12 Destinations Best Avoided When Traveling Solo

Traveling solo can be liberating and eye-opening, and it’s also a cost-effective experience. A few are places that, for one reason or another, come with safety issues, cultural unease, or logistical headaches. Whether it’s political unrest, remote terrains, or scams targeting solo travelers – knowledge is power. Here are a dozen destinations that may make even experienced solo travelers think twice, or perhaps not at all, so that they can travel more easily and safely elsewhere.

Caracas, Venezuela

Caracas boasts a vibrant culture and breathtaking Caribbean views, yet remains one of the world’s most dangerous cities for tourists. High crime rates, inadequate police protection, and frequent food shortages make it a risky proposition for lone travelers. Some pickpocketing and kidnapping also occur in the country, especially during night hours. Erring on the side of caution, solo travelers without local contacts or group backup can be daft in unfamiliar or volatile situations.

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea boasts stunning rainforests and over 800 languages, yet Port Moresby is renowned for its reputation as a city plagued by crime and violence. Individuals who travel alone are often referred to as being unsafe to walk a few steps without being mugged or carjacked. Dependable transportation is hard to find, and the city is not marked by stable infrastructure. Although group tours can provide protection and context, going solo is not advisable in this case.

Cairo, Egypt

Cairo is a treasure trove of ancient wonders, but individual visitors — especially single women — often receive unwelcome attention in crowded spaces or on public transport. Petty swindlers, rip-off merchants, and insane traffic can leave even the most well-traveled of visitors questioning their sanity. Even if accompanied, it is best to avoid traveling alone, as this can draw unnecessary attention. Yes, Egypt is beautiful, but it does help to have insiders to make everything seem less like a crazy adventure!

Johannesburg, South Africa

Johannesburg’s cultural revival and urban energy are intoxicating, but it also has a significant crime problem. Single travelers risk robbery or assault, especially after dark and beyond touristy areas. GPS smudges can even direct visitors unwittingly into dangerous neighborhoods. For safety reasons, the best way to visit the city’s restaurants and museums is to travel with a guide or a reputable group. On their own, they’re frequently more trouble than they’re worth.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio is known for its beaches, samba, and vibrant colors, but also for its street crime. Pickpocketing, mugging, and phone snatching are common occurrences even in popular tourist zones like Copacabana. Traveling alone draws attention, and you can be a target, both when showing off valuables. It is dangerous to enter favelas or secluded areas without local knowledge and guidance. Although Brazil’s excitement is infectious, and much of the country seems barely attentive to red-alert warnings, traveling with companions affords a somewhat less perilous rhythm.

Istanbul, Turkey

Bridging Europe and Asia, Istanbul is an enchanting city that can pose challenges to solo travelers, especially women, who may encounter scams or unwelcome attention from “friendly locals” with ulterior motives. Taxi overcharging and pickpocketing are prevalent in tourist areas, such as Taksim Square. There is more security in pairs or groups, and one can bargain with more confidence. The majority of locals are wonderful, but the ones you might meet wandering alone around the city at night or inside less familiar alleys can make you feel incredibly unsafe.

Kingston, Jamaica

The country’s beaches and reggae culture draw many visitors, but Kingston isn’t the best place for solo exploration. The dangers the movement perceives probably aren’t unfounded: gang violence, theft, and unpredictable street encounters make getting around unsafe. Some neighborhoods are dangerous even during the day, and police response times are frequently delayed. Unsupervised tourists are often uncomfortable. “People go to Jamaica, trying to find that authenticity, but you kind of take the right turn off the road and people are kidnapped,” she said. “There is still also violence.” If you’re seeking a taste of Jamaica’s charm, resort areas or guided excursions are far more appealing.

Nairobi, Kenya

Kenya has excellent safari options, but as a solo traveler, the city of Nairobi can be somewhat daunting. Petty theft, phone snatching, and the “Nairobi Fly” are common. Public transport is a mess, and walking after dark isn’t recommended. It is local knowledge that makes it feasible to travel safely. Solo travelers unfamiliar with the culture or terrain may feel uncomfortable. Being led around is intended to maintain attention on the natural beauty of Kenya, and not its urban dangers.

Manila, Philippines

It is already a night to be relatively reckoned with, and, while Manila has a colorful nightlife, friendly people often like it here – solo travelers will occasionally complain of thefts, taxi scams, or unwelcome attention. Pickpocket theft is common in crowded shopping areas, on public transportation, and on trains, such as the Prague Metro. Language barriers can also complicate the reporting of incidents. The Philippines has beautiful islands, but it’s smarter to make a brief stop in Manila or visit some small groups before pushing deeper into the archipelago.

Moscow, Russia

The capital has become more challenging for the independent traveler in recent times due to geopolitical issues. Solo visitors face challenges of surveillance, stringent visa policies, and limited access to aid. Foreigners have also reported being subjected to aggressive questioning or outright scams. Large gatherings and demonstrations should be avoided. Russia’s grand architecture and culture continue to hold an allure, but until the temperature, political or otherwise, cools down a bit, tackling it alone introduces unnecessary complications.

Tijuana, Mexico

Tijuana’s nightlife and proximity to the border draw a specific type of adventurous travelers, but solo travelers truly have real safety issues to consider. Petty crime, drug-related violence, and corruption are persistent problems. Walking at night or in non-tourist neighborhoods can attract unwanted attention. Although some regions have made progress, uncertainty remains elevated. There are no official travel warnings for the area. As a safety precaution, we recommend that groups of travelers explore together, use registered taxis, and avoid displaying cash or valuables in public places.

Karachi, Pakistan

It has cultural vibrancy, though it is still not the easiest place to travel alone. Political demonstrations, unreliable infrastructure, and scams targeting individuals make solo travel a risky venture. The presence of foreigners tends to be eye-catching, and foreigners themselves can quickly feel like an object of curiosity, a challenge for solo female travelers. From a cultural perspective, unsupervised public spaces are generally considered unsafe for women traveling alone. Local contacts or guided tours help you explore this dynamic city in greater depth, safely and securely.