10 Best Destinations For Solo Travelers In 2026, With Visa Tips

The best destinations for solo travelers in 2026 are Bali, Kyoto, Iceland, New Zealand, Thailand, Portugal, Costa Rica, Morocco, Vietnam and Peru. They combine good safety records, easy transport and a steady flow of other travellers. For Indian passport holders, Thailand, Bali and Vietnam are also among the simplest to enter.

Solo travel gives you full control over your days, from what you eat to when you wake up. It also asks for more planning, since nobody else is watching your bags or your budget. This updated guide keeps the ten destinations readers come for and adds safety rankings and visa notes for Indian travellers, as of October 2026.

Quick facts: 10 best destinations for solo travelers

Destination	Why solo travellers like it	Visa for Indians (2026)
Bali, Indonesia	Yoga, cafes, easy social scene	Visa on arrival or e-VOA, 30 days
Kyoto, Japan	Temples, safety, trains	eVisa
Iceland	Most peaceful country, nature	Schengen visa
New Zealand	Adventure sports, road trips	Visa required
Thailand	Budget friendly, hostels	Visa free, 30 days
Portugal	Walkable cities, coast	Schengen visa
Costa Rica	Rainforests, wildlife	Visa required
Morocco	Markets, desert	eVisa, 30 days
Vietnam	Food, low costs	eVisa, up to 90 days
Peru	Machu Picchu, Inca Trail	Visa required

Visa details are taken from the Wikipedia summary of visa requirements for Indian citizens. Rules change often, so confirm on the official embassy or government website before booking.

Also readTop Waterfalls in India: 6 Stunning Falls to Visit in 2026

1. Bali, Indonesia

Bali is a favourite for first-time solo trips. It has green rice terraces, temples, beaches and a warm, welcoming culture. Ubud, in the island’s hills, is known for its calm pace, yoga retreats and art scene, which makes it easy to meet people.

Indian travellers can get a 30-day visa on arrival or an e-VOA for tourism. Rent a scooter only if you are an experienced rider, and use app-based cabs otherwise.

2. Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto is ideal for travellers who enjoy history and quiet. The city has many temples, traditional tea houses and gardens. Try a tea ceremony and walk through the Arashiyama bamboo grove early in the morning, before the crowds arrive.

Japan ranks 10th on the 2026 Global Peace Index, and its trains are clean and punctual. Indian residents can apply for a single-entry tourist eVisa through VFS.

3. Iceland

Iceland ranks first on the 2026 Global Peace Index, which is a big reason it suits solo travellers. Its waterfalls, glaciers and hot springs, such as Seljalandsfoss and the Blue Lagoon, make for dramatic day trips.

Winter brings chances to see the Northern Lights. Indians need a Schengen visa. Note that eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula have closed the Blue Lagoon several times since 2023, so check its status before you go.

4. New Zealand

New Zealand ranks second on the 2026 Global Peace Index. It is known for scenery and adventure, from cruises on Milford Sound to bungee jumping in Queenstown.

The country has a well-organised network of hostels, campervans and walking tracks, so meeting other travellers is easy. Indian passport holders need a visa.

5. Thailand

Thailand remains one of the most affordable solo trips from India. Bangkok has markets and street food, Chiang Mai offers temples and cooking classes, and the southern islands are known for beaches.

Updated for 2026: Indians can still visit Thailand visa free, but the allowed stay was cut from 60 days to 30 days from 15 September 2026. Travellers must also fill in the Thailand Digital Arrival Card within three days before arrival.

6. Portugal

Portugal is seventh on the 2026 Global Peace Index. Lisbon and Porto are compact, walkable cities with trams, viewpoints and old neighbourhoods. The Algarve coast in the south has cliffs and beaches.

Public transport between cities is simple, and hostels are social. Indians need a Schengen visa.

7. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is best for nature lovers. Rainforests, volcanoes and wildlife reserves sit close together, and adventure activities such as zip-lining and white-water rafting are widely available through organised tours.

Indian travellers need a visa, though a valid US visa, or a multiple-entry Canadian or EU visa, can be used in its place, according to the Wikipedia summary.

8. Morocco

Morocco offers busy markets, old architecture and desert scenery. The medina of Marrakech is a maze of souks, and a night at a Sahara desert camp is a highlight for many.

Solo travellers, especially women, should book reputable guides for the desert and dress modestly in conservative areas. Indians can apply for an eVisa for stays of 30 days.

9. Vietnam

Vietnam is a strong pick for food lovers on a budget. Hanoi has street food and old quarters, while Ha Long Bay is known for its limestone islands.

Indian passport holders can apply for a multiple-entry eVisa valid for 90 days.

10. Peru

Peru is for travellers who want history and a challenge. Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail and the Nazca Lines are the main draws, and Lima and Cusco are good bases with lively food scenes.

Indians need a visa, but holders of a valid Australian, Canadian, UK, US or Schengen visa with at least six months’ validity can visit without one, according to the Wikipedia summary.

Safety tips for solo travellers

• Share your plan: Send your itinerary and hotel details to family or a friend.
• Insure your trip: Buy travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and adventure sports.
• Keep copies: Store scans of your passport and visa in your phone and email.
• Stay in social places: Well-rated hostels and guesthouses help you meet people and get local tips.

For more destination guides, see our travel section and lifestyle stories.

Further reading: Bali, Kyoto, Iceland.

Frequently asked questions

Sources: Global Peace Index, Wikipedia, Visa requirements for Indian citizens, Wikipedia.