In 2020, technology is all around us. And that’s no different in the travel world. You can book everything online, you no longer need a physical boarding pass and you can read – or even listen to – books on your smartphone. That’s why I decided to compile a list with the 20 most useful apps for solo travellers that could genuinely change the way you travel in 2020.
The best part? All of these solo travel apps are free!
I divided the list into five categories:
Note: to ensure that I can continue creating content, I’ve decided to make it easier for you to donate to Ars Currendi. Just click the link or scan the QR code below. Thank you for your support!
Available on iOS and Android
Tourlina is an app for female solo travellers to find (female) travel companions based on mutual interests. The app works a bit like Tinder, but the website very clearly states that Tourlina is not a dating app.
This is also one of the reasons why this app is only available for women – research showed that having a male travel companion often leads to dating.
One of the advantages of Tourlina – beside the female-only aspect – is that you can connect with a travel buddy both during and before your trip.
Available on iOS and Android
Travello calls itself a social network for travellers. You can discover other travellers who are nearby and meet up with them, share travel photos and updates on your profile and join groups based on your interests.
Another fun part of this app is Travello Rewards: you’re rewarded with points for doing things on your trip and inviting people to join, and you can redeem these points by booking your next adventure through Travello.
Available on iOS and Android
A rather unique way of meeting people abroad is by using EatWith. This app offers dining experiences, cooking classes and food tours with locals.
Sharing food with locals in their own homes is a great way to discover and experience new cultures around the world, and apps like EatWith allow you to do just that.
Available on iOS and Android
Backpackr can be seen as an alternative to Travello. It’s a social network app for travellers (whether they are travelling alone or in a group).
Related: First Group Tour? Here Are 10 Things You Need To Know
One thing that sets Backpackr apart from other similar apps is the digital passport – you can collect virtual stamps to show off when you get back home.
Available on iOS and Android
Another social networking app for solo travellers, SoloTraveller aims to give its users useful and up-to-date recommendations for bars, hotels, tours, and more.
And, of course, this app also helps you connect to travellers near you, using parameters like age, gender, interests and location.
Available on iOS and Android
Google Maps comes preinstalled on any Android phone and is an essential app for solo travellers.
When you’re travelling alone, it’s important to know where you’re going and how you’re going to get there. And, especially when you’re on the road, your internet connection isn’t always reliable. That’s when the offline maps on Google Maps (or alternatives like Maps.me) come in handy.
Available on iOS and Android
This is an especially useful app to book flights when you’re on a multi-destination trip, or just to book flights before you leave.
I personally find Skyscanner to have a friendlier interface and better deals than other flight apps (like Momondo, Cheapflights, Kayak and Expedia), but that essentially all comes down to personal preference.
Sometimes it’s easier to check bus schedules in an app than it is to try and figure everything out at the bus stop.
That’s why I recommend doing some research before leaving home and finding out which apps you might need to download to stay on top of the public transport situation.
In many countries, you can even purchase tickets through the app for bus, train and subway rides.
Available on iOS and Android
Hopper is another app that allows you to book flights and hotels while you’re on the go.
The big difference with other apps is that Hopper predicts prices and helps you book at just the right time to save the maximum amount of money.
Bonus: the interface is really pretty.
Available on iOS and Android
As a solo traveller, you might not have the budget to spend a lot of money on accommodation. That’s something for which Couchsurfing provides the solution.
To those who are unaware of this app: here’s what it does. Couchsurfing allows you to stay with a local for a certain number of nights for free.
So, really, it’s a win-win. You get a free place to stay and you get to meet locals. Hooray!
Available on iOS and Android
Airbnb is no longer the only alternative for expensive hotels, but it’s still one of the big players.
Nowadays, the app still offers short-term rentals, but it also shows off with exciting workshops and even multi-day adventures. In short, they’re now in the experience business.
One thing to keep in mind is that Airbnb rentals have been banned from some cities, like Santa Monica and Paris.
(I found a great stay on Malta through Airbnb and you can get up to €40 off your first booking by signing up through this link!)
Available on iOS and Android
Hostelworld is an essential app for the ‘traditional’ solo traveller. And, in this case, ‘traditional’ is by no means equal to ‘old-fashioned’.
Hostels are just a flawless accommodation option for solo travellers. Cheap beds, like-minded travellers and a vibrant atmosphere – what’s not to love?
After all these years, Hostelworld is still one of the best options out there to book hostel stays.
Available on iOS and Android
I only recently discovered Tripcoin, but now I pretty much use it for all of my solo trips.
Tripcoin is a travel budget and expense manager that allows you to see how much you actually spend on your trip.
You can see your expenses by day, by category and by country, and you don’t need an internet connection to log new expenses.
Available on iOS and Android
This renowned photo editor has been called ‘The world’s best editing tool’ countless times, and the best news is that the Lightroom app is completely free.
Sure, there are features that you can’t use on the free version, but I’ve personally found that the free app is more than enough to make your daily snaps look stunning.
Available on iOS and Android
Admittedly, FancyDays isn’t very useful when you’re actually on the road, unless you’re on a multi-destination trip.
But I personally think it’s a great app to build up the hype to your next adventure by counting down the days until you can leave.
There are plenty of countdown apps, but I’ve found this one to be the most aesthetically pleasing and to have the easiest interface to customise.
Available on iOS and Android
Google Translate is preinstalled on many Android devices, but it’s also one of those essential apps for solo travellers who use an iPhone.
The fun thing about the Google Translate app is that you can just take a picture of whatever you need to translate – a menu, a traffic sign, a folder – and the app will translate it for you.
Available on iOS and Android
XE Currency, or any currency converter, for that matter, is a very useful app when you’re travelling alone.
It’s much more convenient to pop a number into the app and see it converted to the local currency than doing it with your calculator app and having to remember the exchange rate.
Besides, this app saves the last updated rates when offline, so you can also use it when you’re off the grid.
Available on iOS and Android
Yes, I know that geocaching is not only for travellers. But let’s be real: it’s great for travellers who aren’t sure what to do.
Geocaching is basically a big-ass treasure hunt. You try to find a geocache (usually a small container with a logbook inside) based on the map in the app and you write your name on the logbook.
Give it a try before you judge it. Because I know it sounds dorky and lame, but it’s actually a lot of fun.
Available on iOS and Android
Viator is an app that makes it easy for travellers to find what they want. With great experiences and activities around the globe, Viator lets you plan in advance and skip the line.
You also get a lowest-price guarantee, a 24-hour cancellation policy, 24/7 multilingual customer service and a bunch of customer reviews to go off.
As a subsidiary of TripAdvisor, one of the biggest brands in travel, you can be sure that the people over at Viator know what they’re doing.
Available on iOS and Android
The Outbound operates according to similar principles as Viator, but it’s much more aimed at adventure travellers.
If you’re looking for a multi-day desert adventure, a snowshoe trip or a mountain hike, The Outbound is the only place to be.
Best of all? Many of the experiences that are posted on this app are free and have detailed descriptions of how to make it to the end of the hike.
They also have a database of lodges, basecamps and adventure hostels for your next adventure.
Well, there you have it.
My favourite apps for solo travellers to use in 2020.
While you’re planning your next solo trip – or while you’re already there – be sure to take a look at these apps to help you ease the process.
More useful links to help you plan your next solo trip:
PIN IT!
Yes, I know. I’m a few days late with this 2019 travel report.
It’s been a busy few weeks here in Belgium, but I couldn’t resist writing another article like the one I wrote last year. So here it is.
This is my 2019 travel overview.
Note: when I mention ‘blog post/video coming soon’, it might already be up and I forgot to update this post. So please take a look at my recent blog posts and my YouTube channel to stay up to date with all my content.
Note 2: to ensure that I can continue creating content, I’ve decided to make it easier for you to donate to Ars Currendi. Just click the link or scan the QR code below. Thank you for your support!
Click the links below to skip to the destinations you’re most interested in!
In February 2019, I took my third solo trip (after going to Berlin and Malta in 2017).
This time around, I went to the German capital Berlin (which is an awesome city for solo travellers, by the way).
I visited the Berlin essentials, like the DDR Museum, Brandenburger Tor and the Reichstag Building, on my first day. But after that, I went a bit more off-the-beaten-path. I went on a street art walking tour, hiked up a hill with a man-made Nazi station and explored an abandoned children’s hospital and an abandoned airport.
Video might be coming soon, but it might never come.
I’d say I’m sorry, but I don’t know if this video can deliver the quality that I want it to deliver.
All by myself, baby. It might seem strange to some of you, but I love travelling alone.
And, although there are plenty of reasons why solo travel sucks sometimes, I still think it’s one of the best ways to explore the world.
I went to Edinburgh in June to celebrate graduating from university.
So, we celebrated. (Pro tip: Dragonfly has the BEST cocktails.)
We also walked along the Royal Mile, took a ghost tour in Mary King’s Close, admired university buildings, climbed Arthur’s Seat and visited some museums, among other things.
Check the embedded map below to see more of what we did, ate and drank.
I’ll probably end up writing an article (or several articles) about Edinburgh in the near future.
I went to Edinburgh with my two best friends (@febelamkowski and @onanas_vandenameele).
Whelp. This is the big one.
In August, I went on a 3-week road trip in and around Rajasthan, India.
We definitely did too much to boil it all down to one paragraph, but I’ll try.
We admired countless palaces, forts and temples. After a wild camel ride, we slept in the desert. We zip-lined between hill forts and ridge tops. We took sleeper trains across the country. Indian ladies taught us to cook traditional Indian dishes. We went on a sunrise hike. We visited the Taj Mahal and the place where the Beatles spent three months. And, lastly, we took yoga classes and got Ayurvedic massages.
God, I want to go back.
I might write another article about India, but I’m not sure yet.
I went to India on a group tour, organised by Evelien from Joker (a Belgian travel agency).
My last trip of this summer was a quick weekend getaway to Lyon. I was going on a trip with my mom, and I wanted to surprise her by planning everything. She only found out where we were going at the airport.
Fun fact: I was originally planning to go to Budapest with her, but a few weeks before the trip, our flights were cancelled for no apparent reason. I had to find an alternative, and I chose Lyon.
We mostly walked around the city without having a real plan, and it was great.
I won’t be making a video of this trip, because I don’t have enough suitable video footage.
I went to Lyon with my mom, as previously mentioned.
Since this wasn’t our first time in London, we decided to combine some of the must-sees – like Oxford Street, Hyde Park and Notting Hill – with some more obscure locations – like Southwark, St Dunstan in the East Church and Leadenhall Market.
It’s always been one of my big dreams to experience the Big Smoke around Christmas. And this year, I made it.
Article coming soon.
I went to London with my parents and my sister.
So, this was my 2019 travel report.
Now, that only leaves me with my current travel plans for 2020. And it’s going to be a big one.
For starters, I’m going skiing in France with my parents.
Next up is a Joker reunion (you know, those people I went to India with) in Bucharest, Romania.
That will be followed by a visit to two friends who are doing an internship in Pamplona, Spain.
In the summer of 2020, I’ll be going on a kayak trip to Sweden, a road trip through the south of Norway, a sibling trip to Snowdonia NP (Wales) and a surprise trip with srprs.me to top it all off.
If there’s one thing I’m sure of, it’s this: 2020 is going to be a good one.
Although I travelled less in 2019 than I did in 2018, the same message applies.
I didn’t write this to make anyone jealous of ‘how I’m able to do this’ or to rub my travels in your faces.
If anything, I did it to show you that — if travel is your priority — you can do it.
And also, I think I might make these travel reports an annual thing. They’re fun and easy to write, and they give you a quick overview of where I’ve been and where I’m going next.
Again, I know that I missed the mark by a few days. But hey, what can you do?
Catch you guys on the flippity flip!
I’ll just go ahead and admit it. Travelling alone is hard sometimes. It’s not for everyone. At times, you’ll be lonely, you’ll think solo travel is overrated and you might even feel unsafe. These are the downsides of solo travel.
Okay, it’s time to come clean about something.
Remember when I went on my first solo trip to Dublin in 2017?
It wasn’t as much fun as I made it out to be.
Sure, I experienced some great things. I talked to people I had never met while I was having dinner in the pub, I got to discover what would become one of my favourite solo travel destinations in Europe. I got a tattoo, for God’s sake.
And, while it was nice to do things I had never done before, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows.
In the interest of full transparency on this blog, I’m going to tell you why my trip to Dublin in particular and solo travel in general isn’t always amazing.
The main downsides of solo travel stem from the prejudices that often still exist about being on the road alone.
People say solo travel is hard, overrated and lonely. They say it’s too expensive, it’s unsafe and it’s not for introverts. They might have had a bad experience with solo travel and write it off forever.
And, the thing is, I can’t blame them for thinking that.
Because solo travel can be all of those things.
Here’s how.
Why is solo travel so expensive, you ask?
There are a few ways in which the travel industry puts solo travellers at a disadvantage by making them pay more for essentially the same thing.
Think about accommodation. Hotels and cruise ships often have a single supplement (i.e. a way to compensate for the profit they won’t make off two people staying in the same room).
And even if there’s no solo supplement, you still have to pay for everything yourself instead of splitting the cost with your travel companion.
Similarly, you might end up paying more for transport than non-solo travellers. Sure, things like airplane tickets and bus fares are just as expensive. But hiring a rental car or scooter will definitely take a bigger bite out of your budget if you’re travelling alone.
Related: How to find cheap transport as a solo traveller
Lastly, when you’re eating out at a restaurant, it tends to be a disadvantage to be alone. You’re unable to share plates or drinks with your buddies, so if you want to try something, you’ll have to pay the full price.
Related: How to find cheap food and drinks as a solo traveller
In the end, everything comes down to your personal travel style. If you’re a shoestring-type solo traveller, chances are that your trip won’t be much more expensive than a trip with your friends. Hell, it might even be a bit cheaper. But if you’re not on a tight budget, you should keep an eye on your bank account anyway.
In general, it makes sense that travelling alone is less safe than travelling with other people.
However, that’s not necessarily a reason to write it off altogether.
As a solo traveller, you need to take some extra precautions. After all, you’re the only one who can prevent problems from arising and decide how to handle those problems when they do arise.
One of my favourite travel blogs, Solo Traveler World, wrote an article about solo travel safety. It’s more eloquent than anything I could write on the subject, so I’ll just link you to what Janice wrote about it.
You know, I get it.
You are out there by yourself.
So I get why you would think that solo travel is lonely. And, if you’ve never done it before, it could be a bit lonely. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
When I visited Dublin by myself in 2017, it was my first time travelling alone. And I really got to see the downsides of solo travel.
I felt lonely sometimes. I second-guessed my decision to travel alone.
But that only motivated me more to make my next solo travel experience even more memorable.
And, sure enough, when I travelled to Malta six months later, I talked to more people. I went for dinner with my Airbnb host (who now runs a successful coliving and coworking community called CoCoHub).
After all, it’s not as difficult to make friends as a solo traveller as you might think.
I didn’t feel lonely anymore, even though I still did many things by myself.
When you start being content by yourself without feeling lonely, that’s when you’ll realise that solo travel is a great option.
You might have made the decision to take the leap, but you’re still worried about the downsides of solo travel.
Here are a few tips to help you deal with the things that may go wrong.
Not everything will go according to plan.
And that’s okay. If you’re prepared to improvise, adapt and overcome (like Bear Grylls), you’ll be fine when you’re out there on your big adventure.
Come to terms with this fact and chances are that you can handle whatever the world throws your way.
Stay in touch with friends and family.
This helps if you’re afraid you’re going to feel homesick when travelling.
It also helps keep you grounded and remember that people are waiting for you at home – whether it be to listen to your adventurous stories or to tell you it’s all going to be okay if it didn’t go the way you wanted it to.
Book accommodation suited for solo travellers.
This one goes without saying. As a solo traveller, you probably don’t want to be stuck in a big, quiet hotel room.
Instead, opt for hostels, Couchsurfing, housesitting, river cruises, or any other solo travel-proof option.
Pro tip: you can also find great options for solo travellers on Airbnb. (Get €41 off your first booking by signing up through this link!)
Take a book.
A book (or digital alternative) can make any plain coffee shop interesting. Besides, if you don’t feel like going out exploring, you can just stay in and delve into your book.
The best part? Nobody’s there to judge you for it.
Walk and take public transport.
One of the best ways to get an accurate feel of your destination is to walk around and take public transport as locals would.
Furthermore, taking a taxi, Uber or Lyft is usually much more expensive for solo travellers.
Drink responsibly.
I’ve personally never gone out on a solo trip, but if you do, consider refraining from alcoholic drinks. They cloud your judgment, and that’s something you want to be clear when you’re alone.
If you do drink, please do it responsibly.
Don’t overplan.
One of my biggest mistakes on my first solo trip to Dublin was planning too much.
I figured I was only there for a few days, so I had to make the most of that.
But in reality, you can travel at whichever pace you prefer. Again, there’s nobody there to slow you down or to rush you.
All I’m saying is: leave some room for unexpected activities, like going for a drink with one of your hostel roommates.
Disclaimer: I personally do not suffer from anxiety or panic attacks when I travel solo.
However, I have noticed that social anxiety is a big barrier for people who are considering solo travel. For people who suffer from them, panic or anxiety attacks are a big downside of solo travel.
Since I have no personal experience with this, I’ll let other people do the talking.
In the following video, Alanna from Adventures and Naps explains how to deal with anxiety when travelling.
If you haven’t quite made the decision to travel solo yet because you’re afraid it won’t be what you expect, watch this video. Nadine from Hey Nadine gives tips on how to get over this fear.
Okay, I’ll admit that this article is a bit more pessimistic than what I usually write about.
But that’s just because I want to be as real as possible with you.
I’ll be the first to say that solo travel is not for everyone. It sucks sometimes.
But if you can look beyond those disadvantages, you’ll open yourself up to one of the biggest adventures of your life.
You can thank me later.
PIN IT!
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: solo travel is amazing. But if it’s your first time, or even if you’re a seasoned solo traveller, it could be difficult to figure out where you should go.
That’s why I asked some of my fellow travel bloggers what the best solo travel destinations are, according to them.
This is what they came up with.
This is going to be a long post, so feel free to use the links above to skip to the sections you’re most interested in.
Let’s go!
Read more: The Best Solo Travel Destinations in Europe
By Bridget at The Flashpacker
Kraków ticks all the boxes as a perfect solo travel destination.
Thanks to its compact size Kraków is easy to explore. But if you need to reach places further afield, its efficient modern tram network allows you to navigate your way with ease. Aside from pickpocketing that blights most large cities, Kraków’s old city is safe.
Kraków is also relatively cheap, with its large student population keeping things real. Away from the more touristy bars and restaurants, you can dine like a king for peanuts. Don’t leave town without tucking into a steaming plate of pierogi.
The city’s range of accommodation options, from hostels to more upmarket establishments, will suit all budgets. I stayed in a centrally-located modern 4-star hotel for £60 per night.
To best explore Kraków’s well- preserved historic centre, a walking tour city operated by Free Walkative! should be central to your Kraków itinerary. As a solo traveller, one of these walking tours is also a fantastic way to meet people!
Day trips are another way to make friends on the road. If time permits, take an excursion to the Wieliczka Salt Mine or to the former concentration camp of Auschwitz. I guarantee that a visit to Auschwitz will linger long in your memory.
By Marta and Milosz at BackpackersWro
Nuremberg is the second-largest city of the German state of Bavaria and the unofficial capital of Franconia. You can get to Nuremberg by air – the airport is located 7 km from the city or by train, e.g., from Munich.
In our opinion, Nuremberg is a very safe city with many attractions. The accommodation offer is at a high level and affordable prices. In Nuremberg, you can relax in hotels, apartments or hostels.
Even for one day in Nuremberg, it is an ideal place for long walks, tasting local cuisine, and visiting museums.
If history peaks your interest – in particular, World War II – you like trains and historic architecture, you will love the local museums! Once there, don’t miss Imperial Castle, Tiergärtnertorplatz, Old Town and the Beautiful Fountain, and Nuremberg Transport Museum.
Most attractions in Nuremberg are located within the city center, which can be easily reached on foot.
If you like to try real Bavarian cuisine, “Drei im Weggla,” “Bretzel” and “Schaufele” are a must! If you are planning a visit to Nuremberg in winter, try to visit the Christmas Market. It is one of the best-known and most beautiful markets in the region.
By Stella Jane at Around The World in 24 Hours
There are many reasons why North Macedonia is one of the best solo travel destinations in Europe. It’s full of stunning natural beauty, the capital city of Skopje makes a great homebase for short day trips around the country, and it’s off the beaten track, so you won’t be surrounded by other tourists.
But the best reason to visit North Macedonia is the people. Macedonians are so excited to see tourists visiting their tiny country that they will give you the warmest of welcomes.
Sometimes the life of a solo traveller can be lonely, but there’s no way anyone could feel lonely in North Macedonia.
Skopje has more than enough activities to entertain solo travellers. Everyone will want to see the famous giant white statue of a soldier on a horse in the center of town. (Because of a dispute with Greece, North Macedonia is not allowed to call the statue Alexander the Great.)
Macedonian food is not famous, but it is delicious. Don’t miss local cheeses, burek pies, and the famous pepper spread ajvar. Skopje has several craft breweries as well where you can go meet locals.
The most beautiful place for a solo traveller to visit in North Macedonia is Lake Ohrid. Whether you get out on the water or go shopping for the famous Lake Ohrid pearls, you’ll never forget your time in such a gorgeous place.
By Ann at The Road Is Life
Tallinn, Estonia isn’t Europe’s most well-known travel destination, but over the years its increasing popularity continues to draw many tourists and solo travellers alike.
The infrastructure, reasonable prices, friendly locals and all-around good vibes is what makes Tallinn the perfect town for any solo traveller. It’s still relatively undiscovered yet touristy enough that you’ll have no trouble meeting other travellers.
There are a few experiences you cannot miss out on when visiting Tallinn. Start off by exploring the charming streets of the UNESCO listed Old Town. Whether you take the free walking tour or navigate the cobblestone alleys on your own, you’re bound to fall in love with the beautifully preserved medieval architecture.
The Old Town is packed full of stunning historic buildings, impressive cathedrals, and is surrounded by 14th century city walls and towers.
Tallinn’s vibrant and quirky bar scene is the perfect way to meet other travellers. You might want to join one of the many fun pub crawls that operate regularly. Or, alternatively, you can venture out on your own, which is sure to be just as fun.
Tallinn is a safe, fascinating and diverse city to visit. It’s an excellent solo travel destination seeking old-town European vibes without the mass tourism attached.
Having visited some of the best places in the world affected by over-tourism such as Machu Picchu, I cannot emphasize how much over-tourism can affect your travel experience. Selfie sticks smacking you in the face, losing your friends in the stampedes of tourists, over-tourism is not fun for anybody.
For that reason, I suggest visiting Romania. An affordable Eastern European country, Romania is a beautiful place filled with history and nature. For example, the colonial city of Sibiu is filled with medieval architecture and an existing outside wall that was used for defense. In fact, there is so much culture and history in that city it became the European cultural capital in 2017!
Related: Studying abroad in Salamanca, Spain (European Capital of Culture in 2002)
The most famous place in Romania must be Bran Castle, the alleged birthplace of the famous legend, Dracula. However, Bran Castle is a place that is quickly becoming the target of over-tourism. Many travellers are coming from all over the world to see the legend with their own eyes.
But luckily, Bran Castle isn’t the only castle in Romania, nor is it the best one. Visitors can go to Peles Castle or Corvin Castle, both of which are ridiculously beautiful and full of history.
By Kamila at Kami and The Rest of the World
Ukraine isn’t very often on the radar for tourists, but this country has so much to offer and is a great destination for solo travellers.
You can find everything here: beautiful cities with Central European heritage (like Lviv or Chernivtsi), mountains, Black Sea resorts (Odessa), impressive cities with the Soviet past and the picturesque golden domed churches – there are just so many places to visit in Ukraine!
Getting around is super easy when you use the trains. It gets a bit more challenging with local minibuses, but friendly locals will definitely look after you. Yes, even if you don’t know the local language.
Ukraine uses the Cyrillic alphabet and I would recommend learning at least the letters to be able to read the signs or names of the places. Even if the situation in the eastern part of the country is still unstable due to the conflict with Russia, the rest of Ukraine is safer than you might think, although petty crime still happens. Just don’t do anything that you wouldn’t do at home and you will be fine!
One more reason to visit Ukraine is the prices – the country is very affordable, one of the cheapest in Europe. You will get a really good standard and some great experiences that won’t drain your wallet!
By Delahaye of Hues of Delahaye
Porto is an excellent solo travel destination, and here’s why.
Even though Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal, it has small-town charm and a laid-back atmosphere.
Hilly streets, picturesque viewpoints, undeniably stunning architecture, delicious fresh food, and welcoming locals are ever-present. You’ll never feel like you’re in a major city.
There is no language barrier as most people in Porto speak English. However, the basic olá (hello) and obrigada (thank you) in Portuguese is always great to know.
The city is compact and easy to navigate, with most attractions within walking distance of each other. This makes Porto a great city to explore by foot on your own.
According to World Peace Index (2018), Portugal is the 4th most peaceful country in the world and the 3rd safest country in Europe.
These are just a few things that make Porto a great city for solo travellers.
But that’s not all, there are so many things to do in Porto. From strolling around the charming Old Town and Ribeira district. Visit the São Bento railway station or go Port tasting. Cruise along the Douro River for spectacular views of Porto and the famous six bridges that cross over it.
You can even walk across the iconic Dom Luis I Bridge. A majestic Porto landmark that connects the Ribeira area to Vila Nova de Gaia. And don’t forget to look out for the mesmerising azulejos tiles seen throughout the city.
If you are looking for a vibrant and fun place to travel solo, visit Porto. It is one of the best destinations for solo travellers!
By Chrysoula at Travel Passionate
If you’re looking for somewhere both safe and fascinating for your next solo travel destination, look no further than the Scandinavian city of Helsinki. The Finnish capital has become a popular destination for all travellers thanks to its varied attractions, delicious dining options, and decent travel connections to the rest of Europe and beyond.
English is widely spoken throughout the whole of Finland, so you won’t have to look far to find someone who can speak your language and help you get around. Not that you will need much help, mind you, as the public transport systems are great and pretty self-explanatory!
Helsinki is a laid-back, welcoming city that has a whole host of attractions to keep even the most discerning traveller entertained. Whether you want to explore museums, art galleries, cathedrals or theme parks, Helsinki has you covered.
The Uspenski Cathedral, Temppeliaukio Church, Sibelius Monument, and Helsinki Senate Square are all must-sees, and when you’re not sight-seeing you can simply relax and enjoy the vibrant bar and café culture on offer throughout the city.
Helsinki has some wonderful hostels and guest houses that cater to solo travellers and there are some great tours you can join if you’d like to meet other people while learning about the city.
By Linn at Brainy Backpackers
With more than 7000 islands, super-friendly people and a lot of sun and outdoors activities, the Philippines makes an incredible destination for solo travellers.
Whether you want to experience the Philippines off the beaten track, go on an organized tour, climb active volcanoes, go scuba diving with Thresher sharks or chill with a book in a hammock, the Philippines has it all.
The country is not yet as exploited by tourism as Thailand, except from maybe Palawan and El Nido, but the locals are just as friendly. Go to the eastern Visayas and there are fewer tourists around.
You can experience some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in southern Leyte, incredible rock formations at Biri Island, caves and kayaking in Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park or chase waterfalls in Biliran.
You can also see one of the smallest primates on earth, the Philippine Tarsier, in the Philippines. These animals are nocturnal and while you can see them in certain sanctuaries in Bohol, you should be skeptical about visiting them. The tiny primates commit suicide when kept in captivity and handled by humans. Therefore, you should never pay to see them in captivity or being held by staff and never take selfies with them or hold them.
By Shalini at Eager2Travel
Jaipur is one of the popular places to visit in Rajasthan. It is one of the best solo travel destinations in India due to its connectivity with the rest of the country. You can find a direct train and buses or just fly into Jaipur International Airport.
Jaipur is known as the Pink City of India, due to its beautiful palaces, colourful streets and warm people. The handloom and crafts market of Jaipur is world-famous. You can buy colourful Kurtis, Jutis and jewellery.
The traditional Rajasthani meal is a must-try. The sunrise at Nahargarh fort is definitely worth waking up for. You can also find many walking, cultural and wildlife tours on Airbnb.
If you have time you can visit the only Bramha Temple in the world in Pushkar, pay respects at Dargah Sharif in Ajmer and go for jungle safari in Ranthambore.
The people of Jaipur are very warm and welcoming. Ola and Uber work well so you should have no problem with finding cabs too. Overall the place is best suited for first-timers going for solo travel.
By Ming Lee at Flyerism
Southeast Asia is one of the most diverse regions in the world. This is one of the reasons why it has always been a top choice for solo travellers. A few areas in South East Asia can get really touristy during high season, particularly in Thailand and Vietnam.
So, instead of the obvious choices, Laos should definitely be on your bucket list, especially if you travel alone. Here’s why:
#1. Laos is less touristy as compared to its neighbors. You won’t see loud and noisy tourists swarming to the heritages sites. That said, Laos is moderately popular among backpackers. It’s still easy to meet people, especially in Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang.
#2. Laos is inexpensive. A double room in a mid-range hotel is typically priced at USD 25-50 per night. A meal at a restaurant should cost you from USD 2 – 5. As Laos used to be a member of Indochina, you will come across surprisingly good French restaurants, coffee, and baguette at the fraction of what you would pay in first world countries.
#3. The major cities are well connected by charter van and tourist buses. As well, there are frequent (and cheap) flights connecting the cities (Luang Prabang and Vientiane) to other major cities in Cambodia, China, Korea, Kuala Lumpur, Vietnam and Singapore.
#4. Laos is very safe. Most of the locals are welcoming and accommodating.
#5. Laos has some of the best waterfalls in Southeast Asia, i.e. Kuang Si (Luang Prabang) and Khone Phapheng Falls near Four Thousand Islands.
By Max at Dame Cacao
Seoul is one of the largest cities in the world, yet it remains relatively untouched by its booming tourism sector. This is in part because the Korean tourism board has masterfully planned its fame around the things which its citizens are already interested in and doing.
Seoul is not only a point of sales for cosmetics and K-pop; Seoulites themselves actually shop in Hongdae and Gangnam, picnic on the Han River, and drink soju in barbecue spots across the city. Despite a steady increase in visitors from around the world, Seoul manages to retain its cultural grounding through its temples, night markets, and blended fashion.
Korean cuisine is also hotter than ever, with traditional Korean eateries seamlessly connected to western cafes & international restaurants in every neighborhood. Plus, deciding where to stay in Seoul as a solo traveller is never an issue, as there are hundreds of youth hostels, guest houses, and business hotels scattered across the city.
Visitors from all over will be thrilled with the well-connected metro & bus system, copious & affordable street food, and endless free sites to explore both inside and just outside of Seoul.
By Stephanie at The Africa Cookbook
A great, slightly off-beat, solo travel destination for you to consider in 2020 is the country of Tunisia.
Because the major cities are connected by a system of inexpensive and reliable louages, or minivans, most of the country is accessible to a solo traveller who’s not looking to spend a fortune on transportation but wants to cover a lot of ground.
Some of my favorite places in Tunisia include Tunis, Carthage, Sidi Bou Said, Bizerte, and Kairouan. In a week, you can easily see two to three cities, but if you have two weeks you can see most of the country’s important sites, including all eight of the country’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
In Tunisia, you explore a balance of ancient Roman history, Carthaginian history, Ottoman and Islamic history, and Berber history. However, if you come during the warm months, you can also relax at one of the country’s fabulous Mediterranean beaches. While here, make sure to see some of the cities’s amazing medinas, or historic marketplaces. Several of these are designated UNESCO sites and Tentative UNESCO sites, and each has its own unique vibe.
The personal highlight, for me, though, was eating my way through Tunisia. Tunisian food is rich in flavor, with delightful tagines and couscous dishes.
By Coni at Experiencing the Globe
South America as a solo traveller, especially if you don’t speak Spanish, might sound intimidating – even more so if you’re a woman! But fear not, I have the answer. Go to Chile!
The news nowadays is focused on the riots and the protests going on in the country, but let me assure you (since I’m Chilean) that it is still the safest country in Latin America, and all the tourist sites are open, ready to welcome you.
Chile is a great solo travel destination because of its people. They will try to make you feel at home, helping you in whichever way they can. It has become more and more know over the years, so you will also get to meet other travellers (a lot of fellow solo adventurers, in my experience).
But the best part is the country’s diversity. Within its borders you can go from the desert to the glaciers, and from the sea to the mountains, having plenty to see in between: the famous Easter Island with its stone faces, the full of street art hills of Valparaíso, the beautiful wine country, the stunning Lake District, home of Chile’s capital of adventure: Pucón, where you can even climb an active volcano, and the unique architecture of Chiloé.
Need I say more?
By Daniel at Layer Culture
When doing solo travel and looking for the best places to visit, Medellin in Colombia is a superb option.
Located within a valley, Medellin is Colombia’s second-largest city and has something for everybody. If you like the idea of connecting with local culture and engaging in local experiences when you travel solo, Medellin is a great place to be.
Many solo travellers to Colombia pass through the city at some point so you can meet likened travelers if you desire. A popular neighborhood for both locals and tourists is El Poblado which is located in the north of the city and where you can find cultural tours and even learn Spanish without breaking the bank.
The best time to visit Medellin is during the winter months and from October to March the climate is very pleasant. If you want to venture out of the hustle and bustle of the city, you can go to one of the many pueblos within the Antioquia region and learn about coffee or go for a hike.
Medellin and surrounding areas are relatively safe when you stick to the recommended towns, and the people are very welcoming when it comes to receiving new visitors. The local culture in the region is very unique to Colombia and many people find themselves not wanting to leave.
By Derek at Robe Trotting
A fantastic destination for solo travellers is the vibrant American city of Philadelphia. It’s full of American history, friendly locals, a fantastic food scene and world-class museums.
There are so many things to do in Philadelphia, but it’s frequently overlooked for more famous nearby American cities like New York City and Washington DC. It’s larger and more fun than Washington and easier to navigate than New York City without the high prices.
The fact that tourists often skip Philadelphia makes it a perfect destination to visit on a trip to America. With a decent public transportation network and cheap ridesharing apps like Lyft and Uber, it’s easy to get around for anyone travelling alone. Philly is also safe and walkable because it’s mostly flat and it’s designed in a grid system of blocks. You can walk from one end to the other in about 40 minutes.
Solo travellers will love Philadelphia’s museums, like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Franklin Institute of Science and The Mütter Museum of Medical Oddities.
Philadelphia was also the birthplace of The United States. Independence Hall, the building where America’s founders signed The Declaration of Independence is open daily for free tours. In that neighborhood, you can tour many other relics of American history.
There’s also a great food scene in Philadelphia. There are fine dining options, especially in The Rittenhouse neighborhood and along the 13th Street Corridor. Check out El Vez or Jamonera for a great meal. Solo travellers should also check out local favorites like a cheesesteak, soft pretzel, and Italian water ice.
Museums, food, history, and friendly locals make Philly a great stop for any travelers who want a more intimate, less-touristy American city break.
By Jordan at Georgia Girl Meets World
A surprising solo travel destination is Las Vegas. Although it’s known for gambling and groups visiting to party, Vegas has much more to offer. From concerts and shows to shopping to even hiking and outdoor activities close by, solo travellers won’t run out of things to do, even if gambling isn’t of interest.
A popular activity that is enjoyable for any type of traveller is to see a show. Whether interested in a Cirque du Soleil show, a concert, or a magic show, Vegas has it all.
Another non-gambling solo activity is to visit the Neon Museum. This outdoor museum offers day and night tours of historic signs from the Vegas strip. With knowledgeable guides to inform visitors of the intriguing history of Sin City and some pretty awesome photo opportunities, the Neon Museum is a can’t-miss while visiting Las Vegas.
With so many things to do, including many solo activities, Las Vegas is a great destination for those looking for a unique solo trip in 2020.
By Pari at Traveling Pari
Year after year, Toronto gets voted one of the best cities to live in. In fact, most Canadian cities make this list. However, what’s special about Toronto is that it’s also been voted the sixth safest city in the world by the Economist. This is great news for solo travellers who list safety as their number one concern.
In addition to being a safe place, Toronto is also a welcoming place for people from different parts of the world. One wouldn’t expect, but when you visit the city, you’ll see that it’s a melting pot of different cultures. This can be seen clearly in its diverse neighborhoods. Solo travellers, especially people who travel for long periods of time, sometimes, may feel lonely and homesick. In Toronto, since it has so many diverse neighborhoods, it’s easy for a solo traveller to find a place that feels familiar and a bit like home. If you need a guide on the best place to stay in Toronto, please see the linked article.
Of course, as a tourist destination, there’s also plenty to see. The famous Niagara Falls is just two hours away and if you are looking for a nature escape, you can visit the nearby Algonquin Provincial Park. All in all, Toronto is a perfect solo travel destination.
By Josh at The Lost Passport
Vanuatu is a quiet chain of 83 islands in the South Pacific Ocean. Although it lies just over 2,000 kilometers north east of Australia, and accessible by direct flight, it is still largely untapped by tourism.
Vanuatu’s island of Ambrym is even more remote. Ambrym is packed with opportunities for the intrepid traveller, including the live volcanoes of Mount Benbow and Mount Marum, natural geothermal hot springs, intensive multiple day hiking trails, and untainted cultural villages.
Don’t expect to find too many pre-organised tours out here though, this is about getting on the ground and figuring some things out for yourself. A good starting point for these activities is chatting with Sam at Sam’s Bungalows at Craig’s Cove.
Getting to Ambrym is quite easy, with multiple flights per week from Port Villa and the surrounding islands like Santo and Malekula. The truly intrepid might even consider reaching this remote island by a small cargo boat, though I warn, they are highly unreliable.
If you are planning to travel Vanuatu, then Ambrym must be on your list!
Are there any great solo travel destinations I missed? Let me know in a comment!
Travelling solo is an experience that every person should have at least once in their life. There. I said it. However, I do realise that it might seem like a daunting prospect to many people. For those people, I wrote this solo travel manifesto.
We can all agree that travelling is amazing. You get to meet people from all over the world, you experience different cultures and you can try authentic street food from foreign cuisines. But there’s just something about solo travel that can’t be explained rationally. You have to actually do it to know what I’m talking about.
When I tell people I love travelling solo, the most common question I get is “But why?”. What could possibly be so amazing about solo travel that people write books about it? That people dedicate their lives to travelling all by themselves?
Keep reading to find out why I – and so many others – have fallen in love with solo travel.
The short answer is yes.
The long answer: yes, because as a solo traveller, you’re much more likely to pay more attention to what’s going on around you.
With fewer distractions in the form of people talking to you about the last episode of Game of Thrones or asking you what you think about their new sneakers, you can fully take in the scenery and enjoy the view.
Besides that, you will also meet far more people when you’re on a solo trip.
Making friends as a solo traveller is much easier because you’re more approachable than a group of backpacking friends in a party hostel. People will talk to you, even if they’re just doing it out of pity.
Last, but definitely not least: you’re independent.
You have nobody to answer for your decisions and nobody to keep in mind when making plans for the next day. You can literally do whatever your heart desires.
Do you want to have a few drinks at the hostel bar? Tick off all the tourist hotspots? Walk to your next attraction because you’re too cheap to take the bus?
Go for it. Nobody’s going to stop you.
If you’re not quite comfortable with the idea of solo travel yet, check these posts out:
Travelling solo changes you. When travelling alone, things will inevitably go wrong.
The only person you can blame is yourself, and the only person who can solve the problems you run into is you.
That might seem like a bad thing, but don’t be fooled – when you can’t fall back on anyone else to get you out of a tough situation, that’s when you learn.
You get out of your comfort zone.
You become a more independent and solution-driven person.
The more you travel by yourself, the more you realise that the world is an amazing place and there are so many things left to explore that your life probably won’t be long enough to see them all.
If you’ve made the decision to travel solo, there are a few steps you have to take to plan your first solo trip. Here are the most important ones.
First: set a budget.
You can spend as much or as little money on solo travel as you want to, but it’s important to have some indication as to how much you’ll be spending before you step foot on the plane.
Secondly: choose your destination and date.
Read more: The best solo travel destinations in Europe
Your budget will be impacted by when and where you’re travelling. If you’re looking to travel on a shoestring budget, be sure to choose a destination that can accommodate that.
Pro tip: travel in the shoulder season for the best prices while still getting great weather conditions.
Thirdly: book your transport and accommodation (at least for the first two nights).
I usually start my flight search on Cheapflights or Google Flights before taking a look at other flight websites like Expedia, Skyscanner and Momondo.
For solo travellers, hostels are a great alternative to hotels, because they allow you to meet like-minded people and they won’t take a huge bite out of your budget.
My favourite website to use when booking hostels is Hostelworld.
Now that you’ve got most of the logistics out of the way, you still might need to prepare for this trip mentally.
Getting over your fear of being alone can be hard, but it’s important to keep in mind that being alone does not mean you’re lonely.
Don’t be afraid to eat by yourself. Sit at the bar and talk to the bartender, or take a seat at a communal table and strike up a conversation with fellow travellers.
You’ll be surprised how easy it is to talk to people when you’re travelling alone.
Remember to pack light – carry-on only, if possible. Since you’re travelling solo, you’ll have to carry all your baggage by yourself.
So, as you can see, travelling by yourself is similar to travelling with other people. But at the same time, the differences are huge.
Solo travel is a wonderful paradox that you have to experience before you can start to understand it.
Isn’t that the beauty of it all?
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Photo credits:
Design by NXNW.
