Solo female travel is on the up and showing no signs of slowing down. But where are the best – and safest destinations for women to go it alone?
Why do women love solo travel? There are many answers. Sometimes it’s about the practicalities of not having someone to travel with, or wanting an interference-free itinerary. At other times, it’s about breaking out of our comfort zone and creating space for growth. With an endless amount of benefits to go it alone, the only real question is, where to? We looked to 3 experienced female travel bloggers for the answer.
Discover the safest places for solo female travel according to our favourite travel bloggers The Blonde Abroad, Be My Travel Muse and Haley on Holiday.
Nomadic Matt with Kristin Addis
When our favourite guy traveller blogger needs a female perspective, he looks to Kristin Addis from Be My Travel Muse. In her post, 10 Awesome Destinations for Solo Female Travellers, Kristin curates a list that empowers women to discover more about themselves.
Traveling solo as woman is a unique opportunity to find out exactly who you are in completely new surroundings and without anyone around from your past to influence you.
– Kristin Addis, Be My Travel Muse
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Solo in Moab, Utah, USA
“I easily met people just by hanging around the free campsites, the coffee shops, and while watching the sunset over Dead Horse point during my solo American Southwest road trip.”
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Solo in Yubeng, China
“Yubeng is a remote village in the Chinese Himalayas that can only be reached by foot or mule.”
“In the big cities, scams often target young female tourists, but in the Himalayas, you’re more of an esteemed guest.”
See our travel advice on China travel in 2020.
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Solo in Maui, Hawaii, USA
“There are female-focused activities — like the Maui Surfer Girls camp, designed specifically for solo female travellers who are looking for a supportive group of women to take up a new sport with. It’s an experience that is both empowering and fun!”
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Solo in El Chaltén, Argentina
“With its constant catcalls, South America can sometimes feel stressful for solo female travellers, but this trekking town is different. It’s full of nature-loving artists and hippies who are welcoming, as well as hikes that are full enough of people that even if you show up solo, you can easily meet others on the trail.”
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Solo in Iceland
“Iceland is the safest country in the world. Seriously, people leave their cars running, with the keys inside, when they go grocery shopping.”
“Plus, the capital draws so many solo travellers on layovers from the US that it won’t be hard to meet someone cool at your hostel to split a car rental with for a day trip like the Golden Circle or even a longer journey like the Ring Road.”
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Solo in Ylläs, Finland
“The locals are so darn amiable that you’re sure to make a few friends, especially if you head to the female-owned-and-run Aurora Estate, where the owners can help you plan some awesome excursions snowmobiling and snowshoeing.”
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Solo in Big Sur, California, USA
“Camping in Big Sur is the perfect opportunity to meet others because campers are friendly. Chances are good you can make a pal at the very next camping spot, especially if you offer them a locally-brewed beer.”
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Solo in Nusa Island, Bali, Indonesia
“Most couples traveling in this area opt for Bali, so chances of you sitting awkwardly next to a loving couple on a stunning beach is much lesser on the Nusa Islands.”
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Solo in Sossusvlei, Namibia
“Namibia is adventurous and social without feeling dangerous. All of the backpackers and camping accommodations have pools and other common areas, which makes it easy to meet others if you’re solo.”
“You can also join a tour or safari and meet plenty of other solo travelers. It’s what I did, and I loved it!”
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Solo in Berlin, Germany
“Berlin draws many solo travelers, and it’s easy to meet others. It’s also a socially progressive city with a low violent crime rate that’s simple to navigate and easy to love.”
Find more of Kristin’s musings at Be My Travel Muse, Instagram and Facebook.
Haley on Holiday
To qualify as a good destination for independent female travel, Australian blogger Haley on Holiday lists four criteria. She has to feel safe and comfortable, Secondly, destinations need to offer good attractions that she can enjoy alone, and it needs to be easy to navigate via public transport. Finally, the language barrier can’t be too much of a struggle.
In her post, My 15 Favourite Solo Travel Destinations Around The World, Haley rounds up 15 of the best destinations she’s personally experienced as a female travelling alone. Here are 1o of our faves.
It’s widely known on this blog that I am an introvert. But solo travel has made me step out of my comfort zone on hundreds of occasions. For this I will be forever thankful, because stepping out from inside my bubble has allowed me to experience much more than I could have inside that zone of comfort.
– Haley Simpson, Haley on Holiday
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Solo in Dublin, Ireland
“I wouldn’t say Dublin is my favourite place in the world, but it’s a great city to visit alone. Although I only took one bus during my visit, there were different transport options available. I also felt very comfortable walking around the entire city early in the morning and at night.”
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Solo in Amsterdam, The Netherlands
“To be honest, travelling around Europe solo did make me nervous because of the language barrier.”
“Amsterdam was the best city I visited in Europe in terms of the minimal language barrier.”
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Solo in Las Vegas, USA
“Yes, Las Vegas would be a lot of fun with your favourite people, but I am here to tell you that you can still enjoy yourself in Vegas alone.”
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Solo in London, UK
“London is a fantastic place to visit solo, especially if it’s your first time travelling alone. The city’s public transport is fantastic – expensive, but extremely efficient. There’s also possibly too much to do in London. I have now spent about 10 days in the city and I still have SO many things left on my bucket list.”
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SoLo in Vancouver, Canada
“Firstly, public transport is fantastic. Secondly, there’s lots of things to do. Thirdly, there are plenty of accessible day trip options, like getting the bus to wonderful Whistler.”
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SoLo in Singapore
“Singapore is a great Asian destination for solo travel. The transport is excellent and the city is very safe. I felt totally comfortable visiting sights at night and walking back to my hostel from the train station.”
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SoLo in Tokyo, Japan
“Another place I was anxious about visiting solo was Tokyo.”
“But I loved it and I hope to return soon, now that I’m based in Australia again. I felt comfortable walking to my hostel at night and the Japanese people I interacted with were all very friendly. The public transport is also fairly easy to use, as there are thankfully signs in English everywhere, directing you where to go.”
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SoLo in Melbourne, Australia
“Finally, I have to give a shoutout to Melbourne, my current home. Because in Australia, Melbourne is hands down the best place to visit alone. There are plenty of transport options and too many things to do (like, my list is still long and I’ve lived here for nearly two years). Go to brunch, visit St Kilda, spend a day wandering around the city’s many laneways and go on a day trip. I promise you’ll love it.”
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SoLo in Paris, France
“Paris is synonymous with romantic escapes, but I’m here to tell you it’s a fantastic city for solo travel too. Although some French people won’t converse in English, I think you can get by just pointing at the delicious pastry you want.”
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SoLo in Edinburgh, scotland
“I loved its gorgeous brick buildings, free attractions and pub offerings. I also only walked around Edinburgh, because both the New and Old Towns were easily accessible from my hostel.”
“If you have time, I also recommend doing a day trip through the Scottish Highlands.”
Find more of Haley’s solo travel tips at Haley on Holiday, Instagram and Facebook.
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The Blonde Abroad
Splitting her home base between California and Cape Town, prolific traveller blogger Kiki has been just about everywhere, and is a huge advocate for independent female travel. In her post 10 Safest Destinations for Solo Female Travelers, Kiki rounds up the 10 destinations she loves for safety, ease of getting to, and the potential for meeting other like-minded travellers.
I’m a firm believer in the power of women traveling alone and on girlfriend getaways. Traveling alone or with other women can be empowering and so much fun! There’s nothing more fun than connecting with other female travelers and sharing experiences around the world.
– Kiki Rich, The Blonde Abroad
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sSoLo in Iceland
“Join a tour and snorkel or dive the Silfra Fissure and hike a glacier. And don’t miss a bath at the beautiful Blue Lagoon!”
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Solo in Switzerland
“Geneva was one of my favorite spots on my recent summer in Europe—with access to the lakeshore, the jet d’eau, Parc de la Grange, and more, it’s the perfect spot to be immersed in the Swiss culture.”
The Blonde Abroad, Lake Geneva Switzerland -
Solo in New Zealand
“Adventure awaits in the glaciers, beaches, and fjords of New Zealand.”
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Solo in Australia
“I explored The Outback and Uluru, rode the Ghan Train and hiked through Kata Tjuta and the Valley of the Winds.”
The Blonde Abroad, The Ghan South Australia -
Solo in Canada
“Canadians have a reputation for being the friendliest people in the world and, while traveling alone here, you’ll see why!”
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Solo in French Polynesia
“With diverse marine life, some of the world’s best diving, incredible natural beauty, and a heavy vanilla scent that follows you wherever you go, the islands of French Polynesia is a place that you’ve never seen the likes of before.”
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Solo in Ireland
“Cozy up in a local pub, catch a football game or head out to the countryside for an incredible Irish experience.”
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Solo in Namibia
“Namibia is the ultimate road trip destination and a fantastic destination year-round. Home to deserts and stunning coastlines, it’s one of my favorite Africa trips to date.”
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Solo in Amsterdam, The Netherlands
“Rent a bike and run into (not literally of course) some friendly and laid back Dutch locals.”
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Solo on a cruise
“While it’s not a specific destination, a cruise in any part of the world is a great travel experience for female travellers. Enjoy the convenience of an itinerary and secure accommodation.”
Check out Jane’s Cruise Add-on for specialised cruise travel insurance.
Discover more of Kiki’s travel tips at The Blonde Abroad, Instagram and Facebook.
Image by Artem Beliaikin from Pexels
