Where To Travel Alone in 2024

Solo traveling can be very fun and beneficial. Maybe your partner doesn't want to go on a trip. Maybe your friend dipped out on you. Maybe you just do most things alone and this is no different. Whatever the case, sometimes it's either go alone or stay home. I don't know about you, but I hate the stay home option. We usually travel as a couple, once a year I go somewhere with my mom, and other times I get a friend to go with me, but sometimes I am happy to explore on my own.

One of my favorite places to go on my own is Las Vegas. There are always people out, people always want to chat with you, there's always something happening, and if you aren't into people, there are plenty of things to do on your own where people usually don't bother you. It's like you're part of a crowd, but also not if you don't want to be. If you're looking to travel on your own, you can do it anywhere, but there are some places that are better than others to do it. Here's where to go if you are determined to go abroad.

1. Argentina - The second most popular solo destination (see Japan for the first). Argentina is a haven for any type of traveler, whether you like to be outside and hike to waterfalls or explore the city and eat great food or drink wine at any number of vineyards. 

2. Bali (and the Gili Islands) - Are you looking for water activities? If so, Bali has it all: surfing, scuba, snorkeling, white water rafting. Looking for something on land? Visit a monkey sanctuary, trek up a volcano, or visit a plethora of temples.

3. Colombia - Pirate history, fine dining, graffiti art, beautiful lakes, and nightlife. Colombia has all that and more, with a budget-friendly price tag.

4. Ecuador - Whether you're looking to indulge in history in Quito or head out to surrounding areas to enjoy outdoor adventures, Ecuador is a cheap and gorgeous destination, perfect for groups and solo travelers. 

5. Egypt - For all the sketchy things I've heard about Egypt, it is apparently a great destination for solo traveling, especially if you love archaeology. I would still be extra vigilant when going outside of larger areas that are pretty populated. 

6. Japan - Japan is becoming a hugely popular travel destination and 2023 saw their tourism numbers explode. 2024 is not looking to slow down at all. The country is full of lovely, kind people who are happy to meet you and help you get where you're trying to go. Japan is also promoting their tourism with unique and fun experiences, many that are great for solo travelers.  

7. Jordan - If you want to indulge in some desert activities, or visit the Dead Sea, Jordan is full of things for the solo traveler to do, including glamping, shopping and exploring ruins.

8. Philippines - Almost as popular as Thailand (see below) is the Philippines. With more than 7,000 islands, you are spoiled for choices, which is especially appealing if you love hiking, exploring waters and beaches, enjoying the rainforest and all it has to offer, and boating, but you can always do walking tours in cities like Intramuros. 

9. Sri Lanka - If you love a train, Sri Lanka has big appeal. Their upcountry train routes are great for slow immersive travel. You'll find quite a few US and UK travelers alongside you. 

10. Thailand - There's more to Thailand than what you see in The Hangover II, and the affordability can't be beat. There's street food, beaches, shopping, wild elephants, temples, and even kayaking.

Why travel alone? 

There are lots of reasons to travel solo, many of which don't include the fact that you have no one to go with you. I travel alone, because I like the time for myself. It's very beneficial though. These are just some of the reasons:

• You don't have to compromise your travel style with anyone else
• You can do only the things YOU want to do
• You can do as much or as little each day as you want
• You only have to worry about your own budget
• If you're an introvert, this allows you to get the much needed alone time you require to recharge
• You can try new things that nobody else wanted to do
• You can really learn how you deal with problems on your own
• Learn to be more independent and better at figuring out things like transportation and cancellations by yourself

If you think you might like to travel alone, but that you'll get lonely, make sure to call family or friends to chat, as you normally would, meet up with social media friends or an extension of a club or organization you're already a part of, take a tour, or volunteer. You don't have to spend 100% of your time by yourself. I'll often take pics and send them to a friend. This allows me to check in with them and have short chats via text. 

Where have you traveled either alone or with others that you think is a great solo travel destination?