The 16 Best Vacation Ideas for Singles

By: Rhiannon Ball  | 
Las Vegas strip near New York, NY
South End Of Las Vegas Strip Near New York, NY. (Photo By: MyLoupe/UIG Via Getty Images) Universal Images Group via Getty / 2005 Frank S. Vetere

Big vacations don't have to be off the table just because you don't have a travel partner or family! It's not weird to go on vacation by yourself – it's actually quite liberating! Whether you're a Millennial looking for an Instagram-worthy adventure or you're trying to heal your heart after a breakup, there are many great solo vacation ideas. But it's also important to do your research because while technically you can travel anywhere alone, there are certain cities that are particularly fun and safe for those going solo.

In fact, the tourism industry has seen a significant uptick in solo travel in the past few years with more people realizing that you don't have to be with “the one” to step out of your comfort zone and travel the world.

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A common concern for single travelers for those considering this type of vacation is that they'll be lonely, but I can assure you that this won't be the case at these 16 memorable vacation destinations. There are a number of tips circulating online, but my number one tip for solo travel (where you want to meet people) is to book a hostel when you're planning your solo trip out.

Ideally, choose a booze cruise or one that targets your demographic and interests, whether you're looking to party, socialize, or whatever else. So to help you plan your next solo adventure, here are the best vacation ideas for singles!

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Las Vegas, Nevada

las vegas nevada
las vegas nevada Karl Weatherly / Getty Images

With the motto “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” coined by visitors of this destination, travelers flock from around the globe to experience this glittering city in the desert. Known as the gambling hotspot of the world and attracting the best entertainers and shows, Las Vegas has transformed into a place that truly never sleeps. From the roller coasters and other rides on top of the Stratosphere Tower to zip lines flying overhead the pedestrians on Fremont Street there is no way you can be bored in this city, even if you're a solo traveler.

Las Vegas offers world-class golfing, an all inclusive hotel, dining at restaurants run by celebrity chefs, every type of show and entertainer you can think of, motor sports, hotel, swimming pools that resemble beaches, and tours to nearby destinations. When you get tired of all the noise you can always take a day trip to one of the wonders of the world – the Grand Canyon – to stretch your legs and spend some time in nature.

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Boracay, Philippines

Sunset at the beach, Boracay island, Panay, Philippines
Sunset at the beach, Boracay island, Panay, Philippines Matteo Colombo / Getty Images

In general, the Philippines is a great vacation idea for solo vacation. Everyone is friendly, the weather is great and the beaches fantastic. Boracay is the most popular destination for beach lovers and is consistently ranked among the top 10 Best Beaches in Asia. The small island is only seven kilometers long and not very wide, but you'll still find blinding white sand beaches and clear blue water. Enjoy every water sport imaginable from windsurfing to kiteboarding.

All inclusive accommodations can range from under $20 per night to over $300 at the high end inclusive luxury resorts. If you're hoping to meet people, stay at the Chillax Flashpackers hostel or Friendz Resort – both are well priced, highly reviewed, and ideal for solo travelers.

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On Boracay, you'll find restaurants serving American food, Thai, Mexican, French, Italian and more. After a day at the beach head to one of the clubs, grab a San Miguel Beer, and party till the early hours of the morning. Some places are open 24 hours a day and most of the resorts also have a nightly live entertainment and nightly entertainment, making this place one of the best beach vacation ideas for singles.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Young Woman walking at Plaza de Mayo Square in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Young Woman walking at Plaza de Mayo Square in Buenos Aires, Argentina jopstock / Getty Images

Known as the “Paris of South America,” Buenos Aires is a popular destination for travelers from around the world. The city is full of hospitable people, great food and wine, vibrant nightlife, stunning beaches, themed parties, museums, beautiful natural spaces, and trendy cafés. Argentines love their steak and there are probably more steakhouses per capita in Buenos Aires than any other city in the world.

Take a stroll down the colorful Caminito Street in the neighborhood of La Boca. Head over to the largest barrio of Palermo and visit the Soho district where you will find boutiques selling clothes, wines, leather goods, and books. Take a seat at one of the many sidewalk cafés and do some people watching or wait until dark and party with the locals, expats and other traveling folk as the bars erupt with epic music and dance. Plan on a late night as dinner commonly starts around 9 PM and the bars and clubs really begin to get busy around midnight.

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Bangkok, Thailand

Adventure Asian beautiful tourist women travel in the buddha temple back view in Bangkok Thailand
Adventure Asian beautiful tourist women travel in the buddha temple back view in Bangkok Thailand Jackyenjoyphotography / Getty Images

Made popular as an R&R destination with US servicemen during the Vietnam war, Bangkok and Thailand in general exploded as the most popular destination in Asia for travel in recent years. Over 22 million people visit Thailand every year and for good reason – it makes for an incredible getaway vacation for solo travelers, couples, and families.

People travel from all over Asia to shop in Bangkok because of the variety and prices. Experience Thai food in an upscale restaurant or better yet, sample the foods from the street vendors where you can get everything from traditional dishes to the exotic fried Tarantula spiders, scorpions and grasshoppers. Take a trip to the floating market, shop for gemstones, or party the night away at the clubs.

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Austin, Texas

The South Congress bridge in Austin, Texas is lit up and packed with people.
The South Congress bridge in Austin, Texas is lit up and packed with people. The view was gorgeous. Ryan Martinez / Getty Images

The city does its best to live up to the motto “Keep Austin Weird.” Home to the University of Texas and touted as the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin's nightlife is renowned. During the day you can visit the State Capitol, grab some great BBQ and enjoy the sites around town. Take a dip in the Barton Springs Pool, a spring fed swimming pool where the water temperature stays around 68-70 degrees year round.

Austin hosts the annual South by Southwest (SXSW) festival bringing together technology, film, and music, all inclusive vacations which we highly recommend taking in. On weekend evenings, holidays and of course UT Football game days, a portion of the famed 6th Street is closed off for traffic where you'll find live music, overflowing bars and clubs, along with locals and visitors piling into the street for a huge party.

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Officially known as the 6th Street Historic District, the area was named to the National register of Historic Places in 1975. This is a great city to visit solo, as you won't be bored and the nightlife provides both nightly entertainment and a ton of opportunities to meet new people.

Cancun, Mexico

Woman admiring the sunset on the Caribbean sea, Mexico
Woman admiring the sunset on the Caribbean sea, Mexico © Marco Bottigelli / Getty Images

Nestled in the tropical paradise of the Mayan Riviera, Cancun has long been associated with Spring Break vacations for singles everywhere. In fact, Cancun resort is considered one of the best vacation spots for singles, hands down. Temptation cancun Resorts of every kind line the pristine white sand beaches where crystal clear blue water invites every water activity imaginable. Spend days snorkeling and scuba diving, or rent a kayak, learn to surf, kiteboard and more.

When you're not enjoying the water, learn a little about the Mayan culture by visiting the nearby ruins of Chichen Itza and Tulum. When the sun sets Cancun turns into party central for singles resorts with beach bars, live music, and multiple clubs in town that cater to every age bracket. One way to experience the club scene is to take a club tour or all inclusive package offered by an all inclusive resort. These packages ensure that a tour operator will pick you up at your hotel, drive to several clubs where entrance fees and drinks will be covered by an all inclusive package, and deliver you safely home late that night – all for one all-inclusive price.

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Santorini, Greece

Oia, Santorini Island, Cyclades, Greece. Houses and churches, woman with a hat.
Oia, Santorini Island, Cyclades, Greece. Houses and churches, woman with a hat. Francesco Riccardo Iacomino / Getty Images

Santorini is Greece's most popular island destination because of the beautiful beaches, ancient cities, fantastic food and wine, along with the breathtaking scenery and exciting nightlife. Take a cruise around the island on a sailing ship or catamaran, check out the archeological ruins of the city of Akrotiri, visit one of the many wineries and sample some of the best wine in the world, or just relax on a black sand beach and enjoy the blue waters of the Aegean Sea.

You can take a boat trip to trek up the dormant (though still active) volcano where you will be rewarded with fantastic views. After a day at the beach, head out for some dinner and watch the sunset while enjoying a beautiful meal before heading to a bar for a drink with some of the new friends you have made. Santorini is not particularly a party island, but you will find many singles and solo travelers enjoying this beautiful place.

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Barcelona, Spain

Rear view of a man in yellow shirt looking at Barcelona skyline from above, Spain Alexander Spatari / Getty Images

People from all over the world come to Barcelona for the beaches, culture, food, art, and nightlife. Visit the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where construction started on the church in 1882 (and is due to be finished in 2026). Here people line up for less than three hours to gain entrance and marvel at the architectural beauty (and it's totally worth it).

Take a day trip to visit the Montserrat Monastery, check out the football stadium and take in a Barcelona FC game. Visit the Gothic Quarter where you can wander the pedestrian only streets of what once was a Roman Village. Check out the courtyards and the various shops and restaurants in the Quarter and make sure you stay (or come back) here for the nightlife.

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I also highly recommend booking a guided food tour where you'll walk around the neighborhoods, sampling food and drink, and learning about the city's rich history, all with a local guide who can give you the inside scoop about where to go out in the evening. They may even invite you along! Barcelona sees a lot of tourists and a surprising number of them are traveling solo so it's never too difficult to meet other travelers to explore the city with.

Miami, Florida

Neon illuminated Ocean Drive at sunset, South Beach, Miami, USA
Neon illuminated Ocean Drive at sunset, South Beach, Miami, USA Alexander Spatari / Getty Images

With tropical weather, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife Miami is a top choice for singles to visit. Enjoy some of the country's best scuba diving, fishing, boating, swimming pools and snorkeling in Florida. Head to South Beach where all that hard work in the gym will pay off as the place to see and be seen. Visit Little Havana where Cuban restaurants, cafés, swim up bar and clubs beckon you in with the sights and smells of Cuba. While you're there, check out one of the many cigar shops and watch as a master rolls handmade cigars before you select one for after dinner.

Influenced by Latin and Caribbean cultures you can find a wide variety of cuisine at the city's many restaurants. From luxury designer boutiques to outlet malls, Miami is a shopper's heaven. They have many shopping destinations that could be fun to visit in this sun-filled city, so why not visit a tourist or cheese shop while you are there for some afternoon fun and treats. Once the sun sets, head out to one of the clubs in South Beach for live music and dancing or head over to Coconut Grove where the University crowds hang out.

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Amsterdam, Netherlands

Rear view of a man looking at Amsterdam canal on a sunny day, Netherlands
Rear view of a man looking at Amsterdam canal on a sunny day, Netherlands Alexander Spatari / Getty Images

How could we make a list of best places for singles to travel without adding Amsterdam? Probably the most liberal city in Europe and perhaps even the entire world, tourists have been coming to Amsterdam for years in search of the laid back atmosphere. From backpackers and singles vacation groups of friends and solo travelers, they all come to Amsterdam in search of a good time.

This city is one of the best bachelor party destinations to visit in Europe. Known for its Red Light District and the coffee shops where marijuana is openly and legally sold and enjoyed, Amsterdam is also a culturally rich city. The city has over 100 museums such as the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House. Take a bike tour and enjoy the city or take a boat ride on the canals. The Amsterdam nightlife has something for everyone's taste – whether you enjoy a live rock band, electronic music, or a quiet jazz bar, you will find a venue to suit your taste.

Bali, Indonesia

Tourist looking at Diamond beach from above, Nusa Penida, Indonesia
Tourist looking at Diamond beach from above, Nusa Penida, Indonesia Francesco Riccardo Iacomino / Getty Images

Serenity, Adventure, and Spiritual Awakening For a transformative solo journey, head to Bali, the Island of the Gods. This Indonesian paradise offers a perfect blend of serene landscapes, pristine beaches, spiritual retreats, and thrilling adventures.

Dive into the crystal-clear waters for a snorkeling or scuba diving adventure, practice yoga amidst breathtaking rice terraces, or meditate in ancient temples. Experience the warmth and hospitality of the Balinese people, savor delicious local cuisine, and rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Man standing on the top of Pedra da Gavea watching the views over Rio de Janeiro Brazil
Man standing on the top of Pedra da Gavea watching the views over Rio de Janeiro Brazil Gabriel Mello / Getty Images

If you're seeking a vibrant and energetic destination, Rio de Janeiro should be at the top of your list. Famous for its iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer and Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro is a city that knows how to celebrate life.

Dance to the rhythm of samba, join the electrifying Carnival festivities, and soak up the sun on the breathtaking Ipanema Beach. Explore the city's lively neighborhoods, indulge in delicious Brazilian cuisine, and embrace the warmth of the local culture.

Prague, Czech Republic

Mala Strana and Nerudova Street in Prague, Czech Republic
Mala Strana and Nerudova Street in Prague, Czech Republic Alexander Spatari / Getty Images

Historic Charm, Bohemian Vibes, and a Vibrant Nightlife Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, is a haven for solo travelers seeking history, culture, and a lively social scene. Lose yourself in the charming cobblestone streets of the Old Town, marvel at the stunning Prague Castle, and cruise along the Vltava River. Enjoy the city's thriving nightlife, with an abundance of bars, clubs, and beer gardens where you can meet fellow travelers and locals. Discover hidden cafes, indulge in hearty Czech cuisine, and immerse yourself in the bohemian atmosphere.

Queenstown, New Zealand

Scenic dusk view of illuminated Queenstown cityscape at beautiful sunset
Scenic dusk view of illuminated Queenstown cityscape at beautiful sunset with Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range, Queenstown, famous resort town in Otago Region, South Island, New Zealand. Lingxiao Xie / Getty Images

For the adventurous solo traveler, Queenstown is an absolute must-visit destination. Nestled in New Zealand's South Island, this picturesque town offers a wide range of exhilarating activities. Go bungee jumping, skydiving, or jet boating, and embrace the adrenaline rush.

Explore the stunning landscapes of the surrounding mountains, lakes, and fjords, and embark on hiking or biking trails. After an action-packed day, unwind in cozy cafes, engage in lively conversations with fellow adventure enthusiasts, and soak in the awe-inspiring beauty of the region.

Interlaken, Switzerland

Interlaken is a beautiful little town in Switzerland.
Interlaken is a beautiful little town in Switzerland. Interlaken is one of the tourist destination in Europe Laphon Pinta / Getty Images

Alpine thrills and natural beauty nestled in the Swiss Alps, Interlaken is a dream destination for adrenaline junkies and nature lovers alike. Surrounded by towering peaks, glittering lakes, and cascading waterfalls, Interlaken offers a range of exhilarating activities.

Experience the rush of paragliding or skydiving, go canyoning in mountain streams, or try your hand at ice climbing. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the famous Jungfrau region, home to Europe's highest railway station and breathtaking panoramic views.

Cairns, Australia

Nudey beach on Fitzroy island near Cairns in Queensland, Australia John Crux Photography / Getty Images

For an adventure-packed solo trip, head to Cairns, a vibrant city in tropical North Queensland, Australia. Dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world's most iconic natural wonders. Snorkel or scuba dive among vibrant coral reefs and encounter diverse marine life. Venture into the lush rainforests of the Daintree and embark on a thrilling jungle zip-line adventure. Explore the Atherton Tablelands, with its stunning waterfalls, volcanic craters, and ancient Aboriginal culture.

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