Solo Travel: Tips, Safety, And The Best Destinations

Ever heard of solo travel? Here at The TEFL Academy we’re big fans of solo travel – and we’d like you to be too. So let’s talk about travelling by yourself: why you should travel alone, tips for travelling alone, and how to travel alone safely.

The thought of travelling solo can be daunting. There are probably loads of questions running around your head:

Is solo travel lonely?

Is solo travelling fun? 

Is solo travelling safe?  

What will I do all day?

But there’s no need to get your knickers in a knot over this. Maybe going on a trip alone is exactly what you need!

What is solo travelling?

First of all, what is solo travelling? Solo travelling is when an individual travels for alone, be it for work or leisure. In other words,travelling without friends or family. 

Solo travelling is not necessarily the same as single travelling or travelling as a single person. It is possible to solo travel while in a relationship – or even while married!

Some people solo travel by choice, while others end up solo travelling because of circumstances. Maybe your bestie can’t get the same time off work, or your partner doesn’t have enough cash right now. Either way, there’s no reason to panic if you’re a solo traveller.

Why travel solo?

Go on holiday alone? Why on earth would I do that?

We hear you. The thought of travelling alone can be daunting. The simple fact that you are the only one making decisions about EVERYTHING can seem like more of a curse than a blessing. 

You decide where to go, book the tickets, find the accommodation. If anything goes wrong, it’s on you. And then, when you’re on holiday, how are you going to entertain yourself if you have no friends?

But there are tons of benefits of travelling solo. 

The benefits of solo travel

If you’re thinking, how awesome can your experiences really be if you’ve got no one to share them with, then you need to think again. 

Travelling solo is the ultimate adventure in responsibility. You have nobody to rely on, so you prove yourself an independent traveller (and person). The freedom is exhilarating. 

Let’s talk about why travelling alone is a good – no, great – idea.

Who will I talk to?

If you’re worried about the loneliness aspect of travelling alone, don’t be. Being a solo traveller is the best way to meet people and make friends.

If you’re in a couple – partners or friends – people may assume that you want to spend all your time together. If you’re alone they are likely to ask if you would like to join them for dinners, drinks, and other adventures. 

Where should I go? Wherever I want!

It can be tricky to organise trips for more than one person. The first step, of course, is deciding where you want to go! Travelling alone you can pick any destination you want. And while you’re there, you can decide exactly where you want to go and what you want to do – and no one will get upset if you change your mind!

Won’t it be complicated?

Solo travelling is actually easier, if you think about it. Travelling in big groups can be a real pain when it comes to buying plane tickets or bus tickets – or any kind of transport. Finding seats together or even on the same flight can sometimes be impossible. But if you’re travelling alone, you only have to think about yourself

How will I communicate?

In a foreign country, you might not understand the language you hear around you every day. Learning the local language is one of the best ways to integrate into a community and feel more at home. 

If you’re alone, you’re more likely to push yourself to learn the language because you’ll need it for everyday communication. However, if you’re in a couple you could spend all your time speaking English to them, when you could be learning another language!

How solo travel changes you

Solo travel frees you from expectations. It gives you confidence in yourself and your capabilities. It allows you to express yourself however you want. You get to know your true self, as cheesy as that sounds! 

Why TEFL is the perfect solo travel job

Going on a solo trip can be a real adventure for a holiday, but imagine it was a long-term plan!

Teaching English abroad is the perfect way for you to experience solo travelling. 

Many people choose to go and teach with a friend or a partner, but there’s no reason you can’t do it on your own. 

When you arrive at your TEFL destination, you’ll only have yourself to rely on. It can be a steep learning curve but it’ll be well worth it.

Travelling as a TEFL teacher makes travelling abroad alone much easier than travelling as a tourist. How? Well, consider this:

• You can choose where you want to live. As a TEFL teacher you have the flexibility to live practically anywhere in the world. 
• You’re not likely to be totally alone. As a TEFL teacher, you’ll be friends with other teachers in your school or in your city. Other TEFL teachers are sure to be like-minded individuals, and your colleagues at school will be a great source of local information!
• You’re a part of a bigger community. Unless you’re living in a remote part of Mongolia, there’s likely a thriving expat/ digital nomad/ TEFL teacher community near you.

Of course we can’t say that anywhere in the world is 100% safe for anyone, but a fear of travelling alone shouldn’t stop you from becoming a TEFL teacher or adventuring across the globe. It’s fair to say there are certain places in this world that are safer than others – but it might not be where you think!

In 2024 according to the Global Peace Index, the US ranked as the 132nd safest country in the world (out of 163), while popular TEFL destinations like Japan, Spain and Thailand ranked 17th, 23rd and 75th respectively!

According to a 2024 survey, the five safest cities in the world are:

1. Tokyo, Japan
2. Singapore
3. Osaka, Japan
4. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
5. Sydney, Australia

Packing your bags yet?  

The next question is, where are you going to go?

Here are our fave destinations for solo travel, whether it’s for a holiday or a teaching destination.

Costa Rica

Beautiful Costa Rica is known for solo travel. 

With a gorgeous coastline and a very eco-friendly attitude, Costa Rica is a magnet for surfers, yogis and other travellers looking for some peace and quiet, some sun and sand, and some alone time. 

The locals in the major tourist beach towns are experienced when it comes to the needs of solo travelling and so they are geared to help you as much as you need. Plus it’s highly likely you will meet someone who’ll be happy to hang out at the beach with you for the day if that’s what you want.

TEFL teachers in Costa Rica work in language centres and public and private schools. Many TEFL teachers work as freelance teachers, tutoring privately, especially for exam preparation.

Read more: Teach English in Costa Rica

Our pick in Costa Rica: Playa Conchal

Canada

Controversial, we know. But Canada is considered one of the safest countries in the world, which makes it a great option for solo travellers. Being such a vast country, it offers a wide range of experiences – from mountains, beaches and tundra to cosmopolitan cities. Canada is an especially good choice for adventure-lovers, with loads of activities to keep you busy.

As home to a large expat population, as well as a large percentage of the population which speaks French as a first language, Canada has an abundance of English language learners. 

Read more: Teach English in Canada

Our top pick for Canada: Vancouver

Thailand

Yes, the original backpacker destination is a very warm and welcoming country for solo travellers. 

The locals are super friendly, the local transportation is easy to navigate, and the streets are safe. Female travellers shouldn’t have any worries walking the streets at night or jumping in a taxi by themselves. 

And there is so much to do! It’s the perfect holiday destination. Local tourist operators in Thailand are known for hosting skills courses such as cooking courses or walking tours which are a great way for solo travellers to meet people, if they want, or at least hang out with fellow travellers for a few hours.

Teaching in Thailand is the stuff of dreams. Jobs are aplenty, students are keen, and the lifestyle is the epitome of a good work-life balance. 

Read more: Teach English in Thailand

Our top pick for Thailand: Koh Chang

Portugal

Sun, surf and sea. If that’s what you’re craving then head on over to Portugal. There are a variety of different beaches to choose from, and when you’re tired of the sand you can head for a coffee or a drink in the towns. The many bars and restaurants dotted around Portugal’s tourist areas (did we mention the rooftop bars?!) means that there are always people around, which always makes you feel safer.

English teachers in Portugal work in language centres, public schools and private international schools. With an average of over 300 days of sunshine a year, teaching in Portugal is a no-brainer.

Read more: Teach English in Portugal

Our top pick for Portugal: Lisbon

Japan

Japan is one of the cleanest and safest countries in the world. Plus, with such a world-class transportation system it’s super easy to travel around whichever city you’re in, or even between cities. Eating alone is very normal in Japan so solo travellers fit right in, and with capsule hotels, you won’t have to worry about sharing a room with a bunch of strangers in a hostel, because you’ll have your own space at the same hostel prices.

Japan offers teaching opportunities in big cities or small, traditional towns and villages. So whether you’re attracted to the futuristic or the historical, Japan has something for you.

Read more: Teach English in Japan

Our top pick for Japan: Kyoto

As you can see, there are a number of destinations we recommend for solo travellers. Places which are beautiful tourist destinations in their own right, but with the added benefit of being appropriate for those of us who want to travel alone. Or even stay for a while…

What if?

The thought of packing your bags and moving abroad to teach English as a foreign language is certainly an exciting one. But it’s totally normal to have some anxiety too, especially if you’re travelling alone. 

We must admit there are a few downfalls when it comes to travelling solo. Who will watch my bag on the beach while I take a quick dip? How do I know I can trust the guy I just met? How safe will I feel walking around alone with a fancy camera around my neck? 

Safety is a big concern for solo travellers, especially for female travellers taking a trip alone for the first time.

Here are a few solo travel tips to help put your mind at ease about solo travelling.

Solo travel tips

• Have access to an emergency fund – just to be on the safe side.
• If you’re nervous about landing in a foreign country alone, ask your school to arrange a pick-up from the airport.
• Contact your local embassy as soon as you arrive and let them know your whereabouts. Keep them updated of any changes in your situation.
• Choosing a job which offers organised accommodation can be a great stress-reliever.
• Be mindful of the culture and etiquette of the local community so as not to offend anyone or stick out as a foreigner. 
• Write out important addresses and phone numbers on the piece of paper and always have them with you.
• Research the places you should NOT go to.
• Wear clothes with hidden pockets.
• Carry pepper spray or a loud whistle for emergencies.

Living abroad in a foreign city should be considered the same as living in your hometown. Depending on the city, you may have certain reservations about walking in certain areas at certain times or keeping a good grip on your valuables, but these concerns are global.

Because teaching English abroad is such a flexible career option, you can tailor your TEFL experience to suit your individual needs. 

What are you waiting for? Sign up for a TEFL course today!

Disclaimer: The article is a general guide that suggests tactics and products you can use to decrease the risks of being in danger while travelling solo. Since we cannot mention all of the restrictions and technicalities of different countries and airports, be sure to check what products are legally allowed in the country you’re visiting and also what can be carried in your carry-on and what has to go into your luggage.