Wanderlust for One: 8 Destinations for Solo Travelers

Solo travel is the ultimate choose your own adventure, and gives you the opportunity to make your own path, friends, and memories without the encumbrances of large groups and planned itineraries. To help you, the lone wanderer, we've compiled a list of some of the safest (and coolest) international destinations for solo travelers.

1. Taipei, Taiwan

Situated at the northern tip of Taiwan, Taipei is located on the Tamsui River in the Taipei Basin.

Things to do:

Eat yourself silly at the Shilin night market, featuring hundreds of street-food carts and pop-up stores all in a 10-block stretch. Get a taste of antiquity at the National Palace Museum, which contains many of China's historical pieces. Take a hike to the Four Beasts. These small mountains, named Elephant, Leopard, Lion, and Tiger, all have paths for walking, which gives you a great view of the Taipei skyline.

Safety: 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times)

Language: 2 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)

Navigation: 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)

Culture: 2 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)

Average Rating 1.5
(1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult)

2. Dublin, Ireland

Dublin is situated in the province of Leinster near the midpoint of Irelands east coast, at the mouth of the River Liffey and the center of the Dublin Region.

Things to do:

Get some Gaelic culture at one of the several museums that Dublin has to offer.

Have a pint (or two) at the Guinness Storehouse.

Visit St. Patricks Cathedral for a glimpse of the real man behind the iconic March mascot.

Get the royal treatment on a tour of historic Dublin Castle.

Safety: 1 very safe

Language: 1 English is first language

Navigation: 1 easy to navigate by transit or car

Culture: 1 Similar to North America or Western Europe

Average Rating: 1
(1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult)

3. Bangkok, Thailand

This city referred to as the Venice of the east possesses so much energy, chaos, and beauty. Bangkok is definitely a must-see for ANY traveler.

Things to Do:

Soak up some Buddhist culture via The Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho and the Demon Guardians and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha at the Grand Palace.

Go wild amid the vibrant Bangkok nightlife at modern nightclubs like Soi Cowboy, Patpong, and Nana.

Get suited up at one of the many local tailors, and do some shopping at late night markets such as Taling Chan Market, Bang Ku Wiang Market, Tha Kha, and Damnoen Saduak.

Safety: 3 be cautious at all times

Language: 2 English speakers easy to find

Navigation: 1 easy to navigate by transit or car

Culture: 3 Challenging

Average Rating: 2
(1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult)

4. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

A city famous for its spectacular canals, colored houses, coffee shops, and rich culture is a solo travelers dream.

Things to Do:

Hit the beach on the artificial island of IJburg for swimming, sunbathing, and beach parties galore.

Experience some of the best of the Netherlands arts and culture at The Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum.

Take a bike ride to find tasty treats and delightful doo-dads at the Noordermarkt in the Jordaan.

Safety: 1 very safe

Language: 2 English speakers easy to find

Navigation: 1 easy to navigate by transit or car

Culture: 1 Similar to North America or Western Europe

Average Rating: 1
(1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult)

5. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur is a gem of a city that is home to a variety of wildlife and many diverse cultures.

Things to do:

Spend some coin at BukitBintang, an immense and bustling shopping center in Kuala Lumpur.

Relax and enjoy Resorts World Genting, a complex including several hotels, three theme parks, restaurants, bars, concert venues and a casino.

Eat a meal at one of the numerous open-air food markets, including the iconic meal-on-a-banana-leaf option.

Be awed and inspired by the massive Petronas Twin Towers

Safety: 1 very safe

Language: 2 English speakers easy to find

Navigation: 1 easy to navigate by transit or car

Culture: 2 Different but relaxed and easy

Average Rating: 1.5
(1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult)

6. Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm is spread out over 14 islands overlooking the Baltic Sea to the east and encompasses rich history along with beautiful buildings and scenery.

Things to do:

Eat some of the freshest and best-tasting fish in the world at Nystekt Strmmingvagnen.

Get ready for a wild night with Sdermalm Nightlife, featuring breathtaking nighttime views of the city.

Take a day trip to see culture and critters at Skansen, the worlds first open air museum and zoo.

Safety: 1 very safe

Language: 2 English speakers easy to find

Navigation: 1 easy to navigate by transit or car

Culture: 1 Similar to North America or Western Europe

Average Rating: 1
(1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult)

7. Melbourne, Australia

A city located on a large natural bay with sprawling landscapes and rich culture, Melbourne is perfect for any solo traveler.

Things to do:

Head over to Federation Square where you can visit galleries, walk along the Yarra River, and shop for days.

Take a dip and get some sun at one of Melbourne's many fantastic beaches.

Go for a walk or bike ride around the city and soak up some of Melbournes world-renowned street art

Safety: 1 very safe

Language: 1 English is first language

Navigation: 1 easy to navigate by transit or car

Culture: 1 Similar to North America or Western Europe

Average Rating: 1
(1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult)

8. Prague, Czechoslovakia

Steeped in history and rich with culture, Prague is an enduring Gothic spectacle situated in the heart of Europe.

Things to do:

Enjoy a hearty Czech meal of goulash, dumplings and Pilsner beer before heading up to Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral for a hefty dose of history

Get your Beatles fix (and graffiti) at The John Lennon Wall, covered in art and inspiration during Czechs freedom movement.

Get some Czech culture courtesy of numerous local museums, from the National Museum, with over 14 million items, to the tiny Mucha Museum featuring the Art Nouveau style of Alphonse Mucha.

Safety: 1 very safe

Language: 2 English speakers easy to find

Navigation: 1 easy to navigate by transit or car

Culture: 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy

Average Rating 1.5
(1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult)