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Whether you are on a journey of self-discovery, or just need some vacation time to yourself, solo travel can afford the most rewarding adventures. If you’ve never traveled alone before, the thought can be intimidating. But once you hit the road, you might just find your own company to be the best.

Among the benefits solo travel offers is the freedom to do as you please on your own schedule. It can also let you step out of your comfort zone to try new things and even form new friendships on the road.

Solo travel is also more accessible than ever thanks to new tour companies offering group trips geared toward single travelers.

No matter what your reason or goal for traveling solo, though, there are destinations and experiences out there just waiting to be discovered. Here are our top picks for solo destinations around the world.

Thailand

Best for: Well-rounded adventurers who want to explore a well-trod destination.

If this is your first solo travel experience, Thailand is a great starter locale. The tourism industry runs like a well-oiled machine, and you’ll never really be alone as it is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations, hosting more than 40 million visitors annually. Once the backbone of the backpacker travel scene for its mix of affordability, delicious food, stunning beaches, vibrant cities and both natural and cultural attractions, today Thailand attracts a wide swath of travelers, including those on solo stints.

You’ll want to begin and end with a few days in Bangkok, which has a fantastic food scene and great nightlife. Jay Fai is a Michelin-starred street food eatery famed for its crab omelets, drunken noodles and hard-to-get tables. They don’t take reservations, and there is often a line before the doors open at 9 a.m., but solo travelers may have an advantage squeezing into available counter seats.

Fly south and spend a week exploring the Gulf of Thailand, home to tropical islands like Koh Samui (parts of “The White Lotus” season three were filmed at the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui) and Koh Tao (where there is excellent diving). Hop across to the Andaman Sea coastline afterward, where you’ll find beach resorts for all budgets in Phuket, Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands.

You’ll also want to spend some time in northern Thailand, including Chiang Mai, which is home to hundreds of elaborate Buddhist temples and a famed night market. It also serves as a jumping-off point for multiday treks through jungle and waterfall-dotted landscapes.

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Where to stay

In one of Bangkok’s tallest skyscrapers, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon is a playful, hip boutique with eye-catching art and design and a celebrity scene. Rates start at $154 per night.

“The White Lotus” set-jetters will want to book the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, the main hotel backdrop for season three. Rooms start at $1,300 per night.

The Banyan Tree Phuket offers chic digs in private pool villas. Solo travelers will like the number of curated experiences this resort offers, including cooking classes, local market tours and a meditative labyrinth walk. Rates start at $304 per night.

In Chiang Mai’s Old City, the Inside House has just 31 opulent rooms and suites. The 13 private, marble-tiled pool suites are a content creator’s dream. Rates start at $96 per night.

South Africa 

Best for: Your first solo trip to Africa.

Playing the backdrop for incredible wildlife safaris, thriving cities, beautiful beaches, wine regions and some of the world’s most iconic road trips, South Africa is one of the most scenically diverse and accessible solo travel destinations on the African continent.

United Airlines flies nonstop to Cape Town International Airport (CPT) from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Dulles International Airport (IAD) and from Newark to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB). Delta Air Lines flies nonstop to Johannesburg from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL). South Africa’s infrastructure is solid, making it easy to get around by car, plane and public transport.

Cape Town is one of the world’s most stunning cities and has become quite a hotspot with digital nomads thanks to its affordability and friendly vibe. Built around the towering flat-topped Table Mountain, it sits on a peninsula surrounded by white sand beaches sandwiched between turquoise waters (be warned, it’s deceptively cold!) and a series of dramatic rock cliffs known as the Twelve Apostles. Adding to the allure, the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek wine regions, penguin-populated Boulder Beach and Cape Agulhas, Africa’s southernmost point, are all within easy day-trip reach.

Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest city and another main hub. Here, travelers can visit the historically significant township of Soweto, where Nelson Mandela lived for 18 years before his arrest in 1962. From trendy bars and clubs in Melville to legendary jazz at Kippies in Newtown, Johannesburg also has a vibrant nightlife scene. Of course, no visit to South Africa would be complete without a safari in Kruger National Park or a private concession like Sabi Sands.

Road-tripping in South Africa can also be legendary. From Cape Town, head east for six hours to the start of the Garden Route in Mossel Bay, which is one of South Africa’s most famous road trips. Best lingered upon for three to five days, the 190-mile coastline drive takes you through charming beach holiday towns like Knysna, known for its oysters and subtropical evergreen forest.

South African backpacker hostels are usually stylish affairs that offer ample opportunities to meet other adventurers. You won’t need to stay in a dorm room either; nearly all offer private accommodations among the choices. Additionally, they can be great places for finding information on joining group safaris or overland trips around southern Africa. The Bazbus, which is a hop-on, hop-off bus system, links many of the hotels. It is an excellent choice for solo travelers who do not want to rent a car.

Where to stay

Never@Home, Green Point in Cape Town is an upscale hostel with private rooms. It is within walking distance of the famous V&A Waterfront and offers easy access to some of Cape Town’s best beaches. It also offers many affordable excursions, from wine tasting to sunset safaris. Private rooms start at $65 per night.

South Beach Camps Bay, also in Cape Town, has a Miami-inspired look, original artwork and spacious all-suite accommodations with balconies and fully equipped kitchens. Fridges are stocked daily with a complimentary selection of breakfast items, Nespresso machines are on hand to make your own coffee and freshly baked baguettes and croissants are delivered to your door each morning. Nightly rates start at $177.

Voco Johannesburg Rosebank is a design-forward boutique hotel adjacent to the Rosebank Mall. On Sunday, the mall’s rooftop parking level transforms into a market with extensive creative crafts, arts and food stalls. Rates start at $192 or 38,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

For a safari experience that won’t break the bank, check out Kruger Gate Hotel. Just a few minutes outside of Kruger National Park’s main gate, the lodge does not charge a single supplement. You can also choose from rates that include breakfast and dinner to those that add on a daily shared game drive. If you have a rental car, you can also do self-drive safaris through the park (roads are paved). Single occupancy rooms with bed and breakfast start at $288 per night.

Facing the lagoon in Knysna, along the Garden Route, Amanzi Island Boutique Hotel offers tranquil suites with ocean or garden views. Rooms start at $67 per night.

New Zealand

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Hooker Valley Trail toward Mount Cook. VENTZ/GETTY IMAGES

Best for: Thrill-seekers and road-trippers.

New Zealand was ranked the second-most peaceful country in the world on the Global Peace Index. It is also one of the most LGBTQIA+-friendly countries on the planet. Auckland has the buzziest scene, with many gay bars, restaurants, clubs and festivals, but both the North and South Island have vibrant, visible LGBTQIA+ communities.

Thrill-seeking solo travelers looking to push their boundaries will love New Zealand. Catch a flight to Queenstown on the South Island to get your adrenaline fix against a backdrop of snowcapped peaks and shimmering Lake Wakatipu. After all, bungee jumping’s birthplace is just outside of town on the Kawarau Bridge. You can take the famous 141-foot plunge off the bridge yourself with AJ Hackett Bungy. Other adventure activities include skydiving, whitewater rafting, heli-skiing and jet boating.

Queenstown also makes a good starting point for a road trip around the South Island, which is home to just 25% of New Zealand’s population, but 10 of its 13 national parks. Over the course of a week or two, you can explore breathtaking fjords, primordial glaciers, secluded stretches of coast and up-and-coming vineyards, among other landscapes.

Where to stay

In an ideal location across from the Ferry Building at the end of Queen Street, the InterContinental Auckland has sleek, spacious rooms and a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant. Rooms start at $181 or 36,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

The QT Queenstown is one of the city’s hottest sleeps. It is also very affordable. The art-forward hotel with a bright, contemporary vibe is close to Lake Wakatipu’s shoreline and all rooms have lake and mountain views. There is a heated pool and a buffet-concept restaurant onsite. Rooms start at $125.

Puerto Rico 

Best for: A tropical getaway without a passport.

Puerto Rico is an excellent choice for American solo travelers who want a Caribbean experience without having to keep their passports handy. As a U.S. territory, it also offers the convenience of using the U.S. dollar as its currency.

The island is home to three of the world’s five bioluminescent bays, and taking a kayak tour through one of them on a moonless night is a must-do. The bays glow neon green and blue thanks to a thriving population of microscopic dinoflagellate organisms. Mosquito Bay on Vieques Island is the most dramatic of the three.

El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest part of the U.S. National Forest System, is another must-see. Here, you’ll find lush hiking trails, waterfalls and wild rock waterslides that the adventurous can body surf down. Culebra Island, accessible via tour, ferry or flight from the mainland, is home to gorgeous Flamenco Beach and good snorkeling. Meanwhile, the laid-back west coast around Rincon has some of the Caribbean’s best surf breaks.

Most visitors stay in the capital, San Juan, and then make day trips to other parts of the island. Ubers are plentiful around San Juan, making it safe and quick to get around. If you venture further afield, you will likely need to rent a car or book a guided tour.

Where to stay

The piña colada was born in 1954 at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan, and the original recipe is still served at the hotel’s bar today. The luxe resort has a beachfront location with a calm lagoon area for swimming and is also just a 10-minute drive from Old San Juan, where you’ll find plenty of nightlife. The property is fresh off a $150 million renovation, with rooms and public spaces looking as glam as they did when doors opened in 1949. Rooms start at $340 or 70,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Switzerland

Best for: Train travel enthusiasts who want an eye-filling dose of scenery.

Switzerland is a haven for solo travelers, offering a blend of breathtaking landscapes and lively cities. Safe and easy to explore, the country’s renowned train system makes traversing its picturesque terrain a breeze. Purchase a Swiss Travel Pass, which garners unlimited travel by train, bus and boat, and spend a week exploring this tiny, adventure-packed country. Passes can be purchased in increments of three to 15 days of consecutive travel (there are also flex versions with a set number of days within a month). A 3-day pass starts at 244 Swiss francs ($272).

Outdoor enthusiasts will want to play in the Swiss Alps, and Zermatt, with its Matterhorn backdrop, is one place to start. The lively, car-free town attracts a fair share of solo travelers who come to climb, hike and bike in summer and ski in winter. The Bernese Oberland around Interlaken is another outdoor adventure hot spot with gorgeous high alpine lakes and dramatic mountains. Interlaken has an established backpacker culture where solo travelers will feel welcome.

Lakeside Geneva is surrounded by mountains and home to the European headquarters of the United Nations and the International Red Cross. After plying the waters on one of the Lake Geneva Cruise Line’s historical vessels, sign up for a half-day watchmaking workshop with Initium. You’ll get to design and create your own unique watch.

Where to stay

In Zermatt, The Omnia focuses on wellness. It features a showstopping swimming pool and hot tub with Matterhorn views, multiple saunas and a lengthy spa treatment menu. The small boutique property has an elegant alpine ambience, a restaurant with a vegetarian-friendly menu and complimentary bourbon in crystal decanters in guestrooms. Nightly rates start at $590.

For a hostel experience in Interlaken, Balmer’s Backpackers is an institution. You can book area activities like paragliding, rock climbing, e-bike tours, skiing, ice-climbing, zip lining and skydiving here. There is also a restaurant and nightclub on-site. If you are traveling with your pup, private rooms are dog-friendly. Nightly rates start at $87.

In Geneva, the Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix is located on the lakefront and blends historical grandeur with contemporary style. Nightly rates start at $760 or 90,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Tokyo

Best for: An immersive foodie experience.

Japanese traditions intersect with flashing neon lights and ultramodern skyscrapers in Tokyo, a never-stops city that is one of the world’s culinary capitals. If this is your first visit, head to the Shibuya Crossing intersection to feel its rapid heartbeat as you people-watch to your heart’s content.

Exploring Tokyo through its food is one immersive way to experience the Japanese capital. Eating well doesn’t have to cost you a fortune, either, if you stick to no-frills sushi, ramen or udon restaurants. You can have your fill of the freshest fish and seafood at Tsukiji Market, where giant oysters cost around $2. For noodles, try Rokurinsha on Ramen Street in Tokyo Station and Shin Udon in Shinjuku. At least one splurge is mandatory, and the eight-seat Sushi-Ya omakase restaurant in the Ginza district is a good place to spend an evening enjoying a meal you’ll talk about for the rest of your trip.

In between meals, you’ll want to see the sights. Shinjuku is a shopping and entertainment hub. Stores sell everything from second-hand designer goods to the newest cameras and electronics. When you need respite, pay a visit to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. The buzzy Ginza district is known for its luxury shopping, high-end restaurants and entertaining nightlife including karaoke bars and rooftop cocktail lounges. Other top Tokyo experiences include playing Mario Kart in Akihabara’s underground cafes and checking out the numerous gardens and historic temples, including the city’s oldest Buddhist temple, Senso-ji.

Tokyo has so much stimulation that you may want to clear your head for a few hours with a trip to an onsen. You’ll find these hot spring pools in the city center, but for more zen, head to one on the outskirts to soak in a natural setting.

(Helpful tip: If you take prescription medication, read this article before traveling to Japan.)

Where to stay

Solo travelers who are looking for easy access to nightlife and have Hyatt points to spend will like the Grand Hyatt Tokyo. The property is in the upscale Roppongi district, home to Tokyo’s best nightlife, and blends sophistication with Japanese charm. Rooms start at $412 or 25,000 World of Hyatt points.

Tokyo Edition, Ginza is a trendy, brand-new property in one of the city’s most vibrant areas. Part of Marriott’s Edition hotel collection, it has a glamorous and intimate feel. Rooms start at around $750 or 94,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

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HALBERMAN/GETTY IMAGES

Best for: A healing spa retreat in an artistic setting.

When you want to escape to serene natural surroundings for some much-needed self-care, book a trip to Santa Fe. The “city different,” as the all-adobe state capital bills itself, looks like nowhere else in the U.S.

This high desert city is nestled beneath the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and boasts two award-winning destination spas, Ojo Santa Fe and Ten Thousand Waves. Both have healing hot mineral spring pools, healthy food and a full range of massage treatments.

Santa Fe is best known for its art scene, and it is easy to spend a day perusing Canyon Road’s galleries and artistic studios, then visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, which houses the world’s most extensive collection of the late artist’s works. In summer, the Santa Fe Opera is a world-famous, open-air venue that attracts a global audience. Finally, Santa Fe’s food scene is on par with much larger cities. The Shed is a revered local favorite that focuses on innovative New Mexican fare, including excellent red and green chile enchiladas, tamales and stuffed sopapillas.

Where to stay

La Posada de Santa Fe is a Tribute Portfolio Resort & Spa, so Marriott loyalists can earn and redeem points. The Pueblo-inspired property with rooms decorated in a signature Southwestern style has a great location within walking distance of Santa Fe Plaza and Canyon Road. Rates start at $199 or 41,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Bocas del Toro, Panama

Best for: Equal parts outdoor adventure and relaxation.

Bocas del Toro, off Panama’s Caribbean coast, is a great Costa Rica dupe for travelers seeking a less-touristy getaway. The archipelago is famed for its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, surfing, diving and snorkeling opportunities, and it offers just the right combination of adventure and chill.

The local community is welcoming, and solo travelers can find their groove in vibrant Bocos town on the Isla Colón. Its colorful buildings house lively bars and relaxed restaurants. Isla Colón is also where you can find some of Bocas’ best waves, with breaks for beginners and experts alike. Head to Isla Bastimentos, a 10-minute water taxi ride from Bocas town, for jungle hiking and sloth-spotting in Panama’s oldest marine park. There is also excellent snorkeling and diving offshore.

Where to stay

La Coralina Island House is a luxurious wellness-focused resort with a social vibe. The serene beachfront property with rainforest and Caribbean views offers complimentary yoga classes, meditation sessions, sound baths and other organized activities that make meeting other travelers a breeze. What’s more, solo travelers can save cash by booking single-occupancy rooms, which start at $200 per night.

Kenya

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Lions walking past safari trucks in Maasai Mara Game Reserve. PAUL SOUDERS/GETTY IMAGES

Best for: Epic safaris and blissful beaches.

The word safari is Swahili for journey, and a solo trip around Kenya can be a life-changing experience. Plan a visit to the Maasai Mara National Reserve timed to the annual Great Migration when millions of wildebeest and zebra make the trip from Tanzania’s Serengeti in search of water. It starts around August and continues through October.

To avoid paying a costly single supplement at a safari lodge, consider a small group safari trip from an outfitter such as G Adventures, which does not charge solo travelers extra. These trips also allow you to share the safari experience in a group setting, which some travelers might prefer.

Kenya’s eastern coastline on the Indian Ocean is home to gorgeous white-sand beaches, emerald-hued water and top-notch snorkeling and diving. Watamu and Diani are popular beach towns with lively expat scenes and plentiful restaurants, bars and accommodation options.

You can also catch a flight to Lamu Island, just 30 miles from the Somali border. The island is East Africa’s oldest continuously inhabited Swahili settlement, and a visit feels like stumbling back in time. Make sure to book a sunset sail in a traditional Arab dhow.

Nairobi has grown in the last decade and is an energetic and cosmopolitan capital worth experiencing. You’ll find the world’s only national park in a capital city here — it is a mind-trip to ride in a taxi and see lions, rhinos, giraffes and other African animals in the heart of the city. It is easy to get between all these locations on commercial flights that usually cost less than $200 per leg.

Where to stay

In Nairobi, Tribe is a Marriott-affiliated property that is great for jetlag recovery thanks to its comfortable rooms and suites. It has a curated, artistic feel due to unique architecture and lots of original art. Tribe is adjacent to the Village Market, one of the city’s top dining and shopping centers. Rooms start at $320 or 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

If you have Bonvoy points you want to burn, the JW Marriott Masai Mara opened in 2023 with rave reviews. Rates includes all meals, most alcoholic beverages and game drives and start at around $1,550 or 110,000 Marriot Bonvoy points per night, single occupancy.

In Watamu, Temple Point Resort attracts many solo travelers, and some staff members are also expats. There is a strong community feel, and starting a conversation at the large swimming pool or the supertrendy LichttHaus bar and restaurant is easy. Facing Midas Creek, it has hammocks over the water for lounging, DJs spin regularly and it gets packed just before the usually intensely colorful sunsets. Rates start at $180 per night.

The ocean-facing Peponi Hotel Lamu is the place to stay on the island, attracting a who’s who of Kenyan clientele. It also has one of the only restaurants serving alcohol on this predominantly Muslim island. Single rooms start at $195 per night, including breakfast.

Cinque Terre, Italy

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Village of Riomaggiore in Cinque Terre National Park, Italy. SENG CHYE TEO/GETTY IMAGES

Best for: Solo walking expeditions.

Less crowded than the Amalfi Coast, the Cinque Terre region on Italy’s northwest coast is a beautiful destination populated by friendly villages where you can find some of Europe’s freshest seafood. Here, you’ll find sun-drenched, terraced vineyards, lemon and olive tree groves, cliffs tumbling into an aquamarine sea, picturesque harbors and five colorful seaside towns linked by the Sentiero Azzurro, a cliffside hiking trail.

One of the best ways to explore this region is by foot, and one of the easiest ways to do this is with a preplanned, self-guided seven-night trip along the coastline set up by a company such as Macs Adventure, whose itineraries typically include nightly accommodations, daily luggage transfer and a dedicated walking route that showcases the region’s highlights. And since this is not a guided tour, you’ll be able to focus on yourself for a week and embrace as much solitude as you need (and once you hit the lively towns, there are opportunities to mingle, of course).

Where to stay

Monterosso al Mare is an excellent choice if you don’t do a walking tour and instead prefer to base yourself in one village. It has a variety of family-run hotels and charming restaurants. Hotel La Colonnia (rates from $192 per night) is in the main town square, but within walking distance of the beach, and has a welcoming ambience and a relaxing rooftop terrace with sun loungers and ocean views.

Aruba

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Natural Pool in Arikok National Park on the north coast of Aruba. MARC GUITARD/GETTY IMAGES

Best for: The best weather in the Caribbean.

Unlike most of the Caribbean, Aruba sits outside the hurricane belt, and its desert climate makes rain here a rare occurrence, nearly guaranteeing a sunny beach vacation. Near-constant trade winds also keep it from getting uncomfortably hot.

Aruba offers a diverse range of experiences and resorts ranging from luxury to budget, and its beaches are some of the Caribbean’s prettiest, with clear turquoise water and soft white sand. Many beaches around Aruba have reefs swimming distance from shore, so you can snorkel without taking a boat tour — you will need your own gear. Catalina Cove and Arashi Beach are two favorites. If you dive, Aruba has one of the Caribbean’s top wreck-diving scenes.

Land explorations include ATV adventures through the desert landscape to natural bridges and black sand beaches. San Nicolas, a town on the island’s southern tip, has an impressive graffiti art scene with about 50 murals. Aruba Mural Tours offers passionate guided walking tours, but you can also wander solo.

Where to stay

The best part about staying at the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort is the easy access via a complimentary water taxi to the resort’s offshore private island. Here, you’ll find beautiful stretches of white sand beach, clear turquoise water, flamingos, plenty of sun-loungers and cabanas, along with restaurants and bars. Back on the mainland, the resort has an infinity swimming pool, food and beverage service and several other dining options. There are also many restaurants within walking distance. If you are visiting before embarking on a cruise, the location just across from the port is another plus. Rooms start at $341 or 56,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Queensland, Australia

Best for: Anyone wanting to experience the Great Barrier Reef.

On TPG’s best places to travel in 2024 list, Queensland in northeastern Australia is also an excellent solo travel destination. It is home to one of Earth’s natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef, and other attractions. Start in the capital, Brisbane, filled with trendy bars, restaurants and a slate of new hotels before heading north to the Sunshine Coast. Popular with solo travelers, especially surfers, base yourself in one of the laid-back beach towns like Noosa Heads and devote some time to beach hopping and rainforest hiking.

Continue north to Cairns, a jumping-off point for the Great Barrier Reef. The reef has seen significant coral bleaching in the last few decades but is still well worth visiting. Booking a liveaboard sailing trip for a few nights around the Whitsunday Islands is one of the best ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef. Other Queensland highlights include the Daintree Rainforest for back-to-nature solitude and the Gold Coast for its flashy surf scene.

Where to stay

Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas (rates from $170 per night) is set in the rainforest in Noosa Heads, slightly removed from the bustle of Hastings Street, where you’ll find the town’s restaurants, bars, cafes and shops concentrated. The eco-friendly luxury property is a social place with three pools, a top-notch restaurant and a posh spa.

​​The Hilton Cairns is on the waterfront and within walking distance of the Reef Terminal, where most Great Barrier Reef tours depart. It has artsy, contemporary rooms and suites, a lagoon-style pool, a restaurant and a bar on-site. Rooms start at $153 or 35,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Chile

Best for: Trekking, stargazing and hot-spring soaking amidst surreal topography.

From the cultural hotbed of Santiago to the stunning natural scenery of Patagonia, Chile offers much to explore. Start with a few days in the capital, Santiago. Hike or take the funicular to the top of Cerro San Cristobal, a 2,789-foot peak, for mesmerizing city views. Also, visit La Chacosa, the poet Pablo Neruda’s home, which is now a museum. The Bellavista neighborhood is great for strolling thanks to colorful street murals, trendy boutiques and lively cafes.

With the Andes Mountains as a frame, the Atacama Desert in Chile’s north is one of the driest places on the planet and features otherworldly terrain in a remote location. At night, the stargazing is phenomenal, while during the day, you can surf down towering dunes, visit high-altitude geysers, watch swarms of flamingos gather in bright lithium-rich lakes or enjoy a relaxing soak in the Puritama hot springs, a series of eight geothermal pools at the bottom of a canyon.

In the country’s south, meanwhile, Patagonia’s Torres del Paine National Park is the place to trek through an ever-shifting landscape of jagged peaks, dense forests, active glaciers, crystalline lakes and solitary waterfalls. The scenery is truly spectacular and you won’t see many other travelers during your visit, lending the experience a truly special feel.

Where to stay

The Renaissance Santiago Hotel is a sophisticated retreat with bona fide sustainability credentials in Santiago’s prestigious Las Condes district. Many of the rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows. Rooms start at $110 or 15,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Nayara Alto Atacama is a stark but sumptuous desert lodge just a few minutes’ drive from the tourist center of San Pedro de Atacama. Meals are sourced mainly from the hotel’s own Andean gardens and guests have their pick of included and paid activities each day. Be sure to spare some time for an elements-inspired spa treatment like the signature volcanic hot stone massage. Rates start at $522 per night including accommodation and breakfast, and $1,244 per night full-board including transfers to and from the airport in Calama.

Tierra Patagonia is a luxury adventure lodge overlooking Lake Sarmiento and Torres del Paine National Park. The property has just 40 suites that blend beautifully into the natural environs. While not inexpensive, the lodge allows solo travelers to explore the area as rates include guided excursions as well as food, drinks and airport transfers, which can take up to several hours. All-inclusive rates start at $1,456 per night.

Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

Best for: Medieval cities, beaches, “Game of Thrones” set-jetters.

Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast is a dreamy solo travel destination that is more affordable than Santorini in Greece and Italy’s Amalfi Coast, but with similar sophisticated beach vibes.

Begin in the fairytale city of Dubrovnik, which has a medieval Old Town surrounded by intact walls. If you are a “Game of Thrones” fan, you’ll appreciate that it served as one of the King’s Landing set locations. A series of stunning pebble and sand beaches are tucked between the Adriatic’s calm, clear, aquamarine waters and towering limestone cliffs to the north and south of Dubrovnik.

Located less than a three-hour drive from Dubrovnik, Split is another photogenic medieval walled city. It also served as a “Game of Thrones” backdrop and is surrounded by still more beautiful beaches. Split is also a jumping-off point for exploring some of the Dalmatian Coast islands. Trendy Hvar and charming Brac islands are both accessible via ferry from Split.

Where to stay

The Dalmatian Coast has a distinct summer high season and, especially in Dubrovnik, rates at properties can more than double during July and August. Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik is a historic property five minutes from Old Town in Dubrovnik. It has fantastic views of the sea and walled city that are especially sweet at sunset. Nightly rates start at $369.

On Hvar Island, Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort has a buzzy ambience that solo travelers will like. The beachfront attracts couples as well as friend groups. The vast, cascading pool is a spirited hangout spot on summer afternoons. The resort is within walking distance from the island’s Old Town. Nightly rates start at $184.