By admin 
The rise of the solo voyager is backed by significant data. According to recent travel industry reports, solo travel bookings have seen a double-digit percentage increase year-over-year, with a particular surge among female travelers and Gen Z explorers seeking "main character energy." To help navigate this expanding world, we have curated a comprehensive guide to the premier destinations for solo travelers, ranging from the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the rugged glaciers of Iceland, enriched with expert tips on how to leverage loyalty programs to maximize your experience.
Thailand: The Gold Standard for First-Timers
For those embarking on their inaugural solo journey, Thailand remains the quintessential "starter" destination. The country’s tourism infrastructure is a well-oiled machine, born from decades of serving as the heart of the Southeast Asian backpacker trail. Here, the "Land of Smiles" lives up to its name, offering a safety net of friendly locals and a dense network of fellow travelers.
The ideal solo itinerary begins in Bangkok, a city of sensory overload where street food stalls sit in the shadow of gleaming skyscrapers. Solo travelers find Bangkok particularly welcoming because eating alone is culturally normalized; a stool at a bustling noodle stall is the best seat in the house. From there, a northward trek to Chiang Mai offers a slower pace. As the cultural heart of the mountains, it is the perfect base for visiting Buddhist temples or joining group jungle treks, which are excellent for meeting like-minded adventurers.
In the south, the islands provide a different kind of solo sanctuary. Koh Samui, recently thrust back into the spotlight as a filming location for "The White Lotus" Season Three, offers luxury and wellness, while Koh Tao is a global hub for solo travelers looking to earn their scuba diving certification.
Pro Tip: The luxury scene in Bangkok is reaching new heights. The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok, which opened in 2025, offers a sophisticated retreat within the One Bangkok complex. With rates starting at approximately 56,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, solo travelers can use a 50,000-point free night award (topped up with a few thousand points) to experience world-class opulence at a fraction of the cash price.
New York City: The Solo Capital of the World
New York City is perhaps the only place on Earth where being alone is considered a "power move." In a city of eight million people, the solo traveler is invisible in the best way possible, allowing for total immersion in culture without the friction of a group. From solo gallery hopping at the Met to snagging a single "rush" ticket for a Broadway show, the city is designed for the individual.
The solo experience in Manhattan is about embracing the "chic" of independence. One can spend an afternoon people-watching in Central Park, followed by a late-night bagel in the West Village. For those seeking retail therapy, the designer enclaves of SoHo provide a more curated experience than the midtown crowds.
Pro Tip: The legendary Waldorf Astoria New York recently completed an exhaustive eight-year renovation, re-emerging as one of the world’s premier luxury hotels. For solo travelers with Hilton Honors points, this is a prime redemption. At roughly 150,000 points per night, it is an ideal candidate for a Hilton Free Night Certificate, often earned through premium credit cards like the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: A Beacon of Inclusivity
Mexico offers a plethora of options, but Puerto Vallarta stands out for its unique blend of traditional charm and modern inclusivity. Located on the Banderas Bay, it is widely recognized as one of the most LGBTQIA+-friendly destinations globally, particularly the "Zona Romantica" (Old Town).
Solo travelers will find the cobblestone streets easy to navigate and the local food scene exceptionally accessible. Joining a taco tour is a highly recommended strategy for soloists; it provides a safe, social environment to sample everything from al pastor to fresh ceviche while learning about the city’s history. For those seeking active pursuits, the coastal hike from Boca de Tomatlan to Playa Las Animas offers stunning Pacific views and a sense of accomplishment.
Pro Tip: The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta, is undergoing a transformation into an all-inclusive property, set to debut in May 2025. This pivot simplifies budgeting for solo travelers, as meals and activities are bundled into the points or cash price.
South Africa: Accessibility and Adventure
South Africa is often the most accessible entry point for solo travelers looking to explore the African continent. The infrastructure in major hubs like Cape Town is robust, making it a favorite for digital nomads who value high-speed internet alongside world-class scenery.
Cape Town offers an incredible array of solo-friendly activities, from hiking Table Mountain to taking the ferry to Robben Island. The nearby Cape Winelands, specifically Stellenbosch, are easily reachable via organized day tours, removing the need for solo travelers to navigate driving after a wine tasting. For those craving the wild, Johannesburg serves as the gateway to Kruger National Park. While many safaris are geared toward couples, several lodges now offer "solo friendly" weeks or single-occupancy rooms without the dreaded "single supplement" fee.
Pro Tip: The points landscape in South Africa is expanding. The Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof and the Park Hyatt Johannesburg are two of the newest additions, offering stylish stays for approximately 44,000 Hilton points or 25,000 Hyatt points, respectively.
New Zealand: The Ultimate Playground
For the solo traveler who identifies as an adrenaline junkie, New Zealand is non-negotiable. As the birthplace of commercial bungee jumping, the country fosters a culture of pushing personal boundaries. The safety and ease of navigation make it one of the world’s best locations for a solo road trip.
Queenstown, the "Adventure Capital of the World," is a magnet for solo travelers. Whether you are skydiving over Lake Wakatipu or taking a quiet cruise through Milford Sound, the social atmosphere in local pubs and hostels ensures you are never truly alone unless you want to be. On the North Island, the geothermal wonders of Rotorua and the cinematic magic of the Hobbiton Movie Set offer a different, yet equally compelling, solo experience.
Pro Tip: IHG One Rewards has significantly increased its footprint in New Zealand. The new Hotel Indigo Auckland offers a boutique experience in the heart of the city, with redemption rates often hovering around a very reasonable 24,000 points.
Puerto Rico: Caribbean Ease
For U.S.-based solo travelers, Puerto Rico offers the allure of the Caribbean without the logistical hurdles of international travel. No passport is required, the currency is the U.S. dollar, and the island is well-connected by domestic flights.
San Juan is a vibrant base, where the historic architecture of Old San Juan meets the modern energy of the Condado district. Solo travelers can easily spend days exploring the El Yunque National Forest—the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System—or kayaking in one of the island’s three bioluminescent bays. The glowing water, caused by microscopic organisms, is a bucket-list phenomenon that feels even more magical in the quiet of a solo kayak.
Pro Tip: La Concha Resort in San Juan recently joined Marriott’s Autograph Collection after a major renovation. It’s a stylish, high-energy property where solo travelers can feel comfortable at the poolside bar or the lively lobby lounge.
Switzerland: The Precision of Solo Transit
Switzerland is a masterclass in efficiency, making it arguably the easiest country in the world for a solo traveler to navigate. The Swiss Travel Pass provides a seamless "one-ticket" solution for trains, buses, and boats, allowing travelers to traverse the Alps with Swiss-watch precision.
Zermatt is a highlight for solo adventurers. The car-free village ensures a peaceful atmosphere, and the extensive network of hiking trails and ski slopes is well-marked and safe. In Geneva, the mix of international diplomacy and lakeside luxury provides a sophisticated backdrop for a solo retreat.
Pro Tip: Luxury doesn’t have to be out of reach for the solo traveler. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix in Geneva offers a prestigious stay that can be booked for roughly 102,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, providing a high-value redemption in one of Europe’s most expensive cities.
Japan: The Culture of "Ohitorisama"
Japan has long been a pioneer in solo-friendly culture. The concept of ohitorisama—the act of doing things alone—is deeply ingrained in society. From "anti-loneliness" ramen booths at Ichiran (where you eat in a private cubby) to capsule hotels designed for single occupancy, Japan respects and caters to the solo individual.
Kyoto offers a meditative solo experience, with its hundreds of temples and the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Tokyo, by contrast, is a neon-lit playground where solo travelers can get lost in the subcultures of Akihabara or the fashion of Harajuku. The Shinkansen (bullet train) makes moving between these worlds effortless and punctual.
Pro Tip: Using Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles for flights to Japan is a legendary "travel hack." Nonstop flights on partner Hawaiian Airlines or Japan Airlines can often be found for as little as 30,000 miles in economy, making the long-haul journey surprisingly affordable.
Iceland: Safety and Spectacle
Consistently ranked as the safest country in the world by the Global Peace Index, Iceland is a dream for solo travelers, particularly women. The dramatic landscape of "Fire and Ice" provides a constant stream of awe-inspiring sights that require no companion to appreciate.
The Golden Circle and the South Coast are easily navigable by rental car or organized day tours from Reykjavik. Whether you are watching the Northern Lights dance across the sky in winter or snorkeling between tectonic plates at Silfra in summer, the sheer scale of Iceland’s nature is humbling.
Pro Tip: While Iceland is notoriously expensive, the points hotel scene is improving. The Skald Hotel Akureyri, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, is a rare points-eligible property in the north of the island, offering a perfect base for exploring the Diamond Circle.
The Bottom Line
Solo travel is more than just a way to see the world; it is an investment in one’s own resilience and perspective. By choosing destinations with strong infrastructure, social openness, and safety, travelers can mitigate the risks and maximize the rewards of independence. With the strategic use of points and miles, even the most luxurious solo dream—whether it’s a suite in Manhattan or a lodge in Patagonia—is within reach. The world is waiting, and you don’t need to wait for anyone else to see it.