30 BEST PLACES FOR SOLO FEMALE TRAVEL
Traveling Fearlessly: 30 Best Places for Solo Female Travel in 2024
Embarking on a solo adventure as a female traveler is an empowering journey. We take matters into our own hands and we won’t wait around for anyone to travel with us. This is why I’ve compiled this list of the 30 best places for solo female travel in 2024. I wanted to go beyond safety. While this is important, I also wanted to focus on how easy it is to navigate the country on your own as well as the possibility of meeting other travelers or locals who could help you out. Instead of pointing out one specific destination in a country, I wanted to highlight the country as a whole.
I could make this list longer, but if you’re a beginner, these are wonderful destinations all around the globe that I’d focus on. As someone that has been living and traveling around the world on her own since she was 17, I want to take this opportunity to highlight destinations that many people tend to overlook or would never think about. Take it from me: I promise you that the world is safer than we give it credit for.
Europe
We’ll start with the easiest continent to navigate as a solo female traveler. Don’t be fooled by the fact that many of these countries don’t use English as a first language. I promise you that you’ll find everything you need to travel without a worry. Here are my top European recommendations for the best places for solo female travel:
Poland
One of the most underrated cities in Europe is here: Wroclaw. Being in any major city in Poland is like walking through a real-life postcard. While the population is very homogenous, they’re getting used to more tourists. This, believe it or not, is a foodie destination. I go out of my way to visit every single year and eat to my heart’s desire.
Spain
Indulge in tapas, explore historic cities like Barcelona and Madrid, and soak up the sun on the beautiful Mediterranean coast. This is a classic in Europe, and it is no surprise why. A wide range of scenery, incredible food, good wildlife, and very affordable prices compared to the rest of Western Europe – this is what awaits in Spain.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Trust me when I say, this is the up and coming destination in Europe. Wander through the historic streets of Sarajevo, marvel at the beauty of Mostar’s Old Bridge, and explore ancient ruins with no crowds around. If you want to travel solo but are afraid to, I host group trips in this beautiful country! One of my favorites in Europe. You can check out the upcoming trips here.
Portugal
Portuguese are by far some of the friendliest people in Europe. Roam through charming cobblestone streets, savor delicious pastries, and admire historic architecture in Lisbon and Porto. Not as developed with tourist infrastructure as the other countries in the region, but visiting it is worth it. If you’re single, I promise you that Portuguese men will show you a good time!
Sweden
Stay away from Stockholm and you’ll watch the prices drop. I’ve personally been able to find fresh salmon salads in supermarkets for $6 USD. Use Omio to move around the country comfortably. Cruise through the archipelago, and experience the magical Northern Lights if you get a chance. 2024 will be a good year for watching them!
Iceland
Yes! You can visit Iceland on your own, even if you don’t rent a car. You can join online groups to look for other travelers to share costs, or you can simply hire services locally. You can check out GetYourGuide’s tours if you’re looking to make the most of your time in the country on your own.
Denmark
Pricey, yes, but this tiny country has excellent infrastructure and is fairly easy to navigate on your own. Stroll through Copenhagen’s charming streets, visit historic castles, and experience the cozy concept of “hygge.” If you’re single, this might be one of the best destinations to download Tinder. You’ll thank me afterwards.
Ireland
For this destination, you’ll want to embrace road trips. If you start from Dublin, you’ll get a chance to meet other solo travelers to partner up with. Alternatively, just like with Iceland, you can join a group for one or several days. Discover the lush landscapes of the Ring of Kerry, visit the historic castles of Dublin, and experience the warmth of Irish hospitality.
Latin America
Do you need to speak Spanish to travel around Latin America? It would certainly make your life easier, but I can assure you that you’ll find plenty of help and resources in the countries that I’m about to list. This region is becoming more and more popular, and the reasons are obvious.
Guatemala
Discover ancient Mayan ruins, vibrant markets, and the stunning Lake Atitlán in this Central American gem. Affordable, it’s easy to meet other travelers, and it has a wide range of activities of all types. If you’re in the country, you have to hike Acatenango – one of the most active volcanoes in the world. You can check out my vlog from the hike here.
Costa Rica
Immerse yourself in lush rainforests, spot exotic wildlife, and unwind on pristine beaches in this eco-paradise. Yes, it is one of the most expensive countries in the region, but its tourist infrastructure is very well-developed. That means that it’s easy to travel in, even if you have no knowledge of Spanish. I’m actually from Costa Rica, and here are 8 things you should know before visiting.
Peru
Discover the mysteries of Machu Picchu, explore the historic city of Cusco, and trek through the breathtaking Andes. Few countries offer the adventure and culture that Peru has. It is an excellent gateway into South America, and you’ll be able to cross off a few bucket list items while you’re in the country.
Argentina
It is not cheap to get to this country, but the distance is worth it. Buenos Aires is a stunning city worth spending a good amount of time in. You can take tango classes for beginners, witness the breathtaking Iguazu Falls, and trek through Patagonia’s wilderness. If you have the time, this is the gateway to Antarctica.
Panama
Traverse the historic Panama Canal, relax on the San Blas Islands, and explore the diverse ecosystems of this Central American gem. A bit cheaper than Costa Rica, and slowly catching up to its more popular neighbor. If you like hiking, you can actually see both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean at the same time if you hike Baru Volcano. I’ve been to Panama several times, and this is still on my personal bucket list.
Middle East
This is part of Asia, but I do believe that it requires a whole different section. People think of the Middle East and assume that it’s dangerous, especially for women. That’s because of how widely misunderstood Islam is. I’ve traveled extensively through this region and it’s one of my favorites. While most countries do require a bit more of experience, the following two are extremely solo-female-traveler friendly.
UAE (United Arab Emirates)
I make a stop here a few times per year, usually on my own. I’d say this is probably the safest country IN THE WORLD for solo female travelers. And while most people just think of luxury when it comes to the UAE, there are tons of things to do. Experience the traditional markets in Dubai, spend the night at a traditional camp in the desert or and enjoy the best of Abu Dhabi while kayaking in the area.
Jordan
This was the first country I ever visited in the Middle East, and the one that made me fall in love in the region. Going outside of the main tourist spots without a car is not possible, but that’s why we wanted to make things easier for you. I’m hosting a group trip here in late September in case you want to join us! We’ll be doing the classics like Petra and Wadi Rum, but also meeting with locals and showing you the most authentic side possible of Jordan. Come join us!
Southeast Asia
This, together with Europe, might easily be among the best places for solo female travelers. It has great tourist infrastructure and it’s easy to find people who speak English. Jumping around from country to country is easy, and it’s also very affordable. Low-cost flights here are the way to go. You can check out Kiwi, my favorite platform for finding the cheapest flights.
Cambodia
Why aren’t people visiting Cambodia more is beyond me. Prices have definitely increased since I was there, but this has been by far the cheapest country I’ve ever been to. Waking up early to watch the sunrise over the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, cruising along the Tonle Sap Lake, and immersing yourself in Khmer culture are some of the best things to do in the country.
Thailand
This is the most popular country in the world for solo female travelers. It is extremely touristy, but so incredibly easy to navigate. Realistically speaking, the Thai food, hospitality, sights and $5 USD massages are what continues to make this the #1 destination out there. Dive into the vibrant street life of Bangkok, relax on tropical islands, and explore the ancient temples in Chiang Mai.
Vietnam
Embrace the adventure, and travel by land across mainland SEA. Cruise through Ha Long Bay, explore the bustling streets of Hanoi, and discover the rich history of Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam is also one of the most affordable countries I’ve ever been to, and there is a wide range of activities for all types of travelers around the country.
Singapore
Indulge in the futuristic skyline, savor diverse cuisine, and unwind in the stunning Gardens by the Bay. Singapore can easily be considered the gateway into SEA, and if you’re around, you might as well try to cross off another country. A few days here is enough to get a good idea of what this incredible country has achieved in the last few decades: from a sleepy village to one of the most advanced societies in the world. If you do visit, promise me you’ll go on a food tour.
East + West Asia
What is West Asia? This is not a term you usually come across. You’re all familiar with East Asia: China, Japan, South Korea, etc. West Asia is usually referred to by the region. I think that part of it is because it’s so diverse, it’s the largest continent and it’s hard to pinpoint it as one.
Taiwan
I don’t see many people heading into Taiwan, especially not solo female travelers. English is more widely spoken than in neighboring countries which makes it easier to navigate. You can dive into Taipei’s street food scene, explore traditional temples, and hike the stunning Taroko Gorge.
South Korea
Normally overlooked by the more popular Japan, South Korea is a cultural and foodie dream come true. Explore the dynamic cityscape of Seoul, unwind in traditional tea houses, unwind in traditional tea houses and hike the scenic trails of Jeju Island. And if you have the time, check out the DMZ – the border between North and South Korea. This doesn’t count as being in the country, but you’ll have a glance at the country this way!
Georgia
The odd one out in this list is this tiny country in West Asia. Some people consider it to be part of Europe, some don’t. Culturally, I’d say it’s a beautiful blend of both. This was my favorite country of 2023 and I was here alone for practically a month. Explore the ancient streets of Tbilisi, indulge in Georgian cuisine, and marvel at the scenic landscapes of the Caucasus. Allow yourself to be surprised by one of the most underrated countries out there. You can check my travel vlog from Georgia here.
Japan
There are countless reasons why Japan is so popular among travelers. It is stepping into a whole new world that is decades away from the rest of the world. Immerse yourself in the bustling streets of Tokyo, experience traditional tea ceremonies, and marvel at cherry blossoms in Kyoto.
Oceania
All the way in the far east you’ll find these two countries. Both are very well-known, and excellent gateways into the Pacific island nations. One of my biggest travel regrets is not taking advantage of a working holiday visa to live in either one of these two countries. If you’re 30 or under and reading this, don’t be me!
New Zealand
While people say it can be difficult to explore New Zealand on your own, this is just another one of those countries where you’ll meet plenty of other solo travelers. Join forces and discover the adrenaline-packed adventures of Queenstown, hike through the breathtaking Fiordland National Park, and explore Maori culture.
Australia
Relax on the pristine beaches of the Gold Coast, explore the vibrant city of Sydney, and snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef. If you’re 30 or under, please take advantage of the Working Holiday visa if your country is eligible. This is by far my biggest travel regret up to date.
Africa
This is the most difficult continent to navigate in. This is the one that the media will ask you to stay away from. The reality is that it’s the least-visited continent out there. Countries like Egypt, South Africa and Morocco are at the top of people’s lists. Those are just 3 out of 54 countries. This continent is absolutely stunning. It has by far the most diversity in terms of landscapes and people, and it’s where you can stay away from the crowds.
South Africa is popular but it is the most dangerous country in the region. Funny how popularity works. The other popular countries are not easy to navigate as a solo female traveler. Instead, I’ll use this opportunity to highlight a few countries that I’ve either visited on my own or know from other solo female travelers that are great destinations.
Tanzania
This country is a great way to get a taste of what it’s like being in East Africa on your own. My first time in the country I was incredibly nervous to be on my own. I ended up staying a month and went back the next year for more. Experience the wonders of Serengeti National Park and the majestic Kilimanjaro, and relax on Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches.
Botswana
I have done safaris in almost 10 countries in Africa, but nothing compares to the amount of wildlife available in Botswana. It was breathtaking. It is known as a luxury destination, but there are ways around it. Maun is worth a visit for the Okavango Delta, but Kasane beats all other places. Expect better prices and less crowds than in Maun.
Senegal
While West Africa has not made it to the list of areas I’ve been to, I’ve met plenty of women that have been to Senegal on their own. They loved it. It is one of the easiest destinations in the region. You can immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Dakar, explore Gorée Island’s history, and discover the beauty of the Pink Lake. Once I do visit I’ll update this and let you know what it was like.
Namibia
Not only did I spend a whole month here on my own, but I have a good amount of both YouTube and blog posts about my stay there. I was warned against going there on my own but I had an amazing time. Check out the towering dunes of Sossusvlei, spend some time in Kolmanskop and make sure not to get stuck in the Forbidden Region like we did.
While this list is extensive, I wanted to take the opportunity to highlight some of the best places for solo female travel. Some are givens, but others have yet to make it on people’s radar. Destinations that people would have not thought of 10 years ago are now on everyone’s list. My advice to you is to be open to the world and go for places before everyone else does. Let me know which ones you didn’t know were good destinations for solo female travelers!
Hey there, and welcome to Go Global with Sibu! I’m a global citizen that has been living and traveling around the world since 2005 – all through budget travel, scholarships, study/work and living abroad opportunities. I share everything I’ve learned over the years here – to prove to you that you don’t need money or privilege to enjoy everything that this world has to offer.