Scotland

No language barrier, world-class hiking (the West Highland Way, 96 miles), and a pub culture built for meeting strangers. Scotland's hostels — especially the SYHA network — are spread across some of the most dramatic landscapes in Europe. Edinburgh is compact and walkable, with free museums and a castle visible from everywhere. The Highlands are sparsely populated and hauntingly beautiful, with the North Coast 500 driving route rivaling Iceland's Ring Road. Glasgow's live music scene is the best in the UK outside London. Whisky distillery tours are built for solo visitors.