Among Airbnb’s predictions for 2026 travel, the vacation rental company notes that solo travel is one of the top trends, “experiencing a renaissance” fueled by online conversations encouraging self-discovery over relationship status.
One of the most common reasons not to travel, other than finances, is not having someone to go with you. Some are under the impression that it isn’t safe or that it would be a lonely experience, but the reality is, it brings the freedom to do what you want when you want. If you want company occasionally, in many destinations it’s easy to find other solo travelers, and you’ll have a better chance of connecting with locals.
It’s not a question of whether to make the leap, it’s where to go!
The Algarve, Portugal
The sun-soaked Algarve is Portugal’s southernmost region, with about 31 miles of shoreline on the west coast and nearly 100 miles along its southern shores. As Airbnb notes, travelers can enjoy a restorative solo journey, taking coastal hikes or learning to surf. The options for watersports are wide-ranging if you don’t want to get up on a surfboard, including kayaking, parasailing, and canoeing. There are also dolphin-watching boat tours and many historic attractions, from megalithic stone circles and Roman ruins to medieval castles.
After any adventure, you’ll find an endless area of beautiful beaches with soft, golden sands to relax on and plenty of mouthwatering cuisine, including the region’s signature seafood stew: Cataplana de Marisco.
Costa del Sol, Spain
Perfect for a wellness-enhancing trip, Costa del Sol is renowned for its gorgeous beaches and abundant sunshine. Spanning nearly 100 miles of Mediterranean coastline from Manilva to Nerja, solos might start their day with sunrise yoga by the sea, followed by serene beach walks or watersports like paddleboarding. For the more adventurous, diving and windsurfing are possible too.
Relaxation comes easy too, with many hotels and resorts that have spas for a massage with a view – some even have dedicated wellness programs. And you’ll find plenty of healthy yet delicious Mediterranean eats, including many dishes focused on fresh fish and vegetables like Ensalada Malagueña (cod with potato and orange salad).
Florida Keys, Florida
For a trip a little closer to home, the Florida Keys offer a Caribbean feel with white sandy beaches lapped by turquoise waters and a laid-back island atmosphere. In fact, we recently highlighted Key West, which made Fodor’s 2026 Go List. Here at the southernmost point of the continental U.S., you can be as active or as relaxed as you like. Enjoy activities like snorkeling, diving, paddleboarding, and kayaking, along with time unwinding on the sand with a magnificent view and embarking on tranquil sunset cruises.
This is also a great spot for fresh seafood, like Key West shrimp and seasonal stone crabs which can be followed with famously delicious Key Lime Pie for dessert. If you want to meet and mingle, you can easily do so at one of the famous venues on Duval Street, like the Green Parrot, which offers live music on the weekend.
