Destinations for first-time solo travel: 9 where I felt at ease
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I don't choose my destinations based on safety, but over the years I've learned in which countries I truly felt at ease traveling solo. These are 9, a good list if you're thinking about your first time.
A giant Buddha, in Thailand.
Thailand, the mecca of solo travelers
Of all the countries I've visited, Thailand stayed as one of my favorites to travel solo. You meet tons of other solo travelers and it felt like I had signed up for a solo travelers event. It's very easy to find people and plans as soon as you arrive, without ever feeling truly alone. My route is in Thailand in 7 days: Bangkok, Phi Phi, Phuket and Chiang Mai.
Japan, safe at every moment
Japan was the other big surprise. I felt safe at every moment and was able to walk day and night without that constant worry you do feel in other places. For me it's the best destination of all for a solo traveler. My route starts in Tokyo and Mount Fuji: Shibuya, Shinjuku and TeamLab Planets.
An alley in Omoide Yokochō, in Tokyo.
Mexico City, calm from start to finish
Before traveling almost everyone told me to be careful, but my experience was calm from start to finish, and I spent an entire day alone walking around the city. I stayed in Colonia Roma and from there everything was within walking distance. I tell it in Mexico City solo: why I stopped listening to the warnings.
What I enjoyed most in Mexico City, the food.
Argentina, the Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland
These four countries are also on my list of places where I felt at ease walking and moving around solo, without any warning sign.
No country is 100% safe. In Germany I had a different feeling on the street and in Rome my wallet was stolen, so the trick is to learn what to check and adjust your guard to the place. If you want to start there, read Solo travel for the first time.
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What's the best destination for first-time solo travel?
For me, Thailand and Japan. In Thailand it's very easy to find people and plans, and in Japan I felt safe at every moment.
Is Thailand a good destination to travel solo?
Yes. It's one of my favorites because you meet tons of other solo travelers and it's very easy to find people and plans without ever feeling alone.
Is Japan safe for a woman alone?
I felt safe at every moment and walked day and night without that constant worry you do feel in other places.
Is Mexico City safe to travel solo?
My experience was calm from start to finish, I even spent an entire day alone walking around the city. It's always best to find out about the area where you're staying and keep your eyes open.
Which European countries did I find calm?
The Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland.
Which destination is affordable to start with?
Colombia. I've been about ten times and found round-trip flights for $250, hostels from $10 a night and meals for $5.
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