travel tips solo female

20 expert solo travel tips for women from the Lonely Planet team

Nov 17, 2023 • 10 min read

Solo travel is one of the most exciting and liberating experiences you can have © Deepa Lakshmin / Lonely Planet

If you’re eager to see the world, why hold out for the ideal travel companion? Solo journeys create indelible memories.

Yet while voyaging by yourself can exhilarate, it can also be dauting– especially for female travelers. That’s why we asked a few travel-expert colleagues here at Lonely Planet for ideas that any woman setting out alone should keep in mind.

Here are 20 tips to keep you safe, grounded and ready to set out for the trip of a lifetime. All by yourself.

1. Seek out female hosts (ideally with pets)

If I’m booking accommodation online, I tend to opt for women owners (preferably with pets in their host photos!). This is partly psychological – but I’ve also found that women tend to think about things like where to go to avoid crowds or safer alternatives to more touristy places. It’s nice how protective women are of each other, especially when we’re traveling alone.

– Akanksha Singh , Destination Editor 

2. Ease into it 

It can be tempting to throw yourself outside of your comfort zone all at once, but doing things alone – solo traveling, or even just going out to dinner or the movies by yourself – can feel intimidating at first. But it’s a muscle you build up over time. Start with a day trip or an afternoon wandering a museum you’ve always wanted to see but didn’t know who to go with. When I backpacked through Australia and New Zealand , I tacked on extra days at the end of group tours so I had solo time to explore (and decompress!) after nonstop socializing and being “on.” I’d already acclimated to the new-to-me destination while traveling with the group, which meant I had more confidence and knowledge to navigate the streets on my own.

– Deepa Lakshmin , Social Media Director

3. Consider hostels for connecting with like-minded people of all ages

Hostels are a great way to meet people, especially fellow solo female travelers. I truly believe you’re never too old for hostels. Many cater to people of various age groups and backgrounds, and offer private rooms for added comfort and privacy. I find it’s easier to meet like-minded people in communal settings – the kind of people who are eager to exchange travel tips and stories with you and who genuinely want you to have a good time. I’ve made lifelong connections with people I’ve met in hostels. 

– Sasha Brady , Digital Editor 

4. Start with a solo afternoon

I’m not quite 100% to the point where I’m ready to dive into solo travel, so I like to just carve out a day or an afternoon of Rachy Adventures when I’m traveling with friends or my wife. (Said adventure often involves a croissant and an overpriced latte.) Some of my absolute favorite parts of a trip have been a rainy afternoon spent wandering alone in Boston , or sitting alone with a good book on a largely empty beach, taking in the waves.

– Rachel Lewis, Senior Social Media Manager 

5. Book some group activities

If you’re feeling apprehensive about taking a big solo trip, arrange a tour or activity for each day. This way your days will be organized around a preplanned group event. I made connections from all over the world on a solo trip to Australia in my early 20s – and 20 years on, am still in regular touch with a Swedish woman I met on a boat trip to the Great Barrier Reef .

– Fionnuala McCarthy , Editorial Director

6. Hop on a boat or a bus

I get my bearings by taking either a hop-on, hop-off bus tour or a boat tour. On my first solo trip to Paris , I decided to take a cruise down the Seine – during which I wrote out my plans for the trip and got to know people by offering to snap their photograph. I also find spending time in local bookstores to be a great way to immerse myself in the destination as well as meet fellow travelers and locals who seem very happy to help and offer tips and advice. 

– Brekke Fletcher , Senior Director of Content

7. Bring a book 

I’ve cycled and hiked and taken trains all over the world by myself, and I never did any of it without a book on hand. Waiting on delayed trains, sitting down to meals, relaxing in a bar at the end of the day: all of these situations are improved with a book. Reading can also be a useful way to put off any potential unwanted conversation. A woman on her own can be a magnet for chatterers, and I’m not always in the mood to talk to strangers when traveling.

– Amy Lynch , Destination Editor

8. Indulge your hobbies

Look for activities related to what you already like to do at home. For example, I love to thrift-shop, so I’ll often look up secondhand or charity shops in foreign cities: it’s a great way to get a sense for local fashions and find unique souvenirs. I also love to embroider, and I’ve spent hours at textile galleries, oohing over fine needlework and learning about local fiber-art traditions. I couldn’t do that with a bored travel companion.

– Morgan Wegner, Senior Operations Editor

9. Embrace “yes!” – within reason

One of the best things about solo travel is the freedom to make or break plans whenever you want. Some of my favorite travel memories (including meeting my husband!) are because I took a chance and made a plan with new friends over an impromptu drink or meal. Celebrate saying “yes” to things you wouldn’t normally do – but trust the voice in your head at the same time. If the hair on the back of your neck stands up at a turn Google is telling you to make, take a different route. Learn to expand your boundaries – while trusting your intuition.

– Erin Lenczycki, Photo Editor

10. Be present

Traveling by yourself is a great opportunity to be mindful. With no need to rush or please anyone else, I find myself doing a lot of thinking and reflecting while traveling alone. I try to limit my interaction with my phone as well to really enjoy the quiet. I find some of my most vivid traveling memories have come from these trips.

– AnneMarie McCarthy , Destination Editor

11. Plan rest days

For every seven to 10 days of travel, set aside a day to breathe. Sleep in, treat yourself to a nice meal or just give your legs a break. If you can resist the pressure to program every moment of your trip, you won’t feel like you’re “wasting” your time. This is especially true when you’re traveling solo and not on anyone else’s schedule. 

– Ann Douglas Lott , Associate Editor

12. Use apps to your advantage (and with headphones)

When navigating a new city on foot, plug your destination into a maps app, then listen to the walking directions through headphones. This allows you to avoid pulling out a map – which is equivalent to waving a flag printed with “tourist!” Most importantly, when you’re making your plans, try to resist fear (which is used to manufacture headlines and generate clicks). Language and cultural barriers can raise discomfort, which will make you hyper-aware of your surroundings. But that doesn’t mean said surroundings are unsafe. 

– Jessica Lockhart, Destination Editor

13. Go on a food tour

One thing that makes a lot of solo travelers apprehensive is the thought of dining alone. But if you join a food tour, you’ll have dining companions for the evening and the opportunity to try out a bunch of new restaurants ⁠— all while learning about the local culture. I joined a food tour of Trastevere while traveling solo in Rome : not only did I get to meet fellow travelers, but the tour included a mix of casual street-food spots (excellent for solo travelers) and restaurants. After you check these places out in a group, you may feel more relaxed coming back on your own for a solo-dining experience.

– Alex Butler , Managing Editor 

14. Travel with a power bank

Traveling alone, you will most likely be using your phone more than usual to take photos and videos, and for navigating maps. Even if your phone has a reliable battery, it’s always good to know you have a backup, especially if you’re on your own. There are plenty of small and lightweight power banks that you can purchase to slot into your bag when on the road.

– Zara Sekhavati, Destination Editor

15. Share your location 

To ensure peace of mind, I make it a habit to inform at least one person back home of my whereabouts using the Find My Friend app , which allows them to track my location in real time. While it can be reassuring for safety reasons, what I appreciate the most about it is the tangible sense of connection it provides. My family, in particular, loves that they can place me on a map and accompany me virtually on my explorations.

– Sasha Brady

16. Traveling solo doesn’t mean traveling alone

For me, traveling solo can be a great way to meet new, like-minded people. Join a tour group like G Adventures or Intrepid for an entire trip, book a day tour with GetYourGuide , find a class for something you’re passionate about like art or cooking, research some of the digital-nomad meetups, find a bar where they show the games of your favorite team…there are lots of ways to forge new friendships on the road. 

– Melissa Yeager , Senior Editor 

17. Don’t wait for a partner

I’ve traveled solo to places like Hawaii , the Amalfi Coast and the Dominican Republic . When I tell these stories, someone will occasionally say something to me like, “Oh, I want to go there on my honeymoon, so I’m waiting to take that trip.” My advice? Don’t wait. If you want to somewhere, even a place with a reputation as a “romantic” destination or a honeymoon getaway, go anyway. There are so many ways to enjoy a destination and to make your own memories, with or without another person. If resorts or entire destinations cater specifically to couples, you will see a different – and sometimes more interesting – side of it by going solo.   

– Laura Motta , Senior Director of Content

18. Don’t overshare

The temptation to share your entire trip via social media can be overwhelming – especially if you’re having a fantastic time. But for safety concerns, it’s best to avoid sharing every movement with every follower until you return home. Not only do real-time posts alert people to where you are during every part of your trip, but they also let folks know you’re not home. Consider sharing your photos and videos from the road just with a close number of friends, or wait until your trip is over to flood your social media. 

– Alicia Johnson , Destination Editor

19. Role-play at restaurants

Dining alone can be the best kind of mini-adventure. You can chat with the bartender – often a wealth of local knowledge – or other patrons. You can play at being an international woman of mystery and hunker down with a book or a notebook and pen. And if you’ve had a long day of sightseeing, sometimes it feels good to just sit at a quiet table and fiddle with your phone. The best part? Solo diners can often glide right to the front of the line at popular and award-winning restaurants, even without a reservation. 

– Laura Motta

20. Feel your feelings – and cry when you need to

Especially if you’re traveling alone for the first time. Especially if you’re far away from everything you’ve ever known. Especially if you feel confused or lonely or out of place. I’ve shed tears in more airports than I care to admit. You’re outside your comfort zone, and that’s scary! It’s normal to feel homesick and miss the people, places and routines that feel familiar to you. But you probably embarked on a solo adventure because some part of you craves something new – and any change requires getting comfortable with being uncomfortable, at least for a little bit. It’s OK to go through it.

– Deepa Lakshmin

This article was first published May 25, 2019 and updated Nov 17, 2023.

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

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

Solo Travel for Women

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

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

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

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

Barcelona, Spain

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Read: The Top Italy Tours .]

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

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

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

[Read: The Top Iceland Tours .]

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

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

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

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

New Zealand

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

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

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

El Calafate, Patagonia, Argentina

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

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

Dubrovnik, Croatia

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

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

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

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

Svalbard, Norway

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Netherlands

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

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

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

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bali, Indonesia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New York City

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

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

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers
• The Top Weekender Bags for Women
• The Top Places to Celebrate Women's History
• Vacation Ideas for Every Type of Traveler
• The Best Travel Insurance Companies

Most Beautiful Landscapes in the World

Tags: Travel

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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Solo Traveler

Solo travel tips, destinations, stories... the source for those who travel alone.

Solo Female Travel: Tips and Tours by Women Who Know

Hi, We're Janice (I'm on the left and writing this post) and Tracey (on the right), and we are solo female travelers. Many, many women travel alone and they love it.

However, solo female travel can be a bit intimidating if you've not done it before.

That's why we've put together this category on Solo Traveler specifically for women who want to travel alone. It's designed to point you to the most relevant information for female solo travelers.

But first, I'd like to share what one of our readers and a solo travel newbie, Wendelyn, has to say.

"This month I booked my first solo trip to Paris. ... I just wanted to share this with you because you inspired me to let go of 2017 and forge ahead into 2018 with the knowledge that it does not require “someone else” to make my own way. I will be in Paris on my 57th birthday and I am very excited! Thank you so much. I have more to check out on your site and on Facebook but your message is an important one. Not just for the resources but for the spirit in which you support and encourage!!! I have been telling my friends, “I am woman, hear me roar!” :)"  Wendelyn

Table of Contents

Inspiring solo female travelers since 2009.

Solo Traveler was launched in 2009 to fill an online void. There was very little information for female solo travelers at that time. As someone who, after years of family travel found herself traveling solo once again, I was determined to offer a personal voice and solid advice to women wanting to travel solo.

Since then, the community of women traveling solo has grown. Every week we receive emails from women taking their first solo trip. It is such a pleasure to receive them and learn how Solo Traveler has helped them on their journey. I hope this site, the many posts specifically for women and those for everyone, the Deals page and searchable trips page, and our newsletter  will be equally valuable for you.

Solo Trips for Women

There are two ways that women travel solo: independently and with a tour.

We have lots on the site for those who want to travel solo independently. For a great summary and links to posts with more detail, read the next section of tips for solo female travelers.

For those who want to take a tour, there are a few things to consider.

• Tours Exclusively for Women . There are a number of tour companies that cater to female solo travelers. The easiest way to find them is to use our Searchable Trips page, under Trip Type scroll down and choose women only. As of the time of writing there were 21 trips for women promoted.
• Tours for Women and Men . In reality, tours are great for everyone and many women like to go on tours that include men. If this is the case, check out all trips being promoted by our tour advertisers.

Best Destinations for Solo Female Travelers

Women are not all the same yet the title above is used on article after article on the Internet as if we are.

Yes, there are destinations and trip types that may be particularly interesting for women. Retreats in exotic locales or cooking classes for a favorite cuisine may make a better destination for women than men. But, in fact, choosing a destination has little to do with your gender and more to do with your interests, travel experience and budget.

So, instead of giving you one list of best destinations for solo female travelers, I'm going to give you inspiration for every almost every kind of solo travel. We update these lists every year.

Where to Go? Great Destinations for First-Time Solo Travelers

Best Solo Travel Destinations: Real Solo Travelers Love These

Best Budget Destinations for Solo Travelers: 2023 Shortlist

Summer Solo Travel: Great Destinations, Good Times Guaranteed

Safe and Easy Hiking Destinations for Solo Travelers

Solo Travel for Women: Top 10 Tips

We are sometimes asked to narrow down our top tips for women traveling solo. Taking some from how to travel solo as a women, others from our safety advise and still more from our lifestyle pieces for women, here they are.

• Choose your destination with Intent. You can travel better simply by understanding why you want to go where you want to go. Dig down. The initial inspiration may come from a book you read or a movie you watched, but surely there’s more to the story. Understand your intent, what’s drawing you to the destination, and you’ll have a more enriching travel experience. Look above for all our inspiration posts for destinations.
• Plan your first night well . At minimum, have a place to rest your head on the first night of every destination on your trip and plan to arrive by mid afternoon. It’s important to have the time to find your hotel or hostel in daylight and time to change your accommodation if you determine that this is not the place for you. Read  Solo Travel Safety: 50+ Tips for Those Who Travel Alone .
• Visualize the necessities but no more.  Traveling solo does require attention to details. Visualizing how the practical aspects of your trip fit together, from departure to transfers to accommodation, help you travel with less stress. But stop imagining what the trip will be like at that point. Be open to opportunities as they arise. It’s impossible to travel without any expectations of a destination, however, the less you are driven by specific expectations the freer you will be to travel in the moment. Read  Solo Travel. Mindful Travel.
• Pack light . You’re going to save money and be more mobile if you pack light. It requires a bit more planning to have a wardrobe that stretches from hiking boots to high heels but it can be done. Choose a base color (black, brown, beige, navy), a contrast color (white, beige…) and a color or two to accessorize and pull it all together. Read  Bare Minimum Packing: Here’s Your Packing List .
• You do not have to eat alone . From cooking classes to day tours to themed dinners, there are so many ways to have company over dinner if that's what you want. Read Eating Alone Is Easy When You Know How
• Protect your documents, cards and cash . Keep your passport and other important documents secure. Have backup copies on you and at home with your trusted contact. Read  Protect Yourself from Pickpockets: Keep Cards & Cash Safe .
• Meet other women travelers . You can build friendships with women around the world. My favorite way is by staying at hostels. Read Sleeping with Strangers: The Hostel Experience  and  Women Welcoming Women: A Gateway to International Friendships
• Stay local, buy local, meet locals.  By planning well you will have a better understanding of how to be supportive of the local economy. Buy local crafts, eat local food, stay in locally-owned accommodation so that the profits don’t leave the country. And as you do all of this, connect with locals. This will give you much on which to reflect. Read  Travel Deeper: How to Connect with Locals  and  7 Ways to Find a Free Tour Guide When You Travel .

How Solo Female Travel Builds Confidence

While gaining confidence ranked third in our poll it is a big reason that women travel solo.

I was 58 when I took my first solo trip to Mexico a year ago. I never thought I could or would enjoy traveling alone, but I ended up loving it. ... My self confidence skyrocketed and I finally understood why so many people tout solo travel. I went back to the same Airbnb this year with a friend and I must say that my solo visit was ten times more fun. Just do it!"  Nancy The nature of confidence is that it only comes after you take the risk."  Joanne

Your Specialist for Women who Travel Alone

To say experts may be a bit much but, as women, Tracey and I have a lot of experience traveling solo. We've been doing so for many years.

I went on my first solo trip in my twenties. I spent two weeks in Europe and, to tell you the truth, I was flying by the seat of my pants. I could have used some of the advice in the articles below. Since then I've enjoyed many years of solo travel. And, as a woman traveling alone, I've experienced the good and, on occasion, the bad. All of which has prepared me to write and publish Solo Traveler.

How'd we come to publish Solo Traveler? Well, for me, a love of travel, personal loss and an empty nest all conspired for me to travel solo more and begin Solo Traveler in 2009. As for Tracey, on her very first trip abroad, which was with a friend, she learned that solo travel was for her. As friends, it was natural for us to work together on Solo Traveler.

So we write. We write for male and female solo travelers in general. We write about travel and saving money , safety , destinations , packing and general solo travel tips . There's so much on the site. Below are links to posts specifically for women who travel alone but first, here's our shortlist of tips for women.

Why It’s Important for Women to Travel Alone

November 15, 2023 by Janice Waugh

The special reasons it’s great for women to travel alone, plus top advice from Janice and Tracey who both travel solo, but quite differently.

Solo Travel Over 50: Embrace New Adventures on Your Terms

July 18, 2023 by Janice Waugh

Solo travel over 50 and you will find new interests, gain new confidence, and discover new ways to navigate a major life transition.

Solo Female Travel Safety: Advice for What Women Worry About

June 5, 2023 by Tracey Nesbitt

While the majority of our tips are for everyone, there are a few solo female travel safety questions we get a lot. Here’s how to handle them.

10 Trailblazing Female Travelers To Be Inspired By

March 8, 2023 by King Siu

Let’s take a moment to celebrate some trailblazing female travelers. You’re bound to find inspiration in their travel accomplishments.

Senior Solo Travel: Age Is a Number and No More

December 20, 2022 by Tracey Nesbitt

Is it wise to travel solo as a senior? Nearly two dozen solo travelers say yes and offer their encouragement and advice.

How to Plan Your Travel Wardrobe for Comfort and Style

May 12, 2021 by Janice Waugh

Here’s how to create a travel wardrobe that is stylish and comfortable. Fashion capsule and color palette planning for urban travel.

Travel Writer Dervla Murphy: Being Alone Is Essential to an Important Journey

July 6, 2020 by Janice Waugh

Prepare to be inspired by solo traveler, travel writer, cyclist, and octogenarian, Dervla Murphy who completed a cycling trip from Ireland to India in 1963.

Solo Female Travel: Why Do Women Travel Alone More than Men?

December 5, 2018 by Janice Waugh

Why do women travel solo more than men? I’ve been asked the question so many times. So I dug into some research and formed a few theories.

Solo Travel. Mindful Travel.

October 31, 2017 by Janice Waugh

When I travel solo I travel with more intent, more awareness. Solo travel is good for mindful travel.

Solo Female Travel Tips: Why, Where, How and Safety

July 26, 2017 by Janice Waugh

Solo female travel has become very popular. Here are my tips for safe solo travel for women – and men.

Women Welcoming Women: A Gateway to International Friendships

June 12, 2017 by Guest

On her grand solo adventure, a solo traveler discovers an organization of women welcoming women and building friendships around the world.

Licensed to Create: Finding Life-Work Balance Traveling Solo

July 6, 2015 by Janice Waugh

Finding life-work balance is no easy task — even for a travel blogger. On my most recent trip to Goderich I discovered new creative ways of finding it.

Life, Death, Divorce and Solo Travel

July 21, 2014 by Guest

From high adventure to profound learning, Solo Traveler reader, Elizabeth, shares her experience in Cape Town, South Africa.

Publisher Janice: info @ solotravelerworld.com

Editor Tracey: tracey @ solotravelerworld.com

Sales Simon: simon @ solotravelerworld.com

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The content of Solo Traveler and any resources published by Solo Traveler are meant for entertainment and inspiration only. Please note that while we have advertising clients promoting destinations, products, services, trips and tours on Solo Traveler and that we endeavour to only work with companies in which we have confidence, we are not responsible for the delivery or quality of their products or services. Every person and every travel situation is different. Your safety, satisfaction and fun traveling solo are your responsibility alone and not that of Solo Traveler, its publisher, editor and/or writers.

PRIVACY POLICY & DISCLOSURE: In accordance with FTC guidelines, I disclose that I may be compensated if consumers choose to utilize links located throughout the content on this site. Additionally, some posts might be sponsored to support this site. Please do the appropriate research before participating in any third party offers. All opinions are my own. Please read our full Privacy Policy here.

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A Passion and A Passport

Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5

The Ultimate Guide to Solo Female Travel: 50+ Tips and Tricks

last Updated: December 8, 2022 solo travel travel tips

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Traveling alone for the first time? Nervous to take the leap into solo travel?! Read these solo female travel tips before you take that trip!

First off, before we get any further, and if you honestly don’t have time to read the rest: my top 3 solo female travel tips. → 1. Use your judgment. 2. Trust your intuition. 3. Fake it ‘til you make it. Oh, and get travel insurance . 

Not convinced on the whole concept of solo female travel? Don’t listen to everyone and their mothers trying to dissuade women from traveling alone. Remember, there are more good people in this world than bad; all we see is the media portraying the world as an icky, icky place. We unfortunately never hear about all the wonderful times people help others out.

Face it, women travel solo all the time – and it’s much more common to see a woman travelling alone now than it was 20 years ago. According to the The Travel Industry Association, an estimated 32 million American women travel alone every year. Be one of them — if you want to. It’ll open up a whole new world for you.

*While this is not strictly a solo female travel blog (this is actually my first post on the subject), I do have quite a few tips to share. So get ready for the ride!

A LITTLE BACKGROUND:

People ask me how I travel so much (exhibit  A , B , and C ). I get it; I travel more than the average person. But I’ll fill you in on a little secret → a major reason all my jetting off is a big possibility (besides the obvious financial situation and time off of work), is the fact that I don’t wait for anyone.

Once I have my heart set on a destination (and I’ve researched it’s a safe place to go), I book that ticket and just go. Sure, I love traveling with friends and absolutely adore when my husband can come along with me, but sometimes that just ain’t possible. Friends can’t commit, my husband can’t use any more precious PTO, family members have other priorities besides travel. 

→ And just FYI: You’re never gonna take that flight if you’re always waiting for someone to come with you. (Unless you’ve got 3,474,962 friends with massive amounts of disposable income and nothing to do all day…). 

MY FIRST SOLO TRIP:

I remember my first solo trip like it was just yesterday. I was deboarding the plane upon touchdown into Seattle , looked around, and realized getting into the city and to my hostel was on me. And only me.

See, this wasn’t my first solo flight – but it was my first official solo trip. As in, there’d be no one on the other side of the flight/plane/airport waiting for my arrival. It scared the bejesus outta me.

My first solo vacation was a mere two hour flight up north to the city of Seattle – and I was shook. All worked out in the end (I discovered my love of solo travel up there in Washington), and have since traveled to plenty of cities/countries completely by myself.

My family hardly bats an eye (anymore…) when I tell them I’m off conquering the world, just me, myself, and I. Some of my most memorable solo trips have been to Singapore , Portugal , San Miguel de Allende , Paris , Hong Kong , Oaxaca , LA/Santa Monica , Greece , Bosnia , and Croatia . And my first solo trip was back in 2015, so I’ve definitely taken my fair share since then. It’ll be almost 5 years since my first unaccompanied rendezvous!

Note that these tips are all based on my experience, and while there are certainly other feasible (well-thought out) tricks and tips, this is what I do. Below I’m sharing the best places to travel alone (in my opinion at least), various female travel safety tips on choosing destinations/accommodation, packing, eating alone, getting around, and more.

You’re a smart gal! You got this, sister. Go put on your big girl panties, grab a notebook and a pretty pink pen (I’m stereotyping us, sorry!), and read all my tips for traveling alone for the first time. PS: It’s not as scary as it seems, you’ll see! 

Benefits of solo female travel

I bet you’ll feel empowered, gain tons of confidence, get outta your comfort zone (which is a great thing), and have a great time! We grow as people by challenging ourselves, and traveling by yourself is a great way to do so. You’ll prove to yourself just how capable you are when you’ve only got yourself to rely on. Solo travel gives you freedom, the chance to do what you want when you want to (without being one ounce of selfish), and an unsurpassable amount of independence.

Yes, the first time traveling solo as a woman (and man!) can be all degrees of difficult and worrisome, but there are tons of great reasons why I’m urging you to do so. 

• You’ll meet tons of interesting people. I’m much more inclined to chat someone up when I’m traveling alone. When you travel with others, you tend to stay with your group, so you’re less likely to meet new people. Those times a sweet Ukranian girl and I started an impromptu dance party in Mostar, when I indulged in pricey sky-high drinks in Singapore with a gal I had just met earlier at a museum, and when I was invited to a family dinner of tortilla soup and mezcal in Mexico are some of my most memorable solo travel experiences.
• Cater in on your interests. Book lovers, read all you want. On the train, at dinner, at the top of the mountain. Wherever and whenever you want! Foodies, eat 27 meals a day. Photography lovers, wake up at the crack of dawn without any fuss and take all the photos in the world. Hikers, go get your 30,000 steps. 
• You’ll increase your problem-solving and decision-making skills. When you have no one to turn to but yourself (and the help of friendly locals), you’re more apt to take the time to figure things out yourself. Your street smarts will increase indefinitely the more and more you travel solo.
• You get to go where you want to go, when you want to go. With no one holding you back but yourself. Possibly the best feeling in the whole world.

So, go on, and join the solo travel movement. It’s not as scary as everyone makes it out to seem. Just be smart about it. And read my tips below! 

My Top Solo Female Travel Tips

Before we get into the actual tips, if you’re planning a trip anywhere (solo or not), there are two important things you need to do. 

• Find the US Embassy (or your country) in the destination you’re going, look for the address and phone number, and store those two things in a very safe place. US Embassy info found here.

First of all, keep that US Embassy information safe (and probably in more than one spot). The US Embassy is the equivalent of being on American soil, and in order to get in, you have to prove you’re an American citizen (by showing your passport). The Embassy acts to protect and serve its citizens in cases of emergency. Should there be a natural disaster, terrorist attack, or if you unfortunately lose your passport (make sure to have other forms of ID with you as well as photocopies), the US Embassy will be your best friend.

Don’t just assume you can use your phone to google it. Because in the worst of situations you may not be able to. What if you lose your phone. Have no service. Can’t find a battery to charge it. You never know what’s gonna happen — be prepared and have it written down and tucked into your day bag and suitcase.

• Buy travel insurance . Yes, you need it. I don’t care what you say.

Secondly, getting travel insurance is something that’s just not up for discussion. You need it . And every single time you travel (solo or with others) for that matter. When you buy the right plan, it can save your butt in a myriad of unfortunate situations- besides just medical insurance, it also helps when luggage is lost, you need to cancel a trip, or when your gear is stolen or damaged when traveling.

There’s really no excuse, especially since the insurance only costs a few dollars a day. You’ll be kicking yourself mid-trip if something goes wrong and you’ve got to pay tons out of pocket. I use and recommend Safety Wing , and make sure to purchase a plan before each and every trip I take, regardless of who I’m going with (or not going with).

And finally, let’s get down to the nitty gritty – how to feel safe when traveling alone for the first time (or the 2nd or 3rd or 4th, etc).

Female Travel Safety Tips: 

• Your safety should be your number 1 concern. Always. NEVER feel pressured to do something you don’t feel comfortable with (such as going to a late-night club with hostel-mates you just met, heading back to a guys hotel room, riding on a motorcycle with a newly-met stranger, hiking beyond your means, drinking/eating something new, etc). Blame your excuses for minimal late-night shenanigans on your need to wake up early the next morning, etc or a friend whose waiting for you in a nearby restaurant. You’re not there to please anyone, and who the F cares if strangers think you’re a pussy/not cool.
• When walking alone at night (which I try to keep to a minimum, but sometimes is unavoidable), if I feel a bit wary, I position myself near other people – usually a family with small kids, a few women walking together – to not look completely alone wandering around at night. And if I notice someone behind me walking the same direction I am, I typically casually stop, pretend to look at something, and let them pass. I don’t like people walking behind me (it makes me uneasy), no matter where I am (out conquering the world or right in SF).
• Know the common scams in the destinations you’ll be going. Better to read about these things before any possible encounters, and minimize the chances of them becoming realities for you. 
• Look like you know the place and how to get around (even if you’ve got no clue where you are). Hold your head up high, walk with confidence, and this’ll minimize your chance of finding yourself in sticky situations on the street. If you aren’t sure where you’re going (or feel like you’re being followed), duck into a little cafe or public spot with plenty of people and figure out your next move (or wait for the potential followers to pass by).
• Know your surroundings — I can’t stress this enough. And no, I don’t mean you need to memorize every street you pass. But look around at the people in your vicinity. In front of you, behind you, nearby, etc. Keep the surprises to a minimum. If you’re walking around with headphones, keep one ear open for street noises and such, or keep the volume exceptionally low. You want all your senses at their max potential.

Tips for choosing a destination:

Choose your destination with intent. Aka don’t just choose anywhere because you’ve always wanted to go. Read on for more specifics on how I recommend picking a place to go. Hint: you don’t have to stay in your home country.

• Just getting your feet wet with solo travel? Pick a spot not too far from home , only a few hours away (this way, just in case something happens, you know your loved ones are within easy reach). As noted above, my first solo trip was to Seattle, a mere 2 hour flight north of SF. Not only did this put me at ease knowing my husband wasn’t too far, but I could easily book a (cheap) flight back home if something had gone terribly wrong. You’ll have time to check off further spots on your bucket list next time! Get comfortable traveling solo first! It’d suck to potentially ruin your dream trip just because you weren’t prepared and didn’t feel comfortable enough to leave your hotel room.
• The first few times you travel solo, make the logistics extra easy on yourself. Find a destination which speaks the same language as you (not everyone speaks English out there in this great big world), uses the same currency, and know you’ll have decent cell service. Once you get into the swing of things and know you can handle some unexpectancies, it’s easier to branch out and visit more exotic locales. But for now, knowing these things won’t be a problem will keep your mind at ease.
• Read national travel advisories on embassy websites thoroughly . Choose a country known for their safety, or at least a country that’s not known for its potential danger and instability: stay away from any countries that have current political unrest, turmoil with neighboring countries, terrorist threats, and/or are unstable. Why put yourself in potential danger? There’s hundreds of thousands of unbelievable destinations out there – keep yourself safe! I like to check both the U.S. government’s website as well as the Canadian one since they have a dedicated, extensive section on risks for women in particular.
• Pick cities opposed to small towns , as you’ll find easier transportation options and more amenities/restaurants/bars/etc. And plus, you don’t wanna find yourself walking home alone at night, ever. Stick to well-populated cities for now, and save those tiny gems for later once you’ve got a few solo trips under your belt.
• Think about the weather. There’s a greater chance of something going wrong (in so many aspects) in foul weather. Planes could be delayed, traveling around the city could be a nuisance, your beach days could be completely ruined. I recommend going in shoulder seasons (a few months right around the high season) for the best combo of crowds and weather.
• If you really wanna go someplace far-flung and international and don’t wanna go completely solo, join a group tour ! I’ve been on a few (which I greatly appreciated in Morocco), and have only had positive experiences. On these type of tours, you can choose to either make a few friends, wander yourself, or do a combo of hanging with people and strolling solo. The best of both worlds. Group tours typically take care of all your accommodation and transport between spots, so it’s all easy-peasy.
• A few destinations for solo travelers without much experience doing the whole solo thang just yet (not your first trip, but for maybe trip 2,3, or 4: Canada (I highly recommend Montreal and Quebec City, although you may wanna practice your French first), New Zealand (one of the safest places in the world), Iceland (in the less freezing, warm-ish summer months), Japan (just try and understand the train system in Tokyo first), and Croatia (although stay away from the blazing hot summer months).

Choosing accommodation:

• LOCATION : Choose accommodation in the center of town, so you don’t find yourself stranded late at night with no way to get home.
• HOSTELS : Research hostels in advance (I use and read reviews on hostelworld.com ). I filter by those with at least an 8.5 rating (8.0 if there aren’t tons of options), and probably read more reviews than necessary. I prefer to stay in female-only dorms when traveling alone. They’re usually a few extra dollars (like, $2 extra per night), but I’ve found this really puts me at ease. Never stayed in a hostel before? Most are extremely social, so you’re bound to meet some new friends. I recently met 2 gals in Boston and we ended up going to a RedSox game that night together! And many hostels I’ve stayed in have been even nicer than cheapie hotels/motels. Want some extra privacy? Look for a capsule hostel when researching (a few cities, including Singapore, have them) or book yourself a private room.
• HOTELS: Not into the hostel life? No worries. While hotels definitely aren’t as social, I feel comfortable staying in hotels myself. On some trips, I choose to do half hostels, half hotels, just so I know I’m guaranteed a few nights of uninterrupted sleep and a squeaky clean bathroom just for myself.
• AIRBNBS : I don’t personally feel comfortable staying in AirBnBs completely solo, since I’ve heard horror stories and I don’t like knowing that the owner has a key to the place where I’m staying. With that being said, I know tons of friends/travelers who stay in AirBnBS themselves, but it’s just not for me (I’d 100% prefer a hostel than AirBnB solo).
• Don’t tell people where you’re staying (unless you’ve basically chatted all day and can use your judgment properly). If someone asks, I typically just tell them the general area/neighborhood.
• Bring along a door stopper to cram under the door (when staying in hotels and AirBnBs) if you’re worried someone may attempt to open the door.
• And always keep the address to your hotel/hostel/accommodation handy (somewhere you can access without needing wifi), such as the Notes App on your phone or by sticking a business card into your wallet (small piece of paper will work just as well).

What to Wear/Clothing:

• Try to blend in and learn cultural norms . In some places, it’s common for women to cover their hair, wear long pants/skirts, and/or cover their shoulders. Respect these differences, and abide by them as much as you can. This will reduce any unwanted attention. While we’re at it, it’s important to realize that interactions between men and women may differ than your home country, so just FYI.
• Don’t wear anything too obnoxious, loud, flashy, or expensive . The key is to draw as little attention to yourself as possible, so you look more like a local. You don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb.

Staying Connected:

I rely on my phone for everything, especially when I’m traveling solo. It’s basically my life-line of sorts, and I’d be 1,000% lost without it on a daily basis. Not only do I use it for the typical social media and emails, but for getting around, translation, and dropping pins. Google Maps is my best friend when I’m traveling solo. 

• Have a plan to get connected. Thankfully, my phone provider includes free data in almost every country ive been to so far (well, minus the $150 phone bill I got after visiting Africa). T-Mobile, you’re a godsend (even after charging me up the wazoo in Morocco – I forgive you). If you don’t have a phone carrier with unlimited international data, plan to either get a SIM card or get an international phone plan. You can also check out Tep Wireless , which supplies mini wi-fi hotspots so you always have service on the go. 
• Phones are great and all, but plan to always have hard copies/backups of your needed information (flight itineraries, bus schedules, credit cards, etc, etc, etc) in the off chance that your phone 1. gets stolen, 2. breaks, 3. loses battery at an unfortunate time. If you’re completely by yourself without a traveling companion, you’re kinda shit outta luck if you can’t access your documents. If this ever happens, head to either a fancy hotel or a hostel (yes, opposites I know), as I find these two extremes to be the most helpful when I’m in a pinch.
• And while we’re on this note, NEVER reveal your location on IG, FB, etc, while you’re physically at the spot . I always wait until that night or the next day after I’ve left. Because of that, my social media is usually a few days behind. You never know who’s watching your IG stories → better to be safe than sorry. Don’t post in real-time . EVER.

Packing Tips:

• Take the minimal amount of stuff you need. For real. Think about it this way – the more bags you have, the easier it is to lose one or get something stolen. And you should always be able to haul all your stuff completely solo – without needing help from that cute guy on the subway platform. Just no.
• This is an obvious one, and I feel like it goes without saying – but NEVER lose sight of your possessions. It’s easier said than done – when you’re traveling solo you’re more of a target for pesky thieves, so that bag hanging off the back of your chair during lunch? A huge no, no. I like to keep my bags firmly between my feet under the table or the strap wrapped around my arm and safely on my lap.
• Make copies of your passport , and store them in different spots within your luggage/wallet/backpack, so just in case something happens to the real thing, you’ve got backups for the time being in case of emergency. I also like to take a photo of my passport and upload it to Dropbox, so I have a digital version that can be accessed anywhere as well (in case of both missing phone and passport). My parents and husband also have a copy for extreme emergencies. It’s wise to do this with itineraries/flights/hotel reservations, too, although I just make one hard copy of each, and send to myself/husband/family member via email.
• Specific Things you may want to Pack as a Solo Traveler : Door stopper, Anti-theft purse, Safety Whistle

Traveling (within the city or between cities/destinations)

• Travel during the day (if possible), although I like to take advantage of night buses if possible to not waste those precious daylight hours if I’m going far (like from Dubrovnik to Mostar and Mexico City to San Miguel ).
• If I get to choose my seat, I always feel more comfortable sitting next to an older woman . Not sure exactly why this is the case, but knowing another female is sitting nearby makes me less uneasy about traveling with a bunch of strangers for (possibly) hours on end.
• A few cities around the world have Female-only cars , meaning just that – no men are allowed. Take these; they’re there for a reason.
• Know how to get around from place to place, and what your transportation options are ahead of time . I thought after growing up in New York and spending days and days on the NYC subway I’d be able to get anywhere, but in reality, all public transport options are different. Learn them ahead of time. You can always ask your hostel or hotel (as staff will likely speak English) the best way to get from point A to point B.
• Know how to get from the airport/train station to your accommodation ahead of time . And if you haven’t figured it out, go to an informational booth at the airport to find out.

Dining alone:

The first few times you eat alone it may in fact feel weird, lonely, and possibly even disappointing. I don’t realize how alone I really am until I sit at a restaurant and realize I’m one of the only ones without another body at my table. A few tips:

• Bring along a good book. To be read when you’re waiting for your food, eating your food, waiting for the check, etc. A good book helps pass the time if you’re feeling bored at that table by yourself.
• Don’t limit yourself to fast-food. If there’s a particular restaurant you wanna try, go there! Most restaurants will cater to singles, and you’ll probably get even better service!
• And plus, it’ll likely be MUCH easier to get a table for 1 than a larger party, so you may get seated right away or get squeezed in during a typically busy time. I cut the line in San Miguel de Allende (at the most popular place for churros, of course) because they were able to seat me at the bar, and I got seated in ~5 minutes at Ichiran in Hong Kong while others waited on a line that went all the way down the block.

A few words on Alcohol:

Know your limit and stick to it. Better yet, stay below your limit. Drink to enjoy the local spirits/wines/beer/etc, but not to get drunk. I typically don’t drink at all when I travel solo, and find that my decision to stay sober makes it easy to blatantly say no to drinks. This is quite easy for me as I don’t really enjoy the taste of most alcohol, so I don’t feel like I’m missing out on much anyways.

If you do gotta drink, keep it to an absolute minimum. The chance of something disturbing happening seriously increases when your natural reflexes and decision-making is impaired.

Meeting People:

When you’re traveling alone, you have the power to spend every second completely by yourself, in a group of people, or a mix of both. That’s the beauty of it – you get to decide!

But first off, trust your intuition. As stated numerous times, if you don’t feel comfortable with whose around you, simply remove yourself from the situation. 

If you do want to meet people:

• Meet like minded people at hostels (and yes, even if you’re not doing the whole budget travel thing, you can opt for a private room). Most hostels have a shared common space, some multiple, and you’ll most likely see people hanging out there all day. And if you do meet someone? Don’t feel like you have to hang with them the entire duration of your stay if you’re just not feeling it. You’re traveling solo, be solo if you please. Other solo travelers won’t get offended. That’s the beauty of it. Solo travelers just get each other on a whole other level that most just don’t understand. 
• If you want to meet people, understand you may need to say ‘hi’ first. Don’t expect people to flock to you. Oh, and bring a pack of cards – once you get just one other person to play, you’ll likely form a small group.
• Go on tours if you’re worried about being lonely while exploring . There are a-plentyyy of day tours in just about every city around the world, so in reality, you’re never truly alone if you don’t want to be. Book a few things in advance if this will put your mind at ease. I sometimes take a free walking tour on my first day or two in a capital city; just being around people (while acclimating myself to a new place) feels great! And sometimes I even hang out with people later on in the trip after meeting them (like that time in Oaxaca I met a group of girls on the botanical gardens tour and day tripped to Hierve el Agua the next morning).
• Join a few solo female travel networks. There’s a bunch of great Facebook groups to not only get advice on destinations, but to dish out specific advice on women travelling to solo hot spots. You’ll get up-to-information and personal accounts of these females who have already traveled to your travel destination.

How to Deal with Unwanted Attention from Strangers:

• If someone shady/suspicious looking (or not!) asks if you’re traveling alone, you can simply say you’re meeting friends and they’re on their way. No one needs to know you’re completely solo if you don’t want them to.
• Unwanted catcalling going on? Unfortunately, a solo female traveler will more likely get cat-called, harassed, and caught in scams more often than males or those traveling in a group. Walk right past them and don’t bother to make eye contact. Walk with confidence and like you’ve got somewhere to be.

Solo travel planning tips:

Basically, the more you know about your destination ahead of time, the more secure (and less worrisome) you’ll probably feel going into your first solo trip. Heck, I research the shit outta all the places I go solo regardless, just so there’s no shady surprises along the way. 

• A little research ahead of time can do wonders – just trust me on that one. Read up on shady areas/places to avoid, current political climate, cultural norms, scams, how to get around, ways to save money, etc. I like to ask hotel staff if there are any spots in the city to steer clear of.
• Book your nightly accommodation ahead of time , no matter where you’re going . I know all the cool kids say you only need to book your first nights accommodation, then go from there and figure out the rest, BUT no. Especially if this is your first time traveling solo, you’ll want to have each night accounted for (in safe areas/hostels/hotels).
• Have a return ticket home and don’t go for too long . Not to be be a complete debbie downer, but a shorter trip will be easier on yourself (and your wallet). There’s less to plan, less to pack, less to worry about overall, and less time to make mistakes. I think a week max is a great place to start (forget all those who say a 3 month solo backpacking adventure is a great way to get into solo travel). 
• Have a rough plan for each day . Even if you jot down just ONE thing you want to do per day, you’ll thank yourself later. I like to decide ahead of time loose plans for the day, this way I don’t find myself sitting on a stoop wondering what to do. Sometimes just wandering is great, but if you came to a particular spot for a reason, you’ll probably wanna see and do and eat all the things. 
• Don’t cram too much into your schedule. You want your plans to be flexible. What happens if you stumble upon an unexpected art installation that you wanna check out? Or your hotel concierge urges you to check out the top restaurant in the city? Make plans, but don’t make too many. 

→ More travel planning tips over here.

Joining a group tour:

Group tours are a wonderful bridge between traveling with those you know and trust, and heading out completely on your own. Many young people opt to take these types of tours when they’ve got no one interested in joining their travel desires, so you’re bound to meet a bunch! And yes, there’s sometimes a stigma with these types of trips among others, but who the heck cares? If it’ll help you travel the world, go for it. A few tips on choosing a group tour:

• Research the tour company, read reviews, and understand the cost. I’ve been on tours with a few companies, including TopDeck and Expat Explore, with others being Contiki, G Adventures, and Intrepid (each have tours around the world).
• Know the type of trip it’ll be – before you get there. Some trips are way more fast-paced than others, cover more ground (meaning lots more time on the bus), and only touch the surface of each destination (just the highlights, basically). There are tons of trip themes: you’ll find some being active trips, where hiking and biking is a daily occurrence (so you’ll want to be in some sort of decent physical shape and actually enjoy all the activity), some are more foodie experiences (not the greatest for super picky eaters), and some for those who want to learn in-depth about cultures. 
• All kinds of people take group trips, so understand the allowed ages on the trip before booking. Some group trips are for all ages, so a 30-year-old may end up traveling with a family with young children and grandparents. The vibe of the trip changes based on its people, just remember that. Other group trips specify the allowed ages, with common groups beings “18-30 somethings” and “baby boomers”. Trips for millenials will most likely include more partying, “going out”, and basic accommodation, while you can expect a bit of a slower pace and more luxury on baby boomer trips. It’s just how it is.
• Psst: group tours are also great when you don’t have time and/or don’t want to plan a complicated trip. Some of my trips take hours and hours to plan (no joke, I probably spend 40+ hours researching/planning/booking some of mine), and group tours take care of all the tricky logistics (how to get around, where to stay, skip-the-line tickets, etc).

Still not sure if solo travel is completely for you? Choose a new city with a friend, travel there together, then part ways for a day or two. It’s a great way to get your feet wet and see if solo travel is actually something you’d enjoy, or if you’d prefer to travel with others. And thankfully, if you both opt for the second, you’ve got each other to hang with for the rest of the trip. Plus, there’s also group tours as noted above!

Phew, that was a lot (guess I had more than I thought to say). But, the most important tip I can give any new solo traveler is to just trust yourself. You’re more than capable of traveling the world. Look confident (even if you’ve got no clue where the hell you’re going/are completely lost), and you’ve already won half the battle. Basically, fake it ‘til you make it (what I actually do in all aspects of my life, and it works like a charm). 

So there ya have it, my top tips to get you started on female solo travel (from a travel blogger whose solo traveled quite a bunch!)

FEMALE TRAVELERS UNITE! Have any additional solo female travel tips or tricks to share?

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April 17, 2024 at 2:37 am

that was very very very helpful and insightful and encouraging thanks! m

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Solo travel

101 solo female travel tips (that aren’t lame).

Table of Contents

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

Hello and welcome to my solo female travel tips. Yes, there are actually 101, not that I expect you to go through and count! Before we begin, I wanted to issue this important tip for travelling alone as a woman…

BOTTOM LINE Girls, first thing’s first. Remember the world is incredibly dangerous and everyone’s out to get you. If you’re even thinking of getting out of bed and leaving your hotel today to do something cultural, stop at ONCE. Never drink alcohol, never reveal your real name, never leave the house. Imagine you’re under witness protection (or better yet, a spy movie) at all times. But do remember to smile at strangers: it’s polite. JOKING If you know me, you’ll know I’m sarcastic. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know I’m fed up of those articles (looking at you, Forbes) that tell women with the audacity to travel solo to stash their valuables in sani pads, never touch alcohol and always, always smile. These are solo travel myths you shouldn’t listen to! Many blogs talk about solo female travel as if the first two words are a disability limiting you to do the latter. Their tips for women travelling solo revolve around not doing things and not going places. Like anything in life, there are pros and cons to solo travel but there’s an overwhelming number of benefits of solo travel including that it’s liberating, freeing and allows you to be solely in charge of your experiences.

With all that said, I don’t wish to be flippant and ignore safety tips for female solo travellers . Yes, there are diadvantages to solo travel and indeed, we do need to be safer as women. There are more risks; more issues to navigate. As solo travellers, we need to remain alert and do our research since we can’t rely on a travel companion to do it for us. I’m going to include plenty of solo female travel safety tips in this guide, although I do plan to leave out any scaremongering ones. And I’m not going to force you to smile. I’ll also include female solo travel tips for confidence, enjoyment and cultural immersion . Let’s get it!

Pre-trip travel tips for women

Ease yourself in with easier destinations.

If you’re nervous, don’t do what I did in 2015 and start with solo travel in India ! While I loved it, the experience was undoubtedly more overwhelming than travelling solo in Southeast Asia . Begin with easier and more relaxed solo female travel destinations where you’ll meet other travellers and get fewer stares. Places like Thailand , Bali and Vietnam are popular on the Southeast Asia backpacker trail . You can work up to more adventurous places once your confidence is up. East Asian destinations like Taiwan , South Korea and Japan are also super safe although, in my opinion, slightly more expensive and less social than Southeast Asia. Check out my first-timer travel guides to Croatia , Italy and Portugal (including my specific guide to Lisbon )

Read next: solo female travel in Vietnam

Be aware of location costs

Places like New Zealand and Switzerland regularly appear in lists of first-time solo travel destinations in Europe . But unless you’re wealthy or have been saving for a decade, you’ll run down money quickly. It’s a personal preference, but I’d rather have a longer, more adventurous trip than a shorter, more comfortable one. If you’d rather stay in your comfort zone, you could consider cheaper European countries like the Balkans; I loved solo travel in Romania and Albania (and still found them safe destinations in Europe for solo female travel )!

Read, read, read

Immerse yourself in the destination before arriving and read accounts of other solo travellers who have been. Watch YouTube videos to get a real feel for it. This will get you excited and alert you to anything you should know. If I hadn’t read up before travelling solo to Cuba , I wouldn’t have known to bring my cash in advance or how to get online once I arrived. 

Tips for travelling alone as a woman – pre-trip negativity & nerves

In an ideal world, everyone would be excited and supportive of your solo travel trip. In reality, people can be negative for a variety of reasons. Older family members may be worried about your safety, while friends your age may feel jealous. Whatever their reason, it’s important you don’t let it get you down. You may also experience pre-trip jitters. The following tips should keep you and your loved ones calm…

Book something

I don’t know if it’s purely because you’ve paid for something or it’s the psychology of making your trip ‘official’, but once you’ve taken the leap and booked that flight, the rest is easy (well, easier). You’re committed to going when you have a reason to. The scariest step is already complete!

Share blogs with family members

I promise this is not a self-promo technique! But seriously, if your family are worried about your safety travelling solo, show them blogs, vlogs and accounts of people (particularly those who look like you) who are safe, solo and loving it. It will reassure them.

Learn to listen critically

When I tell you to ignore people, I don’t mean ‘everyone’ and I certainly don’t mean ‘ignore all safety advice’. But if I had listened to everyone who had voiced negativity about my solo trip to India, I wouldn’t have gone. Think about who is saying it. Have they travelled solo themselves? Have they been to the destination they’re being negative about? Are their sources up-to-date? If not, take their view with a pinch of salt. If you’re genuinely concerned about safety relating to a certain destination, speak to a solo traveller who has been recently. Google ‘solo female travel’ followed by the name of the location. You can even try to connect with the author on social media to ask questions.

Don’t believe everything you read

I’ve seen so many scaremongering articles about destinations that don’t deserve it. Their tips for solo female travellers are: don’t go, full stop! The list often includes India which was one of my favourite solo travel destinations ever. You have to remember that these days, anyone can post on the internet freely. Depressingly, many publications use the words ‘danger’ and ‘female’ as clickbait to entice people to read their articles. 

Packing list for female solo travellers

I rarely wear a bumbag out in the day, although I would in any destination I was felt unsafe. The main time I always wear a bumbag is on night buses, planes and in fact, any time I’m in transit and can’t leave my valuables in my accommodation. This is when you’re most at risk of theft. Use a handy bum bag with secure zip to keep things safe.

Padlock 

I prefer one with a combination lock where you can choose a code only you know. If you have one with a physical key, make sure there are few spares. I can’t think of much worse than locking your belongings in a place even you can’t access them and needing to leave for a flight. I use this combination padlock .

While I love a physical book, they’re not the most convenient for travelling. If someone recommends you a read, you may struggle to find it right away especially if you’re in a non-English-speaking country. The ease and convenience of a Kindle can’t be rivalled. I have the Kindle Paperwhite .

Universal charger 

If you’re hitting up several countries in one trip, grab yourself a universal adaptor. It’s so handy being able to carry just one plug that can be used anywhere. This worldwide adapter works in 110 countries.

Medical kit

Be smart and bring a medical kit. Ensure it contains any medicines you’d take at home as well as painkillers, plasters, gauze, adhesive tape and bandages, diarrhoea tablets, electrolytes, anti-bacterial wipes, tweezers, thermometer and insect repellent. 

My top female solo travel tip whether you’re somewhere arriving late or out sightseeing for the day? Make sure your phone has enough juice to get you home. My iPhone battery is rubbish so I usually charge my power bank overnight then use it throughout the next day to top up my phone and camera while I’m out exploring and sightseeing.

Cover up sarong

My top packing tip for solo female travellers: bring a versatile sarong. You can use it on the beach as a towel, during bus journeys as a cover, around your shoulders or legs when you need to dress conservatively at a temple, and even over your head if you’re somewhere crowded (like an Indian railway station) and getting a lot of looks. So handy!

Packing tips for solo female travel

Pack light .

Packing light is always a good idea, especially for solo travellers. Transporting and caring for all your possessions is solely your responsibility so you may as well make your job as easy as possible. I actually quite like the challenge of downsizing my possessions into a 65L backpack and organising my side pockets and toiletries bag.

Breathable materials

If I wear any synthetic fibres (like the things you buy in New Look or Primark) while travelling, I’m such a sweaty cow. It’s not worth it. Bring loose, cotton fabrics that you can breathe in.

Remember you can still look nice!

The first time I travelled solo , I was kitted out with clothes from Mountain Warehouse including pro hiking boots I never used. I’d been led to believe these were necessary thanks to overly practical and cautious websites (probably trying to sell their own products). I’m here to tell you that you can absolutely look nice and fashionable while travelling! (If that’s important to you). You’re going to meet people and take photos you’ll have forever. You can still dress appropriately, for example covering your legs in conservative countries, whilst looking and feeling good. Remember to pack a few outfits for evenings out.

Wardrobe tips for female solo travellers

Much as I want to tell my fellow women to dress how they like and ignore others, this would be irresponsible. When it comes to travelling within different cultures, you’re in their country so you need to observe norms for your own safety. You don’t need to agree with the norms; merely honour them for the duration of your stay.  I’d also mention that in some regions like Southeast Asia where things are conservative but the people are polite and reserved, the locals won’t tell you if your outfit offends them. But they’ll feel silently uncomfortable if you wear shorts at a temple. Blending in is also about honouring the locals and giving us Western travellers a good name.

Observe how local women dress

By this, I don’t mean don a sari in India or do anything that could be considered cultural appropriation. But notice which parts of the body local women generally have covered – for example their legs and shoulders – and replicate this with your own outfit choices.

Leave your jewellery at home

This is a ‘durr’ kind of point but I thought I’d throw it in. If you have a valuable wedding ring for example, maybe leave it in your home country. Personally, I wear a lot of cheap and cheerful rings but they could look valuable from afar so I might choose to leave them at the hostel if I’m in a crowded market or bar. Up to you, really.  

Flight essentials

Seriously, if your bag is lost by the airline and you have to head to your accommodation in the outfit you’ve flown in, sleep in it, then put it on the next day to go shopping, you’re going to feel gross . My top solo travel tip for flying is carry a spare pair of underwear and toothbrush (I succeed in remembering about 50% of the time). 

Tips for culturally immersive experiences when travelling alone as a woman

Meet locals .

If you travel solo to Thailand and only socialise with Western travellers, you’re not expanding your horizons that much. As women, we have the benefit of coming across as non-threatening to women and children from different communities. It’s the perfect chance to meet locals whether that’s befriending tour guides or chatting to locals in restaurants. No books will tell you what peoples’ lives are really like, so ask about their customs, families, religion and traditions. 

Stay longer on a cultural exchange

Before I begin this point, I want to alert you: volunteering can be downright dodgy. I advise you to read up about voluntourism and check that you’re not funding orphanage tourism, doing a job you’re not qualified for, or taking a job away from a local.  As long as you’re doing it ethically, it’s fun to spend longer and get immersed in a community. In the Philippines, I helped a hostel set up their social media channels and blog in exchange for food and board. I got to know the locals and explore their city with them.

• Worldpackers – with over 3.2 million hosts and travellers connected, browse volunteer opportunities in over 140 countries. They protect you with ‘experience insurance’ so, should your host cancel, they’ll find you a new gig. It costs $44 a year; get $10 off with my sign up link .
• Workaway – search over 50,000 cultural exchange opportunities from teaching English to hostel work, gardening, pet setting and work with NGOs and other community projects. Registration costs $49 a year but you can get 3 months free with my sign up link .

Read next: a comparison between Workaway and Worldpackers volunteering platforms

Couchsurfing

This is where you stay in local homes, usually for free in a spare room or sofa bed. Most of the time, Couchsurf hosts are people who have couchsurfed overseas and want to have a cultural exchange and show you around. My tip for female solo travellers is to check the reviews include some from solo females who have felt safe there.

Solo travel safety tips

Talk to strangers – just be discerning.

‘Don’t talk to strangers’ is great advice… If you’re under 10. Provided you’re an independent adult, it’s not a necessary safety tip for women travelling solo. To be honest, many non-Western countries are just much friendlier than ours. If people start chatting to you, it doesn’t mean they’re trying to flirt or traffic you! Of course, you should be discerning. Don’t give away too much information. If strangers ask where you’re staying, say ‘a hotel in town’ rather than the name. Don’t give away your social media details unless you actually want to stay in touch.  With men you’ve recently met, I’d aim to remain in public places with them initially. This is similar to being in your home country, how you’d meet a new person in a bar rather than at their house. But in countries with developing attitudes towards women, this is more important. 

Read next: the ultimate guide to solo female travel safety

Check your hotel’s location

When booking accommodation, check the location and area. As a solo traveller, I’d rather pay more to stay in a good area than take a risk and stay somewhere I wouldn’t want to walk at night. If you’re not sure, Google the area. You could even look at Google street view to get a feel for things.

Know what time it gets dark

This depends where you are. For many countries, it’s not an issue. But while travelling solo in South Africa and India, I knew when sunset was and aimed to be at my destination rather than still wandering around. This doesn’t mean you have to be locked in your room by 6pm: just be at a restaurant or bar rather than en route.

Know when to buddy up

It can be frustrating to acknowledge you shouldn’t go somewhere alone. After all, you’re solo travelling for a reason! It’s not admitting defeat: if you have safety concerns about a specific excursion, don’t hesitate to go with someone. Asking other travellers at your hostel is the obvious solution but if no one’s around, keep reading for my ‘meeting people’ tips. 

Related read: how to pick a travel buddy

Have a plan B

Having back-up accommodation is a great idea should you arrive to find your hotel closed or not as it was pictured online. If staff ever make you feel unsafe, I’d advise leaving without question. Call a taxi to your back-up place. Life’s too short to feel uncomfortable or worry about losing $20 on accommodation. You don’t need to pay for it in advance: just have a nearby hostel or hotel saved on Google Maps just in case.

Know the emergency numbers 

Make this part of your ‘to-do’ list when landing in a new country, alongside getting cash and a SIM card. Save them into your phone, just in case. You’ll probably use need them but it doesn’t hurt to have them.

Budget solo travel tips  

When people ask if it’s more expensive travelling solo, I say no, not if you stay in hostels and take public transport. The cost of an occasional taxi or private room is balanced by the fact you can control your own budget and not spend based on anyone else’s needs. I don’t believe you should pay more simply because you’re travelling solo. Here are some tips for solo female travellers on a budget. 

Take public transport over taxis

Whenever I land in Hanoi, I take myself to the $1 bus stop rather than pay $8 for a taxi. If ever I call the cab, we’ll know I won the lottery!  Taxis seem like such a waste of money when you’re travelling solo since the other seats go empty. I usually Google public transport routes before I arrive in a country so I can navigate to my hostel when I arrive. If you can’t take public transport, check if your area has UberPool. Other users can book up the spare seats so the journey often takes longer but costs less.

Download a transport app

These can be super helpful. Transport apps generally tell you prices and accurate departure times when Google doesn’t. Check out:

• Citymapper ​- available in 39 cities mainly Europe and North America
• Moovit ​- available in 101 countries
• Mapway ​- available in Europe and North America.

Solo-friendly accommodation 

Hostels are my go-to when I’m travelling solo since you pay per bed rather than per room. I always use Hostelworld to check reviews and photos. If you’d rather have the privacy of your own four walls, look at renting a room on Airbnb . Many hosts who own their own flat or house rent out their spare rooms for very affordable rates.

I mentioned Couchsurfing already as a way of meeting locals and having a cultural exchange. Of course, the added bonus is not having to pay for accommodation!  

House sitting

Another way to save money as a solo traveller is house-sitting. Homeowners go on holiday and leave house sitters in charge of their property and even their pets. It means you also enjoy home comforts like a kitchen. I use Trusted Housesitters to find places to stay. 

Read next: how does TrustedHousesitters work?

Money tips for solo female travellers

Go to the atm when you land.

Newbie travellers ask if I arrive in a country with all my currency. No! If you’re travelling to many countries in one trip, it’s impossible. Also, if you have a card that doesn’t charge fees, you can withdraw from an ATM when you land.

Use a travel-friendly bank account

When I travelled for an entire year from 2015-16, it was before cards like Monzo. I should have done my research better but I took my regular bank card from home and during the course of the year incurred £500 in fees. My god! I could have travelled for an extra month.  Nowadays, I’m the queen of paying no fees. My personal favourite bank is Starling as there are no fees. Here’s a quick comparison of Starling, Monzo and Revolut :

• Starling – free cash withdrawals abroad. £300 daily withdrawal limit.
• Monzo – free cash withdrawals abroad. Take out £250 a month for free (£200 outside Europe) and pay 3% interest on anything above that. The card costs £5.
• Revolut – free cash withdrawals abroad. Take out £200 a month for free and pay 2% interest on anything above that. The card costs £5. This account also lets you hold different currencies .

All three banks operate via mobile app, allowing you to send money for free from your main bank. You can also receive money from other people directly into your account. If a card is lost or stolen, you can quickly cancel or block within the app and order a new one right away. Note – Monzo and Starling are UK banks. For a universal bank with multiple currencies and the best fees when transferring money abroad, use Wise . Revolut is open to many nationalities.

Bring a back-up card (or four)

Losing your bank card and not being able to access your money is annoying even when you have a friend to lend you. As a solo traveller, it’s the worst! Make sure your back-up card also lets you get cash out without fees. I recently got stuck with my emergency card and while I was grateful to be able to access my money, I wasn’t happy about the fees I racked up. Be aware that it can take ages to get lost or stolen bank cards back when overseas. Your back-up card should be an option you’re happy using for weeks or months!  I’ve now upped my game and have back-up cards with Monzo, Revolut and Starling meaning even my back-up’s back-up has a back-up. (Yes, I lose cards a lot). I’d be happy travelling for a long period with any of them.

Don’t exchange currencies in airports

This is the most expensive place to change currency. I wait until I’m in the city then Google currency exchange offices.

Use leftover cash on essentials

If I have less than £20 left when leaving a country, I don’t bother with the faff of exchanging it since you always lose out in the conversion. Instead, I use it to buy things I’ll use later, for example toiletries or makeup.

Don’t carry your cards together

This sounds obvious but I’ve been burned before. Leave all but one at your accommodation while out for the day or night. When moving between locations with your big luggage, ensure they’re split up.

Have an emergency fund

I’d recommend putting aside some money for situations that don’t go right. Maybe you missed the last bus and have to shell out for a pricey taxi. Maybe your hotel didn’t feel safe and you decided to move after checking in. If you’re ever making a safety-related decision, you’ll be more inclined to make the right one if you know money is set aside for this exact situation. Don’t use it? Great, have a spa day in your final destination or extend your trip.

Use Skype for phone calls

Usually, I call or video call loved ones on WhatsApp, but sometimes you have to make actual phone calls, for example to your bank or insurance company.  This is another one I learnt the hard way. When my details were stolen and money started coming out of my account from random places, I called my bank from a Thai SIM card and racked up a £50 bill! Nowadays, I make all my phone calls on Skype. I topped up £5 a year ago and the credit is still going strong, despite the fact I’ve spent hours on hold to various companies. Download the app and use it like a regular phone, typing in the number with the country code. 

How to deal with unwanted attention

Solo female travel isn’t about locking yourself away from anything bad ever happening. It’s about learning to deflect and resolve the occasional issue and move forward with confidence. Use these safety tips for solo travel:

Lie a little

Throughout our lives, we’re told to be honest . This is advice you can bin while solo travelling. Lying keeps you safe. If a male stranger asks if you’re alone or single and you’d rather they didn’t know the truth, answer ‘my husband is meeting me’. Yes, I hate that being someone’s ‘property’ is often the only way to deflect unwanted attention. It would be wonderful if we could easily revolutionise the attitudes of strangers but it shouldn’t have to be our job. It’s simply more important to stay safe.

In Southeast Asia, I took to answering ‘yes’ when I was asked for the 10th time that day if I was married. This was less about safety and more to deflect the second question that came after I said no: ‘but why aren’t you married?’ Gawd.

Learn to say no

In India, I was utterly overwhelmed with selfie requests but felt rude saying no since I knew people were only friendly and curious. As time went on and my confidence grew, I realised there was nothing wrong with saying ‘no, not right now’.  I recently saw a comment left on a solo travel blog saying ‘a man wants to take me for dinner and won’t take no for an answer?’… Just say a firm no! No one can ever force you to do anything but, as women, we’ve been conditioned to see being firm as bitchy and impolite.  Even if someone’s just being nice but you don’t want to hang out with them, never feel guilty about saying no. If you do, visualise your guilt as an object and imagine flushing it down the toilet. Once you have the ability to say no and not feel guilty, it will change your life, while travelling and at home!

Get a taxi home 

In the unlikely event you feel harassed in public, it’s always worth paying the extra £$€ to jump in an Uber home rather than walking. For your own peace of mind, ensure no one can follow or find out your address. 

Or walk home a crowded route

After speaking on the street with a man who made me feel uncomfortable, I once walked home through a busy market rather than the straight main road. Always stay where it’s busy if you feel even the slightest bit uncomfortable about a person’s behaviour when travelling solo.

Communication tips for solo travel

Get a local sim or wi-fi device.

To stay connected and call taxis when it gets dark, I pick up local SIM cards when I’m travelling. In many countries, it’s easy to get a local SIM: for example, in Mexico, you can get super cheap packages from OXXO stores, on every street corner. However, the easiest option has to be getting an e-SIM with Airalo . They have packages for every country I’ve ever looked up! Purchase on the website or app, follow the instructions and connect as soon as you land. Browse their packages .

Keep people in the loop

By sharing your location and whereabouts with people back home, you’re staying safe and keeping everyone happy. If your family were nervous about your solo trip, they’ll feel way more relaxed if they hear from you often and know what you’re doing. You know what that means? They’ll be happier for you to go on trips number 2,3,4,5 etc!

Don’t suddenly stop posting

I have friends who could not post online for ages and I’d probably not bat an eye. Not everyone is a blogger or professional oversharer. However, I’ve always posted online while travelling so when I randomly vanished for five days, my mum was freaking out. In reality, I was in a small village with no Wi-Fi. I should have let people know I was about to go offline because, even though I knew I was fine, no one else did.

Online security tips for female solo travellers

Avoid geotags until you’ve left.

I would never suggest tagging yourself in a cafe or restaurant until you’ve left, whether you’re travelling or at home. Why risk it? Even if you’re in a destination for a few days, you may want to avoid geotagging in case someone sees you online then notices you in person (especially if it’s a small place). Many bloggers and solo travellers post their social media content a few days behind to combat this.

Don’t give out your details

It may seem harmless: you don’t have to reply to people’s messages after all. But once someone has you on social media, they’re aware of your movements… Even if you’ve forgotten they exist. Consider having your social media accounts set to private while travelling solo, especially if you’ll be giving out your full name when booking things. If you’re wary, consider changing your surname on Facebook for the duration of your solo female travels. 

Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi

Recently my bank details were stolen, even though I hadn’t used the card in person. I’m sure it was when I paid for a flight over a public Wi-Fi hotspot. So my top tip is: use mobile data rather than Wi-Fi when you make a purchase with your bank card. Also, check that websites have a secure padlock sign when accessing them.  Another thing you can do is travel with a VPN . This lets you securely access the same websites you do at home and stream things blocked by countries you’re visiting. 

Transport tips for solo female travel

Download offline maps.

To find your way around when your data’s gone or there’s no signal, it’s a no-brainer to have offline maps downloaded. Your options include:

• Maps.me – this is the most popular offline maps app for travelling. You can download maps for whole countries and navigate around without data or Wi-Fi.
• Google Maps – since all my pins are saved on Google Maps, I choose to download the area I’m visiting. Drop a pin, scroll to the left and click ‘download’. Select the distance from the point you want to download. It’s temporary so remember to check the expiration date when it finishes downloading.

Walk and get orientated

My best female solo travel tip is to walk around and get oriented. Once you know the area, you’ll feel more confident walking around alone. The better you get to know it, the easier it will be to take the most direct and safest route while coming home in the evening, for example.

Keep your values close during transit

Often when you take a bus, train or flight, your luggage will be out of sight in the hold. Make sure your valuables are with you in your hand luggage or better yet, a bum bag with secure zip . In the past, I’ve had a panic realising I’ve left money or a valuable item in my rucksack which is under the bus. Aim never to do this!

Arrive during the day

If I’m travelling with another person, I have no qualms about arriving late. But if I’m alone in certain destinations, I spend the journey worrying about what to do when I arrive in the dark. For that reason, I always aim to arrive in daylight even if it means taking a longer or more expensive journey.

If arriving by night…

I’ve been in situations where it’s not possible to arrive in daylight hours. Use your judgement. For example, when I had to arrive at midnight in Scotland, I handled the situation differently than when I arrived at the same time in India. 

• For safer destinations: Research in advance how to get to your accommodation. Have the Uber app (or local alternative) downloaded. Pin your hostel on Google Maps but aim to keep your phone away whilst walking there. Study the map before so you can follow it without checking continually.
• For less safe destinations: Call your hotel in advance to send a taxi so you’re not faffing with Uber when you arrive. If it’s within walking distance, ask a member of hotel staff to meet you from the bus or train if you’re worried. 

Solo travel tips for building confidence

Practise dining alone.

Build yourself up. If you’ve never eaten out solo and start in a fancy restaurant on a Saturday night, yes you’ll probably feel awkward. Begin by going out for coffee in your hometown and work up from there.

Dine in the day

I much prefer dining out alone in the day than the evening. Often I’ll have a big lunch in a cafe, then have a lighter snack dinner or grab something takeaway. This avoids any awkward candlelight dinners for one. Alternatively, find social group dinners on the EatWith website.

Bring a book

Having something to do while dining out is great for confidence. As soon as you open a book, it gives you a distraction but also gives you a purpose and shows you’re there to enjoy yourself. It doesn’t have to be a book: you could call a friend, review your photos from the day or do some admin for the next leg of your trip.

Identify your ‘happy spaces’

Having a bad day or need a confidence boost before exploring a new place? Think of what makes you happy and do that. For me, this is definitely reading my book over coffee. I know after doing this, I’ll feel relaxed and ready to take on the world. But it could also be yoga, a walk on the beach, a Skype with your family… You name it.

Do a mini solo trip first

Before I embarked on my full-time solo travels, I went on a Scotland week trip. It really got me into the habit of eating solo, meeting new people at hostels and navigating myself around. Get your confidence up somewhere close to home!

Book a few things in advance

By this, I don’t mean book everything in advance for the next six months so you have no flexibility. But by having your first few nights accommodation or a tour pre-booked in a new destination, you’ll feel more confident and excited as you arrive. 

Dealing with loneliness / homesickness

It happens to the best of us while travelling solo. If you’re feeling blue and missing home, remember it won’t last forever. Often I’ll have a quiet week and feel a bit lonely, but find myself suddenly loving life again a while later.

Call a friend

If you’re feeling lonely and haven’t met people in real life, remember the power of the online world. Call your friends rather than messaging so you actually get to speak to someone. You could also alert people in your life that you’re feeling a bit down and ask them to check in with you over the coming days or weeks.

Switch it up

Staying in a private room and feeling lonely? Switch it up to a hostel. Bored of exploring cities solo? Sign up for a walking tour. You may not be able to control who you meet but you can certainly control the situations you’re in. Ensure you choose the most social option during periods of loneliness until you’re out the other side. 

Spend less time on social media

Seeing other people socialising at home will not make you feel better. Last Christmas, I was in a hostel in Mexico and made the mistake of seeing people at home cutting turkey with their loved ones. Meanwhile, I was watching The Holiday on my laptop and eating a super noodle in bed. Major fail!

Travel slowly

By spending longer in a place, you’ll have more time to meet people and form meaningful connections. If you’re always rushing onto the next place, feelings of loneliness may come with you. 

Have a purpose

If you feel aimless, give yourself a purpose. This could be setting a goal to find the best food or hidden gems in a new city. It could be volunteering or helping with a local project for the day. My purpose is easy: sussing things out and taking photos for this blog. This really gives me something to ‘do’ if I don’t meet people or I’m at a loose end.

Meeting people when travelling solo

While solo female travel tips for battling loneliness are handy it’ll take longer to get to that point if you’re good to meeting people and making new friends. These are my top tips:

Choose the right hostels

Don’t end up in a hostel where everyone’s 18 and keen to party all night if that’s not your scene. Some hostels are cosy and comfy, run by local families. Others are factories churning through young travellers each day. There’s nothing wrong with either but you could end up bored in a quiet hostel or frustrated in a party hostel if you’ve misjudged the vibe on booking.

Read next: 22 ways to meet people travelling solo

I would advise looking at the photos on Hostelworld when booking. If they show lots of young people socialising in the pool, it’s probably a party hostel. Check what they say about themselves and what events they offer. If it’s free beer nights, the vibe may be different to those offering cultural walking tours. 

Read reviews

If I fancy a night out, I’ll book a hostel with reviews mentioning nights out and making friends. If I’m feeling antisocial and need a chill, I’ll keep an eye out for quiet hostels, especially those with reviews complaining that there wasn’t a common area. Reading hostel reviews is a clear way to figure out what type of experience you’ll have there.

Take tours 

By taking a tour, you can change things up. If you’re feeling bored of exploring new cities solo, look up walking tours or something fun like a cooking class or bar crawl. Tour guides by nature are chatty people and other guests will usually people who want to socialise rather than explore alone. Use GetYourGuide and Viator to find walking tours, activities and bar crawls. EatWith is great for supper clubs and dining experiences. If you’re really struggling with organisation and meeting people while travelling solo, you could weigh up the pros and cons of group tours and consider booking onto a G Adventures , Intrepid Travel or Contiki tour for anywhere up to a matter of months!

Read next: Should you travel solo or with a group tour?

Facebook groups

Join Girls Love Travel on Facebook. This is a great place to connect with other travellers and share tips for travelling alone as a woman. I also like Host A Sister where users offer spare rooms to passing travellers and who them around their city.

Use your hobbies

Whether it’s learning a language, cooking, taking a dance class or something different, I find you make closer connections when you have a shared interest. Look up classes in a new area as a way to meet people. My interest is blogging so I often connect with people in new places via Instagram. When we meet, we already have a shared hobby. Meetup is a good place to start.

Find a travel buddy on Workaway

They have a new find a travel buddy section where you can message others in your current location. This lets you meet travellers who enjoy culturally immersive experiences rather than those passing through quickly.

Read next: how to pick a perfect travel buddy

Don’t bring a book

Contrary to what I said about bringing a distraction device when dining solo, I would advise coming to a hostel communal area (or any situation you’re hoping to meet people) with nothing but yourself. Personally, I’d never approach someone with their head in a book for fear of bothering them.

Solo female travel tips for making memories

As I mentioned, I don’t want to make all these tips for solo female travellers exclusively about safety. I also want to mention taking photos and making their memories last. Here’s how I do it…

Be in your own photos

The only photos of me from my first solo trip to Myanmar are iPhone selfies because I felt too self-conscious asking people to help. In retrospect, the discomfort of asking a stranger would have been outweighed by having photos to this day. Nowadays, I’ve whittled down the art of asking the right person and politely but constructively directing them. I also travel with a GoPro HERO8 Black for action shots and wide-angled selfies (where you can get your whole body in the shot) and a Manfrotto tripod which is my bestie – I wouldn’t have half my social media photos without it. I also rate Joby Gorillapod which are bendy, grippable camera stands that take up almost no space.

Read next: how to take solo travel photos

Keep a diary 

When I travel with friends and family, we remind ourselves of the adventures and misadventures years later. I have a terrible memory so I have to find ways to make the memories stick when I travel solo. Before I migrated my adventures to this blog, I kept hand-written diaries that are still in my bedroom at home. If you like to write, I’d definitely recommend keeping some kind of diary, even if it’s only for your eyes. When you don’t have time to write in detail, jot down some bullet points to jog your memory later. If writing isn’t your thing, make your photos into a scrapbook when you get home. 

Organisation checklist 

Travel insurance.

I’m all for travelling on a budget. Eat street food, stay in hostels… but if you can’t afford travel insurance, don’t travel! It’s just not worth it. True Traveller are my top pick for travel insurance (European travellers only). They cover all regions and have different options for valuables and gadgets. It’s easy to get in touch and make claims. Get a quote now. For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing .

Save and share it!

Once you’ve booked your insurance, don’t let the details get lost in your inbox. Print it out, save a copy to your phone and send a copy to your next of kin. If ever you’re in an accident, make the details as easy to access as possible. 

Have passport copies

If your passport is lost or stolen, ensure you have a photocopy. I would recommend having a scan saved in your emails and downloaded to your phone as well as an actual physical print-out (so 2008, I know!) in your luggage. On the topic of passport security… Always leave it at your accommodation, preferably in a locker or safe. You do not need to be wandering the streets with it in your bag!

Set up an ‘In Case of Emergency’ (ICE) contact on your iPhone. If you haven’t seen this feature before, click on your keypad while your phone is locked and select ‘emergency’. When it takes you to the emergency keypad, select ‘medical ID’ in the bottom left corner. When someone clicks this, they’ll be able to see your emergency medical info without your passcode. Make sure to set up your ICE contact and have the details filled in while travelling. As solo female travel tips go, this could save your life!

Carry a list of medical conditions

Or at least know the local word for them. Recently in South Korea, I had a random reaction to some squid and my tongue started to swell up. It went away but made me realise that had anything worse happened, I wouldn’t have been able to explain without knowing the lingo (I also didn’t have any data to Google it).  Ensure you’re never caught in a situation when you can’t communicate your medical condition. Learn the local word and have it as a note on your phone or printed out.

Stay home at night while solo travelling? Sounds boring. Here are my female solo travel tips for doing so while staying safe.

Plan your journey back

When I go out with a hostel group, I’m aware these people aren’t my lifelong best friends who I can be 100% sure will look out for me. I always map the journey home before I go out so I know if I lose people, I’ll be able to get home without complications.

Have data and Uber downloaded

Before going out for the night, I check I have data and Uber is installed and a click away. If you find your data gone at the end of the night, ask the bar or restaurant staff to use the Wi-Fi or call a taxi for you.

Ask hostel staff

If you’re wondering whether an area is safe at night, the best people to ask are the locals. Check with the staff at your accommodation if it’s safe to walk alone in the evenings or if you should take a taxi.

Know your limits

I’m definitely not going to tell you to avoid alcohol while travelling solo. Blogs that say this are a pet peeve of mine. If you’re travelling the world, of course you want to drink, have fun and go out! When it comes to nights out, I’m confident I know my limits and when to stop. If you DON’T, then yes, maybe you shouldn’t be drinking while travelling solo. If in doubt…

Night out buddies

Independent as I am, I find that nightlife is the one thing I don’t immerse myself in alone. It’s just not as fun. Usually, I wait until I meet people I want to go out with. Hostels are the obvious way to get your night out crowd together, or why not Google organised bar crawls in your location?

Get takeaways if unsure of your destination

When I was travelling solo in India, I often got takeaways in the evenings rather than walk around alone looking for restaurants. This had the added bonus that I didn’t have to get dressed and go through the motions of eating in a restaurant when I’d rather save a few hours and watch Netflix. Companies like Deliveroo, Zappi and Zomato are quick, affordable and mean you don’t have to walk at night.

When you’re not loving solo female travel

‘check out’ of travelling.

There are bound to be times you want a ‘normal’ day and feel sick to the back teeth of culture. For these occasions, I love finding hipster coffee shops (with flat whites, exposed brick and cacti everywhere – you know the drill). I’ll pop in for an hour to get my dose of home comfort, then I’ll be ready for street food and cultural immersion.  If eating in a Western restaurant gives you the break you need, take a break. ‘Check out’ of travelling for a bit, get a takeaway, watch Netflix. Get it out of your system until you get your groove back. You won’t enjoy travelling by forcing it. Don’t worry about people judging you either; you don’t have to tell them.

Speak to enthusiastic friends

You know that friend who’s always enthusiastic over your news? Talk to them! If you have friends or family members who have a tendency to worry or share negativity, limit your interactions with them before departing on your trip or even during it. It sounds harsh but if you’re struggling with confidence and need a boost, you should identify and call on your most enthusiastic friends over all others.

How to handle getting sick

Getting sick isn’t fun whatever type of traveller you are. But I can tell you first-hand that being sick when solo travelling is the absolute worst. When you feel sorry for yourself, you just want to be looked after. In terms of practicality, it’s difficult to visit doctors and pharmacies when you’re not feeling well. These are my female solo travel tips for avoiding getting sick and what to do when you’re already sick.

Eat where it’s busy

This is the numero uno rule of street food! If a restaurant or stall is busy, you can ensure the turnover of food is fast and nothing has been sitting around for long.

Ask the waiter what’s good

If you ask what dish they’d recommend, restaurant staff will usually recommend what’s fresh and good to go. If you order something random from halfway down the menu, there’s a chance it’s not fresh.

Eat where the locals do

This is less about ensuring it’s fresh but also ensuring it’s delicious! If the locals like it, you know it’s the real deal and not a tourist version.

But remember they have different stomachs

Eating like the locals is great until you’re already sick. In this situation, I’d suggest eating plain foods close to those you would back home. When I was ill in India, the locals brought me curd and dal to my room. It was so kind of them but I realised after that lentils are gassy and curd is basically unpasteurised dairy. These foods might be good for locals but they weren’t for my delicate Western stomach!

Have the essentials ready

By ‘have the essentials ready’, I really mean: have your diarrhoea tablets in your medical bag so you don’t poop yourself en route to get them! Carry a few packets of electrolytes. These replace the levels your body naturally makes when you’re well. They’re easy to buy over the counter but the last thing you want is to go searching when you’re weak already.

Tell people

Don’t be too proud. In India, the hostel staff became my friends, driving me back and forth to the hospital and helping collect me medicine. Had I not told them I was sick, I’d have had to deal with it alone. Even though talking about your health can feel personal, don’t be afraid to share it with hostel mates too because I’m sure they’ll look after you.

Female solo travel tips for specific locations

• Stay on-grid – I don’t mean exclusively stick to the Instagram spots of Jaipur , but I mean don’t go blindly into villages in the middle of nowhere where attitudes and values vary.
• Choose where to travel solo in India carefully – places like Goa, Rishikesh and Rajasthan are good options
• Book trains in advance – buses are okay to book last minute but trains often book up. You can use 12Go to book Indian trains in advance.
• Get away from Cancun – when traveling solo in Mexico , make sure you see more than the Yucatan Peninsula. I have plenty of travel tips for Mexico City should you need them. I also love Oaxaca , Guadalajara , Puerto Escondido, Puebla and Guanajuato. 
• Learn some Spanish – unlike Asian countries where tourists can get away with knowing little of the local language, Mexico is a place where you’ll benefit from speaking some Spanish. Pack a Latin American Spanish Phrasebook & Dictionary .

Read next: my Central America solo guides to Guatemala , Belize and more to come

Southeast Asia

• Be aware of pickpockets – Southeast Asia is a safe place to travel and there’s almost no violent crime. All you need to worry about is pickpockets so make sure to have a bum bag and hide your valuables away at night.
• Get off the Asia backpacker route – since Southeast Asia is so safe, you can easily get off-grid as a solo female traveller. Certain places in Thailand and Bali feel like Ibiza these days so make sure to see some lesser-visited destinations, too. Check out my hidden gems in Hanoi and off-the-beaten-track places in Bali .
• Use my 101 Southeast Asia backpacking tips to guide you. They’re based on 2 years of in-depth experience (AKA me doing everything wrong the first time!)

Read next: my solo guides to Thailand , Vietnam and Bali

Final thoughts

Trust your gut above all else. If something is described as safe but you don’t feel it, stick to your guns rather than succumb to pressure.  Don’t assume everyone’s out to get you. Many solo female travel resources suggest never speaking to strangers which would be such a shame. Of course, use your common sense and stay in public places with new people (especially men) initially. But as long as you’re smart, you’ll learn so much by meeting the locals. 

If you’re having a tough time, reach out to me. As a blogger, I can’t always respond to every small question or query. But if you’re struggling and need solo travel help, email me. I’ve been in all the solo travel pickles. I know what it’s like. We’ve got to look after each other! Last but definitely not least… Enjoy this! Even the testing moments won’t last forever. Several years from now, you may be sat back home wishing you could do it all again. The life you are living is someone else’s wildest fantasy and will be YOUR memory bank for life. The fact you’re reading this and have decided on solo female travel makes you stronger than most already. You are about to embark on the most amazing adventure and YOU HAVE ABSOLUTELY GOT THIS.

Thanks for reading my solo female travel tips!

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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!

9 thoughts on “ 101 Solo Female Travel Tips (That Aren’t Lame) ”

I haven’t been on a solo trip yet because I’m only 17 but I’m so looking forward to the day I get to! Today I’m going on a trip with my mom to the US east coast to visit colleges though and I’m still super excited

That’s so exciting! Hope it can happen soon 🙂

Research your destination: Before traveling, research the culture, customs, and potential safety concerns.

Thanks for this – I just booked my first solo trip at 34! Only to an all-inclusive resort in Turkey for a week, but I wanted to dip my toe in first! I’m anxious about eating alone / people knowing I’m on my own, but hopefully it will be fine…!

Hey Emily, that’s fantastic news! Never too old to start! Yes of course it’s a great idea to start at your comfort zone and go from there. I’d say bring a book or podcast if you feel weird to start with dining alone. Hope you love it!

Your blog is very informative and helpful. Traveling alone is one of the best experiences. Challenging but you will discover something different about yourself.

Rose, thank you SO much for this blog. I’m a woman just starting a solo travel trip around South East Asia after my boyfriend has headed home, and was feeling really nervous, but your positive, funny and super practical tips have got me feeling good again 🙂 Really appreciate the work you’re doing!

Hey Sarah, I’m so pleased to receive this comment! Glad you are feeling good again — there are so many of us out here doing this, and we all get nervous from time to time! We got this!

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Solo Female Travel Advice

Traveling the world as a solo female? Worried something might happen? Nervous? Think your friends and family might be right about the world “being dangerous”? Not sure where to begin? Fear not. Many women travel the world alone and thrive. It’s very common now (just look at all the people showcasing their travels on Instagram!).

Since I can’t offer advice on this subject (I’m a guy!), I brought a variety of solo female travel writers to share their tips, tricks, and advice on how to stay safe and crush it on the road.

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Why Solo Female Travel is Different

10 Common Fears That Stop You from Traveling Solo

We Need to Stop Telling Women They’ll Get Assaulted If They Travel Solo

How to Stay Safe When You Travel as a Female

24 Things Every Solo Female Traveler Learns on the Road

The Ultimate Packing List for Female Travelers

The Girl’s Guide to Hiking Solo

How to Stay Safe in Mexico as a Solo Female Traveler

Read more on the topic –>

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

Below are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They are always my starting point when I need to book a flight, accommodation, tour, or vehicle!

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. It searches small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. It is hands-down the number one place to start.
• Going.com – Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) finds incredible flight deals and sends them directly to your inbox. If you’re flexible with your dates and destinations, you can score some amazing deals and save hundreds of dollars in the process!
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there, with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all-around booking site. It constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates and has the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, it’s always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – This is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. It has tons of tour options in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes and walking tours to street art lessons!
• SafetyWing – This site offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. It has cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• Discover Cars – Discover Cars is a car rental aggregator that can help you find the best deals for your next road trip. It pulls data from over 8,000 car rental locations to ensure you always find a great deal!
• Trusted Housesitters – Trusted Housesitters is a platform that connects you with people in need of pet and house sitters. In exchange for looking after their pets or home, you’ll get access to free accommodation.
• Top Travel Credit Cards   – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Travel Guides I’ve Written

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Solo female travel

This ultimate guide to solo female travel is meant to help any woman (or non-woman) who has ever dreamed of traveling alone do so with confidence!

Maybe you're trying to pinpoint great solo female travel destinations , or perhaps you're nervous about your trip and are eager to learn some important safety tips or even invest in some travel safety gear .

Whether you're an adventurous woman gearing up to drive around Iceland solo in winter , are a city lover looking to travel Paris solo , are a female nomad exploring solo road trips in the USA , or something else, you're in the right place.

To help you plan your perfect solo trip, find some helpful resources below.

Solo Female Travel in Asia

Traveling solo in asia check out:.

Solo Female Travel in  the Caribbean

Traveling solo in the caribbean check out:.

Solo Female Travel in the USA

Traveling solo in the usa check out:.

Solo Female Travel in Europe

Traveling solo in europe check out:.

Solo Female Travel in the Middle East

Travel solo in the middle east with confidence.

Solo Female Travel in Mexico

Travel solo in mexico with confidence.

Solo Female Travel In Oceania

Plan a solo trip to oceania with the help of these guides:.

South America Solo Travel

Solo Road Trips

Going on a road trip solo or driving cross country alone check out:.

Solo Female Travel Tips

Learn essentials tips for traveling alone as a woman.

First Time Solo Travel

Tips for people traveling alone for the first time.

Solo Travel Safety Tips

Learn how to stay safe when traveling alone.

Common Solo Female Travel Questions

If you have an additional question about solo women travel please let me know!

Note: Some of the below links are affiliate links to trusted partners I think you'll love!

Q: What is solo female travel?

Solo female travel refers to traveling alone as a woman. For many, it is a liberating experience.

Q: Is solo female travel safe?

Yes, traveling solo as a woman can be safe and extremely rewarding. There are honestly so many advantages of traveling alone .

Of course, there are both pros and cons to traveling solo . Yes, there are dangers to be aware of, but as long as you research your destination, use common sense, and utilize a few essential solo travel safety tips , you should be just fine. This also goes for if you're hiking alone .

Don't let yourself worry about travel mishaps and everything that could possibly go wrong.

Instead, realize you're more capable than you think!

Q: Why should someone try female solo travel?

Solo travel means never having to wait for others to be available to book a trip with.

Moreover, it provides the ultimate freedom as you never have to negotiate your itinerary.

Finally, it allows you to discover what you're truly capable of, as you're forced to solve issues that arise along the way on your own.

This is an incredible confidence booster!

Q: What are some travel blogs by solo female travelers?

Along with this blog, Jessie on a Journey , a few other solo female travel blogs I recommend you read include Adventurous Kate, The Legendary Adventures Of Anna, Globetrotter Girls, Effy Talks Life, Jen on a Jet Plane, Be My Travel Muse, Bohemian Trails, Oneika The Traveller, and Eat Sleep Breathe Travel, to name just a few.

Also, while Nomadic Matt isn't a solo female traveler, he has some great articles on the topic.

Q: What is it like being a solo female traveler?

Is solo travel fun? What is it really like to explore the world alone as a woman?

Here is my take:

Being a solo female traveler often instills confidence and a strong sense of independence.

You feel free to do as you please without having to compromise your experiences on the road for others.

Plus, there are many apps and platforms that make it easy to meet people when traveling alone, like Couchsurfing, Meetup, and Wanderful.

Q: Which countries are the best for a solo female traveler?

There are so many incredible countries around the world for women traveling alone -- not to mention islands offering epic solo Caribbean vacations .

Along with solo road trips around the USA and the many great places to travel solo in the USA (like these top solo getaways in California ), a few personal favorite solo trips have been Latvia (a great budget travel destination!), Slovenia, Argentina, Australia, and Bhutan.

Oh, and you'll love a solo trip to Taiwan -- one of the best places for solo travel in Asia -- as well as exploring the many great solo female travel destinations in India and best places in Mexico to travel alone !

Enjoy big cities? There are many fun things to do in NYC by yourself , exciting things to do in London alone , and unforgettable experiences to have on a solo trip to Rome .

I also had a fantastic solo wine trip in South Africa, and recently did a solo train trip through England !

Here is a video from the journey:

Q: What are some safety tips for solo female travelers?

I recommend researching local scams and safety concerns before arriving at your destination, as well as investing in travel safety essentials like pickpocket-proof garments and hidden-pocket scarves .

What tips would you add to this solo female travel ultimate guide?

Enjoyed this solo female travel guide? Pin it for later!

30 of the Best Solo Travel Tips from Our Readers (May 2024)

by JourneyWoman Staff | Jun 30, 2024

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Featured image: This month’s travel tips include clever travel hacks and delicious places to eat! | Photo by andriymedvediuk on Envato

Readers share first-hand advice on packing, budgeting and safety

Curated from our Facebook Group and Email Tips 

This month, our readers share travel tips for packing, budgeting, and staying organized. Curated from the insightful contributions of our community via emails and the Solo Travel Wisdom Facebook group , these tips are designed to make your journeys smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you’re looking to save money, pack efficiently, or stay stress-free on the road, these tips have you covered. Have a travel tip to share? We’d love to hear from you! (You can do that here!) 

Tip: You can download these tips as a PDF or print them using the icons above!

30 Travel Tips to help you travel safely and well

1. I always take a headlamp with me. Better than a flashlight. – Kitty P.

2. Long ago I purchased a powerstrip with a European plug and an all-countries adaptor . Now wherever I go I can charge my iPhone, camera, etc. and power my CPAP at the same time. – Beth H.

3. I always take a few souvenirs from Canada to share with people I want to thank and I also take a few gift bags, tissue paper and thank you cards . No extra weight and saves trying to locate said in a new environment. – Linda P.

4. Many cities have free transport for seniors, including Brazil, Czech Republic and Poland. I am in Prague now and have my passport handy but global entry in my plastic card lanyard to show if stopped as proof of age. – Fetchin G.

5. My tip is when in Tokyo, get a view of the city for free on the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory. – Carolyn R.

Click here to find even more things to do in Tokyo!

6. I’ve just spent one month travelling solo in Norway, Sweden and Denmark. My top tip is to read the fine print when booking hotels in the USD 100 per night range , as I did. Expect to get very basic amenities. For example, no breakfast, no fridge, no kettle, and no mugs in the room. Rooms are very small and you would be lucky to be able to open your suitcase and leave it open. Also, expect no housekeeping during your stay! The best thing I did was to buy a souvenir tin mug up near the Arctic Circle, which I used to fill up with drinking water from the tap. – Michelle N.

Find the perfect place to stay on booking.com here.

Read More: Practical Tips for Women to Prepare for Long-Term Travel

Packing tips.

7. If you travel for considerable lengths of time going carry-on, use a clamshell style suitcase which allows for organizing clothing a little easier than single compartment luggage. – Lois P.

8. Get some different-sized packing cubes . Easy to organize socks, undies, and shirts. Makes finding things in your suitcase easier. – Vivian B.

9. Four months in Mexico lugging around three suitcases of clothes and stuff… rookie mistake. Pack your bag then take half back out. – Charlyne M.

10. Put a full-sized garbage bag into the base of your luggage- protects it from wetness and can act as a rain jacket or bag cover. – Tracy T.

11. Don’t forget to put that passport in a small ziplock bag if carrying it in a moneybelt as sweat can damage it! I’m speaking from experience!! – Virginia M.

JourneyWoman readers have perfected the art of packing and love to share their tips!

Solo travel safety tips

12. Print out a copy of everything – hotel reservations, rental car , etc. Take pictures of your license and passport and save them in a secure password app on your phone. Contact your cell phone company for a plan if you travel internationally. – Cheryl D.

13. My first solo travel trip at 50 years old in France taught me I could travel alone, I enjoyed travelling alone and it’s easy, not bad once you get over the original panic – AND at 69 I got rid of most of what I owned, bought a one-way ticket to Barcelona and a one-week reservation there with NO other plans and travelled for six months and it changed my life! – Lila B.

14. As a solo traveller on a budget, I always bring a small doorstop . Makes me feel secure in a one or two-star hotel. Safety first. – Sandy K.

15. Put some emergency dollars in small denominations under the insole of your boots – nobody ever looks there. – Fiona N.

Read More: Safe and Affordable Countries for Senior Women to Travel Solo

16. Reminder to check which credit cards don’t have international fees. I forgot all about it this last trip & boy did those fees add up. 🤦🏼‍♀️ – Makoa N.

Use Wise to avoid international transaction fees when you travel. Learn more here !

17. I took a recent solo trip to Germany. Our tour Director gave us a great tip for remembering to check your safe on the day you check out: put one shoe of the pair that you’re planning to wear that day into the safe. You won’t forget to check it! – Anna Griffin.

18. If you are travelling in the US or abroad and get in a jam, find the nearest Irish pub. Always folks who speak English and are more than willing to help out. This saved me in Frankfurt, and here in the States! 🍀💕 – Heather M.

19. A separate wallet for the day’s spending on a travel day. Any significant cash/cards/passport in a money belt depending on the safety of where I am. I keep one small coin purse with a debit card and what I expect to reasonably spend during the day in a pocket or in my handbag. – Debra K.

Clothing tips

20. Take a short plastic clothesline and a few plastic clothespins to hang your hand-washed bras and undies. I use the clothespins for hanging all sorts of things, especially if my room has hooks. And the pins have a hole; after using a facemask, I always pull off the elastic strings, and then I tie some to the clothespins for hanging on hooks. – Cathie M

21. Unless it’s not at all gonna come in handy, always bring a bathing suit , you never know! I am at a small historical hotel in Vancouver, and they have a sauna I didn’t know about! – Nat H.

22. A couple of bandanas . Great as picnic napkins, face cloths, emergency hankies—so multipurpose! Hand-wash in a sink and they dry quickly. – Debra K.

23. If you are having your laundry done make sure you count the items and take a photo with your phone, so you can easily check if you get everything back. This is me in Laos now, minus one sock! I gave 14 items in and got 14 back but one was a tiny bikini bottom not belonging to me! One sock has gone. – Rachel A.

24. On long international flights, I pack a small washcloth or clean rag and a fresh pair of underwear. Midway (usually at a layover) I wash up and put new panties on. Toss the rag. Fresh as a daisy! – Judith M.

25. I always carry one complete spare outfit in my carry-on backpack. You never know when there will be an ‘accident’ like a spilled drink or barfing etc. – Annie F.

Read More:  The Best Bras for Travel, Recommended by Women

Travel hacks.

26. I want to make going through security easier and not have to fumble with my backpack getting out my laptop, power pack, and liquids bag. So I’m buying a laptop bag which will make it easy to remove those items quickly. – Annie F.

27. Travel with a small roll of hockey tape so you can cover up lights that are on electrical appliances or lights that shine in your hotel room when you’re trying to sleep. – Leslie E.

28. This isn’t a tip but it is a place I loved. I was wandering around Amsterdam and came across this place that serves fondue. Since I love cheese I had to try it and it was delicious. The name of the restaurant is Het Karbeel . – Lyne G.

29. Don’t be afraid of trying street food. Just make sure you pick somewhere that has a long line, this ensures the food is good and that it is also fresh. Never eat at a place where there is no one else dining or there is food sitting around. Places where they cook the food in front of you are the best and best of all street food is budget-friendly! – Kristina W.

30. I use the Happy Cow app to find vegetarian and vegan restaurants around the world.- Nancy T.

More Travel Tips From JourneyWoman Readers

30 of the Best Solo Travel Tips from Readers (April 2024)

by JourneyWoman Staff | May 21, 2024

JourneyWoman readers share their best solo travel tips from April 2024, including packing, safety and inspiring places to visit as a 50+ woman.

30 of the Best Money-Saving Travel Tips from Solo Travellers (March 2024)

by JourneyWoman Staff | Apr 9, 2024

JourneyWoman readers share their best money-saving travel tips from March 2024, from budget accommodations to public transit passes.

30 of the Best Solo Travel Tips from Readers (February 2024)

by JourneyWoman Staff | Mar 17, 2024

JourneyWoman readers share their best solo travel tips from February 2024, from packing to safety and lots of interesting ideas in between!

JourneyWoman Staff

Follow JourneyWoman for curated articles, tips, news and content from our community and our partners.

We always strive to use real photos from our own adventures, provided by the guest writer or from our personal travels. However, in some cases, due to photo quality, we must use stock photography. If you have any questions about the photography please let us know. Disclaimer: We are so happy that you are checking out this page right now! We only recommend things that are suggested by our community, or through our own experience, that we believe will be helpful and practical for you. Some of our pages contain links, which means we’re part of an affiliate program for the product being mentioned. Should you decide to purchase a product using a link from on our site, JourneyWoman may earn a small commission from the retailer, which helps us maintain our beautiful website. JourneyWoman is an Amazon Associate and earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you! We want to hear what you think about this article, and we welcome any updates or changes to improve it. You can comment below, or send an email to us at [email protected] .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

Why You Should Travel Alone as a Woman

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Travel Safely as a Woman

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

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

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

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

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

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

Weapons and Self-Defence

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

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

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

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

What’s your best weapon? Your phone.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Staying in Hostels as a Solo Female Traveller

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hitchhiking as a Solo Female Traveller

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

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

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

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

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

Camping and Hiking as a Solo Female Traveller

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

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

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

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

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Sex & Romance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top Safety Tips for Traveling Alone as Woman

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

And The Last Safey Tip: Get Insured!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top Destinations for First-Time Solo Female Travellers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to Pack as a Solo Female Traveller

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Elina Mattila

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16 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

nices its so osm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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25 Unexpectedly Awesome Destinations for Solo Female Travelers

06/09/2024 by Kristin Addis 63 Comments

Are you getting ready for your first adventure on your own and wondering what the best destinations for solo female travelers are? Look no further!

Solo traveling is a beautiful gift. I’ve been doing it for over 12 years and have learned so much about myself, met beautiful strangers, and discovered so many new and exciting places.

But how do you know where to start?

With over 65 countries under my belt, I’ve found that the best destinations for solo female travelers are where the residents are particularly friendly and welcoming. Either that, or there are shared interests, like surfing or diving, that help create a sense of community right away.

Or a destination might be a bit off the beaten path, but it’s not so remote that you’ll be the only one there. It still has that special charm that makes it feel authentic and inviting.

Sounds amazing, right? So where can you find these places? I’ve searched high and low, and these are some of my favorite destinations for solo female travel — and they might surprise you!

Table of Contents

Our Favorite Destinations for Solo Female Travelers Quick List:

• Best for Solo Female Backpackers: Chiang Mai, Thailand
• Best for Solo Female Adventurers: Siargao, Philippines
• Best for Solo Female Traveler Safety: Reykjavik, Iceland
• Best for Solo Beach Trips: Zanzibar, Tanzania
• Best for Solo Female Hikers: Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

1. Tokyo, Japan

…because Japan is one of the safest countries in the world !

This makes it absolutely ideal for solo female travelers. The  language barrier  may make you feel a little bit intimidated at first, but virtually everything from public transportation to ordering food at a restaurant is so organized and systematic, it makes traveling in Japan an easy and enjoyable experience.

In cities like Osaka and Tokyo, there are all kinds of  interesting things to do , including themed cafés,  unique museums where one can easily spend hours, and beautiful parks ideal for people-watching. And when you’re ready for the beach,  there’s an island paradise near Tokyo .

Visiting Japan is also perhaps the best place to master the art of dining alone. Many solo travelers are afraid of doing so, but in Japan, it is completely normal. You must try  the only all-female kaiseki restaurant in Tokyo .

Check out my  ultimate Japan itinerary here .

2. Bali, Indonesia

…because Bali is a super safe and exciting destination for solo female travelers .

Let’s be honest, Bali is so popular because it’s one of the easiest, loveliest places to travel solo, and  Southeast Asia in general is a great place to travel alone. It’s also the very first place in Asia where I traveled alone!

Bali has a lot of things to do , like learning to  surf , staying in  beautiful hotels  (who says you need to be on a  honeymoon  to enjoy them?), and enjoying the volcanic landscape and waterfalls.

If you’re looking for some island escapes, the  Nusa Islands  are a favorite of mine, as are the  Gilis . (Read my  comparison of the Gilis vs. Nusas  if you only have time for one.)

Or if you’re looking for something quieter than Bali, consider  Lombok  next door or one of these  Bali alternatives.

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I’m a travel agent and can help you get extra hotel perks (like room upgrades and resort credits at luxury hotels) and figure out flights for your trip! Click here to contact me!

3. Siargao Island, The Philippines

…because there’s nothing like a little solo motorbike adventure.

Siargao Island is a water-lover and general adventurer’s dream. You can go on a little solo motorbike excursion, as the roads are mostly flat and easy. It is also a surfer’s paradise with a playful soul, so if you are an enthusiast, or have been thinking of picking up the sport, Siargao is perfect.

The island’s popularity is growing rapidly, but the atmosphere remains laid-back and relaxing. This means that it’s just as easy to meet others as to be by yourself. I was able to hang out with surfers on the beach and talk to other people in restaurants and cafés, but also retreat to my little corner in an adorable guesthouse every night.

A Complete Guide to the Philippines

What Changed My Mind about the Philippines

4. Singapore

Who doesn’t appreciate extravagance?!

This thriving island city is unique compared to the rest of Southeast Asia . It’s home to the largest port in the region, making it one of the most prosperous and busiest Southeast Asian countries. You’ll find evidence of such in the clean streets, skyscrapers, strictly enforced laws, and abundance of things to do, like hopping between speakeasy cocktail bars or walking through the Gardens by the Bay. It’s definitely a more expensive destination, but if done right, you can easily explore on a budget with this list of  free things to do .

Here’s a three-day itinerary by a local .

5. Chiang Mai, Thailand

…because there are so many epic day trips to keep you busy.

Thailand is famously a great place for solo female travelers because of how friendly the locals are and the overall abundance of other backpackers . It’s easy to meet other travelers here who might be down to explore different hikes or temples , or go on other excursions just outside of Chiang Mai . This northern city is also known for its outstanding gastronomy, and traveling solo means that you can eat your way through Chiang Mai without anybody stopping you. Yum!

9 Awesome Things to Do in Chiang Mai

6. Reykjavik, Iceland

…because it is literally the safest country in the world.

Iceland is ranked the #1 safest country in the world by  Vision of Humanity , and I can attest that people even left their cars running while they went grocery shopping! That’s how sure they are that nobody will steal their car. 

Iceland’s landscape  is also unique and stunning, plus it’s  great for a road trip . Reykjavik has social hostels as well, where you can find adventure partners.  This guide  has everything you need to know about Iceland.

7. Lisbon, Portugal

…because you feel like you’re part of a painting with pastel-colored buildings.

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is one of Europe’s most charismatic cities because of its charming hillsides, walkable layout, and the River Tagus. You’ll find ornate architecture that adds to its vibrancy, and plenty of  things to do , like admire the vistas from  St. George’s Castle in Alfama , pastel-colored and tiled buildings, and the Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge. There are also some must-visit museums, like the  National Azulejo Museum , where you’ll learn about the ubiquitous decorative ceramic tiles that characterize the city, dating back five centuries. If you love beaches, Lisbon is a great jumping-off point to go explore the shorelines on the Atlantic Ocean.

8. The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

…because this is one friendly road trip.

It’s the small towns on Ireland’s least populated coast that can be the most social. In a country that’s already pretty friendly, I found that people were especially so along the  Wild Atlantic Way on the Connemara Coast . Just walk into any pub, and within a few seconds someone will be talking to and joking around with you.

Solo Female Travel in Ireland: A Complete Guide

9. Berlin, Germany

…because you can truly be yourself here.

Berlin is hands down one of the coolest cities in the world. It’s like Brooklyn meets San Francisco, with an LA vibe. Whatever you identify yourself as, you can easily find your tribe here. The city is filled with creative people,  alternative things to do , and  delicious food to devour . I never felt like the odd one out as a solo girl in the city, because people couldn’t care less (in a good way). You can dress like a unicorn and barely anyone would bat an eyelash. What’s not to love about that?

Why I Decided to Leave Berlin (after Five Years)

10. Québec, Canada

…because it’s one of the safest and friendliest places you will visit.

Quite possibly the safest and most scenic areas to drive through,  Québec  is a special place with endless beauty to offer to its visitors. If you are looking for a comfortable solo road trip experience with great accommodation choices, delicious food, and friendly locals, Québec is just right. Come for the beautiful fall foliage, but stay for the food, hospitality, and uncrowded adventures in a beautiful part of Canada.

The Perfect Fall Road Trip in Québec, Canada

11.  The Bahamas

…because an island vacation is the ultimate “treat yo’self.”

Maybe you wouldn’t think the Bahamas would be a solo female traveler destination because of its reputation as a  honeymoon spot , but think again! With  hundreds of islands  to choose from, you can have the island vacation of your dreams here. Swim with nurse sharks, play with the famous Exumas pigs , snorkel, dive, and have a blast all on your own terms in the Bahamas.

Things to Do in the Bahamas

The Ultimate Staniel Cay Guide

12. Iguazu Falls, Argentina

…because there are lots of opportunities to make friends.

Iguazu Falls is one of Argentina’s most-visited attractions — and for good reason. I mean, just look at that beauty. There are plenty of social places to stay, from midrange hotels to hostels. A friend of mine told me he enjoyed his guesthouse so much that it took him three days to actually leave the hostel and go see the waterfall!

Bariloche: Argentina’s Gateway to Patagonia

The Tale of Sola en Salta, Argentina

13. El Chaltén, Argentina

…because it’s the most social place in Patagonia.

Much of Patagonia, particularly along the  Carretera Austral , is remote and quiet, but if you’re solo,  El Chaltén  is the best mix of nature and social opportunities. The hostels are warm and friendly places, many of the hikes and campsites are well-loved, and it’s easy to meet others on the more trodden hikes. Far from the catcalls of Buenos Aires, I found El Chaltén to be a breath of fresh air.

14. The Riviera Maya, Mexico

…because having cenotes to yourself is magical.

Renting a car and heading from Cancún through Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and down to Bacalar is an epic road trip in itself. With all the pristine cenotes (sinkholes), white-sand beaches, and Mayan ruins along the way, being able to take this trip at your own pace is liberating. Plus, Tulum and Bacalar are particularly social, meaning you can easily make friends and share the experience with other travelers.

Things to Do in and around Cancún

How to Get between Cancún and Tulum

Best Cenotes in  Cancún  &  Tulum

15. Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

…because it’s just right when you don’t want to hike solo, but you are solo.

Even if you start out alone in the five-day W or the eight-day  O Circuit trek in Torres del Paine National Park , you’ll come out of it with a bunch of new friends. For the same reasons that I loved the Annapurna Circuit, I love the social atmosphere among campers and hikers on this trek, particularly on the back, “O” part of the trail, where fewer hikers go and the crowds are more intimate. Refugio Dickson, in particular, was tons of fun thanks to the social rangers who played music and organized soccer games.

The Perfect 9-day Torres del Paine O Circuit Itinerary

16. Costa Rica

…because you can soak up the salt and sun.

Between the  beaches ,  tours ,  volcanoes , and  road trips , you’ll soon discover some of the  most beautiful parts of Costa Rica . It’s easily the world’s eco-tourism capital, so make this your next destination if you love nature. Because of its unique geography (Atlantic and Pacific coasts, mountains, rain forest), there’s so much biodiversity to discover. But, Costa Rica is one of the most visited places in Latin America, so it can also be one of the more expensive destinations. Here’s a  breakdown of what a trip could cost you . Here’s a guide on what to wear and the best time to go .

Itineraries for One Week, Two Weeks, and One Month

17. Coffee Bay, South Africa

…because Africa isn’t “scary” after all.

Africa gets a bad rap as being a scary place to travel through, and while it’s important to take precautions ( here’s a list ), that doesn’t mean solo female travelers should write it off. I love how laid-back Coffee Bay is (and that whole coastline) — there weren’t many people around or worries at all. It’s easy to meet people, including backpackers passing through, go on long walks along the bluffs on the ocean, and take in gorgeous nature. While South Africa does have a pretty high crime rate,  the bulk of it is in the cities .

The Essential Guide to Solo Female Travel in Africa

7 Reasons to Visit South Africa, the Rainbow Nation

18. Tofo, Mozambique

…because, I maintain, Africa’s not that ‘scary’.

I love  Tofo, Mozambique , because of the type of adventurous and interesting people it attracts. It seems like most travelers in  Mozambique  have a cool story and have arrived by word-of-mouth. There are only a couple of backpacker accommodations there (I stayed at Fatima’s) and scuba dive shops, but they are excellent places to meet other solo travelers.

Why Going Alone to Mozambique Was the Best Decision Ever

How to Travel through Mozambique

19. Sunset Beach, Zanzibar

…because there are so many awesome activities.

The white-sand beaches and baby-blue waters of Zanzibar are legendary, and there’s so much to do there, from diving and swimming to boating and perusing the markets in Stone Town. It’s one of the cheapest tropical islands to travel to , but it’s attractive for a lot of other reasons too. I remember laughing and dancing at the reggae bar there with Maasai warriors dressed in regalia, local beach boys, and tourists from all over, and loving how communal and inviting it was. Even if you go there solo, you can find your people. Just lock up your stuff in the safes, as there’s some petty crime.

5 Steps for the Perfect Zanzibar Style

20. New Zealand

…because there are unlimited doses of nature.

New Zealand is made up of two gorgeous islands, North and South, and both are worth visiting for the  iconic destinations , especially those that are  off the beaten path . You could easily spend a year here exploring all that this beautiful slice of the earth has to offer. If you love nature, you’ll be in paradise with all the  dolphin watching ,  hiking trails ,  glaciers , fjords, and beaches. There’s something for the more adventurous too, like skydiving and bungee jumping!

Here’s a New Zealand packing list .

South Island Itinerary

21. French Polynesia

…because its friendliness and hospitality is out of this world.

Remember travel before the internet became so ubiquitous, before Instagram was even a thing, and before the birth of “influencers”? Allow me to introduce you to  French Polynesia , where the residents immediately treat you as though they know you, the environment is preserved and treasured, and you can truly come back to yourself. While Bora Bora may make solo travelers feel a little bit out of place, French Polynesia offers way more than that, and I can almost guarantee you that you will have a wonderful time as a solo gal. I know I will be returning to again and again.

I Spent 22 Days with Whales

An Ode to the Places We Keep Secret

22. Montana, USA

…because it is so meditative and relaxing!

Montana is the type of place where people deeply value nature they’re blessed with, and where visitors can find abundant yoga classes, ancient trees among which to walk, and ample opportunity to relax and reflect. Country roads lead to organic grocery stores, crystal shops, and artist galleries. I was lucky to be able to  experience Montana  through the locals’ eyes, and found many meditative things to do and places to go, including crystal sound bowl meditation and stand-up paddleboarding.

The Relaxing Side of Whitefish, Montana

23. New Orleans, USA

…because it’s easy to stay entertained!

New Orleans turned out to be one of the most enjoyable solo trips I’ve had. I spent  a week in the Big Easy , and was kept entertained by the huge variety of things to do. Even when  I dined alone in restaurants , the wait staff and others were totally open to talk, and almost everyone I met had a suggestion for me on where to go next. I never felt like the odd woman out either, as I sometimes do in beachy or couples’ destinations.

An Awesome New Orleans itinerary

The Vegan’s Guide to New Orleans

24. Maui, Hawai’i, USA

…because it’s for more than just honeymooners.

It’s crazy to think that Hawai’i would be a good place to travel to solo, but I was delighted to find that there were tons of things for me to do even though I wasn’t on my honeymoon. I made friends easily while snorkeling, and found a lot of active adventures, like hiking to waterfalls on the  Road to Hana and  a surf school  especially for women!

23 of Maui’s Best Things to Do

Secrets of the Road to Hana in Maui

25. California, USA

…because you may just fill your heart with gold.

If you’ve never been to  the Golden State , there are a lot of  places you’ve got to see . The state’s beautiful landscapes, views, and  national parks  have inspired artists, poets, photographers, and writers. Plus there’s a lot of fun and fame when it comes to Disney Land and the Hollywood sign. Other must-sees include the the Golden Gate Bridge,  deserts , and the redwoods, and you can also tour a good bit of the seashore (here’s a great  guide for a Pacific Coast road trip ).

Solo Female Travel Guide to California

Guide to Southern California

After traveling for over 12 years, mostly by myself, I’ve found some gems around this world that seemed to have that special something that was missing from many others, and all of these places have that.

I was delighted to find, sometimes where I least expected, that such friendly people and an amazing social atmosphere could exist, and that’s the beauty of traveling on your own.

Which destination will you visit first?

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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Megan Thudium says

01/20/2017 at 12:17 pm

I love how your places are “off the beaten path.” I’d also add Austria and New Zealand to the list. I loved traveling these places solo.

Kristin says

01/20/2017 at 12:42 pm

Also great places that I need to see more of!

Ijana Loss says

01/21/2017 at 9:40 am

I would love to go all these places! Thank you for picking places that aren’t just the typical “safe countries” lol because honestly most places are safe enough as long as you’re smart and there’s so much more to the world when you open up to places you wouldn’t normally consider. I’ve been considering taking a hiking themed trip which many of the locations you listed would be perfect for, maybe I just need to bite the bullet and do it.

01/23/2017 at 10:31 am

Pick Patagonia!

01/23/2017 at 5:23 pm

Yes that’s what I was thinking!

01/22/2017 at 2:04 am

While we havent visited (yet) majority of places on this list we can definetely confirm that Phong Nha ke Bang felt as a very warm and welcoming atmosphere, people came across as genuinly kind if you have any troubles. The owners of the housestay we lodged at also kindly invited us to share their familly dinner and have a nice discussion about the area.

01/23/2017 at 10:32 am

That’s so sweet they invited you to join them for dinner! I loved the welcoming atmosphere there and the people I met.

01/23/2017 at 10:33 am

I agree Europe is good, although there are pickpockets and cat callers in some parts but that’s part of being a female sometimes, sadly.

01/24/2017 at 6:11 am

Hi Kristen!!

Love your blog, was wondering…for your Iceland trip, how many days do you recommend? I’ve heard a long weekend is great especially if you’re flying from the east coast since it’s a relatively short flight. Also best season/months to visit?

01/24/2017 at 10:33 am

I really loved visiting in October since I got changing leaves and the northern lights. I did 11 days and it felt short, but you could also maximize a long weekend and see a lot if you stick to the Golden Circle: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/iceland-golden-circle-self-drive/

01/26/2017 at 5:37 pm

Thanks so much for the tips, Kristin** ❤️ 🙂

Crazy Travelista says

01/24/2017 at 8:18 am

Love this list so much! I haven’t heard of so many of these places, so I’m extra intrigued! Patagonia is high on my list! Although I’m so not a camper, hence the reason I’ve avoided it thus far haha. Are there other ways to do Patagonia, maybe more glamping style? It’s so hard to find good info on it. Or maybe it’s that there is so much info that its overwhelming.

01/24/2017 at 10:31 am

If you went to El Chalten you could stay in town and do day hikes without having to camp. Much of the rest of it isn’t glamping style, though. You can sometimes stay in the refugios, but they’re usually quite basic as well. Seems like a good place to try camping out. You might really like it!

Arianwen says

01/24/2017 at 3:29 pm

This is an awesome list. I’ve been to quite a few of these by myself as well. I loved Pai and Don Det. Lucky for me, I met people to trek the Torres del Paine with, but it was still a surprisingly sociable experience. I never thought we’d be drinking boxed wine with other campers in the evenings!

01/25/2017 at 11:07 am

The boxed wine! Haha same here.

01/25/2017 at 3:47 pm

Thanks for the great list! I will definitely be referring to this when I pick where to travel over the summer:)

01/30/2017 at 6:40 am

Adding these to my list!!

01/30/2017 at 11:56 am

Amazing places. All on my to-visit list. Looking forward to my next vacay. Don’t know where to go yet though.

Kate - Travel for Difference says

01/31/2017 at 1:27 pm

Such incredible destinations! It’s great to see some inspiration for solo travellers, especially to locations that are far from the traditional ‘London’ or ‘NZ’. Great post!

Krista @ Gringita says

02/02/2017 at 12:18 pm

Some places in Peru are awesome for solo travel as well! Notably Lima and Cusco! Though not all of Peru is safe for solo female travelers (I do not recommend going into the Amazon! but that is in any country with Amazon jungle).

Sophiya says

02/03/2017 at 1:42 am

Sounds like a great list! I haven’t been to all that places, but looks very amazing and wonderful. After reading this blog, I definitely visit to all these places. Thanks @Kristin for sharing these interesting places.

02/24/2017 at 7:37 pm

This list is just what I needed to read right now. I’m a copywriter and have been trying to plan my next solo trip – did any of these spots stand out as good for working from? I always seem to pick spots with questionable Internet and want to make sure I get it right this next time!

02/24/2017 at 11:58 pm

I would just recommend getting a local SIM card. I’m sitting in Tanzania right now working from 3G and I’m not paying much for it. In Africa it’s a must, I’d say. China is OK but you need a VPN, and naturally the European destinations will have better Wifi

Mehndi says

10/05/2017 at 7:03 am

This is a great list! Im looking into starting properly travelling and am trying to plan a few good adventures! this really helped me out!

Alice Teacake says

01/24/2018 at 9:19 am

Hi Kristin! I love it that you’ve got Ireland, Coron in the Philippines and Phong Nga in Vietnam on your bucket list. I’ve been to them and can vouch that they rock for solo female travellers 🙂 You’re always pushing boundaries and comfort zones and you’ve got some great hiking spots on here. Thank you for the continuous inspiration. Love what you’re doing. Keep it up!

01/25/2018 at 3:24 am

Aw thank you Alice! Glad you like the post and that you’ve been there and love those places too!

Maritza says

02/15/2018 at 2:37 pm

Hi any info on Canary Islands?

Loved your book and blog!

02/15/2018 at 4:46 pm

Haven’t been yet!

Undefined Journey says

04/14/2018 at 8:14 pm

I just love your blog, there are so many places where I can go

05/05/2018 at 9:55 am

I just came back from Coffee Bay and I loved it! I’m from Johannesburg so I know what the crime is like but I felt completely safe in Coffee Bay. Everyone is super chilled and the beaches are beautiful and wild. Great list, by the way. I had a similar experience on Annapurna – hikers are just cool people 🙂

05/08/2018 at 4:07 pm

I loved how chilled Coffee Bay was too!

05/13/2018 at 10:51 am

Hi Kristin, Just discovered your blog this weekend and have been reading all the articles since then! Just wondering if you’ve ever been to/heard much about Guatamala? I’m considering my first solo trip there this summer before I get married next year and was curious if it would make for a good first time solo trip destination.

05/13/2018 at 11:10 am

I’ve only visited Tikal, the big Mayan ruins there. I have heard it’s awesome, though. Nice, conscious communities as well are around. I’d go there in a heartbeat!

05/13/2018 at 3:17 pm

Oh perfect! Thank you very much! Now to take the plunge….

melissa says

06/09/2019 at 9:01 am

Greetings! Glad to have found you. Any trips in July? I would sign up immediately! What is the average age of travelers?

selinacantrell says

07/14/2019 at 8:28 pm

Me and my friends are planning to go to spain this January. We would love to see some nice beaches with clear water and some stunning scenery. We were thinking Majorca,Ibiza and Canary Island, we are up to some adventures and experience a great nightlife in our travel. Can anyone suggest any ideas or tips? Any help is kindly appreciated 🙂

08/18/2019 at 1:09 am

Love your blog, was wondering and this Pai Thailand destination is good for female travellers and this is the best place I had a great experience at this place. and Thank you for sharing these options.

08/18/2019 at 8:26 am

I know that it’s changed since I was last there and has become a lot more touristy, but I hear it’s still pretty cool. I loved it and went solo three times. Even considered living there for a while.

Solo Female Traveler says

08/31/2019 at 10:29 pm

Oh my, I loved this article. Very informative.

08/31/2019 at 10:30 pm

Very valuable information! Thank you

Alysse Chase says

12/28/2019 at 3:32 pm

Yes! Thank you for this list ?I’ve been thinking about traveling solo for years but have had an internal debate over where I actually should go. This is perfect! Does anyone have experience using travel apps like Fairytrail or Couchsurfing to meet people while traveling solo? Appreciate the help! ?

12/28/2019 at 8:34 pm

I’ve met people couchsurfing and it’s hit or mess tbh but the hits are so great! You can also check out my facebook group for solo female travelers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BMTMSoloFemaleTravelConnect/

Luna Jennifer says

01/10/2020 at 2:09 am

It’s been inspirational to read these posts!

Dolakh Thapa says

01/13/2020 at 4:57 am

Thank you so much for placing Annapurna Circuit Trek, Nepal in your 20 most awesome destinations. Nepal is really a perfect destination for adventure lovers. I request you to try Everest Base Camp Trek as a solo female traveler in visit Nepal 2020.

01/13/2020 at 6:07 pm

I’d love to do more trekking there. Are there trails with fewer people?

Sabrina says

02/20/2020 at 11:05 pm

3 of them I have travelled solo…. Iguazu, Torres del Paine and El Chalten. And it’s been amazing. I would also add Austria to that list (well i’m from there, but still, it’s so safe and easy going)

02/21/2020 at 9:05 am

True and Austria is so pretty!

Mary Ann Siwek says

06/07/2020 at 8:15 pm

I want to travel to Thailand and Japan

Kimberly Roth says

05/04/2021 at 7:05 pm

i love that you picked El Chalten! I traveled there in 2019 solo and had a fabulous time. El Calafate and Puerto Madryn were great too. Another place I would recommend for solo travel is Australia. Everyone is very friendly and there’s tons of things to do.

05/05/2021 at 7:57 am

great suggestion!

Tong Metal says

05/05/2021 at 1:32 am

I just want to ask if a solo female traveler also love safari or wilderness travel, its more fantastic to see solo female travel experience this one

Angela says

04/18/2022 at 12:07 am

Hello! Do you have any advice about pick pockets when taking your own travel photos? That’s my biggest fear especially when travelling at very touristy places like Italy!

04/18/2022 at 2:42 pm

I don’t usually set up a tripod in a super crowded area, particularly in Europe. I’d ask someone else to take the photo for me in that case – ideally someone who also has a camera and is taking photos too.

Isa Sirbegovic says

07/10/2022 at 8:32 pm

Such a great blog! I’ve been wanting to start up more solo travel, but it can be so intimidating! I appreciate all the research that went into this post.

Rosieaustin says

01/02/2023 at 11:34 pm

Awesome list. thank you for sharing

09/03/2023 at 8:42 am

NOLA as a destination for solo female travelers?! I live here and for your info, we not only have the second highest murder rate in the country, but we also have the highest murder rate of women! There is not a neighborhood untouched by crime. I would never venture to walk the streets – ANY street (and natives will agree) – anywhere in NOLA by myself after dark; and during the day you should always be on your guard. You’re obviously not from here.

09/08/2023 at 6:00 am

Hi Suzy, I had a great time solo in NOLA and walked around plenty alone, but it was always during the day and I agree, any city in the US would require one to be on their guard and is best avoided on foot at night.

06/11/2024 at 11:04 pm

Thank you for including all the details. Your above information will definitely helpful for all the travelers. I really enjoyed your post. You include all the points and I really agree with them.

06/15/2024 at 6:33 am

And what about Sri Lanka? Would you recommend it for female solo travel?

Kristin Addis says

06/15/2024 at 9:40 am

It depends. I did have someone jiggle the handle of a room I was sleeping in and shine a light in one night there. Not the best feeling. However I think if you’re experienced and know to be on your guard it can still be good solo.

Solo Female Travel Like a Pro

Welcome to our section with the most in-depth solo female travel tips and advice to help you go on your next or your first solo trip.

In this page you’ll find all the resources we have on solo female travel, organized by topic so you can easily find what you are looking for. Scroll through and look for handy write-ups written by women who travel solo and from not only the collective experience of our team but of our large online community of solo female travelers.

Our tours FOR women, BY women Social travel for Solo travelers

Join one of our women-only, intimate journeys of a lifetime especially curated by our team. Meet like-minded women, make connections for life, go on luxury trips.

Where to go

Deciding where to go is the first step towards going on a trip, and in this section you’ll find all the suggestions you need:

• What to do on a long flight: Tips from crew and frequent flyers – Worried about being bored on long haul flights? We have prepared a long list of suggestions for you to keep yourself busy during your long flight.
• Best countries for first time solo travel – Looking to go on your first solo trip? We have compiled recommendations from our 5,000 respondent solo female travel survey in this article.
• Warm places to visit in December – Find your perfect warm destination for the last month of the year with our hand picked recommendations across the world.
• Warm places in December in the USA – Escape the cold that swipes over the northern parts of the country with these suggestions for warm places you can go to without leaving the US.
• Warm places to visit in February – For the solo female travelers chasing endless summer, here are places that remain warm in the classic northern hemisphere winter.
• Holidays for singles over 40 – Are you single and in your 40s? Do you want to travel but don’t have anyone to join you? Don’t let that stop you from that dream trip, we’re giving you the best holiday ideas for travelers just like you.
• Holidays for singles over 50 – A compilation of ideas for holidays to take as a single woman over 50, from retreats to educational tours or destinations that are just perfect for that season in your live.
• Holidays for singles over 60 – Inspiration and vacation ideas for single women over 60 to have the time of their life alone or in a group of likeminded travelers.
• Best volunteer vacation programs – If volunteering abroad has been on your bucket list, here’s everything you need to know to find legit programs from ethical organizations and make a sustainable impact in local communities around the world.
• Best travel groups to join – The ultimate travel group list! There’s a travel group for every travel style, age range and community. Also, we recommend travel Facebook groups for tips and resources, and sites to find travel buddies.
• Countries that don’t celebrate Christmas – A list specifically created for those who prefer to avoid the Christmas season and spent it in a place where Christmas isn’t celebrated.

Inspiration

We all need a bit of inspiration to book that first solo trip as a woman or that next amazing vacation and in this section you will find all the examples and stories you’ll need.

• Women-only tour companies from around the world – Find your tribe on the right tour for you.
• Solo Female Travelers Documentary – we interviewed 27 women from 18 different countries to create a mini documentary with raw, candid, and inspiring footage that gives a behind the scenes look into the world of solo travel as a woman.
• The world’s most traveled woman – Audrey is most likely, the world’s most traveled woman, having visited all countries and regions across more than 50 years of travel, listen to her amazing story!
• Gifts for her – Find gift ideas for the solo female traveler in your life or fill your letter to Santa with ideas that will help make your travels lighter, smarter and better.
• Solo female travel quotes – We all need a bit of inspiration and this list of solo female travel quotes will do just that.
• Books for women – All the inspiration, encouragement and learnings from other women (and some men) in our curated list of books to read.
• Best Facebook travel groups to join – Looking to connect with like minded travel lovers? Facebook is a great place to find them and this is the only list of travel groups you need.
• Benefits of traveling alone – If you are still deciding whether traveling on your own will be worth it, we hope that this list of advantages of traveling alone will help you decide.
• Myths about traveling abroad solo and as a woman – The most common travel and solo travel myths, debunked with the experiences of dozens of travelers! Find the truth behind these misconceptions and a more authentic glimpse into the travel, and solo female travel experience.
• Why travel is important – Need reasons to travel? Check out this article to understand why travel is important in life.
• Funny vacation memes – Laugh out loud with these funny vacation memes every traveler will relate to. 
• Funny travel quotes – Laugh out loud with the funniest and most relatable quotes about travel.
• Instagram travel quotes – Read these unique travel quotes perfect for sharing on social media.
• Short travel captions – Find the best short captions to pair with your amazing travel pics.
• Unique travel captions – Posting a travel photo? Choose the perfect Instagram travel caption from this list.

Solo Female Travel Destination Guides

In this section, we include all the destination-specific solo female travel tips. You will find travel tips, safety tips and useful articles and resources for the most popular solo female travel destinations.

• Travel tips for Greece – Everything you need to know before visiting Greece from our team of local experts.
• Packing list for Greece – Tips and advice from our team and guests on our sailing adventure in Greece.

• Iceland travel tips for women – An extensive list of travel tips for your solo female trip to Iceland including things to know before the trip, music to get in the mood, books to read, movies to watch and more.
• Packing list for women visiting Iceland in winter or in summer – What to pack for your trip to Iceland, including a detailed list of clothing to wear and recommendations for brands we love and use.

• Tanzania travel tips for women – Advice to make the most of your trip to Tanzania with practical tips and cultural considerations. Don’t miss our on shows, music and movies to watch!
• Packing list for women visiting Tanzania – What to wear and what to bring on your safari or your Zanzibar adventure.
• Packing list for Kilimanjaro – Our expert advice on what to bring for your climb of a lifetime.

• Tuscany travel tips – Find out all the essential information you need to know about before visiting Tuscany.
• Tuscany summer packing list – What to pack for your trip to Tuscany, including outfit ideas to blend in, packing tips and everything you should bear in mind.
• Amalfi Coast travel tips – Everything you need to know about the Amalfi Coast before visiting, including fun facts, foods to eat, books to read and useful information.
• Packing list for the Amalfi Coast – Practical packing tips and advice for a trip to the Amalfi Coast in the summer, including what not to bring.
• Venice travel tips – Everything you need to know before visiting Venice, with practical travel tips, movies to watch, foods to eat and more.
• Packing list for Venice – Packing tips and advice for Venice. What to bring for a summer trip and what to leave behind when exploring the Eternal city.

• Packing list for Morocco – Detailed packing list for a trip to Morocco in the spring and autumn with tips for what to bing and what to leave behind.
• Morocco travel tips – Everything you need to know about Morocco to better prepare yourself for a trip, from food to culture, useful facts and practicalities.

• Sudan travel tips – All the travel tips you need before traveling to Sudan, from a brief history to safety ad wellness, passport tips, food and fun facts.
• Sudan packing list – Detailed packing list for Sudan including packing tips and advice as well as a list of things to bring and those to leave behind.

South Korea

• Solo female travel guide to South Korea – Everything you need to know before your trip to South Korea as a women traveling solo.
• Best wellness destinations in South Korea – From day spas in Seoul to Buddhist temple stays and ancient medicine retreats.
• Most beautiful places in South Korea – To get your bucket list going!

• The solo female travelers guide to Barcelona – Everything you need to plan and go on a solo trip to Barcelona and Catalonia curated by Mar, who is a local.
• Barcelona & Costa Brava travel tips – Everything from travel tips to local customs, from tipping to music, and better understanding Catalonia and Catalans.
• Summer packing list for Barcelona – Stay stylish and blend in when it’s hot.
• Autumn packing list for Barcelona – What to bring and leave behind in the season of change.

• Travel tips for Croatia – Everything you need to know before planning your trip.
• Summer packing list for Croatia – The essentials and the nice to have.

• Montenegro travel tips – Expert advice from previous travelers to Montenegro.
• Packing lis for summer in Montenegro – What you should and shouldn’t pack for a trip.

• Travel tips to Egypt – Everything a solo female traveler needs to know for a trip to Egypt.
• Packing list for Egypt in the winter – Tips from our experienced team.

Solo Female Travel Preparation

Preparing for a solo trip can be daunting and stressful, it can also generate a lot of anxiety. On the other hand, the preparation phase is also one of excitement and anticipation for many solo female travelers. Below are several resources that can help you plan a solo trip.

• First time solo trip – Tips for the first time you travel solo, we got your back!
• Travel Planning guide – The most comprehensive travel planning resource you will find, with all the tools we, and the community, use to research and plan a trip. This is the only travel planning list you’ll need.
• Best travel insurance – Never leave the house without travel insurance! In this article you will find everything you need to know when choosing the right one and the insurance companies we recommend.
• 200+ Solo female travel safety tips – The most comprehensive list of tips and advice to stay safe when traveling solo, from safety in taxis and hotels to safety in the wild, in a hotel room and everywhere else.
• Road trip planning – Going on that solo road trip? Our road tripping guide is all you need to read to plan and go on the trip of a lifetime.
• How to save money for travel – We all want to travel more but financial constraints often put a damper on our plans. On this article, we will share strategies to save for travel and our tried and tested method.
• How to find free accommodation – Yes, it is indeed possible to not spend anything on accommodation when traveling, are you wondering how? Let us share our tips for finding free accommodation when traveling solo.
• Best language learning apps – As solo female travelers, being able to communicate with the locals is pretty useful and in this article you’ll find a list of the best language learning apps as well as comparisons and pros and cons.
• What to keep in your first aid kit – Do you pack a first aid kit when traveling? Here is a list of the most useful items to include in yours.
• Women only tours – A list of companies which offer tours for solo female travelers or women only.
• Genius travel packing hacks – To pack like a pro: faster, lighter and smarter. Our collection of hacks accumulated from years of travel and crowdsourced from our community.
• How to find travel buddies – Traveling solo rocks, we promise, but there is something exotic, adventurous and fun about finding a travel buddy to accompany some of your days of solo travel. There are also trips or times when you would rather have a travel friend to go with you. In this article you’ll find a list of platforms you can use to find someone to travel with.
• Tips for going to the beach alone – Find out what to do with your valuables, how to stay safe and suggestions for things to do so you don’t get bored.
• Solo travel vs. Group travel – Do you prefer to travel solo independently or in a group? Review the pros and cons of each travel style and choose which one fits you best.
• How to have safe sex traveling – Hope to have sex while traveling? This article has up to date information and helpful advice to make the most of your sexual experience in your travels while staying safe. 
• Best self-defense tools for women – The best self-defense tools recommended by experts, which have low/no risk of self-harm, are easy to access and will help you prevent a dangerous situation or protect yourself in case of one during your solo trip. 
• Best anti theft bags – The best anti-theft bags out there to keep your belongings safe while traveling. 
• Hacks to save money on travel – Travel without breaking the bank with these expert tips to save money on travel.
• Expert long term travel tips – Traveling for more than 3 months? Follow these tips to make the most of your long term travel journey.
• Pros and cons of hotels vs hostels for solo travel – Unsure which accommodation option to choose? To help you decide we have prepared a comparison of the pros and cons between hostels and hotels.

Making the Most of Your Solo Female Travels

• How to enjoy eating alone – Anxious about eating alone? Self-conscious and concerned about what others may think? Afraid you will be bored? We have all had these thoughts at least one and in this article you’ll learn everything you need to know to see these feelings in a different way and overcome them to actually enjoy and look forward to a solo meal.
• Going to a bar or pub alone – tips for beginners – Tips for your first or next solo time at a bar, lounge or pub alone from the experts in our community and our team.
• First time flying tips – If you are about to fly for the first time, you’ll find this article very useful.We have compiled extensive tips to make that first flight more comfortable and less stressful and will be telling you in detail what to expect.
• How to meet people when traveling solo – As a solo female traveler you will most likely want to meet other travelers and locals and in this article we will give you many suggestions to make that easier.
• How to take photos of yourself – Forget about ugly and clunky selfies and take our list of tips to take better photos of yourself when traveling solo onboard, you’ll be amazed at how much better your photos will be!
• Tips for staying in a hostel for the first time – Staying in a hostel can be an amazing travel experience. Check out this hostel surviving guide with essential tips to book the right hostel, pack smart and make the most of your stay.
• Hotel safety tips for travelers – A list of expert hotel safety tips for travelers that will make you feel comfortable and secure next time you stay in a hotel.
• Travel dating apps for solo female travelers – Travel dating apps have made it easier, safer and faster to meet people from all over the world. We have compiled a list of the best travel dating sites. 
• How to safely date when traveling solo – Tips to keep you safe when dating abroad.
• Best travel apps for solo travelers – Make technology your ally to make the most of your trips. Here’s the ultimate list of the best solo travel apps out there.
• How to enjoy going to a concert alone: 20 tips for beginners – In this article you will find a list of tips for first time solo concert goers written from the vast experience of our community, including recommendations to stay safe and make the most of your experience.

Work & Travel resources

Want to work while you travel? Sounds like a dream right? It’s our reality – and it can totally be yours too!

While many of our members hold down full time jobs, and travel in their time off, many actually work while traveling. From jobs that allow you to travel the world, to building an online empire and working for yourself remotely.

There are a lot of ‘get rich quick’ schemes and scams, and dodgy ‘business opportunities’ designed to pull people in, dangling the promise of a ‘work while you travel’ lifestyle.

As online entrepreneurs who’ve been around the block, we can tell you that most of this is rubbish . Most courses and content on traveling and working at the same time are of zero value, and we hate it.

Thankfully, there are also some truly fabulous educational tools, resources, and courses out there that offer really high quality materials of substance and which can make the difference.

Our mission is to cut through the crap.

The following are the best, and most legitimate resources for working and traveling, personally vetted and actually used by us. Yes, that means we reached out to the course creators and asked them to let us test them before writing about them.

But before, a word of warning.

Working while traveling and making money online isn’t all beaches and cocktails – it’s hard work, and if you’re making the transition you should head in with your eyes wide open. But we would never change this for any other job, it is a rewarding career path with a chancing office view, from Antarctica to the Galapagos Islands!

Articles on Work and Travel

These articles have been written by us personally, and we have aimed to provide the most comprehensive, information packed resources possible. They are detailed, and in depth, typically 7,000 words + in length! We’re waging war against bland, boring content, and want to provide you with genuinely kick-ass information, that’s actually helpful.

20 Easiest Remote and Online Jobs You Can Do in 2023 While Traveling

Best Travel Industry Jobs For Work and Travel

10 Jobs and Careers That Actually REQUIRE You to Travel in 2023

Courses We LOVE and Recommend

Blogging Fastlane is a fantastic course by pro bloggers Tom and Anna from Adventure in You. They grew a business from nothing and now teach others how to. They have 70,000 members in their newsletter and are pro at monetizing their blog.

You can start with a free blogging course and see if this is for you first before you pay any money, maybe you’ll discover blogging is not really what you want.  Join their FREE Blogging fastlane course .

Whether you want to teach English online or abroad, International TEFL and TESOL Training  is the most complete resource to gain your certifications.

In terms of flexibility and value for money, their courses are hard to beat. Their most popular online courses are the 60-hour and 120-hour TEFL certificate courses. 

Members of the Solo Female Travelers community  get 10% OFF regular prices  when applying for the courses  here .

Watch our live session on Teaching English as a Foreign Language here.

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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A Solo Woman Traveling

Boutique Travel Guides & All-Female Luxury Tours

Craft your dream solo journey with our tailored guides or join our small group girls trip!

Start here, all female tours.

A Solo Woman Traveling is your go-to gal for chic, women-only European adventures!

We mix the thrill of discovery with life’s little luxuries. Imagine savoring Europe’s finest foods, unwinding on the rooftop bars in Florence, or relaxing in the Greek Islands.

Each trip is a unique blend of culture, relaxation, and gourmet experiences—perfect for any foodie with a taste for adventure.

Ready to make unforgettable memories and friendships? Your laid-back European luxury adventure is just a trip away.

Let’s make each journey as fabulous as a fine wine!

MEET Melissa

Hello friend.

My name is Melissa, a woman transformed by solo travel.

I specialize in hosting small group luxury trips across Europe, creating boutique-style itineraries that are as exclusive as they are enchanting.

My passion is crafting these experiences, but my calling is supporting other women on their life’s journey around the globe.

Learn more about how I can inspire, motivate, and teach you to feel confident to travel the world solo!

Everything at your fingertips

Solo travel planning resources, travel planning sites.

Booking travel can be a lot of work! But it is made a whole lot simpler with one of these helpful sites!

Best Solo Travel Gear

Having the right travel accessories is key when you travel solo. Check out my top picks here!

Best Travel Apps

Don’t leave home without downloading this curated list of the best travel apps for women!

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Discovering ‘A Solo Woman Traveling’ has been a game-changer for my travel experiences. Melissa’s personalized approach to itinerary planning brought unique insights and hidden gems that enriched my trips.

-Samantha H.

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Essentials for the frequent traveler

Travel planning resources.

Guide to Rental Cars in Europe

Thinking of renting a car in Europe? Check out my extensive FREE PDF guide on renting a car.

How to Get More Airline Miles

Looking for the best ways to get the most airline miles so that you can finally travel in business class?

Free Pre-Pinned Google Maps

Arrive at your destination and be ready to go with these pre-pinned Google Maps. Free and ready to use!

Travel Blogging Resources

Thinking of creating your own travel blog?

Find all my best tips for starting a travel blog here!

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03. Itinerary Completion

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Ready for more from life.

Looking for solo travel to help transform your life? Whether you are seeking a career change, a move abroad, or taking your first solo trip, I am here to support you!

What are you looking for?

More women embracing independence of solo travel

Feb. 7 (UPI) -- More and more, women are leaving their partners, boyfriends, kids and pets at home as they venture out to explore the world on their own.

Over the past two years, women have embraced traveling alone or with female friends, searching for a break from daily life while unlocking a new level of independence, spontaneity and freedom.

The solo travel trend has seen a boom in the last decade and is expected to increase. In 2017, 27% of travelers preferred exploring new places on their own. In 2019, that rose to 39%; in 2021, it jumped to 47%. Today, the share of solo travelers is more than 50%, according Solo Traveler World .

More than half of those travelers are women, most of whom aren't waiting for someone to accompany them or give them permission to take these experiential trips.

A report by Road Scholar , a Boston-based tour operator of educational group travel for older adults, found that 60% of its solo traveler customers in 2022 were married women heading off without their spouses.

Kelly Kimple, who started Adventures in Good Company in Colorado 25 years ago, said the all-female-adventure tour company has a 79% repeat customer rate.

"Small-group trips with other women who share similar interests offer a structured space to foster social connectedness and a more comfortable environment to open up and share their goals, fears and joys with each other," Kimple told UPI.

Life transitions

Catalysts for this travel include significant life transitions such as breakups, retirement or change of residence, but can be as simple as wanting to explore the world.

Brittany Betts, a travel expert at HawaiianIslands.com, said traveling solo provides women an opportunity to get to know themselves.

"When I travel solo, I find that I focus more on little things that make me happy rather than worrying about what makes my spouse happy," she said. "I focus more on immersing myself in the culture and doing small things like visiting local coffee shops and talking to locals."

According to RateGain, a global provider of travel and hospitality data, the trend of "friendcations" is expected to rise, with solo travelers coming from different places to stay with other solo travelers at a destination.

RateGain President Peter Strebel said the solo "set-jetting'' trend -- visiting a location featured in movies or TV shows -- also is expected to grow this year.

He said Thailand (featured in The White Lotus Season 3), Malta (the setting for Gladiator 2) , the Scottish Highlands (as seen in Outlander ), South Korea (anticipated for Squid Game Season 2) and Greece (spotlighted in Argylle ) would likely emerge as prominent tourist destinations in 2024.

More options

Phyllis Polaner, a travel specialist with SmartFlyer, has been organizing solo trips for herself, friends and customers for more than a decade. At the end of a girls' trip in Lake Tahoe, where she is skiing with friends, Polaner said more options are available for women traveling solo than ever before.

"We see so many requests from 30- to 70-year-old women after being either stuck inside, going through a change of couple status or just wanting to explore a personal passion," Polaner said.

After a while, she said, hotels and resorts have finally caught on, offering more small-group promotions for women. Some hotels even have women-only floors.

Polaner said she's heard lots of reasons women want to venture out alone, but some are the most common.

"'The kids are finally back at school or university,' 'My husband doesn't want to do anything,' 'I need to find a place to just be myself,' 'I want to meet others and party,' and the desire to check off bucket-list items like cooking in Italy are some I hear a lot," she said.

Megan Grant, founder of Cherish Tours, said 75% of the travelers she works with sign up to travel by themselves.

"The women who sign up alone do so because they are either single, have a spouse who isn't interested in traveling with them, and/or don't have a friend or group of friends to travel with," Grant said.

"Women are no longer letting these factors hold them back from making the choice to travel. With or without a travel companion, they are getting out there to explore and travel the world."

'Transformational experiences'

Grant said this trend started around the 1970s, and women from the Baby Boomer and Gen X generations are traveling alone because they weren't allowed to when they were younger.

The pandemic also created time for people to reflect on what they truly want for their lives, which has led to more travel, she said.

"Women have transformational experiences when they travel solo," she said. "They learn new things about themselves, about other women traveling with them and the world around them."

There are also added advantages to traveling alone, including single-occupancy discounts at hotels, faster-moving singles lines at amusement parks, discounted seats at shows and performances, and even hot restaurants where solo diners without reservations can sometimes squeeze in at the bar, according to Do-Tell Publicity President and CEO Kat Fleischman.

Sharing interests

Fleischman said solo travelers can use sites like Meetup and Fun JetSetter that help break the ice with others who share interests. But there are tricks to help navigate solo traveling, including not oversharing personal information, using a financial "safe word" and stepping into a store or cafe instead of standing on the street to use a cellphone.

As a TedX speaker, travel lifestyle and business coach, Heather Markel has shared the story of her travel adventures since 2018, traveling to 39 countries, including being marooned in New Zealand for two years during the pandemic, where she was on her own and had to find a community to avoid being alone.

Markel suggests women traveling alone be aware of their surroundings and behavior, paying extra for a taxi home if they're coming back at night and staying in high-quality hotels.

"Always learn what areas to avoid, the same way you do at home, and don't go there," she said. "Try a free walking tour. The guides are great, and I almost always meet someone else who is solo, or a couple and end up grabbing at least a bite to eat after the tour."

Best destinations for female solo travellers revealed in new study

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A new study has revealed the best and worst cities for solo female travellers. Photo / 123rf

Travelling alone as a woman is easy enough to fall in love with. You’re not under the demands of anyone else. You mingle and you move, unconstrained. You’re free.

And it’s on the rise. One Booking.com survey revealed that 54% of female respondents plan on adventuring solo in 2024, while another study by travel organisation Road Scholar found 85% of its solo travellers are women.

It can also be challenging - particularly for women, in part due to an increased risk of harassment and assault.

Now, a new study has uncovered the best cities for women to feel safe in - and have a great tourism experience.

Data from InsureMyTrip revealed Munich on top, followed by Madrid in second place, and London in third.

The study ranked 62 cities on four key data points: cost, safety, gender equality and tourism.

According to the study authors, the categories were arranged to help travellers find the perfect city based on their top priorities.

“For example, if travellers are worried about walking around at night, they can make an informed decision on where to go,” InsureMyTrip said on their website.

While not a single New Zealand city featured on the list, our neighbours from across the ditch featured twice: Melbourne ranked 21 and Sydney at 31. Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia ranked worst, obtaining only 4.12 points overall compared to 7.36 received by Munich.

InsureMyTrip’s Top 10 Cities for Solo Female Travellers

• Munich, Germany
• Madrid, Spain
• London, United Kingdom
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Barcelona, Spain
• Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Berlin, Germany
• Chiang Mai, Thailand
• Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Copenhagen, Denmark

InsureMyTrip’s Worst 10 Cities for Solo Female Travellers

62. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

61. Johor Bahru, Malaysia

60. Delhi, India

59. Penang Island, Malaysia

58. Singapore

57. Johannesburg, South Africa

56. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

55. Jakarta, Indonesia

54. Las Vegas, United States

53. Marrakesh, Morroco

52. New York City, United States

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This Is How Wealthy Chinese Female Travelers Think of Travel

Peden Doma Bhutia , Skift

July 2nd, 2024 at 3:00 AM EDT

For Chinese women travelers, travel is now a powerful way to express their individuality. Sure, you might spot them shopping at Prada, but there's so much more to their adventures.

Peden Doma Bhutia

Women made 80% of travel decisions and accounted for 6 out of 10 Chinese tourists last year.

Chinese women are embracing a new era of travel characterized by greater boldness and exploration, and the shift is prominent among luxury travelers, shared a recent report by Finn Partners.

Sharing insights with Skift, Jenny Lo, managing partner, China at Finn Partners, said the study aimed to understand how broader social changes influence Chinese women’s perceptions of travel, particularly in terms of motivations, habits and influences.

“The traditional image of affluent Chinese female travelers shopping at Louis Vuitton in Paris or dining with their multi-generational families has evolved,” the research indicated.

The New Meaning of Luxury and Travel to Enrich, Not Escape

The concept of luxury has transformed from acquiring material possessions to achieving self-contentment. Travel now fits into this new luxury narrative as a rewarding experience that offers personal fulfillment, “me time,” joy, and recognition of achievement.

Approximately two-thirds of respondents said they view luxury as total privacy and “me time,” while more than half consider it as experiences that bring joy. Also, almost half of them perceive luxury as a recognition of their hard work.

Previously seen as an escape from daily routines or family obligations, female travelers in China preceive travel as an opportunity for personal enrichment, learning new skills, and broadening horizons. To them, travel is a means of self-discovery and personal fulfillment.

An overwhelming 98% of women agree that travel is a way to treat themselves, and over 99% believe it is essential for expanding their horizons. Joshua Wang, associate vice president of research and insights at Finn Partners, said Covid-19 acted as a catalyst, magnifying these desires as Chinese women reconsidered their priorities, focusing on self-care, mental well-being, and meaningful experiences over material possessions.

Rise of Solo Travel

One of the most significant trends highlighted in the report is the rise in solo travel among Chinese women. Driven by a desire for independence and self-empowerment, the growing financial independence of Chinese women allows them to make autonomous travel decisions, the report said.

Lo emphasized that safety and security are still crucial when choosing popular destinations perceived as safe. However, the research suggests that Chinese women travelers are increasingly confident in navigating solo trips, thanks to improved travel resources and support from travel advisors who provide insider knowledge and assurance.

“Previously, the assurance of safety and security came from peer testimony or group travel, but today, the abundance of information available to solo travelers, combined with a strong desire for independence and personal enrichment, encourages women to step out of their comfort zones while still prioritizing their safety,” Wang told Skift.

Demographic and psychographic trends also contribute to the rise in solo travel. An increasing number of young urbanites in China are choosing to remain single, placing greater importance on individuality and independence, and opting not to marry or have children. “Once stigmatized as ‘leftover women,’ single women are now seen as a source of inspiration. This shift in mindset is particularly evident in their approach to travel, further explaining the rise in solo travel,” Lo said.

An earlier Skift article had also highlighted how women are leading the charge in shaping China’s outbound travel.

Social Media’s Role in Travel

Social media continues to play a significant role in travel decisions. While the survey mainly focused on travel motivators and changes in mindset, speaking to Skift Wang said that social media is now “less of a tool for showing off and more of an act of self-expression.”

“This doesn’t necessarily change their posting behavior on social media, but we expect their content to change, likely shifting to more authoritative stories that speak more openly about their own perspectives, experiences, and opinions,” he said.

Platforms like Xiaohongshu and Douyin are popular among Chinese women for documenting their solo travels. Social media influencers play a crucial role in driving travel decisions, especially among younger travelers.

Surprising Findings

Among the surprising findings, Wang and Lo highlighted that a significant proportion of married women and mothers expressed less intention to travel with their partners or children in the future, indicating a departure from the traditional concept of multi-generational travel.

Additionally, the rapid growth of solo travel was unexpected. “Last year, in our study titled ‘Outbound Rebound: The Return of Chinese Travelers,’ less than one-third expressed a preference for solo travel (although the study also included male travelers), with a focus on millennials. This year, that number has surged to 72%” Lo said.

The Finn researchers also found it surprising that despite discussions about slow travel women travelers also prefer fast travel, incorporating as many sights, activities, or experiences as possible into their trips . “The inclination towards fast travel resonates with the strong eagerness and urge to travel,” Wang noted.

“The most intriguing discovery lies in the collective narrative that emerges from the data. It reveals that today’s Chinese luxury female traveler is quite complex and nuanced in her motivations and desires, adeptly balancing traditional travel motivations centered around family with newer, self-empowered motivations,” Lo concluded.

The Daily Newsletter

Our daily coverage of the global travel industry. Written by editors and analysts from across Skift’s brands.

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Tags: asia monthly , china outbound , china travel , luxury , luxury shoping , luxury travel , solo travel , women travelers

Photo credit: Chinese women are embracing a new era of travel characterized by greater boldness and exploration. tirachardz / Image by tirachardz on Freepik">Freepik