12 Best Places to Travel Alone Female Travel Guide

Travelling solo as a woman is one of the most rewarding kinds of travel! Whether it’s your first solo trip, a long-awaited solo adventure, or a return to one of your favourite destinations, solo travel offers freedom, the chance to build confidence, and plenty of opportunities to meet fellow travellers along the way.

This guide highlights destinations that balance safety, ease of getting around, and unforgettable experiences. These are great destinations for solo female travellers, whether you love food, nature, culture, or meeting new friends, and they work just as well for first timers as they do for seasoned solo travellers.

12 Amazing Places to Travel Solo as a Female

New Zealand

New Zealand is often considered one of the best places for a first country visit as a solo woman, and for good reason. It’s consistently ranked among the safest countries, has friendly locals, and offers jaw-dropping natural beauty at every turn.

On the North Island, solo travellers can experience the magic of Hobbiton, explore the glow of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, or relax on Waiheke Island while sipping local wine and enjoying stunning coastal views. Cathedral Cove on the Coromandel Peninsula offers a scenic day trip and a chance to connect with fellow solo travellers in a peaceful, photogenic setting.

The South Island is perfect for exploring dramatic landscapes and outdoor adventures. Highlights include hiking in national parks, taking a scenic helicopter ride over Franz Josef Glacier, or unwinding in the natural hot pools at Hanmer Springs. The South Island is also a great place to rent a camper van and explore, especially if you’re looking for a truly solo adventure.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the top female travel destinations for solo women looking to combine relaxation with adventure. With beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and a strong eco-tourism culture, it’s an ideal place for solo travellers who want variety without feeling rushed.

It’s a great option for activities like ziplining, yoga retreats, or surf lessons, which naturally bring together fellow travellers. Many solo female travellers also enjoy visiting a sloth sanctuary or wildlife rescue center, an easy day trip that adds a meaningful and memorable experience to a solo itinerary.

Costa Rica is also known for wellness and relaxation. Natural hot springs near Arenal are a favourite for unwinding after adventure days, offering a peaceful setting that feels both social and restorative. In coastal towns, evenings often revolve around laid-back nightlife, where you can enjoy cocktails, live music, and dancing.

A food tour or cooking class is another fun way to make new friends while enjoying delicious food and learning more about local culture.

Scotland

Scotland offers a balance of historic cities and dramatic landscapes, making it a special place for solo female travellers. Edinburgh is a beautiful city with a walkable city center, reliable public transport, and excellent free walking tour options, perfect for a history buff or anyone who loves storytelling. For a touch of indulgence, solo women can enjoy afternoon tea at The Witchery, take part in cocktail workshops, or treat themselves to a relaxing spa day, combining exploration with wellness and personal time.

Outside the cities, the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye are unforgettable. Explore charming, picturesque towns like Portree or Culross, hike to the Fairy Pools, or visit romantic spots such as Loch Lomond. Joining group tours is the best way to access these remote areas without needing a private car, especially if you only have a couple of days or a long weekend.

Scotland is ideal for solo women who want a mix of adventure, relaxation, and opportunities to meet fellow travellers, all while enjoying the personal space and comfort that make solo travel empowering and memorable.

Iceland

Iceland is often mentioned as a great destination for solo female travellers, and it truly earns that reputation. It’s safe, easy to navigate, and filled with once-in-a-lifetime scenery.

Reykjavík feels like a small town despite being the country’s largest city, and it’s easy to join solo tours or be part of a group heading out to waterfalls, volcanoes, and hot springs. The Blue Lagoon is a favourite stop for solo women, perfect for relaxing, socializing, and enjoying a face mask while soaking in the mineral-rich waters.

For more indulgence in wellness, the Sky Lagoon offers an ocean-view infinity edge and a signature 7-step spa ritual for solo travellers seeking a luxurious, rejuvenating experience. Women looking for some outdoor adventure can hike to a natural hot spring, trek to Reykjadalur steam valley to bathe in a natural hot river, or go horseback riding across the lava fields on friendly Icelandic horses.

In the winter months, guided night tours to witness the Northern Lights provide a magical and unforgettable experience for solo female travellers. For shopping and local culture, strolling along Laugavegur Street is a great way to pick up authentic Icelandic wool sweaters and other locally made souvenirs.

Spain

Spain offers vibrant culture, historic cities, and friendly locals that make solo female travellers feel welcome. Cities like Barcelona and Seville combine big city energy with walkable streets, historic sites, and plenty of opportunities to meet fellow travellers.

Solo women can explore rooftop terraces, boutique spas, or embark on leisurely afternoons at café-lined plazas. Spend sunny days lounging at Barceloneta Beach in Barcelona or visiting stylish beach clubs in Ibiza, perfect for personal space or socializing with other travellers.

Food experiences are a highlight. Tapas tours, paella cooking classes, and local wine tastings allow you to explore delicious food while connecting with other travellers. Solo travellers will also enjoy cultural evenings, like experiencing a passionate Flamenco show, a staple of Spanish culture that’s lively, social, and unforgettable.

For shopping and local flair, wander Las Ramblas in Barcelona or the artisan markets of Seville, and explore boutique shops for leather goods, ceramics, and fashion. For a scenic getaway, a day trip to coastal towns like Sitges or San Sebastián offers beautiful beaches and a slower pace, combining relaxation, culture, and social opportunities.

Portugal

Portugal is a great destination for solo female travellers looking for a mix of culture, relaxation, and adventure. Lisbon is a beautiful city with historic neighbourhoods, tram rides, and a walkable city center, while Porto offers riverside views and cozy streets perfect for strolling and boutique shopping.

Culinary experiences are a must. Learn to bake Portugal’s iconic pastel de nata in Belém, join a food tour to sample fresh seafood, or enjoy a Ginja (a popular Portuguese cherry liqueur) tasting in Porto, served in small chocolate cups. Solo travellers can also take cooking classes or explore markets like Mercado da Ribeira to try a plethora of delicious food.

Spend a day or two relaxing with spa visits, rooftop pools, and yoga classes. For chic shopping and exploration, wander the trendy neighbourhoods of Chiado and Principe Real in Lisbon, or visit LX Factory for artisanal goods. Don’t miss a photo on the famous Pink Street and enjoy cocktails at rooftop bars like Javá.

For scenic escapes, take a day trip to Sintra to see the colourful Pena Palace, the mystical Quinta da Regaleira, and the charming village streets. In the Douro Valley, spend a day exploring vineyards, taking a river cruise, and enjoying wine tastings. Along the Algarve coast, solo women can relax on stunning beaches in Lagos and Albufeira or take a boat or kayak tour to the breathtaking Benagil Sea Cave.

Peru

For solo women interested in South America, Peru is one of the most rewarding choices. Cusco is a beautiful city filled with archaeological sites, walkable streets, and fellow travellers from around the world. Wander the charming streets, explore the historic center, visit local markets, and shop for colourful alpaca knitwear and artisanal crafts, perfect for taking home a unique reminder of your trip.

Visiting Machu Picchu is a true bucket list experience, and joining a trek or guided tour makes the journey safer and great for connecting with other solo travellers. Peru is a great destination if you want to step a bit outside your comfort zone, in the best possible way.

Beyond adventure and culture, Peru offers indulgent wellness and culinary experiences. Relax with a Maras salt spa treatment, which uses mineral-rich Peruvian pink salt from the Sacred Valley to exfoliate, detoxify, and rejuvenate the skin. Solo travellers can also enjoy a chocolate-making class in Cusco or sip Pisco sours with ocean views in Lima’s bohemian Barranco district, wander its artistic streets, visit the Bridge of Sighs, and enjoy boutique coffee shops and cafés.

South Africa

South Africa stands out for its mix of wildlife, cities, and rich culture, making it a unique destination for solo female travellers. Cape Town is a big city with a strong food scene, stunning coastal views, and vibrant neighbourhoods filled with live music and cultural experiences. The V&A Waterfront offers upscale boutiques, high tea, and trendy restaurants, while the nightlife scene features sophisticated cocktail bars and clubs, perfect for connecting with fellow travellers.

Solo women can combine adventure, wellness, and relaxation in countless ways. Explore the Cape Winelands, touring vineyards in Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, and Paarl for wine tasting, gourmet dining, and breathtaking mountain views. Indulge in spa and wellness retreats at top-tier hotels and lodges, particularly in the Western Cape, for a little personal space and pampering between excursions.

For cultural exploration, wander through the brightly colored Bo-Kaap neighbourhood in Cape Town, full of historic houses, local culture, and Instagram-worthy photo opportunities. On the coast, visit Boulders Beach to see the famous colony of African penguins, or take a scenic Garden Route trip for charming small towns, forest walks, and stunning ocean views.

For adventure, solo travellers can try safari experiences, whether a “glamping” stay in the bush, a day trip to a game lodge, or a horseback safari to see the Big Five. Thrill-seekers can also enjoy white-water rafting on the Sabie River or a boat cruise on the Vaal River.

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Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is one of the fastest-rising favourite countries for solo female travellers. It offers incredible value, warm hospitality, and a slower pace that gives you plenty of time to explore at your own speed.

Solo women can enjoy a mix of relaxation, culture, and adventure. Take the iconic train ride from Kandy to Ella for breathtaking views of tea estates and rolling hills, or unwind at beautiful beaches like Unawatuna, Dalawella, or the laid-back surf spots in Weligama. For wellness, indulge in Ayurveda treatments or luxury spa sessions, combining natural healing with personal space and tranquillity.

Sri Lanka also offers chic shopping and café hopping, particularly within the historic Galle Fort, where boutique shops, quaint cafes, and Instagrammable corners like the Nine Arch Bridge or palm swing at Dalawella Beach are perfect for solo travellers looking to slow down and enjoy personal experiences. Sunset at Hiriketiya Beach is another memorable, relaxing highlight.

The street food is delicious and affordable, making it easy to experience local culture on your own terms. Expect mild culture shock, but Sri Lanka is widely known for being a welcoming and rewarding destination for solo female travellers.

Thailand

Thailand is one of the best places for solo female travellers planning their first solo trip in Southeast Asia. It’s affordable, well set up for tourism, and known for friendly locals who are used to welcoming solo travellers from around the world.

Hostels, group tours, and food tours make it easy to connect with a fellow solo traveller, even if you’re travelling alone for the first time. From bustling night markets and ancient temples to world-famous street food, there is so much to experience in Thailand as a solo traveller.

Thailand is also a great destination for wellness and self-care. Traditional Thai massage, spa treatments, and yoga classes are widely available at excellent prices, making it easy for solo women to relax, reset, and enjoy some personal space between sightseeing days.

Bangkok is a lively and large city with efficient public transport, while Chiang Mai feels more like a small town with a relaxed pace and deep ties to local culture. Both offer a great option for solo women who want a balance of exploration, comfort, and connection.

Vietnam

Vietnam is quickly becoming a favourite destination for solo female travellers seeking meaningful experiences, great value, and a strong sense of independence. It’s ideal for women who love culture, food, and a touch of everyday luxury without overspending.

Having custom clothing made in places like Hoi An is a popular highlight, where skilled tailors can create dresses, suits, or casual pieces in just a few days, a practical souvenir you’ll actually use once you’re home. Solo travellers also love Vietnam’s affordable wellness experiences, from relaxing massages in Da Nang to beauty treatments in Ho Chi Minh City, making it easy to treat yourself along the way.

Beyond the cities, Vietnam offers incredible natural beauty, from the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay to the rice terraces of Sapa, and the laid-back coastal scenery of Ninh Binh and Phu Quoc. Paired with its legendary food scene and social experiences like food tours and small-group day trips, Vietnam is a rewarding and approachable destination for solo women.

Japan

Japan is an excellent destination for solo female travellers, offering lively cities, seamless public transportation, and a balance of modern life and deep-rooted tradition. In Tokyo, it’s easy to explore independently, with endless shopping, neighbourhood cafés, and cultural sites, while Kyoto provides a slower pace with serene temples, gardens, and historic streets ideal for wandering.

Relax in an onsen hot spring, enjoy a spa treatment, or take part in a traditional tea ceremony, all of which offer a calming way to connect with Japanese culture.

Food is a highlight at every turn. From sushi counters in Tokyo to street snacks like takoyaki and taiyaki, Japan is a dream for food lovers. Kyoto is especially appealing for matcha fans, with specialty tea shops, desserts, and tea experiences, while cities like Osaka are known for cozy izakayas and small local restaurants that feel welcoming and social for solo diners.

For deeper cultural immersion, renting a kimono and strolling through Kyoto’s temple districts, such as Kiyomizu-dera or Fushimi Inari Shrine, is a memorable experience. Nature lovers can easily add a day trip to Mount Fuji or the Japanese Alps. Plus, you can plan your trip around seasonal highlights like cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant red foliage in fall.

Safety Tips for Solo Female Travellers

Our solo female traveller guide wouldn’t be complete without practical safety advice. These tips apply whether it’s your first solo trip or your tenth:

Choose accommodations in the city center for easier navigation
Use reputable public transport or pre-book a private car when needed
Join guided tours or group tours for remote areas
Keep family or friends updated via social media or messaging apps
Trust your instincts; your safety matters most
Avoid overpacking your schedule; give yourself plenty of time to rest
Staying safe doesn’t mean staying isolated; it’s about choosing the right kind of travel for you.

Travelling alone helps you grow, builds confidence, and creates memories that stay with you long after the trip ends. These top destination picks aren’t just beautiful, they’re supportive, social, and empowering. No matter the time of year, there’s a great destination waiting to welcome you as a solo woman traveller.