Summer time is the perfect opportunity to explore new destinations and indulge in some well-deserved relaxation. However, if you are a solo traveler, it can be a daunting task to pick the perfect place to visit. Luckily, there are plenty of exciting destinations out there that cater to the needs of independent travelers. From pristine beaches and vibrant cities to breathtaking natural marvels, the world has plenty of amazing spots that are waiting for you to explore. In this blog post, we are going to delve into some of the very best summer destinations for solo travelers, so get ready to add some incredible places to your travel bucket list!
1. Greece: Discover the Greek Islands and history of Rhodes solo
Greece is a top destination for solo travelers, with its breathtaking islands, ancient sites, and vibrant culture. One of the best places to start is by discovering the Greek Islands. Try island hopping in Greece to take in a range of unique vibes, impressive landscapes, and friendly communities. Rhodes, the largest island in the Dodecanese archipelago, is a great place to start. With its convenient airport and public transportation, it’s easy to get around. Travelers can enjoy a variety of things to do, ranging from exploring the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes to immersing themselves in ancient history by visiting the archaeological sites. Solo female travelers love Rhodes for its hospitality, ease of navigation, and range of attractions. [1][2]
2. Italy: Explore the wonders of Rome and beat the crowds as a solo traveler
Italy is a fantastic destination for solo travelers, especially during the summer season when the country is bustling with tourists. Rome, the Eternal City, is one of the most popular solo travel destinations in Italy. Apart from being centrally connected to other parts of Italy, it is also steeped in ancient history. Solo travelers can explore the Colosseum, sip an early morning cappuccino at the Trevi Fountain, visit the Sistine Chapel, and get lost in the charming streets. It is important to take modest precautions and be mindful of pickpockets in big tourist areas. Solo travelers looking for a unique experience should head to Palermo, the capital of Sicily. The city boasts impressive architectural landmarks, sandy beaches, and delicious cuisine. The historical center is clean, safe, and easy to navigate, making it perfect for solo travelers. Visit the UNESCO Arab-Norman Palatine Chapel and the Palermo Cathedral. The best views of the city can be found atop the cathedral roof. Enjoy street food in the three historical markets, but be careful of pickpockets. Catch a direct bus from downtown Palermo to the Mondello district for a day at the closest sandy beach. Scaremongers are wrong, the historical center of Palermo is perfectly safe and within walking distance of the major tourist spots. Verona, the town that was the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, is also a great place for solo travel in Italy. Known for its wine production, the city boasts the ancient Roman amphitheater, the Arena di Verona, which is still in use today. Solo travelers can also enjoy wine tours and tastings. Verona is further north and more laid back than other popular Italian destinations, making it a perfect escape from the crowds. Solo travelers can take free walking tours of the city and meet other solo female travelers along the trail at Cinque Terra. Italy is generally a safe destination for women traveling alone, just be careful of your valuables and take precautions in crowded areas. [3][4]
3. Amsterdam: Experience the city like a local and bike along its picturesque canals
Amsterdam is a perfect destination for solo travelers who want to experience a city like a local. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant nightlife, this Dutch capital is often referred to as the “Venice of the North.” The city has no fewer than 165 canals, 1281 bridges, and 75 museums to offer visitors, making it a great place to explore on foot or by bike. One of the best ways to see Amsterdam is by bike, which is a popular mode of transportation for locals and tourists alike. Biking will give you a chance to see the city from a unique perspective and experience it like a local. The city’s well-developed cycling infrastructure makes it easy to get around, with bike rental options available throughout the city. Plus, it’s relatively small in size, so it’s possible to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time. Amsterdam is also known for its friendly and open-minded locals who enjoy meeting new people from around the world. The locals are always happy to help suggestions on the best places to eat, drink, or visit. The city’s relaxed atmosphere allows solo travelers to do whatever they please without feeling judged, whether it be sitting at a restaurant by themselves or enjoying a stroll along the canals. It’s liberating to be able to explore at your own pace and not have to worry about conforming to anyone else’s expectations. Lastly, Amsterdam is safe for solo travel, even for women. Women experience little if any harassment, and the locals are always willing to lend a helping hand. It’s still essential to be mindful of where you are and follow normal safety precautions, but solo female travelers can rest easy knowing they will be welcomed with open arms. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure, Amsterdam won’t disappoint. [5][6]
4. Boulder: Enjoy the great outdoors with hiking, biking, and camping as a solo traveler
Boulder, Colorado is a perfect destination for solo travelers who love the great outdoors. With its beautiful natural scenery, numerous hiking trails, and biking routes, Boulder is suitable for every level of adventure. Travelers can also enjoy camping and backpacking, as Boulder has plenty of nearby parks and camping grounds to choose from. The city is very bike-friendly, and visitors can rent bikes and tour around the town and its scenic spots. For hiking enthusiasts, Boulder has established trails, ranging from beginner-friendly to challenging hikes that lead to stunning views of the city and its surroundings. Some popular hiking spots include the Chautauqua Park and Mount Sanitas. If solo travelers want a more intense adventure, they can try the 8.5-mile Boulder Skyline Traverse or the 16-mile Boulder Creek Path. Camping is another excellent way for solo travelers to embrace the great outdoors in Boulder. Visitors can camp at the nearby Rocky Mountain National Park for a unique experience that offers a serene environment and stunning views. Moreover, Boulder is surrounded by extensive forest areas and parks, such as the Roosevelt National Forest, Lory State Park, and Brainard Lake Recreation Area, where travelers can enjoy the full beauty of nature. In addition to outdoor activities, Boulder also has numerous events and festivals that solo travelers can enjoy. There’s the annual Colorado Shakespeare Festival, the Boulder Creek Festival, and the Fourmile Canyon Art Show. And when visitors want to unwind, they can take in the scenic views at one of the city’s many coffee shops or tea houses. Boulder offers a relaxing atmosphere to get lost in a book or work on personal projects as a solo traveler. Overall, Boulder is a perfect destination for solo travelers who love the great outdoors. With a wide range of nature activities to choose from, solo travelers can enjoy the beauty of the city while also getting some much-needed exercise and fresh air. [7][8]
5. Bermuda: Relax on gorgeous beaches and sip on a Rum Swizzle in a safe environment
Bermuda, with its pink sandy beaches and turquoise waters, is a superb option for solo travelers seeking a relaxing getaway. The island is known for its laid-back atmosphere and welcoming locals, making it a safe and pleasant place to travel alone. The charming town of Hamilton is the perfect base for exploring the island, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes to enjoy. One must-try experience in Bermuda is a Rum Swizzle Sip & Sample Tour, which allows travelers to taste the island’s famous drink while exploring its unique culture. While some tourists may prefer to visit local bars, this particular tour takes guests to four different hotels, each with its own distinct ambiance. Along the route, travelers can admire breathtaking views of the island, learn about its history, and chat with friendly locals. When not sipping on rum, solo travelers can enjoy Bermuda’s stunning beaches, which are open to the public and easily accessible. Visitors can try out watersports, such as paddleboarding or kayaking, or simply relax and soak up the sun. The island also boasts many nature trails and parks, including the beautiful Arboretum, which is the perfect spot for a peaceful stroll. For those who enjoy culture and history, Bermuda has plenty to offer too. Visitors can head to the Royal Naval Dockyard to learn about the island’s naval heritage, or explore the centuries-old St. George’s Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Solo travelers can take their time admiring the colorful architecture and chatting to locals, without feeling rushed or pressured. Overall, Bermuda is an excellent choice for solo travelers looking for a safe and relaxing summer destination. With its welcoming atmosphere, spectacular natural beauty, and rich culture, the island provides an ideal backdrop for those seeking adventure or simply a break from the stresses of daily life. [9][10]
6. Berlin: Embrace the mix of historic and modern sites as a solo traveler in a cultural mecca
Berlin is a city that has something for everyone, making it an excellent choice for solo travelers. It is a cultural mecca that offers a mix of historic and modern sites. Visiting the graffiti-covered remnants of the Berlin Wall should be on every traveler’s must-see list. Additionally, it has a vibrant art community, quirky cafés, and legendary nightlife that are perfect for solo adventurers seeking to explore a city full of eclectic flair. For those wondering where to stay, the cool Kreuzberg neighborhood offers Airbnb options, while Mitte is home to many convenient hotels. Dry season (May to September) is the best time to experience this soulful destination and all the unique experiences it has to offer. [11][12]
7. Bali: Zen out in this soulful destination with rice paddies, Hindu temples, and nature reserves
Bali is a beautiful and soulful destination that is perfect for solo travelers. From its lush rice paddies and Hindu temples to its pristine beaches and nature reserves, this Indonesian island is rich in culture and natural beauty. Its friendly locals and safe environment make it an ideal place for solo travelers to explore. One of the highlights of Bali is its rice paddies, particularly the ones in Jatiluwih. The undulating slopes and shimmering rice fields make for a stunning sight, especially when seen under the Balinese sun. These paddies are also unique because of their irrigation methods, which have been developed over centuries by Balinese farmers. Solo travelers can take an afternoon to explore Jatiluwih and learn more about Balinese agriculture and culture. Bali is also home to many Hindu temples, such as the Pura Ulun Danu Bratan water temple. This major Shaivite temple is located on the shores of Lake Bratan and appears to float on the surface of the lake when conditions are right. With its colourful flowers and serene atmosphere, the temple is a sacred site that should not be missed by any solo traveler. Additionally, the botanical garden next door is worth a visit to see more intriguing and beautiful flora. Nature reserves such as the Ubud Monkey Forest and Bedugul offer more opportunities for solo travelers to explore Bali. The Ubud Monkey Forest, also known as Mandala Suci Wenara Wana, is home to more than 600 long-tailed Balinese macaques. While they may look cute, they are wild animals and should be appreciated from a distance. Bedugul, on the other hand, offers a cool mountain retreat for solo travelers who want a break from the heat of the coast. There, they can enjoy the serene beauty of the three crater lakes Bratan Tamblingan and Buyan Lake. Overall, Bali is a paradise that offers solo travelers many opportunities to explore its natural beauty and cultural sites. Its welcoming locals, safe environment, and plethora of activities make it a perfect summer destination for solo travelers who want to zen out, recharge, and connect with the rich Balinese culture. [13][14]
8. Oslo: Meet friendly locals and witness the magical Midnight Sun as a solo traveler
Oslo is a city with plenty to do and experience for the solo traveler, and it’s also a very beautiful city with exceptional public transportation. The people in Oslo are known to be very friendly, which makes it easy to meet new people and make friends. The city is a perfect destination for solo travelers who prefer to walk or use public transportation. It has a metro from the airport to downtown Oslo that is easy and cheap to use. Oslo is a great city to explore as a solo traveler, with many picturesque spots like the Oslo Opera House, Munch Museum with beautiful art, and the National Museum of Art, which offers free admission on Sundays. Tourists can also visit the Norwegian Royal Palace and the grounds where they can watch the changing of the guards every morning, or explore the impressive and architecturally stunning Parliament Building in the heart of the city. If visitors want to have a scenic view of the Norwegian fjords, they can visit the Akershus Fortress and the grounds, where they can take in beautiful views of nature. The Norwegian Folk Museum is another place worth visiting, which mostly showcases Norwegian folk art and traditions. Indigenous Viking ships along with other Viking antiquities are available at the Viking Ship Museum, which is a train and bus ride away from central Oslo. Besides historical landmarks, Oslo has plenty of greenery for visitors to explore. The Frogner Park and the Vigeland Sculpture Garden are some of the most popular spots in Oslo, and for a good reason. The sculptures are huge, intriguing, and life-like, depicting various stages of life. Additionally, Oslo’s summers are stunning because of the Midnight Sun, a natural phenomenon where the sun is visible even at midnight. Travelers should bear in mind that Oslo is an expensive city, and it helps to budget accordingly. However, the visit to this friendly and picturesque city is worth the expense, and it’s a great place for solo travelers to explore and make memories that’ll last a lifetime. [15][16]
9. Portugal: Experience the vibrant art scene and beach bars in Lisbon solo
Portugal is one of the best summer destinations for solo travelers to explore. The vibrant art scene and beach bars in Lisbon make it a great spot for those traveling alone. The city is a perfect mix of old-world charm and modern innovations. With pastel-colored houses, castles, museums, and stunning beaches, Lisbon is a hilly coastal city that has something for everyone. It is a safe city, so solo female travelers need not worry about their safety. Getting around Lisbon is easy, with buses, trains, flights, and even Rideshare options available from neighboring cities like Porto, Peniche, Sevilla, Lagos, Malaga, Valencia, Barcelona, and Madrid. Lisbon Portela Airport opens up the possibility for solo travelers to explore the city from anywhere in Europe. Travelers can choose to stay at affordable budget-friendly options like the Lumiares Hotel or the Vintage Hotel, both of which offer great accommodation for solo travelers. Apart from its stunning architecture and beautiful beaches, Lisbon is renowned for its vibrant art scene and beach bars. The Time Out Market is an excellent place to experience Lisbon’s culinary flavor. Surrounded by an assortment of food stalls, it’s one of the best places to try some of the best local foods that Lisbon has to offer. The market is informal and cafeteria-style, making eating alone here a normal experience. Lisbon’s nightlife also offers solo travelers a range of options to choose from. The city has a thriving art and music scene, and solo travelers can explore it all on their own. The city’s beach bars are famous for serving up delicious cocktails and providing a perfect ambiance to relax and soak in the city’s atmosphere. The city also offers a range of cultural festivals and events, like the Festa de Santo Antonio, which is a street party that takes place in June. Overall, Lisbon is a great spot for solo travelers to explore. It’s a beautiful and safe city that offers experiences that are perfect for solo travelers. The city’s stunning architecture, beautiful beaches, vibrant art scene, culinary options, and nightlife make it a must-visit location for solo travelers. [17][18]
