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Solo travel for women: the 18 best destinations (plus tips).

Plan an independent getaway to suit your own personal travel style.

Solo Travel for Women

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For your next solo adventure, consider exploring waterfalls in Iceland, rice fields in Indonesia, beaches in Thailand and more.

Perhaps you have a bucket list of places you've always wanted to travel at the ready but you just keep waiting for the right person to go with you. But if your friends are busy, you just broke up with your partner and you're not feeling a family vacation, you don't have to wait to embark on a new adventure – just go solo .

Traveling by yourself, even as a woman, is not as challenging or scary as you might think. There are plenty of benefits: You don't have to adhere to anyone else's schedule, budget or food preferences, so you can truly prioritize yourself. Solo travel means doing whatever you want whenever you want, while seeing the places that you most want to visit. Adventuring alone as a woman can empower you to see the world on your terms.

Whether you're concerned about safety or seeking companionship, there are plenty of places around the globe to consider for your next solo trip. U.S. News has compiled this list of top solo travel destinations (and helpful tips) with expertise from women who have traversed the globe by themselves and loved it.

Barcelona, Spain

With a visit to Barcelona , immerse yourself in the local culture at your leisure, whether you want to dine at Michelin-starred restaurants or go cheer at a football (soccer) game. Writer Mona Gable says, "Barcelona is a place of wonder − medieval neighborhoods, sunny beaches, and world-class museums, not to mention Antoni Gaudí's celebrated architecture." She enjoyed exploring the Mediterranean port city, especially because of its walkability and easy-to-navigate transportation system with metro lines and buses. She also noted feeling safe on her own: "As a female traveler, I felt perfectly at ease wandering many neighborhoods alone, even at late hours, when Catalans famously dine out."

Travel tip: Gable says it's best to avoid touristy Las Ramblas – Barcelona's main thoroughfare – except to see La Boqueria, the city's legendary food market.

[See more of Barcelona:  Things to Do  |  Tours  |  Hotels  |  When to Visit  |  Photos  ]

Botswana is well known for African wildlife safaris , where travelers might encounter elephants, zebras, rhinos, lions and cheetahs while glamping in luxury tents and dining on gourmet food. "Wildlife travel offers an outstanding combination of camaraderie, safety and autonomy," says Darcie Smith, owner of Great Expeditions Travel . She recommends Botswana's green season (November to March) for solo female travelers; at this time of year the single supplement surcharge is waived at many safari camps, which offers an excellent value and means you're more likely to meet other solo travelers. It is also peak season for birding, and you'll find plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife in the lush landscape.

Many camps will send someone to meet guests upon arrival to help you navigate airports or transfers. In Smith's experience, camp guests are also escorted to their rooms at night, for an added wildlife safety element. "Solo female travelers can enjoy daily shared safari activities in intimate camps that encourage social gatherings with full independence to design the itinerary around what's best for you," she says.

Travel tip: Smith recommends making your social media accounts private when you travel so strangers can't track your location as well as learning about the customs of your destination. "This will help avoid accidentally coming across as forward or flirtatious based on local standards," she explains. "For example, while long eye contact may be considered a sign of self-confidence or being polite at home, it may come across as flirtatious in your new destination."

Picture yourself indulging in pizza and gelato, visiting world-famous museums, touring picturesque wineries, and shopping at designer boutiques – all of that is at your fingertips in Italy , writer Martha McCully's go-to travel destination. "Italians want to share their culture and it's part of their personality to welcome you," she says. "Plus, the food and wine are outrageously divine."

The idea that traveling solo means you will be alone is a misconception, according to McCully. "It's simply not true," she says. "Book a group tour at your destination, or DM a friend from your past on Instagram, which is what I did in Bologna." There are plenty of unique ways to meet fellow travelers in Italy; she recommends signing up for a cooking class in Bologna through Taste of Italy, a food tour by Curious Appetite or a painting class with Plein Air Tuscany. "The idea is you will be with like-minded travelers and someone else is doing all the organizing," McCully explains.

Travel tip: McCully suggests sticking to your wellness routine while on the road to keep healthy habits. "I like to take my rituals with me," she says. "When I ground myself with what I know makes me feel good physically and mentally, it's like I'm living in another country, not just visiting."

[Read: The Top Italy Tours .]

With glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls and hot springs galore, the dramatic landscapes of Iceland make it a must-visit destination. The "Land of Fire and Ice" is also known for puffins, its Viking history and women's empowerment, with the country's reputation as a champion of gender equality.

"Iceland is a favorite destination for female solo travelers because it is easily one of the safest countries in the world," says Jenny Ly, professional travel blogger at Go Wanderly . Iceland has one of the world's lowest crime rates and no animal predators dangerous to humans – just prepare for challenging weather and exercise caution if you plan to do any driving. Ly's itinerary recommendations include whale watching, with nearly a dozen types of whales navigating Icelandic waters; visiting Vatnajökull Glacier's ice caves; and chasing the northern lights in the darker months (October to April).

Travel tip: Ly encourages solo female travelers to not let the lack of a travel companion prevent them from exploring the world. "It can be both empowering and rewarding for women to travel solo, at least once in their life," she says. "While traveling alone can be riskier than traveling with others, it can also be more fun and gratifying." Her tip is to always be aware of your surroundings.

[Read: The Top Iceland Tours .]

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

While some women may shy away from traveling to Mexico due to safety concerns, travel blogger Jeanine Romo of lewildexplorer.com , who has ventured solo to many countries, recommends visiting the charming town of San Miguel de Allende . "I decided to go on my own and had such a wonderful time," she says. "The people are friendly, the hospitality is amazing, and there are so many things to do if you love art, incredible food, and incredible architecture." San Miguel de Allende is a great option for women travelers because the city center is easily walkable and Uber is available, which Romo says made her feel safe because she could always call a ride.

Travel tip: For women traveling by themselves, Romo advises doing research on transportation options (such as local buses, metro lines and ride-sharing app availability) before you arrive. "I like to know how walkable the city I'm visiting is," says Romo. "This helps me feel so much more confident when navigating a new city."

[See more of San Miguel de Allende: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

New Zealand

From pristine beaches on the North Island to snowy mountains on the South Island – and all kinds of geological wonders in between – the diversity of New Zealand is a major draw for tourists. Travelers can learn about the indigenous Māori culture, visit a sheep farm or go sailing in Auckland , among an abundance of other incredible things to do in this island nation.

Travel blogger Nina Ragusa of whereintheworldisnina.com enjoys visiting because of the welcoming culture, outdoor adventure and feeling of safety. "Traveling New Zealand as a solo woman is quite easy, and if it's your first trip solo, this would be a good country to start in," she says. Ragusa spent a month camping in a van by herself and said she never had to worry about her safety, even in more remote areas. "I went on hikes solo, some of them deep into the mountains for miles and miles, and was either alone or passing other tourists or friendly kiwis to wave hello to," she says. Ragusa adds that New Zealand is not the cheapest travel destination, but her personal recommendation for saving money on longer trips here is to rent – or buy and later sell – a van to live in.

Travel tip: Ragusa recommends steering clear of the outskirts of the bigger cities (particularly if you do travel by van). She warns that, as in most urban destinations around the world, those parts of New Zealand are where you're more likely to run into trouble.

El Calafate, Patagonia, Argentina

For an outdoor adventure in South America, Argentine Patagonia offers pristine ice hiking, backpacking, kayaking, trekking and wildlife viewing. Nicol Gillum-Thomas, an African-American solo female traveler whose mission is to encourage women to live life as an adventure, enjoyed her time in the town of El Calafate. "El Calafate, Argentina, was the destination that seemed the most off-putting in my imagination, but became the trip with the most adventure, awe-inspiring beauty and ease," she says.

Travel tip: Gillum-Thomas recommends a stay at the América del Sur Hostel Calafate, saying she appreciated the clean accommodations and interesting guests.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

If you dream of a getaway that includes picturesque beaches and crystal-clear water, Croatia is the perfect spot to explore. In Dubrovnik , the ancient city walls and medieval architecture of Old Town , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, set a particularly gorgeous scene when the sun goes down. Tamara Williams, owner of solo female travel-focused blog My Elated Odyssey , says the unmatched beauty of the surrounding sea and mountains is only one reason to plan a trip here.

"The locals are some of the nicest people I have ever met," Williams says. "They truly made it feel like a second home. They spoke English well, so no need to worry about a language barrier." She adds that this Balkan country is also considerably more affordable than destinations in Western Europe.

Travel tip: For solo female travelers, Williams suggests staying in the Lapad neighborhood or near Old Town. "Both are full of cafes, bars and shopping to keep you busy," she says.

[See more of Dubrovnik: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Svalbard, Norway

You can't go wrong in Norway , with breathtaking fjords, fascinating wildlife, scenic railways, outdoor adventure and the chance to glimpse the northern lights . Jurga Rubinovaite, founder of the travel blog Full Suitcase , says you won't want to miss Svalbard: a Norwegian archipelago located approximately 800 miles from the North Pole. "It is one of the most unique nature destinations in the world," she says. "Despite being so far north in the Arctic, it's extremely easy to visit and is also a great and safe destination for solo female travelers."

The main town, Longyearbyen, is the focal point of activities in Svalbard, which range from hiking and boat tours in the summer to winter pursuits such as ice cave visits and snowmobiling. "Because of the presence of polar bears, everything you do in Svalbard requires booking a guided tour, so you are always in safe hands," Rubinovaite explains. "Longyearbyen town itself is very lively and safe, with lots of accommodations, restaurants, shops, and a few museums, all within easy walking distance from each other."

Travel tip: For women traveling alone, Rubinovaite advises thorough research in advance of your trip to this Arctic locale; staying in hotels, rather than private accommodations; and booking guided tours or looking for a travel buddy when venturing out to very remote places.

Head to Ireland for a memorable solo getaway complete with rolling emerald-green hills, fairytale castles and Irish coffee. Experienced traveler Kelie Fiala of the Vacations Planned blog ranks this European country at the top of her list for solo travel spots. "Many attractions in Ireland are wonderful for solo travelers because they offer peaceful spots to stop and enjoy the gorgeous views, but also provide plenty of opportunities to meet friendly people at cafes and other points of interest," she says.

Fiala appreciates the nightlife and music scene of Ireland as much as the history and scenery. She suggests experiencing some of the country's pubs, even if you're a woman traveling alone, since you'll almost always find live music and friendly people. "Even if you start out by yourself, you'll easily find that you're having great conversations in no time," she says.

Travel tip: Fiala warns that for solo travelers, especially women, it's best to be careful how much you drink and leave the situation if you ever feel uncomfortable. But she also encourages women to not be afraid to have a chat. "You could hear some great stories, and make a new friend," she says.

Beautiful beaches, delicious food, friendly people, exotic animals and floating markets are just some of the incredible things that you can experience in Thailand . Loredana Gogoescu, head of content for Destguides.com , says she felt safe in Thailand as soon as she arrived. "Thai people are hospitable and kind," she says. "Moreover, as a solo traveler, I was surprisingly never alone. I had to book a private room for myself at one point just to get a breather, as I was constantly meeting new people!"

Travel tip: If you're apprehensive about exploring a new place on your own, especially if you've never traveled abroad before, Gogoescu recommends sorting out all the logistics like accommodations and transportation in advance so it's easier to acclimate once you get there. She adds, "If you're afraid of being alone, join different apps like Bumble and Facebook groups for the destination you're traveling to, to see if you can match up with other solo female travelers who will be in the area at the same time as you."

Netherlands

Nailah Hayward of TheresSoMuchToSee.com says the Netherlands is a superb option for first-time solo female travelers, based on ease of transportation, overall safety, the variety of things to do and other factors. "The Netherlands comes out high on all of these areas," she says. "And after multiple visits to the country, traveling through big cities and small towns, I always felt extremely safe." With the country's extensive train system, in addition to local trams and bike lanes, navigating the Netherlands by yourself doesn't pose too great a burden. Hayward also appreciates the ease of communicating with locals as an English speaker, since most people speak English in addition to Dutch.

"Whether you are into the arts scene, outdoor activities, luxury experiences, cultural exploration or culinary delights, the Netherlands has a huge variety of activities to dive into," Hayward says. "All of these elements make the Netherlands a place that I enthusiastically recommend for solo women travelers."

Travel tip: Don't carry cash. Hayward says most transactions can be done electronically, so there's no need for frequent trips to the ATM.

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Luxury family travel influencer Irina Claire Bromberg suggests Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands as a top spot for solo female travel, partially because of its high safety rating from the U.S. Department of State. There's also no shortage of activities in this Caribbean destination, with Bromberg calling Stingray City a must. "The stingrays are peaceful and gentle," she says. "They glide along the ocean floor and you're free to observe and even play with them in their natural habitat." She also recommends soaking up some sun at the renowned Seven Mile Beach .

Grand Cayman is also a foodie paradise, according to Bromberg. "The vibrant dishes are as tasty as they are exciting, representing the fascinating mix of cultures and traditions that make the island so unique," she says. Her suggestions for food to try include the classic Cayman-style lobster, coconut shrimp and Johnny cakes.

Travel tip: Bromberg recommends checking the U.S. Department of State safety rating and other solo travelers' experiences prior to booking a trip.

[See more of the Cayman Islands:  Things to Do  |  Hotels  |  When to Visit  |  Photos  ]

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Chart your course for Istanbul , the only city in the world that straddles two continents, Europe and Asia. This anomaly is one of many features making the Turkish city stand out as a unique destination; you'll get to experience its Byzantine architecture, Ottoman cuisine and landmarks like the Grand Bazaar on a trip here. Farihah Fuaad, a Muslim solo travel expert and founder of MuslimSoloTravel.com , says, "It offers the best of both worlds – East and West, Europe and Asia, modern and ancient – and lots of surprises." This lively, fast-paced metropolis is also rich in history and culture, with remnants of bygone eras visible in the skyline of Istanbul, according to Fuuad.

For solo travelers, there are endless opportunities for memorable experiences. "Wherever you go in Istanbul, multiple surprises await you at the corner of every street, its cobblestone alleys, or within the maze-like structure in Grand Bazaar," Fuaad says. The network of easy and convenient public transportation options also makes Istanbul a great choice for women traveling solo.

Travel tip: For first-time solo female travelers, Fuaad suggests taking time to adjust to being on your own: "Start small, by venturing to your next neighboring town or city first, or any city in your country first before you make the leap into solo traveling abroad." She adds, "Don't do things you're not comfortable with. Listen to your gut feelings – they're always right!"

[See more of Istanbul:  Things to Do  |  Hotels  |  When to Visit  |  Photos  ]

Bali, Indonesia

For a tropical island escape, Bali is undeniably magical. Its natural beauty spans volcanoes, waterfalls and stunning beaches, as well as sprawling rice fields, diverse nightlife and breathtaking temples. Katie Caf, travel blogger at KatieCafTravel.com , who has been traveling solo full time for the past year and a half, says Bali is by far her favorite place to visit. "The Balinese people are very respectful towards female travelers, there's no street harassment based on gender like you might find in other locations, and while no place is perfect, Bali just feels very safe as a woman," Caf says. She adds that, although Indonesia is a conservative country, she found that women traveling there aren't expected to cover up except in temples or other sacred religious sites.

Travel tip: Caf recommends that travelers always use ride-sharing apps like Uber, Gojek and Grab rather than hailing cabs off the street, since the apps' tracking features make them much safer to use for solo female travelers in foreign countries. Some of these sites also allow you to share your route with chosen contacts for added safety.

[See more of Bali:  Things to Do  |  Hotels  |  When to Visit  |  Photos  ]

Paris is one of the most iconic destinations in Europe for any traveler. Antoinette Harris, founder and owner of travel blog Frolic & Courage , considers the "City of Love" a superb option for women traveling solo due to its cuisine, cultural attractions and hands-on activities of all sorts. "I consider Paris the city of self-love because it has everything solo women travelers need to care for themselves and their interests," Harris says.

With the flexibility of traveling on your own, you can plan the Paris trip of your dreams. Depending on what you're interested in, you may choose to learn about French cooking, immerse yourself in the Louvre , attend an opera at the historic Palais Garnier or browse local shops, as Harris has done. "Uninhibited by the demands or requests of others, I was able to really take the time to focus on who I am, what I wanted and what sparks joy and life in my spirit," she says. "Traveling to Paris taught me how to truly enjoy spending time solo."

Travel tip: One of Harris' top tips is to not bring more than you can carry, as you won't always find someone to help you with your luggage if an escalator breaks and you have to take the stairs. "By keeping only the essentials, you're able to move quickly to and from your destination without worrying too much about being a target for crime," Harris says. She also recommends downloading an offline map you can reference even without internet connection and sharing your itinerary with family members or friends who could help in a sticky situation.

[See more of Paris:  Things to Do  |  Tours  |  Hotels  |  When to Visit  |  Photos  ]

New York City

It's hard to beat the allure of the twinkling lights of Times Square , award-winning Broadway shows and Lady Liberty . Melanie Musson, a travel expert with AutoInsurance.org , loves taking a solo trip to New York City , saying she doesn't even have the chance to feel lonely because the hustle and bustle of the big city keeps her sufficiently distracted.

Musson says that, while there are risks for visitors in any city, the odds of anything scary happening to you in New York are low as long as you take appropriate precautions. "New York City prioritizes tourist safety because they know they’d lose this valuable industry if visitors had frequent bad experiences," she explains, adding that you may be surprised how friendly the local residents are. "They're usually happy to help you identify the right subway line to take or bus to catch. They'll probably even give you tips on the best places to eat or things to see."

Travel tip: Musson's pre-trip tip is to check crime reports in the destination you're heading to and stay within the safe areas. "Trust your gut and get out of the area if you don't feel safe," she cautions.

[See more of New York City:  Things to Do  |  Tours  |  Hotels  |  When to Visit  |  Photos  ]

The city of Singapore is known for being clean, green and safe for travelers – as well as expensive. Singapore boasts impressive architecture, the iconic Singapore sling cocktail, street food markets and luxury shopping malls. Daina Cohen, editor at WorldlyKnown.com , says, "Singapore is a fantastic destination for solo women travelers because of its vibrant, yet safe culture and exciting sights." On a solo trip to this Southeast Asian city, you can experience the unique blend of diverse cultures and cuisines, Cohen says, in addition to other benefits. "It's easy to navigate with plenty of public transportation options, plus an excellent healthcare system, which makes it a great choice for those who want to travel solo," Cohen notes. Tourists should research Singapore's laws – such as a ban on chewing gum – before traveling there to avoid fines.

Travel tip: Cohen advises staying in a hostel (which often have options for women-only dorms) or renting an Airbnb for more privacy. You'll also want to familiarize yourself with the city's public transportation system prior to arrival.

[See more of Singapore: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Sharael Kolberg is a U.S. News & World Report contributor with a wealth of knowledge when it comes to solo travel for women. Her first trip by herself was to New Zealand when she was 19. Since then, she has traveled solo all over the U.S. and to countries such as Fiji, Argentina, Chile and Italy. Her favorite destination to travel alone is still her native California, which offers a diverse landscape from the city to the sea and the mountains and the desert.

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15 Best Trip Destinations for Solo Female Travelers

Here are the top travel destinations around the world for solo women.

Solo travel can be intimidating. Whether you're heading to a city in your own country or across the globe, traveling alone can bring up a wealth of concerns — from the awkwardness of dining on your own to more serious issues of safety, especially for women. But despite any nervousness or uncertainty, traveling solo can be one of the most freeing and rewarding experiences, allowing you to immerse yourself in the community and stumble upon those moments of cross-cultural connection organically.

Choosing the right destination is key, so we've rounded up some of the best destinations around the world for women to travel solo.

Between exploring the charming streets of Reykjavik, chasing the northern lights , and driving the famous Ring Road, solo female travelers can have an unforgettable trip in Iceland and feel safe doing so. The country has consistently ranked first on both the Institute for Economics and Peace's Global Peace Index and the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report, so visitors can rest assured that safety and gender equality are prized in this naturally stunning destination. Solo tourists can head out into the wilderness via well-traveled (often busy, even) hiking trails and make friends with locals and fellow foreigners alike.

2. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is an extremely walkable city, and you're unlikely to get lost as long as you have a map of some kind. You can window shop along Las Ramblas, stroll down the beach boardwalk, and wander through the Gaudi-designed Park Güell while taking in the gardens and claiming panoramic views of the city for yourself.

The dining options are conducive to solo travel, too. Instead of sitting by your lonesome in a dining room, you can take your paella al fresco at one of the many waterfront restaurants (people-watching is built-in entertainment) or opt for a counter seat at a tapas bar.

3. Seattle, Washington, United States

Thanks to the omnipresence of Seattle's coffee culture , a solo diner (or drinker) is not an uncommon sight. Plus, the city's proliferation of cafes means there's a rest stop around every corner to break up visits to Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, or the campy Museum of Pop Culture , aka "MoPOP." The compact downtown area makes it easy for visitors to zip between attractions, restaurants, and shops on foot — and anything that is slightly farther is accessible by the easy-to-use Link light rail.

4. Munich, Germany

The jolly German mentality shines through in this Bavarian city, where tourists and locals bond over brötchen in mom-and-pop bakeries and pints in the biergartens. Although Oktoberfest happens only in the fall (and does not lend itself to a solo experience, per se), the beer halls in Munich maintain that same kind of festive ambience throughout the year. Hofbräuhaus is, hands down, the most famous and guaranteed to contain an abundance of other tourists. Fellow travelers can also be found climbing the Olympiapark tower ( Olympiaturm ), the top of which provides views extending as far as the Alps.

5. Dubrovnik, Croatia

The rise in Croatian tourism has improved the ease of travel, and the country's low crime rate heightens the appeal. Protected by 6,365 feet of pristine walls, the oceanfront medieval city of Dubrovnik gives you history, culture, and beautiful beaches all in one destination. Its cobblestone streets guide visitors to artisanal shops and local eateries, while a walk along the walls offers spectacular bird's-eye views of the Adriatic coastline. Just a few minutes from Old Town, there are plenty of opportunities for kayaking and snorkeling via tours and rentals offered right on the beach.

6. Austin, Texas, United States

Austin's festival culture makes it easy to get pulled in multiple directions, but it's also a great way to meet new people. There's plenty to see and do, whether you're checking out live music or eating your way through Tex-Mex and BBQ restaurants and food trucks. When you need a little quiet time, head downtown for a walking tour, or find a spot to watch the Congress Avenue Bridge bats soar.

Austin is often ranked as one of the safest big cities in the U.S. Note, though, that the ubiquity of booze here can be a blessing or a curse. While it keeps the streets populated (and therefore generally safe) at night, alcohol can lead to crime even within tourist circles, so exercise caution while participating in Austin's lively bar scene.

7. Salzburg, Austria

Overlooked by the Hohensalzburg Fortress and bisected by the Salzach River, Mozart's hometown has storybook allure. After reliving scenes from "The Sound of Music" at Mirabell Gardens and Nonnberg Abbey, relax with a coffee on the terrace of Cafe Tomaselli or a pint in the 1,400-seat outdoor area of Austria's biggest biergarten, Augustiner Bräu . Cyclists should take note: While the entire city is walkable, Salzburg is also one of the country's most bike-friendly cities. More than 100 miles of cycle paths mean you can pack way more into a day and get around more efficiently (and economically) as a solo traveler.

8. Taipei, Taiwan

xPACIFICA/Getty Images

The capital of Taiwan offers an ideal mix of history and modernity. You'll find temples and skyscrapers, contemporary malls and traditional night markets — perfect for making a meal out of snacks while shopping for accessories and souvenirs. Taipei has the bustle of a major Asian metropolis but with important urban comforts as well. Street signage and public transportation all have names in English — and even though crime is overall low in the country, the metro system has " Safe Waiting Zones " marked on the platforms, which are monitored closely by video feed to protect passengers at night.

9. Copenhagen, Denmark

In the quirky Danish capital, you'll find plenty of centrally located hotels offering single rooms, each providing the perfect jumping-off point for Copenhagen adventures. Must-visit spots include Nyhavn, the iconic canal lined with multicolored houses (opt for a tour for a closer look at the city's waterways), and Tivoli Gardens, a historic amusement park. Stop for a quick solo bite at the TorvehallerneKBH food hall. With Danish culture valuing the importance of community dining, solo travelers should never feel alone.

10. Melbourne, Australia

This Australian metropolis is one of the most livable cities in the world, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit. Throw in a free tourist tram that reaches the major sights — including the Queen Victoria Market, Carlton Gardens, and Federation Square — and Melbourne's got simplicity and safety all rolled up in one. Because Australia offers a Working Holiday visa allowing visitors between 18 and 35 to work in the country for a year, the city is especially popular with young expats.

11. Stockholm, Sweden

Ivey Redding/Travel + Leisure

Sweden's safe, accessible cities are ideal for solo-traveling women. The cobblestone streets of Stockholm's Old Town, or Gamla Stan, are home to coffee shops, restaurants, stores, and even a castle, prompting hours of exploring on foot. The modern areas surrounding it are also easy to navigate through a string of metro stations, which double as art exhibits with their over-the-top murals, mosaics, and sculptures.

12. Okinawa, Japan

For a taste of Japan without the overwhelming hustle, head to Naha, the capital of the Okinawa islands. The monorail is super accessible, linking the airport to the city center as well as the popular Shuri Castle. And within walking distance of the city center are the Naminoue city beach, Tsuboya pottery district, and Makishi Public Market, where the pull-up-a-chair stands are primed for solo dining.

13. Norway’s Fjords

Lara D'agostino/Travel + Leisure

There's no better environment for self reflection than the soothing blue-and-green canvas of the Norwegian fjords. In Bergen, you can ride up the Fløibanen funicular or embark on a daylong journey on the Bergen Railway. Head to Gudvangen and take a cruise through Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord. Equally impressive as the waterfalls-at-every-glance boat ride is the Flåm Railway trip, with views outside the window changing from seascapes to snow-capped mountains. This trip is for the solo traveler seeking peace in nature rather than busy biergartens and the like.

14. Washington, D.C., United States

The manageable size and easy layout of the U.S. capital make it an ideal stomping ground for solo travelers. In addition to exploring the memorials along the National Mall, you can take in the exhibits at the many Smithsonian museums (plus the zoo), all walkable and offering free admission. If you want to explore further, it's easy to get on two wheels at one of the hundreds of Capital Bikeshare stations, which extend to Arlington, Alexandria, and Montgomery County. Alternatively, take advantage of the efficient D.C. Metro for day trips to nearby areas.

15. London, England

For European charm without the culture shock or language barrier, there's London. Visitors could spend days just roaming along the River Thames, snacking in Borough Market, and admiring the eclectic houseboats, or strolling through the Royal Parks and eyeing luxury items at Harrods. After dark, grab a seat alongside locals at a pub or catch a show in the West End, then enjoy a late-night bite in nearby Chinatown. The endless sights and entertainment are easily connected via the London Underground, better known as the Tube.

14 Best Destinations for First-Time Solo Female Travelers

Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

What makes a good destination for first-time solo female travelers? You want a destination that thrills you — but as a first-timer, you don’t want to bite off more than you can chew.

My first solo trip ever was to Buenos Aires, Argentina when I was 23 — and while I was already an experienced international traveler, I actually got robbed on my first day. I survived and had a great rest of my trip, but in retrospect, I should have eased myself in with a gentler destination.

So where would have been a better choice for a first solo trip? I created a list of 14 places. Each of these places has three major things in common:

English proficiency. You don’t have to worry about a language barrier here — even if the official language is different, enough locals are fluent in English that you’ll be able to get by.

Good travel infrastructure. Lots of accommodation options and restaurants, lots of activities and cool things to do, and it’s easy to get around on transportation.

Safety. These destinations are all very safe, particularly in the areas that tourists visit. Of course, anything can happen anywhere, and you should always take measures to stay safe.

Read More: Top 10 Travel Safety Tips for Women

Let’s take a look — the best destinations for first-time solo female travelers!

Table of Contents

Somewhere Near Where You Live

Your first solo trip doesn’t have to be a long, complicated, fly-in adventure! If you’re completely new to solo travel, and especially if you haven’t traveled much, I recommend starting small.

Go visit a destination within a few hours of your home, and stay one or two nights. That’s it. Keep the stakes low.

This is good because it gets you used to the rhythms of solo travel in an environment that feels familiar. “Oh — so this is what it’s like to eat alone.” “Oh, wow — I only needed 45 minutes at that museum, not two hours!”

As someone from the Boston area, I really loved visiting the Berkshires solo for a few days.

Are you in the Chicago area? How about Milwaukee? I was surprised how much I enjoyed this city!

Are you around South Jersey, Pennsylvania, or DC? I really loved Maryland’s Eastern Shore . A really beautiful place that I knew nothing about before going.

And in New York, you can’t beat my little town of Hudson or the North Fork of Long Island .

Speaking honestly: if you start with a big, complicated solo trip, it might dissuade you from ever going. Especially now, when international travel is hairy. Instead, get your feet wet with a nearby trip.

Now that we’ve gone over that, let’s move on to the destinations!

Iceland might be one of the best first-time solo female travel destinations on the planet. It’s easy to reach, with nonstop flights from several US cities; it’s incredibly safe, like leave-your-purse-on-a-park-bench-and-no-one-will-touch-it safe; everyone speaks English; and there are so many unique landscapes and organized day tours.

You can base yourself in tiny-but-funky Reykjavik and take a variety of day trips, or do a road trip around the country on the Ring Road. I love Iceland’s South Coast for the variety of landscapes: giant waterfalls, black sand beaches, the glacier lagoon of Jökulsárlón.

Signature Experiences: Snorkel the neon, ice-cold waters of Silfra , go horseback riding with Iceland’s shaggy horses, see the Northern Lights if you time your trip right, go glacier walking and ice climbing, visit the Blue Lagoon for a soak before your flight home.

Caveat: A lot of people plan Iceland trips around seeing the Northern Lights, but even if you time your trip right (in the winter or during the spring or fall equinoxes), you might not get to see them. Know that this is a gamble going in, and plan lots of other fun stuff.

Join a tour: If you’d like to visit Iceland with a tour group, G Adventures has a 7-day Iceland trip that circles the island. You can see all of their Iceland tours here .

READ MORE: Why Iceland is Great for First Time Solo Female Travelers

If you dream of rainforests and beaches, ziplining and volcano-climbing, toucans and sloths, allow me to introduce you to the nature-filled gem of Central America. Whether you want to hike, bike, and raft or simply laze on a gorgeous beach during the winter months, Costa Rica is a solid choice.

A lot of people think that Central America is unsafe for women traveling alone. I’ve traveled Central America extensively solo and I disagree — with the right research and preparation, Central America can be traveled very safely.

And Costa Rica is the easiest Central American country to navigate as a newbie solo traveler. It’s phenomenally safe and has very strong travel infrastructure, each town exploding with different tours and activities you can try. And Ticos (Costa Ricans) are amazing people!

Signature Experiences: Learn to surf on the Pacific coast, go zip-lining through the Monteverde Cloud Forest, watch sea turtles on the beach at night, hike to hot springs on an active volcano, go wildlife-watching in Corcovado National Park.

Caveat: Some Costa Rica travelers end up isolated from the public on their trips. To avoid this, I recommend avoiding big resorts and instead staying in small guesthouses or hotels within walking distance of a bustling area.

Join a group tour: If you’d like to visit Costa Rica with a tour group, G Adventures has a nine-day Costa Rica trip that goes to some of my favorite spots, like Monteverde. You can see all of their Costa Rica tours here .

READ MORE: Solo Female Travel in Costa Rica: The Guide

Asheville, North Carolina

If you’re looking for a small city that will put a smile on your face, allow me to recommend the wonderful town of Asheville, North Carolina! This small city nestled into the Blue Ridge Mountains is home to an art scene, a beer scene, and tons of awesome shops and restaurants.

But if you’re looking to meet good people on your trip, Asheville is my top recommendation in the US. I still can’t get over how NICE and GENUINE everyone was — especially since so many Ashevillians grew up elsewhere. As a native New Englander, I’m not a big fan of overly sweet southern manners, but Asheville is “Mountain South.”

Asheville is the perfect size for a long weekend getaway — and don’t be surprised if you start wondering if you could live here.

Signature Experiences: Visit the over-the-top Biltmore Estate, go on a local farm-to-table food tour, go tubing down the French Broad River on a hot day, visit the galleries in the River Arts District and get to know the affable artists, go on a “blind date with a book” at Malaprop’s Bookstore.

Caveat: Asheville is easy to see on foot and by Uber, with one big exception: the Biltmore Estate, which is best done with your own car. You might end up paying for a rental car that you only use one day.

READ MORE: 14 Reasons to Fall in Love with Asheville, North Carolina

If you are dreaming of spectacular islands in the Mediterranean, let me point you toward the Adriatic instead. Croatia is one of the countries I know best (I even won Croatia’s top travel writing award in 2021!), and it never fails to stun me with its sheer beauty.

Many people think that Croatia is Eastern Europe, and is thus unsafe or difficult to travel. None of that is true ( and calling Croatia “Eastern Europe” is a good way to get punched ). I think Croatia is fantastic for solo female travelers because everyone speaks English, there’s tons of travel infrastructure, and the roads are in excellent condition, making it a perfect road trip.

Not only that — island-hopping in Croatia is cheaper than the most popular Greek islands or the Amalfi Coast in Italy, and Croatians are more Central European in personality than Mediterranean, meaning that things are organized and get done on time.

Signature Experience: Walk the city walls of Dubrovnik , hike through the waterfalls of the Plitvice Lakes, take a boat trip around Vis to the Blue Cave, go on a bike tour to wineries in Korčula , marvel at the incredible sunsets of Rovinj or Zadar .

Caveat: Once you get onto the smaller islands, it tends to be the same food over and over. Good food, and primarily seafood, but it gets old quickly. Get your fill of different cuisines in Zagreb , Split and Dubrovnik!

Join a group tour: If you’d like to visit Croatia with a tour group, G Adventures has an eight-day Croatia sailing trip that visits several islands. You can see all of their Croatia tours here .

Read More: Solo Female Travel in Croatia: The Guide

If travel is about the people you meet, Ireland is the best destination in the world. Irish people are the highlight of their country: outstandingly friendly and welcoming, always eager to tell a story, with lilting accents that sound like music. Oh, and they won’t hesitate to take the piss out of you, which is how you know they like you.

Beyond that, Ireland is home to stunning natural landscapes, interesting small cities, and fascinating ruins. It’s an excellent destination for a road trip — albeit one driving on the left side of the road — and some of the most memorable moments are in little towns you discover on a whim.

Many Americans visit Ireland to explore their Irish ancestry, and it can feel like “coming home” in lots of ways. But even if you don’t have a drop of Irish blood, you’ll instantly feel welcome.

Signature Experiences: Visit the remote island of Skellig Michael , find your favorite picture-perfect town in the Ring of Kerry, have a night out to remember in pub-drenched Galway, explore the geological wonder of Giant’s Causeway, listen to “trad” music in local pubs.

Caveat: In Ireland and throughout the British Isles, it’s common to “shout” beers — one person buys a round of beers for the whole group, and then the next person buys the next round. I recommend opting out of this because it can get you very drunk, very fast, with people who can hold their liquor better than you. Just say you’re only having one drink tonight, and nurse it.

Join a group tour: If you’d like to visit Ireland with a tour group, G Adventures has a nine-day Ireland trip that includes both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. You can see all of their Ireland tours here .

Read More: Visiting Skellig Michael, Ireland’s Most Stunning Destination

Ah, Amsterdam — the land of canals and bridges, superb art museums and historic sites, stroopwafels and smoked Gouda. Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, and nowhere else in the world looks quite like it.

A lot of people associate Amsterdam with the Red Light District and sex tourism, and thus think that it’s too wild or unsafe for solo female travelers. I disagree with this emphatically. This is a tiny corner of a large, safe and diverse city, and anyone can easily avoid the sex stuff.

I think the Netherlands has the best public transportation system in the world, and it’s so easy to travel all over the country (and beyond!) by train. Finally, everyone in Amsterdam speaks perfect, fluent English. In fact, asking an Amsterdammer “Do you speak English?” is tantamount to an insult.

Signature Experiences: Take a canal boat cruise around the city, eat a warm caramel-drenched stroopwafel off the grill, spend your day museum-hopping around the Museum Quarter, go out for an elaborate Indonesian rijsttafel meal, take a day trip to Rotterdam or Delft or The Hague.

Caveat: Amsterdam attracts groups of drunk young men, mostly Brits, who come here for the illicit activities. I’d recommend steering clear of party hostels, which tend to be a bit wilder than in other European cities, and choosing accommodation far from the Red Light District.

Join a group tour: If you’d like to visit Amsterdam with a tour group, G Adventures has a six-day Paris to Berlin trip that includes Amsterdam. You can see all of their Amsterdam tours here .

Read More: Sexy Dutch Design in Amsterdam and Rotterdam

My long-term solo travels began in Thailand, and what a great choice that was. Right away I fell in love with this country, a land of gorgeous beaches, misty blue mountains, one of the best megacities on the planet, and $7 hourlong massages.

Asia can be tough as a first-timer — it’s a big cultural change, and on top of that, you might be disoriented by a big time difference. But Thailand is probably the easiest place to meet Asia for the first time. Thai people are so friendly, the food you’ve likely seen before, there is plenty of English signage, and prices are nice and cheap (especially so in the north, less so on the islands).

On top of that, Thailand has excellent travel infrastructure and options for every price point. You can walk into a travel agency, say you want to go to another city the next day, and they’ll prepare all the tickets you need! It couldn’t be easier.

Signature Experiences: Go shopping at Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok, take a Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai, get foot or body massages every day, learn to ride a motorbike around the mountains of Pai, go to the island of Koh Lanta and enjoy the best sunsets in the country.

Caveat: Most solo travelers in Thailand tend to be young backpackers; if you’re outside this group, it might be hard to meet people you have something in common with. Try joining organized activities to meet other people.

Join a group tour: If you’d like to visit Thailand with a tour group, G Adventures has a 14-day Thailand trip that includes a stop on my beloved Koh Lanta. You can see all of their Thailand tours here .

Read More: Solo Female Travel in Thailand: The Guide

Australia is the epitome of a bucket list destination. From kangaroos and koalas to the Sydney Opera House, images of Australia have dwelled in our imagination since childhood — and because it’s far away and expensive, it’s worth investing in a quality trip.

While Australia has cool cities, the nature is what makes Australia exceptional. Whether you snorkel or dive Australia’s reefs, trek into the national parks of the Outback, take a boat to Rottnest Island to meet the quokkas , or beach-hop along the coast, make sure you prioritize getting out into nature.

Sometimes I hear about Australia travelers who only visit Sydney and Melbourne on their trip, and as much as I love both those cities, they really missed out!

Signature Experiences: Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge , go snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef, explore the hidden coffeeshops and arcades of Melbourne , see koalas and kangaroos in the wild, watch the sunrise over Uluru in a million different colors.

Caveat: I don’t recommend driving in extremely rural parts of Australia as a first-time solo traveler. The isolation factor plus the kangaroos-jumping-in-front-of-cars factor makes it risky. Keep your driving to more populated areas, or skip driving altogether.

Join a group tour: If you’d like to visit Australia with a tour group, G Adventures has a 14-day Australia trip that goes from Sydney to Cairns. You can see all of their Australia tours here .

Read More: Solo Female Travel in Australia: The Guide

Savannah, Georgia

There was a time in my life when I was living in New York and visiting Savannah often — I felt like the city was my mistress of sorts. And it couldn’t have been more different and lovely, stately brick homes edged by oak trees dripping with Spanish Moss.

I feel like Savannah is one of the places every American has to visit at least once — it’s just so special and unique. I love the food here, I love the historic homes, I love the cafes, I love the shopping, and I love the sweet-yet-sinister ambiance that is depicted so well in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil .

Savannah, like Asheville, works very well as a long-weekend destination. Here is my recommended three-day Savannah itinerary.

Signature Experiences: Learn about Savannah’s spirits on the superb Dead of Night tour, have a family-style lunch at Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room, browse for gorgeous home wares at the Paris Market, explore the historic homes or take an architecture tour, spend a day at Tybee Island, Savannah’s beach .

Caveat: Savannah attracts a lot of couples, and if you join a group tour, you may be the only person who isn’t part of a couple. Be prepared for that going in, and you won’t be surprised.

Read More: Solo Female Travel in Savannah, Georgia: The Guide

One of my Scottish friends likes to say that if Scotland had better weather, it would be the best country in the world with absolutely no competition. I could easily see that (and have experienced a few scintillatingly beautiful days in Scotland).

Scotland just feels magical, from the storybook-like streets of Edinburgh to the cliffside castles that dot the country, to the beaches of Scotland’s 790 islands, some of which are home to Caribbean-clear water. On top of that, Scots have fantastic accents and are wonderfully friendly and welcoming.

You might think that Scotland would pair well with Ireland — stunning landscapes, friendly people — and you’d be right. Go to one or go to both, and you’ll feel very welcomed. Also, it’s an excuse to buy a lot of tartan.

Signature Experiences: Walk all the way up Edinburgh’s Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle, try to spot Nessy on Loch Ness, drive through the gorgeous landscapes of the Isle of Skye, explore the local whisky distilleries, dance all night long with Shetland Vikings at Up Helly Aa .

Caveat: You can see a ton of Scotland by public transportation, but for the really special and more remote parts, you’ll need to have a car — and driving on the other side of the road can be a challenge.

Join a group tour: If you’d like to visit Scotland with a tour group, G Adventures has a 7-day Scotland trip that hits up my beloved Edinburgh and Skye, among other spots. You can see all of their Scotland tours here .

Read More: Solo Female Travel in Scotland, England, and Wales: A UK Guide

Atlantic Canada

Canada’s four Atlantic provinces — Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador — tend to fly under the radar a bit . But they are some of the most scintillating places to visit in the country, especially as a solo female traveler.

Sometimes I joke that my blood pressure is at its lowest whenever I’m in Canada. Canada is just so EASY and CLEAN and FRIENDLY and BEAUTIFUL. And Atlantic Canada is full of beautiful landscapes, brightly painted cottages, and so much fresh seafood.

There is so much to see in Atlantic Canada that you’re best off choosing a single province and doing it in depth. I’ve done that twice, in Newfoundland and in Nova Scotia, and I can’t wait to return to them again!

Signature Experiences: Drive Nova Scotia’s Cabot Trail , go moose-spotting in Cabot Highlands National Park or Gros Morne National Park , hike or bike along the red beaches of PEI, become an honorary Newfoundlander at a Screech-In ceremony, eat as much lobster as humanly possible.

Caveat: The best time to visit Atlantic Canada is during the summer months, when you have the best weather — but the summer season is very short. (Though I did enjoy an early fall trip to Nova Scotia!)

Read More: What’s It Really Like to Travel Newfoundland?

New York City

My home, my love, my energy. I lived in New York for four years and loved every bit of it (and miss it daily!). It’s a travel dream for quite a few people, and it’s one destination that absolutely pays off. Everywhere feels like you’re in a movie.

What I love most about New York is that you can be whoever you want to be there, even changing whenever you feel like it, and you’re both accepted and ignored. Take a trampoline fitness class in Tribeca! Go out for Sri Lankan food in Staten Island! Join a protest in lower Manhattan! Go to an off-off-off-off Broadway show in an office building in midtown!

New York is one of the safest major cities in the US, with most high crime areas being places where tourists would never end up. And New Yorkers are friendly and helpful — but efficient and always in a hurry. If you need help, ask in the fastest way possible and you’ll get an equally fast reply.

Signature Experiences: Ride the Staten Island Ferry and enjoy the free views, go on a food tour in the global neighborhood of Jackson Heights, Queens , party all night at a warehouse event in Bushwick, explore the Botanical Gardens followed by lunch in the Bronx’s Little Italy, explore the food and architecture of Harlem .

Caveat: Many first-time New York visitors end up doing the same cliché things over and over: Times Square! Central Park! Fifth Avenue! Then they get home and say they could never live there. Well. We don’t live in those places, either. Get out of midtown, get into the other boroughs, and explore neighborhoods that have more locals than tourists.

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Solo Female Travel in New York City

Some states are worth every bit of hype. Colorado is one of those places. Filled with the gorgeous Rocky Mountains, Colorado is all about getting outdoors, with some of America’s best hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter.

Colorado is a great place to try out a new outdoor activity — maybe whitewater rafting, mountain biking, or even sand boarding! And if you’re apprehensive about hiking solo, as I was, there are plenty of guided hikes and activities you can join. It’s a great way to make new friends, too.

Colorado is also home to cool cities like Denver and Vail that have a lot to explore: museums, breweries, and one of the most spectacular concert venues around.

Signature Experiences: Go hiking with llamas in Vail, visit the Tajik teahouse in Boulder, see a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, gorge yourself on brunch food at Snooze or desserts at D Bar, go sand boarding at Great Sand Dunes National Park.

Caveat: You’ll need to watch your drinking, especially when you arrive. Colorado’s altitude leads you to feeling more intoxicated than usual. I had one glass of red wine on my first night in Vail and was loopy for hours. Locals recommend drinking a lot of water.

Read More: Vail, Colorado, Might Be Better in the Summer!

There are plenty of other spots, too!

There are plenty of other places that didn’t make this post. Some because I haven’t been — like New Zealand and the Canadian Rockies — and some that I think are better suited for solo travelers with more experience, like Mexico , Japan , and Belize .

If you’re a very experienced traveler, and just haven’t traveled solo yet, you might have an easier time in destinations with a language barrier — like Paris or Italy — or places where you need to be more on guard about safety, like Colombia or South Africa .

Finally, there’s traveling solo to Antarctica . Which is easy, and I loved every minute of it — but it’s all the most special if you save it for a milestone.

But it’s entirely up to you. Solo travel is about going wherever you want, whenever you want — and that’s one of the things I love most about traveling solo.

More on Solo Female Travel:

Top 10 Travel Safety Tips for Women

Why You Should Always Consider the Source

How to Survive Pre-Trip Anxiety

See our full Solo Female Travel hub here.

Where would you recommend for a first-time solo female traveler?

As a Solo Female Traveler, Here’s Where to Go

These are the best destinations for women traveling solo, plus tips for how to go..

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Several tour companies cater to female travelers, offering all-women trips and tailored itineraries everywhere from India to Iceland.

Photo by Stefano Benanti/Shutterstock

In recent years, more women have sought solo adventures than ever before: In 2019, an estimated 32 million American women traveled alone, according to the U.S. Travel Association , and Google searches for “solo female travel” increased by an astounding 131 percent over the year prior. More recently, Kayak reported that solo ventures were up by 36 percent in 2023, and Condor Ferries found that 84 percent of solo-travel bookings were made by women from 2020 to 2021. While today a greater number of women are taking solo trips —thanks in large part to shifting societal expectations regarding gender roles, as well as increased financial freedom—there’s no question that women face unique risks when traveling alone . Here are some of the best destinations for women traveling solo and tips for how to go safely.

The best destinations for solo female travelers

It can be hard to distill an entire country’s level of safety into a single chart, let alone compare the entire world. But when you’re setting out on a solo adventure, it’s important to pull as much data together as possible. Luckily, the annual Women Peace and Security Index reveals global trends of women’s equality based on three “basic dimensions”: inclusion (economic, social, political); justice (formal laws and discriminatory norms); and security (how it protects against violence at familial, community, and societal levels).

The annual ranking, produced by the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security in partnership with the Peace Research Institute of Oslo, uses reputable data sourced from national statistical offices, U.N. organizations, and international surveys such as Gallup. With this information, the report ranks countries based on how their governments and populations treat women—those who live in the country and those who travel to it. In short, the report offers an intensive look into countries, tackling the mini questions that fall into the umbrella query “Is it safe to go there?”

The top countries for women’s equality

The Women Peace and Security Index was published in early February, ranking 167 countries based on women’s equality. According to the report’s findings, Denmark was the top-ranking country, with particularly high ratings in financial inclusion and women’s perception of community safety. Switzerland followed closely in second, with similar findings for women’s perception of community safety and economic opportunity.

Singapore ranked the highest for women’s perception of community safety, but despite landing in the top spot for the safest country for women, didn’t rank on the overall list of destinations that exhibit women’s equality—potentially due to its low ranking for legal discrimination against women (such as laws or regulations that limit women’s ability to participate in society and the economy).

Here are the top 10 countries for women’s equality, according to the 2023 Women Peace and Security Index:

• Switzerland
• Netherlands
• New Zealand

The best cities for solo female travelers

Tourlane, a trip-planning and -booking service, released its list of the top cities for female solo travelers to visit in 2020 , inspired by some of the findings from the 2019–20 Women Peace and Security Index. The ranking, which includes 50 international cities, was curated by Tourlane’s female travel experts based on eight categories: female representation in local business, gender equality in society, legal equality, and safety, as well as the price of female-friendly accommodation, a taxi ride, a data plan, and the local mobile internet speed. On Tourlane’s list, Ljubljana, Slovenia, came in first place. The capital city scored 9.73 out of 10 points in the justice category, referring to the destination’s “low number of laws that limit or differentiate women from men.” It also received high women’s equality and safety rankings. Singapore landed in second place, but the city-state in Southeast Asia received the highest safety score of any destination on the list (a perfect 10 out of 10), making Singapore a clear choice for women who are interested in traveling solo but haven’t yet done so due to safety concerns. Here are Tourlane’s 10 best cities for solo female travelers:

• Ljubljana, Slovenia
• Vilnius, Lithuania
• Tallinn, Estonia
• Sydney, Australia
• Vienna, Austria
• Hanoi, Vietnam
• Stockholm, Sweden
• Copenhagen, Denmark
• Barcelona, Spain

Tips for women traveling solo

Solo travel teaches you to rely on your instincts and gives you the opportunity to wholly pursue your own interests.

Photo by Joshua Resnick/Shutterstock

Book with a female-only tour company

Here’s a fun fact: According to a 2022/2023 study completed by Solo Traveler (a publication covering, as the name suggests, all things solo travel), 9 out of 10 solo travelers prefer to take tours all or some of the time. Solo women travelers make up one of the fastest-growing demographics in the travel market , and as such, an increasing number of tour companies are catering to female travelers with all-women trips and tailored itineraries. Women-owned and women-operated companies like AdventureWomen specialize in everything from mother-daughter treks in Costa Rica to all-female safaris in Botswana; others, such as Wild Women Expeditions, offer women-only outdoor expeditions—canoeing, cycling, hiking, and surfing trips—everywhere from the Galápagos to Mongolia.

Geographic Expeditions is introducing its first women-only itinerary on September 1, 2024, focused on Namibia, Africa. The country leads Africa in gender-equality efforts, according to the World Economic Forum, even surpassing some European countries and the United States. This particular journey will bring women together to experience a visit to the women-founded AfriCat Foundation (and a leopard safari across the savanna), a scenic flight over the Skeleton Coast, black rhino tracking with a female ranger from the Save the Rhino Trust , and more.

On another side of the world, Stellavision offers itineraries for self-identifying women focusing on size inclusivity. Founder Zoe Stella Shapiro teams with body-positive advocates—the first itinerary partner was Los Angeles–based creative Christina Winkelmann —to create robust experiences like private boating excursions, exclusive tastings with female vintners, and tours of ancient cave systems. Of course, non–gender-specific companies are also building new itineraries to appeal to female travelers. Intrepid Travel offers a series of Women’s Expeditions in Morocco, Kenya, and India, among other destinations. REI Adventures leads similar women-only adventures, among them multiday treks along the Pacific Crest Trail in California or to Shenandoah , Zion , or Bryce Canyon .

Some tours are even designed to explore gender equality. As part of its Tracing Norway’s Super Women , luxury travel curator Up Norway brings travelers on a 10-day journey around the country, including Varanger (to learn about 17th-century witch trials) and the remote island of Fedje (to learn about women’s empowerment in whiskey today). Accommodations, too, focus on spotlighting women and include a stay at Camilla’s House, which is named after Norwegian writer Camilla Collett, who was once a former tenant—and is widely considered Norway’s first feminist.

Don’t overlook adventure travel opportunities

Adventure travel is on the rise among women-identifying travelers, according to the Washington Post , especially those over the age of 40. While movies, TV shows, and even Instagram give adventure travel a male-centric haze, more women are embarking on trips to far-flung places than ever before. A report titled “ The Influence & Impact of Women in Adventure Travel ” from the Adventure Travel Trade Association shares that women comprise 57 percent of people booking through global travel companies—and when the travel company is women-led, the percentage jumps to 64. (Additionally, 54 percent of the global tourism workforce identifies as women.) Plenty of tour operators offer adventurous journeys from women: Sisters Traveling Solo , which has already sold out its 2024 tours; Wild Women Expeditions , an operator with tours in 27 countries; and Adventure Women , founded in 1982.

Look to social media

If you’d rather travel on your own without the help of a tour operator, you can still turn to online resources such as the Solo Female Traveler Network for planning assistance. The Facebook group has more than 535,000 followers (and several “sister groups” that focus on topics like LGBTQ travel and adventure “over 40” ) who share their top tips about travel experiences, both the good and the bad. To join the private Facebook group, you must fill out a questionnaire to verify you’ve read the rules—this ensures that the online community remains a safe space for female travelers to converse.

Besides the Solo Female Traveler Network, many private Facebook groups for female travelers seeking specific advice have cropped up on social media in recent years, among them Vegan Women Who Travel , Over 60 Women Travel Buddy Search Group , Wandering Moms , Women+ of Color Who Travel , and Latinas Who Travel .

The power of women in travel

In March 2021, AFAR’s Katherine LaGrave reported on women’s roles in the travel industry—and together, the statistics are staggering: “Today, 56 percent of leisure travelers are women, and over the past five years, they have steadily held this majority stake. Women make close to 85 percent of all travel decisions: where to go, when to fly, where to stay, what to see,” LaGrave writes. “Of affluent travelers with annual incomes upwards of $250,000, women also account for 54 percent, according to MMGY Global, an advertising agency specializing in travel, tourism, and hospitality. In total, women represent 60 percent of the wealth in the United States, and they notch 58 percent of all online sales. Importantly, women also live longer than men and outnumber them in a crucial travel bracket—retirees—making them an investment that yields greater, and longer, returns.” Still, that is not often reflected.

“Many women believe solo travel isn’t for them because of what they look like, or who they love, because most of the faces we see in travel media are that of older, white men,” says Beth Santos, founder and CEO of Wanderful , a membership-based women’s travel community that has grown to 45,000 members since Santos founded the group in 2008; Santos is also the author of the March 2023 book Wander Woman.

“Women [often don’t feel] ‘enough’: that their travels aren’t magical enough, or ambitious enough, or perfect enough, because of the picture-perfect photos that we see on social media,” Santos says of her work to build a community of women travelers. “I realized there is an important opportunity to talk realistically with women about the messages we’re being served about traveling alone, and to give women the tools to digest and analyze them more meaningfully.”

Why solo female travel is significant

In a January 2019 Vox article that explores the modern surge in solo female travel, writer Aditi Shrikant points out that because women have historically been portrayed as “fixtures of the home,” most early solo female travel wasn’t recorded or advertised. However, women have traveled on their own throughout history—in fact, the world’s earliest travel writings were produced by a woman named Egeria in 381 C.E. (The letters she wrote on her pilgrimage to Mount Sinai are regarded as the first existing travel memoir.) “Even in modern travel writings, there is that sense a woman needs a reason to travel,” Shrikant writes. “ Wild author Cheryl Strayed hiked the 1,100-mile Pacific Crest Trail only after a slew of debilitating life changes. Liz Gilbert’s famous quest in Eat, Pray, Love was prompted by her difficult divorce. These stories are inspiring but also uphold the status quo that women need a good, big reason to leave.”

Solo travel teaches you to rely on your instincts and gives you the opportunity to wholly pursue your interests. (You’d be surprised how much time you spend discussing what to do next when traveling with others .) Venturing into the world on your own will also push you beyond your comfort zone. That’s an experience every woman not only deserves to have but also is capable of having—which, in our humble opinion, is a “big enough” reason to leave.

This article originally appeared online in 2020; it was most recently updated on March 8, 2024, to include current information.

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The best places for solo female travel in 2024

Women everywhere are jetting off to explore new cultures, and these are the easiest, safest, and coolest places to do so

Solo female travel is having a moment – according to a recent survey, over half of Gen Z women would consider travelling abroad alone. That means more women than ever are  heading off to far-flung destinations in search of new friends, different cultures and memorable experiences. But where should they go, and what should they know? 

A few countries are known to be relatively safe and easy to navigate for women looking for an adventure, with well-trodden backpacker routes, friendly locals and the chance to meet new people – or spend some good quality alone time. Here are nine of the best destinations for solo female travellers and good-to-know advice on how to stay safe.

India-Jayne Trainor is a British-Australian travel writer based in London. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines  and check out our latest  travel guides  written by local experts.

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The best destinations for solo female travel

1.  Sri Lanka

The tiny teardrop island of Sri Lanka is like India in miniature but with its own unique charm, making it the perfect first stop for female travellers wanting to dip into South  Asia . It’s popular with backpackers and perfectly sized for a week or a month spent exploring the ancient Unesco-listed sites like Dambulla and Sigiriya or visiting tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya. And for some blissful downtime, the golden beaches of Arugam Bay, Mirissa and Hikkaduwa promise beachfront hostels, surfing and delicious local food.

2.  Portugal

Portugal  has made a name for itself as the perfect solo travel destination thanks to a growing number of digital nomads moving there. Amongst the Baroque castles and palaces, hiking trails and sweeping beaches, you can also find trendy backpacker hangouts and an increasing number of co-working spots and cute cafes for snacking on pastel de nata . The Douro Valley is home to rolling vineyards, Lisbon ’s cobbled streets are packed with history, and in the southern Algarve , whale-watching and watersports await. Plus, it’s simple to navigate by car, train and bus. 

3.  Czechia

The food is tasty, the drinks are cheap, and the cities are breathtakingly beautiful – what more could a solo female traveller want? In Czechia ’s capital of Prague , visitors can wander the narrow streets, visiting the Charles Bridge, Prague Castle and the Old Town Square. For those who aren’t used to solo travel, walking and cycling tours of the city make it easy to meet people too. There’s low crime, major sights are walkable, and loads of dreamy day trips – have you seen the picturesque town of Český Krumlov?

4.  Japan

Japan is one of the safest destinations in the world, not just for solo travellers but for anyone who visits, thanks to its respectful culture, etiquette and traditions. Cities like Tokyo can seem overwhelming, but Japan has everything from female-only train carriages to women’s hotels to make you feel secure. Simple and efficient transport, like the superfast bullet train, can take you from volcanic hot springs and snow-capped mountains to white sand beaches and cascading rice terraces in one trip. Best of all, dining alone in Japan is considered completely normal! 

5.  Guatemala

Central America is slowly catching up to an influx of independent travellers, and Guatemala has never been more popular with solo female travellers due to hostels and tour routes popping up everywhere, great infrastructure and affordable food and attractions. Meeting new friends is a breeze, as most people follow the same trail, visiting the stunning Lake Atitlán, the ancient pyramids at Tikal and sparkling blue falls at Semuc Champey. The colourful streets of Antigua are also the perfect base for attempting Guatemala’s famous hike up Acatenango to watch Volcano Fuego erupt at sunrise. 

6.  Vietnam

When it comes to the safest destinations for women  backpacking in Southeast  Asia ,   Thailand and Vietnam still vie for the top spot – but Vietnam is a good place to start. With a well-trodden tourist route, stretching from the capital of Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh in the south, the country encompasses mountains, beaches, islands and ancient villages like Hoi An and Hue, plus some of the region’s best cuisine. Whether you make the journey by train, sleeper bus or scooter, thousands of other solo travellers will be making the same trip.

7.  Australia

Australia holds a major draw for independent travellers, thanks to the scenic tourist route along the East Coast and simple visa process, making it safe and uncomplicated to plan, particularly if it’s your first time down under. Sydney ’s buzzing beaches, food scene and postcard-perfect landmarks, like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House , are a dazzling introduction to the country, while further north, the Great Barrier Reef offers snorkelling cruises and jeep tours on Fraser Island . All of this comes with almost guaranteed sunshine, friendly Aussies and cute wildlife – just don’t think too much about the other critters.

8.  Greece

A solo trip to Greece is a real-life Mamma Mia movie waiting to happen. The country is a good beginner destination for those looking for sun, sand and a dose of history on their own. Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities, brimming with ancient wonders like the Acropolis, Parthenon and Panathenaic Stadium. Modern hotels and hostels mean you’ll travel in comfort and can dine out on Mediterranean cooking at affordable prices, plus the popular islands of Corfu , Kefalonia and Kos have the blue waters, beaches and pretty towns you’ve seen in the movies and are simple to reach by boat.

9.  New Zealand

Whether you choose the North or South Island or combine them both, New Zealand is one of the safest countries for solo female travel. You can self-drive or join tours while in the country, exploring fjords, mountains, glaciers and beaches. The wild landscapes are perfect for adventure and road trips, starting in Auckland , Queenstown or Christchurch , where hostels and hotels are concentrated. It’s an epic outdoor destination, so nature lovers are well set up for hiking, swimming and kayaking, while the slightly higher costs mean there are always other solo female travellers keen to buddy up.

How to stay safe as a solo female traveller

Before you go

Packing smart isn’t about what to wear; however, dressing to respect local cultures is important. Make copies of your passport, driving licence and visas to keep to hand, along with money and a phone charger or power bank, so you’re never without a connection. Consider using a money belt or backpack with anti-theft security and u se locks on luggage where possible.

Download useful apps

If you’re going somewhere unfamiliar, download apps such as maps.me, so you have directions available even when you’re offline. If you want to meet other travellers, download Tourlina, which is exclusively for women, or Backpackr to meet people of all genders (or you can always change the settings on dating apps to connect with people as friends). Consider using safety apps like BSafe, which live-tracks your journey to a chosen contact. 

On the road

You can still be spontaneous as a solo female traveller, but researching before you go away ensures you know important information, like your general route, essential local contact numbers and any common scams.

Read reviews of tours, guides and hotels, and always have travel insurance. Finally, stay open-minded, try to meet new people and don’t forget it’s your trip – if you need a break, want a five-star stay or want to join a group again, there’s no one to stop you.

Read our full guide on how to stay safe as a solo female traveller

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Solo travel

30 best places for solo female travel – world edition.

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

I wrote this article because I was dismayed at some of the ones that already existed. Many big companies have written about places for women to travel alone with impersonal listicles. I doubt solo female travellers have even written them. Once I’d seen one list the Cayman Islands, I immediately grabbed my laptop and started putting together this much more affordable and realistic guide! I am a solo traveller . I have been for almost 10 years. I’ve taken on destinations including India, South Africa and Mexico. This is my life, my passion and now my career as I run this blog and provide solo travel tips for my readers. That’s why I believe I’m qualified to do justice to this topic!

What’s the criteria for solo female travel destinations?

Many guides will tell you the best places for solo female travel are Switzerland and Iceland based on their impressive safety rating. I will tell you these ARE good destinations if you have a LOT of cash to splash AND don’t mind spending a lot of time alone. I want to ground this guide in reality. There are destinations with worse safety ratings than Northern Europe that are far better for solo travel when you consider the bigger picture: affordability, year-round good weather and ease of meeting other travellers. After all, bad things can and do happen anywhere so I don’t advise choosing your destinations on crime stats alone.

Read next: the ultimate guide to solo female travel safety

Read next: 10 reasons to travel solo at least once

Want to stay connected while visiting the following places? I suggest downloading an e-SIM with Airalo , the world’s first eSIM network covering 200+ countries and regions. It allows you to purchase a package online and use mobile data as soon as you arrive. A real game-changer!  Browse their packages . 

Best places for solo female travel in Europe

I have been to many places in Western Europe and I personally prefer leaving this more expensive region behind for places in Central and Eastern Europe like the Balkans. Eastern Europe often gets tarred with a negative brush in terms of safety but I think this has a lot to do with politics, bias and outdated sources. I’ve had such fun and rewarding travels in this region, meeting fantastic people, and eating and drinking to my heart’s content without worrying about money.

Read next: best places for solo Europe travel

So, including both Western and Eastern Europe, here are my top picks…

Solo travel rating: easy.

Portugal is a wonderful country and I could sing its praises on many topics, for example the weather, beaches, cities and delicious pastel de natas . But on the topic of the best solo vacation destinations for women, it’s a 10/10. It ticks every box. Best places to travel solo in Portugal:

• Lisbon – the capital is cool and cosmopolitan with majestic architecture, fun neighbourhoods and endless things to do including hidden gems . Read my dedicated guide to solo travel in Lisbon for more info.
• Porto – I lived here for 3 months and did not want to leave. This beautiful city feels less cosmopolitan but more charming and traditional than Lisbon. Go read all my Porto blogs because there’s way too many to list here.
• The Algarve – I was worried this region would be expensive and more family orientated but, depending where you go, it can also be a great backpacker destination with beautiful beaches, hikes and small towns. I loved Faro and Lagos. However, I would advise skipping Albufeira which is Brits on tour hell (as a Brit, I feel I’m allowed to say that!).

Safety: 10/10 . Locals are friendly, attitudes are progressive to women, LGBT travellers and POC. Meeting other travellers : Super easy! Especially in Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve, there are so many hostels and activities to jump on with Viator and GetYourGuide . Cost: It’s not as cheap as destinations in Asia or Eastern Europe BUT it’s considerably cheaper than France, Germany or the UK providing you avoid tourist-trap, city centre restaurants in Lisbon and the Algarve. In Porto, I found 3-course meals for under €10 and glasses of wine for €2! Buses and trains between cities can cost as little as €3.

Read next: is Portugal safe for solo female travel?

Solo travel rating: easy

Ireland is great for solo travel because it’s safe, friendly, ruggedly beautiful and has no language barrier for English speakers. It’s a great place for outdoor activities but it’s equally appealing for city sorts: Dublin is one of Europe’s most visited cities. Visiting the Temple Bar area is a must! I took a fun trip to Ireland between Christmas and New Year and flew home on the 1st of January covered in glitter with a sore head. I’m not sure I’d recommend this exactly 😉 but I would recommend a winter trip. Even though the weather will probably suck, it’s the perfect excuse to enjoy cosy pubs with a Guinness in hand and live Irish music playing! Safety: 10/10. 

Meeting other travellers:  easy peasy. I loved City Hostel in Galway . I would recommend a small hostel in Dublin because some of the big ones are so huge that everyone stays in their groups making it harder to meet people.

Cost:  VERY expensive. Following 2022 inflation, I’ve recently heard that Dublin prices are on a par with the Nordic countries. When it comes to the pros and cons of solo travel , the cons are more prevalent in expensive places when there’s no one to split costs with. Time for some supermarket dinners and packed lunches, methinks!

Could Barcelona be the city that has everything? Fantastic food, iconic architecture, lively nightlife, a city beach and easy access to hiking? You could stay occupied for days but you could also move slowly and enjoy soaking up the sunshine and reading over tapas down the adorable backstreets. I’d recommend at least a 3 day Barcelona itinerary . The other option is staying in one of the many hostels and meeting people to enjoy the nightlife with. The only downside to Barcelona is how (understandably) busy it gets. I would suggest visiting outside of July and August and avoiding the tourist traps of Las Ramblas. Follow these tips and I’m sure you’ll have a fantastic solo trip. Safety: 7/10. There’s little violent crime but pickpockets are rife. Almost everyone I know has a story including myself: I had my phone stolen from a closed bag while travelling to the airport by Metro (what a nightmare that was when I couldn’t show my ticket and nearly missed my flight). Wear a secure bag and be vigilant in crowded spaces including public transport. Saying this, it’s still a safe and popular option for solo female travel in Europe ! Meeting people : easy – check out some of the highly-rated hostels . Cost: hostels start from €18 and tapas can be affordable if you eat slightly out of the centre. I suggest browsing the famous La Boqueria market but shopping elsewhere. It’s expensive!

Read next: how to take photos of yourself travelling solo

Croatia is another place I’ve lived rather than just passed through as a tourist (although I have done that, too) so I feel qualified to vouch for it as a wonderful destination for solo female travel. If you love beaches and island hopping, you will be in HEAVEN.

Read next: a complete guide to solo travel in Croatia

Best places to travel solo in Croatia:

• Dubrovnik – this is Croatia’s most famous city largely due to Game of Thrones filming. With a well-preserved Old Town and city walls, it’s full of architectural and cultural treasures, plus it has great nightlife
• Split – an equally gorgeous coastal city with the historic Diocletian’s Palace at its heart, plus countless day trips to Krka Waterfalls and islands like Hvar and Korcula
• Zadar – this city beside the sea is highly underrated. Watch wonderful sunsets beside the Sea Organ, a modern art exhibit harnessing the power of the waves and using them to make beautiful music
• Zagreb – it isn’t the most exciting European capital but it’s pleasant and affordable. Read my guides to the best cafes , street art and how to take a day trip to Plitvice Nat Park .

Safety: 10/10. 

Meeting other travellers: easy thanks to hostels and bar crawls. If you get bored of travelling solo, take take a group tour for a day. There’s a big digital nomad scene due to the new visa they offer so, if you’re staying a bit longer, tap into communities via expat and Facebook groups. Cost: not as cheap as I was expecting. Restaurants in Split and Dubrovnik city centres can almost rival London prices. Do some research or escape into the side streets for cheaper food. I found Zagreb very affordable.

Berlin, Germany

Quirky Berlin is one of Europe’s coolest capitals. It’s like nowhere else. Nowadays, it’s known for anything and everything quirky and alternative. But its complex history was at the forefront of world affairs 35 years ago, and the scars can be seen in places not limited to the street art-splattered remainders of the Berlin Wall. Learning about the history is imperative but you can also indulge in the modern, quirky side of Berlin. Alternative finds include street art , discos inside phone booths, underground clubs, a museum dedicated to David Hasselhoff (yes, really) and repurposed Cold War bunkers and spy stations. Vegans take note, this is one of the most vegan-friendly cities in the world! Safety: 8/10. Like any large city, there’s crime such as pickpocketing. But you’ll only be targeted for looking like a tourist: Berlin is progressive with a thriving LGBT scene and international communities from around the world.

Meeting other travellers:  easy, there are countless hostels and activities on offer from street art classes to bar crawls.

Cost:  fairly expensive.

Although I’ve just listed Berlin here, the whole of Germany is a safe and rewarding place for women to travel alone. In particular, I love the fairytale cities in Bavaria like Nuremberg (although don’t expect so much of a backpacker scene).

Budapest, Hungary

Affordable, fun, beautiful, great nightlife, hearty food, what more could you want from a solo trip? After several visits, Budapest in Hungary is firmly one of my favourite cities in Europe. There’s tons to do from soaking in one of the many hot spas, riding a boat down the Danube, climbing or catching the funicular to Fisherman’s Bastion, enjoying the parks and Margaret Island in the summer, visiting the Jewish Quarter and getting stuck into the hearty Budapest food . If you want to experience the cool ruin bars and clubs, you should definitely stay in a hostel to meet other travellers. Safety: 8/10. Like any city, there’s the usual petty crime like pickpocketing. Hungary is not generally very progressive but Budapest is good for LGBT travellers . The local population is not so diverse but travellers of colour won’t be made to feel out of place.

Meeting other travellers:  easy. Two of the best are The Loft and Carpe Noctem .

Cost:  relatively affordable and definitely less than capital cities in Western Europe.

Around 3 days in Budapest is a great amount of time to spend. If you have time, catch a train to…

Prague is another city I have been to several times and can vouch for as a great solo destination. It’s fun and beautiful with great cafes, nightlife and tons to see and do. The Prague food probably won’t make any lists of the world’s best cuisine but I personally loved the rich, hearty meals even if the national dish does resemble something Rachel from Friends would make by mistake!

Safety: 8/10. Watch your bags in tourist areas especially in the summer but, generally, the Czech Republic is a super safe country.

Meeting other travellers:  easy. Just get yourself on the first bar crawl or free walking tour.

Cost:  somewhere between capital cities in Western Europe and super cheap destinations like Albania. Expect to pay around €6-12 for main dishes in restaurants and €2-3 for a pint.

As one of the safest countries in the world, Slovenia is an easy first time solo female travel destination. It’s also not too expensive AND it has a decent backpacker scene. Oh, and it’s STUNNINGLY beautiful. The dream destination for those who love hiking and nature! The capital, Ljubljana , is a pleasant city especially in good weather when there are countless cafes and restaurants beside the river. Afterwards, visit beautiful Lake Bled . I also added Lake Bohinj (near Bled) and Piran on the Istrian peninsular to my Slovenia itinerary . Both were gorgeous but didn’t have much of a backpacker scene. Safety: 10/10.  Meeting other travellers:  pretty easy in Ljubljana and Bled but not so easy elsewhere. Cost:  hostels are around €20 a night and restaurant meals generally cost €8-12.

Solo travel rating: easy You can’t go too wrong with solo travel in Italy , unless you go in peak season when you’ll need a high daily budget and tolerance to withstand the crowds. But generally, this is a fantastic and safe place to go alone with wonderful historical sites, mesmerising scenery ranging from sweeping Tuscan valleys to idyllic lake towns, and more delicious food and wine than you’ve ever encountered! Safety: 8/10. Expect pickpockets in the summer, especially in Rome, and the odd creepy man, but there’s little violent crime. Meeting other people: easy. There are endless hostels and activities and tours such as cooking classes and walking tours. I did a great pasta-making class in Milan! Price: these range from extortionate to reasonable depending where and when you go. I found the northern cities are more expensive than those down south.

I’m sure your minds-eye can draw up some postcard-worthy images of Greece that aren’t too far from reality. The islands have everything you’d want from a beach break with nightlife and fantastic food thrown in, while the cities are full of famous Greek landmarks with historical and cultural significance. It’s little wonder the world and his wife want to visit! Depending on your budget and tolerance for crowds, you may want to visit Greece slightly out of season (such as May or late September). Some of the best Greek islands for solo travel include Crete, Kos and Rhodes. Safety: 7/10. Expect pickpockets in the summer, especially in Athens, but almost no violent crime. Meeting other people: easy. There are lots of party hostels if that’s your thing. Price: ranging from affordable to insanely expensive on popular islands! For a cheaper alternative with great beaches, might I suggest…

Solo travel rating: medium

Anyone who’s seen me since I went to Albania is probably thinking ‘here we go again!’. I cannot stop raving about Albania. It was my favourite new destination of 2022 and it had Slovenia and many others to compete with! It’s a destination with variety from beaches to mountains, history and culture. Tirana wasn’t my favourite city but it has some decent cocktail bars and third-wave coffee shops should you need your home comforts. Better yet, it doesn’t feel too touristy yet. Best destinations for solo female travel in Albania:

• Himarë – this beach town feels lesser-discovered than the more popular beach destinations of Sarande and Ksamil. Make sure to stay in Sun Bakers Hostel !
• Gjirokaster – my favourite place in Albania was this adorable small city with cobbled streets, crafts markets, tasty regional delicacies and captivating views from the top of the fortress. Stay at Stone City Hostel .
• Berat – this small UNESCO town is a pleasant one with fantastic countryside wineries and excursions to waterfalls and canyons.
• Shkodër   for Theth hiking – the highlight of my trip was taking the Theth-Valbona trail through the most stunning mountain scenery I’ve ever seen. It requires spending 2 nights away from the city but Wanderers hostel organise the whole thing.

The only downside to Albania travel is a lack of convenience: buses are slow and hot, you can rarely pay by card, and there are no taxi apps. But these small inconveniences are made up for by what a beautiful, friendly place it is. Plus, I like an adventure!

Read next: is Albania safe for solo female travel?

Safety: 9/10. 

Meeting other travellers:  Really easy in hostels. I found them all very cosy unlike the impersonal backpacker factories you get in better-known travel destinations. There aren’t quite as many tours and activities as some places; I mainly booked these through the hostels.

Cost:  ridiculously affordable! Hostels cost from €10-20 and usually include breakfast. Intercountry bus journeys cost €4-10.

Montenegro is easily one of the most beautiful countries in Europe and a real hidden gem! Kotor is like a less crowded and cheaper Dubrovnik (with a lot more cats and a cat museum!) while Budva is a more fancy beach destination, and the adorable town of Stari Grad is an ideal place to unwind. If the idea of long bus rides and constantly moving accommodation sounds tiring, you’ll like Montenegro because the country is so small you can pick a base and do day trips. From Kotor, I took Viator trips all over. Safety: 10/10. Meeting other travellers: easy if you stay at Old Town Kotor hostel and join their boat tours and other day trips. Cost: Somewhere between cheap Albania and touristic Croatia. I found Kotor and Budva to be the most expensive places by far, especially in summer.

I had a great time travelling solo in Romania from exploring colourful Timisoara (visually my favourite city in Romania), the idyllic villages of Transylvania, visiting Dracula’s Castle from Brasov and meeting other travellers for a night out in Bucharest (although – heads up – I didn’t find much else to love about the capital).

Safety: 7/10. Parts of Bucharest feel slightly sketchy but Transylvania is super safe.

Meeting other travellers:  easy in Bucharest hostels but harder in Transylvania.

Cost:  very affordable compared to Western Europe. The only downsides? Getting around is longwinded because trains are so slow, and I got slightly bored in the evenings in the small Transylvanian towns.

Best places for solo female travel in Asia

Ahh, Asia , my first love of travel! My first experiences of different cultures unlike my own took place in Asia, as did my first experiences of being independent and self-sufficient as a solo traveller. When I talk about Asia in relation to first-time solo travel destinations, I mainly mean Southeast Asia. Around here, there’s a clear backpacker route so it couldn’t be easier to make friends on a similar journey to you.

Read next: the best places for solo travel in Asia

Not to be dramatic but Thailand is probably the best place in the world AND it’s safe, friendly and affordable. For a fantastic solo female travel destination, it’s a winner especially if you’re keen to meet other travellers and enjoy the nightlife. Best destinations for solo travel in Thailand :

• Chiang Mai – this charming city is one of my favourites in Asia. There’s a ridiculously high number of temples within the Old City Walls, and even more coffee shops and street food markets. Stay in a hostel to meet travellers to explore Northern Thailand with. Riding a motorbike to Pai in the mountains should be on your Asia bucket list !
• Bangkok – now here’s a city people don’t give enough time! It’s most famous for tacky Khao San Road but there’s so much more for example world-class art galleries, peaceful riverside walks, incredible temples, world-class gastronomy and third-wave coffee shops
• The islands – there are countless islands depending what you’re into. Learn to dive on Koh Tao, party under the full moon on Koh Phangan, relax on luxurious Koh Samui, enjoy the hippie vibe of Koh Lanta or get off-grid on Koh Mak or the Koh Yao islands.

Safety: 9/10. There’s not much crime in Thailand. It’s also an LGBT-friendly destination.

Meeting other travellers:  probably the easiest place in the world!

Cost:  very affordable. You can eat street for a dollar and stay in world-class hostels from $7!

Malaysia is another place I’ve travelled solo and had a FANTASTIC time. Malaysia is a country with a rich, colourful culture, friendly people and amazing diversity. You could bask on a beach, trek in the rainforest and shop in a global megacity within the same 2 week Malaysia itinerary ! Malaysia feels slightly more Western and a bit less chaotic than Thailand so it’s a good place for first time solo travellers. I love the glitzy capital but two days in Kuala Lumpur is probably enough. My favourite place is Penang Island with its amazing street art , street food and cool cafes . As far as charming small cities go, I love Melaka and Ipoh . Langkawi is your easily-accessed beach destination but if you have time and visit between April and August, find paradise in the Perenthains! Then, soak up the countryside and drink tea in the misty Cameron Highlands. Oh, and spot wildlife on jungle walks in Taman Negara Nat Park . Told you Malaysia has everything!

Safety: 9/10. There’s little crime. Although Malaysia is not an especially progressive country in terms of women’s or LGBT issues, this shouldn’t affect tourists. Meeting other travellers:  easy. KL and Georgetown (Penang) have the liveliest backpacker scene. The only places you might stay solo are the Perenthains and Taman Negara. Cost:  very affordable. Hostels start from $7 and street food can cost less than $1.

Read next: solo female travel in Malaysia

Rishikesh, India

Solo travel rating: advanced

India won’t come up in many guides to the best solo travel destinations but it depends what you’re looking for. If you have yet to bite the bullet and travel alone, then no: solo travel in India probably isn’t a great idea. But in 2019, when I was comfortable travelling in Southeast Asia and wanted a new challenge, it was rewarding, liberating and life-affirming! One of the best places to travel solo in India is Rishikesh. This wonderful city in the state of Uttarakhand is known for its many yoga retreats and studios where you can try meditation, sound healing and so much more. It’s super popular with travellers so it’s easy to make friends. Other things to do in Rishikesh include visiting the Beatles Ashram (where they wrote songs in the 60s) and visiting the waterfalls and riverside beaches around the town. The staff at Shiv Shakti Hostel take guests on fun day trips.

Not only are there cheap and delicious local restaurants serving authentic fare but there are gorgeous cafes in Rishikesh serving coffee, baked goods, veggie burgers and falafel. If you need a break from Indian food then Rishikesh is one of the best places to do it. ( NOTE – Rishikesh is a dry state so don’t expect a glass of wine each night/ever!).

Safety: 6/10 . Attitudes towards women in India have a long way to go; always be cautious. Although you may receive a lot of stares, I find these are mostly just curious. I have visited India 3 times and nothing bad has ever happened.

Meeting other travellers:  very easy especially if you stay in hostels or take a yoga retreat.

Cost:  India is one of the cheapest places I’ve been; read the India budget travel guide I put together.

Solo travel rating: medium.

In terms of cost, safety and ease of getting around, Taiwan a fantastic destination for women to travel alone. I’ve only listed it as a ‘medium’ rather than easy destination because I didn’t meet many other travellers and therefore felt a bit lonely. Taipei and Kaohsiung are cool cities with loads to do and fantastic food , Taroko is a wonderful place for hiking and there are beautiful beaches in Kenting National Park. It truly has a bit of everything and is one of my favourite Asian countries!

Read next: solo travel in Taiwan

Meeting other travellers:  Not the best. I found it was mainly locals in hostels and they didn’t always speak much English.

Cost:  accommodation isn’t too cheap but everything else is, especially if you eat at the amazing night markets.

South Korea is a wonderful country for any type of travel. It was Seoul that I really fell in love with: there are endless museums, food markets, shopping streets, nightclubs and temples, plus it’s easy to escape the city for hikes. There were other places in Korea I liked such as Jeju Island (although this wasn’t the best place for solo travel because it was hard to get around), Jeonju , Busan and Gyeongju. I hope to return to South Korea many more times!

Read next: complete guide to solo travel in South Korea

Safety: 10/10.  Meeting other travellers:  easy in hostels in Seoul and during activities and day tours. Cost:  pretty expensive by Asian standards. I gave Korea a medium difficulty rating because there are a few meals – like Korean bbq – that aren’t accessible for solo travellers. I’m still bitter 😉 Aside from that, Korean food is AMAZING and part of the reason to visit!

Why travel solo to Bali ? Well, it’s one of the closest places on earth to paradise. Balinese food is delicious (especially for vegans), the people are friendly and the rich Hindu culture is fascinating. Having spent several months doing the digital nomad thing in Bali and travelling the island extensively, I can vouch for Canggu, Ubud and Uluwatu as well as closeby islands like the Nusas , Gilis and Lombok to add to your Bali itinerary . It’s a little harder to break off the tourist track than in places like Thailand and Vietnam but it’s doable, and worth it when you do. What I didn’t like about solo travel in Bali? There’s no public transport. Scooter is the best way to get around cheaply but as a solo traveller who isn’t a confident driver, I felt stuck. Between destinations such as Ubud and Canggu , I had to rely on taxis as there were no buses. Safety: 10/10. 

Meeting other travellers:  easy thanks to loads of hostels and day tours etc.

Cost:  it can be super cheap if you eat local food and travel around by scooter. But due to its reputation as a honeymoon destination, it’s easy to splash the cash on fancy hotels, floating breakfasts, flower baths and boujee brunches if you wish.

Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Want to see more of Indonesia than Bali? Well, in my opinion, the best destination for solo female travel in Indonesia is Yogyakarta on Java island. This pleasant, safe city is centered around the beautiful Sultan’s Palace complex and there are lively markets to try Javanese food like Malioboro. Prawirotaman Street is where to get your Western comforts at the many cafes. I can recommend a great hostel near there called Good Karma . Best yet is watching sunrise over Borobudur , the largest Buddhist temple site in the world.

Meeting other travellers:  I met nice people in Good Karma hostel but generally you won’t meet as many travellers here as some other places in Southeast Asia. But the locals are so friendly!

Cost:  very very cheap!

I’ve raved about other countries in this blog post. Forget them all. Vietnam had my heart before I even arrived and I can never return enough times. It’s safe, cheap and beautiful with a diverse range of destinations from beaches to mountains, captivating cities and idyllic small towns. OH, AND THE FOOD. Drool. If you’re looking for easy solo female destinations, shut the computer and jump on the first flight to Saigon or Hanoi ! But first, read my manymanymany Vietnam blogs , please. Wonderful experiences include taking a multi-day cruise through Ha Long Bay , hiking and visiting local communities in Sapa , wandering the charming streets of Hoi An , finding the best banh mi in every city, exploring ancient temples in Hue , driving the Hai Van Pass , marvelling at cave complexes in Phong Nha Nat Park , eating street food in Hanoi , and floating through the Mekong Delta .

Meeting other travellers:  incredibly easy.

Cost:  probably the cheapest place I’ve been apart from India.

Read next: a complete guide to solo travel in Vietnam

The Philippines

I had the time of my life solo backpacking in the Philippines . The beaches are out of this world and the people are the friendliest I’ve EVER encountered. There’s a great backpacking scene especially in Palawan (there are countless boat trips and other things to do in El Nido ) and Siargao. There are Filipino islands for everyone whether you’re looking to party or get off-grid. As a foodie, the only thing I didn’t love about the Philippines was the food: it was usually fried without much fresh stuff in sight. Safety: 8/10. Manila can be sketchy but everywhere else is great.

Meeting other travellers:  very easy. Stay in hostels, go island hopping… You’ll meet lots of people doing the same!

Cost:  although everything else is cheap, many of the islands require a flight to reach. Factor this in if you plan to visit multiple islands.

Best places for solo female travel in the Americas

Latin America may not have the best reputation for travel safety but, like any continent, there are good and bad places. I’m here to tell you some of the best!

Oaxaca, Mexico 

Mexico is a diverse destination but so often it gets cast into two basic camps by Western media: dangerous or basic (think Cancun resorts and Tulum Insta-cafes). I live in Mexico City solo and don’t see either side to the country. With many microclimates and subcultures, it’s one of the most exciting and rewarding places to travel. For solo travel in Mexico , I don’t recommend Cancun because it’s crazy expensive and focused on resort tourism which doesn’t cater well to solo travel. Then, of course, there are places in Mexico that aren’t safe for travel. For a VERY happy medium, I would like to introduce one of my favourite places: Oaxaca ! Oaxaca is a city and a state and I mean both, but mainly the city. It’s the most charming, gorgeous place with so many wonderful cafes, restaurants and amazing street food. Do your shopping here because it’s an arty city with many crafts markets and art studios.

While in Oaxaca City, take some day trips. Visit Hierve el Agua by day tour or local bus & colectivo (although this is, shall we say, an ‘adventure’), take a day trip to Monte Alban ruins, and see the world’s largest tree and learn about handicrafts in Teotitlan del Valle. If you visit at the end of October, the Day of the Dead celebrations in Oaxaca are some of the best in Mexico. Other places for solo female travellers in Oaxaca include the beach towns of Puerto Escondido and Mazunte .

Safety: 8/10. 

Meeting other travellers:  very easy; there’s loads going on.

Cost:  super cheap if you eat street food but close to Western prices in upmarket restaurants.

Havana, Cuba

This is somewhere I debated including because it’s not a great place for first time solo travellers. However, I’m so grateful for my rich and rewarding solo travels in Cuba so I decided to include it with the caveat that it’s not a very sociable place to travel and, without easy access to the internet, it can be isolating and hard to do research. Do all your Googling in advance! Only you know whether you could handle that at this stage in your solo travel journey. So, why visit at all you might wonder? From the fantastic old buildings to the classic cars, rooftop bars , free-flowing cocktails and amazing beaches, Cuba is captivating. Hearing about this bizarre and unique country from the locals was a learning curve I’ll remember.

Safety: 6/10. There’s no crime in Cuba so you’re very safe but I would note that men often stare and catcall. Although they won’t hurt you, it’s not pleasant.

Meeting other travellers:  not the easiest as there aren’t many hostels. I would suggest joining Airbnb experience bar crawls. I had a great time on these! Cost:  fairly affordable if you stay in casa particulars (local homes). Street food is cheap – but not very tasty – and restaurants aimed at tourists aren’t cheap.

Guatemala is one of the safest countries in Central America known for its striking, volcanic landscape and Mayan culture. The most popular city for travellers to visit is Antigua , a UNESCO Heritage Site. This charming colonial city has lovely cafes and plenty of Spanish schools should you wish to learn more of the local lingo. This is a good idea because it can be hard to travel in Central America without at least basic Spanish. For a physical challenge, spend 2 days hiking Acatenango Volcano ! Lake Atitlan is a wonderful place to spend a week with some of the most popular towns being San Pedro, San Marcos and Panajachel… Although I personally preferred the less touristic ones of San Juan, Santiago, Santa Catarina and San Antonio.

Read more in my Guatemala solo travel guide!

Although it’s a long journey (10 hours from basically anywhere else you’ll go), Semuc Chapey is a stunning region with waterfalls, caves and brilliant blue pools for swimming. I also loved spending a few days on Flores island close to the border with Belize (side note, Belize is also good for solo travel !). From here, you can take a day trip to Tikal, some of the most impressive Mayan ruins in existence.

Safety: 8/10. Meeting others: you’ll meet plenty of travellers in tourist hubs including other solo women travellers. The hostels are great! Cost: affordable compared to touristic places in Mexico and Belize. Volcano hikes will be your main cost! Hostels start from $10 and activities and day tours from $15.

As one of the world’s most iconic cities, New York is a must for museums, galleries, food, shopping and green spaces… Whatever you want, NY has it! By travelling alone to New York, you won’t have to worry about what anyone else wants to do. You’re in charge of your own itinerary and can do, see and eat whatever, whenever and wherever you want. There’s so much to do that you won’t get bored, plus New Yorkers are too busy to think twice about the fact you’re alone! Great things to do alone in New York include heading up to the Top of the Rock for pano views, admiring modern art at MOMA, walking the High Line and even catching a Broadway show. Why not, it’s not like you can talk in the theatre anyway!

Safety: 7/10. Big cities are never the safest but there’s no reason you shouldn’t travel to New York solo. Meeting others: Americans are friendly although everyone in New York is in a rush. Hostels aren’t generally on the level of Europe/Asia but The Local NY is a good one with a cafe/bar and nightly entertainment, located in Queens just a 15-minute subway ride to Times Square and Broadway. Cost: New York is one of the world’s most expensive cities. After taxes, I paid $100 a night to stay in a 4-bed female dorm at The Local NY and this is one of the most affordable places in the city! To keep costs down, ride the subway for $2.75 a journey and eat casual takeout food like bagels and pizza slices ( Joe’s and Bleecker Street in Greenwich do mean $4 slices!).

Canada is a year-round destination (well, depending how you handle the cold) with something for every season, such as skiing in winter and hiking in summer. Getting into the outdoors while travelling solo provides the ultimate me-time, while cities like Toronto and Vancouver will provide your city fix. There are working holiday visas available in Canada for many nationalities (ages 18-30) so it could be a great opportunity to work and travel. Vancouver solo travel: after my recent 2023 trip, I can vouch for Van as a fantastic, walkable city with an outdoorsy feel. Sure, there are some city pleasures like museums and galleries (the Anthropology Museum is worth a visit) and neighbourhoods such as Gastown and Chinatown, but the main appeal is getting into nature.

For a mini dose of nature without leaving the city, take a walk around Stanley Park. Nearby the Kitsilano and Spanish Banks areas have great city beaches and skyline views, and you can walk the Seawall to Granville Island and eat your heart out at the Public Market.  For trips further afield into BC:

• Take the ferry to Vancouver Island for a couple of nights and stay in Victoria
• Ride the gondola up Grouse Mountain (or brave the difficult hike)
• Take a day or overnight trip to Whistler Village for skiing in winter and hiking in summer
• Walk the Capilano Suspension Bridge or find the free alternative at Lyn Canyon
• Go hiking at Joffre Lakes (pictured above) not far from Whistler.

Tip: bring practical footwear and a good raincoat. It’s nicknamed ‘raincouver’ for a reason! Also, be careful around the Chinatown area especially at night as locals with drug-use problems congregate here. However, the downside to travelling solo in Canada is that hiring a car is the best option outside of the big cities which is an expensive and tiring option for 1 person.

Safety: 10/10. Canada is safe for solo travellers and the locals are a friendly bunch. Meeting others: easy enough in hostels. Cost: Canada isn’t a cheap place to travel (especially considering the cost of car hire for one) but there are hostels with kitchens to keep the costs down.

Best places for women to travel alone in Oceania

Including Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific islands, the continent of Oceania has some great destinations for solo women travellers although sadly no cheap ones…

West Coast, Australia

Australia is suitable for all types of travel from backpacking to luxury travel. The weather is blissful and there are abundant hostels and excursions to meet other people such as island hopping. Many nationalities qualify for working holiday visas (up to age 35) so it’s a great place to temporarily live as well as travel. Some of the best solo trips for women include Fraser Island, the Gold Coast, the Whitsundays, Magnetic Island and Cairns. Australia is full of places you have to visit once in a lifetime like the Great Barrier Reef! In terms of the big cities, Sydney is glamorous with some fantastic hikes (and side trips such as the Blue Mountains ), while Melbourne is cool and quirky with unrivalled brunch and coffee culture. Safety: 10/10. Meeting other people: super easy. It’s backpacker heaven! The only problem is that, in the cities, dorms are full of people doing working holidays who don’t always want to socialise and explore in the same way as travellers. Cost: quite expensive. Hostels start from AUD$40. Restaurants can be expensive but hostels generally have kitchens so you can save money by cooking.

New Zealand is one of the most beautiful places in the world so it’s little wonder travellers flock there. Aside from one heartbreaking incident that could have happened anywhere, New Zealand has a clean crime record for solo female travellers. Highlights include exploring the cool city of Wellington, adrenaline-inducing adventures around Queenstown, hiking in Abel Tasman National Park, spying glowworms in Waitomo caves, bathing in bubbling mud spas in Rotuara, trekking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing from Taupo, and landing on Fox Glacier by helicopter. The bucket list experiences are endless! Like Australia and Canada, there are working holiday visas for many nationalities. The downside to solo travel? New Zealand is hella spenny. Van life or private rooms are cheaper for those travelling in pairs (an annoying disadvantage of solo travel ) so your best bet is to stay in hostels. The other downside to solo New Zealand travel is that some off-grid places and activities – like hiking Mount Cook – can be tricky to reach by public transport but car hire is an expensive option for 1 person. Safety: 10/10. Meeting others: this is best done in the bigger towns and cities with hostels. Cost: bankrupting 😉

Best places for solo female travel in Africa

Africa doesn’t have a great reputation for travel safety. But, having spent months there solo, I know it’s a solo travel myth that Africa is off-limits to solo women. Here are my top picks…

Cape Town, South Africa (and the Garden Route)

Let’s break this down. Can you visit Cape Town and act as you would elsewhere, walking around alone at night and flashing your valuables? Well, no. Can you have a safe and trouble-free trip by following the rules while travelling solo in South Africa ? YES. Cape Town is one of my favourite cities in the WORLD. There’s fantastic food , coffee, beaches, hikes, sunsets, wine tasting… It’s bliss! The other safe place for women to travel solo is the Garden Route : the stretch from Cape Town along the south coast. The best stops include Mossel Bay, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Coffee Bay. Here you can hike, visit beautiful beaches and snorkel with seals. Safety: 6/10. So long as you take taxis after dark, research new areas (or ask hotel staff) before visiting, wear a secure bag and don’t flash valuables or cash, you shouldn’t have any problems. Meeting others: very easy thanks to hostels and the Baz Bus, a service connecting destinations along the Garden Route. Cost: Pretty affordable compared to Western countries. I found things to cost half what they would in the UK.

Zanzibar Island, Tanzania

Zanzibar island is one of the safest places in Tanzania which is one of the safest countries in Africa. If you need more persuasion, Zanzibar is idyllic with white sand beaches and numerous opportunities for boat trips, snorkelling and diving. Stone Town is the gorgeous capital with cute alleyways, handicrafts for sale and wonderful food. Although it has more of a luxurious reputation, there are a few hostels should you want to meet others and keep the costs down during solo travel in Zanzibar . Safety: 8/10. It’s best not to walk at night (apart from short distances in the tourist centre of Stone Town). Meeting others: it’s not known as a backpacker’s haven like the Southeast Asian islands but you may have good luck in hostels and during excursions. Cost: although prices are geared towards tourists, you get good value for your money. In Stone Town, there are lots of cheap local restaurants and a night market with street food.

Thanks for reading!

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SOLO TRAVEL RESOURCES Getting around by air – I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going. For Asia buses and trains , I use 12GoAsia . The search feature allows you to compare prices and durations. For Europe trains , I always check RailEurope and Trainline to compare fares. For buses, I use Flixbus wherever it operates and Busbud elsewhere. Omio is a handy platform that compares the price and duration of all transport options between any two points. To stay connected, buy an e-SIM with Airalo and use data as normal. Browse their packages for 200+ regions . I use Booking.com for accommodation. They have the best range of hotels and self-catering apartments, plus you can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. For activities, I use GetYourGuide and Viator as they have a huge range of affordable tours. Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and tips!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

2 thoughts on “ 30 Best Places For Solo Female Travel – World Edition! ”

Hi Rose, really interesting and affirming info on your site, but I would like to know how you dealt with animal welfare, especially in the Philippines , Korea and Taiwan. I have avoided visiting them because they eat dogs! Did you see this happening? I’m travelling in Nepal and India at the moment, then onto the Maldives and a big leap to Costa Rica. Cheers, Tabby

Hey Tabitha. Yes, I did see dog meat served in Vietnam. It is certainly a different cultural norm and can be distressing for us when that’s not part of our culture. But ultimately, these are such rich and wonderful travel destinations.. I wouldn’t let it put you off going. Enjoy your travels!

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9 of the best destinations for women to travel solo — now or in the future

Editor's Note

In a pre-COVID world, solo travel, especially for women, was on the rise.

But if you're a woman wanting to travel alone, how do you decide where to go? According to a survey, key factors for solo travelers when deciding on a destination include safety, cost, quality of the scenery and that English is widely spoken.

From bustling cities to wild natural landscapes, these are nine of the most welcoming and interesting spots for women to visit, especially when traveling alone. With some still closed to Americans, now is the time to start your planning.

Destinations that are open now

Berlin, germany.

Germany is open to American tourists again as of June 18 and with a low crime rate, excellent public transportation, a high level of spoken English and progressive vibes will make pretty much anyone feel at home in Germany's capital city . With plenty of hostels and free tours, you'll be able to easily meet other solo travelers in a low-pressure environment. Berlin also has a fantastic public art trail, so wandering the city on foot is especially easy (and entertaining).

TPG tip: The Marriott's Moxy Berlin Ostbahnhof (one of the millennial-facing brand's two Berlin properties) is a great hostel-inspired space where you'll easily make new friends but also have plenty of privacy. Room rates start at less than 15,000 points during low season.

The Grand Hyatt Berlin is also a great option for redeeming points also starting at 15,000 World of Hyatt points per night. The luxury hotel is close to public transportation and also has a spa on property as well as room service — for those days when you've had enough sightseeing.

Open to American tourists and known as one of Africa's safest countries thanks to its longstanding democracy, Botswana is an ideal spot if you're a female solo traveler wanting to visit this continent, especially because English is the country's official language. Many lodges focus on eco-tourism , meaning they are small, intimate spaces where you can get to know your fellow lodge mates around an evening campfire. Because many safaris and excursions are done in groups, Botswana is a great option if you'd rather not be entirely alone on your solo trip.

TPG tip: Many hotels, lodges and safaris will waive the solo supplement during the off-season and some even market themselves as "no solo supplement safaris," focusing instead on grouping together solo travelers.

While Malta is currently open to American tourists, only 38 states are currently on the Amber list of places to travel from. A small country where most locals speak English, Malta is where many Europeans flock to during summers to take English courses and enjoy the gorgeous beaches. A country where small children play outside until midnight and walking around alone at night is no big deal, solo women travelers can expect to feel safe at all hours of the day. Socialising is common, as many visitors come hoping to practice their English and locals love making new friends. Grab your camera and snap colorful boats, crashing waves and UNESCO ruins.

TPG tip: Distances between cities and villages may be too far to walk, but the buses are easy and ferries and water taxis can also quickly get you from A to B.

Destinations to plan for future travel

Taipei, taiwan.

Taiwan may not be open to Americans just yet, but it is right up there with Japan in terms of safety -- and Taipei is much cheaper for a solo traveler to visit than Tokyo. With an immense offering of budget and boutique properties, as well as large brand hotels that are also well-priced (think Kimpton and Hilton), solo women are spoiled for choice when it comes to lodging options. Free walking tours are offered in many neighborhoods and are an excellent way to link up with like-minded travelers, as are street food tours. TGP tip: Taipei's metro system is clean, organized and safe. It even plays classical music when the trains approach.

Taipei Skyline. (Photo by Sharleen Chao/Getty Images)

Montreal, Canada

We're still anxiously awaiting Canada's reopening but we can dream in the meantime. While Montreal isn't the most exotic destination on this list, it's friendly, welcoming and safe. While you likely won't run into language barriers, you might want to download a translation app , just to be safe. (At least refresh your French basics.) When the weather is nice, renting a bike at an automated BIXI station is a fun and safe way to explore the city. Consider bedding down in the eclectic Plateau neighborhood or enjoying the mesh of English, French and Italian cultures in Little Italy.

TPG tip: The STM metro system is cheap, safe and easy to use, especially during snowy winters when you want to escape the cold.

Read more : How to travel solo — and why you absolutely should

New Zealand

New Zealand, unfortunately, closed its borders again after the short-lived Australia-New Zealand travel bubble resulted in new COVID-19 cases for both countries. Even still, the country is one of the safest in the world, according to the Global Peace Index . Solo travelers can enjoy beaches and hiking trails on the North Island, and should definitely take time to experience the café culture in Auckland. Adventure tourists may decide to head instead to the South Island to explore cliffs, lakes and glaciers. Want to make friends and get a taste of the local land? Do what's called WWOOFing: Willing Workers On Organic Farms, a system where you work on a farm in exchange for accommodation and food.

TPG tips: The biggest danger to solo travelers in New Zealand is probably the outdoors. Take extra care when hiking or doing any extreme sports alone. When necessary, hire a guide, tell your hostel or hotel where you're heading and always dress and pack properly for the activity.

Currently, travel to Singapore is limited to travelers from select countries and the United States isn't on the list. But Singapore deserves a spot on your list of safest places for future solo travel. A place that's become safer and safer as the years go on, it's the perfect jumping-off point for solo women to see South East Asia. After all, it's organized, clean and English-speaking. Sure, there's plenty to do in the luxury travel realm (think fancy hotels and massive shopping centers) but a budget traveler will feel just as comfortable sampling the famous street food at hawker stalls and exploring colorful Chinatown and Little India.

TPG tip: One reason Singapore is so safe is that the country has many laws to maintain public order. Watch yourself when it comes to littering, jaywalking and even gum chewing.

Read more : 11 of the best apps for solo travelers

Santiago, Chile

A dream for now, Chile was number 28 on the Global Peace Index in 2018 and the capital city has an especially low crime rate. Once you venture beyond Santiago, you can enjoy skiing in the Andes , trekking in the Atacama desert and even enjoy bicycle wine tastings. In terms of stunning natural scenery, the wild Chilean landscapes are hard to top. Plus, the entire country has a huge hostel culture (with both budget and high-end options), making it easy to find new friends. Prefer to stay in town? Santiago has many accessible lookout points, fantastic museums and delicious restaurants, too.

TPG tip: Uber is a widely used and safe mode of transport in Santiago. But beyond the capital, English is not widely spoken. Definitely brush up on your school Spanish before traveling to Chile.

Melbourne, Australia

In addition to the failed travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand, Australia plans to remain closed to international travel until 2022 . But if you love art and music, Melbourne may be a perfect match for you. Known for its coffee culture (flat whites in particular), the city's coffee houses are relaxing and safe spots to hang out in. While the city itself is very walkable, you can hop on the free City Circle tram line to get around, too. And, of course, Australia is an English-speaking country with an excellent position on the 2018 Global Peace Index .

TPG tip: The Royal Botanical Gardens are a great hangout for solo women travelers, thanks to the parade of events hosted here such as moonlight cinema screenings and guided tours. And if you're planning ahead, the hip W Melbourne will enter the city's somewhat lackluster hotel scene in 2021.

Bottom line

Traveling solo is really rewarding and exciting -- you'll probably have a completely different experience than if you are traveling with friends or a partner. However, being on your own comes with its risks so if you fancy a solo adventure -- especially if you're female -- hit up one of the above destinations to ensure your time is fun, but safe too. If you have your heart set on a destination that's still closed to America, start planning now and do it right.

Additional reporting by Ashely Onadele.

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Home » Budget Travel » Solo Female Travel 101: How to Travel Alone as a Woman in 2024!

Solo Female Travel 101: How to Travel Alone as a Woman in 2024!

Have you always dreamed of travelling the world but never had anyone to tag along with?

Might I introduce you to the wonderful concept of SOLO FEMALE TRAVEL – the idea that you don’t need a friend, a partner, or a sarcastic Disney-esque animal sidekick to travel the world and thrive. Shocking, I know!

There are two big reasons solo travel for women still needs to be talked about:

• Women are often discouraged from things that are seen as traditionally or typically male hobbies (like travelling).
•  Solo travel is more dangerous for women.

I’ve always been that kind of a weirdo that marches her own path. Solo travel was always going to happen for me, so it surprised me when people told me I was “brave” to travel alone. I thought I was just having fun.

Well, it’s been almost nine years since my first lone stint around the globe and my crystal ball tells me there are another nine (or ninety) years of solo travel up ahead. If you’re just starting out, buckle up – here are my best tips for solo women travellers what to consider, where to go and why you’re going to have a kick-ass time.

Why You Should Travel Alone as a Woman

Is it safe to travel alone as a woman, the experience of backpacking alone as a woman, best places for solo female travel, what to pack when you’re a women travelling solo, solo travel for women – dangerously empowering.

Before we get into the substance of the how, lets firstly look at the why – what are the reasons for travelling alone ?

As a female-identifying person, you’ve probably gone your whole life hearing snide little remarks about things you shouldn’t do just because you’re a woman. So when you started planning your gap year and people reacted like you were going on a suicide mission, it’s understandable that you got a little freaked out.

Solo travelling as a woman is actually dope as hell, and it comes with many benefits that fearmongers will never mention.

Sure, us female travellers need to take some more precautions than male travellers but being the (allegedly?) fairer sex comes with its own advantages. It’s annoying that women are still viewed as the weaker sex – regular old damsels in distress. But because of this, women are viewed as trustworthy and unthreatening, and people are often more willing to offer help without even asking. It definitely makes backpacking on a budget easier!

Because backpacking alone as a woman is still somehow considered dangerous and a deviation from the norm, there are lots of wonderful online communities dedicated to giving advice and support to other women travelling solo. Girls supporting girls is dope, and I’ve often heard my male traveller friends say that they wish they had similar support groups.

To top it off: it’s almost impossible to travel alone and not feel the invigorating You-Go-Girl energy overtake your body. When you’re told that you can’t or shouldn’t do something, proving naysayers wrong comes with extra spicy bonus empowerment. It’s time to push fear aside: you should start travelling NOW.

People love to ask solo female travellers: ‘What if something happens to you?’

Well, what if you have the time of your life? What if you come back so wild and empowered that you’re inspired to book your next trip, disown traditional gender roles, pierce your nose, and lead a feminist revolution?

I promise it’s definitely going to be the latter, give or take few things.

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The number one question about solo travel is always how do you travel safely as a woman.

I find it really hard to talk about female travel safety. Balancing between precaution and fear is a tough act: I want to encourage all girls to go out there and travel but I also want to be realistic about the potential dangers of travel. I don’t want to scare you off but I also won’t lull you into a false sense of security.

I’ve heard many of my male friends say stuff like, “Bad things happen to everyone, and I’ve done a bunch of stupid stuff that has put me in danger too!” . Sure, buddy. But travel safety for women isn’t as much about what YOU do as much as it’s about what others might do to you . Travelling alone as a woman, there’s always a risk of harassment and assault.

The truth is, travelling is still more dangerous for women than it is for men. On top of having to worry about overall general travel safety (traffic safety, making your money last, not losing your passport or your mind…), women also have to worry about their physical safety. This is why many first-time solo female travellers try to pick safe places to travel alone as a woman over any other criteria.

Travelling Alone as a Woman Might Be Safer Than Staying at Home

Sure, travelling as a lone woman is not as safe. But neither is life at home.

Travelling somewhere foreign and far-away is freaking scary if you’ve never done it before. After all, stranger danger is instilled in us from a young age, and if you haven’t travelled before, your knowledge of other countries can be quite hazy and based on stereotypes and horror stories.

But what if I told you that travelling might be actually safer than staying at home? The safety ranking of countries by the Global Peace Index shows some countries in, uh, less than great light. Australia is at number 13, the UK is at number 45 and the US all the way down at 121, ranking even lower than such countries as Uganda and Honduras.

Now let’s talk about country-specific crime stats. Most crime in any given country is usually not aimed at tourists.

For example, Turkey is a harrowing place to live as a woman thanks to the lack of legislation protecting them and rampant domestic violence. But for a female tourist, Turkey is a relatively safe (and amazing) backpacking destination .

Even though common violence and disrespect against women can cultivate certain sexist attitudes towards travelling girls too, as a backpacker you’re more likely to just be welcomed warmly as a guest to the country.

Having said all that – obviously nothing fun in this life is entirely without risk (sadly), and as female travellers, you do need to pay more attention than other travellers.

How to Travel Safely as a Woman

Most of the precautions to take while travelling as a woman are the same as at home: be aware of your surroundings and don’t put yourself in stupid situations. (For example, if you’ve lost your friends, money, and phone, you’re lost AND you’re drunk, maybe don’t accept a ride from the guy in a white van. It’s a small miracle I’ve never been murdered even a little bit.)

Your two best friends on the road are street smarts and your gut. I used to think intuition was only reserved for the hyper-enlightened – all my gut ever told me was that it was craving cake. I learned quickly that gut feelings are not an urban legend but absolutely real.

Humans are equipped to pick up subtle clues when shit’s about to go down. That feeling that something is off feels different to nervousness or everyday anxiety, and when you feel it, follow it. It could literally save your life.

While asking for help is cool, don’t let it show that you don’t know what you’re doing. Were you told as a kid that lying is naughty? Forget all about it because you’re about to become the naughtiest kid on the block.

• If someone asks if you’re alone, say you’re meeting a friend.
• If a random guy asks if you have a boyfriend, you definitely do, and he’s very handsome and ripped like The Rock.
• And when you get asked if it’s your first time in the country or city in question, just tell them no, you’ve been there before.

These precautions are not only for your physical safety. Scammers and robbers usually target people who look lost or otherwise gullible but they’re more likely to leave you alone if they feel like you’re a difficult target, i.e. if someone is expecting you and/or you’re familiar with the area.

Weapons and Self-Defence

This is something I’ve seen new solo female travellers talk about a lot: what to carry to keep yourself safe. (I once saw a girl on a Facebook group ask about carrying a small gun on her while interrailing in Europe, to which I say: America, calm yo tits. )

I’ve never carried a weapon on me while travelling. The thing about weapons is that if you don’t know how to handle one, you’re more likely to hurt yourself than a possible attacker. Even that old keys-between-the-fingers trick can actually backfire and hurt YOU if you hold the keys the wrong way.

Let alone the fact that in most places, carrying a weapon is massively illegal. In many European countries, even pepper spray is classified as a weapon and illegal to carry, hard to buy, and/or requires a special licence.

Knowing some self-defence MIGHT come in handy… But if you’re inexperienced with your moves and you’re up against a bigger attacker, you’re probably still not going to come out on top. I’ve never learned any special self-defence moves, nor have I felt like I’ve needed that.

What’s your best weapon? Your phone.

Having a sufficiently charged phone with working internet (always get data in a new country!) is a life saver:

• You can call an Uber instead of walking back in the dark…
• You can keep track of where you are…
• You can even share your location with friends and family!
• You can download safety apps for your phone (and some phones also have a loud SOS alarm available).

I’ve been told that if you get attacked, the best way to get people’s attention is to yell “fire” instead of “help”. Crossing my fingers and touching all the wood to hope that I’ll never have to test how effective that is in practice!

Travel is one thing, but adventuring while broke is a whole other game. Honestly, everyone should try budget backpacking at some point. It takes you off the beaten trail and into some weird-ass sitches.

There will be odd moments with strangers, nights sleeping in funny places, and hitchhiking! (I hope – hitching is dope.)

It’s in these adventurous activities you’ll find the most reward travelling by yourself as a woman. Solo female backpackers get the best adventures.

Staying in Hostels as a Solo Female Traveller

I freaking love a good hostel – and this is coming from an introverted Finnish girl with a natural aversion to talking to people. It’s just such an awesome atmosphere and a sure-fire way to meet other awesome lost souls on the road.

Many first-time solo female backpackers have a weird distrust of sleeping with strangers ( in a dorm , gutter-mind). But let me assure you – most of the time, the hostel experience is completely safe.

Many hostels offer special female-only dorms. They tend to be a tad more expensive than a regular dorm bed but it’s a good option if you feel uncomfortable sleeping around unknown men. (Plus sometimes female dorms come with cool girly stuff like hairdryers and make-up mirrors!)

I love a good mixed dorm so there are other things I look out for when I assess how safe a hostel is.

First of all, if I can help it, I never stay anywhere that doesn’t have safety lockers. I also always carry my own padlocks when packing for the hostel : often you don’t get a padlock from the hostel but you have to buy one.

I prefer combination locks since I’m a bit of a space cadet and don’t fancy losing the keys to my lock. Trying to pick your own lock in a dark dorm in the middle of the night feels very undignified…

I also look at the reviews. Obviously, they tell you about the cleanliness and vibe of the hostel life but I make sure that there are reviews from girls in my age group too – if a 40-something male traveller calls the hostel safe, that doesn’t mean anything to me. Women stay at good hostels for women – not men.

It’s also good to make sure that the hostel is in a good area and near public transportation hubs so that getting there is quick and easy even in the middle of the night.

Hitchhiking as a Solo Female Traveller

Travelling by hitchhiking , in general, bears more risk than more normal forms of travel. You’re quite literally putting your life in the hands of strangers, and as a solo female, you’re more vulnerable to getting picked up by creeps than a solo male traveller. Even though nothing horrendous has ever happened to me, I can’t say for sure that hitchhiking is 100% safe.

Counter argument: the people who have picked me up while hitchhiking have been some of the loveliest folks I ever met. They are usually the kind of people who are willing to go out of their way to help out a poor little backpacker and who just want a little company for the ride. My adventures wouldn’t have been the same without my tales of thumbing rides.

As a solo girl, it’s often easier to get a ride. I’m viewed as non-threatening so people don’t hesitate to pick me up, and finding space for one rider is always easier than for multiple.

What can you do to stay safe, then? The number one thing is to TRUST YOUR GUT. If something feels off, it probably is. I also try not to put my backpack in the trunk of the car. Make sure you have all your valuables on you, for example in a cross-body purse or bum bag, in case you need to get the fuck outta dodge quickly.

I don’t believe in only getting in cars with women or families. They are less likely to stop for a hitchhiker – even if you’re another woman – so finding rides gets more difficult. In a lot of places where hitchhiking is a common method of transportation, like when backpacking in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus, there are also fewer female drivers.

Camping and Hiking as a Solo Female Traveller

Oh yeah, that’s another thing that raises eyebrows every time I tell someone I enjoy hiking alone as a woman. Many people seem to picture all sorts of strange threats: wild forest men breaking into your tent in the middle of the night, wild forest men jumping you on the trail, and wild forest men stalking you on the way… You get the gist.

In my experience, wild forest men are very, very rare. Depending on where you go, you either meet very few other people, or there are so many other hikers that there is safety in numbers. There aren’t many human dangers you need to worry about out in the nature. Instead, any beginner’s guide to hiking can tell you to avoid wild animals, bad weather and precarious cliffs. In a word, the same dangers that male hikers would encounter out in the boonies.

Maybe solo female hiking is considered more dangerous because people are simply not used to girls doing cool ass shit like that. Let the haters hate and smash the patriarchy one trail at a time. Brush up on your wilderness survival skills, know what to pack for hiking , and make sure you’re savvy enough to take care of yourself in the wilderness.

Otherwise, there isn’t any real reason why camping or hiking alone as a woman should be any riskier than for anyone else.

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Sex & Romance

I’m not saying that one of the best parts about backpacking is the fast-and-loose hook-up culture that prevails on the road… But love and sex on the road is almost a guarantee, even if you’re not partaking.

Unfortunately, women face lots of nasty judgement for “sleeping around” at home. This is why backpacking girls find it very liberating to let their freak flag fly without having to worry about getting a permanent reputation.

When you’re dating and having sex while travelling , you have to keep in mind all the normal precautions that you would while dating at home. On top of that, you might encounter some spicy cultural differences. Mostly these differences are fascinating and harmless – sometimes they’re downright disturbing.

In many countries, Western women might be viewed as promiscuous – local men might have only ever seen white women in movies and porn – and because of this, they experience harassment and fetishisation. Backpackers also come with an (unfair?) reputation for being down with the dirty. From Brazil to Australia, I’ve encountered men who thought it was OK to be completely inappropriate just because I was a foreigner and I must be “easy”.

And then there are babies because our bodies are just thusly inclined. If you’re planning on staying somewhere for a while, I’d encourage you to check out the abortion laws in that country.

Because what happens when all precautions fail and you’re stuck somewhere where abortion is totally illegal? Being currently stuck in Indonesia with a mortifying fear of getting pregnant, I praise my IUD every day.

Bottom line is, a smart gal always carries and uses protection.

Top Safety Tips for Traveling Alone as Woman

• Be aware of your surroundings – Ah, so simple, yet so effective… This might include boring stuff like avoiding getting too drunk when you’re around strangers and sitting with your back towards the wall at restaurants.
• TRUST YOUR GUT – That bitch knows what she’s talking about.
• Pay attention to your body language – Research shows that people who seem confident are less likely to get hassled, whether that’s harassment or robbery. Channel your inner Ronda Rousey and square your shoulders, lift your chin, and walk with purpose. If you act like no one could kick your ass, you’re more likely to be left alone.
• Find another woman – If you do get into a hairy situation, you can usually always count on getting help from another woman, whether that’s another backpacking girl or a local grandma with a purse as a weapon.
• Hide your money well – Never keep all your cash in the same stash, and through your feminine wiles, you have many nifty hiding spots to choose from. The bra works but if you don’t want any sweaty boob money, roll up some bills in an empty lipstick container. Another great hiding place is a box of tampons or inside a pad because (allegedly?) a male robber wouldn’t think to look there.
• Solo travel doesn’t have to be lonely – Hostels, Couchsurfing, volunteering, Facebook groups, and even Tinder are all great places to meet other badass travellers – solo females or otherwise.
• Learn to say no – Women are socialised to be too nice, so here’s a tip: you don’t have to be polite to strangers. You don’t owe them anything. If a taxi driver asks for your Instagram, it’s okay to lie that you don’t have one. When a group of smirking teens asks to take a photo with you, it’s okay to refuse if it makes you feel uncomfortable. Kindness is a virtue – but politeness is not a given.

And The Last Safey Tip: Get Insured!

No matter how safe you stay – shit happens. The best travel accessory you can buy is not a foldable water bottle or a funky beach sarong, it’s a comprehensive travel insurance policy.

On the road, anything can happen. Did a monkey steal your brand new iPhone? Did you sprain your back falling down the hostel stairs after one too many pints at ladies’ night? Maybe you woke up one morning realising that the pad thai you had last night liked to fight back…

I thought I didn’t need insurance when I first started travelling but my mum made me get it, and then I just forgot about it and kept paying for it.

Then, on a fateful snorkelling trip to the beautiful reefs just outside of Hoi An, Vietnam, I was swimming back to the boat when the captain decided to do a blind backflip off the edge and landed right on my neck. Yikes! My neck was sore still weeks after so I got it checked up, just in case I might be slowly dying.

Luckily, there is no dramatic plot twist unless me being a bit of a hypochondriac counts as one. The doctors didn’t find anything wrong, but insurance saved me some 2,000 bucks for that reassurance.

At The Broke Backpacker, there’s one travel insurance company we recommend every time: World Nomads. Want to know why? Then read our in-depth review of World Nomads Insurance.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

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Where to travel alone? Here are some safe places to travel alone as a woman and my thoughts on why “best destinations” is kind of a bad concept.

Why “The Best Solo Female Travel Destinations” is a Misleading Concept

Most lists of the places and destinations that are best for women solo travel are always framed in the context of safety. In my opinion, these destinations can vary from the best places in the world to travel alone .

Here’s the thing: I’ve travelled solo in Asia, the Middle East, South America… all the places people usually say girls shouldn’t go by themselves. And I’ve been fine. More than that: those trips have been some of my favourites.

Safety is not necessarily as much of an issue as you think – but some places are definitely more difficult to travel as a woman. In Iran, even foreign women have to follow strict rules about clothing and behaviour, including wearing a headscarf and not riding bicycles. In India, men would often straight up ignore me when I tried to talk to them. In Brazil, I couldn’t get in an Uber without being hit on.

In some countries, women are expected to stay at home rather than socialise outside. Visiting Singapore was strange because I felt completely safe, however, there were very few women on the streets and that left me feeling on edge. There is something comforting about seeing other women around, and in some countries, the street view is dominated by men.

Emphasising the dangers of a certain country for female travellers enforces stereotypes which are often untrue. There are some spots, though, which I especially recommend for the solo girl gang.

Side note: India is still the ONLY country on my personal blacklist. I travelled around India with a boyfriend, not solo, and even though I could feel feminism leaving my body every time I found myself happy to have him around, I was happy to have him around.

I’ve heard some solo girls have had wonderful experiences solo trotting India, but it is still one of the most dangerous countries for female tourists. On the other hand, solo female travel in Pakistan seems to be picking up…

Top Destinations for First-Time Solo Female Travellers

When it comes to solo female travel, there are some destinations to rule them all.

For the most freaked-out female wayfarers, you really can’t go wrong by travelling to literally the safest countries in the world.

Travelling in Scandinavia is a totally unique experience. Sweden , Norway , Denmark , Iceland , and Finland consistently rank on top of all international peace and safety indexes so they are secure picks for female adventurers travelling Europe alone. Because gender equality in these countries is better than average, female travellers experience minimum harassment.

The downsides? The high standard of living means that travellers need to dish out some serious cash money, and hostel culture isn’t as well developed as in the rest of Europe. That’s fine – you came to stretch your solo wings anyway, right?

The backpackers’ promised land is the gateway to the joys of budget travel for most budding globetrotters.

While backpacking Southeast Asia is massively overplayed at this point, it’s still the top choice for first-time backpackers for a good reason: it’s the perfect balance between adventures and comfort.

The sheer popularity of the region makes it the best possible pick for solo travellers who are new to the game and still a lil’ unsure of themselves. It’s very easy to make friends and you’ll never be alone – there’s safety in numbers.

Because the tourist trail is well set up, travelling around Southeast Asia is super duper easy while still offering adventures aplenty. (Don’t forget to venture off the beaten path too, though; check out Myanmar!)

While backpacking around South America gets a dodgy reputation, it’s a proverbial treasure chest of awesome experiences for the adventurous (and feminine) souls.

For less experienced solo female travellers, Peru and Bolivia are an excellent introduction to the nether Americas: they’re safer than Colombia or Brazil, and way cheaper than Chile and Argentina.

And just to put this marketing spiel into hyper-drive, these two countries also have the most epic, emblematic adventures South America has to offer!

The backpacker trail snaking from the Bolivian salt flats through La Paz , Cusco , and Machu Picchu is like the Southeast Asia of Southern America, meaning that you’ll meet tons of other cool-ass travellers.

First-time backpackers might be seeking a bit of comfort over crazy adventure. This is where Europe sashays onto stage. Adventuring around Europe has been one of the top gap-year experiences for literally ever.

If you’re looking for city culture, and old town romance, the Old Continent is seductively whispering your name.

Party centrals Krakow (Poland), Prague (Czech Republic) and Budapest (Hungary) are household fixtures on the European backpacker trail . You barely even have to try to make friends!

And for a single woman travelling alone, the cobblestoned streets and old buildings are a perfect backdrop for a little holiday romance (or romancing yourself, for that matter).

This one might be a bit surprising – but I felt totally safe backpacking in Iran . It’s definitely not a pick for a first-time backpacker, but for gals craving something different, Iran is absolutely awesome.

Despite strict dress codes that even foreign women can’t avoid – e.g. having to wear a headscarf and covering your ankles and elbows -, travelling in Iran felt super safe. I was welcomed with hospitality and curiosity anywhere I went. I even met tons of other solo female travellers in Iranian hostels – they outnumbered solo male travellers!

From a feminist perspective, it’s also interesting to see female lives under oppressive legislation like the one in Iran.

Feminist advocates on Instagram have been arrested and silenced, and although many young Iranians live a life much like ours – complete with booze and Tinder – they have to do that all underground.

You’ve probably heard the phrase: when packing, take double the money and leave half the stuff.

That’s the best advice about packing you’ll ever hear, but it’s something that you will only learn after you’ve made the mistake of overpacking yourself. (I should have known that walking across the Balkans with 15 kg on my back in an ill-fitting backpack would be… not fun.) Often you can get away with travelling with just one bag !

Paying attention to the weight of your backpack is especially important for solo female backpackers. Now, I’m not calling girls weak… I’m just saying that personally, I have often struggled to hoist my toddler-sized backpack on the overhead rack on trains and buses without help. And, it’s difficult to continue being a badass solo female backpacke r when you have back problems.

All backpacks are not made equal. It’s important that the weight you carry is distributed evenly, and many standard or unisex backpacks might not be a good fit for a girly frame. Most brands have a range of awesome backpacks for women . The friendly folks at your local outdoor store can also help you measure yourself and find you the perfect backpack.

What to Pack as a Solo Female Traveller

Now that you’ve stripped off most of the unnecessary things from your pack, let’s go and add some real essentials. These are some items I have wished I’d added to my backpacking packing list back when I was a newbie:

• Sustainable sanitary products – In many non-Western countries, finding period products is surprisingly difficult. Tampons? I don’t know her. But choosing reusable options now is easier than ever. On shorter trips, you can stock up, but during longer runs, a backpack full of period products just sounds like a punchline to a weird joke. I highly, highly recommend getting a period cup, and it’s reusable for years so it’s environmentally sustainable. (Get it a few months before the trip though to practice… there is a learning curve but I promise it’s worth it!)
• Beauty products – Many backpacking girls decide to go without make-up which is great. I personally don’t – and if you’re like me, you’ll want to make sure your make-up is sweat-proof! Other travel toiletries to pack are dry shampoo and skin cleaning products. In Asia, almost every facial cleanse sold in stores is marketed as “whitening”, which, uhh… let’s just have the discussion about how problematic that is some other time.
• Birth control – It sucks, but you have to think about this. But if you’re going on a longer trip, you might have trouble filling up your prescription on pills since the same brands are not available everywhere. Pick up a packet of condoms from home as well: in many places, it’s impossible to find big ones. (And a smart gal is always prepared, even if her partner isn’t!)
• Appropriate clothes – Depending on where you’re going, you might need to pack skirts or trousers that cover your ankles or shirts that cover your shoulders and cleavage. Getting a lightweight sarong is a great idea since it can be used to quickly cover up your legs when entering a temple or swung onto your shoulders and head when going into a church.
• Bikini and underwear – Mid-trip shopping is all fun and games until you go pull up XL sized bikini bottoms and get it gets stuck mid-thigh. Asian sizing is TINY, so if you’re headed to Southeast/East Asia and are anything above size 0, it’s best to do your bikini shopping at home.

Despite what some people might say, it turns out that the world, after all, isn’t a bad place. Actually, it’s pretty dope, especially for badass girls who fearlessly go against ill-informed nay-sayers and fearmongers. Growth begins at the edge of your comfort zone.

Travelling solo has literally been the best thing I’ve ever done in my life. It’s become a big part of my identity and even shaped the career I went into – anything digital just so I could keep travelling till I dropped. Sure, I had fun when I was traipsing around with a handsome English boy or touring ancient ruins with a global group of rascals I met at a hostel, but the best moments for me have always been with myself.

There is beauty in being alone and learning that it’s fine. You don’t NEED another person to travel the world; the only things you need are your own hunger to see more things and a teeny tiny bit of courage.

And when you realise that you can do that -you can just go out there and travel the world alone, that is such a fucking empowering feeling. Suddenly there isn’t anything you can’t do. The confidence boost that you get knowing that your own little hands are enough to carry you is incredible.

Once you learn that, there is nothing holding you back. That kind of power is almost scary.

When so many people tell you that you shouldn’t travel alone and then you prove them wrong – it feels like some epic superhero tale of an underdog rising up as a champion.

So pack your bags and go out there. The whole world is waiting for you, so why would you wait for anyone else?

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Elina Mattila

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16 Comments

Solo female travel is empowering, liberating, and immensely fulfilling. It’s about embracing independence, discovering oneself, and navigating the world on one’s own terms. Don’t let fears or doubts hold you back; seize the opportunity to explore solo and create unforgettable adventures.

You really had an incredible experience. I feel so scared when I travel alone, especially during dark. Women are also free to roam around the world alone but that shouldn’t be at the cost of risking their life.

I absolutely love the article on traveling alone as a woman! It’s so refreshing to see content that encourages and empowers women to explore the world on their own terms. As a seasoned solo female traveler, I can attest to the incredible growth and self-discovery that comes with embarking on solo adventures.

The tips provided are not only practical but also incredibly important. Planning, research, and awareness are key to ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey. It’s wonderful to see suggestions for female-friendly accommodations and local insights on various destinations. These details can make a huge difference in a woman’s travel experience.

Moreover, I appreciate the emphasis on self-confidence and trust in one’s instincts. Traveling alone can be a transformative experience, and it’s fantastic to see this article encouraging women to step out of their comfort zones and embrace the world with open arms.

To all the ladies out there considering solo travel, I say go for it! It’s an incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and create lifelong memories. With the right preparation and mindset, there’s no limit to where your solo adventures can take you. Thank you for sharing this valuable information and empowering women to explore the world independently!

Empowering and informative! This guide is a must-read for any adventurous woman ready to explore the world solo in 2023.”

Solo female travel empowers, defies norms. Safety matters, but bravery stems from exploration and self-discovery. Adventure awaits, embrace it.

Hi Elina, as an Iranian girl who LOVES to travel I was so shocked and extremally happy to see that you have enjoyed traveling in my country and even include it in your top destinations!!! thank you for all the helpful tips as well, I will graduate uni soon and I hope to hit the road after that 🙂 your words were very helpful, tnxx I have been waiting soooooo long for this!!!! I am so excited for this new chapter :)))

As a woman who has been sheltered by mummy and daddy my entire life. Even now I have children, and still I haven’t seen the world. I’ve always wanted to travel and see the world backpack everywhere that’s been one of my dreams since middle school earlier even I’ve always imagined myself on the road in little villages in Rome the Mediterranean in Europe in America in rural s walk-in through the forest and traveling to little vintage shops me by myself and me with my kids and/or husband/boyfriend. Meeting new faces everywhere I go, connecting on a spiritual level with other kind souls. But I’m 35 years old now and that’s never going to happen. It seems I’m doomed to live the same unhappy life my parents lived. I’m even hard on finding employment. Then again at least my girls are safe. That’s what matters the most.

One of my other dreams backpacking the entire Pacific Crest Trail with some experienced backpackers. Maybe I’m destined to be an unannounced assumed introvert, maybe not only time and space till tell.

nices its so osm

Hey Elina, I’m actually thrilled that you are encouraging girls as well as women who actually want to travel safely! It’s true as said, women are more strong and courageous. They also have the right to do what they want. Thank you for showing all the important things needed to carry & do.

Great post Elena. I hitched Europe, Australia and NZ for 2 years when I was 23 ( 36 years ago) and it was the frickin’ best adventure I’ve EVER had.

You really had an incredible experience. I feel so scared when I travel alone, especially during dark. Women are also free to roam around the world alone but that shouldn’t be at the cost of risking their life.

Traveling solo makes me nervous, but the idea of looking confident can actually scare off people is starting to grow on me. I’ve heard that before so I guess it really does work!

These Tips Are Very Useful. Learning Street Smarts Is Important when Traveling along with Remaining aware of yourself and your belongings at all times

Travelling solo as a female can be quite challenging and unpredictable. However, after reading your post, I am sure that every female traveler should read it and learn a lot from it! Excellent tips and advice!

Some useful tips there on solo female travel. I’d say it’s better not to step out when it’s dark…travel alone but not at the cost of risking your life. I have traveled alone quite a lot, and the biggest lesson I have learnt is that you need to trust your instinct. Don’t do something obviously foolish!

An excellent right up and a must read for any female traveller, thanks for putting this together!

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The Best First Time Solo Female Travel Destinations

Updated: January 14, 2023

Solo Female Travel , Australia , France , Greece , Indonesia , Malaysia , New Zealand , Spain , Thailand , Vietnam

written by: Steph Kloeckener

24 incredible destinations for first-time solo female travelers. Plan a tropical getaway in Asia or a city trip in Europe - the destination and type of your very first solo trip are up to you.

There are many great solo female travel destinations all over the world, but some of them are better for those traveling alone for the first time. It is just easier to get around there and the countries or places are considered safer than others. These 24 countries and regions are the very best first-time solo female travel destinations.

Spread all over the world, these destinations promise very different adventures, so it is up to you to select the destination for your dream vacation. Take a look at what the individual places can offer you and start planning your very first solo trip!

Please keep in mind, that nearly every country can be a great solo female travel destination if you do the right preparation and research. The fact that a destination is not on this list merely means, that it is the perfect place for adventures of more advanced solo female travelers. As it is, some places are just harder to navigate on your own, and therefore, they are less suitable for traveling alone newbies.

Table of Contents

Best places for Solo Female Travel in Oceania

Australia has it all: incredible landscapes that range from deserts in the Outback to seemingly endless beaches with turquoise water. Bigger cities with incredible architecture like Sydney and Perth and incredible coral reefs beyond the Great Barrier Reefs. And on top of all that it is one of the best solo female travel destinations. Especially as it is a very safe country.

While Australia is a country of long distances, it is easy to explore the country and all its beautiful corners. There are a lot of backpackers and travelers, so it is easy to connect with like-minded people while traveling alone. It is incredibly easy to get together with fellow travelers and plan a road trip together. And that is more than fortunate, as Australia is the perfect country for road trips. Instead of traveling with strangers, you can also go on road trips on your own. At least, if you do not mind driving long distances on your own.

Some of the best things to do aside from exploring the big cities along the coast are exploring national parks like Karijini National Park or Kalbarri National Park , diving in the Ningaloo Reef , or the famous Great Barrier Reef , and cruising the Whitsundays . Travelers in Australia can chase sunsets, relax at the most amazing beaches, or chase waterfalls in the Tropical North.

Aside from that, Australia offers the most amazing wildlife. See the wild dolphins of Monkey Mia , go whale watching , or spot koalas close to the Great Ocean Road. Additional incredible wildlife activities are seeing kangaroos at the amazing Lucky Bay in Western Australia or meeting the happiest animal on earth – the quokkas of Rottnest Island .

The one important thing to note about this great first-time solo female travel destination is that it is recommended to always plan ahead.

While being absolutely spontaneous and having no plans is great in some countries, it is best to at least have a general overview. Otherwise, it is easy to overestimate how much one can do and the experience will feel disappointing as you will have to skip activities.

More about Australia

Hidden Gems in Australia

Australian National Parks

Australia Facts

Day Trips from Perth

Perth to Kalbarri Road Trip

Day Trips from Sydney

New Zealand

Renowned for its natural beauty, New Zealand is the perfect destination for solo female travelers. One of the safest countries in the world, New Zealand is very accessible for female travelers and there’s a huge amount to see and do. With white, sandy beaches, beautiful bush walks and the majestic Southern Alps, there are plenty of options for both group activities and for having some time out by yourself.

Many travelers start in Auckland, on the North Island, and travel down the country from there. Highlights include stopping in the beautiful Coromandel for stunning beaches, Rotorua for volcanic attractions and thermal spas, then on to the wineries of Hawkes Bay.

But the highlight of any trip to New Zealand is  traveling to Queenstown , nestled in the Southern Alps and on the edge of Lake Wakatipu. With good tourist infrastructure and many long-term travelers working in the town, it’s easy to make friends and find people with similar interests to you.

From snow sports and hiking to wineries and adventure activities (like bungy jumping), there’s a huge amount to do in Queenstown and the Central Otago region.

Wander around the town, marveling at the gorgeous lake views. Walk up Queenstown Hill for spectacular, free views of the surrounding area, and visit gorgeous little Arrowtown for a taste of colonial history and delicious restaurants.

The Central Otago region is renowned for its delicious pinot noir and you’ll find many excellent wineries in nearby Gibbston Valley. For magnificent views over mountains and lakes, do some trails in Mt Aspiring National Park. Roy’s Peak , in particular, is a favorite on Instagram with panoramic views over Lake Wanaka. While Queenstown has all the comforts of a larger city, it is a natural beauty that makes this area so special.

Contributed by Roxanne from Far Away Worlds

More about adventures in New Zealand

Fantastic Glow Worm Caves in New Zealand

First Time Solo Female Travel Destinations in Asia

Bali is the perfect first-time solo female traveler destination, as it is incredibly beautiful and offers areas that are very similar to many Western cities and more remote areas. Therefore, first-time solo travelers get the chance to acclimate to traveling alone in places full of fellow travelers, before venturing towards more remote parts of Bali once they have gained confidence or want to push themselves.

The locals in Bali are incredibly kind and in places like Canggu or Seminyak, it is incredibly easy to connect with other travelers. Therefore, it is easy to make new friends and find travel buddies for day trips. First-time solo female travelers exploring Bali should split their time between Canggu, Seminyak, and Ubud.

Another appeal of Bali is the incredible beauty of the island which is also known as the ‘Island of the Gods’. It is a paradise full of rice terraces like the Jatiluwih Rice Terrace or the very popular Tegallalang Rice Terrace. In addition to that, you have amazing beaches like the black-sand beach Pantai Pasut or Pantai Berawa, which is a fantastic sunset spot.

In the north of the island in the area around Mundok, it is possible to chase waterfalls. Hereby, Banya Wana Amertha waterfall and Sekumpul waterfall are especially amazing. Explore temples like the water temple Ulun Danu Beratan or Tirta Empul temple with its koi pond.

All in all, it is incredibly easy to get around in Bali and aside from theft, it is a very safe destination.

More about exploring Bali

Daily Budget in Bali

Safe, budget-friendly, and incredibly well set up for tourists, Vietnam is one of the best countries in Southeast Asia – and the entire world – for female travelers on their first solo voyage.

Vietnam is extremely diverse and literally has something for everyone, from a mountainous north, long stretch of coastline, southern islands, the delta, and a lush interior.

The two largest cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are both must-sees, as is the charming UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ancient Town in Hoi An.

What you do in between is totally up to you. If you like hiking, dedicate more time to the northern areas of  Sapa – accessible by overnight train from Hanoi   – and more remote Ha Giang, where mountain trails, friendly homestays, and vibrant hill tribe markets await.

If history and culture are more your things, hop along by train from north to south stopping in Hue, Vietnam’s Imperial City, along the way. Spending a night or two onboard a traditional junk boat as you dart through the limestone karts on Halong Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay is another bucket-list experience to tick off.

English is widely spoken in Vietnam and people are generally helpful, which makes it very easy to get around. An abundance of hostels makes it easy to meet and pair up with other travelers, too.

The only thing you need to be wary of is pickpocketing in the larger cities (especially in Ho Chi Minh) – exercise the same level of caution you would in any other major city.

Contributed by Emily from Wander-Lush

More about traveling in Vietnam

Vietnam Travel Budget

Hue’s Abandoned Water Park

Vietnam Photo Inspiration

2 Weeks in Vietnam

Hidden Gems in Vietnam

Malaysia is a fantastic destination for first-time solo female travelers. With a hugely varied choice of destinations to add to your Malaysia backpacking route , from street art cities to jungles to paradise islands – and an array of hostels and other cheap accommodations depending on your travel style. There are easy backpacker transport options that your hostels can usually book for you. And while the travel scene is not as crowded as nearby Thailand, it’s still just as thriving and exciting.

Beginning in the travel hub and modern capital of Kuala Lumpur, you can start your trip by seeing the famous Petronas Towers and colorful Batu Caves. But the beauty of Malaysia lies beyond its capital.

Next, head for a jungle adventure in Taman Negara. Stay in Wild Lodge for cheap and friendly hostel hosts who will help you plan hikes through the jungle or take you to swim in jungle rivers.

If you’re after something more relaxing, go to the Cameron Highlands, where the lush green rolling tea fields expand into the distance and offer stunning views. This is a great place to settle down for a while.

Malaysia’s also totally underrated for its islands and beaches! Head to Perhentian Kecil for backpacker vibes or Perhentian Besar for a more laid back resort. The beaches and snorkeling in The Perhentians are just awe-inspiring… and double as a fantastic and cheap place to learn to scuba dive. Langkawi is another gorgeous beach option.

Finally, don’t miss Georgetown in Penang to sample some of Malaysia’s best street food. Discovering the street art here is also a fun and unique activity in the city!

Contributed by Cassie from CassietheHag

More about traveling in Malaysia

Layover in Kuala Lumpur – Things to do and Costs

Nobody will go to Thailand to walk the unbeaten paths. The country has been a popular holiday destination for decades. But the fact that many ‘pioneers’ have already been there, makes traveling simple and enjoyable also for first-time solo female travelers.

Because there is a well-functioning infrastructure, getting around is fairly easy and convenient. You don’t have to elaborate on what you want. Probably, quite a few before you wanted the same thing, hence, the locals know what you need before you have said it.

There is a well-developed network of public transport that will take you comfortably to all corners of the country. Therefore, in contrast to other Asian countries, it is not difficult and also not more expensive to visit the landmarks even as a solo traveler.

In most other countries, you often pay for a vehicle with a driver. This is great when there are two of you or even a small group. But you always pay too much when you’re on your own. Not in Thailand.

Even though I was amazed that, despite a large number of visitors, very few Thais speak English well, it was never a real problem. People are just very friendly and helpful. And discreet. There is no catcalling, and no annoying discussions if or if not you need a boyfriend.

Last but not least, it’s nice that the locals are used to visitors traveling by themselves. You are not looked at as some kind of pathetic freak. And after you’ve tried out this big adventure of traveling solo in the safe haven of Thailand, next time you can walk those unbeaten paths with confidence.

Contributed by Renata from BYE:MYSELF

More about Thailand

Daily Budget in Bangkok

You may think of Fiji as a place for a romantic honeymoon, but it offers solo travelers adventure as well. In particular, even budget backpackers will find Fiji a wonderful place to visit. Fiji is safe and laid back. You should exercise only the usual, common-sense precautions when visiting Fiji. Walking alone at night for example is still something to be avoided, but there is not much urban clubbing to be seen in town so this likely will not limit your experience.

So what is there to do? You can go island hopping on excursions or for a hike to waterfalls. There is also a  great community of hostels  on the main island (where the airport is) to provide you with a solid base camp to further explore.

They also provide nightly parties to those who would like to celebrate. If you’d rather not spend your whole trip on the beach though, Fiji also offers a reliable public bus to take you into or around town.

Noteworthy spots in Nadi include the largest Hindu temple in the southern hemisphere, the Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple, and a large open-air farmer’s market. If you’re looking to elevate your experience with some memorable, luxurious excursions, check out Malamala Beach Club and Cloud 9.

Recommended by Taylor from Taytrum Travels

Laos is the perfect introduction to solo female travel in Southeast Asia. With its laid-back charm, friendly and welcoming locals, and fascinating culture, women traveling alone will find Laos a calmer introduction to the region, than in other neighboring countries.

Laos doesn’t tend to have the party scene that can be somewhat overwhelming in Thailand, yet there are still a large number of independent travelers moving throughout the country, making it ideal to encounter fellow backpackers. Additionally, Laos offers incredible value for money, is safe for female travelers, is warm year-round – and is incredibly beautiful!

For first-time travelers, sticking to the main “tourist trail” of Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, and Vientiane Capital will allow you to get your confidence in dealing with transportation, accommodation, and food options.

Safe, clean accommodation is available throughout Laos, and traveling via mini-van rather than public bus will give you the chance to meet up with other solo travelers. Once acclimatized, try your hand at venturing south to discover all the amazing   things to do in Pakse , Champasak, and the 4000 Islands.

Starting in Luang Prabang, you’ll find beautiful gilded temples, magnificent turquoise waterfalls, and incredible food – the baguettes and croissants are pretty hard to beat! Head south to Vang Vieng, a small town surrounded by giant karst mountains, for tubing or kayaking along the pretty Nam Song River. Whilst further south, spend a day or two in the riverside capital of Vientiane, with its abundant cafes, restaurants, and bars, Patuxai monument, and the towering gold Pha That Luang.

Contributed by Marie from A Life Without Borders

While many people find comfort in choosing a popular, well-explored destination for their first solo female adventure, some adventurers have great visions of getting off the beaten path, sampling local cuisine, and interacting with locals. Myanmar is the perfect destination for this!

As tourism is still a relatively new industry for Myanmar, the country gives off an unexplored charm and offers an alternative to the well-beaten South East Asian backpacker route. The locals are incredibly friendly, offering warm and genuine hospitality, making it very easy for solo female travelers to interact and make friends. Don’t be surprised if you get invited to tea by local students wanting to practice their English!

Similarly, without the masses of tourists, it is very easy for fellow backpackers to band together and make friends. Many travelers to Myanmar are solo travelers, keen to find friends and explore together!

As a solo female traveler in Myanmar, it is important to remember the local customs and culture. It is a mostly conservative Buddhist society and women are expected to wear modest clothes, covering their shoulders and upper legs. A common outfit for local women is the longyi, wrapped around the waist and similar to a long skirt. Overall, the country is known to be quite safe for solo women travelers, and crime against tourists is low.

A highlight for many people traveling to Myanmar is the spectacular Bagan. With over 2000 temples and pagodas spread across the city; this UNESCO World Heritage Site is once in a lifetime destination!

Contributed by Luke and Roxy from Wild about BC

Taiwan is the perfect introduction to Asia for first-time solo female travelers. You experience the architecture, street food, and fast-paced cities you find all across Asia, but it is a very easy country to travel in and isn’t overwhelming for new travelers.  

You can easily navigate your way around cities on the metro or by foot and jump on a high-speed train to travel from Taipei in the north to Kaohsiung at the southern tip of the island in less than 3 hours! 

The top two things that make Taiwan a great destination for solo female travelers are how friendly the locals are and the  country-wide wifi network in Taiwan  that makes it easy to access the internet wherever you are. 

If you visit Taiwan, don’t be afraid to explore the night markets.  They’re busy, but they are a way of life for the Taiwanese. No matter what city you’re in, there are multiple night markets to explore.

They are the best way to find inexpensive yet delicious food and experience an important part of Taiwan culture. Don’t forget to pick up a bubble tea (or two) as well! 

Recommended by Erica Riley of  Travels with Erica

Japan – the land of the rising sun, long line-ups, amazing food, and automatic toilets. There are many reasons why Japan is the perfect destination for first-time solo female travelers.

Japan is one of the safest countries on earth, ranking in the top 10 of the Global Peace Index. Violent crime is almost non-existent as the Japanese culture places a high emphasis on order, peacefulness, and prosperity. Their quality of life is second to none, and they have very little international conflict with neighboring countries.

Whilst traveling to a non-English speaking country might sound a little daunting for first-time solo female travelers, don’t let this put you off visiting Japan.

Many Japanese citizens do not speak English well, but most of them know enough to get by. And almost all of them will go out of their way to assist you in any way they can. The Japanese truly are very welcoming, caring, and considerate people.

The public transport system in Japan is one of the best and cleanest in the world. It is also relatively easy for a foreigner to navigate. Most transport lines are color-coded and just about every sign has an English translation, as well as Japanese. The subway in Tokyo even has women-only designated carriages marked on the platform in pink.

Japan is without a doubt one of the safest countries for solo female travelers. While there are many  things you should know before you visit Japan , it’s one of the best countries to experience a completely different culture and still be able to enjoy your trip knowing that you can feel ‘safe’ in a strange country.

Not sure what to pack for a trip to this amazing solo travel destination? Check out this Japan packing list .

Contributed by Amanda of Fly Stay Luxe

Singapore is the perfect destination for solo female travelers as it’s one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia, if not the world!

With its compact size and efficient transportation system, traveling around the country has never been easier. If you want to save money, make sure to buy a Singapore Tourist Pass which will give you unlimited rides on buses and trains. It’s also more convenient since you won’t have to buy a ticket every single time.

Another reason why you should visit Singapore is that it has a wide range of hostels to cater to budget and solo travelers. But if you want a little more privacy, you can choose to stay in a capsule hotel for a fraction of the price you would normally pay for a regular hotel!

Finally, some of the best things to do in Singapore don’t cost a lot of money, In fact, some of them are completely free like the Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay, street arts in Little India, and Haji Lane, Buddha Tooth Relic temple in Chinatown, and more!

And make sure to also visit some of the best  instagrammable places in Singapore   if you want to see the country’s most eclectic and colorful neighborhoods!

Contributed by Stephanie from Let’s Venture Out

Solo Female Travel Destinations in Europe

Greece & the greek islands.

If you are looking for somewhere great to visit as a first-time solo female traveler, Greece and its islands are perfect. Travel is easy, many Greeks speak English and are friendly and helpful.

Athens is the most popular city and easy to explore on your own. The ancient Acropolis studded with marble monuments, including the Parthenon, is spectacular. You can immerse yourself in ancient history as there is much to see, but if not, there are markets and shops for browsing and restaurants to suit all budgets. The nightlife is good, but best not to walk alone at night and to keep a close eye on your possessions – much the same as in any large city.

There are a number of ferries from Pireaus to the Greek islands including Mykonos, Ios, Paros, and Crete. All a great choice for solo travelers. with amazing beaches, great nightlife, and many archaeological sites to visit.

A fun way to explore them is to join a tour as this is a great way to meet friends. There are various classes to join too including one teaching how to cook Greek food –  a fun way to interact with others.

Island Hopping is very popular among visitors and you are bound to meet new friends on the ferry. 

Contributed by Chrysoula from Greece Travel Ideas

More about Greece

The Best Greek Islands

Daily Budget in Corfu

Corfu Images

Spain has plenty to offer to any type of traveler, from vibrant cities and towns to vast national parks and dreamy beaches. If it’s your first time traveling alone, you’ll be happy to find a beautiful country waiting to be explored, friendly locals who are eager to help, an easy transportation system, and activities for every budget.

Getting around Spain’s cities and towns is extremely convenient thanks to a fantastic train system and daily flights (which can sometimes be cheaper than train rides), which means you can easily visit multiple places on one trip.

Overall, Spain might not be a budget-friendly destination, but you can definitely enjoy it without breaking the bank. There are plenty of accommodations, restaurants, and activities for every budget, and even in the big bustling cities, there’s no shortage of free things to do, including visiting museums, parks, and historical sites.

From wandering around  Valencia ‘ s old town to visiting Madrid’s amazing Prado art museum to exploring Gaudi’s architectural creations in Barcelona, you can enjoy exciting places without spending any money.

Spain is also considered a safe destination, though you should always follow basic safety rules like watching out for pickpockets. In addition, although many of the locals don’t speak very good English, they’re always kind and will find a way to help you.

Contributed by Or from My Path in the World

More about traveling in Spain

Hidden Gems in Spain

Hidden Gems in Gran Canaria

Weekend Getaways in Spain

Bucket List Experiences in Spain

Things to do in Gran Canaria

Daily Budget in Gran Canaria

Ireland is one of the friendliest countries in Europe and its residents are extraordinarily hospitable to tourists and visitors from around the world. Solo female travelers should feel right at home while exploring the Emerald Isle. 

It comes as no surprise that Dublin is one of the best cities for female solo travelers, according to Tourlane. Take your time touring this city either by bus or by metro, both of which are very easy to navigate. Never hesitate to ask for directions or assistance from police officers who often stand on the platforms. They go above and beyond when it comes to relaying information.

Some of the top activities to do in Dublin as a solo female traveler include a free walking tour of Trinity College and seeing the ancient Book of Kells, photographing and walking across Ha’Penny Bridge, shopping and browsing through Grafton Street, and visiting St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

If you love wildlife, you must visit Phoenix Park, Europe’s largest walled urban park where you can see wild deer and other animals. 

Outside of Dublin, know that it is very easy to get around. You may take a train directly from Dublin to Galway, a smaller, though very friendly city that is very easy to walk around in, so no need for a car. A day trip directly to the Cliffs of Moher is also a must. Cliffs of Moher is a full day’s trip spent away from Dublin, or a three and a half ride one way.

And why not treat yourself while traveling solo? Ireland is home to many beautiful hotels and castles. Spend perhaps one night at one of these resorts for the perfect opportunity to unwind.

When traveling solo, it is always important to download any necessary information prior to your travels through Ireland. This includes maps, addresses of specific locations, and names of main roads as a point of reference. Most Irish will be more than glad to assist you. Wifi is also readily available at most restaurants, pubs, hotels, and town centers free of charge. 

Recommended by Vanessa Gordon  from East End Taste Magazine

England is a great solo female travel destination. The British capital is one of the most popular cities on the planet and for good reason. It has a wonderful variety and diversity that makes it a great destination, especially as a solo female travel destination.  

London has got world-class museums, beautiful parks, busy markets, stunning churches, and extraordinary viewpoints. 

It is a city of dreams and there are hundreds of reasons why. Whether you visit in the summer and take a picnic to Hyde Park or visit in the winter and take a trip to Winter Wonderland. The city has an abundance of places to visit, things to see, and activities to experience.

Some of the best things to do in London include the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben & Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, Camden Market, St Paul’s Cathedral,  Columbia Road Flower Market , Trafalgar Square, and Madame Tussauds.  

As a solo female traveler, it’s a great destination due to its accessible transport, cheap hostels, and independent coffee shops all across the city. There are lots of ways to meet like-minded people, both at co-working spaces and at social hangouts, such as fitness classes. 

And if you’ve got a spare Saturday why not head to some of the city’s best museums such as Tate Britain, British Museum, Science Museum, Imperial War Museum, or the Natural History Museum.  

Contributed by Sophie’s Suitcase

More about the UK

Hidden Gems in the UK – England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland

If you’re planning your first trip as a solo female traveler, Scotland is a great destination to consider. For a start, everything is in English, it’s not particularly difficult to travel around or find places to stay which are reasonably cost-effective, and everyone is friendly. Oh, and they speak English- which makes things just a little bit easier for your first trip. 

Scotland is a breathtaking combination of stunning scenery, brutal history, and unique culture. The music, the food, the places to visit are all utterly unique to the country.

If you like Castles, there are hundreds to explore. There are also whiskey distilleries around nearly every corner and beaches so pretty you won’t believe they’re real.

If you’re lucky enough to be   motorhome wild camping in Scotland   (which is pretty safe, even as a lone female), you can stay right on the shores of some of these beaches- for free!

One of the best things to do in Scotland, especially in the Highlands is to hike. There are multiple trails and walks (guides are available from the tourist offices if you’d like one), or you can just turn up and explore wherever you fancy. Be aware of the weather, which can change very quickly. Some of the hikes are for more experienced walkers only- so do a little research before you head out.

Whilst you’re in Scotland, be sure to try some of the local foods. Haggis is… an acquired taste, but deep-fried mars bars are so randomly delicious that you need to be careful how many you eat! There are plenty of local farmers’ markets and cute cafes for you to indulge yourself in as you travel.

Contributed by Kat | Wandering Bird

the Netherlands

One of the best destinations to visit for first-time solo female travelers is the Netherlands. This country is fascinating to visit, and there is a lot to see here. What makes this is a great destination for when you are going on a solo trip for the first time as a female traveler is that it is one of the safest countries in the world. Another aspect that makes it a suitable destination is that almost everyone speaks English, which is very convenient.

Another reason why the Netherlands is great is that from there it is easy to explore more of Europe by train. However, there are lots of great places to discover in the Netherlands. The most well-known of these is Amsterdam.

There are many museums and sights here, and there is lots of other entertainment. Furthermore, the canals and picturesque canal houses look amazing. What’s great is that you can visit  Amsterdam for a day   and then move on to another city in the Netherlands.

Other lovely cities include Utrecht, Rotterdam, the Hague, Leiden, and Maastricht. Each city has its own charm, its own history, and its own fun things to do. You can easily go to these other cities as the Netherlands is a tiny country, so every city is nearby. A tip for if you want to go to the Netherlands is to visit during April. During this time there are beautiful tulip fields that you can visit in the town of Lisse. This is a sight that you just have to see if you have the chance!

Contributed by Dymphe from Dymabroad

France is a popular place for solo female travelers. As one of the most visited countries in the world, it is easy to maneuver the country despite not being an English-speaking country. There are many available travel guides catering to solo female travelers, it’s also a safe country to travel to, it’s so easy to find like-minded individuals in France, and of course, there are just many things to do in this country.

If you are looking to visit France, I suggest that you also venture out outside of Paris.  France has many beautiful towns and villages straight from fairytale movies. There is Colmar with its beautiful and colorful half-timbered houses, the medieval town of Carcassonne with its fortified walls from the 11th century, the enchanting village of Mont St. Michel that looks more magical at sunset, and Riquewihr which is said to be the inspiration for the village in Beauty and The Beast.

Paris, however, remains one of the best destinations in France. Despite being known as the city of love and a romantic city, every female traveler should experience exploring Paris alone.

Among the top things to do and see is the Eiffel Tower – which is the iconic symbol of Paris, the amazing and massive repository of the world’s greatest fine arts in the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, the opulence of Palais Garnier, the iconic church of Notre Dame and the many impressive architectures in Paris. One can’t get enough of the places to visit here.

To enjoy your experience better in Paris, make sure to be aware of your surroundings, especially at the metro stations. Pickpockets are a common thing in Paris and these thieves normally target unsuspecting tourists. And because Paris is the most visited in the world, expect a massive crowd. To save yourself time, buying skip-the-line tickets if possible is recommended. It will save you lots of hours especially if you only have a few days in Paris.

If you are looking for an affordable hotel in the city, you should contemplate staying at one of the Ibis Hotels in Paris .

Contributed by Christine Rogador from Journey To France

Belgium is a great place to kick off your solo female travel journey. It’s a small country, with lots of cities to explore. The public transport network is well connected, so you can rely on it to safely get you around. Visiting Belgium is the perfect way to experience a varied mix of cultures without having to travel too far, from Flanders in the north to Wallonia in the south, with beer, fries, and waffles uniting them all.

You’ll want to spend most of your time in Belgium exploring Brussels, the country’s capital.

Here are some of the top things to do in Brussels on your own:

• Visit Grand Place, the main square in the city, filled with ornate buildings.
• Go to the Atomium museum and discover the story of this unique atom-shaped attraction.
• Wander around Cinquantenaire Park and see the Brussels Arch (look out for the European Commission on the way!).
• See Manneken Pis, the famous statue of the peeing boy, and Brussels’ two other peeing statues.
• Take a tour of Brussels’ comic talent on the Brussels Comic Book Route.

Top Tips for Solo Female Travel in Brussels:

Watch out for pickpockets: Although Brussels is very safe, it’s not uncommon for pickpockets to operate on the metro and in busy areas. You won’t be in any danger, but the last thing you want is to lose any valuables. Always be aware of your surroundings and don’t put anything in your back pockets.

Favor street food over restaurants. Although Brussels has some great specialties like  carbonnade  and  moules frites , their best offerings come in street food form. You’ll find most Brussels locals socializing in bars, with a cornet of fries and a refreshing beer.

Contributed by Kirstie from Kirstie Will Travel

Iceland is the best destination a woman could choose for her first solo trip. There are few places in the world with such a complex mix of dramatic landscapes, hot springs, and adventure opportunities. It is a great place to have fun, relax and make new memories. Besides that, Iceland has an incredibly low crime rate and friendly English-speaking locals willing to help. Safety will be no concern, which makes the country one of the best solo female travel destinations.

As soon as you get off the plane stop for a bath in the milky blue water of the Blue Lagoon. Just remember to use a lot of conditioners, as it’s not your hair’s best friend, and try the free mud masks. End the day in Reykjavik. 

The capital of Iceland has colorful little houses, plenty of interesting graffiti, great nightlife, a hipster shopping street, and the Phallological Museum. Yeah, that’s right. A cocks’ museum really exists and it’s in the heart of Reykjavik. Reykjavik also has many great cafes to warm up. What about an Icelandic tasting menu at Tapas Barinn? While tasting puffin might make one feel guilty, it’s a great chance to try some traditional food with a twist. 

There are two mandatory tours one has to take in order to see the diversity of sights in Iceland. The Golden Circle Tour comprises the Geysir, Kerid Volcanic Crater, Gulfoss waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park.

The Southern Iceland Coast tour includes even more amazing waterfalls, glacier lagoons, a Black Sand Beach, and the pretty Vik Village. One can also pet those cute Icelandic horses on the way.

Although the lights are not guaranteed to appear, the season extends from September to March. If one travels there during those months, there’s a high chance to see them. Choose a dedicated tour as they are only visible outside the city, in areas with low light pollution. As a solo traveler, renting a car is expensive. 

Contributed by Raluca  from  TravelWithASpin

Looking for a place to solo travel for the first time? Sweden is a great option for those new to solo female travel. A trip to Sweden will vary significantly depending on the time of year. In the summertime, the days are incredibly long and the cafes and restaurants have plenty of outdoor seating. In the wintertime, the days are much shorter. Depending on your location in Sweden, the sun might not rise at all.

Sweden is a fabulous location for solo travel because a high proportion of people speak English, its crime rate is lower relative to the United States, and there are a variety of activities to do according to your interests.

Stockholm, Sweden has many museums, a charming old town, a bustling nightlife, and many restaurants. The Archipelago has many quaint cottages and options for hiking, camping, and kayaking.

A visit to Abisko, Sweden offers the chance to visit Abisko National Park. In the summertime, Abisko National Park is the start of the King’s trail – a popular thru-hike.

In the wintertime, Abisko is one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights . Abisko is home to other winter activities including a ski resort, dog-sledding, and winter hiking. It is the perfect place to add to your  Sweden winter itinerary .

Submitted by Andrea Cannon from BeaUTAHful World

Romania is a fantastic place for first-time solo female travelers: it’s safe, friendly, fun, and affordable.

English is widely spoken in Romania which makes it easy to get around for travelers around the world. Young people in Romania are especially likely to speak English which makes it easy to meet the locals and learn about their culture.

Some of the best things to do during a Romania road trip include visiting Bran Castle (the fictional setting for the Dracula novels), hike up to the hillside sign in scenic Brasov, explore the world’s oldest inhabited medieval settlement of Sighisoara, find the mysterious houses with eyes in Sibiu, drive the windey Transfăgărășan Road, and meet students and explore cool museums in Cluj-Napoca.

A tip for solo travel in Romania is to bring enough entertainment for the long journeys. Romanian trains are renowned to be incredibly slow and you may spend a whole morning traveling a short distance. 

Another suggestion is to not spend too long in Bucharest. It isn’t an overly charming city and there are more traditional and scenic places elsewhere. Also, make sure to eat some of the delicious Romanian dishes like papanasi doughnuts doused in cream cheese and fruit jam. Unfortunately, they only come in servings of two so you’ll have to grab a buddy or just eat them both yourself!

Explored by Rose from Where Goes Rose?

More about adventures in the Balkas

Amazing City Trips in the Balkans

North America’s Best Solo Female Travel Destinations

Canada is the second-largest country in the world. From trying fresh lobster dishes in Atlantic Canada to discovering the large cities of central Canada and mountain hiking in western Canada, there is so much to explore as a solo female traveler. But where to go exactly?

Here’s a tip: visit British Columbia (BC). It’s the one Canadian province that offers beaches, mountains, and forests all down the road from each other so it will provide a variety of activities while keeping safe. Vancouverites are outdoorsy and enjoy the region’s temperate weather as much as possible.

Vancouver beaches include English Bay, Kitsilano Beach, and Jericho all of which offer spectacular sunsets. Grouse Mountain, in North Vancouver, offers a strenuous hike, or easy gondola, up the mountain with amazing city views and skiing in the winter.

Stanley Park, a large urban park, hosts many cyclists, joggers, or walkers along the seawall where they take in views of the lighthouse, Lions Gate Bridge, and other iconic sights.

Seeing more than Vancouver requires a car rental. Drive along one of the most beautiful highways in the world, Sea to Sky highway, to hike Brandywine Falls or Cheakamus Lake in Squamish.

Further up north is Whistler, BC’s ski capital. And even further north is Pemberton, a beautiful rural city with large mountains and Joffre Lakes Provincial Park. This park features a long hike along three glacier-fed lakes.

Need a break from the outdoors? Gastown, the quaint part of Vancouver will cobblestone streets and the iconic steam whistle clock has a plethora of restaurants and cafes. BC is safe for solo females in the day. Take caution while exploring at night and make sure to travel in well-lit areas. BC offers a whimsical experience for solo female travelers who are adventurous at heart. 

Recommended by Samah from God and Wanderlust

Which of these amazing first time solo female travel destinations will you visit?

Share this post if you like it and thereby encourage more women to become solo female travelers!

Have you already traveled alone? Leave a comment down below and share your experience. Which country is your personal favorite?

I am the founder of A Nomad's Passport and a solo traveling digital nomad, photographer, and writer. Originally from Germany, I have lived in several countries including Australia & Mexico.

As an outdoor lover and culture enthusiast, I love writing about all forms of adventure travel ranging from outdoor activities like scuba diving and hiking to cultural experiences, alongside road trips and itineraries that combine these elements.

A Nomad's Passport is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

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6 thoughts on “The Best First Time Solo Female Travel Destinations”

Amazing post on first time solo female travel destinations.

Solo travel for women is so important. Love your suggestions here. I’ve yet to travel solo, out of the USA, but someday hope to.

So good to have this helpful list for first solo travelers! I did some solo trips in the USA, Bali, Japan and Costa Rica and I can recommend them all!

Totally agree about Bali. The people there are so friendly! Vietnam is on my list when we’re able to travel again.

What a great list. I’ve done quite a bit of solo travel and have already been to 9 of these places solo and a couple others not. Agree with all of those that they are such great places to travel solo. I’ve never felt unsafe in any of them. I loved my solo trip to Canada so much I now live here

These are all amazing solo female travel destinations. I have visited several countries on the list and I definitely look forward to visiting more in the future, especially Laos and Sweden. 🙂

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Solo Female Travel in Spain: A Local’s Guide

04/21/2024 by Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

This is a guest post by Linn Haglund, a Spain-based travel blogger.

From my first time stepping foot in Spain, it captured my heart, and after basing myself in the country for 10+ years and numerous solo adventures later, it still keeps me curious to unwrap its hidden corners. If you ask me, Spain is an excellent solo travel destination whether you want to meet other travelers or prefer venturing into nature alone to connect with your inner self. Here’s a complete guide to solo female travel in Spain:

Table of Contents

Solo Travel Safety in Spain

Spain is rated number 32 on the Global Peace Index 2023 . There are not really many violent crime incidents towards tourists, they are often caused by drunk people picking up fights (tourists more than locals) and something you will see anywhere where there’s a lot of alcohol involved. Being drinking savvy is always a good rule when you travel solo, no matter the destination. In addition, I recommend not walking in dark, empty alleys, following your gut, and turning around if you get a bad feeling about people in the street. And of course, take a taxi or an Uber/Bolt home if it’s not close to where you are.

Unfortunately, pickpockets happen a lot in the bigger cities, especially in crowded and touristy areas, including train stations and major tourist sites like the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Keep your belongings close to you and use an anti-theft purse . That being said, I’ve traveled solo to all the major cities in Spain multiple times over the years and never had any problems.

While you must keep an eye out in large cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, and Valencia, going off the beaten path to smaller towns and villages, you don’t have to worry about pickpockets or crime whatsoever. I often return from solo hikes after dark , and in all my years doing so, I have never felt unsafe in any way. Speaking Spanish certainly helps, but being humble and friendly never fails.

Best places in Spain for Solo Female Travelers

1. costa del sol.

Costa del Sol is a popular destination for sun seekers with over 320 days of sun in the year. I recommend staying in Malaga and going on day trips from there as it is easy to find organized tours to exotic places like Gibraltar and Morocco, but also different towns nearby like Mijas Pueblo , Nerja , and Ronda .

The city is also very walkable and has plenty of fun activities like boat tours, tapas tours, and museums to explore. The Moorish Alcazaba and Gibralfaro fortresses overlook the city and its beaches, and there is plenty of street art.

When looking for where to stay in Malaga , I always recommend looking for a hostel in the city center to meet other travelers. But if you prefer staying more comfortably by yourself , the hip Soho neighborhood is central and offers great holiday studios and apartments for rent. Both areas are close to the train station too.

Seville is worth visiting for its incredible UNESCO sites, the cathedral, Giralda Tower, and Real Alcazar. It is also a great place to experience a Flamenco show and go on a tapas tour. 

Granada showcases the true Andalucia with the majestic Alhambra Fortress and old, cobblestoned streets through the enchanting Moorish quarter, Albaicín, and the cave houses in the Gypsy quarter, Sacromonte. 

4. Cordoba City

Cordoba city is famed for its many UNESCO sites, most uniquely the Mosque-Cathedral. It is indeed incredible to walk into what is a cathedral built into one of the grandest mosques you will see. I have been to a lot of majestic mosques that are a lot shinier, but this is so old, and it is so special to be in a place where both Christians and Muslims used to worship their Gods. Cordoba is also unique with its magnificent, flower-draped patios. 

All these cities can be reached on day trips from Malaga.

5. Valencia

Valencia is the third largest city in Spain, yet it is super walkable. With the City of Arts and Science in one part of town and the Old Town in another, it is a nice walk between the two parts, or you can opt for a guided cycling tour , which I really enjoyed, to get around faster and learn about the sites. There are plenty of great hostels in Valencia with activities, walking tours, and pub crawls.

6. Barcelona

While Barcelona is known for its scams and higher crime rates than other parts of Spain, I still find it to be extremely solo female travel friendly and I have never had any bad experiences there. I just think it is important to be a bit more cautious there than in other Spanish cities, keeping your valuables safe and not walking alone in empty, dark alleys.

There are great hostels organizing tours, but generally, Barcelona can be visited on guided tours all around, so you do not need to visit any of the sites alone if you don’t want to. Home to Gaudí’s masterpieces, the unfinished Sagrada Familia Basilica, the Park Güell, and the intriguing Casa Batlló and Casa Milá, it is a must-visit for any solo traveler and you should spend at least 3 days only exploring the city.

If you fly in or out of Madrid, I recommend spending a day or two. My favorite part about Madrid is the vegan food scene, but I can assure you that any foodie will love eating their way through Madrid. The nightlife is also great. Personally, I am not a big shopper, but if you are, Madrid is the place to go. I also enjoyed the different hostels I stayed in there and found new friends to explore the city with every time. There are plenty of walking tours and food tours , and of course tours of the Royal Palace.

Solo Traveler Friendliness & How To Meet Others

The major cities in Spain have plenty of hostels to stay, where you will easily meet other travelers who you can go out exploring with. Some of these hostels also organize fun activities like pub crawls to make it easier for you to meet others. There are also big expat communities in coastal areas like Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca making it easy to strike up conversation with other English-speaking people. To connect, you can look for Facebook groups like “Expats Costa del Sol” and “Expats Costa Banca”. I usually always end up with new friends when heading out to a café alone . At the same time, if I feel like being alone, it is just as easy to stay anonymous when going out.

There are also many group tours you can do for specific monuments or walking tours in the cities where you can meet people. Besides, if you want more extreme adventures, organized hiking trips, canyoning, or kayaking tours are easy to find around the country.

Getting Around Spain as a Solo Traveler

First Name:

The bus and train networks are great between the bigger cities and prices are reasonable. If you are on a budget, make sure to book train tickets early for a good deal. I always shop around because the buses are usually cheaper long distance, while the train might be more convenient depending on the route.

Besides public transport, I like to use BlaBlaCar. It is a ride-share app where private people who are going from one place to another can post their trips to share petrol costs and you can book a seat. This is a very affordable way to get around and it is also great for meeting locals and other travelers. You need a profile to book rides and drivers must be verified by the app. You will see what vehicle they drive, the pick-up and drop-off places, and read reviews. 

I have always had exceptional experiences with BlaBlaCar both as a driver and a passenger and recommend it warmly. As a solo female traveler, I have never felt unsafe. On the contrary, the people who let strangers into their cars are usually open-minded and lovely humans. If you feel worried about getting into the car with strangers, make sure you read reviews and you can choose a female driver if that makes you feel more comfortable.The only downside with this travel option is that you must be flexible with travel times/dates.

Within the cities, Spain is very walkable. While I do recommend using public transport in Barcelona if you are going from one part of the city to the other, your best bet is to explore one area each day instead of bouncing back and forth to different attractions.

When to Go and What to Bring

Each season in Spain brings something special. In the summer , you should bring your beach wear, some cute, comfortable sandals for walking, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen . Temperatures are usually between 30 and 40 degrees Celsius.

In spring and fall, the temperatures are comfortable and mild in most of the country and it is the perfect time for sightseeing. In southern Spain, you can often go to the beach until late October, and sometimes until early November. So make sure to pack for it. Besides bringing light summer clothes for the daytime, bring pants and a summer/spring jacket that you can wear in the evenings. These seasons might also bring some rain, so be prepared for that and a cute umbrella is a good idea to bring alongside the sunscreen.

The winter in Spain is very different from region to region. The north and even higher altitudes of Andalucia see snow in winter so you must dress accordingly, while the coastal towns in the south usually have warm days with temperatures between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius which means you actually can enjoy an ice cream at the beach in February. This is also the best time of the year to go hiking in the lower altitude areas that get too hot in summer, so if you enjoy a good hike, make sure you bring your hiking boots .

No matter when you go, I am sure you will enjoy Spain as it is such a varied and amazing country!

About the author: Linn Haglund is an avid traveler and advocate for responsible travel. She has been based in Andalucia, Spain for over 10 years and currently travels the region full-time in a van with her fiancé and dog, Atlas. Her love for Andalucia made her start the blog Amused by Andalucia to help others navigate the region like a local.

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20 Things to Do in Moscow, Russia (On Any Budget!)

There are so many things to do in Moscow, Russia that I decided to start and end my Trans-Siberian Railway journey in the Russian capital.  In total, I spent more than one week in Moscow, exploring the city and even some of the surrounding small towns.

At first, Moscow can feel overwhelming.  The city has a population of almost twelve million people, and an area of more than 2,000 square miles (almost 6,000 square kilometers for those of us on the metric system).  A lot of people don’t speak English, a lot of signage is only in Russian, and the city isn’t exactly known for its hospitality.  However, for travelers who are comfortable feeling uncomfortable, Moscow is an amazing destination full of things to do, things to see, and places to get totally, completely lost.

Below, I’ve listed twenty of the best things to do in Moscow.  Lots of them are free, and even the ones that cost money are affordable for most travelers.  I’ve also listed the nearest metro station, noted where there’s something cool nearby and provided a few insider travel tips that I learned during my week in Moscow (which was part of a longer seven-week trip across Russia as a solo female traveler).  Have a read, and let me know in the comments what you’d most like to see and do in Russia!

Things to Do in Moscow – Around the Red Square

Start your trip to Moscow at the Red Square, where you’ll be surrounded by Moscow’s most postcard-perfect buildings.

1. The Red Square

Quite possibly the prettiest plaza on the planet, Moscow’s Red Square is legendary.  In 1990, UNESCO designated the Red Square a World Heritage Site. It’s not the square itself that is so special though; it’s the beautiful buildings surrounding it.  There are at least seven important buildings adjacent to the Red Square, including the Kremlin, Lenin’s Mausoleum, Saint Basil’s Cathedral, the GUM department store, the State Historical Museum, the Kazan Cathedral and the Iberian Gate and Chapel.  If your camera has a panorama setting and you have a steady hand, it’s possible to capture most of these in a single photo.

Metro: Okhotny Ryad is the most beautiful entry point.

2. Lenin’s Mausoleum

Time your visit to Lenin’s Mausoleum carefully if you want to see the embalmed body of Vladimir Lenin.  He has been on display for nearly 100 years now; in the 1950s he was briefly joined by Joseph Stalin but for the last sixty years he has been alone in the Red Square, attracting more than two million visitors every year.

Visitors are usually permitted to visit the mausoleum on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, and only from 10:00 until 13:00.  Holidays, restoration work and construction occasionally reduce those hours with little notice.  If possible, arrive early and get in the queue at Nikolskaya Tower before 10:00 am .

Metro: Okhotny Ryad

3. The Kremlin

Coming from the West, you may only know the Kremlin in metonymic terms, as “The Kremlin” is so often used to refer to the Russian government. When you come to Russia you’ll quickly learn that the word “kremlin” refers to a fortified complex, of which there are many in Russia. You’ll find kremlins in many cities, some intact and some now in ruins.  Moscow’s kremlin is “the” Kremlin; it includes five palaces (including one that serves as the official residence of the Russian president; shown above) and four cathedrals surrounded by fortified walls and towers.

Tourists can visit the Kremlin, but it’s a complicated process that actually put me off visiting.  The most popular things to do at the Kremlin are visiting the Kremlin Grounds and Cathedral Square, or touring the Armoury Chamber.  Tickets for the two are sold separately and are best purchased online, through the official site, fourteen days before your planned visit.  Trust me, I saw the queues to buy day-of tickets and you don’t want to wait in those queues.

Metro: Biblioteka imeni Lenina is closest to the entry points for both the grounds and the armoury.

4. GUM Department Store

Much like many cities have kremlins, many cities in the former USSR also have a GUM department store.  GUM is the translated abbreviation of “Main Universal Store”, a slight change from its previous title of “State Department Store” during the Soviet era.  Old photos of people lined up around the Red Square to shop at the GUM are etched into many people’s memories, and those who remember those images are often surprised to see how Moscow’s GUM has now been transformed into a luxury shopping center with brands like Bulgari, Chanel and Gucci.

You don’t have to be wealthy to take advantage of all the shops and services though: the historical toilets in the basement cost a mere 200 rubles ($3 USD) and feature red carpets and gold finishings, while Stolovaya #57 is a busy, cafeteria-style restaurant on the mall’s top floor (read more about stolovayas below).

Metro: Ploschad Revolyutsii

5. Saint Basil’s Cathedral

When you think of Moscow, do you immediately envision Saint Basil’s Cathedral?  Before my first visit to Moscow it was definitely the first thing I thought of when I imagined the city!  This cathedral is about 450 years old.  UNESCO designated it a World Heritage Site back in 1990, along with the entire Red Square area.

The cathedral is open to visitors most days (on the first Wednesday of each month it’s closed for cleaning, and there are other occasional closures for restoration work or services).  A ticket is 700 rubles, or 1200 with the audioguide, and can be purchased at the entrance to the cathedral.  Saint Basil’s is one of the least-strict Orthodox churches when it comes to dress code.  Women are unlikely to be asked to cover their head or shoulders here, while it is to be expected at most other churches in Russia.

Metro: Kitay-Gorod

Things to Do in Moscow – Luxury Travel

The average monthly income in Russia is about $650 USD.  However, Moscow is home to many of the country’s wealthiest residents.  You too can experience a few moments of their luxurious lifestyle during your visit to Moscow.

6. Sanduny Baths

Opened in 1808, the Sanduny baths are Moscow’s oldest and most famous banya (bathhouse or sauna).  Although they have an opulent main entrance for men, as a woman I was relegated to a little side door that was probably originally intended for staff.  Again, the men’s side is famously elegant and extravagant, but the women’s side appears to be a bit of an afterthought.  Like all saunas, you start with a shower, then a hot sweat session, then a cool-off via plunge pool or bucket of ice water.  For the full “Russian” experience make sure to purchase a beating with birch branches (it’s said to increase circulation and relieve muscle pain). All of this takes place while you’re fully nude, and in plain view of the other guests.  Can you even say you went to Russia if you didn’t get a birch-bark beating in a banya?  I think not.

Metro: Trubnaya

Moscow Tip: Don’t even think about visiting Moscow without getting the Yandex.Metro app ( Apple / Google ).  This amazing app will tell you exactly how to get from one place to another using Moscow’s metro system, including exactly which station entrance or exit you need, and which wagon is closest to your exit or transfer point.  Oh, and it’s free!

7. Bolshoi Theater

Moscow’s famous Bolshoi Theatre was opened in 1825 and meticulously restored in 2009.  To see it for yourself, you can choose between purchasing a ticket to one of the Russian ballet or opera performances, or signing up for one of the building tours that take place thrice weekly.  If you’d like to see a show, the best way to get tickets is online through the theater’s official site; they generally go on sale two months before the performance (and cheap tickets sell out first!)  The Bolshoi Theater still has age limits, dress codes and photography restrictions, so familiarize yourself with their rules (explained clearly in English on the website) before purchasing your ticket.

Metro: Teatralnaya

8. Kuznetsky Most

If you’ve ever seen suspiciously-thin Russian girls on Instagram, posting with suspiciously-uneaten plates of food and suspiciously-expensive shopping bags, chances are good that photo was taken somewhere along Kuznetsky Most.  Packed with luxury boutiques, upscale cafes and famous historical buildings, this pretty pedestrian street is a must-stroll, even if you afford to take out your wallet.

Metro: Kuznetsky Most

Moscow Secret: One of the city’s best vegetarian restaurants, Jagannath , is based on Kuznetsky Most. They do a set-price lunch with five items (expect soups, salads and curries to make an appearance) and the attached shop sells a well-curated selection of health foods.

Things to Do in Moscow – Moving Around

Simply getting from one place to another can be one of the most interesting, and most beautiful, things to do in Moscow.

9. Ride the Moscow Metro

Moscow is famous for its beautiful underground metro stations.  In fact, many tour companies offer metro tours, where they guide you between the city’s most beautiful metro stations and explain the history and unique design behind each one.  While everyone has different taste, some of the stations that are consistently rated as being among the most beautiful metro stations in Moscow include Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kiyevskaya and Arbatskaya.  With the city’s official Troika card, a single trip on the metro is only 40 rubles, and you can get on and off the train as many times as you want (just don’t leave the station!).

Metro: All of them. 😉

10. River Cruise

One of my favorite things to do in Moscow is take a river cruise along the beautiful Moskva River, admiring the city’s amazing architecture along the way. 

There are lots of ways to get yourself on board one of the boats, but if you’re like me and prefer an up-front, hassle-free experience, just reserve a spot on board one of the Flotilla Radisson Royal boats that depart multiple times a day from the Hotel Ukraina docks.  You can easily buy tickets online through their official site .  The Radisson boats are more luxurious than the one shown above, despite their ticket price of less than 1000 rubles (about $12 USD), and they are equipped with ice-breakers that allow them to sail even on the coldest winter days.

Metro: Kievskaya (it’s a fifteen-minute walk away, so give yourself ample time!)

Moscow Secret:  Don’t pay for the expensive food on board the boats (though, you can order a cocktail and get preferential seating in the bar area… which I highly recommend!). As you’re walking from the Kievskaya metro station to the Hotel Ukraina pier, you’ll pass through a beautiful park. On the north side of the park, about halfway through, there is a branch of Khachapuri restaurant.  This local chain serves amazing Georgian food (including meat and vegetarian options) at reasonable prices, and English menus are often available.

Things to Do in Moscow – Food & Drink

Moscow is home to more than 10,000 restaurants, few of which I found exciting enough to recommend.  Instead, I want to highlight one of my favorite styles of Russian dining: the traditional stolovaya.

11. Stolovaya

You can be in some of the smallest, most remote towns in the far east of Siberia and you’ll probably still be able to find a stolovaya , or cafeteria-style restaurant. Some are full-service (a scowling Russian babushka will slop food onto your plate on your behalf) while others are self-service (and you’ll probably be charged by weight).

In Moscow, my favorite stolovaya was not the famous Stolovaya #57 in the GUM shopping center.  No, it was Grabli, a local chain with a few restaurants dotted around town (including one near the Pushkinskaya metro station that was walking distance from my first Moscow hotel).  Here, I would load up my plate with buckwheat, grilled vegetables and roasted potatoes, grab a bottle of kvass (soda made from rye bread) and enjoy a hearty, healthy(ish) meal.

Metro: Pushkinskaya, Kievskaya, Arbatskaya, etc… all have Grabli locations near the station.

Things to Do in Moscow – Art & Architecture

The architecture in Moscow awed me.  Somehow, it seemed like every corner I turned, every escalator I used to ascend from a metro station, and even every turn of my head revealed yet another spectacular building.

12. Russia Academy of Sciences Building

My favorite building in Moscow is the Russian Academy of Sciences building.  It was built in the 1980s according to a design inspired by science and technology, and the gold boxes on top of the two towers have given it the local nickname “Golden Brains”. One of the most surprising moments on my trip to Moscow was when I realized I could walk right into the courtyard of the complex and take photos of the amazing design, without being bothered by the (many!) security guards.  Unfortunately I arrived quite early in the morning, as if I’d come closer to lunch I could have ascended to the Sky Lounge, a posh restaurant and nightclub on the 22nd floor of one of the towers.

Metro: Leninskiy Prospect

Moscow Secret: The building is just a block away from the Monument to Yuri Gagarin, a 42-meter tower that was inspired by rocket exhaust and made from titanium (like a real rocket!).

13. State Tretyakov Gallery

Moscow’s museums may not quite compare to The Hermitage in Saint Petersburg, but the State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow is still a world-class art collection housed in a building designed to recreate the mood of classic Russian fairy tales. The collection is focused around Russia art and includes The Apotheosis of War by Vasily Vereshchagin, Black Square by Kazimir Malevich and The Swan Princess by Mikhail Vrubel .

Unfortunately their English website is down today and my Russian isn’t good enough to navigate their e-ticket site, but I believe a ticket for foreign visitors is about $15 USD, and the gallery is typically open Tuesday to Sunday.

Metro: Tretyakovskaya

14. The Seven Sisters

Following World War 2, Joseph Stalin embarked on a mission to make Moscow look like a cosmopolitan international capital.  The heart of his plan was the Seven Sisters, a group of skyscrapers built between 1947 and 1957.  They include Hotel Ukraina (shown above, now a Radisson hotel, and the departure point for my recommended Moscow river cruise), the main building of the Moscow State University, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building.  They were the tallest buildings in Europe at the time, and they inspired similar Stalinist constructions in other European cities (like the Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw).

Most the buildings are now closed to the public, but guests of the Radission Royal Hotel Moscow and the Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya can stay inside the two that continue to operate as hotels.

Things to Do in Moscow – Parks, Etc.

Moscow can feel like an urban jungle, but the city did manage to preserve some green spaces within its inner rings.  Here are two Moscow parks (plus one island!) worth checking out.

15. Patriarch Ponds

Several ponds are now one pond, here in the heart of Moscow.  Surrounded by luxury apartment buildings, this tree-lined pond is a charming place to sit with a cup of tea or some seeds to feed the swans in the summer.  If you’re visiting in winter, the ponds turn into one of Europe’s prettiest outdoor skating rinks.

Patriarch Ponds were made famous in The Master and Margarita .  Bring a copy on your Russian adventure or watch one of the film adaptations before your trip.

Metro: Tverskaya

16. Gorky Park

Gorky Park is another Moscow park immortalized in contemporary media (the novel Gorky Park , by Martin Cruz Smith, was adapted into a film in 1983, and launched a series of mystery novels featuring Detective Arkady Renko).  Today, this 300-acre park is one of the recreational hearts of Moscow; a popular place for families to gather when the weather is nice.  Inside the park you’ll find ponds, fountains, bridges, a skating rink, cafes and even a carousel.  Don’t miss the sculpture park on the northeast side of the park; there are more than 1,000 pieces here for visitors to wander through freely.  Radisson river cruises also sporadically depart from the dock in Gorky Park.

Metro: Oktyabrskaya (check out the giant Lenin statue across the street!)

17. Red October Complex

Near the northeast end of Gorky Park, a pedestrian bridge crosses the Moskva Rier to Bolotny Island.  This is Moscow’s “hipster” district, and the cool factor emanates from Red October, a former chocolate factory that has been converted into an arts and culture space.  There’s still a chocolate shop on site, but most people now come to drink cocktails at trendy bars, shop for clothing, accessories and art at independent boutiques, and party until the late night at some of the city’s most exclusive nightclubs.  There is a small park on the island (with the bizarrely-named monument “Children Are the Victims of Adult Vices”) and it faces the stunning, golden-domed Cathedral of Christ the Saviour.

Metro: Kropotkinskaya

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Things to Do in Moscow – Outside the City Center

These activities are a little bit further afield (okay, or a lot further afield in the case of the last one!) but they’re all worth your time when you visit Moscow.  In retrospect, I think my trip to Russia would have been incomplete without all three.

18. Izmailovsky Market

Combine Disneyland, Russia, a medieval village and a flea market and you’ve got something like Izmailovksy Market, one of the city’s weirdest, yet most satisfying, tourist attractions.  This is where I bought gifts for my family: a vintage watch featuring a Soviet spacecraft for my brother, a traditional Russian scarf for my mom, and a set of four coffee mugs featuring a shirtless Vladmir Putin for me (okay, I got my dad one too… but I kept four!).

The market area consists of the “Izmaylovo Kremlin”, a reproduction of a traditional Russian town that is packed with market-style souvenir stalls and shops, the “Izmaylovo Market” itself, which is an antique fair and flea market that is best visited on the weekend, Izmaylovo Park, which I didn’t visit, and Izmaylovo Hotel, which used to be the world’s largest hotel (and still draws bus loads of domestic tourists who come to shop the market).  Give yourself three or four hours for browsing, shopping and lunch.

Metro: Partisanskaya is closest to the market.

19. Overnight Trip to Suzdal

Although it’s possible to visit Suzdal as a (long) day trip from Moscow, I think this charming Russian village deserves at least an overnight, if not two.  Despite being only three hours from Moscow, it feels about three hundred years away from the big city, with the historic area seemingly frozen in time.  Suzdal has one of the prettiest Kremlins you’ll ever see, with its Kremlin domes painted like the night sky.  It has churches, monasteries and cathedrals, and it has an ethnographic village featuring reconstructions of the traditional wooden buildings that used to be the region’s main architectural style.  The dining here leans farm-to-table, the drinks here lean strong and sweet, and the accommodation leans towards rustic guesthouses (check out Guesthouse Dacha Beliy Bereg ( White Beach Cottage Guesthouse ) and Na Kremlevskom Beregu ( O n the Kremlin Beach) for your overnight stay).

Metro: You’re going to need more than a metro to travel the 220 kilometers from Moscow to Suzdal.  Start by taking a train from Kurskaia station in Moscow to Vladimir (about two hours).  Get off the train in Vladimir and cross the street to the bus station.  From here, buses to Suzdal depart every half hour or so.  The bus journey takes about an hour.

20. Seven-Day Trip Across Russia (The Trans-Siberian Railway)

One of the most famous journeys in the world is the Trans-Siberian Railway, which spans 9,289 kilometers from Moscow to Vladivostok.  Moscow will obviously be either your starting or ending point (although some travelers continue on to Saint Petersburg, it’s not technically part of the official route).   For me, it was both, as I only had enough points to fly from my home in Canada to a European destination.  I flew into Moscow, spent a few days there getting over my jet lag and then hopped a cheap flight to Vladivostok to catch the train back.

Trans-Siberian Railway trains depart from, and arrive at, Moskva Yaroslavskaya station.  The metro station here is Komsomolskaya, with easy connections into the city center.

If you’re considering a trip on the Trans-Siberian Railway, I have two posts that you should definitely read:

• Trans-Siberian Railway Trip Planning explains how I got a visa, how I purchased point-to-point tickets without using an agency and what life was like on board the train.
• Trans-Siberian Railway Stops focuses on my favorite cities along the route.  I don’t recommend making the non-stop seven-day trip across Russia in one go.  Instead, I suggest buying point-to-point tickets and getting off the train at as many of these Russian cities as possible.

Are you considering a trip to Russia? 

Let me know your thoughts on traveling to Russia in the comments!

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Small Business Trends

18 travel safety tips for women.

Whether it’s international business travel or leisure travel, it’s always important to keep safety a priority . Business travel can often entail long trips to unfamiliar places and can often be daunting, especially if it’s the first trip you’ve taken. We’ll go through some of the top business travel tips for women and how to keep safe when traveling solo.

Solo Female Travel for Business Travellers

For females traveling solo, business travel safety is crucial, and being proactive can help reduce some of the risks of traveling alone for business. Personal safety often gets overlooked when traveling solo, but it’s a really important consideration. Solo women, unfortunately, are often seen as an easy target by many, and staying safe needs to be a top priority. Here are some of the top travel safety tips for women to help you stay safe and stay aware when traveling.

Top Travel Safety Tips for Women

For solo female travelers, there are a lot of different elements to keep in mind to travel safely. The main thing to bear in mind, though, is to stay alert and aware as much as possible and also stay connected. There are some things you can do before leaving to make your trip safer, as well as some keeping some tips in mind when you’re at your destination. Let’s look at some top travel safety tips for women to ensure your solo trip goes well.

Read More: Business Travel Tips

1. Always plan ahead

The best thing you can do for solo travel is to plan ahead as much as possible. By planning ahead, rather than leaving things to chance or going last minute, you can keep people informed about your plans and stress less.

That means researching the area, where you’re staying, public transportation, specific safety tips for your destination, and more. Of course, you’ll likely deviate from your plans to a certain extent, but having a solid foundation for your travel plans helps avoid a lot of issues down the line.

2. Research local customs

Many countries have their own local customs, traditions, and distinct cultures that may differ from what you are used to. Understanding the differences beforehand can help you navigate the country better when you arrive and help you blend in more rather than sticking out as a visitor.

Before going to a new destination, look up what appropriate clothing might be there, traditions, even simple ones such as direct eye contact, and what’s expected of women to help you avoid unwanted attention during the trip.

3. Keep in touch with a family member

While it’s important to enjoy your trip and get work done, staying in touch is just as important! Keep in touch with a family member regarding your whereabouts, locations, and plans as a general rule. That way, even in worst-case scenarios, there is someone that can account for your plans and location.

4. Purchase travel insurance

Travel is hard to predict, and there might be instances and scenarios such as a missed flight or even a natural disaster where you may require additional protection. Purchasing travel insurance is a relatively inexpensive way to give yourself added peace of mind while traveling solo. If possible, also keep a first aid kit with you when traveling for added safety.

5. Identify the local embassy

Identifying your local embassy gives you another layer of protection when traveling solo. In scenarios such as a stolen passport, missing ID, or flight issues, your embassy can help you with leaving the country and emergency exits as needed.

6. Try to learn some of the local languages

As part of the travel experience and to help blend in better, knowing the local language definitely helps. Obviously, learning an entire language is pretty difficult before leaving, but even knowing some helpful phrases can help you get by. Use an app like Google Translate to help, or just keep a note on your phone with a language cheat sheet such as greetings, basic questions, and phrases to help you get by.

Read More: Business Travel Safety Tips

7. Share your accommodation details with a trusted family member or friend

Always share your accommodation details with friends and/or family wherever you decide to stay. To be safe, don’t just share the name but send the address and neighborhood to give them more details. Certain communication apps such as Whatsapp also allow you to share your location with a pin on a map, which can be helpful. If traveling in a taxi, make a note of the license plate by taking a photo and sending it.

8. Look up local scams

Unfortunately, solo women are seen as easy targets for local scams in many countries. To stay safe, do some research beforehand on the country on common types of scams that you can be on the lookout for. As a general rule, always rely on your gut feeling if approached by a stranger, and it’s okay to steer clear from crowded places to avoid unwanted attention. However, if someone does approach you, it’s okay to walk away or disengage if they make you feel uncomfortable. Look up taxi scams in particular, as that tends to be a common one that most travelers fall victim to.

9. Additional research may be needed for developing countries

While there’s always advice around using common sense when solo traveling internationally, but it’s also crucial to remember each country’s context and history when traveling as that can help you navigate as well. If you’re traveling to developing countries where there may not be as much infrastructure or resources, additional research such as firsthand travel experiences and travel blogs can help you prepare better for the trip.

Read More: international business travel

10. Purchase a money belt

Protecting your money is vital whether you’re relying on cash or credit cards. Pickpocketing and theft are unfortunately very common in many parts of the world, and they can leave you vulnerable if stolen. Purchase a money belt and a dummy wallet for added protection during solo travel, especially if you’re often on crowded city streets.

11. Separate your money

If you travel solo often, it can also help keep your money divided across different bags (e.g., emergency credit card in your backpack, a small amount of cash tucked away in your suitcase) for added protection.

12. Use the hotel safe

Most hotels will have a safe, so take full advantage! Any valuables you don’t absolutely need on a daily basis (e.g., passport, ID, emergency money, and/or credit card) should be kept in the safe. It’s peace of mind, and since you’ll be locking your hotel room before leaving anyway, you’ll be more relaxed.

13. Keep an eye out for travel advisories

Some countries are safer than others, but generally, keep an eye on travel advice – more specifically for solo female travelers. Always look for travel advisories before the trip, and try to follow local news and events while you’re there in case emergencies come up so you can leave quickly.

14. Create a detailed itinerary

If you’re traveling internationally as a solo female traveler, designing an itinerary can help you keep safe and stay organized. For example, what’s your intended destination, and what other countries are you thinking about visiting versus the ones you have concrete plans for? How many days are you planning on staying, tentatively, and what are you planning? Plans change, of course, but it makes solo travel safer since people will know your general plans and how to find you if needed.

15. Don’t pack too many valuables

It’s tempting to pack a lot when traveling solo, but it’s best not to. Keep valuables such as expensive jewelry and electronics to a minimum to avoid losing costly items. If you do have to carry them, make sure to buy secure suitcases and backpacks that you can lock and keep items in the safe as mentioned above.

16. Resist oversharing

As many travelers do, it’s fun to post and share information about your trip on social media sites, but it can also make you an easy target. Try not to post your exact location when traveling on social media to make it harder to track exactly where you are, and stagger your posts from different locations to make it difficult to pin you down. For example, you can post a photo of your dinner with the location after leaving the restaurant rather than while you’re at the restaurant.

17. Purchase a local SIM

Having internet access is crucial, and it’s easy to skip out on getting a local SIM as a way to save money – but resist the urge! A local SIM or phone number can make it easier to get in touch with you and ensures you always have access to the internet and phone wherever you are. However, don’t rely on trying to find free wi-fi everywhere as it’s not always possible and will make it harder to contact people in emergencies.

18. Get in touch with other solo travelers

If you’re feeling nervous or apprehensive about your trip, you can also get in touch with other women and solo travelers to make the trip a little easier. Many communities on Facebook and Reddit are dedicated to solo female travel, both international and domestic, where you can reach out to others when planning the trip, exchange safety tips, and meet up in your intended destination if possible.

In the realm of travel, whether for business or leisure, safety must always take precedence. Solo female travel, especially for business purposes, demands a heightened focus on personal safety and proactive measures. The travel safety tips outlined encompass a wide range of considerations, from meticulous planning and cultural awareness to staying connected and vigilant. These measures aim to empower women to embark on solo journeys confidently while prioritizing their well-being and security. With these precautions in place, solo female travelers can navigate the world with greater assurance, embracing the adventure while safeguarding their safety.

Solo travel, particularly for women, necessitates careful planning and awareness of the destination’s customs and potential risks. Staying connected with trusted contacts and learning local phrases can enhance communication and security. Additionally, understanding common scams and using secure storage options for valuables are crucial precautions. By incorporating these safety measures into their journeys, solo female travelers can experience the world with confidence and peace of mind.

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Best Places to Travel Solo | Money

Traveling exposes us to new places, cultures and people. For many, it’s one of the great joys of life. If you’re an independent spirit looking for safe places to travel by yourself, our guide can be an excellent place to start your research.

Keep reading to learn about our top picks for the best places to travel alone and how to make the most of your trip.

Our Top Picks for Best Places to Travel Solo

• Barcelona, Spain: Best for first-time solo travelers
• Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Best for solo backpacking
• Montreal, Canada: Best for solo female travelers
• Chicago, Illinois: Best for going on solo travel tours
• Ljubljana, Slovenia: Best budget solo travel destination

Best Places to Travel Solo Reviews

Best for first-time solo travelers: barcelona, spain.

• Offers many travel experiences in a single city
• Easy to get around town without a car
• Year-round good weather means you can visit in any season
• More expensive than other options on our list
• Can get very busy during popular travel times

Why we chose it : Barcelona is a beautiful and historic European city with something for everyone to enjoy. It boasts stunning gothic architecture, sandy beaches, a bustling nightlife and prices that will help you stretch your budget.

Spain is considerably affordable compared to other European countries, and Barcelona is its crown jewel. The city has roots tracing back to the end of the 1st century BCE and beautiful architecture throughout its winding streets, such as Gaudí’s Casa Batlló and his world-famous unfinished church, La Sagrada Familia.

If you tire of exploring Barcelona’s impressive history, gorgeous Barceloneta Beach is just a few minutes away from the city center. And at night, you’ll find plenty of entertainment options, from rooftop bars and clubs to concert venues and flamenco shows.

Barcelona is excellent for first-time solo travelers because its compact layout, wide sidewalks and excellent public transportation makes getting around town without a car a breeze. U.S. travelers can also visit for up to 90 days without a visa . However, Barcelona is more expensive than other options on our list and can be very busy during popular travel times.

Best for solo backpacking: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

• Very affordable accommodations, food and attractions
• Is easy to navigate, with a developed transportation system
• Has a vibrant expat community
• U.S. citizens need a tourist visa to visit Vietnam

Why we chose it : Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling and affordable city that offers a wide range of attractions for solo travelers, from inexpensive food and accommodations to an abundance of cultural and historical sites.

Visiting Ho Chi Minh City has become something of a bucket-list item for many backpackers. Its vibrant culture, friendly people and amazing food attract millions of tourists annually. And it’s also one of Vietnam’s safest cities .

Try some of the mouth-watering street food available in pretty much every corner of the city (especially Districts 1, 3 and 5), do some shopping at the Ben Thanh Market, visit the Notre Dame Cathedral or book a tour of the Mekong Delta to learn more about the local flora and fauna.

Getting around is also pretty easy, with many transportation options, from the new metro to buses, taxis and motorbikes. However, one thing to keep in mind is that U.S. citizens need to apply for a Visa before they can be granted entry into Vietnam.

Best for solo female travelers: Montreal, Canada

• Very safe and walkable city
• Visitors can stay for up to six months without a Visa
• Toronto is only five hours away by direct train
• Not a great option for budget travelers
• The winter weather can be harsh

Why we chose it : Montreal is one of the safest cities in Canada, and it is only a short flight away for travelers from the U.S. The city has a vibrant art scene, a diverse population and plenty of old-world charm with its mix of classic and modern architecture.

Traveling solo as a woman might cause your loved ones some anxiety. But Montreal is a great place for women to travel alone. The city is safe and offers much to do, from beautiful architecture, such as Notre-Dame Basilica, to artisanal shopping in Old Montreal. And while the population is predominantly French-speaking, many residents also speak English, so you should have no problem communicating.

Visitors from the United States can stay in Montreal for up to six months without a visa. It’s also a good point of departure for exploring the rest of Canada. Trains depart for Toronto several times a day, and the trip is about five hours.

Accommodations in Montreal can be more expensive than in other international destinations, but enrolling in the best hotel rewards programs may help.

Best for going on solo travel tours: Chicago, Illinois

• You can find many different types of guided tours
• Has an excellent public transportation system
• One of the best culinary destinations in the U.S.
• Weather can be unpleasant if you visit at the wrong time

Why we chose it : Chicago is home to some of the best travel tours in the country. From river cruises to walking food and drink excursions, you’ll have no problem filling your time in the Windy City.

Chicago is one of the best places to travel in the U.S. It’s home to a wide variety of guided tours, covering everything from the city’s mob history to its architecture and natural landmarks. And if you love Chicago dogs or deep-dish pizza, you can take a walking food tour to enjoy some of the city’s best restaurants in a single day.

Chicago is also home to inspiring architecture, such as Willis Tower and Cloud Gate in Millennium Park. The city is a more affordable place to visit than other U.S. cities of its size, including San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York. And if you visit in summer, you’ll have perfect weather for relaxing on the beaches of Lake Michigan, located in the heart of the city.

Depending on what you’re looking for, visiting the city between May and October could be your best bet, as winters can be very cold, with average temperatures ranging between 22 F and 37 F.

Best budget solo travel destination: Ljubljana, Slovenia

• A highly affordable travel destination
• Easy entrance requirements for U.S. citizens
• Classic European architecture and dining options
• Plenty of green spaces to lounge and relax
• Doesn't have a strong nightlife culture
• Crowds can be overwhelming during peak travel seasons

Why we chose it : Slovenia is one of the most affordable European countries, and Ljubljana is one of the country’s most beautiful destinations. It’s home to classic European cobblestone streets and its stunning architecture and exhibits can keep you busy for weeks without breaking your budget.

Ljubljana is an affordable European destination with beautiful green spaces and incredible architecture, including the Ljubljana Castle and the Robba Fountain. It’s also highly walkable and pedestrian-friendly, as car traffic is banned in the city center.

Hotels are cheaper here than in more popular destinations such as France or Italy, which is a big reason why Ljubljana is one of the best international places to travel . There are also many great affordable restaurants and open-air cafes.

U.S. citizens can remain in Slovenia for up to 90 days without a visa, making it easy to extend their stay with the money they save.

However, Ljubljana is not known for its nightlife, as many bars close earlier than elsewhere in Europe. Plus, it has become more popular in recent years, and crowds are abundant during peak seasons, especially the summer.

Other places to travel solo we considered

We compiled our list of the best places to travel alone by evaluating global destinations based on safety, affordability, cultural and historical sites and convenience, among other factors.

Although the following destinations didn’t make it into our top list, they’re still worth considering as you plan your travels.

Reykjavik, Iceland

• Close to beautiful natural landmarks
• It's possible to see the Northern Lights when conditions allow
• Home to many museums and several Michelin-starred restaurants
• More expensive than other popular travel destinations
• The region's weather can be bleak
• Long periods of darkness and sunlight can interfere with your sleep schedule

Reykjavik is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with stunning mountains and beaches everywhere you look. However, it’s an expensive destination and experiences prolonged periods of darkness and sunlight that may be difficult to adjust to.

• Some of the best food in South America
• Miles of beautiful coastline to explore
• Friendly locals - many of whom speak at least some English
• Travelers can suffer from altitude sickness in some popular attractions
• The city is sprawling, which can increase travel times and make traffic worse

Lima is a beautiful South American destination with picturesque beaches and affordable accommodations. It’s also a foodie’s dream, with a wide variety of tasty local and international restaurants available at budget-friendly prices.

Just remember that traffic congestions are common and can make it hard to get around. Additionally, some travelers may experience altitude sickness in high-altitude locations like Cusco and Machu Picchu.

Knoxville, Tennessee

• Has beautiful outdoor settings
• Minimal traffic
• Moderate prices for accommodations
• There isn't as much to do in Knoxville as in other travel destinations
• Public transportation options are limited

Knoxville is the third-largest city in Tennessee, but it maintains a small-town feel. It’s home to beautiful attractions, such as the Great Smoky Mountains and the World’s Fair Park, and has enough cultural exhibits and museums to keep you busy.

Nevertheless, there isn’t quite as much to do here as in other cities, and public transportation is comparatively limited.

Places to Travel Solo Guide

Traveling alone can be intimidating, but a little preparation can go a long way. This guide covers some of the best travel tips to help you plan your next solo trip.

Why travel solo?

As with everything, there are pros and cons to traveling alone.

Some of the benefits of solo travel include:

• The ability to plan trips according to your schedule
• Paying less for dining and experiences
• Stepping out of your comfort zone and getting to know yourself better
• Having more time to reflect and relax in peace

Of course, to enjoy your solo vacation to the fullest, practice general safety precautions. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, do some proper research before visiting new places and consider hiring a guide if you’re doing outdoor activities in remote locations.

How to travel alone

Traveling alone can be a wonderful experience. But it often requires more planning and initiative than group trips. The following tips for traveling alone should help you make the most of your next solo trip.

Research your travel destination extensively

The more research you do before visiting a destination, the more prepared you will be to enjoy it. Pay close attention to the following:

• Climate : Be aware of the weather conditions at your destination to avoid potential hazards, pack the right gear and plan appropriate activities.
• Top attractions : Plan your itinerary by mapping out the attractions you want to visit and checking their distance from your accommodations. This will help you create a realistic schedule and determine if you need to book transportation for any day trips.
• Cost : Consider the average cost of accommodations, meals and attractions to create a realistic budget.
• Public transportation : This is an important consideration, as visiting a destination with insufficient or unreliable public transportation translates into additional expenses.
• Language barrier : Consider downloading translation apps or learning basic phrases in your destination’s native language if English isn’t widely spoken there.
• Food : If you have any dietary restrictions, check the availability of suitable food options at your destination and plan your meals.

Stay connected with your friends and family

When traveling alone, keep your loved ones informed of where you’ll be and what you’ll be doing. That way, your family can call for help if they don’t hear back from you in a reasonable timeframe.

Depending on your destination, you may consider purchasing an international SIM card or an international phone plan with your existing carrier to text and call your people back home.

Finally, you can register your trip with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) through the U.S. State Department. STEP is a free service that allows you to receive automatic safety and travel updates from the U.S. embassy in the country you’re visiting. It also makes it easier for friends and family to reach you in an emergency.

Consider travel insurance

If you’ve spent quite a bit of money on non-refundable travel expenses and it hasn’t been that long since you made your initial trip deposit, consider travel insurance to safeguard your investment. A travel insurance policy can help you recoup a portion of pre-paid travel expenses if you cancel or interrupt your trip for a covered reason.

Travel medical insurance could also be worthwhile if you’re going on an extended trip, as it would cover some of your medical expenses in an emergency, including medical evacuation and repatriation. And some plans even include additional services like language support, which could be helpful if English isn’t widely spoken where you’re visiting.

If this sounds like something you’re interested in, check out our guide to the best travel insurance companies .

Try new things

Now that we’ve covered some of the most important things to do before leaving for a solo trip, let’s explore how to get as much enjoyment out of your travels as possible while you’re there. The best advice we can give you is to get out of your comfort zone and try new things.

If you genuinely want to experience everything other cultures have to offer, you can’t spend your days doing the same things you do at home. So take a chance and live as the locals do. You’ll be happy you did.

Interact with the locals

The best way to forget you’re traveling alone is to befriend the locals. Your new friends can keep you company, guide you to the best places in town (the ones that aren’t in any tourist guides) and help to make your trip more enjoyable overall.

Meeting locals is much easier to do now than before the Internet. A wide variety of online resources can connect you to local events and groups where you can meet people. Some of the best options for this include:

• Facebook expat groups for the destination you’re visiting
• The subreddit for your destination (such as r/Paris and r/Chicago)

Some professional and religious groups may have international meetups as well. This can be a fantastic way to meet locals with whom you already have something in common.

Take plenty of pictures (with you in them)

Last but not least, make sure you take plenty of pictures to share with your people back home. Landmarks can be great, but you should also be in some of the photos. Most people will happily snap pictures of you if you ask nicely.

What to do when traveling alone

Traveling alone can be one of the best experiences of your life or a challenge that quickly loses its appeal. To give yourself the best chance of having an ideal trip, remember the following strategies during your travels:

• Be flexible : Flexibility is a must for solo travelers. You’ll have more fun if you take advantage of chance encounters and throw away your schedule when necessary.
• Take group tours and classes : Just because you arrive at your destination alone doesn’t mean you must spend every minute there alone. Group tours and classes will help you meet people and give you a chance to socialize when you’re feeling lonely.
• Stay in places that encourage talking : If you’re concerned about feeling lonely, consider staying at a hostel or bed and breakfast. Shared accommodations like these are more affordable than the best hotels and can be a great way to meet people.
• Gather first-hand advice : You can use Reddit and other resources to read about the experiences other solo travelers have had at your destination. These firsthand accounts can alert you to problems you may not have considered otherwise and new opportunities for fun.
• Sign up for free rewards programs : Airlines , hotel chains and third-party booking sites often have reward programs that help you save money if you’re a frequent traveler. You may also want to look into the best airline credit cards and best travel credit cards if you plan on traveling alone regularly.
• Prioritize your safety : Traveling alone can make you a target, so prioritizing safety is important. Be proactive about telling others where you’ll be and take yourself out of situations you feel unsure about to enjoy your trip without incident.

Staying safe is a critical consideration for solo travelers. One way to do that is by avoiding reckless behavior, such as drinking excessively and venturing alone into places locals deem unsafe.

Take the time to thoroughly research your destination, share your travel plans with friends and family and prepare an emergency plan.

Finally, consider travel insurance. If something does happen while you’re traveling alone, it will provide financial support so you can go to the hospital without worrying about breaking your budget.

You could save up enough money to make the cost of travel insurance negligible by signing up for one of the best airline rewards programs .

Places to Travel Solo FAQ

What are the safest places to travel alone, is solo female travel safe, how old do you have to be to travel alone, how we chose the best places to travel solo.

We evaluated the best places to travel solo based on the following criteria:

• Cost of accommodations, experiences and meals
• Crime rates
• Reviews and guides from experienced solo travelers
• Natural and cultural attractions
• Strictness of entry criteria

Summary of Money’s Best Places to Travel Solo

© Copyright 2023 Money Group, LLC . All Rights Reserved.

This article originally appeared on Money.com and may contain affiliate links for which Money receives compensation. Opinions expressed in this article are the author's alone, not those of a third-party entity, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed. Offers may be subject to change without notice. For more information, read Money’s full disclaimer .

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