Austria is the best country for solo travel, according to a new analysis.
getty
Your first solo trip is more than just a vacation—it’s a journey of self-discovery, independence, and adventure on your own terms. But where you choose to go can make or break your solo traveling experience. The best solo travel destinations put you on the path to a smooth, rewarding experience that feels safe, easy, and welcoming.
So, how do you find the perfect place for a solo trip? A new analysis from Places to Travel on the best countries for solo travel can help.
Their team of researchers looked at factors about each country that can make a big difference for a solo traveler, such as crime and safety, how widely English is spoken and understood, cost of public transportation and accommodations, and the overall quality of life. The data came from a mix of high-quality sources, including the Global Peace Index, Numbeo surveys, English test results, and travel budgeting sites.
“Solo travel can be a nerve-wracking thing,” said Jason Wilson, chief executive officer of Places to Travel, in a press release about the report. “Not traveling with another person can also be risky depending on where you go, so it’s important to either look after yourself or pick an itinerary that ensures you won’t run into trouble.”
Here are the rankings of the 10 best countries for solo travel, according to Places to Travel.
1. Austria
Best country for solo travel: Austria.
getty
Austria took the crown as the best country for solo travel, racking up an impressive overall index score of 7.33. With high marks for quality of life, healthcare, safety, and low crime risk, it’s the kind of place where you can feel confident exploring on your own. Sure, accommodations average $160 per night (a bit steep for budget travelers), but the country makes up for it with budget-friendly public transportation—an average one-way trip costs just $2.68. Plus, with the highest English proficiency score on the list, you won’t be left playing charades to order a slice of Sachertorte. Don’t miss the breathtaking beauty of Hallstatt, a fairy-tale village nestled between the mountains and the lake. It’s Instagram gold!
2. Denmark
Denmark: the second-best country for solo travel.
getty
Ranked as the second-best country for solo traveling, Denmark shines with its stellar quality of life, low crime risk, and excellent healthcare. At $3.45 for the typical one-way ticket, public transportation is more expensive than in Austria, but the average hotel cost is just $133 per night. Plus, with a warm, welcoming vibe, solo travelers will feel right at home in Denmark, whether you’re cycling down the picturesque streets of Copenhagen or climbing the migrating sand dune of Råbjerg Mile.
3. Switzerland
Places to Travel ranked Switzerland as one of the best countries for solo travel.
getty
Switzerland came in as the third-best country for solo travel, thanks to its high scores for quality of life and safety. However, solo travelers might be in for some sticker shock at the prices in this destination—Places to Travel found that the average hotel came in at $191 a night and a one-way public transportation ticket runs $3.91, the highest of all countries on the list. But the breathtaking beauty and hiking opportunities in places like Grindelwald (gateway to the Top of Europe, the highest train station in Europe) make it worth every penny.
4. Singapore
Singapore took the 4th spot on the list of the best places for solo travelers.
getty
If you’re up for a long-haul flight, Singapore makes an excellent destination for solo travelers. It came in fourth place for its ultra low-cost public transportation (just $1.48 for a one-way ticket), high safety, and high English proficiency. Just be sure to leave plenty of room in your budget for accommodations—Singapore has the highest nightly hotel costs ($196) of the best countries for solo travel. While there, unwind among the stunning orchids and serene lakes at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then fuel up at the world-renowned hawker stalls.
5. Finland
Travelers can chase the Northern Lights in Finland, one of the best countries for solo travel.
getty
With an overall score of 7.1, Finland took the fifth spot on the list of the best countries for solo travel. It scored well on the Global Peace Index, along with metrics for healthcare and quality of life. The average night at a hotel costs $125—not bad for a solo trip. Plus the country offers so much to see and do, whether you want to wander through Helsinki’s vibrant design district, cozy up in a cottage on Lake Saimaa, or chase the Northern Lights in Lapland.
6. Norway
Norway—one of the best countries for solo travel.
getty
High English proficiency levels, healthcare scores, and safety earned Norway the number six spot on the list of the best solo travel destinations. While its public transportation costs are on the pricey end of the spectrum ($3.86 for a one-way ticket, on average), accommodations aren’t too expensive. The average nightly hotel cost is just slightly better than Finland at $124. Kickstart your solo trip to Norway in Bergen, where you can explore the picture-perfect historic wharf, hike Mount Fløyen, and sample traditional lefse—a delicious potato flatbread.
7. Portugal
Portugal had the lowest average hotel costs on the list of the best countries for solo travel.
getty
Portugal emerges as a top country for solo travelers, taking the seventh spot on this list. Whether you’re trying to find the best pastéis de nata in Lisbon, sampling wine in Porto, or soaking up the sun on the stunning Algarve coast, Portugal offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation for those traveling on their own. It’s also a fantastic bang for your buck, with public transportation priced at just $2.14 for the average one-way ticket and an average hotel night costing only $98—a steal!
8. Belgium
Belgium is a hidden gem for solo travelers
getty
Belgium is a hidden gem for solo travelers. It took the eighth place on this list after receiving relatively high scores in healthcare and English proficiency. With nightly hotel costs at $118 and a trip on public transportation at $2.68, Belgium won’t break the bank for people traveling on their own. It also makes a great jumping off point for other parts of Europe after you’ve explored the country’s charming cities and historic sites.
9. Germany
Germany is 9th on the list of the best countries for solo travel.
getty
Germany’s got something for every type of solo traveler, whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in history in Munich, soak in the legendary thermal baths of the Black Forest, or check out the vibrant arts scene in Berlin. Data analyzed by Places to Travel showed that the destination is relatively safe, has a high-quality of life, and decent English proficiency scores. No need to look for a hostel if you’re on a budget—the average nightly hotel cost in Germany is just $106.
10. Sweden
Sweden rounds out the list of the best countries for solo travel.
getty
Solo travelers, don’t sleep on Sweden. This country earned an overall score of 6.7 in the analysis of the best countries for solo travel due to its low risk of crime, high quality of life, and relatively affordable average hotel cost ($120 a night). Solo travelers in Sweden can spend their days wandering through Stockholm’s historic Gamla Stan, enjoying a serene boat ride in the Stockholm archipelago, or exploring the medieval ruins of Gotland—all while feeling safe and at home.
