Ready to take a solo trip, but not sure where to go? Check out some of the best solo female travel destinations recommended by travel experts.
12 of the Best Places to Travel Alone as a Woman
Updated on Jun. 30, 2025
Best for first-timers
The United Kingdom
Only ready to dip a toe into the solo travel pool? Ease into your first solo adventure in the U.K., where the infrastructure is well-established, activities range from historic tours to hiking trails, English is spoken and solo travel is popular. A 2023 study conducted by Visit Britain found that solo travel is the most common way Americans experience England, so if you don’t want to be all on your own all the time, you’ve got a pretty good chance of crossing paths with other solo travelers here.
Gaby Cecil, the commercial director of tour operator Active England, recommends Devon, England, for a scenic solo escape. “Devon is Cornwall’s gorgeous wild neighbor, with craggy coasts and ancient hills that have inspired authors and painters from afar,” she says. “It’s one of the most treasured parts of England, and offers so much to solo travelers looking for a revitalizing yet active destination.”
You’ll also find solo female travelers and single rooms aplenty at small B&Bs and family-owned inns in Scotland. Local tour operator Rabbie’s hosted over 25,000 solo travelers in 2024—up 16 percent from 2023—and the vast majority were women. Rabbie’s female CEO, female driver-guides, small group trips and transparent pricing are draws for solo female travelers seeking a balance of independence and connection.
Best for tasty eats and outdoor adventures
Krabi, Thailand
If flavorful food and outdoor fun are your top priorities, Krabi is your paradise. Thanks to the tropical climate and mix of Malaysian, Chinese, Indian and Southern Thai influences here, this province on Thailand’s Andaman coast offers some of the country’s tastiest fare. Fill up on local seafood, slurp spicy curries (order yours mai phet, meaning not spicy, if you can’t handle the heat!), and sip straight from a fresh coconut. You’ll find vegetarian and vegan dishes on most menus, thanks to a majority Buddhist (and a small Hindu) population. And with Muslims making up 40 percent of the province’s residents, you’ll also have halal options—all at a good price. This culinary diversity reflects a cultural coexistence that, in turn, creates a warm welcome for solo female travelers, regardless of religion or background.
Krabi also has the conveniences of markets, hospitals and tourist infrastructure alongside access to four major national parks, dozens of islands and towering karst rock formations (great for rock climbing, but also just to stare at. Seriously, they’re impressive!). The availability of private and group tours and range of accommodations, from budget hostels to luxury resorts, makes it easy for solo female travelers to hike, snorkel and island-hop to their heart’s content—with or without the company of other travelers.
Krabi province is generally considered one of the safest in Thailand. Violent crime is rare, the vibe is relaxed and I’ve felt much safer here than I did when living and traveling solo in other places around the country. Some of my favorite culinary and outdoor experiences here? The 360-degree view hike on Koh Hong, sunset dinner at Bird’s Nest (yes, the table is set inside a “nest”), cruising through mangrove forests on a longtail boat and meeting local artisans on Ban Koh Klang.
Best for mindful travel
Japan
The birthplace of “forest bathing” (a nature-based mindfulness practice) and home to ancient healing traditions and more than 150,000 shrines and temples, Japan is the perfect place for a contemplative solo journey of the senses. Boasting efficient public transportation and ranked as the 12th safest country in the world by the Global Peace Index for low rates of conflict and violent crimes, Japan offers solo female travelers a chance to explore with ease.
“Japan consistently ranks as one of the safest places to travel, with thoughtful features like women-only hostels and designated women-only train cars,” says Carly Dela Cruz, international program manager and Japan tour host for The Table Less Traveled. “It’s also incredibly solo-friendly because it’s easy to navigate, and dining alone is completely normal.”
Kensington’s recent report placed Japan as one of the top three destinations for solo travel, and Meg Leach, a frequent solo traveler and the head of sales at Whimstay, a last-minute vacation rental marketplace, also ranks Japan among the top three best solo female travel destinations. “It’s clean, walkable with efficient public transport and known for respectfulness and an extremely low crime rate,” she says. “Solo dining is super normal, and the culture is very rich, so there are nonstop things to do and see alone, without feeling like you need to be with someone.”
I agree! Japan was the first country I traveled to solo. I found people were helpful and friendly, trains made sightseeing a breeze and some of my fondest memories include hiking to ancient temples in the forest and soaking in open-air onsen (hot springs baths).
Best for social solo travelers and digital nomads
Portugal
It’s no secret that Portugal is a popular choice for solo female travelers, and it’s easy to see why. “The people are very welcoming, it’s safe and it’s especially affordable,” Leach says. “Lisbon has a very social hostel culture, which makes it easy to make friends to explore the city with. There’s also a large digital nomad culture with a ton of cafes where you can meet up with other solo travelers.”
Melissa DaSilva, the deputy CEO of Insight Vacations, says the “Country Roads of Portugal” tour is one of their best-selling trips for solo female travelers in 2025, reflecting a growing desire for immersive experiences in culturally rich destinations in the company of other solo travelers.
Katy Rockett, Explore Worldwide’s regional director of North America, has also noticed an uptick in solo female traveler bookings—specifically for the volcanic island of Madeira. “It’s an ideal destination for solo female travelers as it offers a blend of safety, natural beauty and warm hospitality. This Portuguese island is known for its low crime rates, relaxed atmosphere and welcoming locals,” she explains. “With its year-round mild climate, dramatic coastal cliffs and scenic levada trails, Madeira is perfect for those seeking equal parts adventure and tranquility. Solo travelers will find both the freedom and peace of mind here, whether they’re hiking or settling into the quiet moments in the oceanside villages.”
Best for immersive cultural experiences
Australia
At nearly 3 million square miles, the sheer size of Australia could intimidate a solo traveler. But there’s a simple solution: Get the lay of the land—while also gaining a deep appreciation of local history and culture—from those who know it best. Tours led by First Nations people are available in numerous places across the country and may involve an introduction to cultural traditions, ceremonies, storytelling, medicinal plant knowledge and more. On my solo trip to Australia, within just a couple of hours with Kristian Coulthard, an Adnyamathanha guide and co-founder of Wadna cultural tours, I had the chance to spot ancient rock etchings, hear “dreaming stories” and learn how to identify traditional “bush medicine” in the South Australian outback.
And guess what? Your solo female status on your Australian travels might even grant you unique access. When you join a women-led culturally immersive experience, such as those created by Djugun, Bardi and Jawi women in Western Australia, you may get a glimpse of women’s lives and visit sites solely for women. A standout memory from my own solo trip in Australia: Spending time with Palawa shellstringer and wukalina Walk guide, Melissa West, as she shared stories of sacred lands, First Nations people and the vital role of women while we strolled Tasmania’s beaches together.
Australia is not just one of my favorites; it’s a popular solo female travel destination for Natural Habitat Adventures and Kensington, and a top pick by Damesly CEO Lewis as well. “There’s no language barrier for English speakers, and the infrastructure is there in destinations like Australia and New Zealand to hop on a day tour, or to travel up and down the coast by bus,” Lewis says. “Plus, you’ll find gorgeous scenery, amazing nature and wildlife experiences, unique history and culture and tasty food.”
Best for animal lovers
South African safari
Do you get giddy at the sight of giraffes munching on Acacia leaves and baby zebras zipping across the savannah? A South African safari should be your next solo trip. “Every safari destination is special and has something wonderful to offer,” says Brooke Berlin, an Africa travel expert and founder of Karoo Consulting. “However, for a single woman traveling, my suggestion is South Africa because you can fly around the country seamlessly, only paying for one seat. Whereas in East Africa, there’s often a minimum of two or more passengers [for charter flights].”
And if you get bored of all the cute elephants and roaring lions, don’t despair. South Africa offers plenty of other experiences to engage the solo female traveler. “Within one country, you can go on safari in different ecosystems, participate in hands-on conservation activities and enjoy city, sea and wine country,” Berlin says. “Best of all, South Africa is a year-round destination, so travelers can choose the season that fits their budget and travel timeframe.” And if costly single supplements (a fee for single travelers) are standing in your way, ask your travel agent or the lodge you’ve got your eye on to help a solo girl out. “Some lodges waive the single supplement,” Berlin explains, “making it more affordable without having to join a group tour.”
Best for out-of-this-world scenery
Iceland
Bring on the drama(tic landscapes)! The Land of Fire and Ice has had much more than its 15 minutes of fame as the surreal setting for dozens of popular films and TV series, including Game of Thrones, Star Wars and Interstellar. So, of course, it’s a magnificent place to let your cinema-worthy solo adventure play out—amid active volcanoes, thundering waterfalls, basalt columns and electric-blue ice caves.
Iceland consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world, topping the Global Peace Index for 15 years running. That’s right; you can have all the (scenic) drama and outdoor adventures without the typical solo female travel worries.
“With a strong sense of equality, with women currently in most of the top leadership roles, and one of the lowest crime rates in the world, Iceland is especially well-suited to solo female travelers seeking untouched landscapes and rich cultural experiences,” says Dagný Björg Stefánsdóttir, CEO and co-owner of Hidden Iceland, an adventure tour operator whose team includes many female guides and travel experts. “Iceland offers a rare combination of independence, adventure and peace of mind.”
Best for heritage and hospitality
Jordan
Want to trek among rock-cut Nabatean temples, tour ancient Roman ruins and stargaze in a Mars-red desert—all while immersed in a culture of hospitality? In that case, “Ahlan wa sahlan, welcome to Jordan.” You’ll hear that phrase (which translates to “I welcome you as family and wish for you to feel at ease”) from the moment you touch down, and likely no less than 20 more times throughout your solo travels here. But those oft-used words are not empty; they’re an invitation to open yourself up to the experience (and, in many cases, an impromptu coffee or a home-cooked meal with local people!).
A longtime haven for refugees and home to Bedouin culture, where guests are welcomed and treated with respect, hospitality is in the DNA of this place and its people. While Jordan is often unfairly lumped in with negative news from the region, the reality is that it’s one of the friendliest, peaceful and exciting places for meaningful solo travel. I know firsthand—I was so enraptured by Jordan’s hospitality and historic sites on my first visit eight years ago, that I returned for a solo trip a few months later. And then again. And again. And again.
Here, you can fulfill your Indiana Jones dreams in the ancient “Lost City” of Petra. Soak in the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea. Camp beside the majestic mountains of Wadi Rum. Engage your spiritual side at the many mosques or Bethany Beyond the Jordan (the site along the Jordan River believed to be where Jesus was baptized). But be warned: What starts out as one of the best solo female travel destinations might just become your new home!
Best for sunshine and storybook settings
The Balkans
Calling all solo sun-seekers! The island of Hvar in Croatia is one of the sunniest spots in Europe, with over 2,700 hours of sunshine per year. But this is just one option for a solo trip in the Balkans. When you’re ready to get up off your lounger, there’s plenty to see and do in this region that includes Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania and Serbia (some also consider Slovenia and parts of Greece and Turkey as part of the Balkans).
“The Balkans are very safe, people are quite friendly and it’s generally easy to get around by bus, internal flights or hopping on a day tour,” Lewis says. “In Croatia, you’ve got ancient walled cities and 1,200 beaches to explore on a turquoise coastline, and in Montenegro, you’ll find stunning canyons, beaches and mountains for a diverse travel experience. In Slovenia, the charming city of Ljubljana will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale.” Despite the turbulent history here (which is worth a deep dive with the insight of a local guide), the striking architecture and postcard-perfect landscapes do indeed appear to be plucked from a storybook.
Best for an extreme cool-cation
The Arctic
Dreaming of a chilly escape that balances the excitement of the wild north with a strong safety ranking for women? Consider the Arctic. Of the eight countries that have territory in the Arctic—Sweden, Denmark (including Greenland), Norway, Iceland, Finland, Canada, Russia and the U.S.—five are ranked in the top seven by the Women Peace and Security (WSP) Index. Beyond its stellar safety record, the Arctic region offers healing wellness traditions, such as hydrotherapy circuits, that famous Finnish sauna culture and once-in-a-lifetime outdoor experiences (yep, I’m talking glacier hikes and Northern Lights) that many solo travelers seek.
Natural Habitat Adventures’ booking data confirms the Arctic is a popular choice for solo female travelers, with many choosing Churchill in Manitoba, Canada, for two bucket list experiences: spotting polar bears in the wild and witnessing the Aurora Borealis. And I can confirm that my own solo trips in the Arctic, which include a small ship cruise with Aurora Expeditions and a stay at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge (where I trekked in polar bear territory by day and lay under the Northern Lights at night), are among my most cherished travel memories, too.
Best for off-the-beaten path
Bhutan
Unless you’re home base is in or near the Himalayas, it’ll likely take quite a bit of effort to reach Bhutan. But that’s one of the many reasons it’s such a special place for a solo trip. The remote location, limited number of flights and the required Sustainable Development Fee ($100 per adult per night, though there are a few exceptions) help prevent visitor numbers from exploding.
“Their tourism structure focuses on lower tourist volume, meaning travelers can immerse themselves without battling crowds,” says Vanessa Dean, product manager at Certified B Corp tour operator, Mahlatini. “And their policy that requires tourists to hire a local guide ensures that female solo travelers are accompanied by a travel professional.” Insider tip (from yours truly, after traveling to Bhutan in 2022): Request a female guide for an unforgettable experience and authentic insight into Bhutanese women’s lives.
Seeking a spiritual journey or healing retreat? This Buddhist country, steeped in ancient wellness traditions—where you’ll find innumerable sacred sites and monuments, mantras carved into hillsides and prayer flags flapping in the wind—inspires mindfulness and transformation. For a more immersive experience, connect with the natural environment and local village life by following the footsteps of past pilgrims and messengers along the recently restored Trans Bhutan Trail. Like getting to Bhutan, it’s a challenge—and well worth it.
Best for handicrafts and home-cooked food
Izmir, Turkey
For solo female travelers eager to engage with artisans, culture, cuisine and female entrepreneurs with a sense of hospitality and deep knowledge of local history, Izmir is the place.
Intrepid, a certified B Corp travel company, confirms that this region has become noticeably popular with solo female travelers in recent years. “We are seeing travelers gravitate towards all-women group tours,” says Hannah Choat, Intrepid’s PR manager for North America. “Intrepid’s Women’s Expeditions [some of which travel to Turkey] grew 46 percent in 2024, and 2025 bookings are already up 120 percent compared to this time last year.”
Here in Izmir, you can get in the kitchen for a cooking lesson with the chef and owner of Nisanyan Hotel in the rural village of Selçuk. Meet the women who carry on Turkish carpet weaving traditions in Ephesus (where you can also check out the impressive archeological site of Ephesus). And sample traditional Turkish dishes made from local ingredients by the female chef and owner of Bizim Ev Hanımeli Restaurant, who also provides jobs for local women. A solo trip in this region of Turkey means you can be a woman supporting women who support women!
About the experts
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Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of travel stories that help readers explore the world safely, easily and affordably. We regularly cover topics such as the best places to visit (and the best times to visit them), tips and tricks to zoom through airport security, flight-attendant secrets, hotel-room hacks and more. We’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. For this piece on best solo female travel destinations, Sunny Fitzgerald tapped her experience as a longtime travel writer and frequent traveler to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- American Express: “2024 American Express Global Travel Trends Report”
- Kensington: “2025 Travel Trends Report”
- Visit Britain: “Market and Trade Profile: USA”
- Doni Belau, travel expert and the founder of Girls’ Guide to the World
- Kelly Lewis, travel expert and CEO of boutique tour company Damesly
- Sasha Andrews, director of industry sales for North America at Exodus Adventure Travels
- Gaby Cecil, commercial director of Active England
- Carly Dela Cruz, international program manager and Japan tour host for The Table Less Traveled
- Meg Leach, head of sales at Whimstay
- Melissa DaSilva, deputy CEO of Insight Vacations
- Katy Rockett, regional director of North America at Explore Worldwide
- Brooke Berlin, the founder of Karoo Consulting and a travel expert specializing in Africa
- Dagný Björg Stefánsdóttir, CEO and co-owner of adventure tour operator Hidden Iceland
- Vanessa Dean, product manager at tour operator Mahlatini
- Hannah Choat, PR manager for North America at Intrepid Travel
