Solo Travel for Women: A Guide to Safe & Empowering Adventures
Solo travel for women has never been more popular and having travelled alone across four continents as a British woman, I can tell you it is one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. I currently live in Bangkok, spend every spare moment exploring new destinations, and I have built a life entirely around the freedom that solo travel gives you. This guide is my honest take – real tips, real destinations, and everything I wish someone had told me before my first solo trip.
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Why Every Woman Should Travel Solo
Solo travel for women is about so much more than just visiting new places. It’s about waking up in a city you have never been to before and knowing that every decision that day is entirely yours. No compromises, no group votes, no waiting around. You move at your own pace, follow your own interests, and discover things about yourself that you would never find when travelling with other people. The confidence you build travelling alone stays with you long after you get home. Once you start, it is genuinely very hard to stop.
How Solo Travel for Women is Different & Why That's a Good Thing
Let’s be honest – solo travel for women comes with a different set of considerations than it does for men. In some destinations you will attract more attention. In others, certain cultural norms mean you need to dress or behave differently. There are moments where you will need to be more switched on than a male traveller in the same situation. But here is the thing – navigating all of that actually makes you a better, sharper, more confident traveller. Women who travel alone develop an awareness and adaptability that is genuinely impressive. Solo female travel teaches you to read situations quickly, make smart decisions on the spot, and back yourself in ways you never expected. The challenges are real, but so are the rewards.
Staying Safe as a Woman Travelling Alone - My Personal Tips
Safety is the number one concern for most women considering solo travel and I completely understand why. But I want to give you an honest perspective here.
In all my years of travelling alone, the reality has been far less scary than the fear that comes before the trip. That does not mean being careless – it means being prepared, aware, and smart about your choices.
Good travel insurance is non-negotiable. I personally recommend SafetyWing – it’s specifically designed for people already travelling outside their home country and the cover is excellent value for money. Here are my three most important safety tips for women travelling alone.
1 - Choosing the Right Accommodation
Choosing the right place to stay makes a huge difference to how safe and comfortable you feel as a solo female traveller. Look for well-reviewed properties in central, well-lit areas with 24-hour reception. Read recent guest reviews specifically from women travelling alone. They will tell you everything you need to know. I always use Booking.com to compare options. If you would prefer to stay in a hostel, for a little more socialising, common areas are a great place to start.
2 - Getting Around Safely
Transport choices make a big difference when you are travelling alone as a woman. Before you arrive anywhere, research the safest and most reliable ways to get around – every city is different and knowing your options in advance saves a lot of stress. In cities across Asia, I use 12Go to book trains, buses and ferries in advance, and Grab for taxis – it gives you a fixed price upfront and removes all the stress of unmarked cabs. In Europe and the US, Uber is my go-to for the same reason. Always share your location with someone back home, keep your phone charged, and save your accommodation address offline before you travel.
3 - Trusting Your Instincts
This is the most important piece of advice I can give any woman travelling alone – trust your instincts completely. If something feels off, it probably is. Leave without explanation. If a person makes you uncomfortable, walk away. If a situation does not feel right, change your plans. Your gut instinct is your most powerful safety tool and it is almost always right. Do not let politeness or awkwardness override what your instincts are telling you. Every experienced solo female traveller I have ever spoken to says the same thing – back yourself, always.
Best Destinations for Solo Travel for Women
Choosing where to go is one of the most exciting parts of planning a solo trip and it can also be one of the most overwhelming.
Over the years I have explored destinations across Europe, Asia and the Americas alone, and every single one has taught me something new. Below are eight destinations I genuinely recommend for solo travel for women – some from personal experience, and a few that are firmly on my bucket list. For every destination, I have linked to tours and experiences through GetYourGuide and accommodation through Booking.com where relevant.
1 - Copenhagen
Copenhagen is one of the safest and most walkable cities in Europe and a brilliant starting point if you are thinking about solo travel for women for the first time. The city is clean, well organised, and incredibly easy to get around. English is spoken almost universally, which makes everything from asking directions to ordering food completely effortless. The locals are friendly and the general atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. Copenhagen is firmly on my bucket list and everything I have read and heard from fellow travellers confirms it deserves its place there. Here are the highlights to add to your Copenhagen itinerary:
- Nyhavn: The iconic colourful waterfront – one of the most photographed spots in Scandinavia
- Tivoli Gardens: A magical amusement park right in the city centre – brilliant at any time of year
- The Little Mermaid: A classic Copenhagen landmark worth seeing in person
- Vesterbro District: The hippest neighbourhood in the city – great food, coffee and independent shops
2 - Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a dream destination for solo travel for women and one I can recommend from personal experience. The city has a relaxed, open atmosphere that makes travelling alone feel completely natural. Nobody bats an eyelid at a woman dining solo or exploring at her own pace and that energy is really liberating. The canal network is stunning, the museums are world class, and the neighbourhoods each have their own distinct personality. The Jordaan district is my personal favourite for wandering, finding hidden cafés and soaking up the local vibe. Here are the highlights to add to your Amsterdam itinerary:
- Van Gogh Museum: One of the most moving and beautifully curated museums I have ever visited – book in advance
- Rijksmuseum: Home to some of the greatest Dutch masterpieces in the world
- Jordaan District: Charming canal streets, independent boutiques and brilliant coffee spots
- Canal Boat Tour: One of the best ways to see the city, especially as a solo traveller
Read my full Netherlands travel guide here.
3 - Vienna
Vienna is one of those cities that genuinely surprises you and I mean that in the best possible way. I visited Austria and came away completely in love with it. The city is elegant, safe, and incredibly easy to explore alone. Grand imperial architecture sits alongside cosy coffeehouses, world class art galleries and a music scene that is unlike anywhere else in Europe. As a solo female traveller, Vienna felt effortlessly comfortable – the public transport is excellent, the streets are safe at any hour, and the locals are helpful and welcoming. It is the kind of city where you can fill an entire week and still feel like you have only scratched the surface. Here are the highlights to add to your Vienna itinerary:
- Schönbrunn Palace: A stunning imperial palace with beautiful gardens – one of the most visited sites in all of Austria
- Belvedere Museum: Home to Klimt’s iconic painting The Kiss – an absolute must see
- Vienna Coffeehouse Culture: Sitting alone in a Viennese café with a melange and a slice of Sachertorte is one of life’s great pleasures
- Naschmarkt: A brilliant open air market perfect for grazing on local food and soaking up the city atmosphere
Read my full Austria travel guide here.
4 - Tokyo
Tokyo is firmly on my solo travel bucket list and the more time I spend in Asia, the more I want to get there. Everything about it points to being one of the most solo-friendly cities in the world for women. Japan has one of the lowest crime rates globally, the public transport system is famously efficient, and the culture is deeply respectful, all of which makes it an incredibly reassuring destination for women travelling alone. Female-only train carriages during peak hours are an added touch that solo female travellers consistently appreciate. Here are the highlights to add to your Tokyo itinerary:
- Shibuya Crossing: One of the most iconic intersections in the world – go at rush hour for the full experience
- Senso-ji Temple: Tokyo’s oldest temple – stunning at sunrise before the crowds arrive
- Tsukiji Outer Market: Fresh seafood, incredible street food and a brilliant morning atmosphere
- Shinjuku: The beating heart of the city – incredible food, nightlife and people watching
5 - Bali
Bali is one of those destinations that has been on my solo travel bucket list for as long as I can remember and from everything I have heard from fellow travellers, it absolutely lives up to the hype. It is consistently one of the most recommended safe destinations for women travelling alone, and it is easy to see why. The combination of stunning scenery, wellness culture, friendly locals, and a thriving community of solo travellers makes it incredibly appealing. Whether you are looking to recharge on a yoga retreat or explore ancient temples, Bali delivers on every level. Here are the highlights to add to your Bali itinerary:
- Ubud: The cultural heart of Bali – temples, rice terraces, yoga retreats and incredible food all in one place
- Tanah Lot: A breathtaking ocean temple with some of the best sunset views on the island
- Seminyak Beach: Perfect for surfing, sunbathing and a lively beach bar scene
- Cooking Classes: A brilliant way to meet people and immerse yourself in Balinese culture
Bali is firmly on my list and I cannot wait to finally tick it off. Use Booking.com to find the best accommodation deals on the island.
6 - Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is one of my favourite destinations in all of Asia and a place I would recommend to any woman considering solo travel. I have spent time here myself and the city completely won me over. It is slower and cooler than Bangkok, with a charm and warmth that is impossible not to fall for. The solo travel community here is huge, which means meeting like-minded people is genuinely easy. The food is outstanding, the temples are breathtaking, and the surrounding nature is spectacular. Here are the highlights to add to your Chiang Mai itinerary:
- Doi Suthep Temple: A stunning mountain temple with panoramic views over the entire city – don’t miss it.
- Night Bazaar: Perfect for street food, local crafts and soaking up the evening atmosphere
- Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries: One of the most unforgettable experiences in all of Thailand – choose carefully and pick an ethical operator
- Old City Temples: Over 300 temples to explore within the ancient city walls, you could spend days here alone
Read my full Thailand travel guide for everything you need to know before visiting, and check out my guide on whether Thailand is safe for solo female travellers for more detail on travelling alone in Thailand.
7 - Vancouver
Vancouver is a destination that has been on my radar for a long time and everything I hear about it makes it climb higher on my list. It has this rare combination of urban energy and raw natural beauty that feels completely unique. Mountains, ocean, forests and a world class city all in one place. From everything I have read and heard, it is also an exceptionally welcoming and safe destination for women travelling alone. Here are the highlights to add to your Vancouver itinerary:
- Stanley Park: Over 400 hectares of forest, trails and stunning ocean views right on the city’s doorstep – perfect for a solo morning run or cycle
- Granville Island: A brilliant public market full of local food, art and independent shops – easy to spend hours here alone
- Grouse Mountain: Take the gondola up for incredible panoramic views over the city and beyond
- Gastown: Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood – beautiful cobblestone streets, great restaurants and a brilliant atmosphere
Use Trip.com to find the best flight deals from the UK to Vancouver and Booking.com to compare accommodation options.
8 - Costa Rica
Costa Rica is the kind of destination that feels tailor-made for adventurous women travelling alone and it is absolutely on my bucket list. It has a well-established reputation as one of the most solo-friendly destinations in Central America, with a strong tourism infrastructure, incredibly warm locals, and a laid-back pura vida lifestyle that welcomes solo travellers with open arms. From dense rainforests and active volcanoes to world class surf beaches and abundant wildlife, Costa Rica is an adventure at every turn. Here are the highlights to add to your Costa Rica itinerary:
- Manuel Antonio National Park: Stunning beaches, jungle trails and incredible wildlife all in one breathtaking location
- Arenal Volcano: One of the most active volcanoes in the world – hike around it and soak in natural hot springs nearby
- Montezuma: A laid-back beach town with a brilliant bohemian vibe – perfect for solo travellers looking to slow down
- Zip Lining Through the Cloud Forest: One of the most exhilarating experiences Costa Rica has to offer – book through GetYourGuide
Use Trip.com to find the best flight deals from the UK to Costa Rica.
What to Pack for Solo Travel as a Woman
Packing well is one of the best solo travel tips I can give any woman heading off on her first, or fifteenth trip alone. Over the years I have got it down to a fine art.
The key is packing light without sacrificing the things that actually matter. I always travel with a good SPF – completely non-negotiable in Asia and anywhere with strong sun along with a reliable skincare routine that works across different climates, a dry shampoo for long travel days, and a portable charger that has genuinely saved me more times than I can count.
A reusable water bottle is another essential I never leave home without. For all of my tried and tested travel must-haves from beauty essentials to travel gear, check out my Amazon storefront where I have pulled everything together in one easy place.
How Can I Help You Plan Your Solo Trip?
Solo travel for women is something I am genuinely passionate about and helping other women take that first step is one of the reasons I started this blog. Whether you are planning your very first solo trip and have no idea where to start, or you are a seasoned traveller looking for your next adventure, I would love to help you make it happen. At Always Go Anywhere, I work with solo female travellers to plan trips that suit their budget, travel style and destination wishlist – from a city break in Europe to a full multi-country adventure across Asia. If you have any questions about any of the destinations in this guide, or you would like some help putting your perfect trip together, get in touch, I would love to hear from you.
Request a quote or get in touch and let’s start planning your next adventure.
FAQ's - Solo Travel for Women
Yes – with the right preparation, solo travel for women is absolutely safe. The most important things are researching your destination before you go, staying aware of your surroundings, using reliable transport options like Grab or Uber, and trusting your instincts at all times. Every destination in this guide has been chosen with safety in mind. For complete peace of mind, make sure you have good travel insurance in place before you leave home. I personally recommend SafetyWing – excellent cover at great value, specifically designed for travellers already outside their home country.
There is no single answer – it depends entirely on your travel style, budget and confidence level. That said, some destinations consistently come out on top. Prague and Copenhagen are brilliant for first time solo female travellers in Europe. Bangkok and Chiang Mai are outstanding in Asia, and as someone who lives in Bangkok, I can vouch for both personally. If you are after adventure, Costa Rica is hard to beat. Start with a destination that excites you most and go from there. The best trip is always the one you actually take.
Meeting people as a solo traveller is much easier than most people expect. Staying in social hostels is one of the best ways to connect with other travellers instantly. Booking group tours and day trips through GetYourGuide is another brilliant option – you show up and the group is already there. Food tours, walking tours and cooking classes are particularly good for this. Solo travel communities on Facebook and Instagram are also a great way to connect with like-minded women before you even leave home.
Abi is a UK travel blogger, currently living in Thailand, sharing destination guides, solo female travel tips, and insider advice on exploring Southeast Asia. Through AGA Travel (Always Go Anywhere), she helps women discover the world with confidence, whether they’re travelling solo or joining one of her hosted group trips.
