Solo travel offers a unique opportunity for
self-discovery, independence and adventure, but it also comes with its share of
challenges. Traveling alone means navigating unfamiliar places without the
immediate support of friends or family, which can lead to feelings of
loneliness and vulnerability. Safety is also a significant concern, as solo
travelers must be extra cautious about their surroundings and belongings.
These are some of the reasons it pays to be
picky when it comes to where you travel on your own. Choosing the right place
can make a massive difference in terms of safety, accessibility and overall
enjoyment, and that’s true whether you plan to visit a bustling urban area or
you want to escape to an island for a relaxing getaway.
If you want to plan an island vacation
specifically, you should know that some destinations are considerably safer
than others by almost every measure. Based on rankings from the World Travel
Index and overall sentiment from past visitors, island vacations are some of
the best destinations for safe solo travel worldwide.
Malta
The island nation of Malta sits off the tip of
Sicily and the North African coast in the central Mediterranean, and it’s one
of the most densely populated destinations on Earth. However, this dynamic
travel destination is known for getting 3,000 hours of sunshine each year.
Malta is also home to numerous hotels, resorts, and eateries that feature
nearly any cuisine. These are some reasons Malta gets so many tourists per
year, including solo travelers.
This destination is also known for being safe
and secure for residents and visitors alike. Malta’s UNESCO World Heritage
Capital, Valletta, is one of the safest cities in Europe, with a World Travel
Index score of 99.8 for safety and an overall ranking of 19th out of 3,026
major urban destinations worldwide.
Aruba
The “One Happy Island” of Aruba is a
genuinely pleasant place for more reasons than one. Not only does Aruba feature
some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, but its relatively small size
makes it easy to get around.
Solo travelers can feel completely secure all
over the island, including in its major tourist areas in Oranjestad and Palm
Beach. There’s a ton to do on the island with a group or by yourself, whether
you want to try your luck at one of the island’s famous casinos, enjoy a
snorkeling or diving tour or spend the day relaxing on a stunning white sand
beach.
For an all-inclusive stay that includes
dining, entertainment and plenty more conveniences for solo travelers, consider
booking at the adjoining Divi & Tamarijn Aruba all-inclusive
resorts. These properties sit on one of the most beautiful beaches in Aruba and
offer shared pools, dining options and amenities.
The new Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat (Photo Credit: Courtesy Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat)
Saadiyat Island: Abu Dhabi,
United Arab Emirates
The World Travel Index rates the United Arab Emirates as the 11th safest
country in the world, and Abu Dhabi is the crown jewel of this dynamic
destination. This capital city is home to incredible tourist attractions that
are also ideal for solo travel, including Saadiyat Island.
Saadiyat Island is only 20 minutes from the
Abu Dhabi International Airport, and it’s home to more than five miles of
natural beachfront, an award-winning golf course and six luxurious waterfront
resorts. The island is also home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, which features
elaborate exhibitions with famous artworks worldwide.
Anguilla
The tiny Caribbean island of Anguilla sits just off the coast of St.
Maarten and is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It’s
also perfectly safe for tourists from all over. With mostly luxury hotels and
fine dining establishments available throughout the island, it’s the type of
place where you can walk or drive anywhere without a care in the world.
Solo travelers who visit Anguilla won’t find
much nightlife, but they can discover nearly empty coastal areas and some of
the Caribbean’s cleanest beaches.
Mackinac Island: Michigan, USA
Michigan’s Mackinac Island should be on your
radar if you’re looking for a safe, fun and unique island vacation experience
relatively close to home. This car-free resort destination is located in Lake
Huron, and it is easily reachable by ferry from either Mackinaw City (Lower
Peninsula) or St. Ignace (Upper Peninsula).
Things to do on Mackinac Island include
carriage tours, boating, biking, swimming and window shopping. The island is
famous for its delicious fudge, as well as its cozy bed-n-breakfasts and
laid-back atmosphere. Book a room at The Inn
at StoneCliffe for a luxury stay with dining on-site.
A visit to a winery in Cyprus was part of the new S.A.L.T. culinary program introduced on Silver Moon. (Photo by Theresa Norton)
Cyprus
The island of Cyprus is located in the Eastern
Basin of the Mediterranean Sea, making it an ideal destination for travelers
who love the ocean and want to visit a destination with a sunny climate. This
island is known for its connections to Greek mythology, as well as its delicious
Mediterranean cuisine. Cyprus also ranks highly for safety with the World
Travel Index, which bodes well for families, groups and solo travelers planning
a visit.
What should you do in Cyprus? Consider
spending the day on the island’s famous Nissi Beach or planning an excursion to
the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park. You can also explore the Tombs of the
Kings on Cyprus, a large necropolis that dates back to the 4th century B.C.
Okinawa, Japan
According to the World Travel Index, Japan is the 23rd safest country globally.
This means visiting Japanese islands like Okinawa shouldn’t give solo travelers
major reason for concern, particularly if they practice safe travel habits like
staying aware of their surroundings and keeping valuables secure.
Okinawa, Japan, in particular, is famous for
its incredible beaches and vibrant coral reefs, which make it a popular
destination for diving. Solo travelers can also visit historical sites like
Shuri Castle and the Nakagusuku Castle Ruins, which date back to the 14th
century. There are plenty of places for solo travelers to stay in Okinawa,
including cozy guest houses and hostels.
Catalina Island: California, USA
Unlike the rest of Los Angeles County,
California, the offshore vacation retreat known as Catalina Island is known for being safe. This
island is a quick ferry or helicopter ride from the mainland, yet it can feel
like a world away due to its lack of cars, roaming wild animals and dramatic
mountain landscapes.
Most visitors to Catalina Island stay in
Avalon, and this makes the most sense for solo travelers due to the plethora of
places to stay. You can book your solo Catalina Island getaway in an Airbnb or
a traditional hotel or resort. While you’re there, make sure to visit the
Catalina Island Casino, trek up into the hillsides for incredible views, see
wild bison and head out on a boat tour.
Magic Mountain View, Moorea (Photo by Lauren Breedlove)
Moorea
Moorea is widely regarded as a safe
destination for solo travelers based on its welcoming local community, low
crime rate and laid-back island atmosphere. As part of French Polynesia, Moorea benefits from a stable political
environment and a strong sense of hospitality, with locals often going out of
their way to assist visitors with directions or a friendly hand.
The island’s compact size makes it easy to
navigate, and solo travelers can explore its stunning beaches, scenic hiking
trails and vibrant marine life without feeling isolated or at risk. Many
accommodations and tour operators are experienced in catering to solo
adventurers, offering group excursions and cultural activities that foster
connection and comfort.
Grenada
The Caribbean island of Grenada is rated the 16th safest country in
the world, per the World Travel Index. The “Spice Island” is also
known for its lush green mountains, beautiful beaches, and the plethora of
luxury resorts that sit along its shores.
Popular things to do in Grenada include exploring
Grand Anse Beach, diving to the Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park, and tasting
at the River Antoine Estate Rum Distillery. The 30-foot waterfall known as
Annandale Falls is also worth a visit, and it’s just a 15-minute drive from the
capital city of St. George’s.
Vanuatu
Vanuatu is an archipelago with several
different islands to choose from that feature high marks for safety and
security. In fact, the World Travel Index rates Vanuatu as the 44th safest
country in the world. While it’s always wise to take standard precautions, Vanuatu’s
strong sense of community and hospitality contribute to its reputation as a
safe place to visit. The government and tourism industry also prioritize
visitor safety, ensuring a positive and secure travel experience.
While Vanuatu is in the middle of nowhere,
there are endless activities for solo travelers to participate in. Popular
things to do within this archipelago of islands include swimming at Champagne
Beach, kayaking to nearby islands and reefs and visiting Mount Yasur — an
active volcano on the island of Tanna.
Colorful houses in Barbados (Photo Credit: Zstock/Adobe Stock)
Barbados
Barbados is the 74th safest country worldwide
and one of the safest island nations on the planet, according to the World
Travel Index. This isn’t that surprising if you’ve visited Barbados in the
past. The island is upscale, the people are friendly, and tourists frequently
walk and drive around the island independently.
While accommodations are dotted all over
Barbados, the island’s Platinum Coast is home to incredibly calm waters and
some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Here, you’ll find luxury
resorts, traditional hotels and vacation rentals. There are endless activities,
from snorkeling to diving, cave exploration and rum tastings.
Nevis
The World Travel Index named St. Kitts and Nevis the 18th safest country in
the world, but the tiny island of Nevis has an edge regarding safety and
security. With its low crime rate, friendly locals and laid-back island
atmosphere, visitors can feel at ease exploring its beaches, historic sites and
lush landscapes.
The island’s small size and close-knit
community also contribute to a strong sense of security, making it ideal for
solo travelers, couples and families. If you plan a solo trip to the island of
Nevis, check out the Alexander Hamilton Museum, which was built to
look like his childhood home where he was raised.
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