These are the best vacation destinations for singles recommended by pro solo travelers with tips on how to meet people plus a budget guide for a single person.
Hi Trisha! I found out about your blog from a friend from University. This year, I am finally leaving the United States to travel solo! I am a very social person and though I love solo traveling, I also don’t want to feel lonely. In your experience, what are the best vacation destinations for singles? I need something that has a great nightlife and lots of opportunities to meet people. Perhaps somewhere safe too? I might also join your group trip to Mexico! Thanks for your blog – I find it extremely helpful.
Matt Trombley, United States
Hola Matt!
Glad you decided to travel solo and that you are interested in one of my group trips! I understand that safety is your concern but my advice is to just practice vigilance the same way you’d do anywhere abroad (or here in the US!).
In this best vacation destinations for singles, I invited a few solo travelers to recommend and contribute their best pick. You will find information about nightlife, meeting people and solo travel budget costs in each of the destination.
Note that the first 5 best vacation destinations for singles are my recommendations. You will also find separate solo travel guides for each place.
Good luck and let me know what destination you picked!
Xx, Trisha
What’s covered in this solo female travel guide:
Here’s a map of the best vacation destinations for singles. You can open it in full view or save it on Google Maps to see how far it is from your current destination. You can also check cheap flights below!
On my 18th birthday (17 years ago!), I received a trip to Hong Kong gift from my family and this was my first trip in this marvelous city. When I turned 26, I decided to move to Hong Kong and live there for 3 months as a digital nomad.
Hong Kong is a melting pot of all nationalities. Meeting people was so easy, especially if you frequent bars and restaurants that fellow expats and travelers visit. There are also language exchange activities and weekly meet-ups for expats!
Hong Kong is a lively city with a bustling nightlife. Lan Kwai Fong, a bustling labyrinth of bars and clubs, is the epicenter of the city’s party scene, drawing a lively, international crowd. Wan Chai offers a more diverse experience, from upscale lounges to traditional pubs, reflecting the area’s unique blend of old and new.
All areas of Hong Kong has a vibrant nightlife but these two are what I recommend if you are a traveler who is in the city for a few days.
Hong Kong used to be a British colony so everyone could speak English. Of course, there are still local areas where their English is limited but it won’t be hard to communicate with them. They are always willing to help!
As for transportation, Hong Kong is a city with an efficient train system. The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) is fast, reliable, and affordable way to traverse the city and its suburbs.
With well-signposted stations and frequent services, navigating via MTR is a breeze for both locals and tourists. You won’t have a hard time getting around – the train is connected to every single neighborhood in the country!
I never felt unharmed in Hong Kong and I consider it as one of the safest places to visit alone. The streets are lively til the wee hours of morning and everyone’s out and about. I walked the streets alone many times and nothing happened to me.
If I am going out to drink and party with friends, I took the taxi home and avoided walking. But overall, I did not feel unsafe in Hong Kong!
Hong Kong is one of the most expensive cities in Asia but very few people know that you can eat here for as low as $7. For accommodations, I spent around $55 per night for a boutique hotel in Central neighborhood.
For food, everything was up in the air since I also love fine dining and tasting menus (around $100). Overall, a daily budget of $85 in Hong Kong is enough and can take you a long way!
?️ SEE HONG KONG ACCOMMODATIONS MAP →
Tokyo is one of my favorite best vacation destinations for singles as I spent most of my single life here! I usually celebrate New Year’s in Tokyo (it’s super cold, I know) because I have a lot of Japanese friends.
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. The transportation system is excellent and is connected to neighborhoods like Shinjuku. The Japan Rail Pass also enables you to travel the whole country with ease. Remember, they have the most advanced bullet trains in the world!
Tokyo is expensive compared to other solo travel destinations in Asia. I stayed in a capsule hotel which costs around $55 per night (dorm-type).
I would recommend you to look at other Tokyo accommodations since capsule hotels are tight. It may not be a good fit but it’s a good cultural experience. Only Japan has these kinds of accommodations!
As for food, street food in Tokyo is cheaper than restaurants. You can even eat full meals at their Seven-Eleven convenience stores for as low as $6!
If you plan to travel to Tokyo alone, get in touch with me and I will hook you up with my Japanese friends!
?️ SEE TOKYO ACCOMMODATIONS MAP →
This is no secret. We all know that all solo travelers love Vietnam. The affordable costs, the friendly people, and the things to do are just some of the reasons why Ho Chi Minh is one of the best vacation destinations for singles.
As a backpacker nation, Ho Chi Minh has a lively nightlife that’s vibrant until the wee hours of the morning. It is also very easy to meet people as it is part of the Banana Pancake Trail, which is the usual route for traveling in Southeast Asia.
Vietnam is a safe country as it is used to foreign (and young) foreigners and tourists. Just practice the same vigilance as you would do elsewhere.
I stayed in various hostels in Ho Chi Minh (there are many!). 10 years ago, I was only paying around $5 USD for a dorm room! Now that I am older, I still stay in hostels but book for a private room.
On other occasions, I also stayed in a boutique hotel in District 1, which is one of the most popular neighborhoods for solo travelers.
?️ SEE HO CHI MINH ACCOMMODATIONS MAP →
The sought-after travel destination in the Middle East, Dubai, is one of the incredibly best vacation destinations for singles. As a cosmopolitan city, it offers a lively atmosphere, plenty of things to do, active nightlife, a sense of adventure, and a taste of luxury.
Meeting new people in Dubai is pretty effortless, and you can make connections in different places, even in the most unexpected ones.
Whether you’re sipping a coffee in the artsy Alserkal Avenue, strolling along the touristy Walk at JBR, jogging along the local Kite beach, joining a desert safari, or are out in the coolest club in town, opportunities to mingle with both locals and fellow travelers are abundant.
What is very appealing about Dubai is that you will meet people from all over the world and will always find somewhere you belong. Dubai is very open and welcoming. The nightlife in Dubai is top-notch and there is a variety of places to go out. From the pulsating beats of open-air world-class clubs like White.
The sophisticated ambience of rooftop lounges overlooking the city’s neon skyline, to chilled bars that don’t require strict dress codes or even cool beach clubs that start parties at midday and continue till the sun goes down. In short, there’s a venue to match every mood and music taste.
Moreover, getting around Dubai is also easy. Dubai metro and tram are convenient and cheap means of transport to get between the most popular areas like Dubai Marina and Dubai Downtown.
Metro will even take you to and from the airport. For places which are not directly accessible by public transport, or if you prefer moving around faster, taxis are always around the corner. You can catch one just on the street or install the Careem app (Uber equivalent).
Furthermore, the majority of the population in Dubai speaks fluent English. Street signage is also in English which makes getting around and communicating exceptionally convenient, adding to the ease of exploration.
Safety, which is the main concern for many single travelers, is one of Dubai’s strongest attributes. The city has some of the lowest crime rates in the world, and its strict laws ensure a secure environment.
As a single traveler, you can roam around freely even in the middle of the night. If you leave your iPhone in a restaurant, 99% chances are you will still find it. Yet general measures of safety are always good to apply wherever you travel.
Lastly, Dubai’s daily budget can vary widely depending on your choices. For the budget-conscious, expect to spend around $100-150 per day, covering simple accommodations, public transportation, and casual dining.
If you prefer a more luxurious experience, the budget can easily blow up. Expect to spend upwards of $300 per day, indulging in fine dining, exclusive club entries, lavish attractions, and luxury accommodations in Dubai.
Although not the cheapest destination to travel to, Dubai still offers a range of options to suit different budgets, making it a versatile place for singles looking to immerse themselves in a vibrant, multicultural experience.
?️ SEE DUBAI ACCOMMODATIONS MAP →
Chiang Mai, Thailand has long been touted as one of the best vacation destinations for singles. For me, its vegan-friendliness was the huge draw, but I really wanted to go for its proximity to visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary.
I watched the documentary The Last Tourist, which discusses the sad reality of unethical animal experiences, but they also highlighted individuals who were on a mission to provide a protected space for these gentle giants.
You’ll find a welcoming community in Chiang Mai — even if someone doesn’t speak English, they will go out of their way to try and help you. Throughout the city, you’ll find plenty of cafes and bars that are always buzzing with activity throughout the day.
A great place to meet people is one of Chiang Mai’s first vegan cafes, which is also a social enterprise, Free Bird. The café hosts all types of events throughout the week (like open mic nights and live music) and has volunteering opportunities, which is a great way to meet people.
If you’re interested in having fun, there is a diverse array of options, including lively night markets, rooftop bars, and live music venues. One thing that I think you can’t skip is attending a cabaret show; it’s a terrific mix of glamorous costumes and raunchy behavior!
One of the best places to go is Anusarn Market, which is outside of the Old City walls, near Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar. The public transportation system isn’t as robust in Chiang Mai as it is in other large cities like Bangkok.
There isn’t a metro or subway system; instead, you will need to depend on red songthaew buses, tuk-tuks, and the Grab App. To be honest, I used the buses and tuk-tuks only a couple of times because the city isn’t super massive, so it’s easy to walk to most places.
When you want to go farther, hailing either a tuk-tuk or red Songthaew bus is super easy, but even easier is using the Grab App. Grab is the Uber or Lyft equivalent and offers rides via car or motorbike.
I never felt uncomfortable in Chiang Mai, no matter if I was out during the day or night. I was careful when wandering around and always kept my bag to the side and zipped up.
Another thing to keep in mind is to be aware when you have your phone out; it’s not uncommon for thieves to try to grab phones out of your hand while they ride by on a motorbike.
Chiang Mai is a very affordable city, and how much you will need to budget will ultimately come down to your spending habits. On average, I spent approximately $13 per day on food, minimal on transportation, and $100 per night on accommodations.
I chose a 4-star hotel but you can find cheaper options. One other thing to factor in is additional activities like visiting temples, going to an elephant sanctuary, or a cabaret show, and those can vary from about $20 and up.
?️ SEE CHIANG MAI ACCOMMODATIONS MAP →
South East Asia is a fantastic part of the world for single adventures, but the Indonesian island of Bali in particular, is perfect even for complete solo travel newbies.
Why? Because it’s gorgeous and diverse, very safe and affordable, and it’s super easy to meet people on the island of gods (as it’s popularly referred to).
One of the best places to stay in Bali for meeting fellow travellers and bustling nighlife is Canggu. Here, a mix of backpackers, surfers and digital nomads come together to create a dynamic and exciting environment.
There are various Facebook groups that you can join to connect with others, such as Canggu Expats Now, Canggu Community or Canggu Nomad Girls (exclusively for ladies).
Canggu is also the perfect place for nightlife. There is a party somewhere virtually every night, and the best venues include Old Man’s, Motel Mexicola and Finns Beach Club.
When it comes to public transport, Bali is somewhat limited. The best way to get around the island is by scooter. Scooter rentals are plenty and are very affordable, starting at $5 per day.
Bali also has a great network of Go Jek and Grab drivers, which are the Asian equivalent of Uber. They offer both car and scooter rides for very affordable prices.
Another reason why Bali is the perfect place for a solo adventure is the safety. Most locals speak English and are genuinely friendly and helpful.
I lived and travelled in Bali extensively as a solo female and never had any issues. The biggest danger you may encounter is “Bali belly”, which is a traveller’s diarrhoea, but I personally never experienced it.
In terms of travel budget, Bali is one of those places where you can spend as little or as much as you want. You can travel around the island for $50 per day, which could include a homestay accommodation or a bed in a hostel, scooter rental and eating mostly in local restaurants known as “warungs”.
?️ SEE BALI ACCOMMODATIONS MAP →
?? Read next: Asia Ultimate Solo Female Travel Guide
One of the best vacation destinations for singles is Key West, Florida. It is the southernmost point in the continental United States and is a great place for singles since there is an incredible nightlife scene all along Duval Street. Some top bars include Sloppy Joe’s, The Rum Bar, and Irish Kevin’s.
In particular, Irish Kevin’s is an easy place to meet people. Not only do they have music nightly, but there is a killer stout menu and a fun pub grub menu too. They also have a great t-shirt shop where you can pick up a souvenir and feature fun contests like a beer drinking contest.
Just use common sense when it comes to safety and never leave your drink unattended. Key West is safe but limit the amount you drink so you are aware of your surroundings. Also, never leave your bag unattended, and avoid drinking and driving.
Now, if you want to explore more of the Old Town area you could rent a bike, scooter, use the public bus, or do a fun Old Town Trolly Tour. Do try to rent a car though since the Florida Keys are huge and this is a great way to get around.
This way you can visit some of the best beaches in the area, like Smathers Beach, the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, and Higgs Beach. You can also grab a slice of key lime pie at Kermitt’s Key Lime Shop and visit six-toed cats at the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.
However, Key West is not a cheap place to travel. So, depending on your style of travel you could spend anywhere between $100 and $500 per day on your trip. I kept it simple and spent around $200 per day during my weekend in Key West.
I will be very biased with Cabo because this is where I currently live! It is no secret that Cabo is a party place. With its close proximity to the United States, it is one of the most popular and best vacation destinations for singles.
When I first moved to Cabo, I was overwhelmed with the parties (it goes on for days!) but I have met many fellow single travelers (and even dated some!). Cabo is an English-speaking city and we also use USD here so you won’t feel strange.
I recommend Cabo for those who are traveling for the first time, especially if you are from the states. It’s another country (Mexico) but you will feel at home as we have the culture of California here.
Obviously, I chose to live here so I feel safe here. Cabo is a touristy area and safety is not an issue unless you involve yourself in sketchy activities such as buying drugs.
The only downside of traveling alone here is that Cabo is expensive. Most travelers opt for a boutique hotel or an all-inclusive resort that ranges from $100 – $500 for a single person.
If you are planning to visit Cabo, I still live here so please get in touch! I’d love to meet you and show you around!
?? See also: Is Cabo safe for solo travelers?
For my recommendation for the best vacation destinations for singles, I chose the not-so-popular Provincetown in MA. I first went to Provincetown when I was a teenager on a family vacation and fell in love with the culture, art scene, and unique character at every turn.
It was a place that made such a strong impression, I always remembered it. I decided to travel back there as an adult to experience even more of what it had to offer with a fresh perspective. And it didn’t disappoint!
What I love about it is that it perfectly balances a quiet, quaint beach town vibe, with lots of things to do, and an exciting nightlife.
It is so easy to meet fellow travelers and expats in Provincetown. One of the best things about Provincetown is its acceptance of everyone. It was first known as a prominent art and LGBTIQA+ community where everyone was always embraced for being exactly who they were.
That still stands true today, and because of that, the sense of community in Provincetown, even as a tourist, is very strong.
I’ve always found everyone here to be extremely friendly and welcoming, which makes it so easy to meet people while traveling alone. Known for its incredible nightlife, one of the best things to do in Provincetown is to check out the countless bars, cabarets, and clubs.
Every night, especially in the summer season, it’ll be harder to decide where to go than to find something going on! Whether it’s dancing, drag shows, comedy clubs, or piano bars, Ptown has it all.
Most nightlife venues can be found along Commercial Street, and places like Post Office Café and Cabaret and Atlantic House are usually where it’s at after sunset.
If you’re looking for more of a chill music scene, Tin Pan Alley serves up awesome food with more low-key (but still lively!) piano entertainment.
Provincetown is a fairly small town, so everything is walkable for the most part, especially the nightlife, shops, and dining. If you don’t have a car, the only transportation you’ll want to plan ahead for is getting to the beaches, which are located outside of the town center.
In the summer season, though, there’s a very affordable shuttle service that takes you from downtown to both Race Point Beach and Herring Cove Beach, making it easy to get around without a car.
Safety is never a concern for me while in Provincetown, making it such a stress-free vacation when traveling alone. Because of the tight-knit community, small size, and accepting nature, you won’t have to practice any heightened safety precautions.
Like anywhere, keep an eye on your drinks, be aware of your surroundings, and have fun!
As a whole, New England is an expensive destination, especially in peak summer season, which runs July & August. Provincetown is unfortunately no exception, and since it’s located on Cape Cod, a popular beach vacation area in the region, prices for accommodations, food, and entertainment run high.
In the summer season, expect to shell out about $300/night for a hotel, and possibly more on the weekends or holidays. Prices are lower throughout the rest of the year, with May, June, September, and October being nice times to visit that are less expensive.
Seafood is the speciality in this region, which also comes with a higher price tag, but splurging on a lobster roll is worth it! Seafood dishes range anywhere from $20-$30, but you can also eat on the cheap by getting more basic meals at casual and take-out places.
Usually, I spend around $200-$300/night for a hotel in Provincetown, and around $100/day on food, beach passes, and entertainment.
I spent two years traveling the world, visiting different cities every month. O’ahu was one of my first stops, and of course, one of my favorite best vacation destinations for singles!
I visited in February, making it the perfect winter getaway. I also was lucky enough to have a few friends stationed there at the time (O’ahu has a large military base), so it was great to catch up with them!
There’s a large young adult presence on the island, especially in Waikiki. I met people on Hinge and Bumble BFF – some of them I’m still in touch with 3 years later! Plus, everybody is super friendly. Treat the locals and their island with respect and they will do the same for you.
I’m not a huge “party, clubs, drinking” girl. But that ended up being why I loved O’ahu so much! There are local breweries throughout the island, so if you love trying different drafts, there’s a brew for you.
I personally love hitting the beach bars in Waikiki. But, if you love to party, head to Chinatown. Try out Manifest Cocktail Bar or Proof Social Club. And of course, you can’t miss out on a classic Hawaiin luau!
If you’re staying in Waikiki, you can easily get around on your feet or in a taxi. However, getting around the rest of the island requires a car. There’s a bus system (TheBus) which I would seldom recommend using.
You’ll want to get a car for a least a few days so you can see the North Shore, Lanikai Beach, or take advantage of some of the volcano hikes around the island.
Since Hawaii is an American state, everyone speaks English – no need to worry about a language barrier!
Oahu is incredibly safe – even in Waikiki and Honolulu! While I wouldn’t recommend walking around alone at night, there’s very little to worry about when it comes to safety in Oahu.
The city is frequently crowded, so unless you’re searching for empty streets and alleys, the biggest things you should keep an eye out for are scams and pickpockets.
I spent just under $2,000 for four weeks on a longer-term room in a house and $30-$50/day on food.
I had a kitchen, so I cooked breakfast every day, but frequently bought lunch and dinner. If you’re planning on renting a car, your daily budget will need to be much higher than that.
If you’re a single traveler looking for the best vacation destinations for singles, look no further than the English-speaking mountain town of Banff.
Banff is located right in Banff National Park in Canada and is famous around the world for its breathtaking natural landscapes and also its vibrant nightlife. It’s a must-visit spot for anyone looking to explore Western Canada.
The town of Banff has a lively bar scene with plenty of options for live music, dancing, trivia, and mingling with other travelers. Because it’s a popular travel destination, you will cross paths with people from all over the world. You’ll probably find it very easy to meet people in Banff as a solo traveller.
Banff has an incredible public transportation system called ROAM. A ROAM transit pass is provided for free by many hotels, and those camping in the summer can take ROAM into town for free also. The buses run to all the major attractions in and around Banff including Johnston Canyon, the Gondola, Moraine Lake, and Lake Louise. A single ride around town is $2, and a day pass is $5.
The routes to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake max out at $20. The townsite of Banff is small enough that you can easily get around by foot or bike. This makes it easy to explore different areas and try out different activities without having to worry about renting a car or getting lost.
Safety is always a concern when traveling alone, however, Banff is a very safe destination for solo travelers. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the small-town atmosphere creates a sense of community. The townsite has its police service and the natural spaces of the national park are well-maintained and patrolled by park rangers.
When enjoying the outdoors and beautiful landscapes throughout Banff National Park, you’ll want to make sure you read about bear safety and carry bear spray with you. Never approach, feed, or touch wildlife.
Expect to spend Canadian dollars while in Banff. Almost all places take major credit cards, even more so than cash. So, you don’t necessarily have to worry about having Canadian cash on hand. Daily costs in Banff can vary greatly depending on your preferred accommodation and food. If you camp or stay in a hostel and cook your meals, Banff can be very budget-friendly.
If you choose to stay in some of the very beautiful luxury accommodations and eat out for all your meals, it can be pricey! A hotel in the low season ranges from $200-$700/night, in the high season that can double. Campsites run from $25$-$75 a night depending on services.
Many restaurants do have daily specials as well as Happy Hour. As a bonus -hiking and outdoor activities are free! You will need a National Parks pass if you decide to drive into the park/townsite.
Banff is a great destination for both winter and summer travel. It is also important to note that accommodation prices are much more expensive over the summer and Christmas holidays. If you can travel in spring or fall, or during the week, prices will be significantly cheaper.
New York is a premier destination for singles. It’s one of the most famous cities in the world with a constant flow of people coming to visit. There is no way you won’t meet someone new while you are here visiting.
It’s particularly famous for the nightlife you are going to get to experience. You can find every kind of entertainment scattered throughout the boroughs. You have high-end bars and clubs in Manhattan. Take a walk along the Staten Island boardwalk. Get dressed up and go to one of the many speakeasies with their secret entrances in Queens.
Check out the trendy spots in Brooklyn. Or just have a casual night out at a local bar with cheap drinks and friendly company. You will find that the people here are generally friendly since there are so few natives these days everyone seems to be a transplant and is also looking to meet new people and make friends. So strike up a conversation, do a group meetup, or join a tour of the city to connect.
With easy transportation, you can make your way across the city at night. You have the public subway system along with rideshare services and taxis. Take the subway like a true New Yorker and use one of the handy apps so you don’t get lost or off the wrong stop.
For safety, consider it like any other major city you have been to. There are bad and good areas, so do your research before just deciding to go. Be mindful of where you are and the people you are with. It’s fun to be spontaneous but don’t get too distracted.
The one thing you are going to have to get used to is a bigger budget while you are here. The cost of living has significantly increased over the last several years and it will show in the food and drinks you hope to enjoy.
A few hundred dollars a night is what you are looking to spend depending on the kind of night you want. Of course, the cheaper the place the cheaper the cost but don’t let that deter you from treating yourself. New York can be a magical city no matter the season and being single you have a lot of good opportunities to meet people.
?? See also: How to plan a solo trip to to New York City
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