Make Time, Explore Solo

As a solo traveler, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to visit more than 30 countries and these experiences have instilled a sense of empowerment, fulfillment, and contributed to my overall wellness and confidence.

By my own definition, an ideal solo travel destination should boast accessible streets, convenient transportation, diverse dining options, and a variety of activities to cater to every type of traveler. It should also offer opportunities to blend both budget and luxury experiences, allowing you to make the most out of your solo travels.

Here are some must-visit solo travel destinations suitable for every budget and traveler, whether you're a newcomer or an experienced explorer:

For the Festival Enthusiast Traveler

When to go: June to Mid-September

As a solo traveler, safety is a prime concern – I like to be able to walk back to my hotel from a local bar at midnight without constantly looking over my shoulder. Toronto was ranked sixth on the World Population Review List of the safest cities globally in 2024. As a resident here for over 36 years, I’ve generally felt safe walking alone or riding the subway at night. Moreover, with 250 ethnicities and 170 languages, Toronto’s diversity makes it unique to experience various cultures in neighborhoods such as Little Italy, Chinatown, Koreatown, Cabbagetown, and more.

An annual tradition of mine is to head to the Canadian National Exhibition (known as “The Ex”). Canada's biggest annual end-of-summer fair, it starts in August and lasts through Labor Day weekend. I like going in the evenings when it’s much cooler and a huge plus is tickets are available at a discounted rate)!

Not to be missed is Caribana, North America’s largest Caribbean festival held at the Exhibition Place, which fills a four-day weekend in early August with the sounds of calypso, steel pans, soca, and reggae. The parade is free, but you can purchase weekend passes to attend events.

Toronto’s Indigenous population is the largest in Ontario and the fourth largest in Canada. Its 70,000 Indigenous residents add to the city’s cultural fabric through annual events like the ImagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival, which highlights Indigenous filmmakers and media artists from Canada and around the world.

Additionally, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is a yearly gathering commemorating and showcasing the talents of emerging and established filmmakers and artists of all diverse backgrounds. The festival's global prominence draws in international visitors, contributing to Toronto's status as a vibrant and cosmopolitan cultural destination.

Where To Stay

For luxury, consider the Shangri-La Hotel Toronto located near main attractions like the CN Tower, the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, City Hall, and Eaton Centre.. The Lobby is a highlight, where I love being greeted with live music, a cozy marble fireplace, and inviting couches perfect for light reading and enjoying a light snack. After a long day of exploring the city, I like to spoil myself at the Miraj Hammam Spa on the fifth floor, with their signature custom glow facial.

An affordable option, the Canopy by Hilton Toronto in the Yorkville neighborhood is perfect for digital nomads thanks to a large foyer area, a rooftop patio, free WiFi, and break-out rooms. I like to work from my laptop at Dia Restaurant on the second floor, taking advantage of numerous outlets while savoring a meal by the fireplace.

For the Foodie Traveler

When to go: March to June and December to February

Most people think of families and honeymooners when they think of the Cayman Islands, but as a veteran solo traveler, I can't think of a better place to make friendly acquaintances aligning perfectly with the local tradition of "Caymankindness." Dubbed the "Culinary Capital of the Caribbean," Grand Cayman packs an extraordinary range of dining diversity into a small, accessible, and gorgeous island.

More than 67,000 people live in the Caymans, and along with a rich Caymanian culture, you'll find Jamaican, Filipino, South American, Canadian, Australian, and British communities and influences. Some must-try dishes include conch fritters, a blend of African, European, and Caribbean flavors, Cayman-style beef that’s slow-cooked, spicy beef with Jamaican influence, and coconut rundown, which is a traditional stew comprising mackerel with thyme, tomatoes, pumpkin, and coconut milk.

Visit in January to catch the Cayman Cookout—an exciting four-day culinary extravaganza featuring famous chefs, wine experts, and cocktail masters. I found plenty of extraordinary experiences, from mastering Michelin-worthy jerk chicken to fine-tuning my wine-tasting skills with legendary sommeliers. Hosted by the celebrated Chef Eric Ripert at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, celebrity chefs like José Andrés and Daniel Boulud are in attendance at this event.

At George Town's Farmer's Market, sample and buy fresh produce, artisan goods, and arts and crafts. While snorkeling at Starfish Point and Rum Point on the island's idyllic East End, expect to see starfish, lionfish, lobsters, and turtles up close. Remember to protect yourself and the coral; opt for a rash guard instead of sunscreen when in the water. The famous Seven Mile Beach is lively with sunbathers and swimmers. My highlight was swimming with stingrays at Stingray City in the shallows of Grand Sound.

Where to Stay

At the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, I stayed in a one-bedroom suite with a kitchenette, allowing me to enjoy homemade meals instead of always dining out. Moreover, staying on the ground floor had a bonus: direct access to the stunning Seven Mile Beach from the patio of my room.

For a budget stay within walking distance of Seven Mile Beach, consider Sunshine Suites Resort, tucked between the beachfront Westin Grand Cayman and the North Sound Golf Club. Rooms are spacious, clean, comfortable, and have welcoming staff. The in-house restaurant Sunshine Grill is reasonably priced for Grand Cayman and the food is delicious!

For the Art-Loving Traveler

When to go: November to March

As a traveler passionate about art history, my solo journey to Florence, Italy, was like exploring an outdoor museum. Florence is the heart of the Italian Renaissance, boasting art and architecture by legendary artists like Giotto, Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Raphael, and Caravaggio.

A city designed to be enjoyed on foot or by bike, I find it easy to get around by e-bike or scooter from RideMovi. Start at the Galleria degli Uffizi, an iconic art museum nestled within a majestic 16th-century palazzo. The Uffizi's exhibits change periodically, but the timeless allure of Botticelli's Birth of Venus and da Vinci's Annunciation is always on display. To make the most of your time at the Uffizi, secure skip-the-line tickets in advance, which can cost approximately $55 USD (including a guided tour). You can explore museums for free on the first Sunday of each month! Just a few steps away lies the enchanting Piazza della Signoria, where an open-air sculpture park showcases striking replicas of Michelangelo's David and other iconic statues that must be seen in person to be truly appreciated.

From there, move on to the Duomo where you can book an excursion to walk up the 463 steps to the grand Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore to the pinnacle of its dome for awe-inspiring city views. It is a steep climb up, so be prepared to work up a sweat, but the views are worth it! Adjacent to the Duomo, the Baptistery speaks to the grandeur of Renaissance Florence with its golden mosaics and is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the rich artistic heritage of Piazza del Duomo – and, by extension, the very heart of Florence's history.

If climbing isn't your thing, head to Piazzale Michelangelo by bus number 12 (from Boboli Gardens) or 13 (from Ponte Niccolò) or the red double-decker tour bus from the center. It is free to view the jaw-dropping panoramic views of the city and the outdoor bronze copy of Michelangelo's sculptures (the original is displayed at the Accademia Gallery museum). Head there early, and don't forget to take your selfie stick and tripod with you! You can also contact Destination Florence, the local tourism board, for personalized assistance in crafting the ideal itinerary for your solo travel endeavors as well.

Where to Stay

The Rocco Forte Hotel Savoy is in the heart of the city near major landmarks like The Duomo and Ponte Vecchio and is a short distance to the Uffizi. Castello Banfi Wine Resort in Montalcino is an exceptional countryside retreat. I was especially drawn to its strong dedication to sustainability through its organic vineyard practices.

For a mid-range stay, consider The 25hours Hotel Firenze in the center, a 10-minute walk from Santa Maria Novella train station and a short walk to the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio. Rooms are themed Heaven or Hell, feature large lounges and common areas, and come with free minibar, WiFi, and Bluetooth speakers.

For the Trendy Traveler

When to go: April to June and September to November

I was born in Seoul and have witnessed how the rise of K-pop and addictive Netflix K-dramas have catapulted our pop culture onto the global stage. South Korea is a global leader in skincare (K-beauty) and fashion trends, making Seoul an excellent destination for "trendy" solo travel, offering a unique blend of modernity and cultural experiences.

To fully appreciate modern Korean culture, it helps to know a bit about where it came from. I suggest starting at the highest point of Mount Namsan, where the iconic N Seoul Tower offers the city's best panoramic views. Make time to visit the traditional Korean homes at Bukchon Hanok Village, two miles north of the Tower, which contains more than 860 hanoks. During the Joseon era (1392–1910), nobility and royalty lived here, and now anyone can spend the night in traditional hanok accommodations.

I always make time to pamper myself with skincare treatments in Seoul, especially to achieve the "glass skin" look that is trending online.

If you want to buy some skincare products, head to Myeongdong district (take the subway to Euljiro 1-ga Station, exits 5–7) or Myeongdong Station (exits 5–8), known for a remarkable range of cosmetics brands like InnisFree and Etude House. The Olive Young chain (the Sephora of Korea) is my favorite, and their massive two-story Myeongdong flagship store is the place to find top affordable Korean products that you might have seen in viral TikTok videos such as Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Serum, COSRX snail Mucin Power Essence and Mediheal toner pads and more.

For more retail therapy, I like to head to Dongdaemun where the wholesale markets and fashion malls are perfect for good deals on luxury accessories and apparel that I could never have bought back home. I was raised to appreciate Korean crafts and art, and Insadong specializes in beautiful traditional keepsakes. If you want to splurge, head to the upscale boutiques and high-end fashion stores such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton in Gangnam.

Where to stay

Ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Myeongdong is a good choice for all-inclusive luxury, and its many dining options include a rooftop restaurant and bar. Hit the hot tub and sauna to relax after a day among the bright lights of Seoul. On the other hand, if you're looking for nonstop energy, the Sofitel Ambassador Seoul is near high-end clubs and the perfect spot for exploring the nightlife. Always remember to take the usual safety precautions when heading to bars and clubs, just as you would in any other city).