Key Takeaways:
- Iceland is perfect for adventurous solo travelers.
- Southeast Asia is great for budget travelers.
- New Zealand offers fantastic outdoor adventures.
- Tokyo is a must-visit for food lovers.
- Canada is ideal for beginners and outdoorsy travelers.
The Best Destinations for Solo Travel! – Going on a solo trip is one of the best travel experiences you can give yourself. It’s an empowering way to see the world with all the trip decisions in your hands. Want to sleep in late or wake up for sunrise? No problem. Want to spend the whole day exploring museums or relaxing on the beach? There’s no one else around to say otherwise.
But solo travel can be daunting — especially if it’s your first time. Safety, budget, and activities are all important things to consider when planning solo trips. Curious about solo travel for women? Here’s a list of the best destinations to help make it easier for you!
Iceland: The Land of Fire and Ice
If there’s one country perfect for solo female travelers, it’s Iceland. This small Nordic island nation is one of the safest countries in the world, easy to get around, and full of incredible adventures!
Spend your trip driving the famous Ring Road, diving between frozen fissures, watching the Northern Lights, chasing waterfalls, or relaxing in the world-famous Blue Lagoon. With its low crime rate and welcoming locals, Iceland is a top pick for solo travel.
Type of Traveler: Adventurous
Safety Rating: 5/5
Daily Budget: $110 per day
Southeast Asia: Budget-Friendly Adventure
Southeast Asia is a favorite with backpackers, making the region a good start for solo female travelers on a budget. With cheap flights between countries and affordable public transport, you can easily hop from one destination to the next.
The most popular backpacking route includes Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, but you can adjust your itinerary to suit your interests. Whether you’re looking to party at Thailand’s Full Moon Party, explore the ruins of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, or trek through the rice paddies of Sapa, Vietnam — there’s something for every kind of traveler!
Type of Traveler: Budget
Safety Rating: 4/5
Daily Budget: $25 per day
New Zealand: Nature’s Playground
New Zealand is one of the easiest solo travel destinations. The country has excellent infrastructure, it’s safe, and perfect if you love the outdoors and adventure sports.
The North Island boasts beautiful beaches and volcanoes, while the South Island is renowned for its fjords, glaciers, and wildlife. Meeting other travelers is easy if you join an adventure tour or stay in one of the many hostels. For a more solitary experience, rent a motorhome and go on a self-driving tour of the country.
Type of Traveler: Outdoorsy
Safety Rating: 5/5
Daily Budget: $60 per day
Tokyo, Japan: A Food Lover’s Paradise
Want to travel to a destination that’s completely different from your hometown? Book a ticket to Tokyo, Japan!
Tokyo is generally a safe city to explore for solo female travelers, and you can get pretty much everywhere with the city’s efficient train system. There are even female-only train cabins and hotels with female-only floors. Spend your trip belting out tunes at karaoke, eating your way through Tokyo’s best food spots, or exploring the famous Harajuku district.
Type of Traveler: Foodie
Safety Rating: 5/5
Daily Budget: $70 per day
Canada: Adventure Close to Home
If you’re not ready to venture too far from home, go on a solo trip to Canada! The country has a low crime rate, it’s easy to navigate, and you can experience a variety of cultures.
Canada offers tons of hiking trails and outdoor activities for adventure junkies at various national parks. The west coast’s Vancouver is home to a thriving art, music, and theater scene. For a different vibe, visit Montreal and soak up the city’s French colonial heritage.
Type of Traveler: Beginner + Outdoorsy
Safety Rating: 5/5
Daily Budget: $80 per day
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Riveria Maya, Mexico: Relaxation and Adventure
Over the last six years, I’ve spent a lot of time traveling through Mexico. While it’s not the safest destination on this list, I still think the Riveria Maya is a great place for experienced solo female travelers looking for some R+R.
If you plan a trip here, make sure you take extra safety steps. Let your hotel or hostel know you’re traveling alone and ask them to check in with you. I’d also recommend skipping Cancun and instead, exploring Playa del Carmen, Isla Holbox, or Tulum.
Type of Traveler: Experienced
Safety Rating: 3/5
Daily Budget: $30 per day
South Africa: An Affordable Adventure
South Africa has a reputation for high crime rates, but if you practice common safety tips, it’s an easy destination to explore as a solo female traveler. Plus, it’s super cheap for US citizens and Europeans!
Cape Town has the best and safest public transport system with stops at all major tourist attractions. There are also backpacking buses that take you from one hostel to another, making it a safe way to move around the country and meet other travelers.
Type of Traveler: Adventurous + Foodie
Safety Rating: 3/5
Daily Budget: $40 per day
Mozambique: Off the Beaten Track
Mozambique is an easy country to explore from South Africa. It’s a popular holiday destination for South Africans and perfect for solo female travelers looking to get off the beaten track.
The country is known for its incredible coastline, excellent scuba diving conditions, and nearby islands waiting to be explored. You can fly into the capital city of Maputo or further up the coast to Inhambane.
Type of Traveler: Adventurous
Safety Rating: 3/5
Daily Budget: $40 per day
Peru: Ancient Wonders and Natural Beauty
Peru is an amazing destination to explore. It’s home to the famous Inca ruins, the Andes Mountains, and the unusual delicacy of fried guinea pigs.
The well-trodden tourist path is relatively easy to navigate on your own. There’s regular public transportation to hot spots like Lima or Machu Picchu, and you can meet other travelers at hostels along the way.
Type of Traveler: Outdoorsy
Safety Rating: 3/5
Daily Budget: $30 per day
Panama: Easy and Enjoyable
Panama is where I first got my PADI Open Water certification and fell in love with scuba diving. It’s an easy solo travel destination to explore and a great spot if you’re a surfer.
While there are some spots to avoid in the country, you should always exercise caution when traveling solo. Avoid hiking in the Bastimentos Islands and walking home alone at night, especially in dimly lit streets.
Type of Traveler: Experienced
Safety Rating: 3/5
Daily Budget: $40 per day
Practical Tips for Solo Travel:
- Safety First: Always inform someone of your whereabouts.
- Pack Light: Avoid overpacking; you’ll thank yourself later.
- Stay Connected: Have a local SIM card or an international plan.
- Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, it probably is.
- Join Groups: Look for local tours to meet people.
No matter where you decide to visit, if you exercise caution, traveling solo is one of the best ways to see the world. You get to craft your itinerary and create the vacation of your dreams!
Where are you traveling solo this year? Let me know in the comments below! And don’t forget to subscribe for more travel tips and guides.
