You want to discover the world, but nobody wants to come along for the ride? Don’t worry because travelling alone is an unforgettable experience that actually has quite a few advantages. One of them: you can do exactly what you want and don’t have to take a travel buddy’s wishes into consideration.
I have been travelling the world solo for many years and have even written a book on the subject because I enjoy travelling alone so much. One of the questions I often get: What are the best places for solo female travellers, and how do I travel safely?
In this article, you will find some useful tips for your first solo trip and some great solo female travel destinations.
The safest & best places for solo female travellers
Here are countries and cities that rank highly on the Global Index for equality and safety, as well as some of my personal favourites.
New Zealand
New Zealand is one of the top destinations for solo travellers and is also considered very safe for women. The Working Holiday Visa attracts many long-term travellers who want to pay for their holidays on the go and ensures a lively backpacker community. Chances are you won’t be alone for long on a solo trip in New Zealand!
Either hire a van and drive up and down the coasts or head straight to Queenstown, the so-called Adventure Capital of the World. Here you can find adventures on every corner and all year long. The very brave go bungee jumping or even skydiving, mermaids go surfing or jet boating in the area, and in winter, you can race down the slopes. After an exciting day, you can take a culinary journey because New Zealand offers world-class cuisine with native products and fantastic wines.
Iceland
Iceland regularly ranks among the safest countries in the world, which also makes it one of the best solo travel destinations for women and the LGBTQI+ community.
It is also an absolute paradise for adventurers and nature lovers. However, before you head out, you should check the weather forecast and see if the roads are safe. Driving is not easy in Iceland, especially in winter when the country attracts travellers to the magical world of snow, ice and northern lights.
Once on the road, landscapes that seem straight out of a fantasy novel await black beaches, geysers and volcanoes, non-stop waterfalls and incredibly charming capital.
My tip: Unfortunately, Iceland is not a cheap travel destination. Especially as a solo traveller, it is more budget-friendly to rent a flat or room with a kitchenette, stock up at the local supermarkets, and cook for yourself.
Dubai
Higher, faster, more Dubai is a place of endless possibilities and was named the third-safest city for women this year according to a survey by InsureMyTrip.
The great thing about Dubai: the city offers a superb mix of beaches, desert, and cosmopolitan vibes. Chill out in a chic beach club, admire the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, go shopping in the giant malls or ride a camel into the desert as the sun sets. Dubai has something for every (holiday) taste!
Especially pleasant for many women—there are separate women’s compartments in the metro, designated places on the bus and also female-only taxis.
My tip: Even if Dubai is a relatively modern, open-minded destination, women should dress more conservatively. Make sure you cover your shoulders and knees and that your clothing is not too tight.
Scandinavia
I hate to lump several countries together, but when it comes to safety for women, the Nordic countries agree: Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden are among the best places for solo female travellers according to the World Economic Forum.
What they also have in common is an incredible amount of nature, charming cities, and the “Everyman’s right”. The latter makes Scandinavia perfect for a road trip with a campervan, as you are allowed to set up your tent or park your camper anywhere for a night. And even as a woman travelling alone, you can do so quite safely in these countries.
Once you have found a nice spot, you can explore the areas and numerous bodies of water. In summer, you can expect 24-hour daylight, while the cooler seasons bring northern lights and snow. The Scandinavian cities also have a lot to offer: history, design and an incredible food scene await.
Canada
Canadians are known for being friendly, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that Canada regularly tops the list of the best solo travel destinations for women. In addition, the country is also considered incredibly safe, as long as you keep away from bears.
Canada is huge, so it’s best to focus on one region. Luckily, there is good public transport with a solid train and bus network across the country. This way you can get around cheaply and in an environmentally friendly way.
In many Canadian cities, you can find both cosmopolitan flairs with a fairly low crime rate and nature in front of your doorstep. In summer, you can explore Canada’s coastline from the water and go hiking, while in winter great ski resorts all around the country open their slopes.
Japan
If safety is your concern, then Japan is also a fantastic travel destination. There is little crime, and a lot of order and women will find that catcalling is simply not a thing in Japan.
However, for those who do not speak Japanese, the country can also be quite challenging—somehow everything is different here. But the fascinating history, beautiful nature, warming Onsen baths, and universally amazing food make it a worthwhile challenge. Maybe not for your first solo trip, but your second or third…
You don’t have to book a whole group trip, but guided tours are a good idea for Japan. In cities like Tokyo or Kyoto, there are numerous tours on offer with different themes. You will not only get introduced to the history but also to the country’s culture and customs.
My tip: Japanese culture is rather reserved, and it can be difficult to socialise on the go. If you like doing your own thing, no problem, but otherwise initiatives like Couchsurfing are a good alternative to a regular hotel where you can quickly make local friends.
My favourite places for solo female travellers
Personally, I rarely refer to lists for the best places for solo female travellers when making holiday plans. For me, it is much more important to ask myself—what do I feel like doing on my trip?
Most of my travels revolve around food, beaches, and diving, and with that, I would like to introduce you to my personal favourite travel destinations, where I have always felt safe and comfortable as a woman.
Singapore
Singapore is one of my preferred cities, and I would love to spend more time here if only it wasn’t so expensive. Singapore is never a cheap destination, which is why I usually only spend a few days here.
Nevertheless, I think the city is the perfect beginner’s metropolis in Asia. Everything is big and sparkly, a little different from home, but incredibly safe. Singapore has pretty strict laws (flower picking and gum chewing are banned), but that also means you can move around safely as a woman.
Even the street food and hawker centres are government regulated, so you can sample a variety of treats from across Asia without worrying about food safety. Another highlight in Singapore—water and green as far as you can see, even in the middle of the city!
Thailand
Is Thailand safe for solo female travellers? Yes, it is! Thailand is a cliché among the best solo travel destinations for women, but with good reason. My first trip to Thailand was a coincidence because Bangkok was only intended as the starting point for a Cambodia trip. I stayed a few extra days and fell in love with the city, and later with the whole country.
Especially for women, Thailand is a great travel destination with excellent tourist infrastructure. The Thais are renowned for their friendliness and hospitality, and the entire country offers a great mix of beach life, culture and cuisine. While the infamous backpackers have yet to return, it is always easy to meet people in Thailand.
Bali
Since Eat Pray Love, Bali has been the ultimate solo travel destination for women. Similar to Thailand, I resisted going there for a long time and didn’t want to be part of the hype. At some point I caved, and now I have to say—I like Bali. While the island has some problems due to over-tourism, there are still so many beautiful corners, especially in the north and west, to explore. But actually, the whole island is wonderful for women travelling alone: surfing, yoga, diving and delicious, healthy food.
Public transport is practically non-existent in Bali, and the best way to get around is by scooter or taxi. Mind you, Balinese traffic can be tough. If you don’t feel comfortable driving yourself, use the GoJek or Grab app to book inexpensive rides with a taxi scooter.
Seychelles
Seychelles was my first official solo destination when I was planning a holiday coming from South Africa. For many, the choice seems odd, as the archipelago in the Indian Ocean is considered honeymoon central. However, I was looking for a destination that was easy to reach from Cape Town, offered beach and ocean, and above all, was safe for me as a woman alone.
On the main island of Mahé, you can easily get around with a rental car and the roads are mostly in good condition, albeit narrow and winding. The smaller islands are good for walking or cycling. There are secluded beaches all around, and you don’t have to be afraid of dangerous or poisonous animals when hiking in the jungle—they simply don’t exist in Seychelles.
Mauritius
Mauritius is also so much more than a honeymoon island. People from all over the world live here and shape the image of the country. Indian, Creole, European and Chinese influences are evident in the architecture, culture and on the plate.
The latter in particular makes Mauritius a great option for anyone who loves spicy food and curries. Fine dining restaurants have fantastic seafood and wine lists that reflect the French influence, and small roadside stalls sell stuffed Rotis and delicious fried chilli balls, the Gateaux Piments.
If you would rather not laze on the beach, Mauritius is perfect for an active holiday, as there is incredible hiking, kite surfing and diving all around the island. This way, even if you are travelling alone, you will quickly get to know new people and I promise you—not only couples go to Mauritius!
General tips for the best solo travel destinations for women:
- Today there are taxi apps like Uber, Lift, Grab or GoJek in most countries. Many of these apps allow you to share your location with others, making them a lot safer than a regular taxi, especially for women travelling alone.
- It’s best to get a local SIM card, so you can use Google Maps and Google Translate anywhere. A good alternative is Maps. Me, an app that you can also use offline.
- For extra security, there are now apps like Noonlight, a digital panic button that notifies the police. A particularly cool feature: you can connect the app to your Tinder or Uber account.
- Solo travel gets a bad rap when it comes to budget. However, many places don’t have the dreaded single supplement anymore. To save money, it’s best to go in the off- or shoulder- season, book a bed or room in a hostel, or get a small flat with a kitchenette, so you can cook your own meals.
- Many resorts or tours also offer solo travellers the option of sharing a room with other women travelling alone and thus sharing the costs.
- For me, self-confidence and listening to my gut feeling are key when travelling alone. I’m a big fan of politeness and cultural respect, but only as long as it doesn’t compromise my safety. Even if my German directness sometimes comes across as impolite, I listen to my gut feeling and say no if I feel uncomfortable or pressured in a situation. And I’ve even invented one or two fictitious husbands who are waiting for me in the hotel during a few especially annoying incidents.
