Which are the safest countries for Indian solo travelers in 2026?

Some of the safest and best countries for Indian solo travelers in 2026 are Japan, Singapore, Canada, New Zealand, and Portugal. These countries have low crime rates, good public transport, and friendly locals, making them ideal for first-time and experienced solo travelers.

Which countries are best for Indian women traveling solo in 2026?

For Indian women traveling solo in 2026, top choices include Japan, Singapore, Canada, New Zealand, and Scandinavian countries like Norway and Denmark. These places are known for strong safety laws, respectful culture, and reliable emergency services, which help women feel more secure when traveling alone.

Are visas easy for Indian solo travelers to these safe countries?

Visa rules change often, but countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Vietnam are popular with Indian solo travelers because of easier e-visas or visas on arrival. For countries like Schengen Europe, Japan, Canada, and New Zealand, you need more documents and advance planning, but approval is still possible with a clear travel plan and funds.

What budget-friendly safe countries can Indians visit alone in 2026?

For budget-friendly and relatively safe solo trips, Indians can look at Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia (Bali), Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. These countries offer affordable accommodation, street food, and transport, plus active backpacker communities and hostels that make solo travel easier and more social.

How can Indian solo travelers stay safe abroad in 2026?

To stay safe, Indian solo travelers should book stays in well-reviewed areas, avoid isolated places at night, keep digital and paper copies of documents, use trusted taxis or ride apps, get travel insurance, and share live location and itinerary with family. Always respect local laws and culture, and in emergencies, contact the Indian embassy or consulate for support.

Travel & Adventure

Safest & Best Countries for Indian Solo Travelers 2026

Anya Sharma

Planning your first solo trip abroad in 2026? This guide covers the safest and best countries for Indian solo travelers, with details on budgets, visas, local culture, public transport, and safety tips—so you can explore confidently, whether you’re a backpacker, slow traveler, or digital nomad.

country

Portugal

7-10 days

Mid-Range

Best time: april, may, september, october, yearRound

Trip Essentials

Trip Type

solobudgetculturalfoodiedigitalNomad

Main Activities

Exploring Alfama and Belém districts in LisbonDay trip to Sintra (Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira)Riverside walk and port wine tasting in Porto (Vila Nova de Gaia cellars)Beach day and coastal hikes in Lagos, AlgarveTram 28 ride and Miradouro da Senhora do Monte sunset in LisbonDouro Valley wine and viewpoint tour from PortoPastel de nata tasting at Pasteis de Belém and ManteigariaSurf lesson at Carcavelos or Cascais

Packing Essentials

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for steep cobblestone streets in Lisbon and Porto.

Universal travel adapter with EU plug (Type C/F) and a multi-port USB charger to handle phones, power banks, and cameras in one go.

Light jacket or cardigan even in summer; evenings near the Atlantic can be windy and cool, especially in Lisbon and Porto.

Compact travel umbrella or lightweight rain jacket between November and March, when showers are more frequent.

Daypack with secure zips and a crossbody strap; ideal for day trips to Sintra, beaches, and walking tours.

Printed and digital copies of passport, Schengen visa, travel insurance, and onward flight bookings; keep digital copies in secure cloud storage.

Basic medicines, including those for stomach issues and allergies, plus any prescription drugs in original labelled packaging and a doctor’s note.

Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and reusable water bottle for Algarve beaches and sunny days in spring/summer.

+2 more items

Practical Information

Visa Requirements

For Indian citizens, Portugal is part of the Schengen Area. You must apply for a short-stay Schengen visa (Type C) before travel if you don’t already hold a valid Schengen visa or residence permit for another Schengen state. Apply via the official VFS Global or embassy/consulate centre responsible for your jurisdiction. Usual requirements include a completed application form, passport with at least 3–6 months validity beyond the end of your trip, recent photos, flight itinerary, proof of accommodation for the entire stay, detailed travel plan, overseas medical insurance with coverage of at least €30,000, and proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, income tax returns, salary slips). Processing times are usually 15 calendar days but can be longer in peak seasons, so apply at least 4–6 weeks before departure. If Portugal is your main destination or first point of entry in Schengen, apply through Portuguese authorities. For other nationalities, rules vary: Citizens of many countries (e.g., EU/EEA, UK, US, Canada, Australia, Japan) can enter visa-free for up to 90 days in 180 days for tourism, but must respect the 90/180 rule. By 2026, the EU’s ETIAS pre-authorisation system is expected for some visa-exempt travelers—check the official EU and Portuguese consular websites for updated policies. Always verify exact requirements with the Portuguese consulate or official visa partner shortly before applying, as regulations and fees can change.

Safety

Portugal is widely regarded as one of the safer countries in Europe for solo travelers, including Indians. Violent crime against tourists is rare; the main risk is petty theft and pickpocketing in crowded, touristy spots such as Tram 28 in Lisbon, around major viewpoints, and busy metro stations. Always keep valuables close, use crossbody bags with zips, and avoid dangling phones and cameras from open pockets. Choose accommodation in central, well-reviewed areas that mention safety in recent reviews (Baixa/Chiado and Avenida in Lisbon; Aliados/Bolhão/Cedofeita in Porto; Old Town in Lagos). At night, stick to main roads and use ride-hailing if you feel unsure. Tap water is safe to drink and food hygiene standards are generally good, though travelers with sensitive stomachs should ease into rich or unfamiliar dishes. Beaches usually have lifeguards in peak season—swim between flags and heed red-flag warnings due to Atlantic currents. Emergency number 112 works across Portugal for police, ambulance, and fire; save it in your phone. Keep digital backups of your passport and visa and use hotel safes for your physical documents. As with any destination, avoid political demonstrations, be discreet with large cash amounts, and refrain from walking alone in very isolated areas after dark. For women traveling solo, catcalling is much less common than in many places, but basic precautions—meeting new acquaintances in public locations, watching drinks, and sharing your live location with someone you trust—remain advisable.

Getting Around

Lisbon Airport to city: Uber/Bolt typically €10–15 to Baixa/Chiado, 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. The metro Red Line to Saldanha/Alameda then transfer is cheaper (~€1.70 per ride), but if arriving late at night, app taxis are safer and more convenient.
Get a Viva Viagem card in Lisbon (small one-time fee plus top-up). A 24-hour public transport pass (metro, trams, buses) is around €6–7 and covers most inner-city travel, including historic trams like 28E (check current tariff for 2026 on Carris/Metro websites).

Sustainable Travel

Travel responsibly in Portugal by prioritizing public transport (trains and metros produce far less CO₂ than domestic flights or private cars), choosing centrally located lodging so you can walk more, and supporting locally owned cafés, restaurants, and shops over large international chains. Carry a reusable water bottle—tap water is safe to drink across the country—and avoid single-use plastic bags by carrying a foldable tote. On beaches in Algarve and coastal areas near Lisbon or Porto, never leave litter, avoid stepping on fragile dunes, and skip boat tours that allow physical contact with wildlife (like dolphins) or play loud music. When hiking coastal paths or visiting national parks, stick to marked trails to prevent erosion. Many hotels now offer linen/towel reuse programs; opt in to reduce water and energy use. If you join wine or food tours, look for operators who keep group sizes small and work directly with small producers, ensuring more money reaches local communities.

Your Journey

Where to Stay

Rossio Garden Hotel, Lisbon

Hotel$110-160/night

Central, a few minutes’ walk from Rossio station; 24-hour reception, good for late arrivals; on a busy street that feels safe for solo travelers returning after dinner.

View details

Home Lisbon Hostel, Lisbon

HostelBudget friendly

Highly rated solo-traveler hostel with female-only dorms, social dinners, and secure key-card access; great place for Indians meeting other travelers and sharing tours.

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The Passenger Hostel, Porto

HostelBudget friendly

Located inside São Bento station; extremely central with good security; ideal if you prefer to avoid walking long distances alone at night.

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Moov Hotel Porto Centro

Hotel$90-130/night

Value-for-money, clean, minimalist rooms; close to Bolhão and Aliados; safe surroundings and 24-hour front desk.

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Casa Mãe, Lagos

Boutique Hotel$180-260/night

Stylish, eco-conscious property walking distance from Old Town and beaches; well-lit area and calm vibe suited to solo travelers wanting comfort.

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Rising Cock Party & Chill Hostel, Lagos

HostelBudget friendly

Popular with backpackers; very social environment; consider if you like a lively scene and want easy access to group activities and beach outings.

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Local Flavors

Pastel de nata: Try at Pastéis de Belém in Lisbon (near Jerónimos Monastery) and Manteigaria (multiple locations). Expect about €1.20–2 per tart. Ask for it ‘quente’ (warm) with cinnamon.

Bacalhau à Brás or Bacalhau com Natas: Classic salted cod dishes, available at traditional tascas (small restaurants). Solar dos Presuntos and Laurentina in Lisbon are popular; mains around €15–25.

Francesinha in Porto: A heavy sandwich with layers of meat, cheese, and a beer-based sauce. Café Santiago or Cervejaria Brasão are well-known – share one if you have a smaller appetite.

Grilled sardines and seafood: Best along the coast (Alfama in Lisbon, Matosinhos near Porto, and Lagos in Algarve). Look for charcoal grills and handwritten menus; plates typically €12–20.

Piri-piri chicken: Inspired by Portuguese connections with Africa; try at Bonjardim (Lisbon) or local churrasqueiras. Good solo meal with sides for about €10–15.

Vinho Verde and Douro wines: Light, slightly sparkling Vinho Verde is great in warmer months. In Porto, do a tasting flight (3–5 wines) in Vila Nova de Gaia cellars (~€15–25).

Vegetarian options: Portugal leans meat/seafood-heavy, but larger cities have Indian and vegetarian restaurants. In Lisbon, try Chutnify or Gandhi Palace around Martim Moniz; thali-style meals around €10–14.

Insider Tips

1
Safety for Indian solo travelers: Portugal consistently ranks high in global safety indices. Petty theft (especially pickpocketing in crowded trams and tourist areas) is the main concern; violent crime against tourists is rare. Keep valuables minimal and use hotel safes.
2
Use cards but carry some cash: Cards (Visa/Mastercard) and contactless payments are widely accepted. Still carry €20–50 in small notes/coins for small cafés, public toilets, and occasional cash-only shops.
3
Language: English is widely spoken in tourist areas, especially among younger people. Learn a few Portuguese phrases (obrigado/a for thanks, bom dia for good morning), which locals appreciate.
4
Daily budget for solo travelers: Budget backpackers can manage around €45–60/day (hostel dorm, public transport, simple meals). Mid-range comfort is around €80–130/day (3-star hotel, some paid attractions, 1–2 restaurant meals).
5
Internet and eSIMs: Buy an eSIM from providers like Airalo or a physical SIM from Vodafone/MEO/NOS at the airport or malls; 10–15 GB data packages often cost around €15–25. This helps with navigation, translation, and ride-hailing.
6
Group tours: For day trips like Sintra or Douro Valley, small-group tours are excellent for solo travelers – they add a sense of security, provide local context, and help you meet people. Read recent reviews and avoid operators with aggressive upselling.
7
Cultural etiquette: Portuguese people are generally reserved but polite. Greets with ‘Olá’ and avoid speaking very loudly in public spaces. Tipping 5–10% in restaurants is appreciated but not compulsory, especially if service charge isn’t included.
8
Managing food as an Indian traveler: If you’re vegetarian or prefer Indian food, base yourself near areas like Martim Moniz (Lisbon) where there are South Asian groceries and restaurants. Confirm ‘sem carne, sem peixe’ (no meat, no fish) clearly when ordering.
9
Solo nights out: Portugal’s nightlife is lively and relatively safe. Stay in central, busy areas; watch your drink; avoid accepting drinks from strangers; and pre-plan your route back to your accommodation. Use Uber/Bolt after midnight.
10
Money-saving passes: In Lisbon, consider the Lisbon Card if you plan to visit many attractions; it includes public transport and museum entries (e.g., Jerónimos). In Porto, combo tickets (e.g., Clérigos + museum) and cellar packages can reduce per-attraction costs.
11
Work-friendly for digital nomads: Both Lisbon and Porto have many coworking spaces and cafés with good Wi-Fi. For medium-term stays, check neighborhood safety (e.g., Estrela or Campo de Ourique in Lisbon; Cedofeita in Porto) and proximity to supermarkets and public transport.
12
Avoid common mistakes: Don’t rely only on cards from Indian banks that might block overseas payments; carry at least two payment options (one primary card, one backup, plus some cash). Inform your bank about international travel dates.

Location

Latitude

38.7223

Longitude

-9.1393

Open in Google Maps

Continue Exploring

Safest & Best Countries for Indian Solo Travelers 2026 (From Someone Who Actually Went)#

So, um, if you’re sitting at home scrolling Insta, wondering “yaar, solo trip karu ki nahi?”, then this is literally for you. I started solo travelling a few years back, first inside India, then slowly slowly outside — with my one big fear: safety. Indian parents panic fast, and honestly, even I was overthinking in the beginning.¶

Over time though, I realised there are countries where an Indian solo traveller can walk around at 11 pm, phone in hand, and still feel okay, where the people don’t stare at you like you’re an alien, where vegetarian food isn’t just french fries and sadness. And ya, I messed up bookings, took wrong trains, almost lost my passport once (long story), but overall these places still felt super safe and welcoming.¶

In this post, I’m sharing the countries where I personally felt the safest as an Indian travelling alone, plus what things actually cost now, where to stay, how to move around, best months, all that jazzz. It’s not just "oh this looks nice on Pinterest" – I actually landed there, got confused, got lost, ate too much, spoke broken local language, the full experience.¶

What Makes a Country “Safe” for Indian Solo Travellers (According to Me)#

Before getting into the list, quick thing. When I say safe, I don’t just mean low crime stats from some global index. That matters, obviously, but for us Indian solo folks, safety feels like:¶

You can use your phone outside without feeling you’ll be robbed in 2 seconds
People don’t catcall you every two steps (especially if you’re a woman traveller)
Public transport is clear, not shady, and runs late
Cops & locals actually help you if you’re lost or stuck
You don’t feel weird being brown / desi / wearing kurta or speaking Hindi on calls

Plus, things like healthcare, digital payments, visa friendliness, hostels, all these also matter. I’ll mix all of that in when I talk about each country.¶

1. Japan – Clean, Quiet, And Weirdly Addictive#

Japan was the first country where I realised what actual safety feels like. I literally saw people keeping their laptops on café tables and going to the washroom. My Indian brain was like, bhai, what are you doing, come back. But nobody touched anything.¶

For solo travellers, especially if you’re going abroad for the first or second time, Japan is honestly a dream. Petty crime is super low, streets have CCTV everywhere, and people are polite to the point where it’s almost awkward. Even in big cities like Tokyo and Osaka, I used the metro at midnight and felt okay. Tired, yes. Scared, no.¶

Costs & Stay: How Much You’ll Actually Spend#

People scare you that Japan is insanely expensive. It can be, but for a budget-ish Indian solo traveller, here’s what I actually paid in recent trips:¶

Hostels (good, clean, with capsule beds): around ₹2,000–3,000 per night
Business hotels / tiny private room: ₹4,000–7,000 per night
A basic meal (ramen, curry rice): ₹600–1,200
Local transport (metro day pass in Tokyo/Osaka): approx ₹500–800 per day

The trick is: stay near a main train station area, use IC cards (like Suica/Pasmo), and eat at local chains like Yoshinoya, Matsuya, Sukiya. They’re cheap, filling, and honestly better than many fancy places.¶

Best Time To Go & What Felt Safest#

Cherry blossom months (late March–early April) are obviously magical but crowded and pricey. I weirdly prefer late October–November: cooler weather, autumn leaves, and not so many tourists. Weather also matters for solo safety you know — in peak summer the heat plus language confusion plus crowds can be too much.¶

As an Indian, I never once felt targeted. Some curious stares here and there, but no bad vibes. Trains have women-only coaches, stations are well lit, and there are convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson) literally everywhere if you ever feel stuck or need to ask for help.¶

Btw, do carry a small card with your hotel address in Japanese. Twice I got confused in Osaka’s streets and an old uncle literally walked me to my hostel after looking at the card. Zero English, but full kindness.¶

2. Thailand – Desi Favourite, But Still Seriously Good For Solo#

Thailand is like that friend we keep taking for granted. Everyone goes, everyone knows someone who went for a bachelor party etc, but for solo it’s honestly one of the best starter countries. Visa is easier compared to many places, flights from India are frequent, and cost of living is very, very manageable.¶

I’ve done Bangkok–Chiang Mai–Pai once and Bangkok–Krabi–Phuket another time, both solo. I never felt unsafe, but I did use basic common sense. You have to, especially around nightlife zones.¶

How Safe Did It Actually Feel?#

Daytime: totally chill. Night markets, malls, temples, old towns — you’re mostly surrounded by families, tourists, locals just living life. Nighttime: depends where you are. In crazy party streets of Bangkok or Phuket, you need to be a bit alert. Not scared, just alert. Keep your drink with you, watch your belongings, don’t follow random strangers to “secret bars”. Common sense wala safety.¶

What’s amazing though is how used to Indians they are. So many Indian tourists come here now that you find vegetarian food, Indian restaurants, and even locals who randomly say “Namaste” or “kitna?” and laugh. As a brown solo traveller, you don’t stand out much at all. You’re just part of the mix.¶

Budget Breakdown (Rough, But Realistic)#

Hostels: ₹700–1,500 per night (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi etc)
Decent hotel: ₹2,000–4,000 per night
Street food meal: ₹120–300 (pad thai, curries, rice etc)
Intra-city transport (Grab, BTS, tuk-tuk if you bargain): ₹300–800/day average

Hostels in Chiang Mai and Pai have such a chilled vibe, you end up making friends without even trying. Honestly, if you’re nervous about going truly solo, Thailand is the best place to realise you’re actually never that alone when you travel.¶

Best months: November to February. Avoid peak monsoon if you want island hopping, but I’ve had fun even in shoulder seasons when prices drop and crowds thin out. Just keep checking local weather updates and any travel advisories, especially for south Thailand’s coastal areas.¶

3. Vietnam – Budget Heaven & Surprisingly Safe#

Vietnam was the country that surprised me the most. I expected chaos, and ya, Hanoi traffic is madness, but the country overall is so gentle and safe for solo travellers, specially if you’re okay with scooters buzzing all around you.¶

I did Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hue – Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City, all solo, using a mix of night buses, trains and short flights. And except for one minor scam attempt in Hanoi’s old quarter (classic taxi overcharging), I never had any serious safety issues. People are busy with their own lives, not staring at you or anything.¶

Costs: One Of The Best Value Countries Right Now#

Hostels: ₹600–1,200 per night (and some include breakfast)
Cute homestays / guesthouses: ₹1,500–3,000 per night
Local meals (banh mi, pho, rice dishes): ₹150–300
Intercity night buses: roughly ₹1,000–2,000 depending distace

Tieng Viet (Vietnamese language) is tough but people are used to tourists now, and you’ll find English in hostels, tour offices, and main cafes. For safety, the usual advice is watch your bag in crowded market areas and use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps like Grab. Outside that, I honestly felt more relaxed here at night than some Indian cities.¶

Best part for Indian solo travellers: food. There’s so much rice, noodles, stir-fry, eggs, fruits — you can easily adapt even if you’re veg. In bigger cities, Indian restaurants are also there now, though more pricy. In Hoi An I literally found a small place where they had a “vegan curry” that tasted 70% like sambar and I was emotionally attached after that.¶

Best Time & Current Scene#

Vietnam is long vertically so weather changes north to south. Generally:¶

North (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long): March–April and October–November are pleasant
Central (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang): Feb–May works well
South (Ho Chi Minh, Mekong): pretty warm year-round, avoid heavy monsoon

Tourism has bounced back strongly, but it’s still cheaper than Thailand in many places. For solo travellers, there are loads of hostels with tours, walking groups, bike trips — so you can be alone when you want, and instantly have company when you don’t.¶

4. UAE (Especially Dubai & Abu Dhabi) – Hyper Modern, Hyper Safe#

Okay, I know you’re thinking: UAE means family trip, shopping, relatives, not solo backpacking. But hear me out. As an Indian travelling alone, this is one of the safest places I’ve ever walked around in, and that too late at night.¶

Strict laws, heavy surveillance, and a huge expat population means crime levels stay quite low, especially in main areas. Of course, always respect local rules – this isn’t a place to experiment with “edgy behaviour” just because you’re on vacation. Public affection, drinking outside designated places, dressing too provocatively in conservative areas – just avoid unnecessary drama.¶

Why It Works So Well For Indian Solo Travellers#

Three big reasons:¶

Huge Indian community – you’ll hear Hindi, Malayalam, Punjabi, Tamil literally everywhere. If something goes wrong, you will find “apne log” nearby.
Fantastic public transport – Dubai Metro is clean, air-conditioned, safe, and connects most main areas. Taxis are regulated. Ride-hailing apps are reliable.
Digital everything – paying by card or app is super easy, and even things like getting SIM cards, booking tickets, museums, all is online friendly.

I’ve sat alone at Dubai Marina at 1 am with my camera out, tripod, phone, everything, and nobody even looked at me twice. Safety level is insane compared to what we’re used to.¶

Cost & Best Time#

Now the not-so-fun part: UAE is not cheap. But if you plan smartly, it won’t fully destroy your bank account.¶

Hostels (yes, there are some now in Dubai): ₹2,000–3,500 per night
Budget hotel: ₹4,000–7,000 per night
Meals: Indian cafeteria type food ~₹400–800, fancy restaurants obviously more
Metro day card and buses: ₹600–900 per day depending zones

Best months: November–March, when the weather is actually walkable. Summers are brutal, like stepping into a hair dryer. But because everything is air-conditioned, city life goes on; still, for sightseeing, winter is much nicer.¶

Women travelling solo generally report feeling very safe here, especially in malls, metro, tourist zones. Just dress modestly in older or more traditional areas and you’re fine.¶

5. Singapore – Small, Super Efficient, And Very Solo Friendly#

Singapore is like that overachiever cousin – tiny country, big attitude, everything works, everything is clean. It’s one of the safest places in Asia according to most global indexes, and honestly it felt exactly like that when I was there.¶

I reached past midnight, took the MRT next morning alone, got lost in Chinatown, walked around Little India at odd hours, and never once had a moment where I felt threatened. Tired from walking yes, but not unsafe.¶

Why Indians Blend In So Well Here#

There’s already a big Indian community – you’ll find temples, gurdwaras, mosques, and proper Indian restaurants in Little India and beyond. So you’re not this strange outsider. You’re just another desi, among many others, plus locals are used to multicultural crowds anyway.¶

The laws are strict, there are heavy fines for even basic things like littering, but because of that, streets feel really orderly and safe. As a solo traveller, especially a woman, that makes a huge difference.¶

Costs, Stay & Best Season#

Singapore can be pricey if you’re not careful, but it’s doable for 3–4 days on a smart budget.¶

Hostels: ₹2,000–3,500 per night (often with breakfast, good AC, lockers)
Budget hotel: ₹5,000–8,000 per night
Hawker centre meal (which is the best way to eat there): ₹300–600
Unlimited public transport day pass: approx ₹700–1,000

Weather is tropical and humid most of the year, so just accept that you’ll sweat and carry a small towel like proper Indian style. There isn’t exactly a “bad” time to visit but avoiding peak rainy weeks is nice if you want to walk a lot. Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay, Sentosa, and the night safari are all super solo-friendly.¶

6. Georgia – Europe-ish Experience On A Friendlier Budget#

Georgia (the country, not the US state obviously) is one place I didn’t expect to love this much. It’s been trending a lot among Indians because of easier visas and cheaper costs compared to Western Europe, but what I personally noticed was how safe and relaxed it felt for solo wandering.¶

Tbilisi, the capital, has this artsy, slightly broken-down-but-charming vibe. You can walk around old streets, hop into cafes, climb up to Narikala Fortress for sunset, and it’s mostly chill. People are warm, sometimes a bit blunt, but not hostile. Language is a challenge outside cities, but gestures and Google Translate do the job.¶

Costs & Where Safety Shines#

Hostels: ₹800–1,800 per night in Tbilisi and Batumi
Guesthouses: ₹2,000–3,500 per night including breakfast sometimes
Meals: Local khachapuri, khinkali, stews etc: ₹250–600
Intra-city rides (Yandex/Bolt): ₹150–400 for most trips

Petty theft is always a risk in touristy areas, but violent crime towards tourists is relatively low. I walked alone at night in Tbilisi’s central areas multiple times and felt quite okay. Just avoid extremely drunk crowds and empty back alleys, basic stuff only.¶

Best months: Late April–June and September–October. Winters can be harsh in the mountains, but if you’re into snow, then it’s a vibe. For solo safety, I liked the shoulder seasons when roads are clear and tourist infrastructure is fully functioning.¶

As an Indian, I did get a few curious questions like “Where are you from?” followed by random Bollywood comments. Someone in a small café in Tbilisi literally played a Shah Rukh Khan song when I said I’m from India. Not joking.¶

7. Portugal – Chill, Scenic, And Not As Intense As Other European Hotspots#

If you’re dreaming of Europe but worried about safety and cost, Portugal is honestly one of the best entry points right now. Compared to some other European capitals, Lisbon and Porto felt more relaxed, a bit slower, less in-your-face. And as a solo Indian traveller, I didn’t feel much racial tension or anything like that.¶

I roamed Lisbon’s Alfama district alone, took the tram, climbed random viewpoints, and yes, there are pickpocket warnings, but that’s standard big-city Europe now. As long as your phone and wallet aren’t sticking out of your back pocket, you’re good.¶

Costs & Best Time to Just Wander#

Hostels: ₹1,800–3,000 per night
Budget hotels / guesthouses: ₹4,000–7,000 per night
Meals in local tascas (small restaurants): ₹800–1,800
Metro/tram/bus passes: roughly ₹600–1,000 per day

Best months: March–June and September–October. July–August gets touristy and hot. For solo travellers, shoulder season is the sweet spot – more locals around than tourists, prices a bit lower, and you get space to just sit with a coffee and stare at the river like a movie extra.¶

Veg food is not as easy as Asia but still possible. There are more Indian and vegetarian spots popping up, especially in Lisbon. Also, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, which makes trains, trams, and buses simpler to navigate.¶

8. Sri Lanka – Feels Familiar, Yet Very Different#

Sri Lanka, for us Indians, feels like a cousin who lives just across the sea. Similar food, some similar words, similar love for cricket. But when you travel there solo, especially by train or bus, you realise it’s its own unique vibe completely.¶

In recent years they’ve had economic and political ups and downs, so I always check the latest news and advisories before going. But on the ground, especially in touristy towns like Kandy, Ella, Galle, Mirissa, I still felt quite safe as a solo traveller. Locals depend heavily on tourism and are generally welcoming.¶

Why It’s Great For Indian Solo Travellers#

Short flights and relatively cheap tickets from many Indian cities
Cultural familiarity – temples, vegetarian food, rice & curry, chai stalls
Train journeys like Kandy–Ella are stunning and also safe if you watch your bags

Costs as of now are fairly budget friendly for Indians, especially compared to Europe or even parts of Southeast Asia.¶

Guesthouses / homestays: ₹1,500–3,000 per night
Hostels: ₹800–1,500 per night
Meals (rice & curry, kottu, hoppers): ₹200–500

Best time: December–April works great for south and west coasts, while the east coast is nicer around May–September. For solo safety, I found tourist towns and coastal areas quite easygoing, just take usual precautions at night around deserted beaches.¶

Quick Tips To Stay Safe Anywhere (From My Own Screw-Ups)#

Even in the safest countries, if we act fully careless na, phir toh problem hoga. Some things I’ve learned the hard way:¶

Always keep a digital and printed copy of your passport, visa, and travel insurance in a separate bag or on cloud
Use hostel lockers, actually use them, don’t just keep the lock as decoration
Don’t tell random strangers your full itinerary and hotel name on day one
At night, stick to busier streets, avoid totally empty shortcuts even if Google Maps shows it’s faster
If a deal or offer feels too good to be true, it’s usually scammy, just walk away

And one more thing I always do now: share live location with at least one person back home, or in a close friend group. Not in a paranoid way, just like a safety net. Doesn’t matter which country, it’s a small habit that gives a lot of peace of mind.¶

So… Which Country Should You Start With?#

If you’re a first-time Indian solo traveller and kinda nervous, my rough suggestion:¶

Start with Thailand or Sri Lanka – closer to home, culturally familiar, cheaper, and full of other solo travellers.
Then try Vietnam or Singapore – a bit more different, still very safe and manageable.
Once comfy, go for Japan, Georgia, or Portugal for that bigger leap and slightly more complex planning.

But honestly, safety is 50% country, 50% how you behave. These places are some of the safest and best I’ve personally experienced as an Indian roaming alone with a backpack and too many powerbanks, but you still need street smarts, common sense, and a tiny bit of healthy suspicion when something feels off.¶

If you’re reading this and still doubting yourself – I get it. Before my first solo international trip, I overpacked, overthought, and almost cancelled because I got anxious. But once you actually land, check in, take that first walk alone in a new city… there’s this quiet confidence that starts building inside. And that feeling, trust me, is addictive.¶

Anyway, if you want more random-but-useful travel stories, budget breakdowns, and honest opinions (including my mistakes), I keep sharing stuff on AllBlogs.in as well. Check it out when you’re procrastinating your next trip plan. Or, better, book the ticket first and then read.¶

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Anya Sharma

Anya Sharma is a passionate explorer and storyteller with a deep love for uncovering the world's hidden gems and pushing her own boundaries. From trekking through the towering peaks of the Himalayas to diving in the vibrant coral reefs of Southeast Asia, Anya seeks out experiences that ignite the spirit of adventure. Her writing brings these journeys to life, offering practical tips, inspiring anecdotes, and a genuine sense of wonder for the diverse cultures and breathtaking landscapes she encounters. When she's not on the road, you can find Anya planning her next expedition or sharing her insights on sustainable and responsible travel.¶

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