{"id":2007,"date":"2025-05-13T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-13T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/?p=2007"},"modified":"2025-05-13T13:11:14","modified_gmt":"2025-05-13T13:11:14","slug":"ive-been-to-89-countries-these-are-the-7-best-places-for-solo-travellers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/13\/ive-been-to-89-countries-these-are-the-7-best-places-for-solo-travellers\/","title":{"rendered":"I\u2019ve been to 89 countries \u2014 these are the 7 best places for solo travellers"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n\t\t\"Top\t<\/div>
The harbour on Hvar, one of Croatia\u2019s most popular Adriatic islands (Picture: Shutterstock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A country with no traffic lights, a mountainous village that looks like \u2018little Manhattan\u2019 and a rose-coloured desert without any tourists.<\/p>\n

These are some of the destinations recommended for solo travellers by Kate McCulley<\/a> aka Adventurous Kate<\/a>, an American blogger living in Prague<\/a> who has been travelling professionally for the past 15 years.<\/p>\n

Some are a long-haul flight away, but many are right on the UK\u2019s doorstep. All are safe and actively welcome tourists, at a time when several destinations are pushing back against visitors<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Here Kate, who has been to 89 countries so far, tells Metro<\/strong> her top 7 choices for solo travellers<\/a> \u2014 and the one fascinating country she suggests you avoid.<\/p>\n

1. Iceland<\/h2>\n

Iceland<\/a>\u2019s astonishing natural beauty has been attracting tourists for decades, and Kate says it\u2019s a great choice for anyone heading off alone for the first time.<\/p>\n

\n

\n\t\t\t\tSign up to The Getaway newsletter\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
\n

Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration.\u00a0Sign up here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

The \u2018land of fire and ice\u2019 regularly tops rankings of the world\u2019s safest countries, has world-class roads and English is widely spoken.<\/p>\n

The downside? It can be wildly expensive, but Kate says there are ways to save money once you\u2019re there.<\/p>\n

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\n

https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/ChYMgdPoI13\/?hl=en&img_index=1<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

\u2018You\u2019re looking at paying a lot more than usual for hotels, but if you\u2019re willing to downgrade to a hostel or somewhere with a shared bathroom, you\u2019ll save a lot,\u2019 she explains.<\/p>\n

On a recent trip, Kate decided to \u2018drop down\u2019 a level from what she would typically spend to make her budget stretch further. That means booking a two-star hotel room rather than a three, or taking the bus instead of a taxi. <\/p>\n

\u2018I think that\u2019s a good rule for when you\u2019re travelling in an expensive country,\u2019 she adds.<\/p>\n

Another way to cut costs in Iceland is on food. \u2018Iceland is not famous for its cuisine, and honestly, I was happy eating hot dogs and soup of the day with bread,\u2019 Kate says.<\/p>\n

Plus, many of the country\u2019s most popular attractions, including waterfalls,black sand beaches and some natural hot springs, are free to visit.<\/p>\n

Who is it right for: <\/strong>Everyone, including first-time solo travellers.<\/p>\n

Flight time to UK:<\/strong> Three hours.<\/p>\n

\n

\n\t\t\t\tKate’s three tips for saving money while solo travelling\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
\n
    \n
  1. Travel slowly: \u2018Go for the bus or train rather than the plane,\u2019 she tells Metro<\/strong>. <\/li>\n
  2. Stay longer: \u2018Staying longer in a hotel or hostel can also get you discounts, saving you the single occupancy fee.\u2019<\/li>\n
  3. Book directly: \u2018Always book passes and activities directly with the provider, avoid third parties and you\u2019ll have more accountability if anything goes wrong.\u2019<\/li>\n<\/ol><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

    2. Croatia<\/h2>\n

    Kate is a huge fan of Croatia<\/a>, particularly for first-time female solo travellers.<\/p>\n

    \u2018It\u2019s very safe, and I personally love Croatia as a road trip. The roads are in excellent condition, which isn\u2019t the case everywhere in the Balkans,\u2019 she says.<\/p>\n

    Solo travel is having its moment, with a growing number jetting off on holiday alone.<\/p>\n

    As well as being named as a top travel trend for 2025 by a litany of travel experts, studies show women, more so than men, are becoming more interested in exploring by themselves.<\/p>\n

    While she usually recommends starting with a destination where English is the first language, Kate says everyone who works in tourism and hospitality in Croatia is as good as fluent.<\/p>\n

    \n
    \n

    https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CwIRxTyAgrK\/?hl=en<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

    Along with ancient history and spectacular natural parks such as Plitvice, there are 1,244\u00a0islands to explore along the dazzling Adriatic Coast (though only 49 are permanently habited).<\/p>\n

    Hvar, Korcula and Brac have long been tourist darlings, but there are still some hidden gems. \u0160olta, just a short ferry ride from the mainland city of Split, has charming villages and zero crowds.<\/p>\n

    Who is it right for: <\/strong>Everyone, including first-time solo travellers.<\/p>\n

    Flight time to UK:<\/strong> Between two-and-a-half and three hours.<\/p>\n

    3. Jordan<\/h2>\n

    With ancient ruins, rich culture and otherworldly landscapes, it\u2019s hard to imagine a bigger tourist magnet than Jordan<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    This is a small country that goes big on hospitality, but its tourism industry is suffering due to what\u2019s happening in neighbouring Israel<\/a> and Palestine<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    From afar, Jordan is often shunned by wary travellers, but Kate says this is a peaceful and fascinating destination that shouldn\u2019t be missed. <\/p>\n

    \u2018Through no fault of their own, they\u2019re really struggling,\u2019 she says.<\/p>\n

    \u2018It\u2019s a very safe country, safe for women too, and it\u2019s practically empty right now. They\u2019re crying out for visitors.\u2019<\/p>\n

    In November, hotels in popular tourist sites were forced to cut pay and ask staff to take unpaid leave in a bid to stay open.<\/p>\n

    \n
    \n\t\t\"Petra\t<\/div>
    Jordan\u2019s landscapes are otherworldly (Picture: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Iconic sites such as Petra and Wadi Rum have been drawing visitors for decades, more than one million a year before the war in Gaza. <\/p>\n

    But in Petra, the city carved from rock, businesses are now boarded up.<\/p>\n

    Flight bookings to Jordan, which is not involved in the conflict, were down 35% year-on-year, data from travel intelligence firm ForwardKeys shows. The UK Foreign Office advises against travel<\/a> to within 3km of the border with Syria<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    Kate says there is no reason to avoid the rest of the country. She recalls incredible memories from her most recent trip.<\/p>\n

    \u2018Out in the desert at Wadi Rum, just taking in the majesty of the place, like this is where Lawrence of Arabia was filmed you know? It\u2019s spectacular.\u2019<\/p>\n

    Who is it right for:<\/strong> Seasoned travellers, \u2018not because it\u2019s unsafe, but because the transport networks are a little hairy,\u2019 says Kate.<\/p>\n

    Flight time to UK:<\/strong> Between five and seven hours, depending on the route.<\/p>\n

    \n

    \n\t\t\t\tThe one country Kate wouldn’t advise for first-time solo travellers\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
    \n

    While Kate adores Japan<\/a>, she says it\u2019s not a good choice for novices going it alone. <\/p>\n

    Public transport in major cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto can be overwhelming; train stations are enormous, and everything is written in Japanese.<\/p>\n

    \u2018I\u2019ve been on multiple trips to Japan and still, I\u2019m bordering on a breakdown when I can\u2019t figure out where the ATM is,\u2019 Kate adds.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

    4. Thailand<\/h2>\n

    Thailand<\/a> has long been one of the world\u2019s most popular holiday destinations, and Kate says the infrastructure and well-connected transport network make it a great choice for novice solo travellers.<\/p>\n

    \u2018Thailand is phenomenally safe, and I think it\u2019s the best country to introduce yourself to Asia,\u2019 she says.<\/p>\n

    Kate has travelled the length and breadth of Thailand by bus, train and plane, and has experienced everything the South East Asian nation has to offer all budgets.<\/p>\n

    \u2018You\u2019ve got this wide spectrum from hyper budget to extreme luxury, there\u2019s something for everyone,\u2019 she explains.<\/p>\n

    In recent years, Thailand\u2019s government has been pushing hard to promote Thai culture and draw visitors to lesser-known locations.<\/p>\n

    \n
    \n
    \n
    @emmalouisestraveldiary<\/a> <\/p>\n

    The highlight of our Thailand Trip \ud83c\uddf9\ud83c\udded Everything you need to know about \ud83d\udccdKhao Sok National Park\ud83c\udfd4\ufe0f and its Floating Bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake \ud83d\udc18\ud83c\udf3f#khaosoknationalpark<\/a> #floatingbungalowskhaosok<\/a> #khaosokthailand<\/a> #thailand<\/a> #fyp<\/a> #thailand\ud83c\uddf9\ud83c\udded<\/a> #backpackinglife<\/a> #backpackingtips<\/a> #traveltipsandhacks<\/a> #traveltiktok<\/a> #khaosoktour<\/a> #khaosoktravelguide<\/a> #howtobookkhaosoknationalpark<\/a> #fy<\/a> #foryoupage<\/a> #chillaxhostel<\/a> #khaosoklake<\/a> #cheowlanlake<\/a> #CapCut<\/a> <\/p>\n

    \u266c Aesthetic \u2013 Tollan Kim<\/a> <\/section>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

    The government recently announced ambitious plans to attract 40 million tourists in 2025 \u2013 up considerably from the 35.54 million\u00a0it welcomed last year \u2013 after the Covid-related drought.<\/p>\n

    Visitor numbers are now soaring, but concerns have been raised about overcrowding, and whether mass tourism can co-exist with sustainable travel.<\/p>\n

    Experts have warned that major destinations like Phuket and Pattaya are on the verge of overtourism, and tourist taxes similar to those on the\u00a0Greek islands<\/a>\u00a0of\u00a0Santorini and Mykonos<\/a>\u00a0have been proposed.<\/p>\n

    To travel ethically, Kate recommends heading straight to the north of the country, to places like Pai and Chang Mai which are much less crowded than the islands in the south.<\/p>\n

    \u2018It\u2019s cheaper, and also just a wonderful place to visit,\u2019 she says.<\/p>\n

    Her under-the-radar recommendation is Khao Sok National Park, home to imposing limestone mountains and the oldest evergreen rainforest on Earth.<\/p>\n

    \u2018it makes a nice change from all the beaches,\u2019 Kate adds. \u2018I was there when it was raining but it didn\u2019t even matter, we were hiking through caves, really it\u2019s an incredible place.\u2019<\/p>\n

    Who is it right for: <\/strong>Everyone, including first-time solo travellers.<\/p>\n

    Flight time to UK:<\/strong> 11 hours and 40 minutes.<\/p>\n

    5. Georgia<\/h2>\n

    From its subtropical Black Sea Coast to ancient, cave-hewn monasteries, Georgia<\/a> is full of surprises.<\/p>\n

    The list of activities is as varied as its geography, from wilderness hikes and sulfur baths to wine-tasting in one of the many rolling vineyards. <\/p>\n

    That\u2019s without mentioning the cuisine or the cobblestoned quirky capital, Tbilisi<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    \u2018Tbilisi is wild, funky and wonderful,\u2019 says Kate. \u2018And once you have food in Georgia, you won\u2019t understand why there aren\u2019t Georgian restaurants everywhere.\u2019<\/p>\n

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    \n
    \n
    @thechaosdiaries<\/a> <\/p>\n

    The most underrated city, in the most underrated country! Welcome to Tbilisi in Georgia \ud83c\uddec\ud83c\uddea #georgia\ud83c\uddec\ud83c\uddea<\/a> #tbilisi<\/a> #tbilisigeorgia<\/a> #tbilisi\ud83c\uddec\ud83c\uddea<\/a> #tbilisigeorgia\ud83c\uddec\ud83c\uddea<\/a> <\/p>\n

    \u266c original sound \u2013 Alicia \u2728 Travel Blogger<\/a> <\/section>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

    It\u2019s unlikely to stay so undiscovered for long. Airlines such as British Airways and easyJet have just launched direct routes to Tbilisi for the first time, and Georgia was namechecked in many of the most prestigious travel lists for 2025.<\/p>\n

    If the capital is already too crowded for your taste, Kate advises heading for Svaneti, a mountainous region in the northwest. Its crown jewel is Ushguli, a Unesco heritage site full of ancient stone towers. <\/p>\n

    \u2018It\u2019s sort of like a little baby Manhattan,\u2019 Kate laughs. \u2018The road is horrific, but very much worth it.\u2019 <\/p>\n

    In November last year, Tbilisi was rocked by weeks of protests<\/a>, triggered by citizens\u2019 rage at the new government\u2019s plan to pause EU accession talks.<\/p>\n

    Police were pelted with fireworks and responded with tear gas and water cannons. The demonstrations calmed before Christmas, but not before more than 300 people were arrested.<\/p>\n

    Who is it right for: <\/strong>Seasoned travellers.<\/p>\n

    Flight time to UK:<\/strong> Five hours and 30 minutes. British Airways and easyJet have just launched new direct routes, cutting the journey time by almost half.<\/p>\n

    6. Bhutan<\/h2>\n

    Metro<\/strong>\u2018s Gergana Krasteva\u00a0recently wrote that of the 10 countries she visited in 2024, Bhutan trumped them all<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    Kate agrees that the isolated Himalayan kingdom is unlike anywhere else on Earth. She recommends it for seasoned travellers.<\/p>\n

    \u2018It\u2019s one of the most impressive places I\u2019ve been in a long time,\u2019 she says. \u2018It genuinely feels like you\u2019ve gone back in time.\u2019<\/p>\n

    \n
    \n
    \n
    @adventurouskate<\/a> <\/p>\n

    \ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddf9 Bhutan charges travelers $100 per day?! \ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddf9 I traveled to Bhutan last fall, and this is a country that intentionally limits its tourism. They charge travelers $100 per day to visit. And that makes a HUGE difference. Bhutan has an incredible pristine environment \u2014 and focuses on hosting fewer, higher quality travelers. I traveled with Bhutan Travel Center, who invited me as their guest. I had a great time with them and my awesome guide Sonam. Highly recommended! #bhutan<\/a> #bhutantravel<\/a> #iamatraveler<\/a> #travelblogger<\/a> #solofemaletravel<\/a> <\/p>\n

    \u266c original sound \u2013 AdventurousKate<\/a> <\/section>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

    It\u2019s easy to see why. Bhutan is the only country in the world without traffic lights, first allowed television in the 1990s, and prioritises gross domestic happiness over gross domestic product.<\/p>\n

    Landlocked between\u00a0India<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0China<\/a>, tiny Bhutan \u2013 with its cliff-hanging monasteries, verdant valleys and eastern mysticism \u2013 is a playground for eco-conscious travellers. The world\u2019s first carbon-negative country, Bhutan\u2019s constitution requires at least 60% of the country to be covered with forest; plastic has been banned since 1999.<\/p>\n

    \n
    \n\t\t\"\"\t<\/div>
    Metro\u2019s Gergana Krasteva spent a week in Bhutan in 2024 (Picture: Gergana Krasteva)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    A holiday in Bhutan is expensive; there\u2019s a daily tourist tax of $100 (\u00a382) and that\u2019s before you\u2019ve paid for a guide, which is mandatory outside the capital, Thimphu, and the surrounding Paro Valley. Hotels are staggeringly priced, with five-star resorts in the capital charging \u00a31,815 per night.<\/p>\n

    \u2018The environment is pristine, and that\u2019s because of these tourist quotas, and because so few people go there,\u2019 Kate explains.<\/p>\n

    Kate recommends a week in Bhutan, and beyond the flights and tourist levy, she says you\u2019ll spend less than you think.<\/p>\n

    Who is it right for: <\/strong>Seasoned travellers with experience in inaccessible places.<\/p>\n

    Flight time to UK:<\/strong> 13 hours 45 minutes.<\/p>\n

    \n

    \n\t\t\t\tHow to get to Bhutan\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
    \n

    There are no direct flights to Bhutan from the UK or Europe. Most flights have a stopover in neighbouring India. Bhutan is served by two national airlines: Drukair, which has plenty of connections from Kolkata and New Delhi, and Bhutan Air, which flies into Paro.<\/p>\n

    The most straightforward route from the UK is with\u00a0EVA Air<\/a>, followed by a connection with Bhutan Air. Return fares\u00a0from London Heathrow to Bangkok start at \u00a3715.59 in Economy Class, and \u00a33104.59 in Royal Laurel (Business) Class, including all taxes and charges.<\/p>\n

    EVA Air flies from London Heathrow to Bangkok year-round, with daily flights seven days a week.<\/p>\n

    Metro insider travel tip: <\/strong>On the last leg of your journey to Bhutan, snag a seat on the left of the plane to watch it drop right between the mountains, avoiding clusters of monasteries in the green valley of Paro.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

    7. Argentina<\/h2>\n

    Argentina<\/a> is one of Latin America\u2019s most diverse countries, with spectacular landscapes and a charming capital influenced by European sensibilities.<\/p>\n

    Kate has been three times, and recommends it for all levels of solo traveller. <\/p>\n

    In sexy Buenos Aires, you\u2019ll find world-class restaurants at reasonable prices. \u2018The exchange rate is quite volatile, but it makes it affordable, most of the time,\u2019 she says.<\/p>\n

    Metro<\/strong>\u2018s Audience Director Sofia Delgado grew up in the Argentinian capital. Her locals\u2019 only guide to eating in the city is Amador, for vegetarians, Sacro, for vegans, and Don Julio Parrilla for anyone after a classic Argentinian steak.<\/p>\n

    And, if you\u2019re desperate to tick another country off the bucket list, you can even take a day-trip by boat to Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay.<\/p>\n

    \u2018It makes a nice contrast to Buenos Aires, just to get a break from the bustle,\u2019 Kate adds.<\/p>\n

    Further south, Patagonia is embroidered with snowcapped mountains and jaw-dropping lakes. Kate recommends El Chalten for hiking, and says you can\u2019t miss El Calafate, a giant glacier. <\/p>\n

    Mendoza is wine country, but it also boasts a wealth of adventure sports, from mountain climbing to white-water rafting.<\/p>\n

    Who is it right for: <\/strong>Everyone, including first-time solo travellers.<\/p>\n

    Flight time to UK:<\/strong> Between 15 and 20 hours.<\/p>\n

    \n

    \n\t\t\t\tAdventurous Kate’s guide to solo travelling\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
    \n

    The best European destinations for first-time solo travellers: <\/p>\n

      \n
    • Croatia<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
        \n
      • Iceland<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
          \n
        • Ireland<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
            \n
          • Netherlands<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
              \n
            • Slovenia<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              Best destinations for first-timers around the world:<\/p>\n

                \n
              • Thailand<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                  \n
                • Mexico (specifically, Yucatan State plus Isla Holbox and Bacalar in Quintana Roo)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                    \n
                  • Canada\u2019s Atlantic Coast (specifically Newfoundland and Nova Scotia)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                      \n
                    • Australia<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                      Best solo road trip destinations:<\/p>\n

                        \n
                      • Yucatan, Mexico<\/li>\n
                      • Puglia, Italy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                        Best destinations for more experienced travellers: <\/p>\n

                          \n
                        • South Africa<\/li>\n
                        • Jordan<\/li>\n
                        • Argentina<\/li>\n
                        • Colombia<\/li>\n
                        • Albania<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                          Offbeat destinations for adventurers:<\/p>\n

                            \n
                          • Bhutan<\/li>\n
                          • Georgia<\/li>\n
                          • Guatemala<\/li>\n
                          • Sri Lanka<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                            The harbour on Hvar, one of Croatia\u2019s most popular Adriatic islands (Picture: Shutterstock) A country with no traffic lights, a mountainous village that looks like \u2018little Manhattan\u2019 and a rose-coloured desert without any tourists. These are some of the destinations recommended for solo travellers by Kate McCulley aka Adventurous Kate, an American blogger living in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2009,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2007","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2007","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2007"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2007\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2012,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2007\/revisions\/2012"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2009"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2007"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2007"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2007"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}