As unapologetic champions of soul-stirring adventures in wild places, we’ve noticed something still missing in the discourse around the world's best solo travel destinations - a genuinely adventure-minded guide built for soloists who want more than museums and mojitos.
Choosing your next solo travel destination can feel like spinning a globe and hoping for the best. Sometimes we default to places where we have a shared language, or with particularly good infrastructure. That has benefits, of course, but it can also rule out some wild, truly remarkable travel destinations.
Travel solo in a group and you get the independence and the camaraderie.
Travel guides can be a useful starting point for culture, logistics, and cost, but if you want real adventure, the shortlists get strangely thin.
We have a whole lot of experience designing solo-friendly adventures for small groups (the kind where you arrive as strangers but leave as friends). So, we decided to ask our expert trip designers for their views on the best places for a solo traveller adventure in 2026. In our rankings, we've taken infrastructure, price and visa entry processes into consideration, but we've put our biggest emphasis on places which feel truly adventurous and exciting; pushing people out of their comfort zone and making for transformative solo travel experiences.
Here are the top 10 destinations on their list:
Our handpicked destinations are backed by solo travel signals, including:
- Global Peace Index score out of five (lower = more peaceful)
- Average cost of a meal for one at a local restaurant (for budgeting)
- Ease of entry for UK & US travellers (visa access etc.)
- Biodiversity proxy score to indicate wildlife and nature potential
- Established hiking routes to explore, and how crowded they are
- On-the-ground customer feedback to tell you what spreadsheets can’t
- Solo travel customer booking trends, for both 2025 and 2026
- Insight from our experts, on the pulse of the hottest adventure spots
Without further ado, here are our top 26 countries for 2026 solo adventure travel, chosen by travel experts with decades of experience planning trips.
1. Kyrgyzstan
Over the last 12 months, we've seen a huge rise in interest from seasoned solo travellers around one particularly wild destination: Kyrgyzstan. This central Asian country is one of high passes, beautiful mountains, alpine lakes and sweeping skies. It's home to a nomadic culture which prides itself on hospitality.
I felt like I travelled back in time and across multiple worlds - kayaking on the water of Issyk Kul Lake and hiking the red-rock fairytale formations of Skazka Canyon.
"Kyrgyzstan is wedged between Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and China, and it's often overshadowed by its Silk Road neighbours," says Marta Marinelli, a trip designer for Much Better Adventures. "But after exploring its mountains, valleys, and high pastures last year, I can honestly say it’s one of the most memorable journeys I’ve ever taken. The country mixes wild landscapes with ancient traditions and simple comforts with big adventures.
"On my visit there, I felt like I travelled back in time and across multiple worlds - kayaking on the water of Issyk Kul Lake and hiking the red-rock fairytale formations of Skazka Canyon, to cycling and horse riding across windy grassy steppes dotted with yurts in Song Kul. Beyond the landscapes, it was the people, the food, and the traditions that made my experience so rich."
This is the ultimate location for a micro-expedition in 2026 - properly wild, but still doable within the confines of annual leave. It's a trekking country, where established routes remain uncrowded. Camp in yurts under star-splashed skies, meet the famous eagle hunters in remote villages and vast blue lakes.
Language barriers can exist, but they are surmountable. The locals are friendly, and the landscapes so big they're sure to become life-long memories.
2. Italy
The country of la dolce vita has just about everything to offer adventurers.
Italy is globally adored for its cuisine and culture, but it's the diversity of landscapes here that keep us coming back. This is a place of storied mountains steeped in history. It's a place where wolves and bears still roam emerald green valleys, and yes, of olive groves, wine and volcanic isles.
There's a good reason Italy was number one in our solo travel index in 2025, and it's the same reason we keep expanding our range of adventures there.
“Whether you’re hiking in the Dolomites, cycling through olive groves in Tuscany, or walking coastal trails in Liguria, Italy offers that rare mix of adventure and culture that keeps you wanting to come back," says Marta Marinelli of her native country. "You won’t see it all in one go, but that’s what makes it so special: every region has its own striking landscapes, food, and way of life. It’s like multiple countries in one."
There are affordable trains to well-connected (beautifully-built) towns, so getting around is easy and can be spontaneous. "Locals, especially in small towns or popular stops, tend to be curious and welcoming," says Marta, "and it’s often easier than you’d think to strike up a chat - even if your Italian’s a bit rusty.”
3. Japan
Japan offers effortless logistics, clear signage and a feeling of safety that lets you roam confidently - whether you’re weaving through neon cities or stepping onto ancient trails with centuries of stories to tell. From omakase to onsens to powder-covered mountains, the historic of Japan spills out into every activity.
Outside of the fast-paced cities, the vast pilgrimage trails of the Komano Kodo offer slower yet captivating adventure experiences. You can follow in the foosteps of ancient samurai, and visit remote temples, hidden in leafy forests.
Follow in the footsteps of ancient samurai, and visit remote temples, hidden in leafy forests.
“Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, making it a fantastic destination for solo travellers," Marta says. "The trains are fast and efficient, towns are clean and easy to navigate, and the whole experience feels smooth, even when you’re bouncing between neon-lit cities and peaceful rural villages.
“That said, language barriers can sometimes make it harder to connect and certain experiences can be pricey. Joining a small group tour can really help: it’s a great way to share costs, go beyond the typical hotspots, and experience the country and its unique culture in a more immersive way.”
4. Portugal
Portugal is a country of multitudes. Mountain bike, hike or relax on the wild island of Madeira, go whale watching in the Azores, or visit the wine trails and Atlantic coast of Portugal. There's more variety here than most people think.
There's an excellent, well-developed trail network here, and while the capital city of Lisbon may be overtouristed, there's a whole lot of the country where tourism can still have a positive impact on local communities, with a quieter feel.
Look beyond Libson and look beyond the Algarve for a start. You'll find long-distance trail networks like the Fisherman's Trail, which introduces you to authentic Portugal. “It’s all about getting people off the beaten path and trying to sustain people," says Luis Coelho, a Potuguese destination expert. Luis recommends going to areas "where people still live without the internet, far from any Instagram stories.” Visit during the off-season for fewer crowds.
5. Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan recently changed its policy to offer US travellers visa-free entry for 30 days, and with that has come a surge of interest for this Silk Road wonder.
Uzbekistan is a destination with immense history and dramatic landscapes. It's off the radar of most visitors (meaning fewer crowds), but it still has a tourist infrastructure in place which is handy; and established hiking routes to explore.
Hike from village to village through the remote Nuratau Mountains, follow ancient trails across valleys, orchards, and rocky hillsides. Share daily life with locals in cosy village homes and traditional yurts, gaining a genuine insight into rural Uzbek culture and friendly local communities. Journey across the Kyzyl-Kum steppe to the shores of Lake Aydarkul, stopping for a cool dip in the waters. Back in the cities, Registan Square, in the heart of Samarkand, is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture - with intricate mosaic tiles, domes and geometric designs.
This is a destination for the culturally curious traveller. Legendary cities like Bukhara and Samarkand don't just boast world-class architecture, they tell the story of Uzbekistan's role at the historic crossroads of trade on the Silk Road.
Plus? Uzbekistan landed on CNTraveler's list of most affordable places to travel.
6. Réunion Island
Réunion is a shield volcano isolated in the Indian Ocean, 440 mile east of Madagascar. It is known as l'île intense - the intense island - and it lives up to that name. This is where you'll find Piton des Neiges, the highest point in the Indian Ocean (3,070m/10,072ft), and it's also home to Piton de la Fournaise - a 2,632m (8,635 ft) volcano which is one of the most active in the world.
Between the summits and the corals on the coastline are volcanic cirques; lush jungle, rivers and mountain faces which rise up to form ridgelines sharp as razor blades. And there are hamlets (and hostels) dotted in amongst that scenery.
It's important to know Réunion is a French Department. This means there are direct flights from Paris and the island is home to two Grande Randonnée (GR) walking routes - well-maintained, long-distance routes that are a trekker's dream. The pick - the GR-R2 - goes from the north to the south of the island.
“Réunion as a whole is a remarkable place to go hiking," says Stuart Kenny, Editor of the Much Better Adventures Magazine. "The volcanic cirques are full of dense rainforest and exciting, exotic birds which flutter around. Watching the sun set over Piton des Neiges is one of the most incredible sights I've ever seen.
"The waymarking on the routes is pretty good, but I would definitely advise getting a local guide. It would be easy to get lost in the cirques without one. The islets in amongst it all are super remote and heard to reach, but that just makes them so much more special when you reach them. The views are jaw-dropping."
7. Spain
Look beyond the resorts and sun loungers to the lesser known areas of Spain.
The Picos de Europa, in the north, are a mountainous haven of deep gorges and high, dramatic limestone mountains which rise above the Atlantic coast. Galicia, famed for its seafood and the stunning city of Santiago de Compostela, makes for idyllic paddling - and courtesy of the Camino de Santiago, perhaps the most famous hiking trail in the world - there is superb infrastructure for walking.
There's so much variation in Spain in terms of both landscape and culture. From the sidra and cave cheese of Asturias to the Rioja wine and rolling hills of the Basque country to the hearty mountain dishes of the Sierra de Grazalema.
We'd encourage solo travellers to look beyond the well known spots. Even on islands like Mallorca and Tenerife, you can discover superb mountains which give you an authentic feel for the island and have a positive impact for locals.
Spain is still one of Europe’s adventure all-rounders, whether you're looking to trek iconic walking routes, paddle the coast or indulge in the mouthwatering gastronomy. A small group trip makes it easier to travel responsibly and connect to local communities - so you can have a positive impact while you visit.
8. Norway
The Norwegian fjords are rightly considered to be one of the world's great beauty spots. Many explore them by cruise, or look on from touristic viewpoints. But by far the best way to see the beauty of the fjords is with a paddle in your hand.
Kayak out into the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord and you'll find yourself beneath cruising beneath incredible, sheer rock faces, by snow-capped mountains and majestic waterfalls, as fat seals watch on from the grassy banks of the fjords.
“I think that a lot of people who come here have had Norway on their radar for years, but most people are still surprised by the beauty," says Jan Neilsen, a kayaking guide on the fjords. "The whole spirit of the area is serene, and very pretty. Even our airport pick ups are very, very scenic.”
There are stunning fjords on so much of the Norwegian west coast, right up to the Arctic Circle. Up in those Arctic forests, you'll also find dreamy trails through trees heaped in snow and bent by the wind. Explore on snowshoe or by fat bike.
Look out for the northern lights in winter, or in summer, the midnight sun.
Train journeys like Oslo-Bergen are bucket-list trips in their own right here, and they make Norway not only easy to get around, but an adventure in itself.
9. Tanzania
There is one word which dominates adventure travel in Tanzania: Kilimanjaro.
The mountain is the highest peak in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. It's surrounded by lush forests and astounding biodiversity which means that after reaching the summit of one of the world's great mountains, you can head out on safari and make more lifelong memories.
"Heading into some of Tanzania’s iconic National Parks (Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara and Tarangire) on safari for three days was the perfect tonic to climbing Kilimanjaro," says Kirsty Holmes of Much Better Adventures. "And the nights spent at a lush, countryside lodge with huge, soft beds were a real treat. Seeing lions, elephants, buffalos, hippos, and even a leopard in the wild following the summit was the icing on the cake of an unforgettable, life-affirming adventure."
For solo travellers, a small group format is a game-changer in Tanzania. It helps keeps the costs more manageable, simplifies transport, and turns those once-in-a-lifetime sightings into shared memories. The Serengeti is world famous and a lot of solo travellers also like to head to Zanzibar before finishing their trip.
10. Nepal
Nepal is where you experience the world's ultimate grandeur. In terms of hiking, this is it - the home of prayer flags, gorges, suspension bridges, teahouses, dal bhat and the world's highest mountains. It's a Himalayan wonderland.
Whether you’re looking to walk to Everest Base Camp, tackle your first 6,000m mountain peak or raft through wide, gushing rivers, this is the place for thrills.
From hiking in the Annapurna region to travelling by coach to Chitwan, I soon felt at home in this small but diverse nation.
Kirsty Holmes of Much Better Adventures has solo travelled around the country. "While it's undeniable that arriving into Nepal is a sensory overload, you'll soon find that the welcoming nature of Nepalis make this a fantastic place to travel solo," she says. "In the cities, many people speak English and are well-versed when it comes to helping international travellers. If you're planning to go trekking, a local guide is mandatory in many of the national parks, and they can facilitate your stays at village teahouses. From hiking in the Annapurna region to travelling by coach to Chitwan, I soon felt at home in this small but diverse nation."
Nepal is a destination that reorders your sense of scale. The Himalayas have a way of making everyday life feel very small - in the best possible way.
The Solo Travel Index 2026
Methodology
Much Better Adventures’ expert trip designers drew on decades of experience planning solo-friendly adventure travel to create an expert-led list of the 25 most desirable countries for solo adventure travel in 2026 - with “solo travel” defined as travelling solo within a small group adventure, where you get both independence and community. That experience and industry insight was the main driving force for the placements on this list, but it was also supplemented by the following:
- Safety score comes from the 2025 Global Peace Index. The lower the safer.
- Average meal price comes from Numbeo
- UK entry notes come from the UK Gov's Foreign Travel Advice
- US entry notes come from Travel.State.Gov website
- Biodiversity scores come from The Swiftest's Global Biodiversity Index
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