Best Places to Travel to in December on a Budget from Singapore
Planning a December getaway? Find the best places to travel from Singapore on a budget, with tips on flights and accommodation.
10 Best Solo Travel Destinations: Safe, Cheap & Perfect for First-Timers
Dreaming of exploring the world entirely on your own terms? There’s a unique freedom in solo travel, no debates on where to eat, no compromising on the day's plans, just you and the open road.
But taking that first step can be intimidating. Concerns about safety, loneliness, and budget are real. That's why choosing the right destination is key to building your confidence and easing into this incredible way of life.
In this guide, we’ll share the 10 best destinations perfect for your first solo adventure or your next big trip. We'll also introduce the Wise card, a handy travel companion to make seamless card payments when you're overseas.
Why solo travel?
Travelling alone allows you to shed the responsibility of others and simply be present. It has a way of sharpening your senses and widening your perspective, meeting people more openly and fully immersing yourself in the experience without having a constant companion around.
You can also step out of your comfort zone, boosting your confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills. You can take the time to be alone in your thoughts, with nothing but the day’s activities ahead. Many who start travelling alone say they find it difficult to travel again with others, but to each their own!
What to look for in a solo travel destination
Everyone’s different, but if you are new to travelling solo, here are a few things that you should consider when picking your next adventure.
- Safety and security
- Cost and budget, as travelling alone usually costs more
- Ease of navigation, including any language barriers when using the transportation systems
- Opportunities to meet others. Does your destination have a social scene for you to tap into or are there activities you can do, like participate in group city walks?
The 10 best solo travel destinations
1. Japan: Best for culture
Japan is safe and highly efficient, making it suitable for first-time solo travellers or females. With a nice mix of modern cities, ancient temples, and vibrant cultural hubs, the country allows you to explore endlessly. In addition, Japanese people are friendly and welcoming, always eager to help visitors.
Highlights:
- Explore the neon-lit streets and quiet shrines of Tokyo
- Visit Kyoto for its temples, serene gardens and traditional tea houses
- Enjoy quality sushi and ramen
- Hike the iconic Mount Fuji (1-2 days)
- Witness the magnificent cherry blossoms in spring (March-May)¹
While major cities are easy to navigate, be sure to have a translation app handy for trips into the countryside.
2. Iceland: Best for landscapes
For nature lovers seeking solitude, Iceland is heaven on earth. With dramatic glaciers, black sand beaches, and stunning fjords, its beauty is unparalleled. Consistently ranked #1 on the Global Peace Index², it’s incredibly safe for all solo travellers.
Highlights:
- Chase the Northern Lights during the winter months
- Go glacier hiking or explore surreal ice caves (with a guide)
- Use Reykjavik, the vibrant capital with restaurants, cafes, museums and nightlife as a base for day trips
- Visit the quaint northern town of Akureyri for waterfalls and local culture
The sparsely populated areas of Iceland, with little to no light pollution, make it a hot favourite to view the Aurora Borealis.³ Glacier hiking ice cave exploration are best done with a reputable tour agency and guide.
The vast landscapes can feel intimidating for brand new solo travelers. Renting a car is the best way to explore freely.
3. Australia: Best for beaches
Australia is relatively close to Singapore, and many flights, both full-service and budget, serve multiple cities. It is relatively safe and offers plenty of solo-friendly activities. In addition, Australia’s coastline is legendary and home to some of the best reefs and surf breaks in the world.
Highlights:
- Enjoy watersports in Brisbane and at the Great Barrier Reef
- Visit Sydney for its harbour, the Opera House, and Bondi Beach
- Explore Melbourne, arguably the cultural center of Australia
Read more on Australia travel requirements here.
4.Singapore: Best for safety
Singapore is highly modern, clean, and incredibly safe, making it great for first-time travelers and solo females. Most people speak English, and public transportation is one of the most efficient in the world.
Highlights:
- Visit Marina Bay Sands for a bird's-eye view of the city
- Marvel at the giant trees in Gardens by the Bay
- Take a stroll through Merlion Park
- Explore the multicultural living in Chinatown, Little India, and Arab Street
- Eat as much local food as you can. For Singaporeans, eating isn’t just about survival, and the local food reflects that. Be sure to check out the hawker centers for an authentic taste of the island
5. Portugal: Best for a laid-back trip
Portugal is safe, welcoming, and relatively affordable compared to its European neighbours. It's the perfect place for a relaxed city break or a stunning coastal adventure.
Highlights:
- Climb the steep, charming streets of Lisbon, enjoying cafes and viewpoints along the way
- Explore the historic riverside city of Porto and sample its famous wine
- Hit the golden, sandy beaches of the Algarve for stunning cliffs, surfing and watersports
6. Germany: Best for efficiency and easy travel
Thanks to its extremely organized and visitor-friendly nature, Germany is a breeze to navigate for solo travelers. The country's excellent transportation network makes it easy to explore its diverse cities and scenic landscapes.
Highlights:
- Dive into Berlin’s flourishing arts scene and vibrant nightlife
- Experience Bavarian culture and beer gardens in Munich
- Join the world's biggest party at Oktoberfest (late September)⁴
7. Spain: Best for festivals and parties
If you're looking for energy and excitement, Spain is the place to be. From the vibrant nightlife of its major cities to its passionate cultural traditions, there is always a celebration happening somewhere
Highlights:
- Experience a spectacular flamenco show in Seville.
- Explore the unique architecture and nightlife in Barcelona.
- Relax or party on the famous beach islands of Mallorca, Ibiza, or Tenerife.
8. Thailand: Best for a quick getaway
Just a short flight from Singapore, Thailand is a beloved and affordable destination with over 35 million each year flocking to its cities, mountains, and coastlines.⁵. It is relatively safe, and the friendly atmosphere makes it easy to meet other travelers.
Highlights:
- Visit tourist hot spots like Phuket, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, and Krabi.
- Experience the vibrant cities of Bangkok and Chiang Mai where bustling night markets come alive.
9. South Korea: Best for pop culture
South Korea’s pop culture is appreciated all over the world, with the rise of K-pop and Korean dramas. It is safe, with an efficient public transportation system, making it easy to travel on your own.
Highlights:
- Enjoy Seoul, with its themed cafes, merchandise and live shows
- For a quieter, more scenic alternative, head to the coastal city of Busan
- Go on a palace tour, stroll through the street markets, or enjoy some classic Korean street food
Find out how to get to Busan from Incheon Airport here.
10. Taiwan: Best for night markets
Taiwan is safe and relatively affordable, and the Taiwanese are extremely welcoming to visitors. With a mix of modern cities, cultural hubs, and bustling night markets, there will be something for everyone.
Highlights:
- Explore the capital of Taipei on foot, then head to one of the many night markets for local snacks and shopping.
- Hike in Neidong National Forest Recreation Area⁶ and Yangmingshan National Park⁷
If you’re planning to travel around Taiwan, check out our guide on how to buy High-Speed Rail (HSR) tickets
Essential solo travel tips and advice
While safety is often a key concern when travelling alone, it’s completely normal to have solo travel fears. With some homework, you can have a safe, enjoyable experience.
How to stay safe as a solo traveller
Staying safe as a solo traveler involves a few key steps. Before you go, do some research on local customs and any areas to avoid. Share your travel itinerary with someone you trust and check in with them regularly. While you are there, stick to well-lit, busy areas, especially at night. If you feel uncomfortable, don't hesitate to backtrack and go somewhere that feels safer.
Keep your valuables secure in a hotel safe or hidden in your bags, and avoid putting all your money in one place. It's also a good idea to download offline maps on Google Maps, in case you lose cell service. Always have a local emergency contact, such as your hotel manager or guesthouse owner. Additionally, consider registering your trip with MFA if you haven't already done so.⁸
How to meet people
Travelling solo isn’t as lonely as you think, especially when you stay in hostels or join group tours. You can participate in local experiences like cooking classes, group walking tours, or activity groups to easily meet people.
Cafes and bars are also excellent places to meet like-minded people, and even a small conversation starter might get you some new friends.
Tips for saving money and managing money abroad
When travelling, foreign ATM fees can quickly add up, so if you are going to a country where cash is king, make sure you bring enough or bring a card that allows for free withdrawals. Similarly, certain credit cards also charge a percentage commission for overseas transactions, so be sure to check those fees before you go.
For a smarter approach, a multi-currency card is an excellent way to manage your money abroad. The Wise card, for example, allows you to spend at the mid-market rate and offers low, transparent fees on transactions. You can also save on ATM fees when withdrawing cash, with a certain amount of free withdrawals available, more on that below.
Travelling soon? Bring the Wise card along to maximise your foreign currency transactions
The Wise card lets you spend in 40+ currencies at the mid-market rate including MYR, JPY, CNY, and USD so you know you'll be getting a great deal in over 150+ countries. Simply create a free Wise account, order a card and top-up SGD to get started.
Virtual cards are free and can be added to your Google or Apple Pay wallet, while a physical Wise card can be ordered for a low fee of 8.50 SGD. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as 2 free ATM withdrawals to the value of 350 SGD each month, before low fees start.
While abroad, you can choose to spend with directly in SGD and let auto-conversion do the trick, or convert to your desired currency with your Wise account. Either way, you’ll get the exchange rate you see on Google, with low, transparent fees from 0.26%.
Sources used:
- Japan National Tourist Organization
- Vision of Humanity - Global Peace Index
- Icelandic Meteorological Office
- Official Site of the Munich Oktoberfest
- Statista - International Tourist Arrivals in Thailand
- Taiwan Trails and Tales
- Taiwan Obsessed - Yangmingshan Guide
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Travel Tips
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
