Why Choose Solo Travel in 2024?
Empowerment and Personal Growth
In 2024, solo travel continues to empower individuals by fostering independence, adaptability, and resilience. According to a recent survey by Kayak, over 58% of solo travelers in 2023 reported increased confidence and personal growth during their trips. Many choose solo travel to escape routine, discover new interests, and challenge themselves in unfamiliar environments. The flexibility to create your own itinerary and pursue personal passions is a major driver.
Trends Shaping Solo Adventures This Year
Distinct trends define solo travel this year: walkable cities, digital nomad-friendly infrastructure, and group-focused local experiences. Increased remote work flexibility fuels solo journeys lasting from weeks to several months. Safety and affordable urban getaways—especially in North America and Europe—are climbing, with demand for wellness retreats, local community meetups, and culture-rich activities on the rise. Female solo travel, in particular, is surging, with specialized safety data and group resources seeing record 2024 engagement.
How We Selected the Best Cities for Solo Travel in 2024
Safety and Security Rankings
Safety remains the primary concern. Rankings factor in local crime rates, safety perceptions from international travelers, and solo female travel experiences. Places like Tokyo and Berlin top lists due to low violent crime rates and robust emergency response services. For context, Berlin reports a 2024 safety index of 76/100; Tokyo scores 87/100—both among the world’s highest for major urban centers.
Digital Nomad Friendliness (Wi-Fi, Coworking, Visa Policies)
Digital nomad scores combine average Wi-Fi speeds (100+ Mbps ideal), coworking options, and local visa flexibility. For example, Bali boasts 50–100 Mbps Wi-Fi, 100+ coworking venues, and a 60-180 day digital nomad visa. Berlin features 150 Mbps Wi-Fi and 200 coworking sites. Visa accessibility for remote work is also a key selection factor, especially in Southeast Asia and the EU.
Vibrant Local Experiences and Community Activities
High-ranking cities offer group tours, art walks, hiking clubs, and vibrant expat or local meetups. Budapest’s ruin bars, Atlanta’s Eastside Trail events, and group yoga in Bali are highlighted 2024 activities. Hostels, group Airbnb Experiences, and walking tours facilitate quick community integration.
Accessibility, Transportation & Affordability
Affordability is benchmarked using daily expenses: accommodation, transit, and meals (target: $40–$110/day). Accessibility weighs public transit efficiency, English fluency, and app-based navigation. Cities like London, Toronto, and Tokyo excel due to widespread English, intuitive transit, and real-time navigation apps like Google Maps and Citymapper.
Top 12 Best Cities for Solo Travelers in 2024
Berlin, Germany: What Makes It Great for Solos? (With Safety & Digital Nomad Scores)
Safety Index: 76/100
Wi-Fi Average: 150 Mbps
Why great: Berlin is walkable, artsy, historic, and fosters liberal, diverse communities. Over 200 coworking spaces cater to remote work; English is prevalent. Cafés, street art, and nightlife create opportunities for solo and group adventures. Digital nomad and solo female safety rankings are consistently high, with regular expat meetups and excellent transport systems.
London, UK: Must-Do Experiences and Community Events in 2024
Safety Index: 68/100
Wi-Fi Average: 100 Mbps
Highlights: London’s mix of iconic landmarks, vibrant festivals, and café culture draws solo travelers. Group tours abound: from West End theatre nights to borough food walks. Weekend markets and quick trips to nearby nature offer both culture and tranquility. The Tube is intuitive and safe for late travel, with extensive CCTV coverage.
Paris, France: Safety Data, Accessibility & Unique Solo-Friendly Attractions
Safety Index: 60/100
Wi-Fi Average: 80 Mbps
Unique for solos: Art museums, café sidewalks, Montmartre walking tours, and culinary classes. English and digital payments are increasingly common. Safety improves in central, well-trafficked zones, and new solo-travel apps facilitate community dining and outings.
Atlanta, USA: Digital Nomad Hotspots and Local Connection Opportunities
Safety Index: 60/100
Wi-Fi Average: 70 Mbps
Why solo-friendly: Urban trails like the Eastside encourage group cycling and events. Coworking spaces grow in Midtown; local festivals and food halls offer community. Daily costs are affordable (~$90), and a strong youth culture means plentiful meetups and music venues.
Austin, USA: Affordable Adventures and Cultural Immersion
Safety Index: 66/100
Wi-Fi Average: 150 Mbps
Details: Austin’s live music, food truck parks, and quirky social scene make solo integration effortless. Outdoor events, group runs, and tech meetups drive community. Affordability and walkable neighborhoods are standout features for 2024.
San Diego, USA: Trending Up – New Entrant for Solo Travelers
Safety Index: 70/100
Wi-Fi Average: 200 Mbps
Why now: Beaches, coastal parks, and group surf/yoga classes. Hostels and boutique hotels cater to singles. Strong solo female safety, with regular beach cleanups and community hikes promoted on local platforms.
Tokyo, Japan: Wellness, Nature, and Mindful Exploration
Safety Index: 87/100
Wi-Fi Average: 500 Mbps
Standouts: Clean, safe, and efficient. Temples, city parks, izakayas, and late-opening museums. Language support apps abound; digital nomads thrive thanks to abundant coworking and day passes. Japan ranked #1 for solo female safety in 2024 (reports from Road Scholar).
Toronto, Canada: Art, Food, and Evening Activities for Solos
Safety Index: 82/100
Wi-Fi Average: 150 Mbps
Why solo travelers love it: Diverse events, multicultural food, art walks, and inclusive LGBTQ+ spaces. Friendly hostels and shared apartments are centered downtown. Popular English/French exchange meetups ease non-native connections.
Bali, Indonesia: Community-Driven Experiences and Local Meetups
Safety Index: 55/100 (highly safe in tourist zones)
Wi-Fi Average: 50–100 Mbps
Key factors: Affordability ($40/day), digital nomad visa options, 100+ coworking venues. Yoga, cooking classes, and language exchanges are daily events. Bali’s expat community hosts numerous networking evenings, making socializing easy for newcomers.
Tucson, USA: The Safest Urban Getaway for Solo Women
Safety Index: 74/100
Wi-Fi Average: 100 Mbps
Why best for women: Low violent crime, welcoming arts scene, desert trails, and group wellness events. Downtown is walkable; night markets enable safe, community-based experiences.
Bentonville, USA: Digital Nomad Visa Options and Remote Work Hubs
Safety Index: 79/100
Wi-Fi Average: 100 Mbps
Notes: Known for art museums and tech-driven infrastructure. Innovative coworking spaces developed via Walmart initiatives support extended stays. Trails and gallery walks foster casual meetups and solo exploration.
Budapest, Hungary: Unique Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures in 2024
Safety Index: 60/100
Wi-Fi Average: 100 Mbps
Highlights: Ruin bars, thermal baths, and riverside walking tours. Budapest is budget-friendly (~$60/day) and increasingly solo-friendly thanks to youth hostels, walking tours, and new English-language signage across transit and major attractions.
How to Stay Safe and Connect with Others While Traveling Alone
Interpreting 2024 Safety Data and Local Emergency Resources
Always cross-check official advisories (U.S. State Department, local embassies) and recent traveler forum updates for the latest safety insights. Familiarize with local emergency numbers: 112 (Europe/worldwide), 911 (U.S). Learn or bookmark basic phrases: \”Help,\” \”Police,\” \”Hospital.\” Carry a charged phone, offline translation app, digital and paper copies of key documents, and a small first aid kit.
Apps, Meet-Up Groups, and Social Platforms for Solo Travelers
- Safety: Find My, WhatsApp live location, sitata (alerts)
- Community: Meetup, Couchsurfing, Eventbrite, local Facebook groups (keyword: \”Solo travel + [City]\”)
- Local events: Airbnb Experiences, Hostelworld Events, GuruWalk (guided city walks)
Avoiding Common Pitfalls When Exploring New Cities Alone
- Don’t walk in dark, empty areas past 10 PM; take verified rideshares or taxis
- Keep digital devices and valuables hidden
- Never admit to strangers that you are traveling alone
- Always meet new acquaintances in public, daytime places; share your plans with a trusted contact
- Follow your instincts—leave if anything feels off
Solo Travel Logistics for 2024
Travel Health, Insurance, and Entry Requirements
- Secure robust travel insurance covering medical emergencies, theft, and trip interruptions (buy from providers like World Nomads or Allianz)
- Check COVID rules, immunizations, and digital entry forms at least 2 weeks before arrival (see government sites and IATA Travel Centre)
Booking the Best Solo-Friendly Accommodations
- Prefer hostels with private rooms or social hotels with dedicated solo traveler events
- Use platforms with verified reviews (e.g., Airbnb Superhosts, Booking.com with high safety ratings)
- Book central locations—avoid isolated suburbs or towns without 24/7 transit
Navigating Public Transit and Local Transport Apps
- Citymapper and Google Maps for route planning in Europe/North America
- Check for taxi apps or official airport transfer services in advance
- Buy multi-day transit passes for savings and simplicity
Essential Packing and Planning Checklist for Solo Trips
- Passport with backup digital and paper copies
- Travel insurance details and emergency contacts
- Phone + power bank, universal adapter, and SIM/eSIM
- First aid kit, basic medications, face mask, and sanitizer
- Hidden pouch/money belt
- Weather-appropriate clothing, hat, compact waterproof jacket
- Offline maps/translation app
- Minimal valuables—leave luxury items at home
FAQ: Solo Travel in 2024
Is Solo Travel Safe in [Region/Country]?
Generally yes, with basic precautions. Western Europe, Canada, Japan, and major U.S. cities have low violent crime rates. Research local warnings, stay in central areas, and avoid isolated spots at night. Solo female safety is highest in Japan, San Diego, and Toronto as per 2024 indices.
Tips for Making Friends as a Solo Traveler
- Join free walking tours or hostel events
- Sign up for cooking, language, or art classes
- Download Meetup and Couchsurfing for group activities
- Use coworking spaces for meeting digital nomads
Best Resources for Real-Time City Updates
- Official embassy travel advice portals
- Local news and public transport updates (Twitter, city apps)
- Solo traveler groups on Reddit, Facebook, and WhatsApp
Interactive Map: Where Will Your Solo Journey Begin in 2024?
Begin your journey by exploring real-time solo travel hotspots and safe destinations with the best digital infrastructure, community activities, and transit plans. Use tools like Google Maps’ Explore feature, Nomad List’s live rankings, and city event calendars to plan the perfect route. Ready to plan your solo trip? Book your adventure now!