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Trying to pick a place to explore as a solo traveler can be daunting to say the least, especially if you are a woman.
The world tells us to be afraid and to be hesitant about traveling alone overseas; even now after a decade of solo travel, people still question me when I talk about my ventures around the world, and even more so when I mention that I travel alone.
It’s hard not to be discouraged when you are faced with such negativity about your travels, especially when starting out.
But if you are considering traveling solo, whether it’s your first time or you’ve traveled alone before, here are some relatively easy and safe places to travel alone as women.
15 Best Solo Female Traveler Destinations
Below are some of my favorite places for solo female travelers to venture to alone. Whether it’s your first time, or your hundredth, don’t miss these countries!
1. Iceland
Iceland has definitely become a hit place to visit, now with cheap and frequent flights both from Europe and North America – you can even do a free week-long stopover with Icelandair between the two continents to make the most of a trip overseas.
With a population of just 300,000 people on a good day, it makes sense that it has a small-town vibe nationwide.
Iceland is probably one of the safest countries I’ve traveled to over the years and I felt totally comfortable there on my own. In fact, it has one of the lowest crime rates in the world.
Between its location, ease and accessibility, culture and safety record, Iceland is the perfect place for first time solo travelers, especially women.
2. Peru
While Peru might not initially strike you as a great destination for solo female travelers, I’ve found the opposite to be the case.
I’ve included it on the list because I wanted to cover most continents and Peru is such a popular tourist destination. This means it has a moderately solid tourism infrastructure, at least for South America.
If you travel here alone, for the most part you likely won’t be alone, there will be a lot of backpackers and other travelers in similar situations.
I found that I didn’t have any problems there traveling for 2 weeks a few years ago, and I found it incredibly helpful that there was an established tourism industry in Peru, making the logistics and planning less of a hassle.
3. New Zealand
One of the main reasons I decided to base myself in New Zealand is because it is such a welcoming and open destination for solo female travelers like me.
Seriously, I don’t think there is a safer or easier country to travel to – New Zealand is perfect for first-time solo travelers.
It’s very easy to travel around whether by bus, car, planes or even hitchhiking, which is still a very common practice here.
The people are incredibly friendly and helpful if you have any problems or get into trouble and because there are only 4 million people nationwide, it very much has a small-town vibe like Iceland – everyone knows each other.
4. Thailand
Southeast Asia is a great place for solo travelers. It’s a major backpacker hub and it’s a very easy place to travel around. Thailand is the beating heart of Southeast Asia and is where most people begin their adventures.
The reason being it’s safe, has amazing food, friendly locals, and is easy to navigate. Not to mention you can easily meet other solo travelers there.
It has quite the reputation for first time travelers, especially because it’s so cheap and your money can last a lot longer there.
Because of that though, it’s often caters towards younger backpackers on a budget, though I’ve found that you can have a very good boutique or even luxury trip for an affordable price.
Thailand has a very established tourism industry as well and if you’re looking for a good place to start traveling for the first time alone in Asia, it’s ideal.
5. South Africa
Africa doesn’t always have the best reputation for solo female travelers, or even solo travelers in general, but I’ve found that you should take the horror stories you hear with a grain of salt.
I spent a few weeks in South Africa and had the most amazing time. The first thing you notice when you enter South Africa is how nice everyone is – people ask “how are you” and greet you with a smile.
It’s cities like Cape Town are very hip and fun, and I found them to be accessible and easy for solo travelers.
There are a few things you have to be more cautious and wary about in South Africa, like not walking alone at night and avoiding bad neighborhoods, but the same can be said for many urban centers around the world.
If you are looking to visit Africa as your first solo destination, South Africa is a great place to start. Just stay at hostels and you will meet people to explore with. Many hostels in South Africa have Whatsapp Groups where travelers can share plans and organize meet ups.
6. Japan
Japan is an excellent destination for solo female travelers due to its reputation for safety, cleanliness, and politeness.
The country’s efficient public transport makes it easy to get around, even if you don’t speak the language.
Japanese people are known for their hospitality, and solo travelers will find locals willing to help them navigate their way around the country.
In Tokyo, you will find there are several international bars and meetup groups, where travelers can meet other travelers and mingle with the locals trying to improve their English.
In Kyoto and Osaka, you get a more authentic and enriching experience. Japan’s rich culture and history are some of the most unique in the world, and its cuisine is world-renowned.
There are also plenty of places to stay that are designed for solo travelers, from capsule hotels to ryokans, there’s something for every budget and preference.
7. Spain
Spain is an excellent destination for solo female travelers, particularly Barcelona, which is one of the country’s most popular cities.
The city is known for its vibrant culture, breathtaking architecture, and lively nightlife.
As a solo traveler, you’ll find plenty to do during the day, from exploring the Gothic Quarter to lounging on the beach.
Barcelona’s food scene is also a highlight, with world-renowned tapas bars and seafood restaurants.
The city is easy to navigate, with a well-connected metro and bus system, and people are generally warm and friendly.
8. The Netherlands
The Netherlands is a fantastic destination for solo female travelers, particularly the city of Amsterdam.
The city’s laid-back atmosphere, picturesque canals, and beautiful architecture make it an ideal place to explore on your own.
With a well-connected public transportation system, you can easily visit other Dutch cities like Utrecht and Rotterdam.
The Netherlands is known for its progressive attitudes towards gender equality and safety, making it a welcoming country for female travelers.
Additionally, Amsterdam has a lively cultural and nightlife scene, offering plenty of opportunities to meet new people and socialize.
With low crime rates, a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity, Amsterdam is the perfect destination for solo female travelers looking for a new adventure.
9. Ireland
Ireland is a wonderful destination for solo female travelers looking for a place with epic landscapes and friendly locals.
The heart of Ireland is Dublin, the nation’s capital. The city is known for its friendly locals, welcoming pub culture, and rich history.
As a solo traveler, you can easily explore the city’s many museums, galleries, and historic buildings on foot.
Dublin also offers a wide range of accommodation options, from affordable hostels to luxurious hotels.
The city’s vibrant nightlife scene is perfect for socializing and meeting new people.
Additionally, Ireland is a safe country for female travelers, with a low crime rate and progressive attitudes towards gender equality. Plus, it’s a small country and so most places can be visited within a day trip of Dublin.
10. Germany
Germany is another great destination for solo female travelers in Europe. Berlin in particular is a great place to travel to alone, as it’s known for its rich history, vibrant cultural scene, and excellent public transportation system.
As a solo traveler, you’ll find plenty to do during the day, from visiting museums and galleries to exploring historic sites like the Berlin Wall.
Berlin’s nightlife scene is also legendary, with a wide range of bars, clubs, and live music venues catering to all tastes.
The city is generally safe for solo travelers, and people are friendly and welcoming.
11. Portugal
Portugal is a one of the best destinations for solo female travelers looking for a warm climate, stunning beaches, and rich history.
The country’s cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Faro offer plenty of opportunities for exploration, from wandering through historic neighborhoods to discovering vibrant markets and museums.
Portugal’s food scene is also a highlight, with fresh seafood, delicious pastries, and world-renowned wines.
As a solo traveler, you’ll find the locals friendly and welcoming, and the country is known for its safety and low crime rates.
12. Australia
Australia is an ideal destination for solo female travelers who want a bit of everything. It has stunning natural beauty and a friendly, laid-back culture.
The country offers a range of experiences, from exploring bustling cities like Sydney and Melbourne to discovering the breathtaking landscapes of the Outback and the Great Barrier Reef.
Australian locals are generally welcoming and hospitable, and the country has a reputation for being safe and secure.
As a solo traveler, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to meet new people through organized tours, volunteer opportunities, working abroad opportunities, and backpacker hostels.
And since it’s an English speaking country, it makes most travelers feel at ease and settle into the Aussie culture quite quickly.
Australia offers a unique travel experience that is perfect for solo female travelers looking for adventure and a taste of the Australian way of life.
13. Indonesia
Indonesia is one of the most stunning countries in Asia and is rich in natural beauty. It has a unique cultural heritage, and welcoming locals.
While most people visit Bali, most parts of Indonesia are a great place for a solo trip, especially if you like to get off-the-beaten-path.
The country offers a diverse range of experiences, from exploring historic temples and charming villages to relaxing on beautiful beaches and diving in crystal-clear waters.
If you head over to East Java, you’ll find active volcanoes you can hike, rainforests and jungles with thriving wildlife, and some of the world’s most impressive waterfalls.
As a solo traveler, you’ll find the locals friendly and hospitable, with a deep appreciation for their cultural traditions.
Overall, Indonesia offers a unique travel experience that is perfect for solo female travelers looking for adventure, incredible nature sites, and a deeper connection with a rich and fascinating culture.
14. Costa Rica
Another country that has amazing nature is Costa Rica. It makes for an amazing destination for solo female travelers due to its beautiful natural surroundings, laid-back culture, and welcoming locals.
It’s known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and abundant wildlife.
As a solo traveler, you can explore Costa Rica’s many national parks and take part in outdoor activities like surfing, hiking, and zip-lining.
You can also find many yoga retreats and wellness retreats, which allows travelers to find their zen as well as meet other likeminded people.
The country is also considered one of the safest in Central America.
15. United States
The United States is a diverse country that offers a range of experiences, from exciting cities to breathtaking natural landscapes.
The country offers an unparalleled mix of culture, history, and cuisine, with something for every interest and budget.
As a solo traveler, you can explore the vibrant city life of New York City, hike through the stunning national parks of the West, or enjoy the sun-soaked beaches of California, or the laid-back lifestyle of Seattle in Washington.
One of the best things about the US is that it has such diversity. No two states are the same, and the locals are generally friendly towards tourists and the culture is easy to get used to.
Final Thoughts on Solo Female Travel Destinations
Traveling solo as a woman can be an incredibly empowering and a rewarding experience. It allows you to challenge yourself, step outside of your comfort zone, and gain a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.
Solo travel offers the freedom to make your own decisions, set your own schedule, and pursue your interests without compromise.
While you may be worried about safety, you should know that the world out there is no more dangerous than your home, as long as you take the proper precautions and visit countries that are safe for solo female travelers.
Solo female travel provides opportunities for personal growth, increased confidence, and a sense of independence. So don’t fret, get out there, and explore the world!
More Solo Travel Tips
Need more inspiration about solo female travel? Check out these posts:
- 10 tips for staying safe as a solo female traveler
- 4 anxieties you face as a solo traveler
- Why travel solo as a mom is good for you and tips for making it work
- 3 budget tips for solo travelers
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What destinations would you visit as a solo female traveler and why? Let us know in the comments.
