Our Guide to the Best Places to Solo Travel

Whether travelling solo is a conscious choice or a necessity, it is a fulfilling and fun way to explore the world, opening a wealth of opportunities to engage with locals, fellow travellers or simply focus on “me time”. How you choose solo travel destinations is very personal – perhaps a combination of how safe you feel, the type of solo holidays available, following a well established tourist route or the chance of joining group tours with like minded travellers.

Is travelling solo the same as being a solo traveller. On one hand, yes of course it is. But there’s also a subtle distinction. Solo travellers might look to join a group perhaps comprising other solo travellers as well as couples, companions, and various familial configurations. You are a party of one, but you have the assurance of being part of an organised group. You also have the pleasure of company, especially for oh-so-important evening drinks when you dissect the wonders of the day. You might make new friends and you’ll certainly be able to share your experiences with people with common interests.

Travelling solo differs because you make the journey on your own. You are independent and it’s entirely up to you when and how much to interact with other people. You might choose to relinquish navigational duties and hop aboard a train from place to place, or let the open road take you on a self-drive adventure.

With that distinction in mind, we’ve delved into the best solo travel destinations across our holiday collection.

Solo Travellers and Polar Adventures

Small-ship expedition voyaging is the perfect environment for solo travellers. Whether you choose to splash out on your own cabin, or elect a share option, you’re likely to spend most of your time in the communal areas of the ship or out and about on thrilling shore excursions as you navigate the majestic scenery, enchanting wildlife and compelling history of Antarctica and the Arctic. There is a wide choice of ships and routes to float your boat. Perhaps Join a classic cruise along the Antarctic Peninsula or combine with the Falklands and South Georgia. Perhaps head north to circumnavigate Spitsbergen or venture along Greenland’s coast. Should you choose the latter, in summer 2026, there are special solar eclipse departures that will sail into the path of totality for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

This is the most adventurous, life-affirming style of cruising you can imagine. You’ll visit remote places, which are otherwise inaccessible. And because everyone onboard is both a fish out of water and an intrepid explorer, the voyage is a truly shared experience. Small-ship adventure cruising also means there is an easy-going onboard atmosphere. That extends to dining arrangements means there’s no sense of being alone but without the pressure of having to mingle.

Travel Solo around Norway’s Fjords

A solo cruise is also an excellent option for immersing yourself in spellbinding scenery of Norway.

Setting sail from the city of Bergen, explore the famous coastline to the northernmost port of Kirkenes. Fjord views will fill your everyday as you take in remote coastal towns and the Lofoten Islands before reaching the North Cape plateau.

Havila’s fleet of state-of-the-art ships offers silent, zero emission cruising perfect for losing yourself in the passing scenery. Find one of the many comfortable chairs beside floor to ceiling windows and find your happy place. Modern accommodation, delicious food inspired by local cuisine, onboard facilities that include a gym and sauna make for a very comfortable experience. Even better, solo travellers enjoy a 50% discount on the cruise – when made within 100 days of travel with departures throughout the year.

Cruising aside, an independent yet carefully curated break is a great option for travelling solo. A pre-planned itinerary with booked accommodation, activities and transfers included means you can focus on the exploring the incredible landscapes and colourful towns and villages. Perhaps a winter break in search of the aurora in Senja Island in Northern Norway appeals. Or a mini rail adventure from Oslo to the Fjord Norway including a trip on the amazing Flamsbana ‘corkscrew railway’.

Norway’s landscapes were made for walking. Especially if you like a challenge, in which case, an escorted small group tour taking in three of the most iconic locations in the Norwegian fjords – Trolltunga, The Pulpit Rock and Kjerag – could be your solo holiday of choice.

Solo Trip to Iceland

With its rugged volcanic landscapes, mesmerising waterfalls and plentiful activities, this mid-Atlantic jewel delivers time and again. It’s not a big country and there is a strong sense of community wherever you go, meaning Iceland solo travel works. Quirky culture, innovation and tradition make city breaks in Reykjavik a fun choice for a solo Iceland trip, but also consider an independent self-drive. With a well-planned route, you don’t have to cover large distances to uncover some incredible sights and pre-booked accommodation and helpful apps make navigating easy.

There’s also a good choice of Iceland group tours for solo travellers. In winter you might prefer a short break away, staying somewhere offering great chances see the northern lights as well as explore the incredible landscapes make this country so appealing. One of our favourites bases you at Hotel Ranga deep in the countryside of South West Iceland. You’ll be perfectly placed see the aurora borealis – perhaps from one of the hotel’s hot tubs – plus you’ll take an expertly-led tour of the Golden Circle’s natural wonders. In February 2025, we’re offering a dedicated solo traveller departure of this long run tour.

Canada for Solo Travellers

Picture-perfect mountains, mirror lakes, bears and whales galore. While there is so much more to the world’s second largest country, these are the things that stand out. Meeting super-friendly locals is also par for the course and a big plus for those looking to solo travel in Canada. The scale of Canada lends itself to small group travel, whereby solo travellers can leave the logistics to others. A hiking adventure through the Canadian Rockies is one to consider.

If wildlife encounters are your thing, then look no further than a classic polar bear adventure in Churchill, Manitoba. This long-running classic trip now features dedicated women only departures. Including two full days and an evening excursion out on the Arctic tundra in search of magnificent ‘ice bears’, the groups are led by a female expedition leader, making them truly solo travel for women.

The distances in Canada might seem quite substantial for taking a self-drive with a co-pilot. But don’t discount the smaller provinces such as Nova Scotia, New Brunswick or Prince Edward Island.

Feeling inspired? Start planning your solo trip

Ultimately, the best solo holiday destinations are those places you want to visit. Whether you’re looking for dedicated departures for travelling solos, group tours offering good value for money, or want someone to help you plan the logistics for lone travelling, our Specialists know our destinations inside out and can offer advice and create an itinerary to suit you.

Discover more about Solo Travel Holidays, call us on 01737 214 250, or send an enquiry to start chatting through options.