Australia is the second-most desired destination for solo travellers in 2026

You know when someone comes back from a trip as a completely different person (in the best way)? Chances are, they’ve just ticked off a big solo adventure. Whether it’s hiking through the Andes or having an Eat, Pray, Love moment in Bali, travelling alone comes with plenty of perks. You set the pace, call the shots and follow your whims wherever they lead.

It turns out a lot of solo travellers have Australia at the top of their wish lists this year.

According to a new report from FTLO Travel, those planning solo trips in 2026 are dreaming of three standout countries: Japan, Australia and New Zealand. When asked what they’re hoping to get out of the trip, the most common response was simply the chance to see the world (74.6 per cent). However, destination choice was also strongly influenced by the cultural activities on offer (69 per cent), food (47 per cent) and affordability (44 per cent).

As the most-desired destination for solo travellers in 2026, Japan ticks every single one of those boxes. A weakened yen makes it incredibly affordable for solo travellers, the food scene is widely regarded as one of the best in the world (ramen, onigiri and fluffy pancakes galore), and culture is everywhere you look – from ancient temples and relaxing onsens to neon-lit markets.

Australia comes in as the second-most popular travel spot for solo travellers in 2026 – and we’re happy to tell you why. For starters, our nation consistently ranks among the safest in the world, so you can explore without constantly being on high alert. Beyond that, Australia strikes the perfect balance between quiet adventures – think rainforest hikes, coastal drives and secret beaches – and social activities like weekend markets, sailing trips and winery tours. There’s something here for every type of solo traveller.

If you’re Aussie-born and looking to explore somewhere new, you can see where other solo travellers around the world are dreaming of below.

The top 10 countries solo travellers want to visit in 2026

1. Japan
2. Australia
3. New Zealand
4. Argentina
5. Italy
6. South Korea
7. Greece
8. Thailand
9. Iceland
10. Peru and Switzerland

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