The Top 3 Cities for Solo Travelers

If you’re an adventurous person by nature, traveling by yourself may be one of the best things you can do given the lack of any extra obligation and responsibility you would have moving with a companion. 

After all, by traveling on your own, you’re the one who’s in charge. You get to go where you want, do what you want, eat what you want, and all on your own time without any strict schedules or deadlines you’re forced to adhere to. The experience can be highly rewarding for anyone who undertakes it, and it comes highly recommended as an excellent way to enjoy a bit of self-discovery by spending time alone with yourself and learning more about who you are.

To help you get started on a solo journey of your own, we’ve compiled a list of the top cities for solo travelers. Whether you’re looking to enjoy something unique a little closer to home or want to have an adventure abroad, there’s something for you on this list.

Essential Tips For Solo Traveling

It doesn’t matter if it’s your first time traveling by yourself, or your 100th solo excursion; there are some essential tips that every solo traveler should know and keep in mind before setting out on their journeys. 

A key thing to do before you head out is to let trusted people in your life, whether that be your family or close friends, know about your trip and what you plan to do. Give your itinerary, details of any plans, and even your reservation information for wherever you’re staying to a trusted party that you periodically check in with throughout your trip. Also, let the hotel staff know when you’re heading out on your own and a small window of when you expect to return. 

When you’re at your destination, ensure you secure any valuables like your passport or any jewelry in the hotel safe. Only take what you need with you, like a credit card, an ID, and your phone, and make sure you keep these items on you at all times. If you’re planning a day trip away from your hotel or staying somewhere less secure like a hostel, consider researching secure and convenient luggage storage options for travelers to store your items while on the go.

Tokyo, Japan

Whether you’re a deep appreciator of Japanese culture and heritage or just want to embrace a new culture different from your own, Tokyo is perhaps one of the best destinations for solo travelers. 

While still a highly social city filled with events of all kinds, from sporting events and concerts to simply enjoying some karaoke with strangers, Japan is highly accommodating for those who like to move by themselves. After all, it’s the city that perfected the idea of the highly personal capsule hotel, so no one will second-guess you dining, taking in sights, or staying in a hotel all by yourself. 

There’s plenty to see or do while you’re in Tokyo; while you won’t be able to enjoy everything it has to offer in one trip, you can enjoy one heck of a highlight reel on your journey. Specialty restaurants like top-quality ramen bars to conveyor-belt restaurants are all loaded throughout the city, offering unique ways to enjoy local cuisine. 

On top of this, the city’s renowned for its safety, so you can rest easy visiting bars and shops any time of day—even at night. 

Toronto, Canada

Located just north of the border between the United States and Canada, Toronto stands out as Canada’s best city for solo traveling. 

It manages to have a distinctly European feel as a city, while not being a dramatic departure from American culture at the same time. The city boasts a wealth of things to do and sights to see, whether you’re looking to embrace its rich culture and heritage, or just want to enjoy the area’s seemingly endless entertainment options. 

If you’re looking to save a bit of money while checking out some of the city’s top attractions, you can purchase a Toronto CityPASS to see many of them all at a reduced rate—while simultaneously avoiding lengthy ticket lines. On top of the city’s many attractions and things to do, the area surrounding Toronto is home to a wealth of natural resources and beauty for you to explore and take in. 

Queenstown, New Zealand

An underrated gem for those who like to travel by themselves, Queenstown, New Zealand is a great option for solo travelers. It’s often called one of the friendliest and safest destinations out there, and is filled with iconic landscapes and vistas that have been captured in some of the biggest movies of all time.

Queenstown is filled with rich history and plenty of things to do. Often considered the world’s adventure capital, there are plenty of opportunities for unique activities like skydiving, rafting, and bungee jumping—each of which presents new and innovative ways to take in the country’s gorgeous sights.

There are plenty of affordable, traveler-recommended hostels throughout the city. These can be a great way for you to save plenty of money on your stay while you get to bond with other travelers, learning their stories and new tips and tricks along the way.

Finding The Best Place To Travel Solo

To put it simply, the allure of traveling on your own offers prospective travelers and those struck with wanderlust an opportunity to enjoy personal growth, excitement, and unrivaled exploration. 

Whether it’s the bustling nature and cultural immersion that Tokyo can provide, to the many thrills and adventures that Queenstown offers, alongside the vibrant, welcoming vibe Toronto boasts, there’s a perfect city out there for every solo traveler. 

Of course, you’re going to want to follow some essential safety guidelines, keep your trusted loved ones informed of what you’re doing, and approach the entire experience with an open heart. In doing so, you can have one of the greatest, most life-changing experiences of your life—creating deep memories that will last a lifetime.