Solo travel
I travel solo. Here’s how I do it.
No group tours, no waiting for friends to commit. Just me, a carry-on, and wherever I decide to go next. This is everything I actually use and trust.
Destinations
Solo-friendly cities
Cities I’ve been to and would go back to alone.
Top pick
Thailand for solo travellers
Thailand is the easiest solo trip I’ve done. Friendly, affordable, incredible food, and a well-worn tourist infrastructure that means nothing is hard to figure out. Use code ALLCHECKEDIN5 for 5% off any experience.
The kit
What I use every trip
Three tools that solo travel genuinely harder without.
Questions
Solo travel, answered
Is solo travel safe?
Solo travel is safe for most destinations when you do basic prep: research the area, share your itinerary with someone at home, keep copies of your documents, and trust your gut. Most places are far safer than the headlines suggest. Travel insurance (SafetyWing is good value) gives you a proper safety net.
What are the best countries for solo travel?
Thailand tops most solo travellers' lists for its infrastructure, friendly locals, and cost. Southeast Asia generally is very solo-friendly: Vietnam, Indonesia, and Cambodia all have well-worn backpacker routes and strong hostel scenes. Europe is easy but costs more. Japan is exceptionally safe and welcoming for solo visitors.
How do I meet people when travelling solo?
Stay in hostels or guesthouses with common areas. Join a group tour for a day (GYG is good for this). Book cooking classes, surf lessons, or any activity where you're next to other travellers for a few hours. Online communities help too, especially before you arrive.
What travel insurance do I need for solo travel?
You need cover that includes medical emergencies and evacuation. For longer trips or nomadic travel, SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance is affordable and built for this. If you're doing adventure activities like diving or motorbikes, check the policy covers them specifically.
How much money do I need for solo travel?
It completely depends on the destination. Southeast Asia is one of the most affordable regions in the world. A Wise card saves you on every ATM withdrawal and payment abroad. Airalo eSIMs keep your data bill low. The biggest variable is accommodation: hostels vs. private rooms vs. hotels.