Traveling Alone? These Places Are Calm and Safe

Solo travel has surged in popularity, with over 1 in 5 travelers planning solo trips in 2025, according to the Solo Travel Association. While exciting, solo journeys can trigger stress from:

• Navigating unfamiliar cities
• Public transportation challenges
• Safety concerns
• Feeling isolated or anxious

Choosing destinations that prioritize peaceful environments and low-stress travel infrastructure helps travelers stay calm and focused on the experience.

Quote: “Solo travel is not about being alone; it’s about finding a space where you can connect with yourself and your surroundings.” – Travel Expert, Lonely Planet

🎒 For more strategies on calm travel, see our Relax Travel Guide.

Our recommendations for calm and safe solo travel are supported by data, ensuring they meet the highest standards for traveler well-being:

Global Peace Index (GPI) Alignment: Destinations such as Iceland, Denmark, and New Zealand are consistently ranked among the top 5 in the GPI, which measures societal safety and security, ongoing domestic conflict, and militarization. High GPI scores translate directly to a lower-stress environment for travelers.

Safety for All (Including Women): Many of these locations also score highly on specific indices measuring safety for women traveling alone, due to reliable public transit, low crime rates, and high levels of local compassion and assistance. Choosing a place with a culture of high social trust inherently reduces solo travel anxiety.

🧳 Combine these destinations with mindful travel routines to maximize your calm.

Here are some solo-traveler-friendly cities known for safety, tranquility, and mindful experiences:

1. Kyoto, Japan

• Quiet temples, Zen gardens, and tea houses
• Walkable neighborhoods and excellent public transport
• Solo traveler tip: Start the day at a temple garden for meditation before sightseeing

2. Copenhagen, Denmark

• Bicycling culture, serene canals, and a low crime rate
• Cafes and parks offer peaceful spots for reflection
• Solo traveler tip: Try a canal tour early morning for calm, crowd-free views

3. Vancouver, Canada

• Nature meets city: mountains, parks, and peaceful beaches
• High safety standards and welcoming locals
• Solo traveler tip: Hike Grouse Mountain trails at sunrise for a tranquil start

4. Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Calm neighborhoods like Jordaan for peaceful walks
• Cafes, museums, and canal-side benches are ideal for solo reflection
• Solo traveler tip: Rent a bike for mindful exploration at your own pace

Nature provides a unique calming experience for solo travelers. Consider:

• Faroe Islands: Remote cliffs and quiet coastal villages
• Iceland: Waterfalls, geothermal pools, and open landscapes
• New Zealand: Lakes, mountains, and low tourist density
• Tasmania, Australia: Beaches and forest trails perfect for meditation

Safety & Mindfulness Tips:

• Research trail conditions and emergency contacts
• Start hikes early to avoid crowds
• Carry a journal to capture serene moments

Example: Emma, traveling solo in New Zealand, practiced daily journaling by Lake Wanaka. She reported feeling more present and relaxed than ever before.

Solo travelers seeking rejuvenation can opt for wellness retreats:

• Meditation retreats in Bali – perfect for beginners and seasoned practitioners
• Spa resorts in Thailand – combine relaxation with mindful activities
• Yoga retreats in Costa Rica – tropical settings with guided mindfulness sessions

Benefits:

• Disconnect from digital distractions
• Focus on personal reflection
• Engage in structured routines that enhance calm

💥 Pair these destinations with strategies from How to Stay Calm While Traveling.

Solo reflection is healthy; isolation is not. Use these intentional strategies to foster low-pressure connections and maintain a sense of community:

Book an Activity, Not a Tour: Instead of a huge sightseeing bus, book a hands-on activity. Local cooking classes, pottery workshops, or language meetups naturally pair you with locals or other travelers who share your interests. The focus is on the doing, which reduces the pressure for conversation.

The Shared Table (Hostel/Hotel): Many high-quality hostels and boutique hotels organize communal dinners or offer shared kitchen spaces. Opting into one meal per trip breaks the cycle of isolated dining and provides easy opportunities for connection.

Use the Library/Co-Working Space: If you need a moment to be around other people without interacting, spend an hour at a local library or a quiet café that doubles as a co-working space. The ambient buzz provides a calming sense of community.

Even in calm destinations, safety matters:

• Stay connected: Share your itinerary with family or friends
• Research accommodations: Opt for well-reviewed hotels or verified rentals
• Travel apps: Use local navigation and emergency apps
• Daily planning: Stick to public, populated areas; follow local guidance
• Mindfulness in movement: Stay aware of surroundings without anxiety

Example: Alex, a solo traveler in Copenhagen, planned all walking routes in advance. By pairing mindfulness with preparation, he avoided stressful situations and fully enjoyed the city.

Transportation Safety Checklist

Use Verified Ride-Shares: In major cities, rely on known ride-share apps over unmarked street taxis. Always share your ride status with a trusted contact.

Trust Your Instincts on Public Transport: If a train or subway carriage feels too empty or makes you uneasy, simply wait for the next one or move to a more populated section.

Pre-Pay and Pre-Map: Pay for tickets and maps before arriving at a busy terminal to avoid fumbling with cash and looking obviously distracted, which can attract petty theft.

Intention Setting for Solo Travel

Solo travel is ideal for incorporating mindful intention-setting, just like in other clusters:

• Set Daily Intentions: Example: “Today, my intention is curiosity.”
• Top 3 Rule: Limit to three core activities per day to avoid feeling rushed
• Personal Boundaries: Schedule solo reflection time without conflict
• This approach ensures calm, meaningful travel without sacrificing flexibility or spontaneity.

Traveling alone doesn’t have to be stressful or lonely. By choosing calm and safe destinations, planning intentional routines, and incorporating mindfulness, solo travelers can fully enjoy their adventures. Explore related clusters and our main Relax Travel Guide to create a stress-free, memorable solo travel experience.