Big vacations don’t have to be off the table just because you don’t have a travel partner or family! It’s not weird to go on vacation by yourself – it’s actually quite liberating! Whether you’re a Millennial looking for an Instagram-worthy adventure or you’re trying to heal your heart after a breakup, there are many great vacation ideas. But it’s also important to do your research because while technically you can travel anywhere alone, there are certain cities that are particularly fun and safe for those going solo. In fact, the tourism industry has seen a significant uptick in solo travel in the past few years with more people realizing that you don’t have to be with “the one” to step out of your comfort zone and travel the world.
A common concern for those considering this type of vacation is that they’ll be lonely, but I can assure you that this won’t be the case at these 10 destinations. There are a number of tips circulating online, but my number one tip for solo travel (where you want to meet people) is to book in at a hostel when you’re planning your trip. Ideally, choose one that targets your demographic and interests, whether you’re looking to party, socialize, or whatever else. So to help you plan your next solo adventure, here are the best vacation ideas for singles!
Las Vegas, Nevada
With the motto “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” coined by visitors of this destination, travelers flock from around the globe to experience this glittering city in the desert. Known as the gambling hotspot of the world and attracting the best entertainers and shows, Las Vegas has transformed into a place that truly never sleeps. From the roller coasters and other rides on top of the Stratosphere Tower to zip lines flying overhead the pedestrians on Fremont Street there is no way you can be bored in this city, even if you’re solo. Las Vegas offers world-class golfing, dining at restaurants run by celebrity chefs, every type of show and entertainer you can think of, motor sports, hotel pools that resemble beaches, and tours to nearby destinations. When you get tired of all the noise you can always take a day trip to one of the wonders of the world – the Grand Canyon – to stretch your legs and spend some time in nature.
Boracay, Philippines
In general, the Philippines is a great vacation idea for singles. Everyone is friendly, the weather is great and beaches fantastic. Boracay is the most popular destination for beach lovers and is consistently ranked among the top 10 Best Beaches in Asia. The small island is only seven kilometers long and not very wide, but you’ll still find blinding white sand beaches and clear blue water. Enjoy every water sport imaginable from windsurfing to kiteboarding. Accommodations can range from under $20 per night to over $300 at the high end resorts. If you’re hoping to meet people, stay at the Chillax Flashpackers hostel or Friendz Resort – both are well priced, highly well reviewed, and ideal for solo travellers. On Boracay, you’ll find restaurants serving American food, Thai, Mexican, French, Italian and more. After a day at the beach head to one of the clubs, grab a San Miguel Beer, and party till the early hours of the morning. Some places are open 24 hours a day and most of the resorts also have live entertainment, making this place one of the best vacation ideas for singles.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Known as the “Paris of South America,” Buenos Aires is a popular destination for travelers from around the world. The city is full of hospitable people, great food and wine, vibrant nightlife, museums, beautiful natural spaces, and trendy cafés. Argentines love their steak and there are probably more steakhouses per capita in Buenos Aires than any other city in the world. Take a stroll down the colorful Caminito Street in the neighborhood of La Boca. Head over to the largest barrio of Palermo and visit the Soho district where you will find boutiques selling clothes, wines, leather goods, and books. Take a seat at one of the many sidewalk cafés and do some people watching or wait until dark and party with the locals, expats and other travelling folk as the bars erupt with epic music and dance. Plan on a late night as dinner commonly starts around 9 PM and the bars and clubs really begin to get busy around midnight.
Bangkok, Thailand
Made popular as an R&R destination with US servicemen during the Vietnam war, Bangkok and Thailand in general exploded as the most popular destination in Asia for travel in recent years. Over 22 million people visit Thailand every year and for good reason – it makes for an incredible getaway for families, couples, and solo travelers. People travel from all over Asia to shop in Bangkok because of the variety and prices. Experience Thai food in an upscale restaurant or better yet, sample the foods from the street vendors where you can get everything from traditional dishes to the exotic fried Tarantula spiders, scorpions and grasshoppers. Take a trip to the floating market, shop for gemstones, or party the night away at the clubs.
Austin, Texas
The city does its best to live up to the motto “Keep Austin Weird.” Home to the University of Texas and touted as the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin’s nightlife is renowned. During the day you can visit the State Capitol, grab some great BBQ and enjoy the sites around town. Take a dip in the Barton Springs Pool, a spring fed pool where the water temperature stays around 68-70 degrees year round. Austin hosts the annual South by Southwest (SXSW) festival bringing together technology, film, and music, which we highly recommend taking in. On weekend evenings, holidays and of course UT Football game days, a portion of the famed 6th Street is closed off for traffic where you’ll find live music, overflowing bars and clubs, along with locals and visitors piling into the street for a huge party. Officially known as the 6th Street Historic District, the area was named to the National register of Historic Places in 1975. This is a great city to visit solo, as you won’t be bored and the nightlife provides a ton of opportunities to meet new people.
Cancun, Mexico
Nestled in the tropical paradise of the Mayan Riviera, Cancun has long been associated with Spring Break. In fact, Cancun is considered one of the best vacation spots for singles, hands down. Resorts of every kind line the pristine white sand beaches where crystal clear blue water invite every water activity imaginable. Spend days snorkeling and scuba diving, or rent a kayak, learn to surf, kiteboard and more. When you’re not enjoying the water, learn a little about the Mayan culture by visiting the nearby ruins of Chichen Itza and Tulum. When the sun sets Cancun turns into party central with beach bars, live music, and multiple clubs in town that cater to every age bracket. One way to experience the club scene is take a club tour offered by most resorts.These packages ensure that a tour operator will pick you up at your hotel, drive to several clubs where entrance fees and drinks will be covered, and deliver you safely home late that night – all for one all-inclusive price.
Santorini, Greece
Santorini is Greece’s most popular island destination because of the beautiful beaches, ancient cities, fantastic food and wine, along with the breathtaking scenery and exciting nightlife. Take a cruise around the island on a sailing ship or catamaran, check out the archeological ruins of the city of Akrotiri, visit one of the many wineries and sample some of the best wine in the world, or just relax on a black sand beach and enjoy the blue waters of the Aegean Sea. You can take a boat trip to trek up the dormant (though still active) volcano where you will be rewarded with fantastic views. After a day at the beach, head out for some dinner and watch the sunset while enjoying a beautiful meal before heading to a bar for a drink with some of the new friends you have made. Santorini is not particularly a party island, but you will find many singles and solo travelers enjoying this beautiful place.
Barcelona, Spain
People from all over the world come to Barcelona for the beaches, culture, food, art, and nightlife. Visit the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where construction started on the church in 1882 (and is due to be finished in 2026). Here people line up for hours to gain entrance and marvel at the architectural beauty (and it’s totally worth it). Take a day trip to visit the Montserrat Monastery, check out the football stadium and take in a Barcelona FC game. Visit the Gothic Quarter where you can wander the pedestrian only streets of what once was a Roman Village. Check out the courtyards and the various shops and restaurants in the Quarter and make sure you stay (or come back) here for the nightlife. I also highly recommend booking a guided food tour where you’ll walk around the neighbourhoods, sampling food and drink, and learning about the city’s rich history, all with a local guide who can give you the inside scoop about where to go out in the evening. They may even invite you along! Barcelona sees a lot of tourists and a surprising number of them are traveling solo so it’s never too difficult to meet other travelers to explore the city with.
Miami, Florida
With tropical weather, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife Miami is a top choice for singles to visit. Enjoy some of the country’s best scuba diving, fishing, boating and snorkeling in Florida. Head to South Beach where all that hard work in the gym will pay off as the place to see and be seen. Visit Little Havana where Cuban restaurants, cafés, and clubs beckon you in with the sights and smells of Cuba. While you’re there, check out one of the many cigar shops and watch as a master rolls handmade cigars before you select one for after dinner. Influenced by Latin and Caribbean cultures you can find a wide variety of cuisine at the city’s many restaurants. From luxury designer boutiques to outlet malls, Miami is a shopper’s heaven. They have many shopping destinations from that could be fun to visit in this sun-filled city, so why not visit a tourist or cheese shop while you are there for some afternoon fun and treats. Once the sun sets head out to one of the clubs in South Beach for live music and dancing or head over to Coconut Grove where the University crowds hang out.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
How could we make a list of best places for singles to travel without adding Amsterdam? Probably the most liberal city in Europe and perhaps even the entire world, tourists have been coming to Amsterdam for years in search of the laid back atmosphere. From backpackers and groups of friends and solo travelers, they all come to Amsterdam in search of a good time. This city is one of the best bachelor party destinations to visit in Europe. Known for its Red Light District and the coffee shops where marijuana is openly and legally sold and enjoyed, Amsterdam is also a culturally rich city. The city has over 100 museums such as the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House. Take a bike tour and enjoy the city or take a boat ride on the canals. The Amsterdam nightlife has something for everyone’s taste – whether you enjoy a live rock band, electronic music, or a quiet jazz bar, you will find a venue to suit your taste.
