So you’ve decided to take the plunge and go on a fabulous solo adventure? Good for you! There are so many Reasons Why Every Girl Should Travel Solo. To me, any country is open for solo travel but for the first time traveller it can be daunting, so you need to pick the right destination for you. Some people may throw themselves in the deep end or others may want to pick a country closer to home or perhaps a more touristy place if it will make them feel safer. There’s really no right answer- only the right answer for you.
Here are a few suggestions from my experiences. They are based not just on safety but on the easiness of travel, activities to do and how easy it is to meet other people.
Thailand
Good because: safe, easy transport, many other backpackers, cheap
For the first time traveller Thailand is an incredibly easy place to travel. From the jungles and mountains in the North to the stunning beaches in the South, it holds something special wherever you go. Booking trains and buses is simple and information at stations is generally displayed in English. There are pretty good sleeper trains here for a good price and airlines like Air Asia are very cheap too if your short on time.
The locals are friendly and welcoming, always smiling. There are numerous cheap hostels and guesthouses so not hard to make friends with other backpackers as you go. I always find it a very safe place to visit and feel most comfortable travelling alone there. As an added bonus the food is delicious! Pad thai anyone?!
New Zealand
Good because: safe, numerous activities, English speaking, good transportation
The adventure capital of the world?! I’d say! If you’re looking for adventure, Queenstown in the South Island is where you need to be. From skydiving, bungy jumping, zip wires and jet boats, there is so much to do here, you won’t get bored easily. These activities can be pricey so figure out an ‘adventure budget’ before you leave! You could also apply for a work visa and experience living in a new country as well.
NZ is another safe and easy place to travel. Buy a travel pass with intercity and book buses online as you go. It’s a small country so no journey is ever too long if you break it up. Being an English speaking country it’s super easy to plan your trip and the locals are renowned for being friendly and happy to pass on local knowledge. If you are on a cheaper budget then there are walking trails you can do in almost every place that are easy to do alone. Also it’s very easy to meet other people in the hostels if you are looking for some company.
Australia
Good because: many activities, backpacker friendly, English speaking
The land down under has been a backpacker destination for a long time and no doubt there’s a reason why. Popular with the younger crowd this is great for a first destination. You’re not completely throwing yourself in the deep end, as it’s a western country with western food, where you don’t have to ‘cover up’ or learn a new language (assuming you speak English of course). There are many cuisines in bigger towns and it’s very easy to find hostels.
Transport is simple to book with greyhound buses being one of the most popular. With diverse landscapes from the outback to rainforests, to the coast, you can see why this is great for a first solo trip. There are many backpackers on the East coast and Aussies are generally very friendly people and easy to approach if you find yourself lost. It may not be the cheapest place but like New Zealand you can apply for a work visa and make money as you travel.
Bali
Good because: beautiful landscapes, cultural, friendly locals, no long journeys
Ever seen the Julia Roberts movie ‘Eat, Prey, Love’? After watching it myself I was inspired to visit Bali and experience a similar cultural experience. Perfect for a ‘spiritual’ solo getaway. I much preferred the North of the island as it was quieter, less touristy, with lush scenery and incredibly friendly locals.
I found Bali to be a safe place to travel and to chill out by myself, whilst being easy to make friends if I wanted. There are a lot of things to do from the beaches and nightlife down South to the temples, mountains and waterfalls up North. This beautiful country will revitalise and draw you in to the sounds, culture and local way of life. It’s also tiny so you will never drive more than 3 hours to get anywhere! Perfect for the first time traveller!
New York, North America
Good because: good transportation, many things to do, won’t look out of place
Perhaps unexpectedly I found ‘the big apple’ is great to explore alone. At first it was a little nerve racking trying to figure out the subway system with all my bags and everyone walking past in a mad hurry. I needn’t have worried. After buying a 7 day travel card and using the subway a couple of times, I got the hang of it and found the system easy to use.
The locals sometimes appear quite ‘in your face’ and loud but if you ask them for directions, they are happy to help and not as scary as first appearances might suggest! With the many things to do in NYC you won’t look out of place going alone anywhere, even going to dinner or to see a play alone. If you want to make friends to explore the nightlife with then stay in one of the many hostels. There’s so much to do here it might even be better doing it alone- no-one to slow you down! (if you always walk like you’re late for something like me!).
Hope you enjoyed my country tips for the first time traveller, any comments or more suggestions for great first time countries? Then let me know in the comments section below!
If you enjoyed this you may also like:ย First Time Travelling Alone? Your Questions Answered.
