9 of the best places to travel solo

Whether it happens out of necessity (perhaps your better half doesn't share your enthusiasm for ancient history) or choice (hey, sometimes you simply prefer your own company over others'), traveling solo can be an extremely rewarding—and enjoyable—experience. Even better? Traveling on a group tour, which leaves planning to the experts and lets you focus on what matters most: taking in the sights, sounds, flavors, and traditions of a new-to-you place. Ready to hit the road solo? Keep reading to learn about nine of the best destinations for solo travel. 

1. Ireland

Thanks to its friendly locals, hundreds of museums and historical sites, and walkable cities and villages, Ireland is one of the best places to travel alone. While exploring Dublin on our Ireland for Solo Travelers tour, you can soak in the city's rich history with your tour mates as a local expert leads the way, and take a solo stroll through the Guinness Brewery during your free time. (Be sure to drink in a smooth pint—and the 360-degree city views—on its top floor.) On the way to Galway, stop to wander with your fellow travelers along the tops of the towering Cliffs of Moher, then use your free time in the city to search for the perfect claddagh ring or pop into a lively pub.

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2. Italy 

Italy may be one of the most romantic places on the planet (we're looking at you, Verona and Venice), but it's also one of the best places to travel by yourself if you love history, architecture, art, wine, food, and stunning scenery. On a top-to-bottom tour of Italy for solo travelers, you can visit iconic sites, such as St. Mark's Square in Venice and the Coliseum in Rome, on group tours led by local experts, and spend free days however you please—from searching for the best bistecca alla Fiorentina in Florence to boutique-hopping along Corso Italia, Sorrento's main shopping thoroughfare. 

For Italy enthusiasts who also enjoy island life, Sicily is one of the best places to travel solo in the country. Experience the true meaning of la dolce vita on our Sicily for Solo Travelers tour, which includes group activities like market visits and cooking classes, plus plenty of free time to get to know Palermo and Taormina on your own.

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3. Southwestern United States

Few places satisfy an appetite for adventure better than national and state parks in the U.S. Several are located throughout the Southwest, which makes our U.S. National Parks for Solo Travelers: The Grand Canyon to Zion tour one of the best solo vacations for active travelers. While on tour, like-minded solo travelers can walk with their group among otherworldly rock formations in Utah's Bryce Canyon and Zion national parks. At Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, travelers can enjoy a group walk along the South Rim before spending free time hiking solo, or soaking in stunning views from a helicopter. In Nevada, travelers can mix things up with group tours of Valley of Fire State Park and the Las Vegas Strip. Before heading home, spend free time taking in one of Sin City's famously high-energy shows, or toasting your trip with a cocktail in one of the city's stylish resort lounges.

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4. Portugal

Wallet-friendly prices and widely spoken English are just a couple factors that make Portugal one of the best solo travel destinations in Europe. And did we mention the gorgeous beaches and countless architectural gems that are beloved by travelers from around the world? In the company of fellow solo travelers, guests on our Portugal for Solo Travelers tour can take in tranquil Douro River views in Porto, tour a cork factory in Evora, savor sea views from a fortress in the Algarve, and learn to make traditional Portuguese dishes during a cooking class in Lisbon. During their free time, solo travelers can chart their own course, or pursue their individual passions on optional excursions—think port tasting in Porto, a Fado show in Lisbon, or exploring Sintra's spectacular Pena Palace.

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5. Belize

This laid-back Central American country is one of the best places to travel solo if you enjoy history, stunning natural scenery, and wildlife in equal measure. Happily for solo travelers, our A Week in Belize: Ruins, Reefs & Rainforests tour offers all that—and plenty more. Together with their fellow tour mates, solo travelers can explore hauntingly beautiful Mayan ruins on guided tours, go snorkeling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Coral Gardens (two of the world's most sought-after snorkel spots), and harvest oranges at a Belize City farm. Free afternoons are perfect for solo travelers who want to try their hand at making chocolate, shop for locally crafted souvenirs, or discover more of Belize's hidden gems.

6. Greece

Greece is one of the best solo travel destinations in Europe thanks to its reliable public transportation, friendly locals, and plethora of places to take in history, food, and culture. On a tour of Athens and the Greek islands, solo travelers can experience several different sides of Greece. In Athens, accompany a local guide from one ancient landmark to the next on a group tour, then spend a free afternoon museum-hopping or listening to live music at a modern cafe. Regular air and ferry routes from the mainland make traveling to the Greek islands easy—and an essential post-Athens experience for solo travelers. Throughout the islands, public buses take travelers from city centers to beautiful beaches in a few minutes' time, and waterfront taverns serve up traditional Greek treats, from chilled ouzo to grilled octopus, plus stunning sea views.

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7. Egypt

Home to ancient pyramids and temples, world-class museums, and the legendary Nile River, to name a few highlights, Egypt sits atop many travelers' wish lists. And with its iconic landmarks spread throughout the country, it's also one of the best places for solo travelers to visit on a guided tour. After all, what could be more thrilling than exploring Egypt's archaeological treasures in the company of an esteemed Egyptologist, or sailing down the Nile on a boat arranged by your seasoned guide? And whether you spend the day exploring the bustling streets of Cairo with your tour group or shopping for spices in a souk on your own, you can recap the day's events over meals shared with your tour mates-turned-friends each evening.

Check out more reasons why every solo traveler should take a guided trip to Egypt and all of our Egypt tours >

8. Central Europe

Bonding with fellow travelers over giant steins of beer, pots of gooey fondue, and guided tours of charming medieval towns makes our Central Europe for Solo Travelers tour one of the best solo trip ideas for adventurous individuals. In addition to exploring jaw-dropping Alpine landscapes and important historical sites with tour mates, solo travelers can strike out on their own, be it for a stroll through the cobblestone streets of Old Town Lucerne, a performance of Mozart's music in Salzburg, or a night at the opera in Prague. 

9. Thailand

When it comes to the best solo travel destinations, Thailand is tough to beat. That's thanks to the country's diverse topography (misty mountains in the north, golden beaches in the south, bustling Bangkok in between), flavorful, inexpensive food, and famously friendly locals. On a group tour of Thailand, solo travelers can take in all the highlights—think floating markets, golden temples, and Thai cooking classes—in the company of fellow guests and expert guides, and spend free time sampling Thailand's famous street food, lounging on the beach, or soaking in urban scenery from a cruise on the Mekong or Chao Phraya rivers.  

Looking for even more solo trip ideas? Check out our solo-travel tours >