The Top Destinations for Solo Travellers

Planning a solo holiday can be incredibly daunting, especially if you have never taken the leap into planning a getaway alone before. According to Google Trends data, solo travel surged in interest this year by a major 761.15%, highlighting a growing search interest for solo travel trips.

If you are thinking about a solo holiday and not sure where to start, we have put together a handy data-backed list to show different factors of worldwide destinations that you may consider when picking your next travel destination.

Known as the happiest place in the world, Finland is a great place to start your first solo journey. With its vast forestlands and out-of-this-world lakes for the nature lover, to architecturally elegant cities for anyone looking for a city break. There is something for any type of solo traveller. 

There are four main regions to explore in Finland, each with its own unique adventure. 

Lapland being at the tip of the country is where you can discover endless summers where the sun never sets, and in winter time you can watch the Aurora Borealis dance in the sky above. Popularly known for Santa Claus, you will discover a beautiful wilderness and the home of the indigenous Sámi people. 

For a very Finnish scenic but active holiday, you can discover Lakeland and as the region’s name suggests, Lakeland prides itself around its beautiful emerald lake where water sport enthusiasts can explore a multitude of water-related activities. Whether you want to unwind by going fishing or enjoying a relaxing paddle around the lake, there is much to do in Finland’s playground. 

If being by the coast is where you find your inner happiness, then the Coast of Archipelago is probably the region for you. This area is full of lively coastal cities where you can experience the maritime culture of the local people. With more than 50,000 beautiful islands scattered across the sea, this is the world’s largest archipelago, and there are plenty of hidden gems to be discovered.

Finally, if you are looking for city dwellings and a more metropolitan take on Finland then the Helsinki region is for you. Discover unique architecture, the Finnish nightlife and why Helsinki is named one of the happiest places on Earth.  

With so much to discover, Finland makes a great first solo trip.

According to our solo traveller index, Denmark follows Finland as the second leading destination to explore as an independent traveller, which is perhaps unsurprising with the Scandinavian country ranking as the fifth safest country in the world.

Steeped in rich culture and home to 400+ beautiful islands with miles of dramatic coastline, Denmark is often renowned as one of the happiest countries across the globe. 

Though Denmark is the smallest of the five nations within the Nordic Region, there are a wide range of Danish destinations that travellers can escape to and city break enthusiasts in particular are spoilt for choice. Copenhagen, with its elegant mix of regal history and modern urban spaces, is one of the many highlights Denmark has to offer all-year-round. 

The delights of the Danish capital include the world-famous Little Mermaid statue on Langelinie Pier, the picturesque Nyhavn waterfront within the heart of the city and the magical Tivoli Gardens, which influenced Hans Christian Andersen and Walt Disney. It’s no surprise the cityscape of Copenhagen inspired Anderson’s fairy-tales, with its old cobbled streets and brightly coloured 17th century townhouses offering a fairytale world to step into. Also renowned as the most bike-friendly city in the world, cycling around Copenhagen is an ideal way to soak up the city’s charm and culture, with its range of bike tours to embrace a more active solo adventure.   

Considered to be the third greenest country in the world, Denmark is a biodiversity world-leader with 30,000 species of plant, fungus and animals. For nature enthusiasts seeking an outdoor adventure break, Thy National Park transports you to magical forests, quaint coastal villages and the chance to spot a range of local wildlife. The dramatic white cliffs of Møn is another top-rated beauty spot in Denmark, offering fossil-hunting expeditions, rare plant spotting and magnificent coastal views. 

With its world-leading status for safety, sustainability and happiness, Denmark is another strong place to start if planning a solo trip and Fred. Olsen offers a tempting range of Denmark cruises to consider.

Whilst it may sound cliché, a trip to The Netherlands promises to whisk you away to postcard worthy scenery, featuring windmills, tulips and canals galore for keen solo travellers to set their sights on. Uncovered as one of the top 10 leading solo travel destinations to visit within our index, The Netherlands may be a small country but it is home to many world famous icons for avid travellers to experience - from its stunning flower fields and the canals of Amsterdam, to its delicious cheese markets and vibrant nightlife.

Located in northwestern Europe, The Netherlands is a European hidden gem which offers a range of travel experiences across the four seasons. Whether it’s visiting a real tulip farm during the Spring such as Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse or discovering Amsterdam’s classic Christmas markets and famous Light Festival during the colder months - The Netherlands has such a diverse range of holiday options, it may be difficult to pick. 

For those seeking a city break with charming character, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Lisse and The Hague are The Netherland’s major cities to choose from. The Capital in particular offers a plethora of cultural spots, stunning architecture sights and coffee stops. For a perfect springtime break, Fred. Olsen offers a European River Cities trip to browse the flower markets, see the tulip gardens when in bloom and enjoy a canal boat tour. Culturally recognised for its 17th century buildings and diverse range of art galleries and museums, Amsterdam is also a culinary hotspot. Enjoy a coffee and Stroopwafel within a cafe by the canal, or taste the range of craft beer options the Dutch brewery scene has to offer.

Famous for its flat terrain, a major symbol of Dutch culture is cycling, with Amsterdam in particular being the bicycle capital of the world. Supporting 22,000 miles of cycle paths and with more than a quarter of all trips across the country made by bike, this is the solo holiday break for avid cyclists. To explore undiscovered spots in The Netherlands, visitors are encouraged to get pedalling to immerse themselves in Dutch culture.

With a range of experiences on offer, our range of Fred. Olsen Netherlands cruises may be the solo travel trip for you, offering a balance of culture, fitness, breathtaking sights and foodie spots to explore. 

A country that is encompassed by mountains with ancient glaciers and glittering UNESCO-protected Fjords, Norway is a breath of fresh air for any nature lover. Discover its wild beauty on foot with a guide, marvel at the Northern Lights or wander into a magical chocolate box village straight out of a Scandinavian fairytale. 

The Fjords are a naturally occurring wonder, and no trip to Norway would be complete without seeing the otherworldly landscapes by water. Discover hidden pathways opening up to magical mountain cliffs towering above you, hear the roar of the mighty Seven Sisters waterfall, and spot the Glaciers in the unspoilt Arctic wilderness. Norway is an experience like no other and makes for a great first-time solo experience. 

The most awarded country in Bocuse d’ Or, one of the world’s most prestigious culinary competitions, Norway is known for its world-class seafood and has lots of culinary experiences to embrace. For avid foodies, discover everything from Norway’s famous Atlantic cod and king crab to its sweet treats including jam preserves and waffles. In recent years, Norway has been highlighting its food traditions and ingredients, serving local and organic food across its restaurants and many famous food festivals. 

Once crowned European Green Capital 2019, Oslo combines urban city life with nature-based fun and its contemporary culinary scene, buzzing events calendar and modern museums are just the tip of the iceberg. Immersed in deep forests, the Oslo region promises hidden gem towns such as Fredrikstad near the coast and its art destination, Hadeland, for those with an artistic passion. The Norwegian capital offers a unique solo trip for all different types of travellers.

The island country in the southwestern Pacific has lots to offer as a solo destination, whether you want a laid-back experience on a golden beach or to explore the untamed wilderness or even to immerse yourself in the world of the Hobbits. New Zealand offers a variety of options for the unseasoned solo traveller. 

At the north of the island, you can find the Bay of Islands. With the sanctuary of beaches and secluded islands, this area is the perfect place for a coastal escape. If you prefer to see more of this area you can hire a boat and go dolphin and whale watching, or see penguins in their natural habitat. 

For a more active Aotearoa adventure, you can catch a ferry to Rangitoto Island which supports the youngest volcano in New Zealand, offering stunning 360 views of Auckland and the chance to enjoy a mini hike. On the north island, you can also find Cathedral Cove, which is touted as one of the best places to visit in New Zealand. Accessible only by boat or on foot, the famous cove is a must-visit site on The Coromandel and is surrounded by beautiful blue waters and golden sand. 

If you are looking for a cultural experience then you may consider getting acquainted with the Maori culture, there are many ways to engage with the indigenous culture of New Zealand. The most accessible way to learn about and have an authentic experience of Māori culture is in Rotorua, at the Tamaki Maori Village. For those seeking a unique adventure, Fred. Olsen offers the chance to explore New Zealand on board Borealis for the thrill of a world voyage cruise. 

Sources include Numbeo, English Language Proficiency Index, and The World Population Gender Equality Review. Factors were all weighted to create an overall scoring for each country. Countries with incomplete data were removed, and the UK was not included in the Index.