Traveling alone is no longer taboo. In fact, it's now trendy to go on trips alone, as more and more people are discovering the freedom of exploring a new place on their own terms.
At the same time, community groups, meet-ups, and a vast wealth of online and digital resources have made it easier than ever to hit the road solo.
From the stunning landscapes of Iceland to the sultry beaches of Belize, many destinations are friendly to independent travelers. Still undecided? Here are some tips on destinations known to be safe and where to look in each. Happy solo travels!
SEE ALSO: 5 things you learn when traveling alone
Reykjavik
Where: Iceland
Outdoor activities are king in Iceland. Base yourself in the capital for easy day trips to virtually any corner of the country, beauty spot, or adventurous activity. Iceland frequently tops solo travelers' lists of most user-friendly destinations. In Reykjavik, hang out at The Laundromat Café, a social meeting hub where travelers and locals casually dine, wash laundry, drink coffee, read books, and share travel tips.
Insider Tip: If you’re daunted by the thought of eating alone, The Laundromat Café also makes for an ideal dining spot. Head there for a late lunch and chances are you’ll meet others and end up staying until dinner, or perhaps even traveling together afterwards.
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Reykjavik Guide
Paris
Where: France
With an extraordinary array of bistros and cafés, Paris is a city where you can while away hours poring over a café au lait, chocolate chaud, and sumptuous patisseries while observing French culture through the fenêtres (windows) on the Champs-Élysées. Solo travelers gravitate towardsCafé de Flore and Deux Magots, which serve as meeting places for solo travelers to join up to explore the city. Also of note: Paris is a relatively safe European city for women traveling alone.
Insider Tip: Check out the hugely popular Franglish, a speed-dating-type event minus the dating, where you rotate tables with French-speakers to improve your language skills and make friends.
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Paris Guide
Bali
Where:Indonesia
Yoga, spirituality, spas, massages, beaches, organic eateries and markets— are you sold, yet? With such diversity, Bali is a staple for solo travelers from across the globe. People drift into its ease of life and wealth of fellow traveler-settlers. It helps that food is delicious and cheap, as is the cost of living in general.
Insider Tip: Begin a trip at Family Guesthouse in Ubud, which provides budget-friendly accommodation in a central location. Attracting repeat visitors, this is a popular base for meeting and mingling with other travelers over sumptuous communal breakfasts in a lush tropical property.
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Bali Guide
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