The 16 best solo travel destinations in the world

Whether you are on a journey of self-discovery or need some vacation time to yourself, solo travel can offer rewarding adventures. If you’ve never traveled alone before, the thought can be intimidating. But once you hit the road, you might find your own company is the best company.

One benefit of solo travel is the freedom to do as you please on your own schedule. It can also allow you to step out of your comfort zone to try new things and even form new friendships on the road.

Solo travel is also more accessible than ever, thanks to tour companies offering new group trips geared toward single travelers.

No matter your reason or goal for traveling solo, there are destinations just waiting to be experienced. Here are our top picks for solo destinations around the world.

Thailand

Best for: Adventurers who want to explore a well-trodden destination

If this is your first solo travel experience, Thailand is a great starter locale. The tourism industry runs like a well-oiled machine. You’ll never really be alone because it is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations, hosting more than 35 million visitors annually. It was once the backbone of the backpacker travel scene for its mix of affordability, delicious food, stunning beaches, vibrant cities, and both natural and cultural attractions; now, Thailand attracts a wide swath of travelers, including those on solo stints.

You’ll want to begin and end with a few days in Bangkok, which has a fantastic food scene and great nightlife. Jay Fai is a Michelin-starred street food eatery famed for its crab omelets, drunken noodles and hard-to-get tables. It doesn’t take reservations, and there is often a line before the doors open at 9 a.m.; solo travelers may have an advantage by squeezing into available counter seats, though.

Fly south and spend a week exploring the Gulf of Thailand, home to tropical islands like Koh Samui (where parts of “The White Lotus” season three were filmed) and Koh Tao (where there is excellent diving). Hop across to the Andaman Sea coastline afterward, where you’ll find beach resorts for all budgets in Phuket, Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands.

You’ll also want to spend some time in northern Thailand, including Chiang Mai. This city is home to hundreds of elaborate Buddhist temples and a famed night market. It also serves as a jumping-off point for multiday treks through jungle and waterfall-dotted landscapes.

Where to stay

In one of Bangkok’s tallest skyscrapers, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon is a playful, hip boutique with eye-catching art and design and a celebrity scene. Rates start at $176 per night.

“The White Lotus” set-jetters will want to book the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, the main hotel backdrop for season three. Rooms start at $1,260 per night.

The Banyan Tree Phuket offers chic digs in private pool villas. Solo travelers will like the number of curated experiences this resort offers, including cooking classes, local market tours and a meditative labyrinth walk. Rates start at $344 per night.

In Chiang Mai’s Old City, the Inside House has just 31 opulent rooms and suites. The 13 private, marble-tiled pool suites are a content creator’s dream. Rates start at $138 per night.

New York City

Best for: Those seeking energy, culture and a never-ending list of things to do

New York City isn’t just a great solo travel destination — it might be the ultimate solo travel destination. It’s a place where doing things alone isn’t just normal, it’s part of the culture. Dinner for one? Chic. A Broadway show solo? Power move. Wandering through world-class museums at your own pace? Chef’s kiss.

And don’t let what they say about unfriendly New Yorkers fool you: New Yorkers may seem in a hurry, but they’re actually incredibly big-hearted. It’s a city where you’ll never feel alone unless you want to be.

Start your day with a proper New York City breakfast: a bagel. Hit up Brooklyn Bagel for something on the go, or stop in Russ & Daughters for a classic lox-and-schmear situation. Take your breakfast to Central Park, where you can rent a Citi Bike and cruise through the trails, or park yourself on a bench and watch the nonstop parade of New Yorkers.

Next, it’s time to museum-hop. Solo travelers have the advantage of skipping the “Should we go here?” debate, so go wild. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a must (and don’t miss the rooftop garden in summer). MoMa is a dream for modern art lovers, and the Morgan Library & Museum is like a time warp.

For retail therapy, you have options: designer boutiques in SoHo, iconic flagships on Fifth Avenue, or vintage finds in neighborhoods like Greenpoint, Bushwick or Astoria.

For a killer sunset, take the free Staten Island Ferry for a breezy, budget-friendly view of the Statue of Liberty. At night, New York City really flexes. You can score last-minute Broadway tickets via TKTS or TodayTix. If live music is more your scene, check out Blue Note for jazz or Cafe Carlyle for old-school cabaret vibes.

Where to stay

For a chic but affordable stay, The Moxy Chelsea rises 35 stories above Manhattan. It offers floor-to-ceiling windows, stylish micro-rooms and easy access to several subway lines. Rates start at $407 or 64,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

The Ludlow Hotel on the Lower East Side is a boutique hotel with industrial-style rooms, incredible city views and a cozy bar that’s perfect for a nightcap. Nightly rates start at $369.

Splurge at The Ned NoMad Hotel, which combines European glam with New York City edge. Rates start at $608 per night.

If you’re a budget traveler who still wants style, The Pod 39 Hotel has compact but sleek rooms, a lively rooftop bar and a central location near Grand Central. Starting rates are $307 per night.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Best for: Beach lovers who also want a buzzy nightlife scene

Mexico has a lengthy list of hot spots for solo travelers, but Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific coast is where solo travelers go for a mix of chill beach days, culture and just the right amount of after-dark fun. This coastal capital is famous for its friendly residents, walkable Old Town and a nightlife scene that can only be described as “flip-flop chic.”

Start your day in Old Town (aka the Zona Romantica), where cobblestone streets lead to cozy coffee shops, colorful street art and legendary tacos. Grab breakfast at Coco’s Kitchen (try the chilaquiles), or sip a latte and read a book at A Page in the Sun. Pro-tip: The slice of chocolate cake is deadly.

Take a walk along the Malecon, Puerto Vallarta’s beachfront promenade. Snap some pictures with the statues that line the waterfront, watch street performances or gaze out across the Bay of Banderas at the mountainous coastline. Feeling fancy? Treat yourself to dinner at Tintoque, one of the city’s best restaurants perched along the Rio Cuale.

For an off-the-grid adventure, hop on a water taxi to Yelapa, a secluded beach village accessible only by water. If you prefer to break a sweat before your beach day, tackle the Boca de Tomatlan to Playa Las Animas hike; it’s a 2-mile coastal trail with pit stops at hidden beaches along the way.

If you’re feeling social, sign up for a Vallarta Food Tours, where you’ll sample everything from ceviche to pork belly tacos. You’ll make more than a few friends in the process.

Puerto Vallarta is one of the most LGBTQIA+-friendly destinations in the world, so solo travelers — no matter how they identify — can feel right at home. The Palm Cabaret Bar puts on a runway-worth drag show, while El Solar is perfect for a laid-back oceanfront beer.

Where to stay

If you don’t mind splurging, Hotel Mousai is an adults-only, all-inclusive playground with rooftop pools, fabulous dining and suites with private plunge pools on the balcony. Room-only rates start at $405 per night

For travelers who want to be closer to the downtown action, Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway is a small beachfront all-inclusive resort within walking distance of the Malecon and downtown. Room-only rates start at $231 per night.

Related: The best all-inclusive resorts in Puerto Vallarta

South Africa

Best for: Your first solo trip to Africa

Playing the backdrop for incredible wildlife safaris, thriving cities, beautiful beaches, wine regions and some of the world’s most iconic road trips, South Africa is one of the most scenically diverse and accessible solo travel destinations on the African continent.

United Airlines flies nonstop to Cape Town International Airport (CPT) from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Dulles International Airport (IAD); it also flies nonstop to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) from EWR. Delta Air Lines flies nonstop to JNB from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL). Plus, South Africa’s infrastructure is solid, making it easy to get around by car, plane and public transport.

Cape Town is one of the world’s most stunning cities and has become quite a hot spot with digital nomads, thanks to its affordability and friendly vibe. Built around the towering flat-topped Table Mountain, it sits on a peninsula surrounded by white sand beaches sandwiched between (deceptively cold) turquoise waters and a series of dramatic rock cliffs known as the Twelve Apostles. Adding to the allure, there are plenty of day trip destinations within reach, including the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek wine regions, the penguin-populated Boulder Beach and Africa’s southernmost point, Cape Agulhas.

Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest city and another main hub. Here, travelers can visit the historically significant township of Soweto, where Nelson Mandela lived for 18 years before his arrest in 1962. Johannesburg has a vibrant nightlife scene, from trendy bars and clubs in Melville to legendary jazz at Kippies in Newtown. Of course, no visit to South Africa would be complete without a safari in Kruger National Park or a private concession like Sabi Sands.

Road-tripping in South Africa can also be legendary. From Cape Town, head east for six hours to the start of the Garden Route in Mossel Bay — one of South Africa’s most famous road trips. The 190-mile coastline drive takes you through charming beach holiday towns like Knysna, known for its oysters and subtropical evergreen forest; it’s best to spend three to five days here.

South African backpacker hostels are usually stylish affairs that offer ample opportunities to meet other adventurers. You won’t need to stay in a dorm room either; nearly all offer private accommodations among the choices. Additionally, they can be great places for finding information on joining group safaris or overland trips around southern Africa. The Bazbus — a hop-on, hop-off bus system — links many of the hotels. It is an excellent choice for solo travelers who do not want to rent a car.

Where to stay

Never@Home, Green Point in Cape Town is an upscale hostel with private rooms. It is within walking distance of the famous V&A Waterfront and offers easy access to Cape Town’s best beaches. The hostel offers many affordable excursions, from wine tasting to sunset safaris. Private rooms start at $85 per night.

South Beach Camps Bay, also in Cape Town, has a Miami-inspired look, original artwork and spacious all-suite accommodations with balconies and fully equipped kitchens. Fridges are stocked daily with complimentary breakfast items, and Nespresso machines are on hand to make your coffee. You’ll receive freshly baked baguettes and croissants delivered to your door each morning. Nightly rates start at $218.

Adjacent to the Rosebank Mall, the Hyde Johannesburg Rosebank is a design-forward boutique hotel within Accor’s Ennismore brand. On Sunday, the mall’s rooftop parking level transforms into a market with extensive creative crafts, arts and food stalls. Rates start at $205.

For a safari experience that won’t break the bank, check out Kruger Gate Hotel. Just a few minutes outside of Kruger National Park’s main gate, the lodge does not charge a single supplement. You can also choose from rates that include breakfast and dinner or those that add on a daily shared game drive. If you have a rental car, you can also do self-drive safaris through the park (roads are paved). Single occupancy rooms with bed and breakfast start at $288 per night.

Facing the lagoon in Knysna, along the Garden Route, Amanzi Island Boutique Hotel offers tranquil suites with ocean or garden views. Rooms start at $99 per night.

New Zealand

Best for: Thrill-seekers and road-trippers

New Zealand was ranked the fourth-most peaceful country in the world on the Global Peace Index. It is also one of the most LGBTQIA+-friendly countries on the planet. Auckland has the buzziest scene, with many gay bars, restaurants, clubs and festivals, but both the North and South Island have vibrant, visible LGBTQIA+ communities.

Thrill-seeking solo travelers looking to push their boundaries will love New Zealand. You can catch a flight to Queenstown on the South Island to get your adrenaline fix against a backdrop of snowcapped peaks and shimmering Lake Wakatipu. After all, bungee jumping’s birthplace is just outside town on the Kawarau Bridge. You can take the famous 141-foot plunge off the bridge yourself with AJ Hackett Bungy. Other adventure activities include skydiving, whitewater rafting, heli-skiing and jet boating.

Queenstown also makes a good starting point for a road trip around the South Island, home to just 25% of New Zealand’s population but 10 of its 13 national parks. Over a week or two, you can explore breathtaking fjords, primordial glaciers, secluded stretches of coast and up-and-coming vineyards, among other landscapes.

Where to stay

In an ideal location across from the Ferry Building at the end of Queen Street, InterContinental Auckland has sleek, spacious rooms and a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant. Rooms start at $172 or 34,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

The QT Queenstown is one of the city’s hottest sleeps, and it is also very affordable. The art-forward hotel with a bright, contemporary vibe is close to Lake Wakatipu’s shoreline, and all rooms have lake and mountain views. There is a heated pool and a buffet-concept restaurant on-site. Rooms start at $125.

Puerto Rico

Best for: A tropical getaway without a passport

Puerto Rico is an excellent choice for American solo travelers who want a Caribbean experience without having to keep their passports handy. As a U.S. territory, it also offers the convenience of using the U.S. dollar as its currency.

The island is home to three of the world’s five bioluminescent bays, and taking a kayak tour through one of them on a moonless night is a must-do activity. The bays glow neon green and blue thanks to a thriving population of microscopic dinoflagellate organisms. Mosquito Bay on Vieques Island is the most dramatic of the three.

El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest part of the U.S. National Forest System, is another must-see. Here, you’ll find lush hiking trails, waterfalls and wild rock waterslides that adventurous travelers can body surf down. Culebra Island — accessible via tour, ferry or flight from the mainland — is home to gorgeous Flamenco Beach and good snorkeling. Meanwhile, the laid-back west coast around Rincon has some of the Caribbean’s best surf breaks.

Most visitors stay in the capital, San Juan, and then make day trips to other parts of the island. Ubers are plentiful around San Juan, making it safe and quick to get around. If you venture further afield, you will likely need to rent a car or book a guided tour.

Where to stay

The pina colada was born in 1954 at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan, and the original recipe is still served at the hotel’s bar today. The luxe resort has a beachfront location with a calm lagoon area for swimming; it’s also just a 10-minute drive from Old San Juan, where you’ll find plenty of nightlife. The property is fresh off a $150 million renovation, with rooms and public spaces looking as glamorous as they did when doors opened in 1949. Rooms start at $239 or 70,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Switzerland

Best for: Train travel enthusiasts who want an eye-filling dose of scenery

Switzerland is a haven for solo travelers, offering a blend of breathtaking landscapes and lively cities. Safe and easy to explore, the country’s renowned train system makes traversing its picturesque terrain a breeze. Purchase a Swiss Travel Pass — which garners unlimited travel by train, bus and boat — and spend a week exploring this tiny, adventure-packed country. Passes can be purchased in increments of three to 15 days of consecutive travel. (There are also flex versions with a set number of days within a month.) A three-day pass starts at 244 Swiss francs ($272).

Outdoor enthusiasts will want to play in the Swiss Alps; Zermatt, with its Matterhorn backdrop, is one place to start. The lively, car-free town attracts a fair share of solo travelers who come to climb, hike and bike in summer and ski in winter. The Bernese Oberland around Interlaken is another outdoor adventure hot spot with gorgeous high alpine lakes and dramatic mountains. Interlaken has an established backpacker culture where solo travelers will feel welcome.

Lakeside Geneva is surrounded by mountains and is home to the European headquarters of the United Nations and the International Red Cross. After plying the waters on one of the Lake Geneva Cruise Line’s historical vessels, sign up for a half-day watchmaking workshop with Initium. You’ll get to design and create your unique watch.

Where to stay

In Zermatt, The Omnia focuses on wellness. It features a showstopping swimming pool and hot tub with Matterhorn views, multiple saunas and a lengthy spa treatment menu. The small boutique property has an elegant alpine ambience, a restaurant with a vegetarian-friendly menu and complimentary bourbon in crystal decanters in guest rooms. Nightly rates start at $657.

For a hostel experience in Interlaken, Balmer’s Backpackers is an institution. You can book area activities like paragliding, rock climbing, e-bike tours, skiing, ice-climbing, zip lining and skydiving here. There is also a restaurant and nightclub on-site. If you are traveling with your pup, private rooms are dog-friendly. Nightly rates start at $87.

In Geneva, the Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix on the lakefront blends historical grandeur with contemporary style. Nightly rates start at $823 or 114,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Tokyo

Best for: An immersive foodie experience

Japanese traditions intersect with flashing neon lights and ultramodern skyscrapers in Tokyo — a never-stops city that is one of the world’s culinary capitals. If this is your first visit, head to the Shibuya Crossing intersection to feel its rapid heartbeat as you people-watch to your heart’s content.

Exploring Tokyo through its food is one immersive way to experience the Japanese capital. Eating well doesn’t have to cost you a fortune if you stick to no-frills sushi, ramen or udon restaurants. You can have the freshest fish and seafood at Tsukiji Market, where giant oysters cost around $2. Try Rokurinsha on Ramen Street in Tokyo Station and Shin Udon in Shinjuku for noodles. At least one splurge is mandatory; the eight-seat Sushi-Ya omakase restaurant in the Ginza district is a good place to spend an evening enjoying a meal that you’ll talk about for the rest of your trip.

In between meals, you’ll want to see the sights. Shinjuku is a shopping and entertainment hub. Stores sell everything from second-hand designer goods to the newest cameras and electronics. When you need a respite, pay a visit to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. The buzzy Ginza district is known for its luxury shopping, high-end restaurants and entertaining nightlife, including karaoke bars and rooftop cocktail lounges. Other top Tokyo experiences include playing Mario Kart in Akihabara’s underground cafes and checking out the numerous gardens and historic temples, including the city’s oldest Buddhist temple, Senso-ji.

Tokyo has so much stimulation that you may want to clear your head for a few hours with a trip to an onsen. You’ll find these hot springs pools in the city center, but for more zen, head to one on the outskirts to soak in a natural setting.

(Helpful tip: If you take prescription medication, read this article before traveling to Japan.)

Where to stay

Solo travelers looking for easy access to nightlife and have Hyatt points to spend will enjoy the Grand Hyatt Tokyo. The property blends sophistication with Japanese charm in the upscale Roppongi district, home to Tokyo’s best nightlife. Rooms start at $404 or 21,000 World of Hyatt points.

Tokyo Edition, Ginza is a trendy property that opened in 2024 in one of the city’s most vibrant areas. Part of Marriott’s Edition hotel collection, it has a glamorous and intimate feel. Rooms start at around $698 or 83,500 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Best for: A healing spa retreat in an artistic setting

When you want to escape to serene natural surroundings for some much-needed self-care, book a trip to Santa Fe. “The city different,” as the all-adobe state capital bills itself, looks like nowhere else in the U.S.

This high desert city is nestled beneath the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and boasts two award-winning destination spas: Ojo Santa Fe and Ten Thousand Waves. Both have healing hot mineral spring pools, healthy food and a full range of massage treatments.

Santa Fe is best known for its art scene, and it is easy to spend a day perusing Canyon Road’s galleries and artistic studios. Be sure to visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, which houses the world’s most extensive collection of the late artist’s works. In summer, the Santa Fe Opera is a world-famous, open-air venue that attracts a global audience. Finally, Santa Fe’s food scene is on par with much larger cities. The Shed is a revered local favorite focusing on innovative New Mexican fare, including excellent red and green chile enchiladas, tamales and stuffed sopapillas.

Where to stay

La Posada de Santa Fe is a Tribute Portfolio Resort & Spa, so Marriott loyalists can earn and redeem points. The Pueblo-inspired property, with rooms decorated in a signature Southwestern style, is in a great location within walking distance of Santa Fe Plaza and Canyon Road. Rates start at $193 or 41,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Bocas del Toro, Panama

Best for: Equal parts outdoor adventure and relaxation

Bocas del Toro, off Panama’s Caribbean coast, is a great Costa Rica dupe for travelers seeking a less-touristy getaway. The archipelago is famed for its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and surfing, diving and snorkeling opportunities. It offers just the right combination of adventure and chill.

The local community is welcoming, and solo travelers can find their groove in vibrant Bocos town on the Isla Colon. Its colorful buildings house lively bars and relaxed restaurants. Isla Colon is also where you can find some of Bocas’ best waves, with breaks for beginners and experts alike. Head to Isla Bastimentos, a 10-minute water taxi ride from Bocas town, for jungle hiking and sloth-spotting in Panama’s oldest marine park. There is also excellent snorkeling and diving offshore.

Where to stay

La Coralina Island House is a luxurious, wellness-focused resort with a social vibe. The serene beachfront property with rainforest and Caribbean views offers complimentary yoga classes, meditation sessions, sound baths and other organized activities that make meeting other travelers a breeze. Moreover, solo travelers can save cash by booking single-occupancy rooms, which start at $234 per night.

Kenya

Best for: Epic safaris and blissful beaches

The word “safari” is Swahili for “journey,” and a solo trip around Kenya can certainly be a life-changing journey. Plan a visit to the Maasai Mara National Reserve during the annual Great Migration, when millions of wildebeest and zebra make the trip from Tanzania’s Serengeti in search of water. The migration starts around August and continues through October.

To avoid paying a costly single supplement at a safari lodge, consider a small group safari trip from an outfitter such as G Adventures, which does not charge solo travelers extra. These trips also allow you to share the safari experience in a group setting, which some travelers might prefer.

Kenya’s eastern coastline on the Indian Ocean is home to gorgeous white-sand beaches, emerald-hued water, and top-notch snorkeling and diving. Watamu and Diani are popular beach towns with lively expat scenes and plentiful restaurants, bars and accommodation options.

You can also catch a flight to Lamu Island, just 30 miles from the Somali border. The island is East Africa’s oldest continuously inhabited Swahili settlement, and a visit feels like stumbling back in time. Make sure to book a sunset sail in a traditional Arab dhow.

Nairobi has grown in the last decade and is an energetic and cosmopolitan capital worth experiencing. You’ll find the world’s only national park in a capital city here — it’s a mind-trip to ride in a taxi and see lions, rhinos, giraffes and other African animals in the heart of the city. It is easy to get between all these locations on commercial flights that usually cost less than $200 per leg.

Where to stay

In Nairobi, Tribe is a Marriott-affiliated property great for jet lag recovery thanks to its comfortable rooms and suites. Its unique architecture and original art give it a curated, artistic feel. Tribe is adjacent to the Village Market, one of the city’s top dining and shopping centers. Rooms start at $249 or 33,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

If you have Bonvoy points you want to burn, the JW Marriott Masai Mara opened in 2023 with rave reviews. Rates include all meals, most alcoholic beverages and game drives; they start at around $1,554 or 196,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night, single occupancy.

In Watamu, Temple Point Resort attracts many solo travelers, and some staff members are also expats. There is a strong community feel, and it’s easy to start a conversation at the large swimming pool or the super trendy LichttHaus bar and restaurant. Facing Midas Creek, it has hammocks over the water for lounging, and DJs spin regularly. It gets packed just before the usually intensely colorful sunsets. Rates start at $144 per night.

The ocean-facing Peponi Hotel Lamu is the place to stay on the island, attracting a who’s who of Kenyan clientele. It also has one of the only restaurants serving alcohol on this predominantly Muslim island. Single rooms start at $215 per night, including breakfast.

Cinque Terre, Italy

Best for: Solo walking expeditions

Less crowded than the Amalfi Coast, the Cinque Terre region on Italy’s northwest coast is a beautiful destination populated by friendly villages where you can find some of Europe’s freshest seafood. Here, you’ll find sun-drenched, terraced vineyards alongside lemon and olive tree groves, cliffs tumbling into an aquamarine sea, and picturesque harbors. There are five colorful seaside towns linked by the Sentiero Azzurro — a cliffside hiking trail.

One of the best ways to explore this region is by foot, and one of the easiest ways to travel on foot is with a preplanned, self-guided, seven-night trip along the coastline. You can book with a company such as Macs Adventure, which has itineraries that typically include nightly accommodations, daily luggage transfer and a dedicated walking route showcasing the region’s highlights. Since this is not a guided tour, you’ll be able to focus on yourself for a week and embrace as much solitude as you need. (Of course, once you hit the lively towns, there are opportunities to mingle.)

Where to stay

Monterosso al Mare is an excellent choice if you don’t do a walking tour and instead prefer to base yourself in one village. It has a variety of family-run hotels and charming restaurants. Hotel La Colonnia (rates from $192 per night) is in the main town square but within walking distance of the beach; it has a welcoming ambience and a relaxing rooftop terrace with sun loungers and ocean views.

Aruba

Best for: The best weather in the Caribbean

Unlike most of the Caribbean, Aruba sits outside the hurricane belt, and its desert climate makes rain here a rare occurrence, nearly guaranteeing a sunny beach vacation. Near-constant trade winds also keep it from getting uncomfortably hot.

Aruba offers diverse experiences and resorts ranging from luxury to budget, and its beaches are some of the Caribbean’s prettiest, with clear turquoise water and soft white sand. Many beaches around Aruba have reefs swimming distance from shore, so you can snorkel without taking a boat tour. (You will need your own gear, though.) Catalina Cove and Arashi Beach are two favorites. If you dive, Aruba has one of the Caribbean’s top wreck-diving scenes.

Land explorations include ATV adventures through the desert landscape to natural bridges and black sand beaches. San Nicolas, a town on the island’s southern tip, has an impressive graffiti art scene with about 50 murals. Aruba Mural Tours offers passionate guided walking tours, but you can also wander solo.

Where to stay

The best part about staying at the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort is the easy access via a complimentary water taxi to the resort’s offshore private island. Here, you’ll find beautiful stretches of white sand beach, clear turquoise water, flamingos, plenty of sun loungers and cabanas, restaurants and bars. Back on the mainland, the resort has an infinity swimming pool, food and beverage service and several other dining options. There are also many restaurants within walking distance. If you are visiting before embarking on a cruise, the location just across from the port is another plus. Rooms start at $409 or 62,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

The brand-new St. Regis Aruba Resort is one of TPG’s most exciting hotel openings of 2025. Sitting on Palm Beach, the 252-room resort has multiple infinity pools, a spa and a casino — a first for the brand. Rates start at $844 or 79,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Queensland, Australia

Best for: Anyone wanting to experience the Great Barrier Reef

Queensland in northeastern Australia is home to one of Earth’s natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef, as well as other attractions. Start in the capital city of Brisbane, which is filled with trendy bars, restaurants and a slate of new hotels. Then, head north to the Sunshine Coast. Popular with solo travelers, especially surfers, base yourself in one of the laid-back beach towns like Noosa Heads. You can devote some time to beach hopping and rainforest hiking.

Continue north to Cairns, a jumping-off point for the Great Barrier Reef. The reef has seen significant coral bleaching in the last few decades but is still well worth visiting. Booking a liveaboard sailing trip for a few nights around the Whitsunday Islands is one of the best ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef. Other Queensland highlights include the Daintree Rainforest for back-to-nature solitude and the Gold Coast for its flashy surf scene.

Where to stay

Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas (rates from $170 per night) is set in the rainforest in Noosa Heads. It’s slightly removed from the bustle of Hastings Street, where you’ll find the town’s restaurants, bars, cafes and shops concentrated. The eco-friendly luxury property is a social place with three pools, a top-notch restaurant and a posh spa.

​​The Hilton Cairns is on the waterfront and within walking distance of the Reef Terminal, where most Great Barrier Reef tours depart. It has artsy, contemporary rooms and suites, a lagoon-style pool, a restaurant and a bar on-site. Rooms start at $144 or 36,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Chile

Best for: Trekking, stargazing and hot spring soaking amid surreal topography

From the cultural hotbed of Santiago to the stunning natural scenery of Patagonia, Chile offers much to explore. Start with a few days in the capital, Santiago. Hike or take the funicular to the top of Cerro San Cristobal, a 2,789-foot peak, for mesmerizing city views. Also, visit La Chacosa, the poet Pablo Neruda’s home, which is now a museum. The Bellavista neighborhood is great for strolling, thanks to colorful street murals, trendy boutiques and lively cafes.

On TPG’s best places to travel in 2025 list, the Atacama Desert in Chile’s north is also one of the driest places on the planet and features otherworldly terrain in a remote location. At night, the stargazing is phenomenal. During the day, you can surf down towering dunes, visit high-altitude geysers, watch swarms of flamingos gather in bright lithium-rich lakes or enjoy a relaxing soak in the Puritama hot springs — a series of eight geothermal pools at the bottom of a canyon.

In the country’s south, Patagonia’s Torres del Paine National Park is the place to trek through an ever-shifting landscape of jagged peaks, dense forests, active glaciers, crystalline lakes and solitary waterfalls. The scenery is truly spectacular and you won’t see many other travelers during your visit, lending the experience a truly special feel.

Where to stay

The Renaissance Santiago Hotel is a sophisticated retreat with bona fide sustainability credentials in Santiago’s prestigious Las Condes district. Many of the rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows. Rooms start at $193 or 18,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Nayara Alto Atacama is a stark but sumptuous desert lodge a short drive from the tourist center of San Pedro de Atacama. Meals are sourced mainly from the hotel’s Andean gardens and guests have their pick of included and paid activities each day. Be sure to save time for an elements-inspired spa treatment like the signature volcanic hot stone massage. Rates start at $762 per night, including accommodation and breakfast; they start at $2,003 per night for full-board, which includes transfers to and from the airport in Calama.

Tierra Patagonia is a luxury adventure lodge overlooking Lake Sarmiento and Torres del Paine National Park. The property has just 40 suites that blend beautifully into the natural environs. While not inexpensive, the lodge allows solo travelers to explore the area. Rates include guided excursions, food, drinks and airport transfers, which can take up to several hours. All-inclusive rates start at $2,094 per night.

Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

Best for: Medieval cities, beaches, “Game of Thrones” set-jetters

Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast is a dreamy solo travel destination. It’s more affordable than Greece’s Santorini and Italy’s Amalfi Coast, but it has similar sophisticated beach vibes.

Begin in the fairytale city of Dubrovnik, which has a medieval Old Town surrounded by intact walls. If you are a “Game of Thrones” fan, you’ll appreciate that it served as one of the King’s Landing set locations. A series of stunning pebble and sand beaches are tucked between the Adriatic’s aquamarine waters and the towering limestone cliffs to the north and south of Dubrovnik.

Less than three hours from Dubrovnik, Split is another photogenic medieval walled city. It also served as a “Game of Thrones” backdrop and is surrounded by still more beautiful beaches. Split is also a jumping-off point for exploring some Dalmatian Coast islands. Trendy Hvar and charming Brac islands are both accessible via ferry from Split.

Where to stay

The Dalmatian Coast has a distinct summer high season, and, especially in Dubrovnik, property rates can more than double during July and August. Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik is a historic property five minutes from Old Town in Dubrovnik. It has fantastic views of the sea and walled city that are especially sweet at sunset. Nightly rates start at $336.

On Hvar Island, Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort has a buzzy ambience that solo travelers will like. The beachfront attracts couples as well as friend groups. The vast, cascading pool is a spirited hangout spot on summer afternoons. The resort is within walking distance from the island’s Old Town. Nightly rates start at $133.