Picture this: your passport in your hand, a one-way ticket booked, and absolutely no one else’s opinion to consider. Solo travel is one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself — and if you’re just getting started, choosing the right destination makes all the difference. The best solo travel destinations for first-timers are places where it’s easy to meet people, get around independently, and feel safe without a travel buddy by your side. Whether you’re a nervous first-timer or just finally ready to go, this guide has got you covered.

Why Solo Travel Is Easier Than You Think

A lot of people put off solo travel because they imagine getting lost, feeling lonely, or making expensive mistakes. The truth? Most seasoned solo travellers will tell you their first trip alone was the one that changed everything. The world is genuinely more set up for independent travellers than it’s ever been.

Hostel culture has evolved massively. Booking platforms like Hostelworld make it easy to find highly rated social spots where you’ll meet like-minded travellers within hours of arriving. Apps like Google Maps, Revolut, and Rome2rio have made navigating foreign cities almost foolproof. You don’t need to be fearless — you just need to start.

One thing most visitors miss when planning their first solo trip is that the destination itself does a lot of the heavy lifting. Choose a well-trodden backpacker trail and you’ll never really be alone — there’s a whole community of solo travellers doing the same thing, and it’s surprisingly easy to fall in with them.

The Best Countries for First-Time Solo Travellers

Some destinations are just built for solo travel. They’ve got reliable transport, English-speaking locals, strong tourism infrastructure, and a reputation for welcoming independent visitors. Here are a few that consistently top the list.

Portugal

Lisbon and Porto are fantastic entry points for solo travel in Europe. English is widely spoken, the food is incredible (a full meal with wine can cost around $12-15 USD, roughly AED 44-55), and the cities are compact enough to explore on foot. It’s about a 7-hour flight from Dubai, with direct connections on Emirates. Visa-free for most Tier 1 passports.

Thailand

Thailand has been a solo travel staple for decades, and for good reason. The infrastructure for backpackers is second to none — you can hop between Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and the islands with ease. Budget around $30-50 USD per day (AED 110-185), which covers a decent guesthouse, street food, and a tuk-tuk or two. Visa-on-arrival is available for most nationalities. Flydubai and Air Arabia both serve Bangkok at competitive prices.

Japan

Japan might seem intimidating, but it’s arguably one of the safest and most organised countries in the world for solo travel. The train system is legendary, crime rates are incredibly low, and solo dining is genuinely part of the culture — many restaurants have solo counter seats. Expect to budget $80-120 USD per day (AED 295-440). It’s roughly a 9-hour flight from Dubai on Emirates.

Practical Tips for Planning Your First Solo Trip

Getting the logistics right takes some of the nerves out of the equation. Here’s what actually makes a difference when you’re heading out alone for the first time:

Book your first night in advance. Arriving somewhere new without accommodation sorted is unnecessarily stressful. Even if you plan to be spontaneous, have that first night locked in.
Share your itinerary with someone at home. A simple Google doc or WhatsApp message with your plans and hotel name is enough — it’s basic safety and it puts minds at ease.
Carry a portable charger. Your phone is your map, translator, and lifeline. Don’t let it die on you in an unfamiliar city.
Stay in social accommodation first. Hostels with common areas, walking tours, and cooking classes are gold for meeting people when you’re new to solo travel.
Learn three phrases in the local language. Hello, thank you, and where is the bathroom. Locals genuinely appreciate the effort.
Get travel insurance — every single time. World Nomads and SafetyWing are popular options. It costs a fraction of what one emergency medical bill would.

One underrated tip: arrive somewhere in the morning rather than late at night. You’ll be able to get your bearings in daylight, which is so much less overwhelming than arriving in the dark in a new city.

Best Time to Go and What It’ll Cost You

Timing your trip can mean the difference between peak-season chaos and a relaxed, affordable experience. For most popular solo travel destinations, the sweet spot is shoulder season — just before or after the busiest tourist months.

For Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Bali), aim for November to February. The weather is drier, the crowds are manageable, and flights from Dubai are often cheaper in early November before the Christmas rush. For Europe, September and October are ideal — school holidays are over, prices drop, and the weather is still warm.

As a rough guide, here’s what first-timers typically spend per day: Southeast Asia runs $25-40 USD (AED 92-147), Southern Europe sits at $60-90 USD (AED 220-330), and Japan or Australia tends to be $90-130 USD (AED 330-477). These figures cover accommodation, food, local transport, and a couple of activities — not flights.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solo Travel for Beginners

Is solo travel safe for first-timers?

Yes, especially if you choose beginner-friendly destinations with strong tourism infrastructure. Countries like Portugal, Japan, Thailand, and New Zealand consistently rank among the safest for solo travellers. Common-sense precautions — keeping valuables secure, sharing your itinerary, and staying aware of your surroundings — go a long way. Most solo travellers report feeling safer abroad than they expected.

How do I meet people when travelling alone?

The easiest ways are staying in social hostels, joining free walking tours (tip-based, widely available in most cities), signing up for day tours or cooking classes, and using apps like Meetup or Couchsurfing events. Solo travellers tend to find each other — once you’re in a hostel common room or on a group tour, conversations happen naturally.

How much money do I need for my first solo trip?

It depends heavily on your destination. A 10-day trip to Thailand can be done comfortably on $500-700 USD (AED 1,835-2,570) excluding flights. A 10-day trip to Japan or Western Europe is more realistically $1,200-1,800 USD (AED 4,400-6,600) excluding flights. Always budget a 15-20% buffer for unexpected costs — transport delays, spontaneous experiences, or a really good restaurant you didn’t plan on.

Your first solo trip doesn’t have to be a grand adventure across three continents. It can be a long weekend in Lisbon or a week on the beaches of Koh Lanta — what matters is that you go. Pick a destination that excites you, do a little research, and book the ticket. The confidence you’ll gain from navigating even one trip alone is genuinely life-changing. Ready to start planning? Head to nextdestinationai.com for destination guides, packing lists, and everything else you need to make your first solo trip one you’ll actually remember.