Female solo adventurers are on the rise! According to experts, the past three years have seen a 230% increase in female travel and there’s been a 62% spike in volume for the search term “female solo travel”.
“Solitude leads me to a better version of myself”, says DeSanctis, author of the book “A Hard Place To Live“. This could be the sentiment that is leading many women to go out exploring the world by themselves. Traveling alone can give you a renewed appreciation for life and allows self-discovery.
I’ve compiled my top 10 picks of female solo travel destinations below and included a few tips too.
Table of Contents
1. Thailand
I am a truly advocate of Thailand! It was my first long travel solo trip and where I met many female travellers. It’s very popular for solo travellers and backpackers, not just women, and also fairly safe and cheap.
For those in their 20s, hostels are the best place to meet people and have a built-in network from the moment you arrive. But if you’re on your 30’s you can try and look for best for solo travel accommodation or join day trips, retreats… I met plenty of people in all circumstances, even ferry boats.
I did mostly Bangkok and both sides of the islands (Krabi and Phi-Phi – West; Koh Phangan and Koh Tao – East). You can check my full trip and tips on the links below.
Also Read:
Thailand: First Female Travel Experience
2. Portugal
My next stop takes us to Portugal in Europe. Portugal is my hometown and also ranked #14 of the safest countries in the ‘Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report’ by the World Economic Forum.
Portugal has a seacoast that spreads North-South with plenty of beaches to relax. If you’re looking for sun and package holidays, The Algarve has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. The interior of the country is also very popular for those seeking contact with nature and silent retreats.
Lisbon (the capital in the South) and Porto (the second biggest city in the North) are great cities to experience rich history and arquitecture and also sunny beaches and friendly people. Wine lovers can also experience the famous Douro Valley in the North. Coimbra (centre of Portugal) has one of the oldest Universities in Europe (World Heritage Site).
What’s more? Excellent value hostels make it easy to enjoy your staying while meeting other travellers.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Portugal
Top Attractions in Portugal
- Torre de Belém, Lisbon
- Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Lisbon
- Coimbra University, Coimbra
- Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, Algarve
- Palácio Nacional de Sintra, Sintra – Lisbon
- Torre dos Clérigos, Porto
- Praia Dona Ana, Lagos – Algarve
- Hiking in Serra do Gerês
- Paiva Walkways, Passadiços do Paiva, Arouca
- Douro Valley – UNESCO wine region, near Porto
Also Read: 6 hidden gems in Portugal
3. Bali, Indonesia
The famous movie “Eat, Pray, Love” has put Bali on the bucket list of many female solo travellers. From paradisiac beaches to friendly people and spiritual retreats, Bali is the perfect place to start your solo adventure.
There are plenty of places to visit in Bali, but the two most popular places to stay are Ubud, in the forest, and Canggu, at the south coast. From there, you can make daily trips to visit most of the iconic attractions. If you are into tranquility and yoga, head to Ubud where solo female travellers from all over the world come to meditate, practice yoga, and enjoy great food.
Bali has also a thriving expat community and is a top-destination for digital nomads and surfers! When I went to Bali in 2019, I met a lot of solo travellers and like-minded people with whom I shared accommodation, daily trips and endless afternoons by the pool. I travelled all across the Island and also visited the Gili Islands.
Also Read: Top Travel Attractions in Bali
4. Barcelona, Spain
If you’re looking for a city escape that combines culture, amazing arquitecture, great parties and beach, then Barcelona is the place to go!
Barcelona is perhaps the most multi-cultural city in Spain due to its touristic attractions and international community. I lived there for 2 years and I found it easy to connect with people from anywhere in the world and relatively safe. The only red-flag about Barcelona are the robberies or “carteristas” as they call it there. You need to mind your stuff (wallets, cameras…), specially in the metro or “Las Ramblas” as they can still from you without you noticing it. This is because is a very touristic city and often packed.
The main language in Barcelona is Catalan but they also speak Castellano (Spanish). As it’s an international city some speak English too (mostly the international community). It’s good to learn some Spanish words before going.
The city is very organised, well-connected and walkable. You can visit the world famous Gaudi-works (La Sagrada Familia, Park Guell…), taking in the gardens of Park Guell with great panoramic views over the city, shop along Las Ramblas, sunbath in one of the many beaches or simply enjoy a Paella in a nice restaurant. With so many options to choose from, you will barely notice that you’re alone!
Explore Barcelona: Things to Do
5. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam is one of the most popular destinations in Europe and a great choice for your solo trip. It’s easy to understand why! Just like Barcelona, there is a lot to do and it’s very international.
This unique city is famous for having 165 canals, 1281 bridges and 75 museums! What’s more? There are a lot of things to offer to new visitors: rich history, art and culture, coffee shops, stunning arquitecture and a vibrant nightlife.
Amsterdam is safe to travel on your own, and also very convenient ? . As with any place, you just have to use common sense regarding safety and be aware of “what you eat” ? ?. The vibe there feels very liberating! Locals are friendly and open-minded and they enjoy meeting people from around the world. Dutch people are usually well travelled, so you will probably end up meeting people that travelled the world or spend just half of their time in The Netherlands.
These are my favourite Amsterdam hotels:
Double Tree By Hilton Amsterdam
INK Hotel Amsterdam – MGallery
Best for solo female travelers that want to socialize
Flying Pig downtown – popular for backpackers
Cocomama – best for solo travelers
Explore Things to Do in Amsterdam
6. Iceland
Iceland has rapidly become one of the most sought-after destinations for solo female travelers, and for good reason. With its untamed landscapes, fascinating culture, and exceptional safety, it offers the perfect blend of adventure, tranquility, and discovery.
Iceland is known as one of the safest countries in the world, consistently ranking high on global safety indexes. As a solo female traveler, you’ll feel at ease knowing that Iceland is a country where locals are friendly, the crime rate is low, and you can explore the cities and countryside with confidence. The sense of community and trust that permeates throughout the country makes it an ideal destination for those traveling alone.
7. England, UK
First-time solo travelers who have always dreamed of a European trip will find that England is a good place to start. The country is modern, safe, easy to navigate and English-speaking which minimizes the culture-shock.
Solo travelers can get the classic British experience in London, filled with red telephone booths, the guards at Buckingham Palace, West End musicals, tea shops and world-known exhibitions and museums.
Others may opt to venture outside of the capital to immerse in the culture of Oxford and Cambridge Universities or the music of Beatles at hometown Liverpool.
Explore Things to Do in London
Also Read:
10 Things to Do for Christmas in London
8. The Azores, Portugal
But what if your solo trip is about disconnecting and sustainability?
If you are a nature kind of person and are more into peaceful and relaxed places, you should definitely go to The Azores. It has been awarded as one of the top 10 best islands in Europe by Condé Naste Traveller’s 2022
The Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal, are an archipelago of nine volcanic islands in the mid-Atlantic. It’s often referred to as THE NO. 1 ARCHIPELAGO IN SUSTAINABILITY. There you’ll find hotels and restaurants in complete harmony with the environment as well as memorable experiences (hiking, whale watching, volcanic tours…).
I have visited 3 islands: Faial, Pico and São Miguel. Faial is known as the blue island due to the hydrangeas that make the landscape lush, whereas Pico features an eponymous volcano, Ponta do Pico, which is the highest mountain in Portugal. São Miguel is the most popular island.
Read More: Quick Guide to São Miguel
9. Italy
Italy is a dream destination for solo female travellers, offering a perfect blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, and delicious food. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins in Rome, strolling along the canals of Venice, or relaxing on the Amalfi Coast, Italy provides both cultural immersion and personal discovery. Its welcoming locals and safe environment make it easy for solo travellers to connect and feel at ease while experiencing its incredible sights. I have travelled to Italy multiple times, both solo and with company and found it safe and with many like minded people.
Also Read:
What to do in Sardinia: 7 things to do + 5 best places to stay
Quick Guide to Rome: 7 things to do + 5 best places to stay
10. Australia
Australia is one of the most popular destinations for solo travelers. it’s full of friendly people, a ton of opportunities to meet new people, and a relatively safe place to travel alone.
What’s more? From there you can easily travel to most countries in Asia and Indonesia.
It’s also a good place to do your gap year while making some money in farms or restaurants. I just read some recent articles that they are launching permanent Visas to attract people to work there.
Take time for yourself with these female solo travel destinations and enjoy the journey.