Best Solo Travel Destinations in India & Abroad (2026)

"A complete 2026 guide to the best solo travel destinations in India and abroad, covering safety, budget, ideal seasons, and tips for first-time solo travellers."

Best solo travel destinations in India and abroad for solo travellers in 2026
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Anjali Singh

10 mins read

Published: 3 January 2026

The charm of travelling alone has always been there, but now it is at its peak. The trip to 2026 will see a greater number of Indians engaging in self-discovery, autonomy, and the unique experience of traveling alone. The process of finding the ideal places for solo travelers is quite intricate, as it is done on the basis of safety, accessibility, and that unexplainable "vibe" that makes one feel more like a part of the place rather than being alone. If you are in need of the spiritual peace of the Himalayas or the vibrant efficiency of Tokyo, then the earth is ready to serve you, the independent voyager, with all its delights.

The solo travel experience has become a standard, not just for a small selection of people. It lets one wake up and set a personal agenda for the day with no compromises whatsoever. At the same time, the success of the journey very much depends on the selection of solo travel destinations. We offer our 2026 favorites in this guide, which takes you from budget-friendly jewels in India to dream international spots. Besides, we also discuss the financial aspect in terms of how your personal development won’t be hindered by funds, since you can manage your finances in such a way that a lack of cash on hand will not become a barrier.

Top Solo Travel Destinations in India

India offers an incredible diversity of landscapes and cultures that are perfect for those seeking stylish places to travel solo. From the northern peaks to the southern coasts, the infrastructure for solo voyagers, especially the hostel culture, has improved drastically.

1. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand: The Spiritual Adventure

Rishikesh is usually referred to as the "Yoga Capital of the World," and it is still a perfect solo travel place for those who want to mix spirituality and adrenaline. It is very safe for solo ladies and beginners.

  • Solo Friendliness: High. Many cafés and yoga schools will help you to find friends easily.
  • Connectivity: Great connections by train (Haridwar) and by air (Dehradun).
  • Top Activity: Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat in the evening or white-water rafting.

2. Pondicherry: A Slice of French Riviera

The French Quarter of Pondicherry is the place where everyone will visit alone who is in search of silence and solitude. The cobbled streets, the mustard-yellow buildings, and the peaceful beaches offer a meditative setting.

  • Budget: Mid-range.
  • Ease of Travel: The best way to go around is by renting a bicycle or a scooter
  • Why it works: It's a culturally rich, slow-paced environment where you can spend hours in a library or a beachside cafe.

3. Hampi, Karnataka: A Walk Through History

Solo travel is one of the major attractions for history lovers and photographers of Hampi. While the vast and rocky landscape, the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire tell the story of a glorious era that lasted over 200 years.

  • Safety: Very high. The local people are used to international and domestic solo travelers.
  • Hostel culture: On "Hippie Island" (Virupapur Gaddi), there are lots of social hostels.
  • Highlight: Coracle rides on the Tungabhadra River at sunset.

4. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan: The Golden City

If you are searching for great places to travel alone, the desert charm of Jaisalmer is unmatched. Staying inside the living fort allows you to experience the local life up close.

  • Experience: Camel safaris and overnight camping under the stars.
  • Solo Tip: Most desert camps offer group tents or social bonfires, ensuring you aren't lonely in the dunes.

5. Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh: For the Offbeat Soul

Ziro is a good solo travel destination for those who want to disconnect from urban chaos and immerse themselves in tribal culture and lush greenery.

  • Connectivity: Requires some planning (nearest airport is Lilabari or North Lakhimpur).
  • Connectivity Tip: Always check Inner Line Permit (ILP) requirements in advance.

Best Solo Travel Destinations Abroad

Venturing outside India for the first time alone can be daunting, but choosing the best solo travel destinations with high safety indices and efficient transport can make the transition seamless.

1. Thailand: The Ultimate First-Timer’s Choice

Thailand is still the most popular destination for solo travellers, mainly due to its very strong Selling point of Mu Yen (Great Value for Money) and the so-called “Traveller Trail” which almost guarantees that one cannot get lost.

  • Bangkok for shopping: Chiang Mai for digital nomads, and Krabi for island hopping are the main stops.
  • Travel is smooth and excellent: All around, English is largely understood in the tourist centres. The budget limits are approximately affordable to midrange.

2. Portugal: Europe’s Sun-Kissed Safe Haven

A new solo traveller from India who is in search of European countries with the best solo trip places should not hesitate to choose Portugal as the best entry to the continent.

  • It is a safe country, ranking-wise consistently among the world's safest. The connection is through a great railway system that connects Lisbon, Sintra, and Porto
  • The solo traveler's benefit is in the form of “Free Walking Tours” in every city, which are great for mingling with other tourists.

3. Bali, Indonesia: Wellness and Landscapes

Bali is one of the most wonderful solo travel destinations for people who desire to experience both luxury and backpacking at the same time. Ubud is the centre of the island for the solo adventure of those interested in wellness and rice field vistas.

  • Extremely safe -with a very large solo traveller community.
  • Super flexible budget - ranges from ₹500 dormitories to ₹50,000 villas.

4. Japan: The Gold Standard of Efficiency

Japan is one of the safest yet most attractive places for solo travel due to its very low crime rate and the so-called solo dining culture (like Ichiran Ramen), where eating alone is a normal thing.

  • The Shinkansen (Bullet Train) ensures smooth travel throughout the country.
  • A pocket Wi-Fi and Google Maps help find even the most concealed temples.

5. Vietnam: History, Food, and Frugality

Vietnam is one of the best solo trip destinations for those on a budget who don’t want to compromise on experiences.

  • Route: The North-to-South trail (Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City) is well-defined.
  • Connectivity: Sleeper buses and domestic flights are frequent and cheap.

Comparing Solo Travel Hotspots (2026 Estimates)

Destination

Primary Vibe

Avg. Daily Budget (INR)

Safety Rating

Best Month to Visit

Rishikesh, India

Spiritual/Adventurous

₹1,500 - ₹3,000

4.5/5

March to May

Hampi, India

Heritage/Historic

₹1,200 - ₹2,500

4/5

October to March

Thailand

Beach/Social

₹3,500 - ₹6,000

4/5

November to February

Portugal

Culture/Coastline

₹7,000 - ₹12,000

5/5

May to September

Japan

Urban/Traditional

₹10,000 - ₹18,000

5/5

April (Sakura)


Managing the Costs of Your Solo Adventure

While dreaming about the best solo travel destinations is just the beginning, now comes the actual planning of it. The thing is, a solo voyage often tends to be a little more expensive than a group one because you are not sharing the cost of accommodation or transport. Thus, when you're looking for the best places to go alone, consider:

  • Flights: Usually the largest expense paid in advance, especially if venturing out internationally alone.
  • Accommodation: Social hostels can cut costs, although many travelers still prioritize staying in safe areas with private rooms.
  • Visas and Insurance: These are necessary "dead" expenses that secure your trip.
  • Experiences: Scuba diving, cooking classes, or guided heritage walks. If you're mapping a longer solo voyage or international travel, spreading costs-flights and stays-through a travel loan or EMI option may help.

This allows you to travel in comfort, without blowing up your monthly budget. Many Indian travelers are now using flexible financing to snag flight prices for "early birds" while paying back over 6 to 12 months. This way, you won't have to settle for a less-than-perfect destination just because you're temporarily short on liquidity; you still can aim at your true dream spot.

Planning the Perfect Solo Itinerary

When picking from the best solo travel destinations, your itinerary should include some "buffer time." One of the best parts of being in places to visit solo is the ability to change plans on a whim.

  • Day 1-2: Orientation. Stay in a central area. Use this time to understand the local transport and "vibe."
  • Day 3-5: Deep Dive. Visit the main attractions, but also find a local haunt, a library, a park, or a specific cafe.
  • Safety Check: Always share your live location with a trusted friend or family member back home, especially when moving between solo travel destinations.

For those looking for the best places to vacation alone, consider a "Workation." Places like Goa in India or Da Nang in Vietnam have excellent Wi-Fi and co-living spaces, allowing you to extend your solo trip without using up all your annual leave.

Solo Travel Safety Tips for 2026

Safety is the primary concern when searching for places to go alone. While the best solo travel destinations listed here are generally safe, basic precautions are universal:

  • Arrive in daylight: Always try to reach a new city before sunset.
  • Trust your gut: if a situation or person feels "off," remove yourself immediately.
  • Connectivity: Buy a local SIM card at the airport. Having data for maps and emergency calls is non-negotiable.
  • Money Management: Carry multiple cards (one debit, one credit) and keep some emergency cash hidden in your luggage.

If you find yourself worrying about the cumulative cost of these safety measures—like booking a reputable hotel instead of a sketchy guesthouse—remember that financing your safety is a valid investment. You can plan your solo trip on EMI with a travel loan to ensure you stay in well-reviewed, secure areas without stressing about your savings.

Choosing Your Next Destination

Solo travel destinations are definitely a new trend in the world of 2026. You may consider the smallest step by taking a weekend trip to Gokarna or the other way around, with a whole month in Lisbon. Initially, it will be a different thing for your personality. You will become a more secure person, a more tolerant one, and finally, a person who knows himself better.

Finding the best solo travel destinations is more like matching one's current state of mind with the energy of the destination. If you need a calm atmosphere, then the mountains are the right choice. If you're feeling worn out, then the ocean is the right choice. If you are in search of new ideas, then a lively historical city is the right choice. The most appealing places for solo travel are the ones that awaken your spirit.

Conclusion: Empowering Your Journey with My Mudra

The solo way of travel is the best present one can give to oneself. It is a kind of investing in one's own strength and a wide range of views. The author listed some great places for solo travelers to visit; among them were the golden beaches of Jaisalmer, the ancient and picturesque streets of Porto, and many more.

At My Mudra, financial limitation is never a reason to say no to experiences. We, at My Mudra, being India's top financial marketplace, guarantee hassle-free, honest, and fast financial solutions. Our main advantages are the huge number of our lending partners and giving tailored advice that exactly suits your requirements.

You might be ready for a solo adventure and book the international flight to the above-matched destination, or you are in need of a Personal Loan for the trip, supplementing the entire cost of the trip in advance. We are available to assist you. Thanks to the online application and client-centered approach, we become the perfect partner for your adventure. Rely on My Mudra to unite your traveling dreams with the actual ones; this way, you will only have to care about the journey, while the financing is our business.

Also Read:
- Best Credit Cards for International Travel in India (2026)
- Benefits of Using a Travel Loan for International Trips

Frequently Asked Questions
Is solo travel more expensive than group travel? +

Generally, yes, as you cannot split the cost of rooms or taxis. However, staying in hostels and using public transport in the best solo travel destinations can keep costs very manageable.

Which are the best solo travel destinations for women in India? +

Rishikesh, Pondicherry, and Munnar are excellent choices due to their safe environments, high tourist influx, and respectful local culture.

Can I get a loan specifically for a solo trip? +

Yes, you can apply for a Travel Loan or a Personal Loan through platforms like My Mudra. These are unsecured loans that you can repay in easy EMIs, making expensive solo travel destinations accessible.

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Anjali Singh Assistant Manager
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Hey there, I'm Anjali Singh. With over 6 years of experience in finance, I specialize in creating content on banking, loans, and financial planning. My goal is to simplify complex financial topics and help readers make informed decisions through my articles.

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