9 Safe and Beautiful Destinations for Solo Travellers

Solo travel is one of those things that sounds intimidating until you actually do it — and then you wonder why you didn’t start sooner. No compromises, no awkward group chats, just your own pace and the freedom to wake up and say “What do I feel like today?” If you’re based in Sydney and ready to book that ticket, here are nine places that are beautiful, safe, and perfect for doing things your way.

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1. Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An feels like stepping into a storybook — but one that also has great food and excellent tailoring. The ancient town is full of character, with ochre buildings, lantern-lit streets, and bikes buzzing along the river. It’s got a quiet confidence to it — not too busy, not too slow.

As a solo traveller, it’s super easy to find your groove here. You can fill your days with cooking classes, riverside walks, or cycling to nearby An Bang Beach. The locals are kind and helpful without hovering, and English is widely spoken enough that getting around is no stress. Evenings are best spent with a drink by the water, watching the lanterns drift by.

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2. Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown is a solo traveller’s dream if you’re keen on meeting people and chasing a bit of adventure. It’s got that postcard-perfect lake and mountain combo, but what makes it really work is the energy — it’s a small place with big personality.

You can go full adrenaline with bungy jumps, canyon swings, and paragliding — or just enjoy the view with a local pinot in hand. There’s a casual social scene that makes it easy to meet other travellers, especially if you stay in smaller lodges or do group day trips. And if you just want some quiet time, take the gondola up for a solo moment looking out over it all.

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3. Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei is one of the most underrated cities in Asia, and a real gem for solo travellers. It’s clean, safe, and full of low-key charm. Locals are polite, and while English isn’t everywhere, there’s always someone willing to help.

Days in Taipei are easy to fill: take the MRT (one of the best public transport systems anywhere), soak in the Beitou hot springs, visit temples, or eat your way through Shilin Night Market. Don’t miss the view from Elephant Mountain — it’s a short hike and one of the best cityscapes you’ll see. And if you’re ever feeling overwhelmed, there are heaps of peaceful cafés to duck into for a bubble tea and a breather.

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4. Hobart, Tasmania

Hobart doesn’t shout for your attention — it just gently gets under your skin. For a solo traveller, especially one needing a bit of space, it’s perfect. You can take things slow, walk along the waterfront, explore Salamanca Place, and then spend a whole afternoon at MONA — which is genuinely one of the most memorable museum experiences you’ll have.

If you’ve got time, hire a car and take a drive out to the Huon Valley or Bruny Island. Even the drives here are a vibe — winding roads, dramatic coastlines, wild clouds. And the food scene? Quietly excellent. Think oysters, wine, bakeries that feel like a hug.

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5. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon hits that sweet spot of being beautiful, interesting, and relaxed — without being overly polished. The streets are hilly, the tiles are colourful, and you’ll never run out of lookout points to watch the world go by.

As a solo traveller, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to find your rhythm here. Mornings are made for pastries (yes, the pastel de nata are that good), afternoons can be spent getting lost in Alfama or hopping a tram, and evenings often end with live music somewhere. The city’s got a creative energy that attracts people from everywhere, so you’re bound to meet others doing the same thing you are.

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6. Luang Prabang, Laos

Some places feel like they were made for slowing down, and Luang Prabang is one of them. The town sits quietly at the meeting of two rivers, full of golden temples, soft light, and early mornings that start with monks walking the streets in saffron robes.

It’s not the place for nightlife or ticking off big tourist lists — but it is the place for reading by the river, swimming under waterfalls, and wandering around in a peaceful daze. It’s very solo-friendly, not just because it’s safe and small, but because there’s something about the pace of life here that makes you feel okay just being still for a bit.

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7. Vancouver, Canada

If you love a good mix of city buzz and natural beauty, Vancouver makes it easy. It’s a proper city — cafés, shops, live music — but you’re never far from mountains, forests, or water. As a solo traveller, that balance is gold.

Cycling around Stanley Park, kayaking out in False Creek, or hopping the SeaBus for a view of the skyline — there’s always something to do. And the food scene is brilliant, especially if you love Asian cuisine. People are friendly in that easy-going Canadian way, and there are plenty of safe, cosy hostels and boutique stays that cater to solo travellers.

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8. Seoul, South Korea

Seoul is the kind of city where you can spend a week and still feel like you’ve only scratched the surface. It’s high-energy, ultra-modern, and packed with things to do — but still feels safe, clean, and well-organised.

Even if you don’t know a word of Korean, you’ll find your way. The subway system is straightforward, solo dining is common, and there’s a café on nearly every corner. Explore the palaces, shop in quirky underground arcades, hike in the surrounding hills, or people-watch in Hongdae. And if you’re into skincare or stationery, good luck getting out without your bag doubling in weight.

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9. Margaret River, WA

You don’t have to leave the country for a solid solo adventure. Margaret River offers a slower, wide-open kind of travel. It’s all about ocean air, wine tastings, big trees, and long drives.There’s something about the scale of Western Australia that helps you think clearer. Stay a few nights in town, rent a car, and just roam — from cellar doors to empty beaches to ancient caves. People are friendly, the pace is relaxed, and it’s the kind of trip where you don’t need a big plan — just a tank of fuel and a bit of curiosity.

Quick solo travel tips (from one solo traveller to another):

• Always have a book or podcast handy for meals out or transit waits.
• Don’t overpack your days — give yourself time to just be somewhere.
• Hostels aren’t just for 20-year-olds. Look for boutique or design-led ones with private rooms and social spaces.
• Screenshots are your best friend when Wi-Fi disappears. Maps, bookings, translations — save it all offline.

Whether you’re craving a city, some nature, or just a change of pace, solo travel lets you sink into a place without distraction. It’s not always perfect, but it’s always yours — and that’s the best part.

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