Top 10 Solo Travel Destinations for 2026: From Tokyo to Asheville
In its 2026 rankings, U.S. News & World Report has identified the top 10 destinations for solo travelers, focusing on aspects like safety, transport, and opportunities for individual exploration. Leading the list is Norway, renowned for its stunning mountains and islands, with May and September recommended as the best months to visit. Tokyo, Japan, stands out for its Level 1 safety and efficient public transportation. Meanwhile, Perth, Australia, is celebrated for its sunny weather and complimentary public transport. Beaver Creek, Colorado, offers year-round activities, including skiing and hiking. The Caribbean's culinary hub is Grand Cayman, while Paris, France, is perfect for walking and museum visits. San Diego, California, boasts a variety of activities, and Rome, Italy, is rich in historical landmarks with the Roma Pass. Lastly, Santa Fe, New Mexico, is recognized as the oldest U.S. capital, featuring numerous art galleries, and Asheville, North Carolina, is famous for its breweries and the Biltmore Estate.
Key facts
- List published by U.S. News & World Report for 2026
- Destinations: Norway, Tokyo, Perth, Beaver Creek, Grand Cayman, Paris, San Diego, Rome, Santa Fe, Asheville
- Tokyo classified as Level 1 safety by U.S. Department of State
- Perth offers free public transit and Wi-Fi
- Beaver Creek has free shuttle service and is above 8,000 feet elevation
- Grand Cayman is culinary capital of Caribbean
- Paris Museum Pass grants access to Louvre and Musée d'Orsay
- Santa Fe has over 320 days of sunshine and 250+ art galleries
- Asheville has more breweries per capita than any U.S. city
- Biltmore Estate is 8,000-acre property once owned by George Vanderbilt
Entities
Institutions
- U.S. News & World Report
- G Adventures
- Outdoor Norway
- U.S. Department of State
- COMO The Treasury
- Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa
- Ocean Frontiers
- Paris Museum Pass
- Musée du Louvre
- Musée d'Orsay
- Grand Hotel du Palais Royal
- Comic-Con International
- San Diego Zoo
- Sheraton San Diego Resort
- Hotel del Coronado
- Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
- Roma Pass
- The Tour Guy
- Aleph Rome Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
- Hotel Indigo Rome
- Georgia O'Keeffe Museum
- Santa Fe Regional Airport
- Albuquerque International Sunport
- New Mexico Rail Runner Express
- Biltmore Estate
- Omni Grove Park Inn
- The Inn on Biltmore Estate
- Village Hotel
Locations
- Norway
- Tokyo
- Japan
- Perth
- Australia
- Beaver Creek
- Colorado
- United States
- Grand Cayman
- Cayman Islands
- Paris
- France
- San Diego
- California
- Rome
- Italy
- Vatican City
- Santa Fe
- New Mexico
- Asheville
- North Carolina
- Denver International Airport
- Rocky Mountains
- Seven Mile Beach
- Rottnest Island
- Kings Park
- Swan River
- Darling Ranges
- Sensoji temple
- Kaminarimon gate
- Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
- Nakamise-dori
- Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
- Balboa Park
- La Jolla
- Pacific Beach
- Gaslamp Quarter
- Canyon Road
- River Arts District
- French Broad River
- Blue Ridge Mountains
- Latin Quarter
- Montmartre
- Spanish Steps
- Trastevere
- Colosseum
- Folgefonna glacier
- Valley of the Waterfalls
Sources
- Quartz —