Solo travel is a trend that is growing in popularity, and in recent years, there has been a notable increase in the number of females who are interested in taking a solo trip. As a woman traveling alone, there are likely some additional factors you may take into consideration during the planning process, like how welcoming and safe a particular destination is for solo females. Whether you are looking for relaxation, adventure, or a cultural experience, below are some of the top travel spots for female travelers who are looking to have fun and, most importantly, stay safe.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is a beautiful, European city that is a great destination for solo female travelers, and there is no shortage of things to do in this coastal capital city. A popular spot for visitors is the Praca do Comercio, a large public plaza filled with shopping, cafes, and the famous Arco da Rua Augusta arch, which makes for beautiful pictures. Another popular spot in Lisbon is the São Jorge Castle where you can join a guided tour to explore a medieval castle and learn more about the national monument’s rich history.
Several solo female traveler bloggers, including My Blonde Bucket List and Curls en Route, have written detailed travel guides about their solo travel experience in Lisbon.
According to Numbeo, the crime rate in Lisbon is low, and the city ranked high in safety for traveling alone during the daytime and at night.
Kyoto, Japan
If you’re looking to travel to Asia on your solo female trip, consider Kyoto when choosing your destination. Once the capital of Japan, Kyoto is a city full of Japanese culture and plenty of activities to immerse you in the country’s way of life. You can visit a historic Buddhist temple, such as Kiyomizu-dera, admire the city’s beautiful scenery by visiting a Zen garden while the cherry blossom trees are in bloom, and enjoy delicious cuisine during a traditional kaiseki dining experience.
According to Inside Kyoto, the city is deemed very safe for solo female travelers, as crime rates are low. Travel blogger Jetlag Sarah wrote a guide about solo female travel in Kyoto that may be helpful while planning your trip.
Bali, Indonesia
This tropical island in Indonesia can be perfect for any solo travelers looking for rest and relaxation amidst a beautiful landscape. You can relax on a quiet beach, like Nyang Nyang, explore a scenic and peaceful rice field to learn more about the islands unique agricultural background, or unlock your inner Zen by practicing yoga at the Yoga Barn during your time in Bali.
Solo female travel blogger Be My Travel Muse claims Bali is one of the safest destinations she has traveled to. The Blonde Abroad also has an in-depth travel guide from her experiencing traveling alone throughout Bali.
Barcelona, Spain
Traveling to Barcelona as a solo female traveler can be an incredible experience, as the vibrant Spanish city is full of stunning architecture, delicious food, and a lively cultural scene. If you are a fan of art and architecture, you can explore La Sagrada Família, an iconic basilica designed by Antoni Gaudí, or Park Güell, a park filled with colorful mosaics and beautiful views of the city. The Gothic Quarter is also a popular spot to visit while in Barcelona where you can wander throughout the historic neighborhood’s shops and cafes and admire the medieval architecture.
While Barcelona is generally considered to be safe for solo female travelers, travel blogger The Lady Who Travels mentions that pickpocketing can be an issue while in large crowds, so you will want to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings. For more on to traveling Barcelona, Solo Female Travelers offers an in-depth guide to visiting the European destination.
Reykjavik, Iceland
If you are seeking somewhere with stunning natural landscapes on your solo female adventure, Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is the perfect destination. A city that looks like it was pulled straight from a movie set, Reykjavik is full of scenic attractions, such as its geothermal swimming pools, Northern Lights tours, and Icelandic horse riding. You can visit Faxaflói Bay to enjoy some whale watching, and afterward, indulge in local cuisine at an authentic Viking restaurant like Fjörukráin at Hotel Viking to experience the area’s unique cultural history.
Iceland is considered one of the safest countries in the world and is known for being very welcoming. Be My Travel Muse says Iceland is a great starting point for ladies who are looking to get into solo travel.
Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne, Australia or the “Down Under” is a fun and unique spot for solo travelers. The city offers a thriving culture, food, and music scene and plenty of fun attractions to explore. The National Gallery of Victoria is a popular spot for tourists and is free to visit. If you want to experience the beautiful nature in Melbourne, you can visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, which offers a variety of events throughout the year for visitors. And if you’re someone who enjoys doing a little shopping while you travel, the Queen Victoria Market is the place to visit, as it’s the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere.
According to Ms. Travel Solo’s travel blog, Melbourne is a great choice for solo female travelers, as it’s rated one of the safest places in the world. If you want an extensive list of things to do while visiting the Australian city, Rocky Travel put together a list of more than 30 activities that are great for solo travelers.
Safety Tips
While the destinations listed above are considered some of the top travel destinations for solo female travelers, it is still incredibly important to take necessary precautions to remain safe, regardless of where you travel. Some safety tips to keep in mind include:
Be aware of your surroundings
Don’t travel alone at night
Make sure family/friends know where you are (AirTag, location-sharing apps, etc.)
Know local emergency numbers
Have travel insurance
IMG’s iTravelInsured Choice travel protection plan is ideal for solo travelers, whether you are exploring the world, taking a weekend getaway, or traveling for business. This plan offers well-rounded coverage for common mishaps like trip cancellation and trip interruption, delays, and lost baggage. 24/7 Emergency Travel Assistance is also included with iTravelInsured Choice, so you have someone to call any time of the day for help with things such as emergency translations, lost passport assistance, emergency travel arrangements, and much more.