Traveling alone, especially as a woman, is not as difficult or frightening as you may imagine. There are several benefits: You don’t have to follow anybody else’s schedule, money, or dietary choices, allowing you to fully prioritize yourself. Solo travel entails doing whatever you want, whenever you want, while seeing the areas you most want to go. As a woman, going on adventures alone might give you the freedom to view the world your own.
Whether you’re concerned about safety or looking for company, there are several destinations throughout the world to choose for your next solo vacation. U.S. News produced this list of top solo travel locations based on tips and knowledge from women who have traveled the world alone and found love.
Barcelona, Spain
A vacation to Barcelona allows you to immerse yourself in local culture at your leisure, whether you wish to dine at Michelin-starred restaurants or cheer at a football (soccer) game. Writer Mona Gable concurs: “Barcelona is a place of wonder – medieval neighborhoods, sunny beaches and world-class museums, not to mention Antoni Gaudí’s celebrated architecture.”
Gable loved touring the Mediterranean port city, particularly due of its walkability and easy-to-use transit system, which included metro lines and buses. She also mentioned feeling secure on her own: “As a female traveler, I felt perfectly at ease wandering many neighborhoods alone, even at late hours, when Catalans famously dine out.”
Maui, Hawaii
Although Maui is still recuperating from the Lahaina wildfires, there are many exciting things to see and do outside of the fire-affected districts. Furthermore, the Hawai’i Tourism Authority says that tourists are required to help Lahaina and the island’s local economy recover. On a solo vacation to Maui, you may see the dawn from Haleakala Crater, trek through beautiful ‘Iao Valley, swim under a waterfall in Hana, dive with sea turtles in Ka’anapali, windsurf at Ho’okipa, stroll along spacious Makena Beach, or eat lunch in colorful Pa’ia.
London
London is a lively metropolis with prominent sites including Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace. Its vibrant culture, rich history, world-class museums, and bustling bars make it a popular tourist destination. Staying at a strategically placed hotel with a concierge, such as The Londoner near Leicester Square, allows lone visitors to easily explore the enormous metropolis.
Payal Lohia, also known as the Happy Hour Queen, raves about how easy it is to get around such a large city: “London has an extensive public transportation network (buses, Overground, Underground, and trains) that is well-regulated, frequently patrolled, well-lit, and operates late into the night, providing safe solo travel options across the city (and the outskirts).
Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland’s stunning scenery, which include glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, and hot springs, making it a must-see vacation. The “land of fire and ice” is also recognized for puffins, Viking heritage, and women’s empowerment, with the nation being regarded as a champion of gender equality. Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital and largest city, offers high-quality restaurants, museums, galleries, geothermal pools, and a vibrant atmosphere.
“Iceland is a favorite destination for female solo travelers because it is easily one of the safest countries in the world,” says Jenny Ly, a professional travel writer at Go Wanderly. Iceland has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, and there are no animal predators that are hazardous to people; just be prepared for inclement weather and use caution if you want to do anything.
Quebec City
French-speaking Québec City, in southeastern Canada, is one of the country’s oldest cities, and the Historic District of Old Québec is a UNESCO World Heritage site. As you meander along the cobblestone streets, stop to eat French Canadian cuisine and observe the city’s historic architecture, sites, and museums. You may even have afternoon tea at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.
Emily Dreilich of Voyagers Travel is enamored with the European elegance of Québec City. “The city’s old town is pedestrian-friendly, and I love how safe it feels, even at night,” she shares. “The residents are kind and helpful, and there’s always plenty to do, whether it’s seeing ancient buildings or enjoying the bustling café culture.
Queenstown, New Zealand
The diversity of New Zealand’s landscapes is a key lure for tourists, with clean beaches on the North Island and snowy mountains on the South Island, as well as a variety of geological wonders in between. Auckland offers a variety of activities for tourists, including learning about Indigenous Māori culture, visiting sheep farms, and sailing.
Nina Ragusa, a travel writer from whereintheworldisnina.com who loves to travel by van, appreciates visiting New Zealand due of the friendly culture, outdoor adventure, and sense of safety. “Traveling New Zealand as a solo woman is quite easy, and if it’s your first trip solo, this would be a good country to start in,” she tells me.
Lefkara, Cyprus
With beautiful beaches, archaeological sites, and tasty Cypriot food (similar to Greek cuisine), it’s no surprise that tourists visit Cyprus. Not only is this Mediterranean island famous in Greek mythology as the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, but it also has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The highland town of Lefkara, some 30 miles from the beach resort of Limassol, is famous for its delicate lace and elaborate silver crafts.
“I love Lefkara’s quaint, cobblestone streets and traditional crafts that give it a very peaceful vibe,” says Jane Iskra, photographer and proprietor of ISKRA photography. “The stunning mountain views and cultural richness make it a truly unique destination.”
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Croatia is the ideal destination for anyone seeking a holiday with stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. The old city walls and medieval architecture of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provide for an especially beautiful view when the sun goes down. Tamara Williams, the creator of the solo female travel site My Elated Odyssey, believes the unrivaled beauty of the surrounding sea and mountains is only one incentive to visit.
“The locals are some of the nicest people I have ever met,” Williams said. “They really made it feel like a second home.” They spoke excellent English, so there was no need to be concerned about a language barrier.”
Svalbard, Norway
Norway offers stunning fjords, unique animals, gorgeous railroads, outdoor adventure, and the opportunity to see the northern lights. Jurga Rubinovaite, publisher of the travel site Full Suitcase, says you won’t want to miss Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago located only a few hundred kilometers from the North Pole. “It is one of the most unique nature destinations in the world,” she informs me. “Despite being so far north in the Arctic, it’s extremely easy to visit and is also a great and safe destination for solo female travelers.”
Longyearbyen, Svalbard’s main town, serves as the focal point for activities ranging from hiking and boat trips in the summer to ice cave visits and snowmobiling in the winter.
Dublin
Travel to Ireland for an unforgettable single vacation filled with sweeping emerald-green landscapes, fantasy castles, and Irish coffee. Experienced traveler Kelie Fiala of the Vacations Planned blog puts this European country at the top of her list of solo travel destinations. “Many attractions in Ireland are wonderful for solo travelers because they offer peaceful spots to stop and enjoy the gorgeous views, but also provide plenty of opportunities to meet friendly people at cafes and other points of interest,” she tells me.
Fiala adores Ireland’s history and environment, but she particularly enjoys Dublin for its variety of bars and eateries. She believes the bars are wonderful for women traveling alone since they nearly always have live music and pleasant people.