This year's trending destinations for solo travellers

The first European location bubbling up curiosity in solo travellers is the stunning city of Zurich, in the heart of Switzerland. Embraced by the Swiss Alps, Zurich is one of Europe’s leading financial capitals, and it has become increasingly popular in the last 12 months for solo travellers, with a staggering 247% increase in yearly Google search interest. Zurich offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication, where visitors can access a plethora of activities and experiences that are perfect for exploring on your own.

Whether you wish to wander through the charming streets of the old town, admire the architecture of the Grossmünster, or take a stroll along the serene Lake Zurich, there is something to suit any mood. Social media users seem particularly fond of sharing pictures of the iconic Bahnhofstrasse, a shopping street lined with luxury boutiques, and the Cabaret Voltaire, a famous venue for avant-garde art and performance set to delight the artistic minds. For those looking to connect with the locals, the trendy district of Kreis 4 is the go-to place, with its vibrant nightlife and bustling cafes explorers are bound to meet new people.

Swiss cities dominate the European locations for solo travel, with Geneva coming in third place. Interest in ‘Geneva solo travel’ has soared 210% in the last 12 months, and it’s a place that appeals to solo travellers all year around. Nestled between the Jura Mountains and the Alps, the city is typically a hub for business and finance visitors, but those with an adventurous side can seek out the natural beauty of Lake Geneva, world-class cuisine and other rich cultural experiences. While there are numerous popular attractions to explore, from the iconic Jet d'Eau fountain to the Palace of Nations, tourists seeking something more off the beaten path are in luck as there are plenty of hidden gems to discover in Geneva. Explore’s own travel experts in particular recommend the Maison Tavel Museum or the Carouge neighbourhood as go-to spots.

Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the English Garden and the Botanical Garden extend a peaceful retreat to solo travellers in Geneva, while the city's many museums and galleries, such as the Museum of Art and History or the Patek Philippe Museum will satisfy any intellectual cravings.

The city that is capturing the interest of solo travellers the most is the capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi. In this ancient and vibrant city, solo travellers can dive into the colourful busy streets of the Old Quarter, rubbing shoulders with the locals in a maze of narrow streets filled with shoppers, traders, cafes and restaurants. Then, when you’re ready to reconnect with your solitude, take a mindful walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, exploring the pretty gardens and temples at your own leisure. Hanoi explodes with history and culture, from the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum which allows visitors to pay respects to the man who led the country to independence, through to the Temples of Literature dedicated to the teachings of Confucius. Solo travellers can while away hours browsing the Dong Xuan Market, packed with fresh produce and souvenirs, or revel in entertaining shows at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre or the Hanoi Opera House. 

Interest in solo travel in Hanoi has jumped up a massive 946% over the last year. Vietnam opened its doors to tourists post-Covid in early 2021, but Google searches around ‘Hanoi solo travel’ at this time were virtually non-existent. However, in the last 12 months there has been a steady month-on month increase for ‘Hanoi solo travel’ searches – and whilst the number of searches is still not super high compared to other cities, the leap in interest marks Hanoi out as a trending ‘one-to-watch’ city for solo adventure.

They say dining alone can be a highly rewarding experience, and the dining options in Taipei are world class. The Michelin guide lists 175 recommendations in Taipei city; try The Ukai, a sky-high Teppanyaki restaurant with stand-out dishes including abalone with rock salt, Wagyu beef exclusively from Tamura farm, and moist chiffon cake. For a less extravagant but equally delicious feed, head to another Michelin recommended restaurant Shih Chia Big Rice Ball, which has been serving locals with mouth-watering gooey pork-stuffed rice balls since the 1960s.  Solo travellers can also use Taipei as a base to explore the stunning natural scenery of Taiwan – a short drive out of the city will get you to Yangmingshan National Park, where you can spot the delightful cherry blossoms and take scenic hiking trails through tropical verdant hillsides; also close by to Taipei are the Beitou Hot Springs, a natural hot spring open to the public. 

Like Hanoi, interest in Taipei specifically as a solo travel destination has jumped up from almost nothing to just under 1,000 Google searches a year. Whilst it is still low in terms of the number of solo-travel searches compared to other cities, the massive recent spike in interest marks it out as an emerging trendy destination for solo travel. 

The Asian fascination continues for solo travellers, with Cambodia’s Phnom Penh taking fifth spot in the trending solo-city rankings. Whilst completely off solo-travellers’ radars in 2021-2022, there has been a significant flurry of interest in the city from a solo-exploration perspective in the last 12 months. 

Lovers of the waterways will adore Phnom Penh; the Mekong River runs through the city with boat tours being an insightful way to see a different perspective of the place. Phnom Penh has an ancient Buddhist temple located on a peaceful hilltop that offers beautiful views of the city below; the Way Phmon temple was built in the 1300’s and is adorned with gleaming gold statues and breath-taking artworks. Solo travellers can find comfort in the traditional Khmer dishes on offer in local restaurants and street food stalls, including noodle soups, coconut fish curries and sweet iced Khmer coffee made with condensed milk. Discover Phnom Penh on our Cambodia Highlights tour, which starts with three days exploring this city.

Buenos Aires has emerged as the number one trending South American destination for solo travellers, with an astounding 177% increase in interest based on yearly Google searches. Situated on the south-eastern coast of the continent, Buenos Aires captivates visitors with its irresistible charm that combines European elegance with Latin American flair - it is after all known as the "Paris of South America" for a reason. While exploring the Argentinian capital, solo travellers are treated to a plethora of captivating neighbourhoods and their Instagram-worthy moments; La Boca and San Telmo beckon with their colourful streets and tango rhythms, while the upscale Recoleta district boasts magnificent architecture and the renowned Recoleta Cemetery. 

Hidden gems await adventurous wanderers, such as the charming neighbourhood of Palermo Soho, with its trendy boutiques and bubbling nightlife, or seek out the city's milongas, where you can dance the night away and connect with locals and fellow travellers. But one of the best things to do is to immerse yourself in the city's vibrant arts scene by visiting some world-class museums, like the Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires, or catching a live performance at one of the many theatres.

Nestled at the southernmost tip of South America, Patagonia is a breath-taking destination that has captured the interest of solo travellers worldwide. This vast region encompasses both Chile and Argentina, offering an awe-striking landscape from the towering peaks of the Andes to pristine glaciers and lakes. 

A paradise for nature enthusiasts, one of Patagonia’s key attractions is Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Catering to solo travellers with an adventurous spirit, the region provides plenty of opportunities for solo treks, allowing individuals to immerse themselves in the untamed wilderness. Trekking the "W" or "O" circuit in Torres del Paine National Park is a popular choice, providing a journey through mountains, turquoise lakes, and enchanting forests. In addition to hiking, solo travellers can also kayak in the fjords, horseback ride through the pampas, or embark on a scenic road trip along the legendary Carretera Austral. 

Safe and easy to navigate, Toronto has seen a consistent rise in interest over the past year from solo travellers, resulting in 1,600 Google searches for Toronto solo travel in the last 12 months, up 167% from the year before. This makes it the top trending location for solo travel in North America so far this year. Sitting on the shores of Lake Ontario, Toronto is the largest city in Canada, known for its impressive skyline, food scene and welcoming locals. Most tourists will likely recognize Toronto’s landmark CN Tower, a striking structure that offers stunning views of the city. But there is so much more that this vibrant destination has to offer! Stunning neighbourhoods, each with their own unique character and charm, are a treat for visitors looking to explore this Canadian gem on foot: from the trendy Queen West to the historic Distillery District. The city is also home to a thriving theatre scene, with many productions taking place throughout the year. 

Solo travellers will be particularly pleased with Toronto's extensive public transportation system; buses, subways and streetcars are reliable and straight forward to use, helping travellers get around the city and take in the local culture in an inexpensive and easy way. Some of the most popular sights and attractions for solo travellers include, of course the CN Tower, as well as St. Lawrence Market, the Kensington Market and the Graffiti Alley, which can be found in the Fashion District.

Canada continues to dominate the top trending locations for solo travellers in North America, with Quebec wrapping up the top three. A fascinating destination with a rich history, vibrant culture and breathtaking natural scenery, the Quebec province is known for its distinct French heritage that is mirrored in the area’s language, architecture and cuisine. Quebec City's historic Old Town is a must-see attraction for all visitors to the area, especially those interested in snapping some stunning photos, with its cobblestone streets, quaint cafes and stunning Château Frontenac. For those who would rather venture off the beaten path, Quebec has many hidden gems including the Îles de la Madeleine archipelago, the Charlevoix region and the Gaspé Peninsula.

Solo travellers looking for outdoor adventures will be delighted as Quebec is home to many national parks perfect for a wonderful hike at any time of year, with highlights including the Sacacomie Trails and Liberator’s Belvedere Trail in Montcalm Regional Park. 

The top three trending locations for solo travel in Asia (Hanoi in Vietnam, Bangkok in Thailand and Taipei in Taiwan) also take top spot in the global rankings, seeing the highest Google search increases for solo travel than any other destinations around the world. Two other Thailand locations also make the Asia rankings: Chiang Mai, in fourth place (home to the famous Silver Temple) and Koh Samui, in tenth place, making Thailand the country in Asia with the highest appeal to solo travellers. 

Vietnam also sees one more city featured in Asia’s trending solo travel destinations: Ho Chi Minh City. The pulsating and dizzying city lands in seventh place with a 480% interest increase based on Google data. It’s best known for its vibrant post-sunset energy, with a lively night scene filled with bars, live music and plenty of entertainment for solo travellers looking to hit the town after dark. 

With a significant 147% increase in yearly Google searches, the small island nation of Mauritius emerges as the top trending location in the African continent for solo travellers. Renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters and lush greenery, this stunning tropical paradise is one of the best places to read, relax and soak up the sun as you explore some of the island’s best beaches including Belle Mare, Trou-aux-Biches, and Flic-en-Flac.

While some of the key attractions include the Black River Gorges National Park, the Chamarel Waterfall, the Seven Coloured Earth and the historic Aapravasi Ghat, a must-do activity is going on a food tour and sampling the island's unique Creole cuisine whilst visiting local markets and street food vendors. After a day of exploration (our own Explore travel experts recommend the charming village of Chamarel, a hidden gem which boasts stunning views of the island's highest peak) solo travellers can take advantage of Mauritius’ vibrant nightlife, with plenty of beach parties, live music, and various entertainment options available.

Landing in third place for Africa’s trending solo travel locations is the capital of Egypt. This bustling metropolis sits at the crossroads of Africa and the Middle East and is steeped in a heady mix of history, culture and ancient wonders. Visiting Cairo’s Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx and the Egyptian Museum should, of course, be on your travel list but some hidden gems that our Explore travel experts recommend are the Mosque of Ibn Tulun, the Al Azhar Park and the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, where visitors can haggle for spices, textiles and souvenirs. 

Cairo’s hot and dry summers can be uncomfortable for outdoor activities, so solo travellers are wise to opt for visits after November for a more tapered climate that allows for comfortable explorations, such as taking a stroll along the Nile River, exploring the Islamic Quarter and indulging in Egyptian cuisine.

On the west coast of Australia lies a cosmopolitan city that is gaining popularity as a top destination for solo travellers: Perth. With stunning beaches, lush parks, and a bustling city centre, Perth has something to offer every type of traveller. From exploring the lush gardens and unique wildlife at Kings Park and Botanic Garden, to soaking up the sun at the famous Cottesloe Beach, independent travellers will find beautiful environments to explore at their leisure. While the best time to visit Perth is from December to February, when temperatures are warm and the days are long, visitors who head to this vibrant destination have plenty of entertainment available all year round. Interested in history and culture? A visit to the Art Gallery of Western Australia or the Perth Mint is a must-see. More of a foodie? The city's diverse culinary scene is sure to satisfy any palate, with everything from seafood to street food. 

For solo travellers, Perth has plenty of unique experiences to offer. One of the best, according to our own Explore travel experts, includes taking a stroll through the colourful Fremantle Markets, which is a great way to explore the city's culture and meet new people. The artsy streets of Northbridge should also be in your itinerary, offering plenty of trendy cafes, shops and street art. For those seeking a hit of thrill-seeking adventure, taking a hike in the Perth Hills or kayak along the Swan River. And, of course, all solo travellers should pop in to visit Rottnest Island; the home of the adorable and Instagram-famous quokkas, it’s a perfect way to spend a day alone or with new friends made along the way.

Known for its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters and lush green forests, Fiji has become a popular destination for tourists from all over the world and ranks in the top three trending Oceania locations for solo travellers, with a 234% increase in Google searches. The beautiful nation is made up of over 300 islands, each with its own unique charm and beauty, with some of the most popular being Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and Taveuni. Fiji is also home to the world-famous Coral Coast, where visitors can witness some of the most stunning coral reefs in the world. The Coral Coast provides an experience unlike any other for adventure-seekers, with plenty of opportunities for snorkelling and scuba diving.

Welcoming and friendly locals make it easy to meet new people and make friends in Fiji. Some of the best activities when travelling solo include taking a boat ride to one of the many uninhabited islands, visiting a traditional Fijian village or indulging in a Fijian-style massage. Our own Explore travel experts highly recommend hiking to some of the hidden waterfalls that are scattered throughout the islands, as well as exploring some of the many secluded beaches or taking a dip in a natural hot spring.