"To make solo travel accessible, safe, and deeply meaningful for every independent explorer."
Sola exists because solo travel changes people — and the information available to solo travelers has never been as honest, current, or community-driven as it deserves to be. We exist to fix that.
How Sola began
Sola started as a conversation between two solo travelers who'd both had the same experience: arriving somewhere new, finding the published safety and destination information outdated, incomplete, or written for group travelers, and wishing there was something better.
We built the resource we'd always wanted. Today, Sola covers over 80 destinations across six continents, publishes original solo travel stories, and maintains safety guides updated by a community of active independent travelers.
We are based in Tokyo — a city that shaped our belief that the world genuinely welcomes the solo traveler who arrives respectfully and curiously.
What we stand for
Safety-First
Every destination, story, and guide is assessed through a safety lens. We never glamorize risk or omit safety considerations to make a destination sound more appealing.
Honest Reporting
We publish what travelers actually experience — including the difficult parts. We don't accept sponsored placements that require positive coverage. Our editorial independence is not for sale.
Community-Driven
Our best content comes from the Sola community — solo travelers sharing what they've learned, seen, and felt. Every story submission is read and considered for publication.
Sustainable Travel
We encourage slow travel, local spending, and cultural respect. Tourism done well is a force for connection and economic good. We try to guide travelers toward being a positive presence, not just a visitor.
Built by solo travelers,
for solo travelers
Every member of the Sola team has solo traveled extensively — and writes from genuine experience, not research alone.
Akemi Tanaka
Solo traveler for 12 years, 60+ countries. Former travel journalist for major publications. Akemi founded Sola after growing frustrated with travel content that was neither honest nor current. Based in Tokyo, she has made Sola's editorial independence its most important asset.
Nina Eriksson
Solo female traveler and former security consultant. Nina oversees all safety content at Sola — ensuring every guide reflects current on-the-ground realities rather than outdated generalizations. She has solo traveled in over 40 countries and writes Sola's women's safety guides from direct experience.
Sola in numbers
