Traveling alone might be intimidating whether you’re traveling inside your own country or worldwide. Traveling alone can raise several worries. Ranging from the embarrassment of dining alone to more severe safety concerns, particularly for women.
But despite any nervousness or uncertainty, traveling solo can be one of the most freeing and rewarding experiences. Immersing yourself in the community and stumbling upon those moments of cross-cultural connection organically.
Choosing the right destination is key. So here are my top travel destinations around the world for solo women.
Top 10:
Okinawa, Japan
For a taste of Japan without the overwhelming hustle, head to Naha, the capital of the Okinawa islands. The monorail is super accessible, linking the airport to the city center and the popular Shuri Castle. And within walking distance of the city center are the Naminoue city beach, Tsuboya pottery district, and Makishi Public Market, where the pull-up-a-chair stands are primed for solo dining.
Taipei, Taiwan
Taiwan’s capital is an excellent blend of history and modernity:
It’s found in traditional night markets (the ideal area to eat snacks while shopping for accessories and souvenirs), temples, high-tech structures, and commercial malls. Taipei has the hustle and bustle of a big Asian metropolis, yet it also possesses crucial urban comforts.
Even though crime is generally low in the country, the metro system features “Safe Waiting Zone” boxes posted on the platforms, which are continuously watched by video feed to protect passengers at night.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
The rise in Croatian tourism has improved the ease of travel, and the country’s low crime rate heightens the appeal. One look at the medieval oceanfront city of Dubrovnik, preserved by 6,365 feet of pristine walls, makes the solo trip worth it. The cobblestone streets guide visitors along artisanal shops and local eateries, while a walk along the wall offers spectacular bird’s-eye views of the Adriatic coastline. Other great solo activities include visiting the beach just a few minutes away from Old Town. There are plenty of opportunities for kayaking and snorkeling via tours and rentals offered right on the beach.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is an extremely walkable city, and you’re unlikely to get lost if you have a map. You can window shop along Las Ramblas, stroll down the beach boardwalk. And wander through the Gaudi-designed Park Güell while taking in the gardens and claiming panoramic views of the city.
The dining options are conducive to solo travel, too, instead of sitting by your lonesome in a dining room. You can take your paella al fresco at one of the many waterfront restaurants or opt for a counter seat at a tapas bar.
Iceland
Between exploring the charming streets of Reykjavik. Chasing the northern lights, and driving the famous Ring Road, solo female travelers can have a bucket list trip in Iceland and feel safe doing so. In 2022, the country (once again) snagged the top spot on the Institute for Economics and Peace’s Global Peace Index and the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report. So visitors can rest assured that safety and gender equality are prized in this naturally stunning destination.
Solo tourists can head out into the wilderness via well-traveled (often busy, even) hiking trails and make friends with locals and fellow foreigners. You’ll be glad to know the most well-known touring roads are paved and perfectly safe to drive as a tourist.
Salzburg, Austria
With the Hohensalzburg Fortress overlooking it and the Salzach River running through town. The storybook allure of Mozart’s hometown lures a bounty of tranquility-seeking solo travelers. After reliving scenes from “The Sound of Music” at Mirabell Gardens and Nonnberg Abbey. Relaxing with a coffee on the terrace of Cafe Tomaselli or a pint in the 1,400-seat outdoor area of Austria’s biggest biergarten, Augustiner Bräu, seems essential. Cyclists should note: While the entire city is walkable, Salzburg is also one of the country’s bike-friendly cities. More than 100 miles of cycle paths means you can pack way more into a day and get around more efficiently (and economically) as a solo traveler.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen’s quirkiness caters for parties of one. Plenty of centrally located hotels offer single rooms, each providing the perfect jumping-off point for Danish adventures. Must-visit spots include Nyhavn, the iconic canal lined with colorful houses (opt for a tour for a closer look at the city’s waterways), and Tivoli Gardens, a historic amusement park. Stop for a quick solo bite at the TorvehallerneKBH food hall. With Danish culture valuing the importance of community dining, solo travelers should always feel supported.
Stockholm, Sweden
Sweden’s safe, accessible cities are ideal for solo-traveling women. The cobblestone streets of Stockholm’s Old Town, or Gamla Stan, are home to coffee shops, restaurants, stores, and even a castle. Providing endless adventures, you can explore on foot. The modern areas surrounding it are also easy to navigate through several metro stations. And double as art exhibits with their over-the-top murals, mosaics, and sculptures.
Norway’s Fjords
There’s no better environment for self-reflection than the soothing blue-and-green canvas of the Norwegian fjords. You can ride up the Fløibanen funicular in Bergen or embark on a daylong journey on the Bergen Railway. Head to Gudvangen and take a cruise through Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord. Equally impressive as the waterfalls-at-every-glance boat ride is the Flåm Railway trip. With views changing outside the window from seascapes to snow-capped mountains. This trip is for the solo traveler seeking peace in nature rather than busy pubs and the like.
London, England
London has European flair without the culture shock or language barrier. Visitors may spend days simply strolling down the River Thames. Weaving through the four-and-a-half-acre Harrods department store, munching at the 1,000-year-old Borough Market, and viewing the colorful houseboats. After nightfall, sit in a bar with the locals or see a performance in the West End. Before enjoying a late-night snack in Chinatown. The 250 miles of the London Underground link the city’s limitless sights and activities.