Solo travel can be very rewarding, whether it’s just a weekend to yourself or a much longer journey of self-discovery.
Although planning your first big solo trip may seem daunting, most people find the experience empowering. You’ll have the freedom to plan your trip (or play it by ear) based on your own preferences, without worrying about anyone else. You can step outside your comfort zone, try new things and make connections with fellow travelers and locals you meet.
Plus, you’re more likely to find great deals on award flights when you don’t need multiple seats together.
Start the process by deciding what kind of trip you want. Rejuvenating by the beach? Eating your way through a city? Hiking solo through the mountains? Thankfully, this list of the best places to travel solo has it all.
Related: The best cruise lines for solo travelers
Thailand
Best for: Adventurers who want to explore a well-trodden destination
For travelers planning their first solo trip, Thailand is a great starter locale. The well-established tourism industry — which started as the backbone of the backpacker travel scene — runs like a well-oiled machine.
You’ll want to bookend your trip with a few days in Bangkok, which is known for its fantastic food scene and pulsing nightlife. Then head to Chiang Mai, the heart of Thailand’s mountainous north, to get your fill of Buddhist temples. This is also an ideal jumping-off point for multiday jungle treks.
On the southern side, you’ll find tropical islands like Koh Samui (where parts of “The White Lotus” Season Three were filmed) and Koh Tao (known for world-class diving), as well as beach resorts for all budgets in Phuket, Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands.
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TPG tip: Bangkok’s glittering hotel scene added another jewel in 2025: The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok, a Marriott Bonvoy property. Nightly rates start around $425 or 56,000 Marriott points, meaning you could book a stay with a 50,000-point free night award topped up with a few thousand points.
Right now, the following Marriott cards are offering these valuable certificates as part of their welcome bonuses:
New York City
Best for: Travelers seeking energy, culture and a never-ending list of things to do
In New York City, doing things alone isn’t just normal; it’s cool. Dinner for one? Chic. A Broadway show solo? Power move. Museum-hopping at your own pace? Chef’s kiss.
Start your day with a proper New York City breakfast: a bagel. Then, wander the trails or people-watch in Central Park, and gift yourself some retail therapy at SoHo’s designer boutiques or Fifth Avenue’s iconic flagships.
After dark, watch the city sparkle from the top of the Empire State Building or score deals on last-minute Broadway tickets via TodayTix.
TPG tip: After an eight-year renovation, the Waldorf Astoria New York made TPG’s list of the best new hotels in 2025, thanks to its 375 opulent rooms you can book with points. Rates start around $937 or 150,000 Hilton Honors points per night, making this a great use of your Hilton free night certificate.
You could stay two nights at this luxurious hotel for essentially free by adding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card to your wallet. Not only does this card grant cardholders one valuable free night certificate upon opening the card and each year after your account renewal, but it also offers 150,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases within your first six months of card membership.
Related: Best solo trips in the US
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Best for: Beach lovers who also want a buzzy nightlife scene
Mexico has a long list of hot spots for solo travelers, but Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific coast shines for its mix of beaches, culture and just the right amount of after-dark fun. Plus, it’s one of the most LGBTQIA+-friendly destinations in the world.
Related: 12 under-the-radar LGBTQIA+ beach destinations
Start your day exploring the cobblestone streets and colorful street art of Old Town (aka Zona Romantica). The neighborhood’s legendary tacos are the perfect fuel for a stroll along the Malecon, Puerto Vallarta’s beachfront promenade, or the 2-mile coastal hike from Boca de Tomatlan to Playa Las Animas.
To sample other local fare, from ceviche to el pastor, sign up for a food tour — a great way to meet like-minded travelers. And don’t miss the town’s nightlife scene, which can only be described as “flip-flop chic.”
TPG tip: With The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta set to reopen as an all-inclusive on May 1, there’s no better time to book a trip with points. Prices will start from $423 or 188,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night for two people.
Related: The best all-inclusive resorts in Puerto Vallarta
South Africa
Best for: Your first solo trip to Africa
South Africa’s thriving cities and robust infrastructure make it one of the most accessible destinations on the African continent, especially for solo travelers.
Cape Town has become a beacon for digital nomads. Not only is it relatively easy to reach, with United Airlines and Delta Air Lines offering several direct flights from the U.S., but it’s also ideally located for day trips to places like the Stellenbosch wine region and the penguin-populated Boulder Beach. Another main hub, Johannesburg, is the place to start your self-drive safari in Kruger National Park.
If you’re feeling social, South African backpacker hostels are usually stylish affairs that offer ample opportunities to meet other adventurers. You won’t need to stay in a dorm room either; most offer private accommodations.
TPG tip: South Africa recently added two new hotels to its points portfolio. You can book Cape Town’s Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof from $156 or 44,000 Hilton Honors points per night or the Park Hyatt Johannesburg from $427 or 25,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
New Zealand
Best for: Thrill-seekers and road-trippers
Adrenaline junkies looking to push their boundaries will love New Zealand, the birthplace of bungee jumping.
This long and wildly varied country offers everything from beaches and mountains to lakes and glaciers — and there’s no better way to take in its gorgeous scenery than with adventurous pursuits like skydiving, white water rafting and heli-skiing. Don’t worry, tamer options like hiking and camping are on offer, too.
Queenstown is a good starting point for a road trip around the South Island, home to just 25% of New Zealand’s population but 10 of its 13 national parks. Or, fly into Auckland to explore the North Island, home to Rotorua, a hot spot for both geothermal activity and Maori culture, as well as the Hobbiton Movie Set.
TPG tip: Hotel Indigo Auckland marks the brand’s debut in New Zealand and the latest in a recent string of new IHG One Rewards properties in the country. Nightly rates start around $118 or 24,000 IHG points.
Puerto Rico
Best for: A tropical getaway without a passport
As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico is doubly convenient for American travelers: It offers a Caribbean experience without a passport and uses the U.S. dollar as its currency.
The capital, San Juan, makes an ideal home base. You can use San Juan’s plentiful Ubers to get around town and make day trips to other attractions like Culebra Island, a snorkeler’s dream.
Hikers can tramp to their hearts’ content — and even body surf down natural rock waterslides — in the lush rainforest of El Yunque National Forest. Another must-do is a kayak tour through one of the island’s three bioluminescent bays on a moonless night, when microscopic dinoflagellate organisms make the water glow neon green and blue.
TPG tip: San Juan’s La Concha Resort, Puerto Rico just got a major remodel and joined Marriott’s Autograph Collection, with rates starting at $254 or 52,000 Marriott points per night.
Related: Are there any all-inclusive resorts in San Juan, Puerto Rico?
Switzerland
Best for: Train travel enthusiasts who want an eye-filling dose of scenery
Switzerland’s renowned train system makes it safe and easy for solo travelers to explore this small but adventure-packed country. You can purchase a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited travel by train, bus and boat.
Train enthusiasts will want a ticket on one of the country’s most scenic rail routes, like the 1960s cogwheel Gornergrat or the panoramic Bernina Express, while outdoorsy travelers will have a field day in the Swiss Alps. The car-free town of Zermatt, with its Matterhorn backdrop, attracts a fair share of solo travelers who come to climb, hike and bike in summer and ski in winter.
The hub of Geneva offers the best of both worlds, as it’s surrounded by mountains and a lake yet has all the history and culture of a major city. You can even make your own Swiss watch at an Initium watchmaking workshop.
TPG tip: For a luxurious solo retreat, book The Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix, Geneva, starting from $662 or 102,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Related: The most scenic train rides on Earth
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Best for: A healing spa retreat in an artistic setting
When you need a rejuvenating solo retreat, look no further than Santa Fe. New Mexico’s capital is known for its serene high-desert setting, thriving art scene and award-winning spas.
“The city different,” as the all-adobe state capital bills itself, is practically an artwork in itself. But it’s also home to dozens of art galleries and world-class museums, as well as the original Meow Wolf immersive art installation, “House of Eternal Return.” In summer, the open-air Santa Fe Opera attracts a global audience.
After a day of exploring, unwind with a massage or hot spring soak at Ojo Santa Fe or Ten Thousand Waves. Spas like these offer healthy dining options as well, but you won’t want to miss Santa Fe’s New Mexican food scene, which rivals that of much larger cities.
TPG tip: There are several options for getting to Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF) with points and miles. For instance, you could fly nonstop from Dallas for 9,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles one-way or from Chicago for 14,000 AAdvantage miles one-way, plus under $20 in taxes and fees.
For a limited time, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) is offering 100,000 American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $10,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
Cinque Terre, Italy
Best for: Solo walking expeditions
The Cinque Terre region on Italy’s northwest coast offers many of the perks you’d expect from the Amalfi Coast — fresh seafood, sun-drenched vineyards and rugged cliffs — without the crowds.
Solo travelers will feel right at home in the region’s friendly seaside villages, five of which are linked by a cliffside hiking trail known as the Sentiero Azzurro. Preplanned, self-guided walking tours, such as those offered by Macs Adventure, take the stress out of planning your trip. These tours typically provide nightly accommodations and daily luggage transfers, so you can focus on connecting with nature (or new friends you meet along the way).
TPG tip: The nearest airports are Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA), Pisa International Airport (PSA) and Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP). From there, you can take a train to the village of Monterosso or Levanto. Air France and KLM offer direct flights from Boston and Atlanta to MXP, with bookings via their joint Flying Blue loyalty program starting from 24,000 miles one-way.
Flying Blue is a 1:1 transfer partner of all the major points and miles programs: American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards and Wells Fargo Rewards.
Chile
Best for: Trekking, stargazing and hot spring soaking amid surreal topography
Chile is known for its spectacular array of natural landscapes, ranging from the otherworldly Atacama Desert in the north to Patagonia’s Torres del Paine National Park in the south. You won’t bump into many other travelers while exploring the park’s ever-shifting landscape of jagged peaks, dense forests and thundering waterfalls, making this an ideal spot for a relaxing solo retreat.
To get to Patagonia, you’ll need to fly into the capital, Santiago, and catch a regional flight to hubs like Punta Arenas or Balmaceda. It’s worth spending a few days in Santiago while you’re at it. The bohemian Bellavista neighborhood is perfect for sipping Chile’s famed red wine or pisco (grape brandy), and culture hounds will enjoy a visit to La Chascona, an art museum and the former home of poet Pablo Neruda.
TPG tip: Tierra Patagonia, a luxury adventure lodge overlooking Lake Sarmiento and Torres del Paine National Park, offers a gateway to Chile’s great outdoors. While not inexpensive, the all-inclusive rate (starting at $2,550 per night) covers food, drinks, guided excursions and airport transfers. Plus, eligible Amex cardmembers can take advantage of perks through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts. The property is closed during Chile’s winter season from May to mid-September.
Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
Best for: Medieval cities, beaches and “Game of Thrones” set-jetting
With similar sophisticated beach vibes to Greece’s Santorini and Italy’s Amalfi Coast (but more affordable prices), Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast makes for a dreamy solo getaway.
Begin in the fairy-tale city of Dubrovnik on the country’s southern tip. The medieval Old Town is a highlight for most travelers, but “Game of Thrones” fans will be especially thrilled to visit this King’s Landing set location. A three-hour drive north, you’ll find Split, another medieval walled city and “Game of Thrones” backdrop. (It will also get a new direct flight from the U.S. starting in April.)
Along the way, revel in the beauty of the region’s pebble and sand beaches, bordered by the aquamarine waters of the Adriatic Sea on one side and dramatic limestone cliffs on the other.
TPG tip: The Dalmatian Coast has a distinct summer high season, and lodging rates can more than double during July and August, especially in Dubrovnik. So, you can save money by booking off-peak dates.
The new Hyatt Regency Zadar, which opened in spring 2025, starts at $180 or 17,000 World of Hyatt points per night in the offseason. Or, since this hotel is a Category 4 property, you could redeem a Hyatt Category 1-4 free night award.
The World of Hyatt Credit Card (see rates and fees) is currently offering up to five Category 1-4 free night awards as part of its welcome bonus: Earn three free nights after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening, plus two free nights after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first six months.
Japan
Best for: Foodies with an appetite for culture and history
The options for solo trips in Japan are as varied as the types of sushi.
If you need a quiet, introspective retreat, Kyoto is just what the doctor ordered. Wander the cherry tree-lined temples and shrines of the Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto, then enjoy a multicourse meal and a hot spring soak at a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn).
For something a little more energizing, head to Tokyo to enjoy the nightlife and eat your way through hole-in-the-wall ramen joints and conveyor belt sushi bars. There’s also the world’s busiest pedestrian intersection, Shibuya Crossing, where thousands of walkers cross with each streetlight cycle.
If you have the time, there’s plenty more to explore beyond the big cities, from the legendary ski slopes of Hokkaido to the tropical beaches of Okinawa. It’s easy to get around Japan on your own, but a tour operator can help you make the most of your time with minimal effort.
TPG tip: Alaska Airlines charges as few as 30,000 Atmos Rewards points plus minimal taxes and fees for nonstop Hawaiian Airlines flights between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT) in economy.
You can earn more than enough for a round-trip ticket with the welcome bonus on one of these cobranded cards:
Related: Atmos Rewards Ascent vs. Business: Which $95 Alaska-Hawaiian card should you get?
Iceland
Best for: Unforgettable natural phenomena
When it comes to seeing nature in all its glory, you simply can’t beat Iceland.
The aptly named Land of Fire and Ice has it all, from glaciers and ice caves to volcanoes and geothermal hot springs, such as the famed Blue Lagoon. You can even snorkel between tectonic plates in the frigid waters of the Silfra fissure in Thingvellir National Park.
From September to April, this is one of the best places to check the northern lights off your bucket list. And on Aug. 12, Iceland will be in the path of totality during the 2026 solar eclipse.
The Golden Circle is a popular drive that hits many of Iceland’s central attractions. You can rent a car and drive it yourself, or use Reykjavik as your home base and book day trips to nearby activities.
TPG tip: The brand-new Skald Hotel Akureyri Curio Collection by Hilton is now accepting reservations for stays from July 15 onward. Located along the country’s northern coast, it will be one of only a few points properties outside of Reykjavik. Nightly rates start around $238 or 51,000 Hilton points.
Related: Alaska Airlines adds London and Iceland routes, unveils new Dreamliner livery
Bottom line
Of course, you can — and should — go anywhere on your own, but some destinations offer easy access and friendly communities of like-minded travelers that make solo travel even more fun.
If you’re feeling intimidated at the thought of planning a trip on your own, remember: It’s easier to plan when you’re only trying to please one person.
And thanks to tour companies offering new group trips geared toward single travelers — and money-saving points and miles programs — solo travel is more accessible than ever.
