The ultimate guide to accommodation for solo female travelers

Finding the right accommodation as a solo female traveler can make a huge difference to the overall experience and ensures a sense of comfort and security throughout the journey. We’re investigating the best accommodation for solo female travelers to help adventure-seekers decide what’s right for them, whether young or old, experienced or novice, and on a budget or willing to splash out. We weigh up the pros and cons of staying in hotels vs. hostels and explore the option of house sitting to help you tailor your choice of accommodation based on your personal preferences and expectations. 

The best accommodation for solo female travelers

Hostels for solo female travelers

Hostels are affordable, communal accommodations popular with budget-conscious, sociable travelers. Whether you’re traveling on a shoestring or in need of a bit of R&R, looking for a place to party or a change of WFH scenery, or you’d prefer to have a private room rather than sharing with up to forty other guests, hostels are the number one choice for women traveling alone.  

Far from the basic, cramped accommodations they are sometimes made out to be, most hostels nowadays are kitted out with state-of-the-art facilities and amenities making for an extremely comfortable stay. For solo female travelers, the ever-growing array of ladies hostels and women's hostels can be even more inviting, but you don’t have to stay in an all-female hostel to feel safe. Hostels prioritize female safety and many offer separate female-only dorms or floors exclusively for women. 

Hostels are also a great place to meet like-minded individuals, which is a huge bonus for solo female travelers who don’t want to be alone all the time! Even if you don’t want to find a buddy to travel with, hostel guests will often be happy to share insider tips and advice for the road ahead with their fellow roomies. Meeting people from all walks of life is one of the biggest benefits of traveling alone as a woman, and you never know where a chat over a morning coffee could take you. 

Many solo female travelers love the social aspect of staying in a hostel, but sharing your living space with other travelers can also have its downsides. Privacy can be hard to come by when staying in dorms, and sharing a room with other people may not be for you if you’re a light sleeper (we recommend packing some good earplugs either way!). In addition to this, travelers are generally a friendly, trustworthy bunch, but that doesn’t mean you won’t come across the odd bad apple. It’s a good idea to store your valuables in a safe or a hostel locker to minimize the risk of anything going missing when sharing a room.  

That being said, the best hostels for solo female travelers will make you feel warmly welcomed and instantly at home. With friendly staff and an array of interesting activities like pub crawls and free walking tours, staying in a hostel can quickly become one of the best parts of your journey. 

Hotels for solo travelers 

We get it, sometimes the luxurious retreat of a hotel is calling, especially after a long day of exploring. The atmosphere may be far less social than in a hostel, but for those seeking a more private and upscale experience, hotels can offer solo female travelers a safe and enjoyable stay. Different types of rooms cater to various budgets, and you can choose between cozy single rooms and spacious suits while enjoying amenities like on-site restaurants, fitness suites, and swimming pools. When searching for the best hotels for solo travelers, be sure to look for those situated in safe neighborhoods, preferably with easy access to public transportation and the places you wish to visit. 

House and pet sitting for solo female travelers

House and pet sitting is the perfect option for solo female travelers who adore animals. In exchange for loving pet care, sitters get to enjoy a truly authentic experience staying in unique homes all over the world. Pets provide companionship and a sense of purpose, and give their pet sitters the chance to make real connections with the people and places they are visiting. Solo house and pet sitters can enjoy all the comforts of a home away from home, complete with new pet pals to share their adventure with!  

Accommodation tips for safety and security 

No matter which type of accommodation you choose, there are a few universal safety tips to keep in mind:

Reviews: Only ever book accommodation that has lots of positive recent reviews and high ratings for things like security, staff, and cleanliness. Watch out for poor ratings and the same issues being raised time and time again. Also check the reviews to determine whether the accommodation is right for you - you may not want to turn up to a party hostel filled with gap-year backpackers if you’re in your 50s! 

Location: Where you stay matters, in terms of accommodation and location. Opt for accommodation in a central location so you can access all the sights and activities without having to go too far off the beaten track. 

Rooms: Hostels will often have a choice of dorms and private rooms to stay in. Smaller dorms generally feel safer than the larger ones, or if dorm rooms aren’t for you, booking a private room means you get to enjoy the best of both worlds - you can socialize with fellow travelers in the common areas and retreat to the comfort of your own room whenever you want. If you’re staying in a private room in a hostel or a hotel, make sure you lock the door when you leave and never open the door to a stranger.

Safety amenities: Look out for things like a 24/7 reception, female-only dorms and/or floors, and lockers to store valuables. Locking the front doors after dark is also a sign the hostel or hotel takes security seriously. 

Secure your belongings: Invest in a reliable hostel lock to keep your belongings safe while you explore.

Stay aware: Always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings, both inside your accommodation and when you're out and about.

Share your itinerary: Let someone close to you know your solo travel plans, including your accommodation details.

Speak to staff: If something or someone is making you feel uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to speak to the staff. People working in the hospitality industry will normally bend over backwards to accommodate your requests. 

Trust your instincts: If something feels off, don't hesitate to change your plans or seek assistance. Just because you’ve booked a certain room, that doesn’t mean you can’t change it once you arrive or move to a different accommodation altogether. It’s always worth spending a little extra money to stay safe. 

With everyone’s wants and needs being so different, there’s no universal type of accommodation that will be to every solo female traveler’s taste. Whether you opt for hostels, hotels, or house sitting, the key is to prioritize your comfort and security at all times. Do your research, decide what’s important for you, and enjoy a worry-free stay!  

Looking for a slightly different kind of accommodation? Check out our guide to camping as a solo female traveler!