12 of the best places to travel as a solo female

There’s something special about going it alone as a solo female traveler, jetting off to far-flung corners of the world with only your passport and the spirit of adventure as your companions (and if you’re anything like us, perhaps a furry friend or two along the way). But sometimes it can be tricky knowing where to start. This list of the best places to travel as a solo female traveler is guaranteed to have something to satisfy those itchy feet, whether you’re into traveling along paths well-trodden or getting off the beaten track. So, calling all women flying solo on their global adventures, get ready to unlock a world of experiences with this guide to the best places to travel as a solo female. 

Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland is the safest country in the world according to the Global Peace Index, which is why it’s one of the best places to travel alone for females. But why base yourself in the capital city? It’s a cozy place to embrace the cafe culture and arty vibes before heading out on tours and day trips to see everything this beautiful country has to offer. Traveling around Iceland is all about getting outdoors (yes, even when it’s freezing cold!), and from glacier hiking and snorkeling between two continents to volcano hiking and watching for whales, puffins, and the infamous northern lights, it’s one of the best solo trips for women in search of adventure. Plus, traveling in Iceland is easy, tours are laid on, and the locals speak exceptional English! This, combined with the epic landscapes of the land of ice and fire, is what makes Iceland one of the best places to solo travel as a woman. 

Queenstown, New Zealand

New Zealand is regarded as a safe, easy destination to travel for first-time solo female travelers, with female-only dorms and lots of opportunities to meet other backpackers. And what better place to start your tour of the country than Queenstown, the “adventure capital” of New Zealand? Get your adrenaline hit with sports like bungy jumping, skydiving, and white water rafting, and meet up with fellow travelers in one of the many bars, restaurants, and cafes this tiny town has to offer. The city of Auckland on New Zealand’s North Island is another popular tourist destination for solo female travelers who love the outdoors, with nearby hiking trails crossing forests, mountain ranges, and volcanos. If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, you won’t want to miss out on a visit to Hobbiton a couple hours' drive from the city, where you can amble through the Shire before enjoying a cold drink at the Green Dragon Inn. 

Chiang Mai, Thailand 

Securely at the top of almost every young backpacker’s bucket list, Thailand has a well-established tourist infrastructure making it one of the best places to travel alone as a woman. Connecting with fellow travelers is easy here with activities ranging from zip-lining through rainforests and beach parties to temple visits and meditation retreats. The hustle and bustle of Khao San Road in Bangkok is where many people start, but you’ll find the best of both worlds by heading north to the city of Chiang Mai, where street art and food tours are there to liven the senses and lush green mountain ranges are within easy reach. In the south of the country, island paradises like Koh Yao Yai, Koh Tao, and Koh Pha Ngan are the perfect solo female travel destinations for beach lovers. From sleepy fishing villages to scuba diving adventures (and of course, some of the most beautiful beaches in the world), there’s no better place to get away from it all.  

New York City, United States

The Big Apple is full of excitement and bustling with life, and it’s one of the best places to travel solo as a female in the US. It might not be the perfect place to meet other backpackers, but it’s pretty normal to do things alone in the city that never sleeps - going to a show, visiting the museums, and riding the Staten Island ferry to the Statue of Liberty are all excellent solo activities. Dining alone is also pretty common, but it’s easy to grab a bite to eat on the street from a hot dog stand or an ice cream parlor if you don’t feel comfortable. There’s more than enough to occupy travelers in NYC alone, but a trip out to the pristine beaches of Long Island can offer a welcome respite from the city, especially in warmer months. 

Lisbon, Portugal

The cosmopolitan city of Lisbon is a popular place for visitors, so much so that an ever-expanding community of expats and digital nomads are choosing to call it home. It’s also one of the best solo vacations for females! On your first day in Lisbon, join a free walking tour and meander along cobbled pathways to take in the street art and ceramic tiles that adorn old buildings, then wander around the hip LX Factory shops and restaurants. The next day, head over to the historical neighborhood of Belém, sample grilled sardines at a local taverna, and watch a fado performance in Bairro Alto. From Lisbon, continue your tour of Portugal along the coastline to find scenic fishing villages, beautiful beaches, and of course, lots of surf. 

Monteverde, Costa Rica

Just a hop, skip, and a jump (or a three-hour drive) away from San José, the country’s capital, Monteverde is a great place for solo female travelers to start their trip around Costa Rica. Visitors are transported to a magical world above the clouds as they trek along the trails and famous hanging bridges of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve (Reserva Bosque Nuboso de Monteverde). The unique ecosystem is a breeding ground for an extraordinary amount of biodiversity, but if exploring on foot isn’t for you, zip-lining through the trees will give you a sneak peek of the lush vegetation and variety of animal life. Reputable guided tours make traveling solo easy and stress-free, but speaking a little Spanish can make a big difference when it comes to meeting locals and fellow travelers. 

Vancouver, Canada

From the rugged Rockies to the charming cobblestone streets of Quebec City, there’s a surprise waiting around every corner in Canada. It’s known for being a safe country that’s set up for tourism, making it one of the best destinations for solo female travelers (although running into a moose or a bear while you’re alone in the wild could make you think differently!). The city of Vancouver is popular with backpackers, and joining a free walking tour of the city on day one can be a great way to connect with fellow solo female travelers. Take a stroll through Stanley Park, browse handmade crafts at Pacific Arts Market, or get out on a boat to see orcas, humpback whales, seals, and dolphins. There are also a number of breathtaking national parks and pristine lakes within driving distance of the city (which, to be honest, are not to be missed!). 

Tokyo, Japan 

Japan is famous for exceptional cuisine, anime and manga, and picture-perfect scenes of cherry blossoms. With two popular international airports, the towering heights of Tokyo are the first port of call for many travelers. Explore pop culture in Shibuya or hang out with the cool kids in Shimokitazawa, and make sure you sample at least one dish of sushi, sashimi, or miso soup (don’t worry, solo dining is the norm in Japan). Head out of the city to visit the iconic Mount Fuji and from there, take the train to Osaka or Kyoto to find the best cherry blossom trees and spend the day in an onsen (a geothermal bath). Why Japan though? It’s often chosen as one of the best places for solo female travel because it’s widely regarded as safe. That being said, it may not be for everyone, as many seasoned solo travelers admit that Japanese culture can feel quite isolating at times and the language barrier can make it difficult to communicate with locals.

Florence, Italy

It’s no secret that foodies, art lovers, and history buffs fall in love with Italy the moment they step foot in the country. While the country oozes natural beauty from the very tops of its mountains right down to its finest beaches, many tourists looking for a city break flock to Rome or Venice for a taste of “la dolce vita”. But it’s Florence where solo female travelers will find everything they need within easy walking distance and a little extra breathing space from the crowds. In the city of Renaissance art and architecture, you can be marveling at Michelangelo’s David and the pieces inside the Uffizi Gallery one minute, then climbing up the Duomo’s cupola (or dome) the next. Take a peek inside the shops running along Ponte Vecchio and of course, indulge in a gelato or two and some of the best pizza and pasta you’ll ever eat. The city also makes a great base for a day trip to Pisa, Lucca, or Siena, with regular high-speed trains and breathtaking views of the countryside along the way. 

Dublin, Ireland 

It’s beautiful, easy to get around on foot, and the locals are super friendly - what’s not to love about Dublin? Of course, if you speak English, then communicating with locals will be a walk in the park! Hunker down in a pub or a cafe, rummage your way through vintage shops, and head to some of the famous literary locations (Trinity College, Marsh’s Library, and the Dublin Writer’s Museum). If you want to explore more of the Emerald Isle, take the DART train to the picturesque fishing village of Howth or drive to the Wicklow Mountains. Tour companies can take you further afield, and whether you’re winding along the Wild Atlantic Way or touring the Game of Thrones filming locations, they’re a great opportunity to meet other travelers.

Singapore, Southeast Asia 

While many see Singapore as merely a stopover, there’s lots to see and do for solo female travelers in this unique metropolis. Not only is it super safe and clean with strict rules and low crime rates, but locals are extremely friendly and welcoming, plus there’s so much to see! From hawker food centers and impressive shopping malls all the way up to the jaw-dropping heights of the skyscrapers, the Gardens by the Bay, and the Marina Bay Sands Hotel rooftop, it’s the ideal place for a solo adventure.

Patagonia, South America

Last but definitely not least, the region of Patagonia is one of the most incredible places on earth for outdoor adventurers, animal lovers, and nature enthusiasts (or anyone, for that matter!). It’s also one of the safest places in the world for solo female travelers. Whether you choose to join a tour or make up your own itinerary, solo female travelers will be welcomed by hospitable locals to enjoy a travel experience like no other. There’s no point going to Patagonia and staying in just one place, but the most popular airports are found in Punta Arenas and El Calafate. Now for the exciting bit - what to see and do there?! The top attractions are Torres del Paine National Park (Chile) and Los Glaciares National Park (Argentina), where you can expect spectacular views and an incredible variety of wildlife. Trek along the famous W trail and explore scenic fjords on the Chilean side, or visit glaciers and the sub-Antarctic rainforest on the Argentinian side, and see if you can spot all of the Big Five on your journey: pumas, guanacos (similar to llamas), huemul (South Andean deer), Andean condors, and ñandú (related to the ostrich).

No traveling companion? No problem! The world is full of amazing destinations, and we’ve only scratched the surface with this list of the best places to travel as a solo female. We like to think we’ve provided a huge variety of inspiration for solo trips for women, but we would love to hear from solo female travelers themselves! Head over to our Community Forum to share your own experiences of traveling alone as a woman, and tell us where you think the best destinations for solo female travelers should be.