Traveling alone can be daunting, even for seasoned travelers. More so when it’s the first time you’re going to travel solo. But it’s also liberating – there is nobody to follow around and nobody who you have to look after. Think the Eifel tower is overrated? Don’t go! Really want to go see that weird art gallery that your friends think is boring? You’ve got nobody to answer to!

As the world is becoming more global, everyone should add travel to their resume. It builds character and confidence – but which cities are a good place to start? With the whole world to choose from, it can be hard to pin down one destination. If you’re having trouble making a decision, here are some starting points for the first time traveling alone.

Tokyo, Japan

If you decide to check some reports on which capital cities are the safest in the world, the results may differ – but Tokyo is always in the top ten. Not only that, but it’s also clean and modern. Many of the big cities in Asia can be scary and chaotic. And while Tokyo still has that buzz, it’s also much easier to navigate, while still giving you diversity and a peek into another culture. To dip your toes into the water of solo travel, that’s just what you need.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

While Bangkok scores low on all fronts of safety, Chiang Mai is actually quite safe. Not only that, but Thailand is very accessible to tourists. Many travelers have come here before you, and many will follow. While still full of Thai culture, Chiang Mai provides a safe and accessible destination for solo travelers and digital nomads alike. The historic city square is beautiful and if you feel inspired, the gorgeous hills of Mae Hong Son are only a short bus ride away.

Melbourne, Australia

If you’re not in for a culture shock (not a big one, at least) Australia is a great destination. You will like it especially if you’re in for a solo-travel-sabbatical – it’s easy to get a work and holiday visa and with it, you’ll be able to stay for up to twelve months. Melbourne provides the perfect gateway to the rest of Australia. It’s modern, accessible, everyone speaks English (with only a slight Aussie drawl) and from here you can explore more rural destinations. It’s known for excellent coffee and great bars.

Prague, Czech Republic

Looking for a gateway into Europe? This is the destination to go. It is one of the smaller capital cities, yet it is still full of beautiful culture, architecture, art and food. As a solo traveler, you’ll find navigating Prague easier than huge metropolises Rome or Paris. But that doesn’t mean it’s less exciting! If you’re ready for the European way of life, but not quite ready to be overwhelmed, this is where you’ll want to start. And if you love it, the rest of Europe is only a couple of hours on a plane away.

Is Traveling Alone For You?

Do you ever travel alone or are you planning to? What do you think would be a good place to start? Let me know in the comments.