A Man's Guide to Solo Travel: How to Start and Where to Go

In This Guide

• Introduction: Why Men Should Travel Solo

• Solo Traveling Benefits for Men

• Best Solo Travel Destinations

  • An Overview

  • Honorable Mentions: Best Less-Traveled Destination …

  • Places That Disappoint

• How to Start Solo Traveling

• Get Out There

Introduction: Why Men Should Travel Solo

“The highest form of satiation is risky, romantic adventure”

Exploration is wired into our DNA. Put a wild animal in the zoo, it starts to go a bit mental.

The same thing happens with humans—as sophisticated as we think we are.

Put a man in a cubicle for a year, he’ll feel like something’s just missing. Put him in unfamiliar lands with all of his senses activated… his emptiness is replaced with aliveness.

For thousands of years, men have set out to explore new frontiers, understand new cultures, and satisfy that craving. To adventure, explore, and discover.

Luckily For You

Modern society makes it easy for us—we can jump on a flight to nearly any corner of the world.

We can escape monotony and find freedom. We must be willing to take the offer.

In this guide, we’ll give you the best solo trips for men and insider solo travel tips.

Solo Traveling Benefits for Men

Solo travel isn’t just a vacation; it’s a rite of passage. For men, especially, it offers unique opportunities to:

• Build Confidence
  
  Learn to rely on yourself, make decisions, and adapt to challenges. I’ve seen it in myself and in friends. It’s one hell of a feeling—knowing you can handle yourself, stay safe, and make friends in foreign territory.
  
  You’ll return home with more confidence, stories, and skills than most people.

  
  
  

• True Freedom
  
  No compromises. Everything happens on your terms. Whether you sleep in or wake up at 5 a.m., it’s your choice.
  
  Everything is a product of your decision, teaching us the power we have to control our lives.
  
  

• Gain Perspective
  
  I’ve never met a man who’s come back from traveling and didn’t have a widened perspective. You see first hand the contrasts, and similarities, between your home and this foreign land.

  
  I’ll give you an example:
  
  When I was stranded alone past midnight in frigid Argentina and a family took me in, I realized there are deeply selfless, compassionate people everywhere. (It made for a badass travel story, too.)
  
  

• Connect Deeply
  
  Worried about being lonely? Here’s how solo travel can actually make you more social…
  
  Without the crutch of travel buddies, if you want to socialize, you’ll have to put yourself out there. Perhaps this means trying to speak the local language, striking up conversations in public, or going to events.
  
  This helps you become more social. These skills translate to better relationships at home, career success, and more confidence.
  

My first solo trips to Italy and Japan taught me that growth doesn’t happen in the comfort zone.

Navigating the world’s most complex, spiderweb-like metro system in Japanese—definitely out of my comfort zone.

Best Solo Travel Destinations

Here are the top picks that balance affordability, adventure, and opportunities for personal growth.

Some of these spots are great to visit, some to live, and some for both.

An Overview

We use a green/yellow/red system to rate each destination, and show our top choice🏆 in each category.

1. Medellín, Colombia

• Why?
  
  Affordable and with near-perfect weather year-round, Medallo is a special place.
   
  Sure, many venture down in search of parties, drugs, and prostitutes—but that’s not what we’re after.
  
  Medellín offers a different side that I encourage you to explore. It’s got incredible nature, people, and culture.
  
  If you want to learn Spanish, this is the place. I recommend staying in Laureles instead of El Poblado.

• Must-dos
  

  • Obligatory: eat a bandeja paisa, and take a salsa class.

  • Go to Pergamino coffee shop in Laureles and order “tinto, grande". It will be $1.25 USD. If you’re a fan of excellent coffee… thank me later. You can buy coffee beans/grounds to take back too.

  • Shop for cheap in La Candelaria (street vendors sell EVERYTHING here—clothing, hats, sunglasses, shoes, food—all dirt cheap).
    

• Safety
  
  Medellin can get dangerous—don’t show any signs of wealth, don’t walk alone at night, always Uber (instead of public taxis), and keep a low profile.
  
  Do not use Tinder here. In any other city in the world, it’s okay. In Medellín, it’s too controlled by organized crime gangs looking to drug, rob, or kill you.
  
  This definitely isn’t the place to fuck around. But you can stay safe if don’t put yourself in danger.

2. Lisbon, Portugal

• Why?
  
  Portugal’s southern coastal city combines history, great food, and stunning views. This is a great spot to visit or to live.
  
  Lisbon serves as a solid entry point to Europe for US residents given its proximity. Flights from Miami can be found for cheap. And, fellas, Portuguese women are beautiful.
  
  Definitely try to get out of the city, too. Portugal is one big stretch of coastline and mountains, so it’s got countless jaw-dropping destinations.

• Must-dos
  

  • Wander Alfama’s cobblestone streets.

  • Visit the Torre de Belém and enjoy the coast for an afternoon.

  • Crush Kebabs for a casual, cheap dinner, then head downtown to check out the local nightlife if that’s your thing.
    

• Safety
  
  We’re in Europe—pretty safe. Pickpocketing can happen in tourist areas.

3. Bangkok, Thailand

• Why?
  
  Thailand’s megacity has long been a hub for backpackers and digital nomads alike. Tons of high-quality coworking spots, amazing street food for the low, and friendly locals.
  
  If you’ve got time, check out Thailand’s insane nature offerings. Beaches and islands to the south, and lush mountains to the north. Chiang Mai is another digital nomad’s paradise.

• Must-dos:

  • Walk around the street and try different types of Thai street food.

  • Hit up Paper Plane Project (a coworking space) if you’re a digital nomad looking to clock in.

  • Get an $8 massage (cheapest place in the world for massages—and these ladies go crazy on those knots on your back).

• Safety
  
  Thailand is safe. If you’ve been to LatAm and survived, you’re good. Biggest risk is getting scammed, like overpaying for something.

4. Mexico City, Mexico

• Why?
  
  A massive metropolis full of culture, history, and some of the best food in the world. Yes, everyone knows about the place. Doesn’t mean it ain’t good.
  
  I recommend staying in Roma Norte, which is secure but feels more authentic than the fancy Polanco area. It is vibrant, colorful, and has a historical feel to it.
  
  You want less basic? Take the bus two hours over to Puebla. In either city, you’re going to eat like a king for cheap—seriously, you’ll find the best chefs in Mexico in the big cities. And Mexicans do not fuck around when it comes to food.
  

• Must-dos
  

  • Ball out at an upscale restaurant in Polanco. You will have the best service of your life, and likely the best food of your life. All for a fraction of the cost as the US or Europe.

  • Take a journal or book to Chapultepec Park (nicknamed “The City’s Lungs”).

  • Tacos, tacos, tacos—the world’s best, and they’re cheap. Just watch out for some street vendors’ salsas that are mixed with tap water (you WILL get the shits).
    

• Safety
  
  Mexico is arguably one of the world’s most dangerous countries—in certain areas. The capital is relatively safe, and you likely won’t be visiting the dangerous neighborhoods. Standard LatAm protocols apply. Uber instead of using local taxis.

5. Barcelona, Spain

• Why?
  
  One of the best vacation destinations for men. No bullshit, this is possibly the best-designed city I’ve ever seen. Streets so clean you could eat off of them, a dialed-in metro, and massive sidewalks.
  
  There is much animosity towards foreigners moving in and driving up rent prices, as is the case for other cities on this list. Your choice whether you jump into that, but I’m calling this one a wonderful place to visit, at minimum.
  

• Must-dos
  

  • Hit the beach boulevard to show out playing sand volleyball, eating paella, and generally feeling like you’ve won life.

  • If I didn’t mention it already, eat some paella. Also try the rest of Spain’s phenomenal cuisine. But paella, man…

  • This is the rare city where sightseeing is a must. The cathedrals are stunning, fam. Basílica de la Sagrada Família is a must, obvio…

• Safety
  
  European levels of safety—pretty solid. It can still go down anywhere on earth, so keep your wits about you.

6. Grand Tetons National Park, United States

• Why?
  
  One hell of a place. The Tetons make up one of the US’s greatest landscapes.
  
  For fans of nature, hiking, and alpine lakes, this one’s a must-visit. Of course, living in Jackson could be dope, but I’m putting this one among the best solo trips for men.
  

• Must-dos:
  

  • Jenny Lake for a day

  • Climb the Tetons on a multi-day trek if you’re a badass

  • Pull up to Snake River coffee shop to get some work in if you’re a digital nomad. Excellent food and coffee.
    

• Safety:
  
  Crime-wise, it’s safe as hell. But… this place has Grizzlies. They want to assault your food supplies. Bring the bear spray.

7. Buenos Aires, Argentina

• Why?
  
  Welcome to the best mix of European and Latin American culture on earth. I’m talking delicious Italian food and empanadas. Strong espresso and maté. Girls that you’d swear are from Europe and they speak Spanish with the pleasant accent. Paradise.
  
  Given the expat community (they’re active and meet often), the nightlife, the cheap prices, and the attractiveness of the women… Buenos Aires is one of the best travel destinations for single guys.
  
  Partnered broskis can enjoy too, though.
  

• Must-dos
  

  • Go dancing (tango, bachata, salsa, whatever…)

  • Crush excessive amounts of empanadas

  • Walk along the water in Puerto Madero
    

• Safety
  
  Argentina is arguably the safest country in LatAm. That said, I wouldn’t bring the Rolex…

8. Huaraz, Peru

• Why?
  
  Huaraz is simply unmatched in terms of nature and trekking. Electric blue lagoons and picturesque snowcapped mountains… you’re hiking through a screensaver.
  
  This is more of a place to visit than to live, but your first three hikes here could very well be your top 3 hikes of all time—it’s that good.
  

• Must-dos
  

  • Laguna 69 day hike

  • Laguna Churup day hike

  • Santa Cruz multi-day trek

  • Walk the town itself, shop for cheap, and get a cheap massage after your hikes
    

• Safety
  
  Stay low profile (you’re still in LatAm), stay hydrated, and take time to the sky-high altitude. I’ve got a full, in-depth guide for Huaraz if you decide to go.

Honorable Mentions: Best Less-Traveled Destinations

While the above list is the essentials, let’s dive into some deeper cuts.

These places, not entirely unchartered, are less likely to appear on the pop-travel lists.

• Osaka, Japan: Best for young men looking to get somewhere entirely foreign
  
  Massive, cultured, and amazing street food—Osaka is a dope city.
  

• Bariloche, Argentina: Best for explorers seeking world-class nature, solitude, and friendly locals
  
  Patagonia. Need I say more? The “Swiss Alps of South America” are breathtaking, if you can make it that far south.
  

• Big Bend National Park, United States: Best for adventurers looking to stargaze, go off-grid, and hike.
  
  Another tough one to reach, but worth it if you can. Desert, seemingly-Martian territory here. Darkest place in the US. Get ready to be mind blown by the stars.
  

• Rome, Italy: Best for travelers looking to meet travelers and get the “European experience”
  
  Famous, big, and worth a visit. Top notch food, of course. I stayed at The Yellow Hostel and was surrounded by the most diverse, interesting crowd I’d ever been around. Travel bug… caught.
  

• Cotopaxi, Ecuador: Best for hikers looking to find community.
  
  High-altitude Andes, volcanic snowcaps, and top tier hiking. Yes sir. Stay at The Secret Garden Cotopaxi for an affordable, community-based experience.
  

• Da Nang, Vietnam: Best for digital nomads looking to post up longer term for cheap.
  
  Vietnam meets Miami. Small and scooterable, Da Nang is perfect to lay up longer-term with cheap saunas, massages, gyms, and a luxury apartment.

Places That Disappoint

In my experience, as well as travelers I’ve met, the following destinations do NOT live up to the hype.

Many of these are overpriced, overrated, have bad weather, or unfriendly locals. Or all of the above (*cough, London*).

Everyone has their travel preferences. This list could be someone else’s BEST destinations list. Fight me 🤷‍♂️

• London, England
  
  Grey skies, unfriendly people, high prices. But, if you like history and enjoy a proper pint, this could be your spot.
  

• Vancouver, Canada
  
  Notorious for being cold socially, high prices, depressing weather outside of summer. I can’t lie, the city is beautiful and safe. I’d view it as a base to explore British Columbia’s nature.
  

• Paris, France
  
  For me, it can be a stopover if you’re in the neighborhood (Europe). Honestly, it’s not bad, and the crepes are amazing. Relative to its reputation, I’m calling it overrated.
  

• Cancun and Cabo, Mexico
  
  For obvious reasons…
  

• Lima, Peru
  
  A near-inevitable stopover for those going to Huaraz or Machu Picchu. Some people LOVE Lima, so don’t just take my advice. The food is incredible, but the overcast skies and dusty air, plus the nickel-and-dime culture were big turn offs for me.

How to Start Solo Traveling

Alright, so you want the benefits and you envision yourself in these incredible destinations. Now what?

My advice—pull the trigger.

The only thing stopping you from opening up a new tab right now, searching “Google Flights”, and booking the trip… is you.

Here are some solo travel tips from someone who’s been living abroad and traveling solo for years now.

1. Choose Your Destination

Start with a place that ideally is just outside of your comfort zone.

There are beginner-friendly places. Better tourism infrastructure, English common in tourist areas, safe. Think Lisbon, Bali, Costa Rica.

There are places that are… a bit more advanced. Perhaps English is rare, it’s less secure, or there simply aren’t many tourists. Think Bogotá, Monterrey, Tehran.

Doesn’t mean you’ve got to stick to a newb-friendly place if it’s your first time. In fact, getting way outside your comfort zone could break many limiting beliefs and make the rest of the world seem like a breeze.

2. Plan Your Budget

Use Google Sheets/Excel or apps like Trail Wallet.

Your biggest expenses—accommodation and flights. After that, budget a daily spend for food and stuff to do. You now have your overall trip budget.

Pro-tip: Airbnb gives discounts for longer stays.

3. Pull the Trigger

No more playing games. Book the flight, the hotel/Airbnb/hostel, and commit.

4. Learn the Basics

Of course research is important to stay safe and not horrify anyone by violating some cultural norm.

I’ve learned to balance research with simply “fucking around and finding out.” I do minimal research now.

But, I understand if you want to check Reddit forums and travel vlogs to peep the local scene before you go.

5. Pack Smart

Bring versatile, lightweight clothing and essentials like a good travel backpack and a power bank.

The more dangerous the country, the more low-key you’ll want to be. I walk through Colombia with a falling-apart sack of shit as a backpack.

6. Make Connections

Want to meet travelers? Hostels are your best bet.

Want to meet travelers but not sleep in a room with 12 people, half of which are snoring? Private rooms in hostels are your best bet.

Apps like Meetup and Couchsurfing can help.

Or, go all-in solitude and book your Airbnb cabin in the woods.

7. Stay Safe

Trust your instincts and stay aware of your surroundings. We’re aiming to be street smart.

I recommend getting a local SIM when you arrive.

Don’t get fucked like I did, and arrive to the country only to find your phone is locked by your carrier (and can’t be unlocked from said country).

Get Out There

Solo travel changed my life, and it can do the same for you.

It’s not about being fearless; it’s about moving forward despite the fear.

Whether you’re exploring Medellín’s vibrant streets or eating $1 pad Thai in Bangkok, you’ll return home with stories, growth, and a renewed sense of possibility.

The world is waiting. You taking the leap?

To your growth and travels,