Travelling alone is no longer just for gap-year adventurers or people waiting for the right travel companion. More and more holidaymakers are choosing to explore the world on their own terms rather than postpone a trip because friends or family cannot join them.
For South Africans considering a solo adventure in 2027, choosing the right destination can make all the difference. Reliable transport, accommodation options, safety considerations and opportunities to meet other travellers can help make the experience less daunting.
According to Flight Centre, the best destinations for solo travellers offer a balance between independent exploration and the convenience of having plenty to see and do without needing to organise every detail from scratch.
From Asian cities with efficient transport networks to European rail journeys and African wildlife experiences, there are options for different budgets, interests and levels of travel experience.
How much does a 10-day solo trip cost?
The estimated budgets in this guide are broad indications for a comfortable 10-day holiday. They include return economy flights from Johannesburg, a private room in three-star or comfortable four-star accommodation, meals, local transport and selected paid activities.
They exclude visas, travel insurance, shopping and premium experiences. Actual costs will depend on exchange rates, airfare availability, travel dates and accommodation choices.
1. Thailand: Best for first-time solo travellers
Estimated budget: R30,000 to R50,000 for 10 days.
Thailand is a compelling option for South Africans taking their first solo international trip. Popular destinations have established transport connections, accommodation across a range of budgets and plenty of activities designed for independent travellers.
The country also offers a dramatic change of scenery, from Bangkok’s bustling markets and ornate temples to Chiang Mai’s mountain landscapes and the limestone cliffs and beaches of southern Thailand.
For solo travellers who enjoy meeting people along the way, Thailand offers plenty of opportunities to join street-food tours, cooking classes, snorkelling excursions and small-group day trips.
These experiences allow visitors to socialise without committing to an entire group holiday.
What to see in 10 days
Begin in Bangkok, where the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Chinatown and the city's food markets offer an introduction to Thai culture and cuisine.
From there, head north to Chiang Mai for temples, night markets and mountain scenery, or travel south to destinations such as Krabi, Phuket or Koh Samui for beaches and island excursions.
Trying to fit Bangkok, the north and the islands into 10 days is possible, but it can make for a rushed itinerary. Choosing either the mountains or the coast after Bangkok allows more time to enjoy each destination.
What to budget
Allow approximately R30,000 to R50,000, including flights from Johannesburg and private accommodation.
Bangkok and Chiang Mai can offer more affordable stays than resort areas such as Phuket and Koh Samui, particularly during busy travel periods.
South Africans should confirm Thailand's latest entry requirements and permitted length of stay before departure, as these rules can change.
Flight Centre offers Thailand holiday packages, while tour operators such as Contiki, Topdeck, G Adventures and On The Go Tours offer group itineraries on selected routes.
2. Japan: Best for independent travel and culture
Estimated budget: R45,000 to R70,000 for 10 days.
Japan offers a different kind of solo adventure, combining modern cities, centuries-old traditions and an extensive public transport network.
Major train stations have English signage, transport services are well developed and eating alone is a normal part of everyday life in many Japanese cities. Counter seating and compact restaurants can make solo dining particularly easy.
Japan can also be rewarding for travellers who want to venture beyond the main cities. Although hiring a car is unnecessary for a first trip covering Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, driving may be useful for exploring rural areas such as Hokkaido, Kyushu and the Japanese Alps.
Despite its reputation as an expensive destination, Japan offers a range of accommodation and dining options. Business hotels and casual eateries can help travellers manage daily expenses.
What to see in 10 days
Start in Tokyo, exploring its neighbourhoods, food scene and observation decks before travelling to Kyoto for temples, gardens and traditional streets.
Add two nights in Osaka for its lively Dotonbori district and renowned casual dining, or take a day trip to Nara.
Ten days is enough for this classic route, provided the itinerary is not overloaded. Even with Japan's fast trains, changing hotels and moving between cities take time.
What to budget
A budget of approximately R45,000 to R70,000 should cover flights, private accommodation, meals, city transport and one or two intercity train journeys.
Cherry blossom season, autumn foliage and major Japanese holidays can push airfare and accommodation prices higher. Travelling outside these peak periods may help reduce costs.
South Africans should check the latest Japanese tourist visa requirements, fees and processing times through official channels before booking non-refundable travel.
3. Portugal: Best for food, coastlines and city-hopping
Estimated budget: R45,000 to R70,000 for 10 days.
Portugal combines historic cities, coastal scenery, food and wine with convenient connections between many popular destinations.
Lisbon and Porto are well suited to independent exploration, while trains make it possible to travel between major cities without hiring a car. English is widely spoken in many tourist areas, although learning a few basic Portuguese phrases can enrich the experience.
Solo dining need not mean expensive restaurant meals every evening. Bakeries, food markets and neighbourhood eateries provide alternatives, while the country's coastline and historic towns offer plenty to explore beyond the main cities.
Portugal is generally less expensive than some other Western European destinations, although accommodation prices in popular areas, particularly Lisbon, have risen.
What to see in 10 days
Spend several days exploring Lisbon's tiled streets, viewpoints and neighbourhoods, then take a day trip to Sintra to visit its palaces and historic sites.
Continue north by train to Porto, where the riverside Ribeira district and port cellars across the Douro River in Vila Nova de Gaia are popular stops.
For the final part of the trip, choose between the Douro Valley's wine-country scenery and the Algarve's beaches and coastal walks.
What to budget
Allow approximately R45,000 to R70,000 for return flights with a connection, accommodation, train journeys, meals and sightseeing.
Summer can be expensive in Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve. Late spring and early autumn may offer a better balance of pleasant weather, fewer crowds and more manageable accommodation prices.
South Africans require a Schengen visa for Portugal. Check the current application process and requirements through the relevant official channels before travelling. There is no nonstop Johannesburg-to-Lisbon service in the itinerary information supplied for this feature, so travellers should compare connecting flights when budgeting.
4. United Kingdom: Best for a familiar first solo trip
Estimated budget: R50,000 to R80,000 for 10 days.
For travellers who feel nervous about navigating an unfamiliar country alone, the United Kingdom offers an accessible starting point.
English is spoken throughout the country, and its rail network connects major cities, historic towns and some rural destinations. Familiarity with the language can make everything from ordering meals to asking for directions feel easier.
London is particularly well suited to solo visitors. Museums, markets, walking tours, theatre performances and neighbourhood restaurants provide plenty of ways to spend a day independently.
Travellers who want some company can also join guided tours focused on history, food or local culture.
The UK is not a budget destination, particularly when it comes to accommodation in London. However, combining the capital with a smaller city can help balance the cost.
What to see in 10 days
Spend three or four days in London exploring landmarks such as Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London and Borough Market. Several major museums offer free general admission, providing opportunities to explore without adding to the sightseeing budget.
From London, take the train to York or Edinburgh for historic streets and architecture. Alternatively, head towards Bath, the Cotswolds or the Lake District for countryside scenery and walking trails.
An itinerary combining London and Edinburgh can also include a guided day trip into the Scottish Highlands, allowing travellers to experience dramatic landscapes without having to drive alone.
What to budget
Plan for approximately R50,000 to R80,000 for flights, accommodation, meals, transport and selected attractions.
London accommodation is likely to account for a significant portion of the budget. Booking long-distance train tickets early can also be cheaper than purchasing flexible fares shortly before departure.
South African passport holders generally require a UK Standard Visitor visa for tourism. Check current fees, application requirements and processing times before making non-refundable bookings.
5. Norway: Best for fjords, mountains and scenic train journeys
Estimated budget: R65,000 to R95,000 for 10 days.
For solo travellers who would rather spend their holiday surrounded by mountains, waterfalls and fjords than navigating busy city centres, Norway offers a spectacular change of pace.
English is widely spoken, and a combination of trains, ferries and organised excursions makes many of the country's best-known landscapes accessible without hiring a car.
This can be particularly appealing to independent travellers who want to explore the outdoors but would prefer not to drive unfamiliar roads alone.
Norway is among the more expensive destinations on this list, so careful planning is important. The appeal, however, lies in the scenery itself, with opportunities for outdoor adventures and memorable rail journeys.
What to see in 10 days
Combine Oslo with Bergen, travelling between the cities on the scenic Bergen Railway.
From Bergen, explore the surrounding fjords by ferry or book a rail-and-fjord excursion through Flåm and the Nærøyfjord.
Summer offers long daylight hours and opportunities for accessible hikes and waterfall visits. In winter, travellers can consider Tromsø for northern-lights excursions and snowy landscapes, although weather conditions can affect transport and activities.
What to budget
Allow approximately R65,000 to R95,000 for flights, private accommodation, intercity transport, meals and selected fjord or outdoor activities.
Norway's accommodation and food costs can be high. Booking rail journeys early, choosing hotels that include breakfast and buying some meals from supermarkets can help keep spending under control.
South Africans require a Schengen visa for Norway. Check the latest application requirements and submit an application through the appropriate channel, taking into account the main destination of the trip.
6. Kenya: Best for a solo safari
Estimated budget: R50,000 to R90,000 for 10 days.
For South Africans who would prefer to stay closer to home, Kenya offers a mix of wildlife, city experiences and coastal relaxation.
The Maasai Mara is internationally known for the Great Migration, which generally attracts large numbers of visitors between July and October. Game viewing is possible outside this period too, although wildlife movements, seasonal conditions and prices vary.
Nairobi offers museums, restaurants and wildlife attractions, while Diani Beach provides an opportunity to unwind beside the Indian Ocean after several early mornings on safari.
For many solo travellers, a small-group safari is a practical choice. Sharing transport and guiding costs can make the experience more affordable than arranging a private vehicle, while also providing company during game drives and meals.
What to see in 10 days
Begin with a day in Nairobi before joining a three- or four-night small-group safari in the Maasai Mara.
Depending on the route, consider adding Lake Nakuru or Amboseli, known for its views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Finish with several nights at Diani Beach, where activities include swimming, diving, boat excursions and relaxing by the coast.
A safari operator can help coordinate transfers and accommodation, particularly if the itinerary combines several destinations.
What to budget
Allow approximately R50,000 to R90,000 for flights, a small-group safari and several nights on the coast.
Costs can rise considerably during peak migration periods, especially for smaller camps and itineraries involving flights between destinations. Travelling outside peak dates or joining a scheduled group departure may offer better value.
Kenya's entry requirements have changed in recent years. South African travellers should verify the latest visa or electronic travel authorisation requirements through official channels before departure.
How to avoid the solo travel supplement
One of the biggest frustrations for people travelling alone is the solo supplement: an additional charge that can apply when a package or tour is priced on the assumption that two people will share a room.
There are ways to manage this cost.
Look for tours that offer room-sharing arrangements, departures with reduced or waived solo supplements, or accommodation priced per room rather than per person sharing.
Tour operators such as Contiki, Topdeck, On The Go Tours and G Adventures offer different room-sharing or private-room arrangements on selected itineraries. Policies vary by operator and departure, so check what is included before comparing prices.
A private room may be worth the extra cost for travellers who value their own space, while room-sharing can provide a more affordable option and an opportunity to meet other people.
Is a group tour better for solo travellers?
Travelling alone does not mean every part of the trip needs to be independent.
A group tour can be useful when transport is complicated, activities are expensive to arrange privately or travellers would prefer built-in company. Safaris, multi-day hikes and routes involving remote destinations may be easier to organise with an experienced guide.
Another option is to combine independent travel with organised excursions. Spend a few days exploring a city alone, join a group for a safari or countryside route, then finish the holiday with time to relax at the coast.
This approach offers flexibility without requiring travellers to manage every transfer, activity and booking themselves.
Could a cruise be a good option for solo travel?
Cruising is another option worth considering. Accommodation, transport, meals and entertainment are generally organised around one booking, and travellers can visit several destinations without arranging a new hotel and transfer at each stop.
There is also flexibility in how much social interaction a passenger chooses. Shore excursions offer opportunities to explore with other travellers, while onboard activities and entertainment provide alternatives during the evenings.
Some cruise lines offer dedicated solo cabins or reduced solo supplements on selected sailings. Availability and pricing vary, so ask a travel adviser to compare the total cost rather than relying on the advertised starting fare.
Planning your solo trip for 2027
The best solo destination ultimately depends on the kind of experience you want and the budget you can comfortably afford.
Thailand and Japan offer a mix of culture, food and independent exploration. Portugal and the UK provide city breaks with opportunities to explore beyond the main centres, while Norway appeals to nature lovers and Kenya offers a combination of wildlife and coastal relaxation.
Before booking, compare the full cost of flights, accommodation, transport and activities. Check passport and visa requirements, arrange suitable travel insurance, share your itinerary with someone you trust and research local transport and safety advice.
As Flight Centre highlights, travelling alone does not mean having to do everything alone. The right destination and a well-planned itinerary can make it easier to enjoy the freedom of solo travel while still having support when you need it.
Budget estimates are indicative only and are not confirmed package prices or quotations. Prices can change with seasonality, exchange rates, availability and itinerary choices. Visa and entry requirements should be checked with official authorities before booking.
seanne.rall@iol.co.za
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