire a automobile and drive it your self, or use Reykjavik as your house base and e book day journeys to close by actions.
TPG tip: The brand-new Skald Lodge Akureyri Curio Assortment by Hilton is now accepting reservations for stays from July 15 onward. Positioned alongside the nation’s northern coast, will probably be one in every of only some factors properties outdoors of Reykjavik. Nightly charges begin round $238 or 51,000 Hilton factors.
Associated: Alaska Airways provides London and Iceland routes, unveils new Dreamliner livery
Backside line
In fact, you possibly can — and may — go wherever by yourself, however some locations provide easy accessibility and pleasant communities of like-minded vacationers that make solo journey much more enjoyable.
In the event you’re feeling intimidated on the considered planning a visit by yourself, bear in mind: It is simpler to plan while you’re solely attempting to please one individual.
And because of tour firms providing new group journeys geared towards single vacationers — and money-saving factors and miles packages — solo journey is extra accessible than ever.
