Planning a Solo Getaway? These Are the 5 Best Countries for Solo Travel in 2026, Ranked
Planning a solo trip in 2026? Whether you’re deep in research mode or just daydreaming between meetings, the destination you pick comes down to three things: safety, ease and fun.
Good news — a handful of countries absolutely nail all three. Here’s where to go, backed by actual data.
How the ranking works
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection drops an annual list of the safest countries to travel to, and this year’s top five are the Netherlands, Australia, Austria, Iceland and Canada. The ranking pulls from a traveler survey combined with “the Global Peace Index, data from Numbeo, and an average of the GeoSure Global scores of the major cities in each country.”
Every single one of those countries also landed on Travel + Leisure’s recent list of the “Best 25 International Destinations for Solo Travel Adventures” — so this isn’t just one source hyping them up.
Here’s the breakdown.
1. The Netherlands
Springtime tulips are a must-see experience, and cultural attractions like the Van Gogh Museum make this country endlessly explorable. If you like to bike, this is the place for you — bikes dominate the streets, which makes getting around feel intuitive even on your first day.
On the language front, while Dutch is the primary language, over 85% of the population speaks English according to 2024 data. You won’t be fumbling through a translation app every five minutes.
2. Australia
White sand beaches, surfing, art, sports and food — Australia has the kind of variety that makes solo travel feel effortless. There’s always something to do no matter what you’re into.
There’s no official language, but English is the de facto primary language used for government, education and media. Zero language barrier. Just show up.
3. Austria
Think opera, art museums and coffeehouse culture. Austria is a true culturally rich destination for solo travelers who want something beyond beach vibes.
The official language is German, and only about 37% of the population speaks English in the country as a whole. That said, the percentage is much higher in major cities like Vienna and with younger citizens, so navigating tourist areas won’t be an issue.
4. Iceland
“The country is a haven for travelers who love the outdoors, with caves to explore, volcanoes and glaciers to hike, and geothermal spas to soak in,” according to Travel + Leisure. If your feed has ever been flooded with those dreamy hot spring photos, now you know why.
English is taught as a second language in schools early on, so nearly every Icelander speaks it fluently. Asking for directions or striking up a conversation with locals is genuinely easy.
5. Canada
National parks, waterfronts, Niagara Falls and trendy urban neighborhoods in Toronto — Canada brings a mix of nature and city energy that’s hard to beat. English and French are the two official languages, so communication is about as seamless as it gets.
Why these five stand out
What ties all five countries together beyond safety scores is ease. Little to no language barrier means greater ease of navigation in a new country. Knowing locals likely speak English makes it simple to ask for directions, get assistance or just strike up conversation — the kind of small interactions that make solo travel feel less isolating and way more fun.
Travel + Leisure’s broader list also includes trending spots like Thailand, Albania and Costa Rica. But if you want the trifecta of safe, easy and enjoyable for 2026, these five are the move.
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
