Top Solo Travel Destinations for 2025
Solo travel has evolved from a niche pursuit to a mainstream travel trend, with more adventurers than ever choosing to explore the world independently. As we navigate through 2025, the landscape of solo travel continues to transform, offering unprecedented opportunities for personal growth, cultural immersion, and unforgettable experiences.
Whether you're a seasoned solo traveller or planning your first independent adventure, this comprehensive guide reveals the most exciting destinations that should be on your radar this year.We’ve selected destinations that offer:
- Safety for solo travelers
- Great solo-friendly activities
- Opportunities to meet other travelers
- Unique cultural experiences
🇵🇹 Lisbon, Portugal
Famous For: Historic trams, colourful azulejo tiles, fado music, custard tarts (pastel de nata), riverfront views.
Best Things to Do & See:
- Tram 28 through the old quarters
- Belém Tower
- Jerónimos Monastery
- LX Factory creative district
- Alfama neighbourhood for fado shows
- Day trips to Sintra & Cascais
Language: Portuguese (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
Currency: Euro (€)
Climate: Mediterranean — warm, dry summers; mild, wet winters
Seasons: Apr–Oct best for solo travel
Costs (approximate, £ GBP):
- Hostel: £20–£40/night
- Mid-range hotel: £80–£120/night
- Coffee: £1.50
- Meal: £10–£20
🇯🇵 Kyoto, Japan
Famous For: Ancient temples, tea ceremonies, geishas, cherry blossoms, bamboo forests.
Best Things to Do & See:
- Fushimi Inari Taisha
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- Gion District (Geisha culture)
- Philosopher’s Path
- Traditional tea ceremony
Language: Japanese (English signage common)
Currency: Japanese Yen (Â¥)
Climate: Temperate — humid summers, cool winters
Seasons: Spring & Autumn best
Costs (approximate, £ GBP):
- Hostel: £25–£50/night
- Mid-range hotel: £100–£150/night
- Coffee: £3
- Meal: £5–£20
🇨🇷 Costa Rica
Famous For: Rainforests, wildlife, beaches, volcanoes, adventure tourism, pura vida lifestyle.
Best Things to Do & See:
- Arenal Volcano & hot springs
- Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Manuel Antonio National Park
- Surfing in Tamarindo
- Tortuguero National Park (turtles)
- Zip-lining & white-water rafting
Language: Spanish
Currency: Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
Climate: Tropical — wet and dry seasons
Seasons: Dry season Dec–Apr
Costs (approximate, £ GBP):
- Hostel: £15–£30/night
- Mid-range hotel: £60–£100/night
- Coffee: £1.50–£2
- Meal: £5–£15
🇮🇸 Iceland
Famous For: Volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, Northern Lights, geothermal pools.
Best Things to Do & See:
- Golden Circle (Gullfoss, Geysir, Þingvellir)
- Blue Lagoon
- Northern Lights tours (Sept–Apr)
- South Coast waterfalls & black sand beaches
- Glacier hiking & ice caves
- Ring Road road trip
Language: Icelandic
Currency: Icelandic Króna (ISK)
Climate: Subarctic — cool summers, cold winters
Seasons: Summer & Winter best
Costs (approximate, £ GBP):
- Hostel: £40–£60/night
- Mid-range hotel: £120–£180/night
- Coffee: £4–£5
- Meal: £15–£30
🇹🇠Chiang Mai, Thailand
Famous For: Temples, night markets, digital nomad hub, Thai cooking classes, elephant sanctuaries.
Best Things to Do & See:
- Doi Suthep temple
- Old City temples
- Elephant Nature Park
- Thai cooking classes
- Nimmanhaemin Road cafes
- Night Bazaar & Sunday Walking Street Market
Language: Thai
Currency: Thai Baht (THB)
Climate: Tropical — hot, rainy, cool
Seasons: Cool Nov–Feb best
Costs (approximate, £ GBP):
- Hostel: £5–£15/night
- Mid-range hotel: £25–£50/night
- Coffee: £1–£2
- Meal: £1.50–£5
🇬🇷 Crete, Greece
Famous For: Ancient ruins, beaches, gorges, olive oil, Greek cuisine.
Best Things to Do & See:
- Elafonissi Beach
- Samaria Gorge hike
- Chania Old Town
- Knossos Palace
- Balos Lagoon
- Traditional mountain villages
Language: Greek
Currency: Euro (€)
Climate: Mediterranean — hot summers, mild winters
Seasons: Apr–Oct best
Costs (approximate, £ GBP):
- Hostel: £15–£30/night
- Mid-range hotel: £50–£100/night
- Coffee: £2
- Meal: £8–£20
🇪🇸 Seville, Spain
Famous For: Flamenco, tapas, orange blossoms, Moorish architecture.
Best Things to Do & See:
- Royal Alcázar of Seville
- Seville Cathedral & La Giralda tower
- Metropol Parasol
- Barrio Santa Cruz
- Flamenco show
- Tapas tasting
Language: Spanish
Currency: Euro (€)
Climate: Mediterranean — very hot summers, mild winters
Seasons: Spring & Autumn best
Costs (approximate, £ GBP):
- Hostel: £15–£30/night
- Mid-range hotel: £80–£120/night
- Coffee: £1.50
- Meal: £8–£15
Summary Table
Lisbon: Mediterranean, Apr–Oct, £50–£120/day
Kyoto: Temperate, Spring/Autumn, £70–£150/day
Costa Rica: Tropical, Dec–Apr, £50–£100/day
Iceland: Subarctic, Summer/Winter, £100–£200/day
Chiang Mai: Tropical, Nov–Feb, £20–£50/day
Crete: Mediterranean, Apr–Oct, £50–£120/day
Seville: Mediterranean, Spring/Autumn, £50–£100/day
