7 of the best destinations for a solo adventure

Jessica Baldwin

Jessica Baldwin

Tired of leaving incredible destinations feeling like you didn't do them justice? Then why not go it alone on your next foreign fling? Forget syncing schedules and compromising itineraries, travelling solo* gives you the freedom to discover new places at your own pace.

Out in the wilds of Madeira
Out in the wilds of Madeira © Dennisvdwater - Adobe Stock Image

When done right, it's incredibly liberating; no more missing sunrises, shortening hikes or skipping sights; you set the agenda! Plus, it frees you from distractions, allowing you to immerse yourself in the place, people and culture.

The first big decision you'll face is where to go. So, whether you want to hike volcanoes at the crack of dawn or lose yourself in the world's largest city, here's our pick of incredible destinations that are perfect for a solo adventure.

Book your escape: find great value solo holidays to destinations worldwide* with TUI. You can also save on trips where single adults are travelling with children* too.

Tokyo, Japan

The thrilling, neon-hued megalopolis of Tokyo may seem daunting, but really, it's just a big, beautiful patchwork of colourful neighbourhoods, knitted together by gleaming skyscrapers and ancient temples.

It may be one of the world's largest cities but Tokyo's practical pod hotels and penchant for relaxed conveyor-belt sushi restaurants work brilliantly for those travelling alone. Plus, this year it's the world's safest city!

Don't fancy squeezing into a pod? Book a cosy ryokan (a Japanese B&B with communal areas for mingling). Before you know it, you'll be admiring fashion fairies in vibrant Harajuku and museum-hopping around Ueno Park; visit in spring and it'll be carpeted in cherry blossom.

For a change of scene, board a high-speed ferry and within two hours you could be touring Tokyo's islands; head to volcanic Oshima to witness its jaw-dropping black desert.

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Amsterdam, Netherlands

Safe, friendly and liberal, happy-go-lucky Amsterdam* makes the perfect artsy city break for solitary culture vultures, with world-class museums and galleries never more than a cycle ride away. Plus, reachable by plane or Eurostar, getting there is quick and easy.

Scenic canalside houses of Amsterdam
Scenic canalside houses of Amsterdam © Yasonya - Adobe Stock Image

Spend your first morning cruising along the UNESCO-listed, gable-flanked waterways to get your bearings and suss out 'Dam's colourful neighbourhoods; plus, the audio headsets also allow you to be shamelessly unsociable, should you wish.

Want to mingle? Head to the city's 'brown cafés'; they are to Amsterdam what boozers are to London. For a bird's-eye view of the city, head up to the A'DAM Lookout; the lofty observation deck boasts unrivalled panoramic views and you can release your inner child on the enormous swing which lets you soar high above the city.

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Madeira

The raw, rugged beauty of this volcanic island makes it a great jet-lag-free pick for outdoor enthusiasts. Being well-serviced by budget airlines, the 'Pearl of the Atlantic' is affordable and easy to reach, with its fun-filled capital, Funchal* proving a great base from which to launch one's island adventure.

An exciting network of well-signed trails makes hiking the island's 20-million-year-old rainforest a doddle. Crisscrossed with 'levadas' (irrigation channels) and peppered with fern-flanked waterfalls, this ancient laurel-rich forest has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Elsewhere in Madeira*, craggy coastal walks along the dolphin-dotted Atlantic and salty swims in the island's sea-fed natural pools await.

Thirsty for more adrenaline-fuelled fun? Meet fellow travellers on Funchal's group excursions; kayak through Garajau Partial Nature Reserve's crystal-clear waters, abseil down majestic waterfalls in Funchal Ecological Park or try coasteering.

Climate in Madeira

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Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Small but mighty Lanzarote*, aka the 'Island of Fire', punches well above its weight when it comes to bucket-list experiences; trek through lava fields, paddle on jet-black beaches or scale vast volcanoes.

Avoid the busy coastal resorts and opt for a traditional whitewashed village; bohemian Haria is a strong contender. Set within the whimsically named 'valley of a thousand palm trees' its sweet pavement cafés and artsy weekly market mean you can always find friendly faces when needed.

The island's roads are easy to navigate, the footpaths are well-marked and locals welcome visitors with open arms, making the island your oyster.

But, it doesn't all have to be all go, go, go: spend downtime strolling around traditional fishing villages, visit Caesar Manrique's incredible abodes or go wine-tasting in otherworldly La Geria.

Climate in Lanzarote

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Reykjavik, Iceland

When it comes to footloose, fancy-free solo travelling it's hard to beat Iceland.

Named the safest country in the world for the umpteenth year, and with a staunch passion for gender equality, it's a no-brainer for women after a solitary adventure in the great outdoors.

Safety aside, Iceland is one great big adventure playground. Depending upon when you visit you could find yourself chasing the magical Northern Lights or experiencing the country's mind-blowing mid-summer midnight sun.

Spy the Aurora Borealis over the sea
Spy the Aurora Borealis over the sea © Sailing Away - Adobe Stock Image

Basing yourself in friendly Reykjavik* is a great shout for those wanting to be able to dip in and out of exhilarating group tours; spot whales, walk through lava fields, venture into ice caves and admire glistening glaciers.

But don't forget to put aside time to enjoy the city; its edgy galleries, playful street art and bevy of geothermal natural pools make the perfect antidote for the weary lone traveller.

Climate in Reykjavik

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Dublin, Ireland

As one of the safest and friendliest destinations in the world, the Emerald Isle is a great choice for those dipping their toe into solo travel. Start off in peppy Dublin, which has plenty of single-room B&Bs and affordable hostels to save you from the dreaded single-room supplement.

The city's compact centre also means you can see many of its best bits on foot. Join in 'the craic' in the Temple Bar district; its historic cobbled streets are packed with centuries-old pubs offering free live music.

Find drinking alone a little daunting? Book an organised pub crawl. Then, blow away the cobwebs with a clifftop hike around Dublin Bay.

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San Sebastián, Spain

Feeling comfortable dining out alone is often one of the biggest hurdles for solo travellers. But throwing yourself into a city's food scene is a big part of experiencing the culture.

Inviting La Concha Bay, San Sebastian, Spain
Inviting La Concha Bay, San Sebastian, Spain © Samael334 - Adobe Stock Image

The culinary capital of Spain*, San Sebastián, is the ideal place to master this skill. It may have an eye-watering number of Michelin-starred restaurants, but the best way to get a taste of this garlic-scented city is on an organised pintxos bar crawl.

You'll meet fellow foodies and try each establishment's speciality dish along the way, giving you the confidence and knowledge to nail it alone for the rest of your stay.

When not snacking your way around the city, revel in its glorious belle epoque architecture, hit the surf at Zurriola Beach or work up an appetite kayaking to the pinch-me pretty Isla de Santa Clara.

Climate in San Sebastián

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Ready to book your solo adventure? Browse the current offers on holidays for all with TUI.

TUI sale: up to £300 off holidays in 2025/2026

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Jessica Baldwin

Jessica Baldwin

Posted on Friday 5th April 2024 in: Adventure Asia City Europe

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