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Thanks to the sense of freedom, self-discovery, and personal growth that it promises, solo travel is having a moment right now, and its ever-increasing popularity doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon.
While there’s a lot to love about the experience, traveling alone does come with a unique set of safety and logistical issues, which is why doing your due diligence before picking a destination can be of the essence.
To help move the screening process along, Flash Pack, a tour operator based in London, England, released a list of the top countries for solo travelers according to internal data collected throughout the year.
These were the destinations that made it to the top 5 and, spoiler alert, none of them are in North America or Europe.
5. Colombia
Colombia, a country once overlooked in favor of better-known South American gems like Brazil, Argentina, or Costa Rica, has slowly but surely gained some long-due recognition for its vibrant culture, diverse landscapes, and welcoming locals that contribute to a sense of community for those exploring its regions alone.
City trippers won’t want to miss out on Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena, each providing a unique blend of urban sophistication and historical character.
With that said, remember to set at least one day aside to explore some of the Amazon rainforest that graces the country – don’t forget to hire a professional guide, though, especially if it’s your first time visiting the region.
4. Sri Lanka
Lovingly dubbed the “Pearl of The Indian Ocean”, Sri Lanka is a nation filled with pristine beaches, lush tea plantations, and ancient ruins that manages to live up to its name.
A tour through the country’s many awe-inspiring temples, of which Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Golden Temple of Dambulla, and Seema Malaka are arguably the most popular, will further add to the serenity and spirituality that comes with a solo travel experience.
Here, you can not only marvel at the architecture and connect with Sri Lanka’s history and culture, but you’ll also get an opportunity to engage with the friendly locals and embark on wildlife safaris through which you can encounter elephants and leopards in their natural habitat.
3. Egypt
With its millennia-old history and world-famous landmarks (think the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx), Egypt has rightfully secured a spot as one of the most fascinating destinations on Earth.
But what makes the gorgeous northeast African country particularly well-suited to solo travelers?
Between the local hospitality, bustling markets, and vibrant street life, you’ll never feel fully alone in Egypt.
Whether you want to spend your days trying out the local goods and haggling with sellers or cruising the Nile River, wandering through the historic streets of Cairo, and exploring the Temples of Luxor, you’re promised an authentic experience that can’t be replicated even in the most tourism-forward destinations of the U.S.
2. Argentina
South America comes represented by yet another gem on today’s list, though, this time, solo travelers will have to venture a bit further south.
Argentina boasts the kind of cultural heritage that can be recognized by almost anyone in the world, be it through the sultry tango, rustic gaucho regions, or mouth-watering asado.
Buenos Aires, with its European-inspired architecture and vibrant street life, is what you’d consider a haven for solo travelers looking for that quintessential city experience.
For those seeking a bit of adventure, though, a hike through the Andes, a tour of the stunning landscapes of Patagonia, or a sightseeing trip to the breathtaking Iguazu Falls are not to be missed.
1. Japan
Lately, it seems like there’s one single hotspot topping all solo travel destinations' lists – Japan.
So, how come in a world filled with so many places just waiting to be discovered, those traveling alone keep coming back to East Asia’s crown jewel?
The answer is simpler than you’d think.
Beyond its jaw-dropping views and even more impressive culture, Japan boasts the kind of safety, cleanliness, and efficiency that makes solo exploration that much more enjoyable and, more importantly, stress-free.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Sasha
Friday 22nd of December 2023
Why is Egypt on this list? That's one of the most dangerous countries in the world for solo travelers, especially females.
Suzanna
Saturday 23rd of December 2023
@Sasha, I was thinking the same thing. It is not safe. Especially if you are female, and even worse if you’re Jewish. Who made this list Abdel Fattah El-Sisi?