2. Ireland: This little island on the edge of Europe has so much charm and such friendly people that it’s the ideal place to travel solo; you’ll find it nearly impossible not to make friends with the locals. 

Photo: Ireland countryside

3. Thailand: Visiting Thailand has become something of a rite of passage for many young travellers in Southeast Asia, and it’s little surprise you voted it near the top of this list. 

Photo: Buddha in Koh Samui, Temples in Thailand

4. Singapore: This small city state isn’t always an obvious first choice for travellers, and many pass through en route to more popular destinations like the Philippines or Thailand (spoiler alert: Thailand’s up next). But stay a while and Singapore will capture your attention, from its shiny high-rise buildings in the city to the outlying islands with their thick forests and sandy beaches.

5. Australia: A classic backpacker destination, Australia is a solo traveller’s dream. You could spend months (if not years) exploring this diverse country, whether you’re drawn to its cool cities, famous beaches or even to the stark beauty of the Red Centre. 

6. Cambodia: This land of temples and sleepy towns is one of the most welcoming in Southeast Asia for a solo traveller. Cambodia has plenty to offer when it comes to traditional sights, too, from sacred ruins to a coastline littered with pretty coves, not to mention the gorgeous islands flung off the mainland. 

Photo: Angkor temples

7. Spain: Spain solves the solo foodie traveller’s ultimate dilemma: while in many countries, eating alone in restaurants means just trying one dish, tapas means you’ve got an excuse to order at least three different things – right? Beyond the cuisine – a highlight for any visitor – the other great advantage to going solo in Spain is how easy it is to get around using the country’s rail and bus networks. 

Photo: Tapas in Spain

8. Nepal: It’s probably not hyperbole to say Nepal‘s people are some of the world’s friendliest, which is why it’s such an excellent destination for a solo trip. 

Photo: A friendly man in Nepal

9. New Zealand: It’s no surprise that New Zealand appears on this list. The country has been a favourite of solo travellers for generations, offering easy exploration and plenty of opportunities for meeting people. 

10. Ethiopia: Ethiopia might not usually feature in backpackers’ top tens, but the country is a truly rewarding place for travel of any kind, especially travelling solo. 

Photo: Ethiopia national park