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Do you want to travel solo? It takes a bit of courage to lace your boots and leave home, but it’s by far the best way to travel: absolute freedom, my friend!
Travelling alone does not mean being lonely!
You will quickly discover that travelling solo is the best way to make friends and build connections with locals and other backpackers.
First, book at least the first three nights of your trip in a decent hostel. A hostel is a start for a solo traveller to meet new people, discover inexpensive activities and gather advice from other travellers. Remember to take out travel insurance before you leave (don’t be uninsured, rookie)!
After exploring more than 50 countries solo, here is our list of the best places to travel by yourself:
1.The east coast of Australia
When you land at the airport, you realize how much Australia welcomes backpackers who travel alone with open arms. Whether in party mode or soul searchin’, Australia’s east coast offers the solo traveller many opportunities.
Hostels in Australia organize airport shuttles and provide plenty of solutions to make life easier for solo travellers! You’ll also find a ton of information about activities and job opportunities if you are on a Working Holiday Visa in Australia.
Most travellers follow more or less the same itinerary while dropping in hostels along the east coast, so you can easily make friends or come across the same people again (Australia is a big country, but it’s a small world!).
Here are the top 3 best destinations for solo travellers in Australia:
- Melbourne: the best party hostel in Melbourne is the Nomads (Formerly Base) St Kilda. Hit the Space Hotel for a more relaxed vibe.
- Sydney: the best solo traveller hostel in Sydney is the lovely Stoke Beach House. You can also opt for Wake Up! Sydney Central or Wake Up! Bondi Beach.
- Byron Bay: the best spot for solo travel in Byron Bay is The Surf House, followed closely by Wake Up! Byron Bay.
2. Islands in Thailand
Being the entry point for several solo travellers in Asia, Thailand has quickly become a mecca for backpackers and solo travellers. By staying in hostels in Thailand, you will make friends in a record time!
Thailand is a country where it is easy and cheap to move around, whether by low-cost flights or by an efficient ground network of minivans that will bring you everywhere. Easy peasy!
Thailand’s islands are an ideal choice if you are looking for a paradise vacation destination for your one-people group.
You can visit the islands of the Andaman Sea, located west of the Thai peninsula, such as Phuket, Railay Beach, Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta, which are often considered the most spectacular with their beaches surrounded by limestone cliffs (yes, as seen in The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio).
Or, you can opt for the islands in the Gulf of Thailand, located east of the peninsula, such as Koh Samui, Koh Tao (a diving paradise) and Koh Phangan (full moon party once a month).
Here are the top hostels for solo travellers in Thailand’s islands:
- Railay Beach: Railay Beach is a must-visit destination in Thailand! The best hostel in Railay Beach is the Social Quarter, which is a bit of a party hostel but allows you to explore the region on a budget.
- Phuket: The best hostel for solo travellers in Phuket is Lub d Phuket Patong (3 minutes away from the beach and features a large swimming pool).
- Koh Tao: On this diving island, the best hostel for solo travellers is The Dearly Koh Tao Hostel.
3. Guatemala
If you’re looking for a solo backpacking adventure on a budget, look no further than Guatemala for many great activities, including treks near active volcanoes.
Hostels in Guatemala are totally safe, perfect for meeting new people, and ideal for solo travellers! Shuttles to get around are easy to book, and there’s excellent food. Everything is affordable, so it is no surprise that Guatemala can attract many solo backpacker.
It’s also a perfect place to settle down and work remotely for several months, with the country proving a popular destination for TESL jobs!
Here are the best spots to rest your head and meet people like you in Guatemala:
- Antigua: There are plenty of great hostels in Antigua for solo travellers, including Maya Papaya (super cute little hostel), Selina Antigua (big hostel with great coworking and blazing fast internet) and Ojala Hostel.
- Atitlan Lake: From the selection of activities and the friendly local people, the Selina Atitlan in Panahachel is our choice in that region!
- El Paredon: This surfing paradise attracts a lot of people. The best hostel in El Paredon is the Mellow Hostel designed carefully with a superb swimming pool.
4. Portugal
With its mild climate, stunning beaches and vibrant culture, Portugal attracts a lot of solo travellers! It’s a place to make friends with super-welcoming locals and fellow travellers.
If you travel by backpack, this is one of the places in the world where you will get the most value for money. You can meet great people without blowing your budget and compromising your comfort.
Get ready, here are the top 3 best destinations for solo travellers in Portugal:
- Lisbon: The best hostel for solo travellers in Lisbon is Goodmorning Solo Traveller Hostel or the Yes! Lisbon Hostel. Actually, in Lisbon, most hostels are fantastic!
- Porto: There are plenty of great choices for hostels for solo travellers in Porto, like Lost Inn Porto and The House of Sandeman – Hostel & Suites.
- Lagos (in the Algarve): The best-relaxed hostels in Lagos are Olive Hostel Lagos, Bura Surfhouse, Banana Beach House Lagos. For those, already wil’ out for a party reading these words, head toward the Rising Cock Party Hostel, the ultimate party hostel.
5. Ecuador
This Latin American country will seduce you with its mountains and pristine beaches. It is a hub for backpackers in South America, where you will meet a lot of travellers!
If you want an exotic destination this year, you should choose Ecuador. The best spots for solo travellers in Ecuador are:
- Ayampe / Las Tunas: Right next to the famous party town of Montañita, discover Ayampe, a more chill version for surfing and relaxing at the Onda Hostel run by Quebecers.
- Puerto Engabao Beach: If you’re headed to this area, it’s definitely to stay at the Free Spirit Hostel Ecuador for a stay filled with surfing, yoga, and making new connections.
- Baños is Ecuador’s capital of extreme sports, with the famous swing at the world’s end! The best hostels for solo travellers in Baños are Mama Tungu Hostel and the Erupcion Art Hotel & Hostel.
Travelling solo can initially seem intimidating, but it can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life! The five featured destinations offer various unique experiences, from outdoor adventure to discovering fascinating cultures.
It’s your adventure; create lifetime memories!
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