Looking for the best solo travel adventures to go on? You’re in the right place. This post rounds up 14 trips across five continents, from chasing the Northern Lights in Iceland to hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in New Zealand. Some I’ve done. Others are still on my list, and I’m slowly ticking them off.

If I can tell you one thing in life, it is that Solo travel is truly life-changing. I honestly believe everyone should do it at least once. And once you’ve got the bug, you’ll want to go again. And again. And again.

It’s a time of personal development. Yes, you’ll see new places and try new food. But more importantly, you learn who you really are. You become stronger, more resilient and more independent. Nothing fazes you when you get home, because you faced it all alone. Sure, there are downsides. In my experience, the upsides win every time. See what lessons I learned and how I changed during my solo travel experience here.

So you’ve decided to go. I’m so happy for you. It’s going to be the best time of your life! But where do you go first? Where’s safe? Where’s close? Will you meet like-minded travellers? Can you do it on a low budget?

These solo travel adventures cover all of that. Go on safari in Kenya to spot the Big 5. Interrail through Europe’s big cities. Island-hop in Thailand. Or try a UK staycation if you want adventure closer to home. Keep reading to find the solo travel adventures that suit you, plus the honest tips you need to plan your own trip.

Here are 14 solo adventures you must go on in your lifetime

Backpack the East Coast of Australia

A very popular solo destination, and for good reason. Australia is a safe destination full of solo travellers, and with no language barrier, it is a great place for beginner solo travellers. Check out my complete guide to solo travel in Australia here. For me, I remember as a child dreaming of going to Australia to see Kangaroos and going to see the famous red Uluru. Definitely worth going, especially if you love beaches and the Aussie chilled-out way of life.

Marvel at the Northern Lights in Iceland.

I imagine this is on most people’s bucket lists… and I’m not surprised! I did a 4-day road trip in Iceland a couple of years ago, but I never saw the lights, so I’d love to go back someday. Iceland has some of the most surreal landscapes I’ve ever seen, and it’s a wonderful place to get perspective and inspiration. Iceland isn’t exactly a cheap trip, but it’s totally worth it for a trip of a lifetime. Check out our guide on how to do Iceland on a budget.

Take surfing lessons in Portugal.

We develop our sense of self and personality by exposing ourselves to new experiences. This could be solo travelling for the first time, getting to know a new culture, learning a new skill… or all three combined! Only a stone’s throw away from anywhere in Europe, why not combine it with a Portugal road trip?

Go on safari in Kenya.

An amazing place to catch the Big 5! Think lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo, all in one trip. Honestly, going on safari is not as expensive as I once thought. There are affordable ways to do it, and I’ve shared all my tips and tricks in my Kenya blog posts linked below.

Check out my Kenyan adventures here.

Go Christmas shopping in New York.

Visiting New York would be an unforgettable experience at any time of year… but imagine how magical it would be at Christmas! Lights, trees, and Christmas cheer all around… yes please! Picture the huge tree at Rockefeller Centre, ice skating in Central Park and the festive window displays along Fifth Avenue. Solo or not, it’s hard not to get swept up in it. Check out our best free things to do in New York guide.

Interrail through Europe’s major cities.

Want to see a big chunk of Europe without the stress of booking flights? Try Interrail. One pass lets you hop between cities by train, so you can go at your own pace and add stops as you go. It’s a brilliant way to travel solo. The cities are close together, the trains are easy, and you’ll meet plenty of other travellers along the way. I’d love to do a trip that includes (in no particular order):

• Paris – Check out my Paris bucket list here.
• Berlin – Check out my 48-hour Berlin guide here.
• Brussels – Read about my solo trip through Belgium here.
• Amsterdam – Get Amsterdam inspiration in my complete guide to the city here.
• Copenhagen – See what I got up to in Copenhagen in this blog post.
• Vienna – Check out 16 Best things to do on a budget in Vienna.
• Athens – See our Best things to do in Athens guide
• Rome. Have a look at my weekend guide to Rome here.
• Sevilla – Complete Spain travel guide, Seville edition
• Budapest

Try a staycation in the UK!

Whether you’d prefer a city break in London or a breath of fresh air in the countryside, we really do have everything right under our noses! Adventure is right on your doorstep… You just have to find it! Think coastal walks in Cornwall, misty lochs in the Scottish Highlands or a weekend wandering the streets of Edinburgh. It’s easy to get to, budget-friendly, and a great way to test the waters before heading further afield.

Volunteer in the Philippines

Volunteering in the Philippines was a life-changing point on my solo travels in 2016, and I’d encourage all of you to do the same! Find an ethical way to volunteer (rather than giving into voluntourism) and give something back to the community we are fortunate enough to travel in. Check out Robyn’s experience volunteering in Thailand here.

Visit the Emerald Isle, Ireland.

Close enough to home to go for the weekend, far enough away that it feels like a holiday, Ireland is a great destination for your first solo trip! Wander the lively streets of Dublin, then head west to see the Cliffs of Moher and the Wild Atlantic Way. The pubs are full of live music and the locals are famously friendly, so you’ll never feel alone for long while doing a solo trip.

Island hop in Thailand

The Thai islands are stunning, and offer everything from a night of partying to some quiet beach time. If you are a foodie, Thailand is a must-visit, with some of the best food in the world. Whether you like pad Thai, pad kra pao or a som yum soup, it’s hard not to fall in love with the delicious cuisine. And did I mention that Thailand is called the land of smiles because of its incredibly friendly locals?

Take on the world’s best day hike in New Zealand.

New Zealand in general is a great place to explore solo, but I’d definitely recommend booking onto the Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike! I completed it during my solo travels in New Zealand. It’s the best hike I’ve ever been on, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Check out my experience here.

Breathe in the mountain air in Canada.

A place I would love to call home, Canada really does have it all. Cities, mountains, lakes, wildlife and more, all itching to be explored. Hike around turquoise Lake Louise and Banff in the Rockies, then swap the peaks for the food and culture of Vancouver or Toronto. Those destinations really are bucket-list destinations for lots of people. Solo travellers are made to feel welcome here, and the hostels and group tours make it easy to meet people.

Get involved with the hustle and bustle in Hong Kong.

A city full of energy where east meets west, you won’t run out of things to do in this vibrant city! From the night street markets to the amazing food scene and walks in nature just outside the city centre, there’s plenty of opportunity for adventure. Escape the crowds with a day trip to Lantau Island. Ride the Ngong Ping cable car up to the Big Buddha, then wander the stilt houses of the fishing village of Tai O, one of my favourite days in Hong Kong, so I’d highly recommend.

Enjoy a luxury beach break in Indonesia.

Indonesia is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to, and has something for every traveller, whether you’re someone who wants to meet other solo travellers on the ever-busier island of Bali, or would prefer to go somewhere off the beaten track.

If you’ve got questions about solo travel, let me and Christianne from Backpacking Bananas answer them in my video…

Have you been solo travelling?

Where did you go? I’d love to know!

Love as always + happy adventuring,

Mollie.