The Best Solo Travel Destinations

We understand that planning a solo holiday can be daunting – especially if you’ve never travelled alone. But, as more and more people opt to go it alone, why not take the leap and travel on your own terms? Whether you’re keen to visit a destination your usual travel partner doesn’t fancy or want to try something new, solo travel is incredibly fulfilling and rewarding.

If you’re considering a solo trip but aren’t sure where to start, we’ve crunched the numbers to determine the world's best solo travel destinations. We explored factors including English-language proficiency, safety, gender equality, the state of healthcare and the population to create our ranking.

Ready to embark on your own adventure? Solo cruises offer the perfect opportunity to explore new places, meet like-minded travellers and experience the freedom of travelling at your own pace. Keep reading to discover the best destination for solo travellers and how you can set sail on your own journey.

1. Finland
2. Denmark
3. Austria
4. Switzerland
5. Norway
6. Netherlands
7. New Zealand
8. Portugal
9. Estonia
10. Singapore

Since 2018, Finland has been annually crowned the world’s happiest country, so its top-place ranking here should come as no surprise. It has also been ranked the best in the world for gender equality, making it a perfect choice for solo female travellers.  

Firstly, we spoke to Dave Brett, a UK-based solo adventure traveller known best by his alias Travel Dave. He told us: “Finland is perfect for solo travellers due to its endless unique winter experiences. From visiting Lapland in the North to staying in an ice hotel in Kemi or taking a dip in an icy lake in the Finnish Lakelands followed by a traditional wood-heated sauna, Finland offers many unique experiences that are perfect for the solo traveller looking to try something new in Europe.“

We also spoke to Anna Sherchand, who shares her travel stories at annasherchand.com. Anna has travelled solo to Finland before and told us:

“I had the pleasure of solo travelling to Finland a few years ago, and it truly stands out as an ideal destination for solo travellers. The country offers an exceptional sense of peace and tranquillity, especially in its stunning natural landscapes. From the serene lakes of the Finnish Lakeland to the vast, untouched wilderness of Lapland, Finland is the perfect place to disconnect, unwind, and immerse yourself in nature — making it a haven for those seeking solitude and reflection.

“Finland is also incredibly safe, with low crime rates and a welcoming, friendly atmosphere that makes solo travellers feel at ease. The Finnish people are known for their warmth and respect for personal space, which is especially comforting when exploring on your own.

“The country also boasts decent infrastructure, making it easy enough to navigate whether you’re exploring vibrant cities like Helsinki or venturing into remote regions. Whether you're seeking culture, nature, or adventure, Finland provides a variety of enriching experiences — perfect for anyone travelling alone.

“Fred. Olsen’s focus on offering enriching, tailored travel experiences aligns perfectly with what Finland has to offer: a mix of relaxation, outdoor exploration, and cultural immersion, all in a safe and friendly environment.”

Our cruises to Finland allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture and discover the land of a thousand lakes. The capital city of Helsinki is often a firm favourite port thanks to its incredible nature hiking trails, unique architecture and must-experience Finnish saunas. The excellent public transport options make the city easy to navigate, so you don’t need to worry about finding your way around this wonderful city when you’re travelling solo.

Denmark was our second-best solo travel destination, closely following Finland. The neighbouring Scandinavian country is the fifth safest in the world, with low crime rates. Denmark is also considered the third greenest country in the world and a leading destination for nature enthusiasts, thanks to its rich biodiversity.

Lisa, the founder of Girl about the Globe, a blog dedicated to helping female solo travellers feel more confident, told us: “Denmark is so safe for solo female travellers. English is widely spoken, there is plenty of nature, colourful houses and they even have floating spas, perfect for some relaxation!”

Steeped in rich culture and home to over 400 islands and miles of dramatic coastline, a cruise to Denmark can unlock destinations such as Copenhagen, the stunning capital city with a fusion of regal history and modern innovation.

As the fifth-best country in the world for solo travellers and one of the world’s most popular cruise destinations, Norway is a wonderful choice if you’re embarking on your first solo adventure.

Known for its UNESCO-listed Fjords, quaint port towns and warm and welcoming culture, a Norway cruise is an unforgettable adventure. Our Norwegian Fjords cruises allow you to sail to the heart of the world’s most spectacular natural scenery and glide along still waters below towering mountains.

Another amazing draw of Norway is, of course, the Aurora Borealis. Scheduled during the peak activity months, our Northern Lights cruises travel to Arctic Norway to help you tick this incredible natural phenomenon off of your bucket list.

READ MORE: Discovering the Aurora Borealis: Facts About the Northern Lights

A Netherlands cruise promises postcard-worthy scenery, including the likes of windmills, tulips and canals galore. Coming sixth overall in our study, this coastal country may be small, but it’s a mighty travel destination, especially for solo travellers.

There are plenty of ports to visit in the Netherlands, with the most popular being Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Lisse and The Hague, to name but a few. The capital is a definite highlight, known for its quaint canals, unique coffee shops, fine dining scene and incredible museums.

The island country in the southwestern Pacific has much to offer as a solo travel destination. Whether you want to explore untamed wilderness in iconic national parks, immerse yourself in the world of Hobbits or enjoy forward-thinking cities, New Zealand can deliver.

A world cruise will allow you to explore everything our beautiful planet has to offer, including a trip down under to visit New Zealand. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime activity that you shouldn’t hold back on completing just because you’re travelling solo.

Embarking on a solo cruise with Fred. Olsen is a fantastic way to combine adventure, relaxation and social opportunities in a unique and welcoming environment. Our dedicated singles cruises are thoughtfully crafted to ensure all of our travellers feel comfortable and included. In fact, we were recently voted the best cruise line for solo travellers at Cruise Critic UK’s Best in Cruise Awards.

Our smaller and more intimate ships mean you won’t ever be overwhelmed, and should you want to, you’ll find it easy to meet people to enjoy your trip with. You’ll find a range of onboard activities on offer designed to help foster meaningful connections with your fellow travellers. From shared dining to organised group excursions and more, you’ll find countless opportunities to engage with your fellow travellers.

Solo cabins are thoughtfully equipped to allow you the space to unwind and relax and to ensure you never feel you have to compromise because you’re travelling alone.

With itineraries visiting stunning destinations, excellent service and a warm onboard community, a solo cruise with Fred. Olsen is more than a holiday; it’s the adventure you deserve. 

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.