Last updated on June 13th, 2021 at 01:10 pm

So you’re wanting to travel somewhere solo for the first time, and maybe you don’t know where to go.

That’s perfectly normal, I got you with some suggestions for first time solo travelers. 

When you have 195 countries to choose from, picking a location that’s safe is #1 priority.

Now, safety doesn’t mean zero crimes. Some of these places experience petty crime like pick pocketing, so trust your instincts and take precautions. 

I will say that some countries—just like the US—have cities that are safer, and some not so much.

Mind you, there are many more places you can travel to solo as a first timer. But based on language, budget, safety, and culture, these are 7 places that would be easiest to acclimate to.

Thailand

I moved to Thailand solo, knowing no one, and stayed for over a year. During that time I had quite a few mishaps. But every bad situation I was in by myself, I was never truly alone.

People would see me struggling and offer to help me. Also, the crime rate is low because of their beliefs in Buddhism and karma.

I would say especially Chiang Mai because it’s a city you can roam around solo without being bothered, and it’s easy to meet new people.

The expat community is thriving, so you’ll run into people from all over the world. And even though there are many westerners, you’ll still be able to connect with the (Northern) Thai culture.

I’d rank it as one of the safest cities. To find out more info, you can join these groups on Facebook: Chiang Mai Expats or Chiang Mai Nomad Girls.

Singapore

Singapore is a smaller country and there’s a high level of safety you will feel there. I mean, it’s even illegal to chew gum—that’s how much the government cares for its country + environment.

You can explore Singapore in a few days by taking Grab (Uber) around the city/country or even taking the train. So if you’re not comfortable doing a long trip solo, then this would be ideal for you.

And Singapore is a modernized country. You’ll have access to a lot of the amenities you have in your own country, diversity, and public transportation.

If you’re interested in visiting, you can join these groups on Facebook: Black Socialites in Singapore or Singapore Expats.

Greece

I’ve met plenty of people traveling to Greece solo, and they had the time of their life.

Greece is overall a safe country that has a lot to offer—hundreds of islands to visit, historical sites, wonderful weather, and delicious food.

This, plus a mixture of Mediterranean cuisine, relaxation, beautiful beaches, other solo travelers, and comfortability, gives you all the things you would want on your first solo trip. Oh yeah, and it’s affordable.

If you’re coming from somewhere in North America, Europe, or Africa….. even Asia, it’s easy to get to.

For more resources, join this group.

Tulum, Mexico

This tourist hotspot has an ever-expanding expat community, like Black in Tulum. If you’re wanting to go somewhere solo, but connect with people once you’re there—it might be worth it to check out Tulum.

You can have your fair share of tourist activities, meet people, and being able to experience a new country.

Especially if you’re coming from the US, taking a trip to a neighboring country could make you feel safer. And you can stay as little or as long as you want.

Namibia

A southwestern African gem.

Namibia is a relatively new country—only 30 years old—and is safe overall. Many solo female travelers have felt empowered to wander around Namibia and explore all the beauty it offers.

If you’re wanting to go to an African country for your first solo trip, I would recommend Namibia because of scenery, affordability, safety, and ease of getting into the country.

There’s so much history to take in, so many places to visit, and wildlife to see.

Bali, Indonesia

This SE Asian island is a popular destination for plenty of reasons: the rice fields, cost, culture, and more. Basically, it’s paradise.

If you’re traveling internationally for the first time, you won’t have to worry about it being too expensive or lack of safety.

You are free to explore the island, spend money on yourself, and just relax. There are also plenty of tourist and expat communities, making it easy to reach out when you have a question, or if you want to meet up.

I suggest joining Bali expats or Black in Bali on Facebook.

San Diego, California

San Diego is a place that is serene, and although a big city, I felt completely safe.

You can walk around late at night and no one will bother you; the whole time I was there, I wandered around solo.

While in San Diego, you can Uber around easily and have access to the beach.

These are amazing locations to wet your feet for first time solo travel.

Are any of these places on your bucket list? Comment below and let us know.