best solo trips for woman

14 Amazing Destinations for Women Who Are Traveling Solo

These trip ideas make traveling alone fun (and safe).

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We consulted experts in travel from Fora, a modern travel agency , who have helped several clients meet and fulfill their solo travel aspirations and our team, who has been evaluating destinations worldwide for the Family Travel Awards to provide this list of tried and true solo travel destinations for women. And if you’re still a little concerned about safety while traversing these cities on your own, not to worry because we also checked the Institute for Economics and Peace's 2023 Global Peace Index , which vets each country to measure their "peacefulness" as well as the U.S. Department of State's travel advisories .

As always, when traveling alone you should also carry out your own research on each destination and take proper precautions to keep yourself safe. Otherwise, happy travels!

Iceland tops the Global Peace Index for the most peaceful country in the world. Even the U.S. government notes that Iceland has a "a low crime rate ." It also lends itself to adventure lovers with its many natural attractions. Fora Advisor Kaitlan Leonard suggests renting a car to take in landscapes, including Black Sand Beach, Blue Lagoon, ice caps, steaming geysers and more. "If you have the time, driving the whole Ring Road is well worth it," she noted. "Each town along the way is so unique and friendly. End your trip in Reykjavik with an incredible meal at Ox, and meet new friends dining around the chef’s 17 seat table.”

TIP: Get more of a feel for the local culture by looking to residents as resources. "Iceland is an extremely safe country with very friendly locals who love sharing information about their beautiful country with visitors," Fora Advisor Kara Kassuba told Good Housekeeping. "During your time there, you’ll likely meet many people and find yourself engaged in interesting conversations with non-stop learning opportunities."

Denmark is well known for its stunning castles, vibrant towns and villages, as well as famous natural-occurring attractions. The country is also vetted as safe and secure, ranking second on the 2023 Global Peace Index .

GH Staffer Emma Seymour recently traveled to Copenhagen on her own and expressed that the destination was ideal for biking and had a ton of great restaurants and shops. " I biked everywhere and it was really easy to rent bikes (there are a bunch of bikes just lying around that you can use with an app!)," she said. "I highly recommend biking through Christiania and eating at the vegan restaurants there. It can feel awkward to embrace going to bars or restaurants alone, but it's the best way to see a city."

TIP: Consider staying in a hostel for added security and the opportunity to connect with other travelers. "I stayed at Steel House hostel , which was so fun," Seymour said. "I had a private room that was small, but perfectly organized. The hostel had a ton of social events too and was very family friendly. It felt super safe."

EXPLORE NOW

The key to solo travel in Mexico is to pick cities that are easy to navigate and welcoming to tourists. Fora Advisor Caryn Ruocco suggests Mexico City, Mexico. "The city is safe, especially in neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa and Polanco," she told Good Housekeeping, noting that "these areas are particularly well-patrolled." The city is also very walkable and offers an impressive art scene for those looking to immerse themselves in Mexican culture.

Another Mexican city solo travelers should add to their list: Sayulita. Fora Advisor Lauren Ruehl explained that the community "exudes warmth and friendliness, welcoming you in as a solo traveler from the moment you arrive."

TIP: Treat your resort as a home-base for your activities and travel. "You should treat yourself to a little R&R at a resort after a solo adventure and end your time with a stop at Susurros de Corazón or Four Seasons Punta Mita to treat yourself to a night in luxury and a visit to the spa,” Ruehl said.

It's hard to beat the beauty of Ireland. The U.S. government notes that the country has a "low rate of violent crime" so traveling on your own should feel secure and comfortable. GH staffer Kaitlyn Phoenix took one of her first solo vacations to the country, noting that it is a must-visit. “The people in Ireland were super welcoming. I was young and trying to save money at the time so mostly stayed at bed and breakfasts, but I splurged for a night in Ballyseede Castle and loved it so much,” Phoenix said.

GH staffer Stephanie Dolgoff also loved how easy it was to get around Dublin on her own."I stayed at a tiny, cheap little place called Parkway Guesthouse . Very spare but cute and nice and the proprietor was a lovely, helpful guy," Dolgoff said. "Dublin is a walkable place and I could get most anywhere on foot from there, although it wasn’t directly in one of the trendy neighborhoods."

Phoenix also noted that Ireland has no shortage of outdoor attractions. " The Cliffs of Moher are a must-see if you’re in Ireland," she said. "If you’re into nature walks and gardens, the Blarney Castle grounds are nice to explore so it’s not just about kissing the Blarney Stone."

TIP: If you opt to rent a car in Ireland "keep in mind that in addition to driving on the left side of the road, you’ll have to navigate a lot of one-lane roads (like the Conor Pass) where you have to pull over if another car comes by from the opposite direction," Phoenix said.

As if the beaches, architecture and food were not already a major draw, Spain ranks in the top 35 on the 2023 Global Peace Index , making it one of the countries in the world that has maintained peace over the last year. Solo travelers will enjoy the country's diverse terrain, offering walkable cities, vast deserts and calming countrysides.

TIP: Enjoy tapas for one sitting barside or enjoy street food in a nearby park as an easy way to meet others.

RELATED : Best Beach Vacations for Families

Though Hawaii may often get overlooked for solo travel due to it's reputation as a romantic or family destination, Fora Advisor Melissa Friedman-Levine said the island of Hawaiʻi (you might know it as The Big Island) should be your next solo vacation.“Not only is the Big Island safe as a solo traveler, [but it also] has such incredible diversity of landscape between the drier Kona side with the resorts to the lush tropical Hilo side and of course the volcanoes, she said. "A recent client had an amazing time, enjoying relaxation, horseback riding, a tour of the volcano park, and even swimming at night with the manta rays."

TIP: If you want to travel with a four-legged friend, book your stay at Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club , which allows all sizes of dogs without any pet fee. Solo travelers can treat their pups to dog-friendly programming, including   SUP paddle and surf lessons for dogs  and  pet portraits with a local dog photographer . EXPLORE NOW RELATED : Best Travel Instagram Captions

Seattle, Washington

You might actually be sleepless in Seattle—just because there's so much to do. Solo travelers will feel right at home in Pike Place Market , where they can grab breakfast and lunch from one of the many stands, and pick up gifts and unique souvenirs. "I was surprised that the market houses Golden Ages Collectables, the oldest comic book store, The Museum of Glass , Museum of Pop Culture , and the Space Needle neighbor each other. So, plan to spend the day visiting all three," said Karen Cicero , Contributing Travel Editor. "Take an excursion for the day or overnight to Olympic National Park, which has a lake, rainforest and rugged coastline.

Another GH staffer, Amanda Constantine , said "one of the best things about Seattle is the coffee culture, which is also perfect for solo travel!" She noted that the shops can easily be found on most corners and she tried more than a few. "Some of my favorites were the original Starbucks, Victrola Coffee Roasters and Analog,"

TIP: July and August are the least rainy months to visit while November and December are the wettest. "I visited last July and there wasn't a drop of rain and the temperatures were in the 70s—it was perfection," said Cicero.

Boasting over 1,200 islands, Croatia is the perfect destination for anyone who loves sailing or outdoor water activities. Its coastal cities also feature gorgeous cobblestone streets, adorable cafés and artisan boutiques. If that isn't enough, the country's low crime rate also makes it an amazing option for solo travel.

TIP: Game of Thrones fans will want to check out Dubrovnik, where several of the scenes from the series were shot. There are also tons of option for Game of Thrones tours where travelers can visit film sites and learn more about what went on behind the scenes.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Believe it or not, the Big Easy has tons to offer solo travelers. Take your pick from live entertainment on The French Quarter, visiting historical sites, and indulging in excellent cajun and creole cuisine. "Wandering around the quarter, you encounter live music all over - one to book is Preservation Hall with classic New Orleans jazz nightly," said Kassuba. The Garden District is another great place for wandering or home tours. "On Magazine Street strolling to the shops and restaurants is a nice way to spend an afternoon. The Arts + Warehouse District is another favorite, with the Ogden Museum for Southern Art and a variety of interesting local galleries on Julia Street," she noted.

TIP: Book a dinner at Mosquito Supper Club or Dakar Nola , which both have shared tables. "As a solo diner I’ve always had an interesting evening with my paired dining partners,” Kassuba said.

You may come for the hot springs, festivals and breathtaking landscape, but you'll want to stay for the variety of places to shop and dine. Taiwan's diverse offerings make it the ideal location for solo exploration.

TIP : Stop by the night markets for affordable and delicious cuisine. Linjiang Street (Tonghua) Night Market has been said by reviewers to have plenty of options, but be sure to have cash on hand as not all vendors will take card.

If you're looking for a destination that is as culturally and spiritually rich as it is beautiful, Cambodia is a great place to go. Your money will also go a long way as one US dollar is equal to about 4,100 Cambodian riel.

"Whether looking for adventure, culture, wellness, or somewhere to just get away from it all and re-group, Cambodia is an easy country to traverse and has diverse experiences from north to south - vast temples, eclectic cities, laid-back beaches, and some incredible luxury hotels and resorts that will take your breath away," Fora Advisor Alexandra Hepworth said.

TIP: Make sure to visit the spectacular temples of Angkor Wat , which Hepworth described as "a sight to behold."

Washington, DC

If you're traveling solo for the first time, DC is your ticket to fun. It's easy to access by train or plane, depending on where you're coming from and it has an easy-to-navigate public transportation system. Many museums and historical sites are free to enter, so there's no pressure to stay for hours. That means you can hop from the gemstone exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History to the remarkable collections at the National Portrait Gallery all in one day—and still have time to grab lunch from one of the food trucks on the National Mall. "Be sure to make it over to the Georgetown neighborhood during your trip," suggested Cicero. "You'll find wonderful restaurants with many types cuisine plus cute one-of-a-kind shops and coffee bars. There's even a cat cafe!"

TIP: Even though the attractions are free, you need to make reservations in advance to enter; it's easy to do through the websites.

For a beachside vacation, Costa Rica is just the place to go. Not only does it have clear blue waters, but you can also visit a national park or conservation areas. Costa Rica is also a less expensive alternative to some European cities, but is just as easy to get around.

TIP: Join in on group activities. The town of Santa Teresa "attracts a lot of solo travelers and digital nomads, so it's easy to meet people," according to Fora Advisor Ronit Margolis . "It has a vibrant food scene, with plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a meal alone or with new friends. You will feel a strong sense of community as everyone is so friendly."

RELATED: The Blue Zone 'Diet' Isn't Actually a Diet, It's a Lifestyle

Rwanda is actually one of a few countries that are in the blue zone on the U.S. government's website , meaning you can exercise "normal" precautions when traveling. You'll have a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the African country as you can plan to see incredible wildlife in their many National Parks.

TIP: Beyond experiencing the great outdoors, immerse yourself in history and culture by exploring the Kigali Genocide Memorial and multiple art galleries .

Cameron (she/her) is a staff writer for Good Housekeeping , where she covers everything from holidays to food. She is a graduate of Syracuse University, where she received a B.A. in magazine journalism. In her spare-time she can be found scrolling TikTok for the latest cleaning hacks and restaurant openings, binge-watching seasons of Project Runway or online shopping.

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Solo vacations: the 36 best places to travel alone in 2024.

These fun destinations make traveling on your own simple and spectacular.

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From beach retreats to artsy escapes, take your next solo trip to somewhere spectacular.

Perth, Australia

Beaver Creek, Colorado

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Asheville, North Carolina

Tuscany, Italy

Santa Barbara, California

New York City

Seville, Spain

Naples, Florida

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Portland, Oregon

New Zealand

Galápagos Islands

Charleston, South Carolina

Athens, Greece

New Orleans

Austin, Texas

San Francisco

Munich, Germany

Florianópolis, Brazil

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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.

RECOMMENDED: ✨ The  best places in the world to travel alone 🏡 The most beautiful small towns in the world 🌃 The best cities in the world

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

The best destinations for solo female travel

1.  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. 

2.  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?

3.  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! 

4.  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. 

5.  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.

6.  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.

7.  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.

8.  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.

9.  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.

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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The 15 Best Places To Travel for Solo Female Travelers [2024]

Senior Content Contributor

61 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 58 U.S. States Visited: 40

Keri Stooksbury

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41 Published Articles 3364 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 50 U.S. States Visited: 28

Table of Contents

How to choose a destination as a solo female traveler, safest destinations for solo female travelers, the 3 best destinations in the caribbean and latin america for a solo female traveler, the 3 best destinations in north america for solo female travelers, the 3 best destinations in europe for solo female travelers, the 3 best destinations in asia for solo female travelers, the 3 best destinations in africa and oceania for solo female travelers, final thoughts.

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Solo travel travel has skyrocketed in recent years, and females are leading the pack. If you’ve Googled the term “solo female travel” in past years, you’re not alone. According to search engine data , search volume for the term is up 20% compared to this time last year.

If you’re a woman ready to head off on your own, there are some things to consider, starting with your destination. Picking the right destination is key because it encompasses everything important to you — safety, activities, and what type of trip you’ll have. From beachy islands to adventure spots to urban hubs, we detail where you should head on your next solo trip. We also have advice on choosing a destination and some of the safest ones around the world for a female traveling alone.

Consider the following when choosing your next solo travel destination:

Safety: This is a number one concern for many female travelers. Make sure the destination you select seems safe. Consider public transportation options and decent medical infrastructure. The CDC and the U.S. Department of State are helpful resources for general travel health and safety advisories.

Length of Trip: If you only feel comfortable spending a weekend escape alone, you probably don’t want to head to Singapore or Rome. It’s best to stick to nearby destinations if you don’t have much time or prefer not to be alone for long.

Language: Consider language barriers and how at ease you feel leaning on only yourself to translate menus, unknown words, or conversations with taxi drivers.

What You Like To Do: Just like planning any other trip, consider your likes, dislikes, and desired vacation style. If you only want to relax on the beach, a city break in Manhattan isn’t the best choice. Head to the Caribbean instead.

Experience Level: Certain destinations (like those closer to home or not too far-flung) may be a bit easier to start with if you’re not too experienced traveling alone or in general. Likewise, seasoned solo female travelers still have a lot to discover around the world.

Group Solo Travel or True Solo Travel: Female solo travelers can sign up for group tours and retreats. You’re essentially stepping out of your comfort zone and traveling somewhere alone, but when you arrive, you may travel with a group or be among others. If this sounds appealing, youthful travelers may also want to consider solo travel while staying in youth hostels, where you may be surrounded by other like-minded solo travelers.

Most solo female travelers should consider other factors when choosing a destination beyond just safety, but if that’s your top concern, we get it. Here are some of the safest destinations to visit for solo female travelers based on statistical data from the World Population Review , the 2023/24 Women Peace Security Index , Bounce , and the Woman’s Danger Index (some of which we’ll include in our top destination picks below):

• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Vermont (ranked one of the safest U.S. states for women )

In contrast, data from the same providers suggests that solo female travelers avoid visiting the following countries, taking into account things like the safety of walking alone at night, attitudes toward violence against women, and other general safety factors. We’re not saying don’t go, but use caution and take proper safety measures if you do decide to visit these countries alone :

• Afghanistan
• South Africa

Best Places To Travel for a Solo Black Female

Ashley Onadele , content contributor for Upgraded Points, suggests solo female Black travelers join certain Facebook Groups, such as Nomadness Travel Tribe , that feature tips from experienced travelers to help find the right destinations. She also advises solo Black female travelers to do the following to stay safe:

“Look at public transportation (bus and metros) to the sites you want to see in the city as well as how walkable the city is. It may be best to stay in a large city and take day trips to smaller areas with a group or other people. Research hotels that are safe for solo female travelers in terms of front desk assistance, night safety, being well-lit, and located close to main roads. Knowing what to expect to pay for things can help you not get taken advantage of.” Ashley Onadele, content contributor for Upgraded Points

These destinations feature some of the best beaches and unique, memorable landscapes for solo female travelers to explore south of the U.S. border.

Best Spot for Sustainable Solo Female Travel: Costa Rica

Costa Rica is known as one of the safest countries in Central America , as well as one of the most sustainable . It’s perfect for sustainable solo female travelers seeking relaxation, adventure, and la pura vida (the simple life). This destination is best for solo travelers who crave female camaraderie but still want some solo time, thanks to the many surf and yoga or surf retreats scattered throughout the country’s stunning terrain. Eco-lodges and other sustainable tourism practices are popular (26% of the country is protected), so if you love to explore jungles, volcanoes, beaches, and all the biodiversity Costa Rica features, hire a reputable guide, contract a solo female travel package, or join a group.

Some of the best areas for solo female travelers are Manuel Antonio, Guanacaste, Puerto Viejo, Monteverde, and Arenal . Stay safe by always choosing official taxis (they’re always red with a yellow sign), not walking alone at night, and following other safety protocols.

Best Caribbean Island for Solo Female Travel: St. Barths

This small, upmarket island is frequented by sophisticated luxury travelers, but it’s also one of the safest islands in the Caribbean for solo female travelers. St. Barths’ crime rate is below average , making it perfect for solo female travelers who don’t want to stress too much about safety protocols. Thanks to a variety of luxury resorts , there are plenty of safe and very comfortable places to stay, and you might just make a few friends during a sailing excursion or while strolling the island’s capital, Gustavia. And don’t forget to visit one of the best beach clubs on the island, Nikki Beach.

Your main safety concern is probably the possibility of a hurricane, as Hurricane Irma devastated the island in 2017. Travel outside the Atlantic hurricane season (June through November) for the best weather.

Best South American Destination for Solo Female Travel: Chile

From the dunes of the Atacama Desert to the towering peaks of Torres Del Paine National Park and the glaciers of Patagonia, Chile is for walkers, hikers, surfers, and adventurers . It’s one of the safest South American countries for solo female travelers. However, culture and wine enthusiasts will also enjoy the country, thanks to the historical architecture of Valparaiso and Valle Central, Chile’s main wine region.

Solo female adventure travelers can also visit Easter Island , which is actually closer to Polynesia than Chile. Here, you can visit the famous moai statues at UNESCO World Heritage Site Rapa Nui National Park . Many of the park’s accredited guides are female , and you can contact them to arrange a guided tour.

Save money by flying to Latin America using points and miles . LATAM is Chile’s national airline, but you may also find flights on airlines like Avianca , a Star Alliance member that’s recently become a Bilt Rewards partner .

Solo female travelers who want to avoid language barriers or prefer to stay closer to home have much to do and see around North America. Solo travel within the U.S. is also growing in popularity among solo female travelers. According to search engine data , search volume for this year compared to last year is up 81% for the term “best places to travel solo female in the U.S.” Here are some of the best and safest places to travel alone in the U.S. and beyond in North America.

Safest Destination in the U.S. for Solo Female Travel: Vermont

Vermont is one of the best destinations for solo female travelers, home to hundreds of hiking trails and plenty of idyllic scenery (especially in autumn). It’s likely an easy, long weekend trip for East Coast residents. It is especially ideal for solo female travelers over age 40 as it’s more focused on exploring nature and relaxation than nightlife and parties.

According to a 2023 study by TrustedHousesitters , Vermont has the lowest rate of violence against women, and more women feel safe there than in any other place in the country. In fact, “ women traveling alone make up more than half of all overnight stays in Vermont ,” the study showed. Once there, take in a museum (the state has the most museums per capita of any U.S. state), wander across the many 19th-century wooden bridges, or enjoy some of Vermont’s most delicious products, like cheese, maple syrup, and apples fresh from the orchard.

Best Vacation Spot for Solo Female Travel: Hawaii

Solo travel doesn’t always have to be finding yourself; it can simply be about taking a relaxation vacation. Hawaii’s many islands offer so many different styles of vacation for all different types of travelers. Divers, snorkelers, and surfers can enjoy the state’s famous swells and underwater delights, while those who prefer to stay on dry land can enjoy culture, cuisine, and natural wonders or just relax on the beach and soak in the sun year-round. Plus, the island has a low crime rate and is much safer than many other tropical islands and destinations accessible from the U.S. — and you won’t need a passport .

Although Maui was devastated by a recent wildfire, most of the island is open and ready to receive visitors with open arms. Solo female travelers can aid in Maui’s recovery by visiting responsibly and supporting local businesses.

Best Spot for First-Time Solo Female Travel: Canada

Canada is close, easily accessible from the U.S., and ranked within the top 20 of the safest countries in the world . First-time solo female travelers can delight in the excitement of leaving the country while still staying relatively close to home and experiencing the same language and similar cultural norms. Banff’s gorgeous lakes, Manitoba’s northern lights, Whistler’s ski slopes, and Montréal’s old-world charm hold significant appeal for solo female travelers. Another exciting way to experience the country is via the rails: Canada’s famous Rocky Mountaineer train.

But one of the best destinations in Canada for solo female travelers is Vancouver . The crime rate is low, locals are welcoming, and there’s so much to see and do. Admire the beautiful skyline and water views at Stanely Park , discover hidden art galleries, and hang out along the waterfront at Granville Island . Active travelers should walk through the treetops at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and hike, bike, zipline, or ski at Grouse Mountain .

Europe is home to some of the safest countries in the world. It’s also known for its incredible history, natural wonders, cuisine, and all-around good vibes, making it the ideal continent for solo female travelers, from beginners to the most seasoned. Here’s where to go:

Best Cheap Place To Travel as a Solo Female: Spain

If you’re looking for affordable and safe places to travel alone in Europe as a woman, start with Spain. Although it’s not the most affordable country in Europe, budget solo female travelers will find plenty of affordable hostels and hotels and cheap food and drinks — a glass of wine or beer can run as low as $2.50. From Barcelona’s famous Gaudí architecture to Seville’s Andalusian charm and the glorious golden sands of endless Mediterranean beaches, solo female travelers are spoiled for choice on where to go and what to do.

Spain is also an ideal country for solo female travelers who are night owls. Many cities, towns, or neighborhoods stay active well into the evening, meaning it’s safe and enjoyable to walk around at night and see how the locals enjoy their balmy Spanish evenings.

Best Destination for Solo Female Adventure Travel: Iceland

Adventurous females who want to explore the great outdoors can do so in Iceland. You’ll probably want to visit using tours and excursions , as many of the most fascinating natural wonders are best enjoyed with the assistance of a knowledgeable guide. It’s a destination that welcomes visitors, crime rates are low, and tourist scams aren’t really a thing. Icelandic folks are simply excited to share the beauty of their country with visitors.

One of the best ways to explore the country safely is by seeing its Golden Circle. This scenic tourist route is home to cascading waterfalls, towering glaciers, geothermic geysers, and Thingvellir National Park . Here, you can actually see the erosion of the earth’s crust, which is something to add to your bucket list, along with the northern lights, visible in many areas of Iceland.

Best Ski Destination for Solo Female Travel: Switzerland

Switzerland’s powdery slopes were practically made for sole female travel. The country, in general, is extremely safe and has excellent infrastructure, which also extends to its ski towns. This way, you can blissfully enjoy the slopes, take advantage of well-maintained ski lifts, and enjoy cozy après-ski afternoons by the fire.

Switzerland has so much to offer solo female travelers in any season — charming villages, hiking trails, and picnics in rolling green valleys. But winter offers even more fun beyond skiing, as indulging in chocolate, fondue, and other alpine adventures (think luge, snowshoeing, and sledding) can help you get in touch with yourself and your inner child.

Make sure to use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees and offers additional points on travel purchases — not just airfare and hotels, but also things like taxis, rideshare, and transit tickets, to maximize your points earnings. Our top picks are the   Chase Sapphire Reserve ®  or  Chase Sapphire Preferred ®  Card , where you can earn either 3x or 2x points on travel, respectively. Neither card has a foreign transaction fee.

Backpackers love traveling through Asia for a reason: Many Asian countries are affordable, easy, and generally safe for solo travelers. Here are some of the best ones we recommend for solo female travelers.

Best for Foodie Solo Female Travel: Taiwan

Taiwan’s locals are polite and respectful, so females shouldn’t have an issue traveling through most of the country. If you prefer to get out into nature, explore the Taroko National Park (on your own or by guided tour) to discover mountainside temples and the massive Taroko gorge. But Taiwan’s biggest call for solo travelers is often Taipei, a city where eating most of your meals on the street is not only socially acceptable but also the norm.

Not only does Taiwan have clean, comfortable, and efficient public transport (it actually plays delightful classical music each time the metro pulls into a station), the city has numerous night markets where it’s completely safe to spend the evening walking, talking, eating, and shopping. Don’t be turned off by the wafting odors of stinky tofu — make sure to sample xiao long bao (delicious steamed dumplings) paired with bubble tea or Taiwan beer.

Safest Country in Asia for Solo Female Travel: Singapore

Considered the safest Asian country by the World Population Review , Singapore is a tiny country with strict penalties and regulations — even chewing gum was once banned. Female travelers will feel safe wandering the clean and organized streets and enjoying street food at the many hawker centers around the city.

Solo travelers should check out neighborhoods like Little India and Chinatown and wander through the Singapore Botanic Gardens (the very first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Singapore) and Gardens by the Bay . For a bit of fun, you’ll never get lonely at Sentosa Island , which features attractions like a theme park, restaurants, a skywalk, and beaches.

Best Destination in Asia for Solo Female Travelers To Experience Culture: Japan

Japan is an orderly, safe country for women, so expect to be able to walk around alone in most places without having to worry about issues. However, Japanese isn’t an easy language, and it may be a bit complicated to navigate certain areas and situations on your own, so just be prepared for possible language barrier obstacles.

Solo female travelers should stay at ryokans (traditional Japanese hotels) to fully immerse themselves in the culture. Spending time at onsens, or hot springs, is the Japanese answer to a spa day, perfect for getting some rest and relaxation in after a busy day touring a city like Tokyo , Kyoto, or Osaka.

Solo female travel to Africa and Oceania isn’t for the faint of heart or beginner solo female travelers. It’s exotic, far-flung, and may be difficult to navigate or present language and cultural barriers. But it can be incredibly rewarding. Here’s where to go.

The Safest Country in Africa for Solo Female Travel: Rwanda

Although it might not be the most obvious choice for a vacation, Rwanda is an excellent starter destination for solo female travelers who want to begin traveling to Africa. Long known as one of the safest countries in Africa, travelers should still take caution in certain areas and avoid the border areas with the DRC and Burundi. According to BBC , “55% of its parliament is made up of women representatives, and it ranks number one in the world for its gender equality in parliament, according to the WPS. Rwanda also ranks highly in the index’s perception of community safety and is ranked 6th in the world in the  Global Gender Gap index .”

Though it’s not cheap, gorilla trekking is one of the most unique and exciting activities to do in Rwanda. Make your home base Musanze, the country’s second-largest city and the gateway to Volcanoes National Park . Or, if you have your heart set on spotting some of the Big 5, head to Akagera National Park , Central Africa’s largest protected wetland, home to species like zebras, rhinos, elephants, lions, giraffes, and more.

Best for Solo Female Safari: Botswana

Solo female travelers should consider heading to Botswana outside of peak season (off-speak season in November to May). This is when many tour operators waive solo supplements. Botswana safaris often guide travelers by boat through the Okavango Delta. Because boats are small, tour groups are limited in size. This means you may have the opportunity to make new friends but won’t be overwhelmed by joining massive tour groups.

If you want to support local women by taking a female-led safari, you can even have 1 of the 17 female guides at the tour company African Bush Camps , a company that’s launched a female guide program in hopes of having 25 female guides by 2025. Chobe Game Lodge also has a whole team of female guides known as the Chobe Angels .

Best for Far-Flung Solo Female Travel: New Zealand

If you’re ready to get far from home and off the beaten path, head to New Zealand. The country has many thrilling and exhilarating activities — Queenstown is considered the adventure capital of the world. But if you plan to participate in things like bungee jumping and caving, it’s best to get travel insurance — and make sure it covers whatever adrenaline-pumping activities you plan to do.

One of the most popular things for solo travelers in New Zealand is to rent a camper van and travel around the country at your own pace. Or, consider doing one of the country’s organized trails, Great Walks , which are hikes of varying lengths and difficulties that offer some of the best scenic routes in the country.

Travel insurance is always a good idea, especially if you plan to participate in adventurous activities. Just make sure to read the fine print because some policies exclude things such as scuba diving, for example.

When choosing a destination as a solo female traveler, there’s a lot to consider. Safety should be your first priority, as well as your travel experience, needs, and wants. Consider one of the places on this list for your next trip, where solo travelers will feel safe and enjoy seeing unique and different parts of the world.

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Last updated on July 26th, 2024

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31 BEST Places in the USA for Solo Female Travelers in 2024

06/20/2024 by Kristin Addis 28 Comments

The United States is gorgeous, from sea to shining sea. I love being from such a huge and varied country with all kinds of landscapes, cultures, and sights.

I’ve traveled to over 65 countries over the past decade, most of them alone, which only makes me appreciate the USA more. There’s nothing in the world quite like it.

Here are some of my favorite places for solo female travel in the USA, plus the advice of several other solo women travelers to get you started:

Table of Contents

1. Maui, Hawai’i

I forgive you if you don’t think of Hawai’i when you think of great places to travel solo, and I wouldn’t have either until I actually went to Maui alone last year. It was fantastic! There was so much to do, from taking lessons at a women’s surf school to driving the Road to Hana and joining snorkeling trips.

I thought honeymooners would surround me, but I actually found that people were very outgoing and friendly, coupled off or not. So, all in all, I highly recommend going to Hawai’i solo , much to my surprise! If you are visiting for the first time, find out which island is the best for you .

Book your stay in Maui here.

Book guided tours in Maui here.

2. The Big Island of Hawai’i

While most people go to the more tourist-heavy islands like Oahu , the Big Island of Hawai’i is well worth considering instead. With volcanoes, world-class diving and snorkeling sites , interesting beaches, and miles of hiking trails, there’s more to discover than on any other island in the state. In fact, it’s larger than all of them, combined!

After visiting more than six times, my favorite things to do on the Big Island are swimming with the manta rays at night in Kona , hiking to the Captain Cook memorial, and joining boat tours.

It’s also one of the best places for adventurous solo female travelers. It’s easy to meet friends through activities, at the beach, and by going on day tours. On top of that, the island is easy to navigate with a rental car, as there is one main road that circles it.

Book your stay on The Big Island here , or consider staying in a real treehouse (!).

-READ MORE-

The Perfect Hawai’i Big Island Itinerary

The Best Beaches on the Big Island of Hawai’i

24 Amazing Things to Do on the Big Island of Hawai’i

3. Alabama Hills, California

The Alabama Hills is Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, meaning it’s owned by the public, with arches, beautiful views of the eastern Sierras , and lots of Hollywood history. I did a solo road trip here and enjoyed every minute of it.

If you are a photography lover , the Alabama Hills have plenty of photogenic stops, including the popular Movie Road (pictured above), Mobius Arch (go at sunset!), Boot Arch, and Miss Alabama herself.

As a solo traveler, you’ll get lots of solitude in the Alabama Hills and the other parts of my California deserts road trip , which I loved. Among the beautiful things about traveling in this part of the world are all the wide-open spaces and the spiritual vibe. Plus, you can’t beat the stargazing or the sunsets!

The Ultimate Alabama Hills, California, Guide

4. San Francisco, California

Whenever people who aren’t from the state visit California , almost everyone ends up falling in love with San Francisco. As a native Southern Californian, it’s in my DNA to roll my eyes and find this offensive, but deep down, I silently agree. The Bay Area in general is beautiful and temperate and has a unique culture. My European friends often say it has a charm that reminds them of home.

I love it for the ease of getting around on the BART system, how small and contained the city itself is, and how picturesque and multicultural it is. Try a yoga or meditation class, head there during Pride, or see some live music at the Outside Lands Festival.

Other than that, San Francisco is the perfect place to jump off from or end up in when on a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway too!

Book your stay in San Francisco here.

5. Big Sur, California

I’ve looked on every continent, and I still haven’t found anywhere as beautiful or majestic as Big Sur on the central coast of California, though it’s seen its fair share of disasters lately. Still, when accessible, McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is one of the dreamiest waterfalls I’ve seen.

Big Sur is a fantastic place to unwind. If you want to meet others, the campsites can be pretty social. However, when I’m out there, I find the best companions are the dolphins and whales jumping out of the gorgeous Pacific Ocean, and the squirrels and deer on the trails.

For more on my favorite state and national parks in California, check out my musings on Alamo’s Scenic Route.

Book your stay in Big Sur here.

6. Lake Tahoe, California

One of my favorite spots to explore on my own is in my backyard: Lake Tahoe ! There are nearly limitless trails to discover here during the summer months, including Tallac , which is pictured above. Emerald Bay in the south of Lake Tahoe, also offers great hiking opportunities.

For those who don’t feel comfortable hiking or biking on their own, there are multiple companies that offer guided tours .

If you don’t like hiking, it’s good to know that there are many other things to do in Lake Tahoe . You can take pictures at some of the most beautiful parts of the lake , for example, or if you’re visiting Lake Tahoe in winter, you can go skiing or sledding.

Need a place to stay? We’ve got you covered with a list of the best Airbnbs and boutique hotels .

7. Mendocino, California

If you’re looking for moody coastline, crashing waves, spotted seals, incredible sunsets, adorable BnBs (with my favorite being the Sacred Rock Inn and Brewery Gulch Inn ), and an abundance of inspiration, Mendocino is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway.

This is more of a retreat for those who want some peace and quiet. Walk along the coastal bluffs, explore Van Damme State Park, check out the glass-sand beach in Fort Bragg, and eat delicious food at the Noyo Harbor Inn.

8. Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington

When it comes to national parks in Washington , Mount Rainier is easily my favorite. It’s such a prominent volcano that you can see it from most major freeways and suburbs of Seattle. Hiking around it is also easy enough, with trails like the Skyline serving up beautiful views all along your way. It’s a popular national park, so if you’re hiking solo , you’ll rarely be truly alone.

9. Seattle, Washington

If you want to visit a city teeming with activity but still find time for solitude, head to Seattle, where the various neighborhoods and activities provide opportunities for both, sometimes even on the same day.

Here you’ll find cultural foods , fantastic museums , and beautiful public parks. Talented local musicians perform throughout the city on most nights, so you can catch jazz, experimental, rock, punk, metal, baroque, blues, and hip-hop.

You can navigate the city via public transit by day, or taxi or ride-share by night. Seattle is very solo-traveler-friendly, so you’ll notice other people dining and enjoying the musical ambiance alone. Don’t hesitate to reach out and get past that “Seattle Freeze,” as people are friendly once you start the conversation.

Book your stay in Seattle here.

10. Portland, Oregon

The beauty of Portland is that a solo traveler can be as social as they’d like in the city and then retreat to the forest for solitude at any time. The city is just a short drive from the Columbia River Gorge , where you’ll find the majestic Multnomah Falls, among others.

In town, you’ll enjoy bearing witness to all of Portland’s quirks, like its quintessential donut scene . Biking is quite popular too; you can join in on the cycling fun by taking a bike tour that focuses on the city’s vibrant art and poetry culture.

11. Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas wouldn’t have been the first place that I would have expected to be awesome traveling alone, but with so much to do, it’s actually perfect! People are in a good mood here. They’re there to be social and have a good time. I almost always make friends when I visit, whether with a group or by myself.

There are fun indoor activities, like the famous wax museum, Madame Tussaud’s , and there’s so much to see that isn’t on the strip, like the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam . (These are my favorite day trips to take from Las Vegas .)

Las Vegas is also an excellent jumping-off point if you want to explore Reno (next on this list). You can plan your Highway 95 road trip based on this guide .

It’s also a great spot to start if you’re doing a bigger American Southwest road trip , which was one of my first big solo road trips , including Utah and Arizona .

12. Reno, Nevada

My current hometown , Reno is truly the biggest little city in the world. Because of it’s pretty small size but excellent amenities, it’s a wonderful place to travel alone. It’s a hub for those looking to get lucky at casinos, and a great spot for events like the hot-air balloon race each September, when hundreds take to the sky. Thanks to the art, food, and culture boom of the last decade, there are tons of funky little cafés and restaurants as well.

If you love nature, there’s a place for outdoorsy people who want to hike or ski in and around Lake Tahoe too. Along the extraordinary lake, you’ll find bobcats, migratory birds, hiking trails, majestic mountains, and if you head into the Black Rock desert , salt pans, sand dunes, brilliant stars, and hundred-year-old trees. In Reno, you’ll have the time and space to take it all in.

13. Page, Arizona

Page is the jumping-off point for several of Arizona’s most beautiful places. I was blown away in particular by Horseshoe Bend and of course the famous Antelope Canyon. If you’re considering which of the two canyons to visit, I did a comparison of Lower and Upper Antelope Canyon , though both are worth checking out for different reasons!

Since this part of the world attracts so many travelers, I found it easy to have conversations with others who were free-camping with me and even made a friend when I ventured to the paid campsites for a shower (but not in the shower itself — we met in the parking lot later, I swear!).

Book your stay in Page, Arizona, here.

See tours available in Page here.

14. Moab, Utah

Utah is one of my favorite states to road-trip through solo . I’ve done it twice, and I’d do it again!

Although Zion National Park is gorgeous, and I love the national forests around Provo, it’s Moab that I find the best as a solo female traveler. It’s a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. There is a multitude of parks, like Canyonlands and Arches National Parks , as well as Dead Horse Point State Park . Basically, it’s one of the most beautiful areas on earth, with a high concentration of incredible rock formations and free campsites, and plenty of things to do .

I find that when a place attracts people because of common interests, especially something outdoorsy, it tends to be social. Moab is no exception. It’s a favorite among van-lifers, which means you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet others on the trails, in cafés, and at viewpoints .

Book your stay in Moab here.

15. Sun Valley, Idaho

Idaho really must be one of the most beautiful states in the wintertime , when I stayed here and fell in love with the natural hot springs, the tranquil views, the spectacular sunsets, and snowmobiling when my legs were too tired from the fantastic snowshoeing and skiing around this quaint town.

Sun Valley locals are also more than happy to have a conversation with visitors and newcomers.

If you want to venture outside of Sun Valley , there are many amazing hot springs , like my favorite, Kirkham , to check out. You can find my Idaho itinerary here .

Book your stay in Idaho here , or stay in a cozy, heated treehouse !

16. Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park in Montana is a magical slice of outdoor heaven that is perfect for solo travelers with an adventurous spirit and who thrive in solitude. Here you’ll find crystal-clear lakes, abundant greenery as far as the eye can see, and some of the best stargazing in the US.

If you’re into hiking, you will be happy to hear that there are plenty of hikes in Glacier National Park too.

Don’t be intimidated by the park’s size, because it’s totally doable to visit for just a couple of days. Check out everything you can do in Glacier National Park in just 48 hours for inspiration.

17. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe seems like the more upscale, artsy, and design-focused part of New Mexico — and I love it! While other areas of the state have their own character, Santa Fe serves up that quintessential Southwestern vibe that most people picture when they think of New Mexico.

This is where you’ll find some of the finest restaurants, the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, and the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA). The Meow Wolf Museum is a trippy wonderland, and the galleries of Canyon Road had me enchanted. It’s a solo traveler’s paradise, with many awesome things to do.

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18. Bayfield, Wisconsin

Midwesterners are known for being friendly, and they lived up to their reputation when I visited Bayfield, Wisconsin. It’s an artsy town with outgoing residents, and it’s small enough that it feels intimate, yet big enough that there is plenty to do. I visited in August , and it was the perfect time to join a kayaking or boat trip, or take a drive around to the various orchards.

There are plenty of beaches and quirky hangouts as well, and camping opportunities abound. If you visit in December , January , or February , the famous caves ice over, which looks incredible. If you’re into photography and the outdoors, then you will absolutely love this little town on Lake Superior, the jumping-off point for the Apostle Islands .

Book your stay in Bayfield here.

19. Chicago, Illinois

Visiting such a large city solo gives you a sense of anonymity that can be exciting. When I lived in Chicago, Illinois , I loved going on solo adventures all over town and discovering cultural gems, quirky restaurants, and unexpected museums.

Each neighborhood in Chicago has a personality of its own, filled with endless adventures. Whether you’re staying for a couple of days or a few weeks, you can be sure that Chicago lives up to the hype of being one of the most fascinating cities in the country (and it’s safe too).

No matter if you visit during the frigid winter or the lively summer, don’t miss out on an architecture boat tour — Chicago is bursting with history, and many stories come to the surface through its unique architectural history. You can also take a tour of the legendary Art Institute of Chicago before opening hours, for a VIP experience.

I recommend that solo travelers choose accommodations that are in the Loop (downtown) area or close to an L train (Chicago’s metro) for easy access to public transport. This will give you the freedom to move around town without having to navigate the buses or use rideshares, which can get expensive, especially if you’re on your own.

If you are looking for ways to save money, check out all these incredible things to do in Chicago for free !

20. Detroit, Michigan

Although it’s known as the Motor City, there’s so much more to Detroit than cars and engines. It has a reputation for being one of the most historically rich destinations in the country, let alone the Midwest. It’s famous for its contributions to music, industry, and architecture especially.

Start your solo trip to Detroit with a walking tour that highlights the city’s beauty and architectural gems. You also won’t want to miss a trip to Belle Isle, a massive, 982-acre island park home to a conservatory, aquarium, museum, and nature center. Who knew you could find a peaceful green paradise in such an industrial place?

That’s what makes Detroit so special for a solo trip, though. You could spend hours walking around town, getting a feel for its urban flair, and then head somewhere else to connect with nature and find solitude.

There is so much to do in Detroit that you might find yourself going back over and over again for a solo trip or otherwise.

21. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is just the right place for solo female travelers : there’s something for everyone here (check out our vegan guide , for example). You’ll find a fascinating and rich cultural history, one that you can discover over a long weekend.

If it’s your first trip, stay in a boutique hotel on Royal Street, right near the allegedly haunted LaLaurie Mansion , or check out our list of boutique hotels in New Orleans . While you may have heard of the Garden District and the French Quarter, you absolutely cannot miss the Bywater district , where you’ll find hipster art and culture with a Southern twist. Of course NOLA is best known for Bourbon Street and Mardi Gras .

Though New Orleans is a large city, you can easily get around via public transportation (bus or streetcar), or navigate on foot. You’ll be surrounded by tourists and locals — as with any city, exercise caution.

Our New Orleans packing list will help you get the most out of your trip.

Book your stay in New Orleans here.

22. Austin, Texas

In recent years, Austin has completely exploded in popularity. More and more young people are choosing to transplant themselves to this hip Southern city, and I can’t blame them. There’s so much to do there — from catching live music to the summer street festivals and top-notch museums, this city has it all.

Austin is the perfect solo destination for travelers who enjoy meeting other people on the road. It’s very social, with bustling restaurant, café, and bar scenes. Go shopping at North Loop vintage stores, see the city on a bike tour , or connect with your inner child at the Museum of Ice Cream . It’s no wonder Austin is such a popular destination for travelers, solo or otherwise.

23. Big Bend, Texas

They say everything is bigger in Texas, and that’s certainly how it felt exploring Big Bend National Park . The sky, the landscape, and the wide-open spaces felt endless. Plus, Texans are friendly.

Check out the Windows Trail, watch the sunset on the Rio Grande, and hike to your heart’s content in one of the biggest national parks in the system.

24. Nashville, Tennessee

Famously a destination for girls’ trips and bachelor bashes, Nashville has a bit of a reputation for being a party city. Maybe as a solo traveler, this is exciting to you. No worries if it’s not! There is much more to Nashville than its vibrant nightlife.

The city is bubbling over with historical sites, street festivals, live shows, and much more. It’s also one of the cheapest destinations in the USA and has plenty of free things to do . The Tennessee State Museum and Cooter’s Place Museum are among many free museums one can visit; there are also plenty of parks and the legendary Music City Walk of Fame.

When you travel solo, you don’t have anybody to split transportation and accommodation costs with, so finding reasonably priced destinations makes a big difference in how much you can stretch your dollar. Nashville is my top pick for such an affordable solo trip.

25. Louisville, Kentucky

Louisville is one of the USA’s most underrated cities, and a great destination for solo female travelers. Often nicknamed “the Gateway to the South,” the city is most famous for its bourbon culture, but there’s much more to discover here.

You can also visit museums (the Kentucky Derby Museum is one of the most famous), explore caverns, go to the farmers’ market, admire the landmarks, and take numerous day trips (horse farms, for example).

All in all, Kentucky has a lot to offer to lovers of culture, history, and the outdoors, and you will easily make friends over some delicious bourbon.

26. Islamorada, Florida

Also known as the Village of Islands, Islamorada is a beautiful destination for a solo traveler. The best time to visit is during the winter or early spring, when hurricanes are raging somewhere else. When you get here, it’s super easy and affordable to navigate the town with the free electric-vehicle taxi service called Freebee .

Islamorada has beautiful snorkeling (interested in snorkeling in Key Largo ?), awesome fishing opportunities, and uninhabited mangrove islands to explore. If you rent your own boat, you can go to some of the best off-shore reefs and fishing spots; if you rent a kayak, you can check out the historic ghost town of Indian Key. 

Water-based activities aren’t for everyone though, so hop on the road and drive over to Windley Key to walk along giant walls of carved limestone. Islamorada also has a thriving local arts culture, supported especially by the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District. Plus there are beautiful beaches (check out the best beaches in Key Largo ) and vibey restaurants where you can find freshly caught seafood, live entertainment, and activities like feeding the tarpon.

Since it’s uniquely situated among the rest of the Florida Keys , you can also conveniently take a bus north toward Key Largo or south to Key West , stopping at tropical destinations along the way, like those in Marathon and Big Pine .

Book your stay in Islamorada here (the hotel also offers fishing charters!).

27. Miami, Florida

Colorful and vibrant, Miami stands out as one of the most unique cities in the US. Between hearing salsa at all hours of the day in Little Havana and finding murals by world-renowned artists throughout town, your senses will be delighted.

If you thought it was all about crowded beaches and roaring nightclubs here, think again. It’s a great place for solo female travelers, because of the abundance of things to do in Miami . Plus, the city has an excellent reputation for being extremely hospitable, and even quite safe in general.

Whether you are looking for a beach vacation on which you can soothe your worries with a dip in the ocean or a full-on intercultural experience, you’ll find it in Miami.

28. Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is dripping with Southern charm and definitely has plenty to do to keep any solo traveler occupied. Some travelers describe it as the closest thing to a fairytale, and judging by the elaborate architecture, towering oak trees with Spanish moss, and overall historical atmosphere, I think they’re right.

Fall in love with Savannah by hopping on an e-bike tour to see the highlights. As it’s such a globally recognized soul-food destination, get a taste by taking a food tour . Both of these activities are great if you want to have a bit of social interaction with other travelers, but if you want to hit the town solo, make sure to spend time strolling through the Historic District and River Street.

Ready to be enchanted? Check out this ultimate Savannah guide for more ideas of what to do and where to eat.

29. Washington, DC

Our nation’s capital city is undoubtedly the mega-hub for incredible historical sites and museums, such as those at the National Mall . Personally, I prefer going to museums solo, so I can move through each exhibit at my own pace. I’m that girl who needs to read every placard and see every little thing, so going by myself gives me the freedom to do that without holding anybody else up.

If this is also you, Washington DC will be heavenly to visit alone. Get up before dawn to see the way the rising sun illuminates the Lincoln Memorial, because nobody can stop you. This city is truly magical at sunrise, before the hustle and bustle of the day begins.

You can also grab a seat on a historic hop-on-hop-off landmarks tour for another self-paced option. Or, if you prefer your history lesson a bit spookier, check out this haunted history ghost tour .

30. Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Cape Cod, Massachusetts, is a family-friendly beach destination. Because it’s safe, easy to explore, and absolutely stunning, it’s especially suited to solo female travelers. Parts of it are also only an hour from Boston and Providence.

If you have a car, you can more efficiently explore the ocean beaches and epic sand dunes. On the bay side, you’ll get breathtaking sunsets, which are even more spectacular at low tide, when the colors reflect off the sand-flat puddles.

If you like to hike, try the 25-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail , which runs from Wellfleet to Dennis. You can rent a bike in outposts along the trail and deviate to marshes, lakes, and cranberry bogs. Wellfleet has drive-in movies and a weekend flea market if you’re looking for a more relaxing adventure. Gay-friendly Provincetown boasts restaurants serving the legendary clam chowder, lively nightlife, shop-til-you-drop opportunities, and whale-watching excursions .

Book your stay on Cape Cod here.

31. Hudson Valley, New York

The Hudson Valley is nothing like New York City , yet the Big Apple is only an hour away. Here you’ll find farmers markets and mom-and-pop shops in place of grocery stores and chain restaurants, and gorgeous views accessible via many outdoor activities, such as rock climbing (some of the best is at “the Gunks”) and hiking. Or you can explore trails at Harriman or Bear Mountain State Park or experience the Walkway over the Hudson .

There are so many pocket towns, called “hamlets,” where you can walk through orchards, browse art galleries, and skip along the railway. The valley is also an excellent place for a road trip, especially during the fall, when the leaves are starting to change color.

Though the United States is huge, and no list could ever do justice to the wealth of places to see and experience, these are a few of our favorites. I hope this list helped you to get a sense of where to start — or continue — your solo journey.

If you have some favorite solo spots to share, please tell me in the comments below!

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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Ijana Loss says

01/21/2018 at 7:31 am

I’ve actually been kind of thinking I wanted a list like this for a while! There are tons of articles about the best places in the USA to visit, but this list pertaining specifically to solo travel is great! And I love how many of these places don’t need a car to get around; I would much rather use public transport or my feet if possible

Kristin says

01/22/2018 at 2:22 am

Which is a rarity back home, but I agree!

01/21/2018 at 3:32 pm

Hey there! Glad you have added a post about the US, this is awesome. I love the Western US in my travels, hard to believe it is the same country! Here are my thoughts to add to this nice post plus some Eastern US call-outs solo or with friends, hope this is helpful as I have traveled a lot of the East:

1. Minneapolis and New Orleans: travel 3-4 hours north of Minneapolis to Lake Itasca, and an hour downstream of New Orleans and you will get to see the beginning and end of the mighty Mississippi River! There is St. Paul, MN, Minneapolis’ sister city, interesting history and it is the capital of Minnesota. You can walk in comfort for miles through downtown Minneapolis even in winter through the Minneapolis Skyway System, an engineering achievement.

2. Oregon coast: One of the most breathtaking views and experiences I have ever had was a rare sunny day along the Oregon coast. I got to see the coastline specifically near Florence, Oregon with rocks sitting on the beach several stories tall, temperate rain forests (not all rain forests are tropical) with trees hugging the cliff sides maybe 1000 feet steep if not more, sliding down to the beautiful blue ocean. Then there are the huge sand dunes (not like Namibia, but really neat). June is the best time to get it to clear up, that is the catch, having the weather cooperate (visibility).

For those who are on the Eastern side of the US, besides Cape Cod you’ve got:

3. The warm ocean beaches stretching from North Carolina (south of Cape Hatteras) to Florida: NC is quiet/quaint, South Carolina lots to do, so need to avoid busy season, Charleston, SC my favorite for history, Georgia coast for nature (loggerhead nesting) or for rustic privacy (11 private islands) or resort fancy vacations, Florida for tropical feel or exciting Miami, or more relaxed feel of the Gulf coast, or see the Everglades, swim with manatees and dolphins. 4. The FL Keys: Drive it or bike it, includes incredible bridges like the Seven Mile Bridge over the water 5. Niagara Falls, 6. New York City (you can go solo here, I have, the food is great, Manhattan is fun, 15% is park land, can do it too at a reasonable price if flexible), 7. Washington, D.C (use mass transit you are set, so much history and history being made, Smithsonian, it’s all free! Saw every museum then they built 3 more!), 8. West Virginia-Virginia Blue Ridge Parkway down to NC Smoky Mountains: For those into mountains instead of beaches, not as steep as the West, but so green, lush, and prehistoric (most diverse species of trees in North America)! 9. Maine coastline up to Canadian border: Gorgeous, rocky coastline, ending your trip at Pembroke, ME and see the “Reversing Falls” (yes the tides are so big there that the roaring cascades stop and reverse, need to get there 1 hour or so before high tide). If go into Canada, Bay of Fundy tide change biggest in the world. You can do a lot of this by bike! I have this in my travel plans soon!

I’d love to visit the Keys

02/27/2018 at 6:25 am

Yes, the Keys are great and offer some fantastic diving opportunities among other things. Morehead City, NC as well as Flower Garden Banks off Texas are great options as well in this regard! (but nothing like Rajat Ampat I am sure and I can only speak for the East Coast, I bet you could list off the top of your head spots to go out West! 🙂 ).

04/25/2019 at 3:58 am

Omg – you have to go to the Keys. I think Key West is closer to New Orleans than Miami. And, while you are at it jump down to the BVI.

Brittany Quaglieri says

01/22/2018 at 11:37 am

As a born-and-raised Cape Codder, I enthusiastically second it as a great destination for solo travelers! I take a solo trip to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket (sometimes both!) every year. Thanks for including me in this post!

03/15/2018 at 11:08 am

GReat list! I would add Portland Oregon, and Eugene and Bend Oregon!

JD White says

03/23/2018 at 10:46 pm

Wow, what a list! I’d have to agree on San Francisco. I definitely left my heart there last April! Have you considered exploring more in the prairie regions? I might have some suggestions!

03/25/2018 at 8:20 pm

Feel free to add them here!

Alissa M says

05/28/2018 at 4:17 pm

Charleston SC is also a gorgeous destination & one easy to traverse solo. Historic neighborhoods are breathtaking.

One can easily walk much of the city, along with a free trolley and many bicycle cabs

05/29/2018 at 12:51 am

Thanks for the addition! I’d love to check out the South.

03/28/2019 at 11:46 pm

Hi Kristin,

I’m planning a trip to Alaska for northern light in September, I want to visit some places in the west coast of US after 1 week in Alaska.

My questions are: 1. Can you share typical places suit for solo traveler in the west coast as I plan to spend 1 week there? I’m not into shopping 2. Is it safe for girl to travel alone there 3. Are there public transportation eg: subway, bus

The itinerary is : Ho Chi Minh city –> Alaska –> West Coast –> Ho Chi Minh city

Thank a lot advance. Leu

04/01/2019 at 5:14 pm

Hi Leu, There will probably not be dorms in Alaska that you can use. I wish that hotel availability was better there. It might be more expensive but worth it! I would travel there solo, though Anchorage does have some crime. Sadly the public transport in Vietnam is much better than in the US so renting a car is best!

George Fox-Edwards says

04/30/2019 at 5:49 am

I wish I’d read this post when I roadtripped the West coast of the US! So much adventure to be had, let alone epic sights to see. Can’t believe I’d never heard of Moab before, that’s been swiftly added to the bucket list!

05/01/2019 at 6:23 pm

Moab is soooo awesome!

Solo Female Traveler says

09/13/2019 at 8:29 pm

Oh my gosh. My next travel destination: The Big Island! I definitely believe Hawaii is the most friendliest place and ideal for solo travelers. Amazing post! 🙂

09/16/2019 at 1:37 am

John Harper says

01/11/2020 at 4:42 am

Las Vegas is on my bucket list. This list is awesome to explore USA. What time do you recommend to visit Big Sur?

01/12/2020 at 9:32 pm

Probably September. The weather is still nice and the kiddies are back in school so fewer tourists. However that’s close to our burning season which seems to be a yearly thing now so hard to say.

02/07/2021 at 6:36 pm

I’ve been looking where to vacation as a solo female for a year now. I want to pull the trigger this March. I’ve narrowed it down to Utah or South Dakota. History and mountains are my interest. Thanks for the website. It was very informative

02/09/2021 at 9:43 am

Denise says

09/12/2021 at 10:57 am

I am turning 50 in March and would like to plan a trip that involves being active : like hiking , yoga beaches . Any advice ?

Mikaela says

03/02/2022 at 8:54 pm

I am planning a little solo road trip around the Southwest this spring and am really wondering about the free campsites you mentioned around the desert, especially Utah! I am sure I would stumble upon them somehow during my wandering, but for the sake of some broad planning and peace of mind, could you reccomend some free campsite areas? How did you find them, asking around or a cool website or both? Any tips are greatly appreciated ??

03/07/2022 at 10:09 am

Yes, look specifically for Bureau of land management areas on maps. When you are on BLM land, look for little side roads. Those almost always lead to an area where you can camp. You just have to be at least a mile from the road and not visible from major roadways. You also have to leave no trace so keep in mind that these areas do not have any services including bathrooms. Quite often, you will also need a 4WD vehicle. You can also look at freecampsites.net or the dyrt. Sometimes those are decent resources.

Chrish Smith says

03/02/2022 at 9:55 pm

I read a lot of Blog Post on Solo Travel but this blog are really interesting and I never read blog topic like this. Your writing skill Awesome!

03/07/2022 at 10:07 am

12/01/2023 at 6:13 am

My name is Donna,I would like to go on a Solo weekend, where no driving is involve,just walking from sites to sites and affordable. And Amtrax is my way of getting to my weekend getaway. 3-4 hours is my train ride.

15 Best Solo Trips For Women, According To Travelers Who've Done Them

Here’s where to venture out on your own this year.

Women and femme folks face unique challenges when exploring the world alone. Though I’ve visited 57 countries with no plans to slow down, I’ll admit there are concerns about safety and women’s rights that men will never have to deal with when it comes to solo travel. The way I see it, though, these are also global problems that don’t belong to any one country, and I’ll never let them stop me from seeing the world. While safety should be priority and precautions should always be taken, they shouldn’t stop young women who want to travel alone. If you’re one of those young women, and you need some inspiration to help get you started on your own journey, these are the best places for solo travel for women in 2022, according to four people who travel alone all the time.

When it comes to my personal solo travel, I always take the time to research where I’m going and how my gender presentation may impact my experience. I look into how local women are generally treated, the experiences other female and femme travelers have had in these places (according to vetted blogs and social media), and what kinds of laws exist in the city or country to protect and support women who have experienced gender-based harassment. If you’re looking for another resource to help make the most informed decision about where to solo travel, there’s a whole index from the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace, and Security that measures which countries excel at promoting women’s well-being (and which don’t).

But data can only tell us so much, which is why I asked several globetrotting women where they’d recommend like-minded solo travelers to visit. From select regions to entire countries, here are the 15 solo travel destinations they chose for women traveling alone.

1. Slovenia

While everyone was taking Game of Thrones tours or yachting in Croatia, Faith Yi , 34, from Brooklyn, New York, was exploring Slovenia, its less traveled neighbor to the north. Yi, who’s a travel publicist, has been to 25 countries, and finds the solo travel experience to be freeing and empowering. In Slovenia, that sense of freedom mixed gorgeously with the country’s natural beauty.

“With mountains, forests, and lakes galore, the country feels straight out of a fairy tale,” she says, calling Slovenia “energetic without being overwhelming.” Yi says, “Slovenia has culture, cuisine, and scenery. I explored farmers markets nestled in the foothills of mountain ranges, restaurants, and town squares across Ljubljana and Bled.”

But Slovenia is more than just a great photo op. Yi says it was only after visiting Slovenia that she found out the Global Peace Index ranked it as one of the top 10 safest countries in the world in 2022 . “I honestly didn’t feel like anyone ... treated me differently for being Asian or a woman. I was just another friendly visitor spending my coins,” she says. For added safety while traveling alone, Yi recommends sharing your rough itinerary with close friends and never telling strangers where you’re staying or going.

Ranking at the top of the 2022 Global Peace Index, Iceland has a reputation as the world’s safest and most equitable destination for solo female travelers. Yi has been there twice — once while road tripping and a second time doing a farm stay with a local family — and says it’s a very safe and welcoming place for solo travelers or small groups.

“[The local family members] were quintessential Icelanders who loved welcoming visitors to their country and went out of their way to show us experiences you couldn’t find in a guidebook,” Yi says. She recommends heading outside of Reykjavik if possible and renting a car to take yourself to the waterfalls, geysers, and black sand beaches for which Iceland is known.

Yi has nothing but good memories of the locals she met across Vietnam. She also especially loves the fact that so many women run their own businesses in the country and have clear autonomy over their work. “Women were out and about living their lives or working day or night, which contributed to the pulse of the city,” she says. In addition to meeting countless other female travelers, Yi says she felt very safe with other tourists and local tour operators, whether she “was on a private street food tour or going spelunking in the Hang Tien cave system.”

One memory that stands out to her as an example of good faith is when a local woman went out of her way to help her. “I lost my Fitbit at a restaurant, and the female host I was staying with insisted on taking me on her scooter in the pouring rain to go back and look for it,” she remembers.

4. The Netherlands

Yi says progressive attitudes among the Dutch people span generations, and that was something she found inspiring when she traveled to the Netherlands. Talking about a conversation she had with her two female neighbors from the area, Yi says, “When I asked about dating, marriage, and gender equality, I learned that many couples never get legally married and choose to build their lives together without the official paperwork, which I found very empowering.”

Beyond more modern perspectives on gender equality, the country is also really easy to navigate via train and is filled with good options for Airbnbs. And Yi knows other young women traveling solo will appreciate the ability to do their own thing, which she found super easy in the Netherlands. “I love making time to take myself out to a nice restaurant and sit at the bar and strike up a conversation with the bartender/server,” she says. “The Netherlands is a fantastic place to not feel self-conscious doing that.”

5. Portland, Maine

When most international travel was on hold in May 2021, Yi looked within the United States for solo travel. Buses and trains got her to Portland, Maine, where she could easily get around the city, meet fellow female travelers, and eat all the lobster she wanted without worrying about her safety.

Yi ended up at a seafood shack, where she struck up a conversation with a retired school administrator from Arkansas. Later at a craft cocktail bar, she sat with two tipsy sisters from Boston who were on a girls trip, and they became friends. “I encourage you to eat alone, sit at the bar, and take yourself out on a solo date whenever you can,” she says. “Don’t just hole up in your room with takeout — unless that’s your vibe.” Loneliness can be one of the major challenges of solo travel, so being in a city like Portland, where it’s easy to meet people, is a huge plus.

Born and raised in Belize, Gisselle Hernandez , a 26-year-old writer, social media expert, and travel writer, says the country’s size makes it a great place for young women to travel alone. “Roughly the size of Massachusetts, it’s easy to navigate from one region to the next,” she says. “Public transportation makes it convenient to get from sand-clad islands to jungle-laden Western Belize in less than a day,” she adds.

Belize’s diversity of cultures and ethnicities also makes it ideal for solo female travelers from all backgrounds. In addition, most of the locals are extremely welcoming to travelers and often speak more than one language, which is helpful when traveling alone as a woman in a foreign country.

7. Merida, Mexico

“I’ve always been a fan of walkable cities, but my favorite is history-laden Merida in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula,” Hernandez says, adding that the city’s layout and the ease of getting around makes it a must-visit for young female solo travelers. “Staying near the Centro Historicó means you can walk to every major cathedral, museum, and authentic Latin restaurant in less than 20 minutes,” she says. The city boasts ancient architecture, spires, and stonework, and Hernandez says, “Most of the residents are used to history buffs and expats finding their way to Merida and are more than willing to give you advice on things to do.” While she says Merida is extremely safe, like any other large city, it’s best to keep close to the Centro Historicó and not walk near the outskirts. She also recommends using Uber, as taxis can price gouge tourists if they’re not careful.

8. Big Sur, California

While it may be a popular travel destination in general, Big Sur is also one of Hernandez’s top spots for solo traveling young women. “Everything they say about Big Sur is true — the stunning vistas, the quaint towns, the precarious yet exhilarating highway,” she says. “As an introvert who enjoys traveling alone, there’s no greater joy than to drive along the Pacific Coast Highway on no one’s schedule but your own.”

Her favorite part about renting a car in San Francisco is that she can make as many pit stops as she’d like. “As a popular road trip, you’re bound to meet like-minded travelers along the coastal towns, which makes traveling alone much less daunting,” Hernandez adds.

9. Mexico City, Mexico

Maria Mallory, the 30-year-old solo traveler behind MariaTheWild , has visited around 35 countries, sometimes solo, sometimes with a group. Mallory says solo travel really opens you up to meeting locals and new friends, and forces you to practice the local language as well as try things you may not be able to when you allow a group to dictate the daily routine.

Not only is Mexico City a huge city with many possibilities for exploration, but Mallory says it’s also a great base for meeting other travelers and friendly locals. “There are lots of good hostel options in the trendy, safe neighborhoods you want to situate yourself within, and they usually will organize group tours like going to a lucha libre show, a street food tour, or a trip to the floating village of Xochimilco,” she says. “You don’t even have to worry about finding other friends — they just appear. Just sit back, practice your Spanish, and enjoy some amazing tacos with your newfound buddies.”

10. Lake Atitl á n, Guatemala

“This is a truly special place, and being able to be here for as long as you can will give you a new take on life,” Mallory says. “With 11 villages along this volcanic lake in rural Guatemala, you’ll take boats to explore each one and meet travelers along the way who are doing the same.” She says not only is the beauty of the lake unparalleled, but the cheap prices of accommodations just might make you want to move here. She suggests volunteering at the local yoga retreats or hostels if you have the flexibility and time to do so.

11. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai in Thailand has a special hold on Mallory after she studied abroad there in college. With so many backpackers going in and out of the city, she says, it’s easy to meet friends at the bars, swimming spots, street markets, restaurants, and temples. “I’ve been able to make lifelong friends by opting into some of their adventures with them, like when we took a motorbike all the way to a mountain town together called Pai,” she says. Mallory says Chiang Mai is also a great hub for digital nomads looking to work remotely.

12. Oaxaca, Mexico

Mallory also recommends Oaxaca in Mexico for solo travelers, calling it a magical destination. “It’s becoming more well-known amongst backpackers moving through Central America, but that isn’t a bad thing,” she says, adding that locals and other travelers quickly begin to feel like family in this city.

“There are some good hostels, like the one I stayed at called Casa Angel that had a daily happy hour on their terrace and would open everyone up to mingling and later, doing salsa lessons together,” she says. “It feels safe to walk around and explore the charming courtyards, especially once the sun sets and the mezcal begins to flow.”

13. Bali, Indonesia

“Bali is, almost to a fault, very friendly to travelers seeking a cheap destination in the sun,” Mallory explains. In addition to its numerous yoga retreats, Bali is a restorative space to eat nutritious food, swim in the clear ocean with manta rays, and absorb the local culture, she says. “This is a great place to meet others who are exploring Indonesia with similar goals, and have a friendly and open disposition,” she says.

14. Barcelona, Spain

Melissa Vitale , 29, a New York-based public relations company owner and avid traveler, has been to 17 countries and especially loves Barcelona for solo travel. “It doesn’t matter if you’re alone or with a group of friends, there is always something to do in Barcelona as a young single woman,” she says. There’s art, culture, shopping, and more. “Have a round of tapas and sangria and lay on the beach topless without harassment,” she suggests. “And, check out Bijoux Indiscrets , an empowerment-forward brand for women based in Barcelona.”

15. Paris, France

“What woman doesn’t dream of going to Paris?” Vitale says. “Everyone thinks it’s the city of romantic love, but in reality, it’s the city of self-love when you go out with yourself or some girlfriends.” Vitale says it’s incredibly empowering to take yourself places you’d only thought you’d explore with a partner. “Eating alone in a cafe is très chic ,” she says, “and compared to a big U.S. city (I’m looking at you, NYC), the prices are less expensive for a great night out: a three course dinner with drinks is usually less than two courses and a cocktail in New York after you add in tax and tip.”

Faith Yi , New York-based travel publicist

Gisselle Hernandez , Belize-based travel writer

Maria Mallory , Cincinnati-based budget and solo travel blogger

Melissa Vitale , New York-based owner of a public relations agency

Best Solo Vacations for Women

DISCOVER MORE SOLO VACATIONS

20’s & 30’s, over 40’s, over 50’s, over 60’s.

Dreaming of a solo adventure but unsure what experience you want to embark on? A vacation alone is an wonderful opportunity to uncover exhilarating experiences and create new memories.

Solo travelers enjoy the benefit of venturing out on a journey that truly pique their interest. There’s freedom to navigate at your own pace, and exclusively select all the activities on your checklist.  

Whether it’s a breathtaking cruise in the Mediterranean, zip lining through a dramatic forest, snowboarding down a rugged mountain, exploring artifacts at a museum, or laying on the soft beach sand, there are endless options catered to the single traveler.

Keep an eye out for solo vacation packages that conveniently bundle together a variety of elements such as activities, transportation, and accommodations. Keep reading below to see the best solo vacations for women, and discover your next adventure!

Sightseeing

With a sightseeing trip, venture out and discover the best highlights that a city has to offer! Dive into the rich culture and historic landmarks. Roam through fascinating neighborhoods and sample the local cuisine.

Being in the heart of the city, single travelers will have plenty of opportunity to stay busy when exploring various top attractions and activities.   Take-in the captivating atmosphere of the city, visit the top eateries and nightlife, and admire world-class museums.  

There are plenty of vibrant cities bursting with history and culture, that are ideal for solo travelers to visit. Explore the ancient ruins in Rome, taste the street food in Tokyo, or admire the captivating landmarks and buzzing atmosphere in New York City.  

Check out our full list of Amazing Cities to Visit Alone .

Unwind on a true beach vacation by yourself, where you can lay on the soft sand, swim in the refreshing ocean, and snorkel with the tropical fish.

Single travelers will have plenty of downtime to soak in the hot sun, and relax with an intriguing novel or cold beverage. If the beach itself is the main highlight, the Caribbean is a key option, as it’s home to some of the top beaches in the world.  

There are also plenty of amazing destinations that offer activities and entertainment alongside a spectacular beach. View the best attractions, eat at the top restaurants, explore the neighborhoods, with the bonus of a lovely beach nearby! Travelers that prefer a more social atmosphere might be interested in an all-inclusive vacation for singles. Staying on a resort is a popular choice for women vacationing alone, as it adds an extra level of comfort and safety.

Explore the lush islands of Hawaii, or try the magnificent coast of Southern Spain. Rejuvenate your mind and body on a wellness vacation in Costa Rica, or let the stress melt away on the tropical islands of the Seychelles and Maldives. 

See our top picks for Solo Beach Destinations .

Cruises offer solo travelers the opportunity to conveniently explore multiple cities or countries all during one trip! Take advantage of the intriguing on-board amenities and entertainment, which keep you busy as you sail through various destinations. Even if you’re an introvert, making new friends can be easy on a cruise ship.

Whether you’re looking for an intimate river cruise, a lively social cruise, a long-distance world cruise, or a quick 3-day getaway, there are plenty of cruise lines that are ideal for single travelers! Often considered one of the safest ways to travel internationally, a cruise vacation can be a great choice for a woman hesitant about traveling alone.

Set sail up to the rugged terrains of Alaska, unwind on a short and sweet cruise to the Bahamas, sail through the diverse landscapes of Argentina, or journey through the scenic backdrop of the Greek Islands. The are countless options to discover!

Read more about the  Best Cruises for Solo Travelers .

Skiing + Snowboarding

Embark on an energetic ski vacation by yourself. Solo travelers ready to hit the slopes at an exciting ski hill have many awesome destinations to consider. Choose from ski resorts with world-renowned facilities, resorts that are more intimate and low-key, or lively resorts with a social atmosphere.

Visit the vibrant French village of Chamonix famous for their “Après-Ski” nightlife, or relax in the charming town of Zermatt in the Swiss Alps. The powder in Aspen Colorado never disappoints, and the friendly vibe of Lake Tahoe California is a nice bonus for singles looking to mingle. The world-class resort of Whistler BC is also an incredible winter getaway.

For experienced skiers, enjoy top-notch slopes alongside cozy restaurants, neat shops, snowshoeing and other winter activities, all nestled in a charming village. There are also plenty of resorts with beginner and intermediate slopes for those looking to pick up a new hobby or take lessons!  

After a day on the slopes, enjoy the village amenities which typically include tasty restaurants, fun shops, vibrant bars, and the spa.  

Check out other  Epic Ski Trips for Solo Travelers .

Outdoor Adventure

Solo travelers looking for an opportunity to experience an exhilarating thrill while visiting a new destination have an abundance of exciting options to explore!

Extreme adventurists may enjoy the likes of bungee jumping by a scenic viewpoint, paragliding in the sunset, or climbing to the top peak of a mountain.

Or perhaps you’re looking for a more mild, but scenic adventure with the opportunity to become immersed in nature and take advantage of the outdoor atmosphere and wild nature.

Either way, unlock your adventure spirit while discovering the vivid landscapes of a new destination. Hike through the biodiverse rainforest in Costa Rica, scuba dive or surf in the magnificent waters in Hawaii, or trek through various tundra on the famous Inca trail in Peru.

See the full list of Best Adventure Trips for Singles .

Discover More Solo Vacations

When seeking solo vacation ideas, there’s endless options to ponder.  Click below to unravel the best vacation experiences for female solo travelers, tailored to specific age groups.

Read this article: Best Vacations for Singles in their 20’s and 30’s

• Traveler in your 40’s searching for an amazing vacation?  Read this article: Best Vacations for Singles Over 40
• In your 50’s and on the hunt for the best solo vacation?  Read this article: Best Vacations for Singles Over 50
• In your 60’s and looking for a great solo holiday? Read this article: Best Vacations for Singles Over 60
• Senior traveler researching an ideal vacation? Read this article: Best Vacations for Single Seniors

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8 destinations for female solo travellers, according to the pros

Empowering, exciting, challenging: few things are more rewarding than solo travel – and pre-pandemic, research showed it was on the rise, especially with women. Sure, you might have to ask a complete stranger to take that photo of you walking across Tokyo 's Shibuya Crossing or standing outside of Barcelona 's Sagrada Família, but it's a small price to pay for the freedom to plan a trip exactly how you want it, when you want it.

That said, travelling alone isn't always easy; choosing the right destination can be equal parts exhilarating and overwhelming when you (and you alone) are responsible for all the research, travel planning, and packing. And while there's lots of data-fuelled consensuses out there about the ‘safest’ places for women to go alone, some of the most beloved spots for a solo getaway are places that might not cross the radar of those big- city rankings, yet boast welcoming locals, walkable old towns, and vibrant food and art scenes. To help you start planning that first post- vaccine solo trip, we tapped six experienced solo travellers for their tips. Here, the places that stood out to them the most when they saw them firsthand – totally alone – and why some of them couldn't pick just one.

This story was originally published in October 2018. It has been updated with new information.

1. Granada, Nicaragua

Getting off the beaten path is no problem in Central America , especially alone and as a woman. ‘ Nicaragua is an exciting under-the-radar option to consider travelling solo [to], and in the many times I have visited, I have met several other women travelling solo throughout the country,’ says Katalina Mayorga, co-founder of El Camino Travel and the Casa Violeta hotel in Granada. ‘Not only is it welcoming, but it has everything Costa Rica has plus more, and at a much more accessible price point. You have volcanos, expansive deserted beaches , colonial towns, rich culture, and stunning boutique hotel options galore.’ If you're looking for a place to stay like a local, Mayorga recommends embedding yourself into ‘towns like Granada, Popoyo, and San Juan del Sur [that] have super tight-knit communities of foreigners from around the world. They are really welcoming to travellers passing through and openly bring you into their community with open arms. I have been invited to private dinners, jam sessions, secret surf spots, and artist studios.’

2. Istanbul, Turkey

Celebrating your return to travel by plotting a far-flung getaway? Consider using a solo trip to cross a destination off of your bucket list, like Condé Nast Traveler contributing editor and Nomadness Travel Tribe founder Evita Robinson did in Turkey in 2019. ‘Turkey had lived on the top of my bucket list for years. Through photos, and stories of Nomadness Travel Tribe members who'd gone, I fell in love with images of the Blue Mosque and the fantasy-like nature of Cappadocia,’ says Robinson.

‘As a solo trip, a gift to myself, I travelled to both Istanbul and Cappadocia in November of 2019. Istanbul immediately sucked me in. The people, the energy, the food, the favourable conversion rate! I was hooked. I appreciated the safety I felt; I found myself outside, on my own, at a packed restaurant , enjoying pizza, my journal, and wine at 1am. It reminded me of New York . I'm always soothed by the call to prayer in countries, and hearing that in Istanbul only added to the calm I felt there. I walked everywhere I could. It's the city dweller in me. The flight to Cappadocia was quick, and to finally see its playfulness and wonder in real life was breathtaking. To date, Turkey has been one of my most fulfilling and safe solo trips I've ever taken in my life. I can't wait to go back and explore more.’

3. Portland, Oregon

For outdoor adventure paired with big-city culture, follow rock climber and photographer Nikki Smith 's advice for staying stateside. ‘My favourite cities to visit have great outdoor access close to, or in town. Portland , Oregon’s Forest Park has over 80 miles of beautiful trail,’ says Smith, who contributes to rock-climbing guide books and has notched first ascents in over 150 locales. ‘Lush ferns line the pine needle-covered trails shaded by towering western hemlock and Douglas fir trees. After a long trail run, Portland’s famous food scene allows even the most discerning eater to find a delicious après-meal. I love that I can be outdoors all day, and then throw on a dress and go to an amazing art exhibit, dinner, and drinks, all within a few-mile radius.’

4. Red Rock Canyon, Las Vegas

Another outdoor locale that Smith recommends as a favourite place to visit solo? Las Vegas – but far from the city's Strip. ‘One of my favourite places to visit alone in the colder months is Las Vegas. Most people's idea of Vegas is the strip, but there is so much more,’ says Smith. ‘Red Rock Canyon National Conservation area is host to miles of amazing hiking, biking, and running trails, as well as a world-class rock climbing destination. I usually stay in the Summerlin area as it’s closer to Red Rock and much quieter than downtown. You can find great restaurants, bars , and shopping in the area, but you are still a short drive to downtown if you want to go out for a wild night.’

5. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Alone time in Europe almost needs no introduction, but if you're finding it hard to choose one place, take a page from the travel book of Martinique Lewis , a diversity in travel consultant and president of  Black Travel Alliance . ‘I absolutely adore Amsterdam as a solo traveller. Even though you come alone, you leave with a whole community of people who welcomed you,’ says Lewis who is also a member of Traveler 's advisory board . ‘Especially for Black travellers, there are so many different communities to tap into, like Amsterdam Black Women, which can be found on Facebook and on Instagram . They changed my trip 100 per cent as I participated in their meet-ups. Jennifer Tosch's Black Heritage Tours also introduced me to other travellers and some ins and outs of the city. Amsterdam is super safe, and you can get anywhere with Google Maps. I highly recommend it.’

6. Tel Aviv, Israel

Tel Aviv 's beaches, food, and nightlife scenes are treasures of delight for any traveller, but Washington Post travel-advice writer Natalie Compton swears by the city for solo travel in particular. ‘There were about a million reasons Tel Aviv was one of my favourite places to travel solo. It's a city for people-watching, appreciating sunsets, all of the magic you're too busy to enjoy at home,’ says Compton. ‘The food, the ocean, the markets, the climate were all obvious selling points, but the hospitality was what made me feel less like a person visiting Tel Aviv and more like someone truly experiencing it. Everywhere I went – restaurants, nightclubs, surf shops – there was someone friendly ready to embrace a lone foreigner. If you're a person who loves sitting at a bar and seeing where life takes you, Tel Aviv is for you.’

7. Cartagena, Colombia

If you're looking for a solo adventure abroad and speak some Spanish, Jessica Nabongo , the first Black woman to have visited every country in the world, says to consider colourful Cartagena . The cobblestoned port city tops her list of places she's visited solo (which includes dozens of locales), and without hiring a local guide. ‘Cartagena was an easy place to do solo, I didn't take public transit because it is small enough to walk everywhere on your own,’ says Nabongo. ‘It felt safe, and people are so nice. I'm someone who loves to talk to local people to get recommendations and in Cartagena, in particular, people were so open to helping me.’ Nabongo notes her Spanish is limited, and that visitors should feel open to practising their language skills with the locals. 

8. Luang Prabang, Laos

For a further-off solo escape, Nabongo also holds Luang Prabang , Laos among her top solo adventures without a guide. ‘It was very easy to navigate by riding a bike, and you get there and this spirit of zen just comes over you,’ Nabongo says. ‘My favourite thing about it was the alms giving [ceremonies], waking up at 5am when the people line the streets to give food to the monks, clad in their orange robes. It's so beautiful in so many ways, and just the way in which the community is supporting them and you can see it.’

The 20 Best places for solo female travel

So, you’re looking for the best places for solo female travel?

You’ve come to the right place. For the last eight years I have been travelling the world solo. I have crossed 6 continents, entered almost eighty country borders and had such a fun time along the way.

It hasn’t always been easy travelling the world solo as a woman, but it has certainly been a challenge. If I were to pick just one thing that has made me who I am today, it would be solo travel.

But I was nervous when I first started solo travelling as a woman.

I was twenty years old when I took my first adventure overseas alone. I was a bit of an introvert, more inclined to read a book at night over bar hopping.

But over the years I have become so fond of solo travel that despite having friends I could travel with, I still prefer to go solo. Here’s why, how and the best places for solo female travel!

The best places for solo female travel

When it comes to choosing a destination for a solo adventure, as a woman some destinations are inherently better than others.

Whether it be that they are safer or easier to travel alone, these destinations are my top picks.

Each of these destinations I have visited alone, so I’m coming to you with first-hand recommendations of the best solo female travel destinations. All of them are tried and tested!

New Zealand

There are few destinations as whimsical and ethereal as New Zealand . With epic mountain ranges and endless landscapes to enjoy, New Zealand is the capital of adventure travel . This is a great choice for solo females as New Zealand is safe but more importantly, there are plenty of activities and adventures to keep yourself busy. I’d recommend opting for the South Island and if you’re up for it, rent a van to explore solo!

Next on our line up is a country that never ceases to amaze me – Japan . This is hands down one of my favourite countries to explore and even better, it is perfect for solo female travellers. If you’re looking for a quick escape, you can see the highlights of Japan in just 7 days . Alternatively, you can take your time and spend up to a month riding trains around the country. My favourite cities include Kyoto , Tokyo and Osaka. But my favourite experience of all was staying with Buddhist Monks.

Onwards to Canada: the land of open landscapes, long highways and incredibly friendly locals. I’ve been lucky enough to visit Canada a handful of times over the past few years and each visit is better than the last. Cities like Vancouver are a great place to start, however my all time favourite experience was driving the Icefields Parkway . There’s something so magical and surreal about a length road trip on your own.

Germany will forever hold a special place in my heart as it is the first country I ever lived as an expat. Around 6 years ago I grew tired of non-stop travels and after a year on the road, I settled in Berlin for a few months. It was one of the best experiences of my life for so many reasons. But most of all, I just loved German culture. There always seems to be something quirky to experience or enjoy, especially in Berlin. Germany is a great country to explore solo by train and even better, to live as an expat. Berlin is full of them!

I’ve always wanted to explore the countryside of France with a boyfriend (probably French) in tow. But guess what? Life had other plans. I visited the countryside of France solo and had a blast. There’s something so endlessly romantic about this country, that it took me a while to want to visit alone. But once I did, I wished I had done it sooner. Europe is filled with great destinations for solo travellers so don’t just stop there. Scan the rest of this article for some great add-ons!

Spain is one such perfect add-on for your European itinerary. I’d recommend a solid three month stint in Europe if you really want to see it all. Alternatively if time is not on your side, you can really see a lot of the continent in just one month. A great itinerary would include France, Spain, Italy and Croatia. Whilst in Spain, make sure you don’t miss Barcelona – this city has my heart!

There are few trips that are as prominent in my mind as my time in the Scottish Highlands . The scenery can be so surreal that you begin to believe the tales of fairies and giants (no kidding!) If I could choose anywhere to return to solo and spend more time, it would be far away in the Scottish Highlands. I did my trip in one week but I’d recommend two.

Another trip I wish I spent longer on is my visit to Sri Lanka . This tropical oasis has become increasingly popular of late as an alternative to Bali and indeed, it is the perfect place to have your own Eat Pray Love moment. There are some great yoga retreats and surf camps on offer, so you can also meet fellow travellers.

A lot of women ask me on Instagram what I’d suggest between a solo trip to New Zealand and a solo adventure in Australia . The answer is: why choose just one? You can travel by plane between Australia and New Zealand in just a few hours, so this is a great combination for solo female travellers. When in Australia be sure to take your adventure outdoors into the Aussie outback. You won’t regret it! If you’re more of an island gal, check out these secret islands in Australia .

I don’t know if I love Italy as much as a love pizza or I love pizza as much as I love Italy. Regardless, I love eating pizza in Italy. Adventuring around the Italian countryside and once-in-a-lifetime cities like Rome is one of my favourite pastimes. This is a country perfect for solo travellers as it is full of history, great food (hello carbs) and so much to explore. I’ll never tire of Italian adventures.

Another great alternative to Bali for fans of the book Eat Pray Love is nearby Thailand. This is one of the first countries I visited back in 2010 and I instantly fell in love. There is something so mesmerising about the temples, matched with the chaos of Thai street markets. If you’re a solo traveller who prefers to get lost in the thick of it, Thailand is a great place to do just that.

When I first landed in Portugal some 6 or 7 years ago my instant reaction was “how did it take me so long to get here?” There’s something about the city of Lisbon that feels so inviting – the sea of colours, fun bars to discover and great food. The locals are extremely warm and welcoming, so it is little wonder I returned a few years later to explore the South of Portugal . I’d recommend at least four nights in Lisbon, with a further week or two if you plan to adventure through the countryside.

United States

The United States sometimes gets a bad reputation for not being adventurous enough. I disagree. There are so many adventures to be had throughout the States, from epic cities like New York City through to soulful escapes in Arizona. I will never tire of exploring this country!

Some of my favourite adventures include travelling to upstate New York , road tripping through Arizona and exploring Joshua Tree in Southern Californi a .

There are many ways to get around and see the United States. Road trips are the most popular way to travel cross-country, although there are some great train journeys to be had within state lines. If you are spoiling yourself for a birthday or special occasion, Limo Find offer some great shuttle services ranging from buses to private cars.

Montenegro is one of the most surprising countries I have visited. I had never heard about it before I was invited to speak at a media conference, so I jumped at the opportunity to go. This country in the South of Europe is incredibly underrated and one of my favourite finds in the past two years. It is extremely safe to visit solo – I rented a car for a two week adventure.

Iceland will forever be one of my favourite countries. Before I even visited I was obsessed. If you can time your visit outside of the colder months (no one likes driving in a snow storm) Iceland is one of the best places for solo female travellers. Who doesn’t love an epic adventure!

Malta is a country that surprised me when I visited a few years ago and I only wish I had have spent more time there. This is a great add on to an itinerary in Greece or Italy, as it is a short flight away and much cheaper than other countries with mass tourism.

If you’re looking for a country in Europe that is flying under the radar, look no further than Slovenia . I recently spent two weeks exploring the country solo in a rental car and it was a jam-packed itinerary! For a country that is small in size it sure offers a lot to visitors. Be sure not to miss the famous Lake Bled , one of the most beautiful lakes on earth.

Of all the countries I visited solo in South America, Chile was not only the safest as a solo female traveller but it was also my favourite. There’s a lot to see in Chile without adding other countries to your itinerary. Start with Santiago and then make your way North to the Atacama Desert , South to Patagonia and if your budget allows, visit the mysterious Easter Island .

The Netherlands

I travelled to The Netherlands solo for ten days on my book tour back in 2017. I still can’t believe my book was translated into another language and better yet, I got to meet my Dutch readers! It was amazing to see how much more there is to see in The Netherlands beyond Amsterdam . You can easily spend 2 weeks travelling the country by train. Be sure to visit other cities like The Hague, Delft, Utrecht and Maastricht!

Of all the best places for solo female travel, Bali has got to top that list. There is perhaps nowhere else on earth as soul-fulfilling as Bali. My favourite area to stay is in Canggu, which has become really popular over the last few years. Regardless, it is still here where you will find the best cafes and co-working spaces, so it is perfect for female entrepreneurs!

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Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.

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Solo travel

30 best places for solo female travel – world edition.

Table of Contents

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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.

Want more South America inspo? See my guides to solo travel in Patagonia , Chile and Brazil

Best places for women to travel alone in Oceania

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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10 Best Solo Travel Tips And 10 Top Destinations For Women, According To Experts

Take it from women who've been there, done that, had the best time ever .

If you've ever thought about embarking on your own version of Wild or Eat, Pray, Love , you're (ironically) not alone. A whopping 84 percent of solo travelers are women, according to studies led by Booking.com and Condor Ferries . In fact, two thirds of all travelers are women , and 80 percent of all travel decisions are made by women, the George Washington University School of Business reports. Plus, solo travel was rated the second-most popular category of travel by respondents planning future trips in a 2020 survey conducted by travel company Cox & Kings .

Of course, a solitary sojourn poses its own challenges, but "traveling solo is one of the most empowering and fulfilling adventures women can embark on," says Mar Pages and Megan Jerrad of Solo Female Travelers . "It not only opens the senses to new smells, sights, and sounds, but the soul to different perspectives and ways to live life, thus contributing to making the world a more open, tolerant, and empathetic place."

But, before you book that plane or train ticket, here are the 10 best tips and 10 top destinations for solo female travelers—from women who've been there.

1. Just do it.

"It will never be the perfect time, so make now the time to live your travel dreams," says Amanda Black of The Solo Female Traveler Network . While it would be nice to receive a divine signal to get on that plane, if you keep waiting around for that moment when you finally have enough money, your trip is expertly planned, and all the stars align, you'll never get anywhere. Take the leap, and trust that the memories you make along the way will be worth it.

2. That said, it doesn't hurt to start small.

Many prospective travelers make a New Year's resolution to stop waiting on others and take their first solo trip, but then become overwhelmed with where to start. Pages and Jerrad recommend starting small, perhaps with an overnight trip to a nearby city or a weekend trip somewhere in the same country.

Reduce the number of changing variables by going somewhere where the culture is the same as back home, and then increasingly change these variables by next going somewhere where the language or culture is similar (e.g. from the US to Canada). This will help you figure out if solo travel is right for you and build your confidence to travel further. Eventually, you'll feel like a pro, ready to set off to an international destination with a completely different culture.

3. Stash cash in multiple places.

Money is a must when traveling (sad, but true!), so ensuring yours stay secure amid every adventure should be top of mind. "Keep some in your wallet, of course, but that could potentially get lost or stolen," says Black. She also recommends stashing some in your shoes, a hidden pocket in your clothes, and an obscure corner of your backpack. If your day bag gets stolen, you will still have backup bucks in your hotel room.

4. Download and sign up for a safety app.

Having "spent a lot of time last year testing and assessing a variety of safety apps and devices designed for women to call for help in case of an emergency," Pages emphasizes the importance of these tools for solo female travelers. Her top recommendation: UrSafe. (As a result of their app testing, Solo Female Travelers entered into a partnership with UrSafe where members can try the app for free for 30 days.)

The app has a voice-activated safety word that will contact emergency services and/or the police or private security services, depending on what country you're in. Unlike other apps or devices, you don't have to do anything beyond saying the word you have preset, and the camera of your phone will immediately start streaming a video of the situation to your safe contacts. For $2-4 a month, you can stay safe when traveling or wherever you live as UrSafe can be used even when walking home from work. Oh, and these apps also allow someone to track your location, so you can allow loved ones to know where you are and that you're safe. Peace of mind = priceless.

5. Travel on the shoulder season.

ICYDK, shoulder seasons are the sweet spot between the busy tourist season and the low season (which probably has bad weather). It's "the best time to travel to get thinner crowds, good weather, and cheaper prices," says Black.

6 . Get travel insurance.

The prospect of getting sick—alone—in a foreign place is daunting enough. Add the challenges, both financial and emotional, of paying for hospital bills or worrying if you can even afford them, and it's enough to give you a headache...on top of your original ailment.

Take it from women who've been there: "I broke my arm in South Africa and needed surgery, which cost upwards of $20,000 and had me off work for a month," says Pages. "My insurance paid for everything including my mother flying over." On the flip side, Jerrad had an asthma attack without insurance in Eastern Europe and was double stressed making sure nobody called a pricey ambulance to take her to a hospital.

More recently, the duo have seen an increasing number of their community members stranded abroad because of COVID-19, facing large hospital and quarantine bills—even if perfectly well. But word to the wise shopper: It's not enough to buy insurance, says Pages and Jerrad. You need to read the fine print and see if the policy will cover you in case you test positive but are asymptomatic, and in case you are quarantined because of someone you came into contact with on your travels.

7. Research safety in your destination.

Some cities or countries have specific safety concerns that are important to know before you go. For example, sometimes hailing a random tuk tuk or taxi won’t be safe. Black recommends "asking your hostel or hotel to arrange a ride, and always keep your map open to be sure you are going in the right direction."

Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Small Crossbody Bag

In other places, mugging tourists may be common, so she advises against carrying a bag. But, if you need one for your travel essentials , "look at a slash-proof option with RFID pockets, especially [if you're traveling] in Europe or cities where petty theft and pick-pocketing is common," says Black.

8. Always get a SIM card with data as soon as you land.

If you have a SIM card and an internet connection, you can address a lot of the worries and fears that solo female travelers commonly share with Pages and Jerrad: loneliness (listen to music or an audiobook or text with friends), fear or embarrassment of eating alone (schedule a video or phone call with a pal), personal safety (an app like UrSafe comes in clutch), fear of getting lost (Google Maps and car-hailing apps, FTW!).

And while it's always a good idea to familiarize yourself with key phrases in the local language, Google Translate can help bridge any language barrier that may come up along your travels. The pair praise the translation service's ability to have a full conversation in another language: "I've done it more than once," says Pages.

9. Save money on accommodations.

There are many creative ways to make your travel budget stretch further, and trying to save on what is usually the biggest expense—lodging—is the first place to start. "Try house sitting for a free place to stay in exchange for watering plants or watching pets," says Black. Road tripping and opting for camping or hostels over hotels for even just part of the trip will save you big, too.

10. Plan, but leave room for serendipity.

"It's a good idea to have a general sense of what you will see or do, but it's also important to leave space to breathe and for the unexpected to find you," says Pages. Some of the duo’s best stories from their respective solo travels come from unexpected moments where they met someone new, discovered a cool place that wasn't marked on any maps, or stumbled upon a street musician who sang amazing opera in a back alley. If you are on a check-list trip, you will miss those opportunities—and they're usually the ones you remember most.

What are the best destinations for solo female travelers?

Black, Pages, and Jerrad agree that Iceland is a top spot for solo female travelers because it's super safe with many roads that are easy to navigate. Not to mention, the gorgeous country will take your breath away. (I mean, the Northern Lights? C'mon!) Iceland may be an expensive travel destination, but it's one of the world's most equal countries for women.

2. Barcelona and surrounding areas

There is something for everyone within the city and surrounding areas, from culture and food to history and adventure to even the mountains and the beach, says Pages and Jerrad. In fact, Barcelona is a great first solo trip destination, based on the respondents to Solo Female Travelers' survey in 2020 and 2021. It's not only very safe for women, but also very affordable. Plus with 40 million visitors a year, it's easy to meet other travelers and locals. If you want to get out of the city and explore more of Catalonia, the public transportation options and various day trips means you can enjoy medieval villages, beach towns, holy mountains, and so much more.

3. Greeces Cycladic islands

Greece became an incredibly popular destination in 2020, ranking among the top three bucket list destinations among members of the Solo Female Travelers community, says Pages and Jerrad. Even better: The country has retained this title in 2021. With white washed fishing villas and those gorgeous blue domes, this well-loved sun and sea combo is known for its affordability. Women can indulge in great food, long hours of sunshine (it only rains 20 days a year in Santorini), quaint spots for photo ops and Instagrammable flying dress photo shoots, shopping, and more.

4. New Zealand

Another destination recommended by all three experts, this island is easy to navigate, and is so beautiful that it feels like something out of a picture book (or, ya know, a Lord of the Ring s film). The ​​jaw-dropping nature and breathtaking landscapes offer some of the best outdoor experiences life has to offer—glow worm caves, anyone?—plus, the friendliest people.

Eat, Pray, Love truly left a mark on the rolling hills of Tuscany, turning it into both a top choice for many a female traveler's first solo trip, as well as an overall bucket list destination, says Pages and Jerrad. Whether you have specific experiences in mind or just want to leave it all up to chance, you can likely plan to enjoy the slow life among wine country, olive groves, undulating green hills, and quaint medieval villages.

6. Galapagos

Nature lover ready to spread your wings? The islands are full of incredible wildlife and pretty safe for women traveling solo. Choose a boat tour to be guided around the islands for hikes, go snorkeling, or join nature walks, recommends Black. You can also island hop using ferries whenever you want a change of scenery and to see even more amazing animals.

This hardly-visited country is the spiritual center of Buddhism and the place where GDP has been replaced with Gross Domestic Happiness, says Pages and Jerrad. The peace and calm that one can experience in Bhutan is the perfect background for anyone going through the process of self-reflection and self-healing. For example, Pages visited Bhutan solo after being diagnosed with a serious condition and returned hopeful and at peace with the healing journey she was about to begin.

8. Costa Rica

In recent years, Costa Rica has climbed to the top of the bucket list for many travelers, and has become a very popular destination throughout 2021 among Solo Female Travelers members, says Pages and Jerrad. The country features stunning nature and wildlife and has become a favorite destination for wellness retreats .

The language barrier may feel intimidating, but Japan is so organized and easy to navigate, from ordering food to using the public transportation system, says Black. It is safe, clean, beautiful, and runs more or less on schedule. A Type-A solo traveler's dream!

10. Maldives

Everyone thinks of the Maldives as the ultimate couple's destination, but that's no longer the case, says Pages and Jerrad. With more than a thousand hotels and resorts in the Maldives, there is something for everyone, including those who want to party. Plenty of travelers vacation here solo, whether to take a trip purposefully focused on self-care or simply to disconnect from it all and enjoy a beautiful place. Plus, more and more resorts are offering solo packages complete with butlers who will take your picture when requested and in-villa BBQs for one. So, if you're going to treat yourself (and you should), there's no better place.

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Solo Vacations: The 29 Best Places to Travel Alone in the U.S.

These destinations make traveling solo easy — and extra fun.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

Stephanie Granada is a writer and editor focusing on travel, beauty, home, and health. Her bylines have appeared in Sunset , Outside , Southern Living , Woman's Day , Brit + Co. , National Geographic Traveler , and others.

Traveling alone is all about freedom and independence — freedom to go where you want, when you want, and independence in your ability to visit new places and meet new people without the crutch of a travel companion. It's not for everyone, but those willing to venture off on their own are rewarded with a compromise-free vacation and unforgettable experiences. Exciting things just seem to happen when you're traveling solo.

But where to go? If you're just testing the waters of solo travel, you might want to stay close to home, which is where these U.S. destinations come in handy. Whether you dream of a spa vacation with plenty of time to relax and reset, a trip packed with activities, or a soul-searching expedition, these U.S. destinations cater to the solo traveler, thanks to their ease of transportation and large selection of things to do.

Ready to book your next solo trip? Read on for the best places to travel alone in the U.S.

Naples, Florida

If you have your heart set on a beach vacation, consider Naples, a relatively small community in southwest Florida. There are plenty of ways a solo beach traveler can occupy themselves in Naples. You can check out the beach at Naples Pier, go kayaking in the mangroves , or hit the links at one of the area's 90+ golf courses. If you're looking for an activity that will leave a big grin on your face, book a dolphin watching cruise from Marco Island , just 30 minutes south of Naples. Plus, the city was ranked number one in a recent list of safest places to live the U.S. , thanks to its low crime rates.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston may be a big city, but it can often feel like a small town. Thanks to its walkability, you'll be able to explore the city's historic center on foot and can take the T, the local subway system, across the Charles River to Cambridge. In Boston, you'll find a wellspring of history and culture in museums like the fun Boston Tea Party Museum and the impressive Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum , the site of one of the world's most famous art heists.

Boulder, Colorado

Those looking for quiet solo travel in the U.S. can spend their days exploring the mountains and hills surrounding Boulder. Eldorado Canyon State Park is just 20 minutes south of downtown, the approximately two-mile trail up Flagstaff Mountain is just 15 minutes to the west, and the iconic Flatirons (red sandstone formations) are less than 10 minutes away by car. And If you're feeling social, head to Pearl Street Mall , a bustling pedestrian-only street with some of the city's best restaurants, shops, and bars.

Portland, Oregon

Not everyone feels comfortable eating out at a restaurant alone, especially when traveling solo, but Portland makes mealtime a nonissue, thanks to its bustling food cart scene. There are many food cart parks scattered about the city where you can go and peruse a diverse offering of cuisine, from pizza to Senegalese, and enjoy your meal in a atmospheric and fun shared space. Food aside, Portland's reliable transportation, great parks, and community vibe make this city an easy choice for people traveling alone. Between the good meals, you can also enjoy the tranquility of the Japanese Garden or browse the shelves at the famous Powell's Books .

Asheville, North Carolina

Pierre Leclerc Photography/Getty Images

If your perfect vacation includes hiking and biking during the day and gulping down beers with new friends at night, there's arguably no better place than Asheville, a city situated in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. Bikers will want to tackle the Blue Ridge Parkway , while hikers can head to the Craggy Pinnacle Trail (an approximately one-mile hike with serious views) or climb Mount Pisgah (2.6 miles round-trip). After a day in the mountains, reward yourself with a beer on the pup-friendly patio at Wicked Weed Brewing .

Sedona, Arizona

Traveling solo may be the only time you're able to truly check out from the grind and relax. That's why spa destinations like Sedona are so perfect for solo travelers. In addition to beautiful scenery, Sedona is packed with spas and wellness offerings. For a full resort experience, book a stay at the Amara Resort and Spa , or test out a few of the city's plentiful day spas: A Spa for You and Sedona's New Day Spa are long-standing favorites.

Charleston, South Carolina

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Art lovers will find themselves in their element in this colorful coastal city in South Carolina. The small city of Charleston is home to over 35 fine art galleries and hosts an Art Walk on the first Friday of every month. If you're hoping to make some art yourself, the French Quarter is sure to inspire, while the city's warm southern hospitality will make you feel right at home. If the temperature is right, you can even take a trip out to Isle of Palms to enjoy some quality time on the beach.

Nashville, Tennessee

If your idea of a dream solo trip is getting out and meeting new people, book a ticket to Nashville and let the city of music connect you to others. The Basement​​ , a live music venue known for its cozy vibes and spacious patio, is a must, as is 3rd and Lindsley . Just don't leave the city without trying the spicy fried chicken at Hattie B's . A trip to Nashville is also a chance to try out one of its best hotels like the classic Hermitage Hotel.

Portland, Maine

This may be the second Portland on the list, but this one has a coastal advantage. From the seaside city you can hop on a ferry or boat charter, or eat your way through the city's best lobster rolls at Luke's Lobster . When you're not out enjoying the water or stuffing your face with deliciously fresh seafood, you can meander in and out of the shops and boutiques at the historic Old Port.

San Francisco, California

When you're traveling solo, public transportation is key (no one wants to foot the bill for a weekend full of Uber rides). That's where cities like San Francisco shine. Between Muni buses, trains, streetcars, and cable cars, you can get to every corner of the city without hopping in a cab. Surrounded by beautiful bay views and offering easy access to experience a Redwood forest in Muir Woods , there are plenty of things to do in and around San Francisco.

Bayfield, Wisconsin

Located on the shores of Lake Superior, and home to quaint B&Bs and beautiful Victorian homes, Bayfield is a warm and welcoming coastal destination and one of the loveliest small towns in the U.S. Solo travelers can roam the intimate downtown or head to the nearby Apostle Islands National Lakeshore , best known for its series of caves that freeze during the winter months.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Just off California's iconic Highway 1 is Carmel-by-the-Sea, a small beach city on the Monterey Peninsula that will capture your heart the moment you see it. Traveling solo is no problem here, as the city offers plenty to do — surfing, sea animals, and a village-style center that feels like it belongs in a storybook. However, solo travelers may feel most at ease exploring the many art galleries like the Carmel Art Association and Bennett Sculpture .

Boise, Idaho

Boise is a paradise for lovers of the outdoors. Solo travelers will find riverside walking and biking trails that run right through town, skiing (in the winter) and hiking (in the summer) at the city's Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area , and easy access to mountain towns like McCall and ski areas like the rapidly growing Tamarack Resort .

Savannah, Georgia

 Marje/ Getty Images

Savannah's welcoming nature makes solo travel a breeze. If you're feeling social, join a haunted pub crawl through town or book an architectural tour . And if you're looking for a quiet escape, rent a bike and explore the history-rich city on two wheels. The best time to visit Savannah is in the fall and winter, when the temperatures are cooler and you can embrace the spooky spirit during Halloween when the city goes all out with on-theme activities .

Hot Springs, Arkansas

As you might guess, Hot Springs, Arkansas, is known for its natural hot springs, which have drawn visitors since the early 1900s. For solo travelers, there's nothing like a serene soak in the natural thermal waters found on the historic Bathhouse Row, followed by a refreshing drink of spring water and a lazy hike through the dense woods at Hot Springs National Park . In addition to the gorgeous scenery of the park, you can also discover it's unique history as a wellness destination .

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole may be home to a world-renowned ski area , mouthwatering cuisine, and high-end galleries, but you'll still find Old West-style bars where cowboys throw back PBRs (check out the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar ). It's the perfect place to throw on a Stetson and dress the part for a night or two. The town itself offers plenty to do when you're not drinking or skiing, like rodeo nights at the Jackson Hole Rodeo and incredible pastries at the James Beard-recognized Persephone Bakery .

Seattle, Washington

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

If you want access to nature without sacrificing big-city amenities, Seattle offers an ideal balance. Spend a couple of days checking out Pike Place Market (don't miss a cup of mac n' cheese from Beecher's ), going to the top of the Space Needle , and visiting the Museum of Pop Culture before hopping aboard a ferry and getting away from it all. From the heart of Seattle, you can take a boat across Elliott Bay to Bainbridge Island and onto Olympic National Park , home to both glacier-capped mountains and 70 miles of wild coastline.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

It's been said that one can hardly be called an architect if they haven't designed something in Minneapolis — the city showcases work from Jean Nouvel, Herzog & de Meuron, César Pelli, and Frank Gehry, among others. The city's love of design is also noticeable in the hotel scene, where sophistication meets Midwestern hospitality. So, while it's perfectly acceptable to wander through the city looking up, you don't want to miss a cruise on one of the famous bike paths, which wind past lakes that are perfect for a dip in the summertime.

Salt Lake City, Utah

It may be Utah's largest city, but Salt Lake City doesn't feel like a giant metropolis. Maybe it's the fact that it's surrounded by mountains or the open expanse of the Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island State Park to the west. Either way, this friendly city has everything a solo traveler could want — great food (check out Feldman's Deli ), plenty of sun-drenched days, and easy access to both the mountains and water. Among the many things to do in town, you will also have your pick of exciting day trips to nearby state parks, or you can use the city as a launchpad to explore Utah's stunning geology at national parks like Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon .

Fort Collins, Colorado

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If you're a beer lover, head to Fort Collins, a Colorado town with plenty of heart and really good beer. Start your tour of the city in the taproom of New Belgium Brewing (the company behind Fat Tire) and follow it with a pint at a few lesser-known breweries — we recommend Zwei Brewing Co. , Maxline Brewing , and Black Bottle Brewery . By the end of the day, you'll have your own beer-loving posse to explore the city with. Solo travelers will love the atmosphere of the downtown area, which is so charming it was the inspiration for Walt Disney when designing Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland.

Austin, Texas

The quickest way to bond with a stranger? Shared musical taste. Austin has plenty of opportunities to bump into fellow music lovers. Stay on or near South Congress Avenue, where trendy properties like the Hotel Magdalena provide the ideal base for visiting the street's iconic venues. Other ‘hoods you can easily get to include East Austin, booming with hipster bars and food trucks; South Lamar with its great shops; and Rainey Street, beloved among college students. Visit March through November to see the bats flying under the Ann W. Richards bridge — it's one of the best things to do in Austin , as is indulging in the city's incredible food.

Islamorada, Florida

Of all the towns in the Florida Keys , Islamorada has the homiest feel. Locals are happy to regale you with tales of family squabbles and fishing exploits at any of the seaside watering holes. For an elevated dining experience, snag a barstool at Chef Michael’s and order the whole lionfish. It's a big but manageable dish, made from an invasive species that Floridians pride themselves on removing from local waters and serving as a tasty dinner instead. When you're done, rest your head at one of the cozy cottages at Moorings Village.

Louisville, Kentucky

Kentucky is known for its hospitality and Louisville for its bourbon , meaning solo travelers can find good friends and good drinks while exploring this Southern city. NuLu is the most happening neighborhood, but Old Louisville is the place to hunker down if you’re a sucker for history and architecture. Downtown offers new hotels and inventive restaurants, while Butchertown and Germantown pair up-and-coming bars and businesses with impressive vintage architecture.

Marfa, Texas

Artists in search of a solitary life have been drawn to Marfa for decades. Today, the population hovers just under 2,000, but there’s enough art, food, and quirk for a city many times that size. El Cosmico offers outstanding glamping and communal spaces, while art houses like the Chinati Foundation keep visitors entertained. Though it's more than three hours from the closest airport, this flatland village offers progressive galleries, mystifying desert skies, and a sparse beauty that makes it one of the best small towns in Texas .

New York, New York

New York City might be full of crowds, but it’s also a welcoming hub for parties of one. There are sleek hotels with bars that draw worldly travelers and locals, some of the best art and shopping in the world, and more food and drink options than you can fit into a month-long trip. If you need help deciding what to do on your visit, take a look at our three-day weekend guide .

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

New Hampshire is one of the safest states in the country — and solo travelers wanting to enjoy that security will find a great home base in Portsmouth. This waterfront town is one of the state's most pedestrian-friendly communities, and with a colonial heritage that dates back to the 1600s, it's fantastic for history buffs. Portsmouth knows its food, as is perhaps best showcased in the dozen oyster farms active offshore in the Great Bay. Sample their best bivalves at The Franklin, an upscale seafood joint run by James Beard-nominated chef Matt Louis.

San Diego, California

San Diego combines the laid-back vibes of SoCal with the multicultural energy of a city located right on the Mexican border. From mild weather and great surfing to vibrant West Coast sunsets, it has lots to offer, making it a great place to spend a few days. Opportunities for hiking and watersports abound, while coastal areas like La Jolla and Del Mar offer a bevy of chic hotels where a solo traveler can catch some oceanside R&R.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Solo travelers in search of spiritual healing should look no further than Santa Fe . Book a night at Ten Thousand Waves, an upscale lodge inspired by Japanese hot spring resorts and decked out with secluded soaking tubs. Downtown, you’ll find historical landmarks, handmade tchotchkes, and restaurants serving delectable Southwestern food. Beyond the adobe architecture and unique attractions, the best thing you can do in Santa Fe is meet its colorful characters.

Washington, D.C.

Museums are best explored alone, and in Washington, D.C. , you have more than 20 to choose from—many of which are free. The District also has a hot food scene, and as a solo diner, you'll have the best shot at getting into the most highly coveted spots. To get far away from D.C.’s political crowds, head to a hip residential neighborhood like Shaw, where you can imbibe at Maxwell Park Wine Bar or catch a show at the Howard Theatre.

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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.

The 30 Best Affordable Solo Trips for Women

Complete Solo Travel Guide To Visiting Porto, Portugal

There is a lot I can say about exploring Porto solo! It’s one of my all-time favorite cities in Portugal; it’s safe, affordable, and magical. 

The second largest city in Portugal is located in the north and often gets overlooked for its sunny capital city, Lisbon! 

Don’t get me wrong, Lisbon is worth visiting , but exploring Porto hits differently. 

Porto’s distinct medieval vibe is a stark contrast to Lisbon’s modernity and the Algarve region’s coastal charm. This unique atmosphere is sure to transport you to a different era, making your solo travel experience even more memorable. 

With so much to see in Porto, this travel guide will have all the information you need to make it a successful trip! 

Like in all my solo travel guides , you can count on these recommendations being traveler-tested by me! I love helping fellow travelers, so if you have any questions, contact me ! 

Human-written content, by me, and nearly all original images, unless stated. Posts could have affiliate links to help offset the cost of maintaining this blog. When you click on a link, we receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you. See Our Affiliate Policy and Advertiser Disclosure for more info.

What You NEED To Know Before Booking a Trip to Porto!

I feel I should mention immediately that Porto is a city of hills and steep inclines! Before visiting, I hadn’t really considered how challenging it would be to stay a bit away from all the attractions in the old town. 

I f mobility is a concern,  you should do extra research when planning your trip to ensure that you will be able to get around comfortably and safely. 

Exploring both sides of the riverfront is easy as it is flat, but several attractions in Porto require a climb on foot.

📲 Don’t Forget to Download All The Helpful Portugal Specific Apps Before You Arrive!

Where is Porto Located? 

Porto, located in northern Portugal, is approximately 75 kilometers (about 47 miles) from the Spanish border.

The nearest border crossing is at Valença, which connects to the Spanish region of Galicia. The drive from Porto to the border typically takes about an hour by car.

How to Get to Porto 

Getting to Porto is easy, whether you fly into its international airport or take the train from Lisbon.

If you are arriving by plane, traffic from the airport to the city can be pretty annoying during rush hours.

GOOD TO KNOW: So keep that in mind and avoid flights landing between the morning rush 7:30 to 9:30 am and the evening rush 17:00 to 19:00. 

Arriving by Plane

If you land at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport OPO you can reach the city center by car in 30 minutes (with no traffic) or by public transport train in just under 1 hour. 

Follow the airport signs to the train, and take the E line to Trindade. 

If this is one of your first solo trips and you are nervous about navigating the transit alone, I recommend booking a pick-up with a trusted company. I always use  Welcome Pickups.  

Arriving by Train

Another popular route to Porto that I know well is by taking the train from Lisbon . Since you could technically see a lot of Porto in one day so people make it either a day trip or their next destination on their trip. 

There are many daily direct trains between these 2 cities. The duration is typically 3 to 3 and a half hours. 

The trains are in decent condition, some better than others, and offer somewhat reliable wifi aboard. 

Ticket prices vary, but I typically find tickets for around €30 to €45 depending on the date and time. 

When you arrive in Porto from Lisbon,  you will arrive at the Campanhã Station (Estação de Campanhã).

The station is close but not directly in the city center, which confused and slightly stressed me when I first arrived. 

To travel to the city center of Porto from the Campanhã Station station, you can take the orange, blue, green, or red train one stop that goes one stop to the São Bento stop.  

Or you can take a cheap Uber as I often do as I frequently travel to Porto alone after moving to Lisbon. 

Expect to pay around €5 for your ride, depending on where exactly in Porto you are staying. 

Is it Safe for Solo Travelers in Porto? 

Yes. Porto is a safe city to travel alone, even for women. I felt comfortable walking around by myself, even at night. 

Now, you don’t want to throw all common sense out the window and leave your belongings unattended. 

And I always recommend keeping drinking alcohol to a minimum when out exploring alone. But overall, you shouldn’t need to be on high alert or concerned for your personal safety in Porto. 

👉 New to solo travel? Join my FREE 7-day Solo Travel E-Course 💕

Best Way To Get Around in Porto

When it comes to getting around in Porto, it’s best to explore by foot! The city center is small, and the main attractions are all within walking distance. 

BUT…you will need some stamina and comfortable shoes to survive the mighty hills in Porto. 

I recommend you plan your day accordingly so you don’t burn yourself out. 

If you have mobility problems, I would recommend you consider Uber, which is very affordable. 

The local bus system also takes you from one side of the city to another. You pay 2€ as you board, or you can purchase an Andante card. 

Visitors can purchase Andante Tour passes, which are valid for 24 or 72 hours . Passes can be purchased at stations where Andante tickets are sold, at the airport, or at kiosks and t ourist offices throughout the city.

You can find the bus schedule on the official website here.  

👉 GRAB my GOOGLE MAP with all my FAVORITE Porto Locations Pre-Pinned! 📲

Where to Stay in Porto ( Best Neighborhoods)

I recommend staying within the city center , near the Ribeira district. Though some of the areas close to the river can be a bit noisy, so i am going to recommend a few hotels I have stayed at. 

Staying within a few minutes of walking distance of any of my recommendations would be a great area for solo travelers. 

• Cale Guest House
• Exmo Hotel by Olivia
• Pousada do Porto – Rua das Flores

Expect to find many smaller guest houses like accommodations over large chain hotels. 

Neighborhoods in Porto Safe for Solo Travelers

• Ribeira: Perfect for those who want to experience Porto’s historic charm, with stunning riverside views and plenty of traditional restaurants.
• Baixa: Ideal for first-time visitors who want to be in the heart of the city, close to major attractions, shopping, and dining.
• Cedofeita: Great for art lovers and hipsters, known for its galleries, creative vibe, and independent shops.
• Miragaia: Best for those seeking a quieter, more local experience with picturesque streets and proximity to the Douro River.
• Foz do Douro: Perfect for beach lovers and those looking for a more upscale, relaxed atmosphere with seaside views and trendy cafes.
• Bonfim: Ideal for budget-conscious travelers who still want to be close to the center, with a mix of traditional and modern vibes.
• Vila Nova de Gaia: Great for wine enthusiasts, as it’s home to the famous Port wine cellars, with stunning views of Porto across the river.

👉 Search Neighborhoods to stay in Porto here !

Best Things to Keep You Busy Solo in Porto

There are a million and one things to keep you busy when you are exploring Porto by yourself. 

Below is a list of the best places to put on your Porto itinerary . And if you are short on time, I really recommend you join a tour so you can efficiently see all the city has to offer!

👉 My recommend tour of Porto for solo travelers!

Visit The Famous Churches

In Porto, there are three major historical churches you want to plan on visiting. 

Of the three, I loved the Clerigos church the most because of the tower you can climb for an sweeping view of the city: 

Clérigos Church and Tower:

The Clérigos Church is an iconic baroque church in Porto, known for its stunning architecture and the tall Clérigos Tower, which offers breathtaking views of the city. 

The church was built in the 18th century and is a masterpiece of the architect Nicolau Nasoni.

The climb to the top of the tower does take some stamina, and if you are claustrophobic, you might want to skip it since you will be in a tight circular stair case winding to the top. 

Where, When and How Much: 

• Address: R. de São Filipe de Nery, 4050-546 Porto, Portugal
• Summer (April to October): 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Winter (November to March): 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• General Admission: Approximately €6 per person
• Discounted Tickets: Around €5 for students, seniors, and children under 10 years old

São Francisco Church (Igreja de São Francisco -Porto)

This gothic church, with its baroque interior, is famous for its elaborate gold leaf decorations. The church’s interior is adorned with intricate woodwork covered in gold, making it one of the most opulent churches in Portugal .

Don’t miss the catacombs and the museum located in the church’s former cloisters.

• Address: Rua do Infante D. Henrique, 4050-297 Porto, Portugal
• Winter (November to March): 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM How Much:
• General Admission: Approximately €8 per person
• Discounted Tickets: Around €6 for students, seniors, and children under 12 years old / Free for children under 6 years old

Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto):

One of the city’s oldest and most important monuments, the Porto Cathedral is a must-visit for its Romanesque architecture and historical significance.

The cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century, has been modified over the centuries, showcasing a mix of architectural styles. The cloisters, with their beautiful azulejo (blue and white) tiles, are particularly noteworthy.

• Address: Terreiro da Sé, 4050-573 Porto, Portugal
• Summer (April to October): 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM
• Winter (November to March): 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
• Cathedral Entrance: Free
• Cloisters and Museum: Approximately €3 per person /seniors and students at around €2.50 / Kids under 10, Free

Go Port Wine Tasting 

If you travel to enjoy food and wine (like me) there is a couple places you want to make note of in Porto! 

Joining a small group tasting tour at one of the wineries across the river is a fun way to be a little social when you are traveling alone. 

The tour I enjoyed was at Calem ! 

If you don’t feel like doing a winery tour, you can just plant yourself at the cafe across the street from the winery and do a tasting with a view. 

I ate here at Uva by Cálem, as shown in the photos below .

Another Port Wine Tasting Spot Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau ! 

At Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau you can purchase a glass of port wine and their specialty, pastel de bacalhau (codfish cake). 

Eat Your Way Through the City on a Food Tour

I won’t lie; traveling alone can get a little boring after a few days, so joining something like a food tour is a great way to meet new people. 

👉 Check out this tour that allows solo travelers to join!

Livaria Lello

As I mentioned, Porto is full of mystical charm, and visiting Livraria Lello will only enhance that experience.

It’s often called one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, with its gorgeous wooden staircase, colorful stained glass ceiling, and tall bookshelves.

To visit, you MUST book tickets in advance or wait in a long queue! Book tickets here on the official website.

People Watch at Cafe in Cais da Ribeira

If you visit Porto during football season, be prepared to meet some rowdy and excited crowds at the cafes in Cais da Ribeira! 

It is a great spot to people-watch and enjoy a glass of wine, beer, or port! 

Walk the Famous Dom Luis I Bridge Designed by Gustav Eiffel

Walking the double-decker Dom Luis I Bridge is quick, like 5 minutes. Cars and motorcycles drive on the top and bottom of this bridge, while pedestrians have separate lanes.

I recommend walking along the bottom to cross over, then to the top of the bridge to return to the Porto city center. 

Ride the Gaia Cable Car

No matter how “touristy” riding the Gaia cable car is, it is totally worth it! For 7 euros, you can get an incredible view of the city of Porto along the Douro River! 

I suggest walking the length of the waterfront first and then taking the cable car back towards the Dom Luis I Bridge. 

If you time this with the sunset, you can enjoy the epic views from a nearby park, Jardim do Morro! 

• Get Your Tickets for the Teleférico de Gaia here.

Go on a Tour Around Town in a Tuk-Tuk & River Cruise

Another touristy yet worthwhile activity when you are alone in Porto is taking a tour around town in a tuk-tuk and by boat along the Douro River!

To get tickets , you can either walk along the river front at  Ribeira  and inquire on the spot or get them in advance.

👉 Advance tickets for a Tour by Tuk-Tuk & River Cruise!

Spend Time in all the Porto Museums

It is no secret that Museums aren’t typically my thing. But Porto does have a few cool ones I would even consider: 

• Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art : A must-visit for art lovers, featuring modern art exhibitions and surrounded by beautiful gardens.
• Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis : Perfect for those interested in Portuguese art and history, showcasing everything from sculptures to decorative arts.
• Casa da Música : While technically a concert hall, its modern architecture and guided tours offer a unique cultural experience.
• Visit the WOW District & Museum of Port Wine: Ideal for wine enthusiasts, offering insights into the history and production of Porto’s most famous export.

I recommend exploring the WOW cultural district in Vila Nova de Gaia and purchasing the combined ticket. With the ticket, you can choose from six unique museums that showcase the best of Portugal.

Decide which museums to visit on-site, with no need to choose in advance. From wine and cork to chocolate and history, there’s something for everyone. Plus, enjoy reduced prices and savor delicious food and drinks with stunning views of Porto.

🎟️ Purchase tickets for the WOW cultural center here!

Hit The Closest Beach to Porto

If you visit Porto in July and August, you just might want to hit the beach! The closest beach to the city center is  Praia dos Ingleses  in Foz do Douro, which is about 30 minutes away by public transport. 

You can easily get there by taking the historic tram line 1 from the Infante stop, along the scenic riverside route, or catch bus 500 from the city center, both of which offer direct routes.

Once you arrive at the Passeio Alegre, it is a 15-minute walk to the beach. 

Take A Day Trip to Braga and Guimarães

If you have three or more days to spend in Porto, make one of them a day trip! My favorite day trip from Porto was with Get Your Guide, and we visited Braga and Guimarães.

It was a full-day tour starting at around 8:30 am and returning around 18:00! This very affordable tour took us to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, Braga Old Town and Cathedral, Guimarães Castle, and the old town!

👉 Check rates and availability for this tour here!

Which is More Solo Friendly, Lisbon or Porto? 

Both Porto and Lisbon are great for solo travelers; it is really a matter of preference when making this decision. 

Lisbon is bigger, sunnier, and likely to have better weather than the other city. Porto has a completely different vibe, but it is equally cool. 

The only downside to Porto is the weather. It is, more often than not, a bit cooler, cloudier, and rainier than Lisbon. 

My advice is to base your decision on your interests and weather preferences. 

Budget Tips for Solo Travelers in Porto

Traveling alone can add up fast if you don’t have a plan. There are a couple of things to consider to keep the costs down:

• Travel in the offseason! For porto, this means visiting between November and April. The costs of the accommodations will be significantly lower. 
• Bring your own coffee. If you are an avid coffee drinker, having your own instant coffee can save you a few bucks each day. 
• Buy snacks/pastries at the local shops! The grocery stores in Porto have affordable items such as pastries, snacks, etc that could help keep your dining bills down. 
• Consider Housing Sitting : If you get a membership to something like Trusted House Sitters you can stay for free in exchange of caring for a pet. This does mean you will have to balance sightseeing with your responsibility of house sitting, but it could be worth it depending on your budget.

Where to Eat Alone in Porto

Solo dining is one of those things I had to do a few times before getting comfortable with it. 

A quick trick if you are feeling awkward is to find restaurants with a casual setting, which is best if they have bar seating. 

You can really blend in at the bar rather than being a solo diner at a table in the middle of the dining room. 

Here are a few restaurants that I absolutely loved eating alone at in Porto:

• Taberna Dos Mercadores (There will be a line, get there early)
• Cantinho do Avillez (has bar seating)
• Almeja (Best restaurant in town)
• Gruta (Fine Dining)
• Boa-Bao (Casual Thai Restaurant)

Where to Go After Porto

If you want to extend your solo trip beyond Porto, consider taking the train south to Lisbon !

If you are craving a beach vacation, the towns of the Algarve are another safe and sunny destination!

Personally, I love Faro just a little more than Lagos based on its proximity to the airport and the nearby town of Tavira.

But the beaches in Lagos are better; there is no denying it.

The bottom line is Portugal is a great country to travel alone. There is a lot to see and do, and getting to the major cities is easy by train.

Looking For A Solo Travel Community?

It’s all about community! There is something here for everyone, whether you are just getting started or consider yourself a veteran solo traveler.

Find support, inspiration, and friendship by joining our community!

Portugal Travel Guide Lisbon Complete Guide for A Day Trip to Cascais from Lisbon Which is Better, Sintra or Cascais? Solo Travel Guide for Lisbon Complete Guide for a Lisbon to Faro Day Trip Best Boutique Shops in Ericeira Best Ways to Get From Lisbon to Ericeira Porto 1 Day in Porto Itinerary + Map Complete Guide to Visiting Porto for Solo Travelers Algarve Region Complete Itinerary for Solo Travel Algarve Best & Easiest Day Trips From Faro Solo Travel Guide Faro Faro or Tavira, Which is Better? Faro Itinerary for 2 Full Days

Melissa Byron, a seasoned solo traveler since 2009, is the founder & visionary behind A Solo Woman Traveling. Drawing from her extensive personal experience globetrotting solo to over 40 countries, she has dedicated herself to a mission: crafting invaluable guides and itineraries for women who embark on solo adventures.

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Best Destinations for Solo Travelers in Portugal

Portugal is a country rich in culture, history, and stunning landscapes, making it a perfect destination for solo travelers. Whether you’re exploring the charming streets of Lisbon, basking in the beauty of the Algarve coast, or immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Porto, Portugal offers a safe and welcoming environment for those traveling alone. This guide will highlight the best destinations for solo travel in Portugal and provide essential tips to help you make the most of your journey.

Top Destinations for Solo Travelers in Portugal

Portugal boasts a variety of destinations that cater to different interests and preferences. Here are some of the top picks for solo travelers:

• Lisbon: As the capital city, Lisbon is a must-visit for any traveler. Its historic neighborhoods, vibrant nightlife, and scenic viewpoints make it a favorite among solo travelers. Explore the narrow streets of Alfama, visit the iconic Belém Tower, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Bairro Alto.
• Porto: Known for its picturesque riverside and world-famous port wine, Porto offers a unique blend of history and modernity. Solo travelers can stroll along the Ribeira district, take a cruise on the Douro River, and visit the Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.
• Algarve: The Algarve region is famous for its stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, and crystal-clear waters. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, hike along coastal trails, or explore quaint fishing villages, the Algarve has something for every solo traveler.
• Sintra: Located just outside of Lisbon, Sintra is a fairytale town filled with palaces, castles, and lush gardens. Visit the colorful Pena Palace, explore the Moorish Castle, and wander through the mystical Quinta da Regaleira.

Many of these destinations make for excellent day or weekend getaways while staying in Lisbon , allowing you to explore more of Portugal's beauty without straying too far from the capital.

Essential Tips for Solo Travel in Portugal

While Portugal is generally safe and welcoming for solo travelers, it’s always a good idea to take precautions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Here are some tips:

• Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Be mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and public transportation. Pickpocketing can be an issue in tourist hotspots, so keep your belongings secure.
• Learn Basic Portuguese Phrases: While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, learning a few basic Portuguese phrases can go a long way in helping you connect with locals and navigate your way around.
• Use Public Transportation: Portugal has an extensive and reliable public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains. It’s an affordable and convenient way to get around, especially in cities like Lisbon and Porto.
• Stay in Centrally Located Accommodations: Choose accommodations that are centrally located to ensure easy access to popular attractions and public transportation. Staying in a central area also enhances your safety, especially if you’re returning late at night.

For official travel safety information, visit Travel.State.Gov .

Making the Most of Your Solo Travel Experience

Solo travel allows you to explore at your own pace, indulge in your interests, and make spontaneous decisions. Here are some ways to make the most of your solo adventure in Portugal:

• Join Local Tours: Participating in local tours and activities is a great way to learn more about the destination and meet fellow travelers. Consider joining walking tours, food tours, or cultural experiences that offer insight into Portugal’s rich history and traditions.
• Embrace Spontaneity: One of the best parts of solo travel is the freedom to change your plans on a whim. Don’t be afraid to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, try new foods, or strike up conversations with locals.
• Document Your Journey: Capture your experiences through photos, journaling, or blogging. Not only does this help you remember your trip, but it also allows you to share your adventures with friends and family back home.

For more travel tips, check out more Lisbon Travel Tips .

Frequently Asked Questions About Solo Travel in Portugal

What are the best destinations for solo travelers in portugal.

Some of the best destinations for solo travelers in Portugal include Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, and Sintra. These locations offer a mix of cultural experiences, beautiful landscapes, and solo-friendly activities.

How can solo travelers stay safe while exploring Portugal?

Solo travelers can stay safe by staying aware of their surroundings, keeping valuables secure, learning basic Portuguese phrases, and using public transportation.

What should solo travelers pack for a trip to Portugal?

Solo travelers should pack comfortable clothing, safety accessories, and travel documents. Packing light and smart can enhance the travel experience.

How can solo travelers make the most of their trip to Portugal?

Solo travelers can make the most of their trip by joining local tours, embracing spontaneity, and documenting their journey through photos or journaling.

Portugal is an ideal destination for solo travelers, offering a wealth of experiences, beautiful scenery, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re exploring historic cities, relaxing on the coast, or venturing into the countryside, Portugal provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable solo adventure. The Good Life Abroad offers unique travel experiences designed specifically for solo women, making it easier than ever to explore Portugal confidently and safely.

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Women Who Travel Podcast: A Solo Work Trip to Cannes, France

You can listen to our podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify each week. Follow this link if you're listening on Apple News .

In the first installment of our three-part solo travel series, Zakiya Gibbons, host of dating podcast Hang Up , recounts a pretty glamorous work trip to Cannes —and shares how she navigated moments of loneliness, figured out ways to prioritize downtime and actually see the destination, and even managed to squeeze in a date.

Lale Arikoglu: Hi there. I'm Lale Arikoglu, and this is Women Who Travel. Today, we are starting a three-part series about one of our favorite and most talked about topics: solo travel. The series will go beyond the glamor of solo travel and share what it's really like to go it alone. There are funny moments, occasions, connecting with locals, and also loneliness and overcoming fear. To start our series: “How to Survive a Work Trip When You've Gone Without Your Coworkers and You're in a Totally New Environment.”

Zakiya Gibbons: I would go to a panel, and then there'd be an open bar. The setting literally looked like the Love Island villa , so it was so nice. So it wasn't that corporate in the sense that it was buttoned up. It was pretty loose, but it was corporate in the sense that, "Oh, everyone is here to network, to work, to take meetings on the beach while they're holding a coconut."

LA: In June, Zakiya Gibbons found herself in the south of France at a prestige event called Cannes Lions, which describes itself as a festival of creativity. So-called movers and shakers in the entertainment industry all gather there to network and discuss new trends. When Zakiya arrived, it was quickly clear this wasn't a conventional conference setting.

ZG: The sparkling blue water, hot, and I see these kind of mini villas, after villa after villa, side by side by side by side. And I'm walking, and there's signs saying like, "Reddit, Amazon." All the big tech companies have essentially built, literally constructed, villas on the sand in a matter of a week.

LA: Zakiya is a dynamic host, storyteller, and the co-founder of an organization that champions racial equity in audio. She went to Cannes to represent her upcoming podcast, yet to be announced, but she also currently hosts another podcast.

I want to know a little bit about your podcast that you host. It's all about dating. It's not so much about travel, but the two things do overlap sometimes.

LA: Who are you talking to? What's it about?

ZG: So my show is called Hang Up. It's a reality dating show in podcast form. It's kind of like Love Is Blind meets The Bachelor, but very queer and chaotic. So-

LA: So superior to both.

ZG: Exactly. Thank you. You get it.

LA: It's clicked. No follow-ups.

ZG: Yeah. So pretty much there's one star and they date six different callers, and they go on themed dates every episode, and a caller is eliminated until there's two final callers remaining. And that's when the tables are turned because the winning caller can choose an all-expenses-paid vacation with the star or take a cash prize. So there is a travel element.

LA: There is. But they can't take the vacation alone, they have to take the vacation with the person.

ZG: Yes. Yes. They got to seal the deal with the vacay.

LA: How many people take the vacation?

ZG: Spoiler alert. For people who don't like spoilers, cover your ears for this part. Okay. We have two seasons out. The vacation was chosen both times.

LA: Incredible.

LA: Oh, I love this.

ZG: But that's not to say that other people in the running were going to choose it. Other people wanted to choose the money. So...

LA: Maybe the right person won.

ZG: Yeah. Exactly. Yes.

LA: You just got back from a kind of amazing work trip.

ZG: I always feel blessed whenever a trip is paid for. I will not complain, but up until this trip, the most fabulous place I'd gone to for work was North Carolina . And no shade. I'm from Georgia, so I love it. But to be flown out to Cannes, Cannes. Okay. I have to say, I have French friends, and I was like, "Y'all, how do I say Cannes? They're like, "Say it like Cannes." So I went there saying Cannes, and they're like, "Girl, say Cannes."

LA: Well, that's the thing. I'm like, as a British person rocking up into France and being like, "Cannes," they're just going to tell me to sort off. I mean, I was in Paris earlier this year and was trying my best to order in a restaurant with my friend who speaks very good French, and the server asked me what I would like, and I responded with a question. And then he basically ridiculed me and tormented me for the rest of the meal. At one point, wouldn't give me my wine.

ZG: No. Okay. You've also had your wine held hostage. That happened to me. Is that a French thing?

LA: I don't know, but we're going to have to get into that.

ZG: Yeah. We will.

LA: But before we get there, I do want to know what sort of traveler are you? I mean, you've done a little bit of work, travel. I assume you've done some personal, but what do you like traveling and what do you like traveling alone?

ZG: Usually, every year I go on one big trip with a couple friends. We're the travel crew, so we've gone to Alaska to chase the Northern Lights . We've gone to Cambodia . But going on this work trip to Cannes made me realize, "Oh, I haven't solo traveled since I studied abroad in 2012, and I hadn't been to Europe since I studied abroad in 2012."

LA: Study abroad is solo travel, but totally different experience.

ZG: It's so different.

LA: Totally different place in your life. Maturity level, finances, everything and different from going there for work. What expectations did you go in with for this trip?

ZG: So usually, the kind of traveler I am, I'm not a very type A person. I say I'm a type A minus, where I like to plan. I like to do my research. I'm a producer. So usually, my friends and I, we'll have a Google Doc of links, research, a loose itinerary because we're not all the way type A, but this time since I was like, "Okay, I'm going to go there for work. They're going to tell me where I need to be," so I just raw dogged it, which I'm... Am I allowed to say that?

LA: Well, given that there's an entire travel trend of men raw dogging on airplanes.

ZG: Oh, I forgot that they are using that word for that. Okay. That is not what I meant. Oh, I had my headphones in. I had my books. No-

LA: I was going to say, also for people listening who don't know what this is. It's this sort of... I don't know. I was going to say generation of men. I don't even know what to call it, group, community, who claim they're raw dogging their flights by not drinking water, not reading-

LA: ... watching TV. I don't think they go to the loo.

ZG: Wait. Wait, that's what they're... Men are not okay. Why?

LA: One of them tried to describe it as this form of meditation, and I was like, "They're unwell."

ZG: Okay. No. Okay. I want to make it abundantly clear. I am not doing the man version of raw dogging. No. I had all the accouterments, but no, with me, my version of raw dogging is that I went in with no plan, no expectations, because I feel like I was just in a tizzy in my New York life and I was like, "Oh, my flight is tomorrow." And I just jumped in and was expecting to be busy with work things and not really have anything else to do. But it turned out my schedule was pretty loosey-goosey. So I had all this free time, but I didn't go in having done research, so I was just very in the moment. Honestly, just wandering on gummies.

LA: We'll get more into that. Let's get to the travel. How do you actually get to Cannes? Do you go via Paris, or how did you get there?

ZG: Usually, JFK doesn't have a straight flight to Nice, but I think to accommodate all the Cannes Lions folks, a day before the conference starts, there is a direct flight to Nice. So I took that, and then it's like a 35-minute car ride, and they put me up in this hotel, five-minute walk away from the beach.

LA: What was the car ride like? I mean, I feel like oftentimes on trips, big or small, it's not until I'm actually on some mode of transportation that I'm like, "Oh, it's happening." I've traveled across some sort of border or body of water or something, and I'm like, "Oh, I'm here. I'm doing it."

ZG: Yes. I know what you mean.

LA: What were you thinking?

ZG: I feel like it's always so hard to find the Uber after you get out of the plane. So I feel like once I got in the car and looked out the window, that's when it clicked. I'm passing all these luxury stores. I'm in the south of France.

LA: I mean, it sounds like you just kind of had to hit the ground running, but how did you ease the transition in from your flight, which is a long flight, into working and also exploring? Do you have a ritual? I mean, you travel so much anyway.

ZG: Yeah. I guess my ritual that grounded me was, I was so excited that I wanted to just hit the ground running, but my body was like, "Girl, you need to rest a little bit." So I watched some Netflix. I watched Perfect Match because I love reality dating shows.

LA: That is not basic. I got to my hotel on a trip. I was on a reporting trip to Kosovo a few weeks ago, got to my hotel, and the first thing I did was watch the Kardashians on my laptop because I got into my hotel room and it was really quiet and I wanted the company of some voices.

ZG: Okay. Literally exactly that. And at least for me, there's nothing more grounding than a reality show because that's what I do at home. When I [inaudible 00:09:16]... I'm just like, I'm putting on my comfort shows. So I just put that on in the background.

LA: You're like, "Now I just have the sound of all my old friends."

ZG: Exactly. So yeah, that's what I did.

LA: But you were there for work and for a reason-

LA: ... which was for Cannes or Cannes Lions. Lions? Now I'm questioning everything.

ZG: Cannes Lions. No. I think everyone just says Cannes Lions.

LA: Yeah. I'm like, "Let me just butcher this, Cannes Lions."

ZG: I am hosting a show for this big company, tech, media, and they have a big presence at Cannes Lions. And so, like I said, I'm hosting one of their podcasts. They wanted me to do a few interviews on the ground, and they did a great job of letting me know what was up and what to expect. But it was just my own lack of experience being in such a corporate space, a workspace with so much money. I come from public radio, so humble beginnings, nonprofits. And so when I got there, I was like, "Oh, now I know what you all mean by this is like a big international conference/party/award show."

LA: So it's like a corporate conference on the beach.

ZG: Okay. For me, as a chaotic media girly in New York, it felt corporate, but honestly, I was a little stressed, and then I'd be like, "Zakiya, this is a free trip. You're in the south of France, literally, why are you stressed out?" But it was like, "How do I act? How do I show up in this space?" I didn't know how to be.

LA: Well, then you are also like, "I need to be professional, but I also need to fit in in some sense with what everyone else is doing."

ZG: This was my first Cannes Lions, and I'm a contractor with this company that I was there with. So I also had the extra layer of feeling like the new girl at school who transferred in the middle of the school year.

LA: I mean, that's like a particularly intense scenario, but that's such a part of solo travel, which is rocking up in these spaces or rooms or bars or restaurants and just having to be comfortable with yourself and either not talking to anyone and being okay with that, or really putting yourself out there.

ZG: Yes, yes. No, I definitely felt that. I feel like I'm a pretty extroverted, mixy person. I like meeting people, but Capital N Networking stresses me out. So I felt myself becoming more of a recluse, being a little bit more shy, running out of my social battery quicker.

LA: Did you find any go-to ways to maintain a sense of authenticity in yourself when you were in work mode?

ZG: Like a lot of other younger Black women in the space, in general, when you're in predominantly white spaces and corporate spaces, we tend to find each other and see comfort from each other, friendship, dressing the part helped put me at ease because it gave me confidence, and people were coming up and being like, "Oh my God, where'd you get that dress?" And then I'd be like, "Oh my God, where did you get your dress?" And then we're just talking about clothes.

I borrowed clothes from my really stylish friends, and I feel like just dressing like that bitch made me feel, not only like me but me times five. It just made me feel really powerful and confident, and it was conversation starters.

LA: Which is the best entry point into any conversation.

ZG: Yeah. Exactly.

LA: And also when you feel good about yourself, that radiates off you.

LA: When it comes to having downtime by the water at a conference that's basically on or close to the beach, can you feel comfortable rocking a bikini in front of delegates? Where can you go to enjoy this stunning coast in private? Stay with us after the break.

ZG: Like I said, Cannes Lions was right on the beach, so I was thinking, "Obviously, I'm going to go to the beach." But I don't want to be in my bikini amongst all of these semi-coworkers who I might be in a panel-

LA: Isn't that a weird work trip thing?

ZG: It's so strange.

LA: Why are we suddenly even in our underwear in front of each other?

ZG: Exactly. And I'm like, "I do not want to do that." And so it was really helpful that I ended up going to some other restaurant and my waiter's a local, and so I always talk to the waiters and the bartenders, chat them up, friendly, and I ask like, "Where do you like to hang out? Where is your favorite beach?" And so luckily he gave me the pro tip of the non-touristy beach where I could walk 30 minutes away, where I could be half naked in peace and not worry about seeing coworkers with my boobs and ass hanging out.

LA: And be in France and be among French people.

ZG: Yes. Exactly. Yeah. So hanging where the local thing.

LA: Tell me about the solo time that you were choosing and that you felt good in because you did a decent amount of exploring outside of your work obligations.

LA: Did you have any places or things that you had, whether it was on a spreadsheet, or it sounds like maybe just mentally bookmarked that you really wanted to do?

ZG: Yeah. So usually I would have a whole Google Doc. I had no Google Doc, so I was just on the fly, just... I mean, you'd know the answer. I was googling Vogue, travel, Cannes, Antibes, Lonely Planet, da, da, da, da, and screenshotting things. But I feel like I got the best recs from when I left the conference space and hit the actual streets and would just chat it up with people. I usually go in with research, but also I like to talk to locals, go to a bar, and be like, "What do you do for fun? Where do you like to hang out?" It's also my entryway into flirting. So there was this really cute girl. She looked cool, and so I was just like, "Where do you like to hang out?" Actually, let me rewind because this was the first day where I was like, "I am going to leave the ground. I'm going to go explore."

LA: I feel like in those circumstances, it feels like you've escaped, you've climbed over the walls.

ZG: Yes. That is what it felt like. I was just like, "Oh my God, me escaping." I remember I was playing Blood Orange in my apartment. I was just feeling vibey and dreamy. Popped a couple gummies. I was like, "I'm going to go explore."

LA: I'm in France.

ZG: Yeah. I'm in France. Because actually, right before then, I was hangry, and one thing I realized is that it's so hard to find food. I'm used to New York. You can find food at any time of day, but there was just certain windows. If you miss the food window, you're starving. So I was really-

LA: Yeah. Everyone in France, and if it's hot weather, they need naps, and so things just closed.

ZG: Yeah. I was just like, "But it's 4:00 and I'm hungry now." So I ended up finding food. I found some other Americans from Cannes Lions that had left the grounds, and they were really cool. They were giving me the lowdown on the conference and just Cannes and Antibes. And so they were just spitting all these recommendations, like really beautiful, bougie, and they're like, "Oh, you got to go to this hotel, go to the rooftop at sunset, get a drink. Go to this pool." And so I'm just taking all these notes, and I think just meeting someone that I genuinely vibed with, another person of color. His vibes, he was just this Latinx dude from LA.

I remember I finished my burger, paid the bill, plugged in to Google Maps all his recommendations, and I just got a car and I went to Antibes.

LA: Navigating the hours after work when you're on your own can be tough, if not brutal, at times. But after this short break, Zakiya's tips on how to cope.

ZG: I just kept getting thwarted. It's a hard word to say. Thwarted.

LA: Thwarted at Cannes Lions.

ZG: Yeah. It is a mouthful. I just kept trying to go to these nice places. I kept getting turned away, and part of me was like, "Maybe this was different cultural cousins." I'm used to New York, where I've never really been turned away unless a place is at capacity, which is like, "What can you do?" But I don't know, it felt like there was an undercurrent of... I was just like, "Is this racist?" Because I was assured like, "Oh, you can definitely get a seat at the bar." And then I show up, they look me up and down, and they just refuse me entry. But I'm like, "Okay, well, maybe there's just some other cultural things I'm not aware of. Maybe walk-in culture isn't a thing," but the more and more it kept happening, the more and more you can't help but to be like, "Is this racial?" or, "Is this French snootiness?" or, "Is this a mix of both?"

LA: And regardless of cultural differences, a restaurant is a restaurant. Wherever you go in the world, ultimately you walk in to get seated, and they expect you to. So if that's happening, you can't help but start to question it.

ZG: Exactly. Exactly. I just kept getting turned away, and then that was weighing on my spirit in a way that was honestly sad, especially being by myself. It felt even lonelier. So it was strange being lonely on a free trip in such a gorgeous place.

I kept getting thwarted to the point where... And then it started to wear on me like, "Oh, this is what happens when you don't have a plan." But then, me trying to be mindful in the moment, I was just like, "But go with the flow."

LA: Which is you're putting so much pressure on yourself.

ZG: Exactly. Which is my MO, which is why I was like, "This is an opportunity for me to break these patterns and lean into the moment of being on a free trip in the freaking south of France." Like, "No matter what, I'll have a good time."

So I stumbled upon this bar on the beach and I went, and there was a cute bartender. Well, he was fine, but... So I was there by myself, and I like to go to bars by myself.

LA: Hey, you know what? When you're in the mood, he was fine is more than enough.

ZG: Exactly. I was like, "Ding, ding, ding. This is how I'm going to spend my evening." And so we're flirting, and then they're like, "Oh, there's going to be live music." This band comes. Tell me why they're playing Bruno Mars covers. And I was just like, "This is not the south of France experience I was thinking."

LA: Also, the fact that you used plural for covers. I'm like, "I can tell you one song."

ZG: Oh my God. It was honestly insufferable, and I do not like being serenaded, but they literally picked up their instruments, their drums, their guitar, plunked right next to me, and they're like, "This one's for you."

LA: So then they're like, "There's a woman traveling alone."

ZG: Yes. And I was just like, "Can't a woman just travel alone in peace?" It was a nice gesture, but I was feeling so cringey. The gummies were hitting. I didn't know where to look. And the bartender I was flirting with, he was teasing me after. He was like, "You looked so uncomfortable."

LA: I was eating alone in a restaurant in Jamaica on a work trip. Very content. I had my book. I was having a lovely time. No one needed to bother me. And this older American man shouts across the restaurant to me just, "You alone?"

LA: "Why are you alone?"

ZG: Why are you alone? Shouting?

LA: Shouting. And I was like-

LA: ... "I'm fine. You're not."

ZG: Exactly. Don't project your insecurities onto me and make your aloneness my problem. I hate that.

LA: It was awful, but honestly, being serenaded by a full band sounds worse.

LA: What are your tips and takeaways from doing a solo work trip that now you've done this one that you'd share with other people?

ZG: Yes. So yeah, my tip would be know your itinerary, because I literally was just like, "Oh..." I didn't realize how much free time I would have. And so if I could do it again, I try to be a no regrets person, but if I'm just being honest, I think I would've done a little bit more research because then I would've known to book some of these fancy places ahead of time so that I could be like, "I have a reservation, bitch." I feel like be flirty. I just like to flirt, and I feel like flirting is a spectrum. There's platonic flirting, meaning you're just open, you're asking questions, you're curious, and then I don't know. I'm not a little romantic, wink-wink flirt. Me and the bartender ended up... Oh, yeah, getting just in the day.

LA: I mean, I was just going to say... I haven't asked a follow-up. Where did you guys end up?

ZG: Okay. So the band left me alone, and I was honestly a little shaken. I was like, "I'm too high for this." And then I was like, "This is my cue to leave. I've been here for a few hours." And so I started to leave, and the bartender was like, "Oh, you're leaving?" And I said, "Yes." And then it's like, "Well, can I get your number? Blah, blah, blah." Oh, yeah, that's another tip. Always have WhatsApp.

LA: That's a great tip. Yeah.

ZG: Yes. And so we exchanged numbers, and I had a few glasses of wine, and I was like, "Fuck it. Yeah, let's meet up for a drink." And then, yeah, no, we had a lovely conversation.

LA: And we'll leave it there.

ZG: We will leave it there.

LA: If listeners want to listen to you talk to other people about their dating escapades, where can they find Hang Up and where can they find you on the internet?

ZG: So you can find me, Zakiya, on Instagram, @zak_sauce, Z-A-K underscore sauce. You can find Hang Up, the show that I host on all the socials, @hangupshow. You can find Hang Up wherever you get your podcasts. That's two words, Hang Up.

LA: Zakiya, this was such a joy. Thank you for taking me along for the ride in Cannes or Cannes, however we want to say it. And I want to get you back on to talk about group trips because it sounds like you would have plenty of learnings and insights.

ZG: Oh my gosh, I would love that. I have been on some harrowing adventures that I would love to talk to you about, but thank you so much for having me. This was so fun.

LA: Next week, another solo adventure when we travel to seven South American countries in six months, including a trip along the Amazon. Thank you for listening to Women Who Travel. I'm Lale Arikoglu, and you can find me on Instagram, @lalehannah. Our engineers are Jake Lummus and Vince Fairchild. The show is mixed by Amar Lal at Macro Sound. Jude Kampner from Corporation for Independent Media is our producer with help from Michele O'Brien. Stephanie Kariuki is our executive producer. Chris Bannon is Condé Nast's head of global audio.

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