20 Amazing Solo Trips to Take in Your Twenties
Your 20s (and beyond) are an amazing time to travel, experience the world, make some mistakes and get to know different people from all over the world. Don’t wait for others to start the trip of your lifetime, you’ll regret it. Here are 20 incredible solo trips that everyone should add to their Twenties travel bucketlist!
I went on my first solo trip when I was just 18, all the way to Australia because that had always been my dream. Only, no one shared that dream (at least not in my school). Everyone went straight to university.
So, I decided to go by myself. Solo. And while that trip was pure chaos (I was freshly 18 after all), it also taught me SO much about myself, the world and travel in general. I wouldn’t have made the choices that led me to today without that trip almost a decade ago.
As I am now in the later part of my 20s, I am starting to realise how much travel has shaped that decade of my life. I don’t regret taking that trip at 18, and don’t regret a single trip after that.
Don’t wait for others to go on that adventure of a lifetime, you’ll still be waiting years from now. Trust me when I say that I have never been truly alone on a solo trip. I have always met the most incredible people to share those experiences with.
So here is my list of 20 solo trips you should take in your twenties. What would be yours?
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20 trips to take in your 20s
1. Hike the Inka Trail to Machu Picchu
I have done a lot of incredible things in my time travelling but the time I hiked the Inka Trail to Machu Picchu will always be at the top of the list. It was truly a life-changing and unreal experience.
If you get the chance to do it in your 20s (or really at any age), you should take it!
If you are worried about cost and safety, I have written quite a few guides here on how I did it, budgeting and safety. I did it solo too.
For the Inka Trail, I actually only did the short 2-day version instead of the full 4-days as that was sold out when I went. So lesson number one, book early.
Lesson number 2, I went with the cheapest company (Machu Picchu Reservations) because “budget”, but I did find the guides for the slightly more expensive companies gave a lot more information and you got a little more bang for your buck. The company wasn’t bad in any way though, and I had an amazing time.
2. Learn to Surf in Portugal
Another one of my favourite adventures in my 20s has been learning to surf. Yes, it’s hard and frustrating at times, but it’s also the most I’ve grown as a person. It just takes a lot of perseverance and confidence to learn to surf as an adult, and it really helped me in other areas of life.
Plus, all the little surf towns are so healing and peaceful. I worked in a bunch of surf hostels and camps in exchange for accommodation and had the time of my life.
Surfing in general is a great sport to keep fit, you get to keep active in a natural environment and really challenge yourself. Learning any new sport “later” in life (aka not as a kid) is a lot harder, but I have found surfing very rewarding.
Note: You can of course learn to surf anywhere, like there’s France, Spain, Bali, the Philippines, Australia etc. Portugal has just been one of my all-time favourites.
3. Backpack through South-East Asia
It might be cliche, but that’s exactly why you should do it. Get yourself a 40l backpack (I have the Osprey Fairview, because I lean into my cliches — plus it’s great), have a rough plan and book a one-way flight.
I actually still haven’t done the several month trip in South-East Asia (don’t worry, still planning to), but I have visited places like Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and Bali in 2-3 weeklong stints.
And to be completely honest, my first time in Thailand at 21 was a culture shock to the max. I had never experienced so many impressions on my senses at once. It’s also the trip that changed the way I travel entirely, and the way I engage with locals.
I also recently went to Vietnam for the first time and it’s now one of my favourite countries EVER. So book that trip!
4. Get a van and road trip New Zealand
Going on a road trip through New Zealand is something I have still do to and believe me, it’s very high on my bucketlist.
New Zealand is a great destination to solo travel as there’s a ton of other backpackers around, they also have a Working Holiday visa and it’s very safe. Plus, look at the insane views you get there. Out of this world!
A van is one of the best and most cost-friendly ways to get around New Zealand, especially as the country is known to be on the expensive side. Rental can get a little pricy, so you may want to buy a van from a fellow backpacker if you’re planning to stay longer.
5. Ride the Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam
I know I already talked about South-East Asia, but Vietnam holds a special place in my heart. And the Ha Giang Loop is truly one of my favourite experiences of my life.
My easy rider was so kind, the group was SO amazing and the views are out of this world.
There have been some valid concerns recently regarding safety on the loop, especially after the tragic accident of a young girl, so please choose your provider carefully. I have heard great stuff about Bibis and Road Kings, but please do your own research.
6. Work & Travel in Australia
My very first solo adventure was a one-way ticket to Australia as my Gap Year. And man, was I out of my depth at first. I landed and realised I didn’t know how to cook, I had no plans and didn’t know a single person.
Despite that, I had the best time and grew tremendously as a person. Honestly, this first solo trip really shaped me into who I am today, as corny as it sounds.
Even if this isn’t your first trip, Australia is a great place to solo travel. It’s safe, there’s a HUGE backpacker community and there’s countless things to do.
Plus, if you get the Working Holiday Visa, the pay is actually really good. I kinda wish I could go back just for that haha.
7. Walk the Camino de Santiago
Walking the Camino de Santiago is on my list on things I really want to do this year.
The Camino is a historical pilgrimage route that was originally a spiritual or religious journey, however is truly open to all as a journey of reflection, peace and self-discovery.
There are many different routes, but the main ones are the Camino Frances (starts in France) and the Camino Portugues (starts in Lisbon or Porto for the shorter version). There are countless variants of each route.
All routes traditionally end in Santiago de Compostela, where the shrine of St James, an apostle of Jesus, is believed to be. Either way, it’s a gorgeous city to finish a life-changing journey in!
8. Party at the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
So, I know we are speaking about solo trips and Brazil plus the rest of South America should 100% be on that list. That being said, Rio de Janeiro Carnival is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, yet I would pre-plan to make sure you aren’t solo for those days.
It’s just a safety thing, especially if you’re a female, solo traveller. Rio will be extremely busy, there is unfortunately targeted theft especially for vulnerable looking tourists and you shouldn’t walk back at night alone.
So why add it to this list? Well, I actually found South America one of the easiest trips for making friends while travelling. For example in Cusco, Peru, I met a girl from Rio who invited me to Carnival. It’s that easy.
Or book yourself into a hostel in Rio and join their activities or make friends there. I was really never solo travelling in South America, even though I came solo.
9. Explore the fascinating Bhutan
Bhutan crossed my feed for the first time in late 2025 and I’m embarrassed that it hasn’t before. So, I’m here to spread the word of what is now my no. 1 bucketlist destination: Bhutan.
This country requires a little preparation to visit, as it has strict rules regarding needing a visa ($100 per person per night) which is organised when booking through a mandatory tour organiser. Sounds difficult? Possibly, but it is SO worth it!
Hidden in the Himalayas, its incredible, untouched scenery is only disrupted by ancient temples and monasteries. Sustainability, wildlife conservation and ethical tourism are at the heart of everything here and a look into what the future of travel could look like.
It is also an incredibly safe environment for solo, female travellers. While it is a very traditional culture, it follows the Buddhist teachings of respecting all sentient beings which female travellers report seeing reflected in the way locals treat them. Respect and curiosity are probably the most common reactions to a woman travelling alone.
10. Take a tour through the Amazon
The Amazon River is the largest in the world, originating in Peru and flowing through Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia and Venezuela. Peru is one of the best places to see the rich wildlife of the Amazon and experience life off-grid in the rainforest, though each country has something unique to offer.
The Amazon Rainforest is easily one of the most magical places on earth, just make sure you bring a good bug spray (minimum 20% DEET).
Doing the Amazon solo can feel a little scary, but as long as you do your research, book a good lodge and maybe even a tour, you’ll be totally fine! I met so many solo girls in Peru who were headed to the Amazon, so you’ll meet other backpackers too!
11. Explore the Balkans
The Balkans are a unique mix of history, traditions, landscapes and people. Leaning about the former Yugoslavia, the Balkan War and its history dating back to the Ottomans is an important part of that journey in my opinion.
As a travel destination, the Balkans are incredible. When I first visited Albania 4 years ago, everyone around me was concerned regarding safety. What awaited me were these stunning landscapes, perfect beaches, honoured traditions and most of all, the kindest people.
On top of that, you’ll meet lots of other solo travellers there AND it’s affordable. Check out my Albania guides for inspiration here. The rest of the Balkans follow suit, and each is more worthwhile than the next.
12. Hike to Everest Base Camp
To be honest, you can substitute the Everest Base Camp hike with any of the amazing ones in Nepal, but the base camp is a bucketlist item for many and a great solo adventure. You are in the land of the Sherpa people, who highly value hospitality, kindness and respect to all people. Hence even as a solo, female traveller, you’ll be welcomed.
I personally would recommend joining a tour, not necessarily for safety but for company, local expertise and just support on the long treks. Whichever you decide to do, it will be one of those experiences that change you from within!
As for the trek, Nepal doesn’t just have the, now slightly overrun, Everest Base Camp trek. Other amazing options are for example the Annapurna Circuit or the Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley. It’s super important that you do your own research on the right trek for you and your fitness level.
13. See the light show in Singapore
If I could pinpoint one of the moments in my early solo travel adventures that left the greatest impression on me, it would honestly be the Gardens by the Bay light show in Singapore, called Garden Rhapsody.
Every now and then in solo travel you have moments that feel unreal, and sitting in front of the famous Marina Bay Sands hotel, watching these huge sculptures light up was most certainly one of them.
Singapore in general was a solo travel dream. It felt safe, so easy to get around, lots of other travellers and countless things to do. Check out my solo travel guide for Singapore here.
14. Go on a solo trip to Greece
Greece and especially the Greek Islands are a dream to solo travel. They’re the solo travel destination where you can actually 100% relax and just enjoy the beach, beautiful villages and delicious food.
They are also super versatile, so whether you want a peaceful solo trip or meet lots of other travellers or have a real adventure holiday, Greece can do it all. And for my solo, female travellers, Greece is a very safe destinations and local are usually happy to help.
15. Roadtrip through Canada
Canada is another country where I did a year of Work & Travel (solo) and it’s an amazing place to solo travel. Canadians are super friendly, you’ll meet lots of other travellers and there are just so many things to do. I find Canada especially good if you want to try seasonal work, such as at a ski resort.
Canada has some of the most stunning landscapes, wildlife and hikes spread across multiple National Parks where one is more incredible than the next. To see the best parts, you really need a car or camper and go on a big roadtrip. I’d recommend teaming up with other travellers if you’re solo, for safety and cost reasons.
Check out more of my Canada blog posts here.
16. Work a Ski Season
Seasonal work to me is kind of like the hole that Alice in Wonderland fell in, except it’s into a world of endless hours on the snow, making friends for life and a little too much money spent on snowboards.
I worked my first ski season 4 years ago in Canada and haven’t spent a winter NOT on the snow since. It’s seriously addictive and I have met my favourite people in the world on a ski season.
And the best thing, you get paid to do what you love (and if you don’t ski/snowboard yet, you will learn so quickly trust me). Plus most people come solo, so it’s literally strangers to family.
The best way to do it is with a Working Holiday Visa, where you can go will depend on your passport. For example, I was able to apply for ones in Australia, Canada and Japan.
17. Volunteer for accommodation
This one really doesn’t matter as much where you go, but the good thing about it is that you can go anywhere. What’s something you’ve always wanted to experience?
Picture it, write it down and now hop on Worldpackers or Workaway and find a Work for Accommodation placement there (or contact hostels directly). I have written a whole guide on how to find a volunteer place here.
For example, I really wanted to improve my surfing. So, I went on a Facebook page for surf volunteer jobs and contacted a view postings. This led to me spending 2 months in Biarritz, where I surfed my heart out and had the best time. Best of all though, it cost me very little money overall.
I’d say make sure the exchange is fair and you know what you are agreeing to, but if you don’t know how to afford your dreams, this is one way to do it.
18. Go to Oktoberfest
You may be confused why Oktoberfest is included, as the largest Volksfest (folk festival) in Munich, Germany seems more of a “with friends” activity, but hear me out.
Oktoberfest is actually one of the easiest places in the world to meet other people to hang out with. Tables are communal by design, aka you will almost always join another group. And everyone at Oktoberfest is slightly drunk, happy to be there and open to meeting new people. It can’t get any easier to meet people as a solo traveller than at Oktoberfest.
And if you don’t want to go to a tent alone, just stay in a hostel (book early though). Everyone will be there for Oktoberfest and probably happy for you to join their group, or even also solo.
As for “Why Oktoberfest”, it’s honestly the best festival in the world. The beer is amazing (coming from a former beer-hater), the tents are SO MUCH FUN and there’s tons of rides and amazing food.
19. Go Interrailing in Europe
You might have heard of Interrailing before, but in short, it’s all-in-one rail Pass across Europe where you can get on almost any train within the time period of your pass.
It’s mostly worth it if you’re going a lot of long-distance routes in a fairly short time (2-3 weeks) and travel in the peak period.
Even if you don’t get the pass, you can do your own Europe tour by booking local trains (like DB in Germany, trenitalia in Italy or SNCF in France) or buses (like Flixbus or BlaBlaCar).
Whichever way you choose, my point is you should do a cross-Europe trip and tick off as many countries as you can at some point in your 20s. It’s like a rite of travel passage and it’s one of the most incredible experiences!
Pro tip: Plan at least 2-3 days in each destination to minimise travel burnout.
20. A culture-shock
We are now 20 life-changing experiences in, but honestly, the most important thing you can experience as a traveller in your 20s is a culture shock. And that looks different for each of us.
When I say culture shock, I mean it in the most positive way. You should experience a culture, a way of life, a viewpoint that feels so different to what you are used to, that you may feel a little uncomfortable or out of your depth at first.
When I was 20, I visited Thailand for the first time. The chaos of Bangkok was 100% a shock to the system, but it got me so far out of my comfort zone that I actually started to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Thailand quickly became one of my favourite countries, and is to this day.
A lot of words to basically say, go so far that you get to meet a new version of yourself. Learn from the locals, engage with new cultures and have the time of your life. That’s what travel is about!
Hi, I'm Bell
I’m a solo traveller, writer and designer. I created my blog to share the many different ways to travel the world. Learn more about me here!
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