The sun rises early

Sigiriya, Matale District, Sri Lanka
Jutting out of the plains and forests of northeast Sri Lanka, Sigiriya is one of the country’s most spellbinding sights. Built by king Kashyapa I in the 5th century, the name of the imposing rock fortress means Lion’s Rock. The only way to access the UNESCO World Heritage Site is through a passageway hewn in between a giant pair of lion paws.

Petra, Jordan
The startling beauty of the ancient hand-hewn sandstone city of Petra cannot be overestimated. Established in 213 BC, it was once the capital city of the Arab Nabateans who were famed for their skill at carving buildings into rocks. Despite now being firmly on the tourist trail, this age-old wonder remains astonishing.

Thailand
Many travel bloggers report Thailand as a safe destination for solo travel, including the busy city of Bangkok. In the Thai capital, visitors will find top sights like the aptly named Grand Palace and foodie-centric Khao San Road, plus an impressive nightlife scene. To get around the city or to other parts of Thailand, vacationers can take advantage of the country's many modes of transportation, which range from familiar choices like trains, subways, buses and taxis to local options such as long-tail boats and three-wheeled motorcycles known as tuk-tuks. Women traveling solo can even download the Tourism Authority of Thailand's "Women's Journey

Iceland
According to Intrepid Travel, which leads group tours all over the world, Iceland is a great destination for solo travel. Most locals speak English and are known for being warm and friendly; the company also notes that Wi-Fi access and cellphone reception are both very good. The country is often called the Land of Fire and Ice because of its abundant natural wonders, from glaciers and volcanoes to waterfalls and hot springs. Consider a visit during the summer months to enjoy nearly 24 hours of sunlight while participating in outdoor activities like ice climbing, caving, cycling and hiking. Reykjavik, the country's capital and most populous city, is a good home base thanks to its proximity to Iceland's international airport and its multitude of shops, cafes, museums and art galleries. In urban hubs, you'll find plenty of traditional accommodations, but in Iceland's small towns, you'll find the most success with Airbnbs or camping.

Forbidden City: Beijing, China
This former royal compound is more than a half-mile long. Home to 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties between 1420 and 1925, Forbidden City (also known as the Imperial Palace) is a Beijing heritage site, not a museum of antiquities. Laid out according to Confucian ideals, its men-only outer court comprises more than 90 palaces, while the family-centric inner court was devoted to imperial residences and ceremonial halls. For an in-depth experience, book a guided walking tour to learn about the history, architecture and significance of this landmark.

Grand Palace: Bangkok, Thailand
Formerly a palace for Kings Rama I through Rama V, and home to Wat Phra Kaeo, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, today's ceremonial royal complex is a top attraction in Bangkok. Allow at least half a day to admire the ornate carvings, gilded teak woodwork, tiles and classic architecture of the palace's three courtyards, and see the temple interior. Visitors to the Grand Palace must dress appropriately with both shoulders and knees covered, and are asked to wear black or white out of respect for the late King Rama IX, who died in 2016. For a personalized experience, book a customized tour of the palace and Bangkok's must-sees, including the Temple of the Reclining Buddha across the street. The Siam, a traveler-endorsed hotel, has two restaurants, a marina and a full-service spa.