8 of the Best Travel Destinations for Solo Female Travellers (2026)

Choosing where to go as a woman travelling alone can be overwhelming, as there are so many options and warnings. When I started taking short trips by myself, I once even consulted a tarot reader to help me decide where to go! Now, after travelling around the world alone and years of independent travel since, I’m sharing eight of the best travel destinations for solo female travellers that I personally visited. I share why I chose each one and my experiences there, so you can easily find a place that suits you.

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Quick overview to help you choose

The destinations I list here are places where I felt comfortable and safe exploring alone. Some have sociable hostels or cosy guesthouses that feel like home. Others have excellent public transport systems that make getting around simple. All of them made solo travel a joy rather than a hassle.

• Portugal is for you if you like relaxed cities and beaches
• Italy is for those who enjoy wandering historic cities and eating well
• Goa is for beaches, sunsets and a laid-back introduction to India
• Thailand is for you if you value a social solo travel scene, warm evenings and good food
• Malaysia is for people who want a balance between modern cities and accessible nature.
• Bali is for you if you’re drawn to wellness, community and slower days
• Chile is for those who enjoy street art, deserts and dramatic landscapes
• New Zealand is for you if you crave simplicity and natural beauty

The best solo female travel destinations in Europe

Being from the UK and now based in Belgium, I have travelled around Europe extensively. Of all the European countries I’ve spent time in, two stand out for being particularly solo travel friendly.

Portugal: For relaxed cities and beaches

Portugal consistently ranks as one of Europe’s safest countries. It’s also relatively affordable to visit, making it one of the best solo travel destinations in Europe. Solo female travel Portugal is straightforward and rewarding thanks to the country’s excellent infrastructure and warm hospitality.

My experience as a solo female traveller in Portugal

I spent two weeks travelling solo in Portugal, from Lisbon to the Algarve. It’s a joy to wander along the winding cobblestone streets and appreciate the history and architecture.

Solo female travel in Lisbon is particularly easy, especially if you’re staying in a accommodation where you can meet other people. From Lisbon you can take a day trip to see the fairytale palaces of Sintra – I highly recommend it!

Check out my 2 week Portugal itinerary for solo travellers (no car needed) here.

Italy: For Renaissance Beauty and La Dolce Vita

In Florence, solo female travel is a joy. This Renaissance city feels like walking through an outdoor museum, with world-class art and stunning architecture.

Italy has other destinations that work well for solo female travellers, including Rome’s ancient history, Venice’s romantic canals, the Amalfi Coast’s dramatic cliffs and the lakeside towns of Como and Garda all welcome independent women with open arms.

My experience as a solo female traveller in Italy

I stayed in a hostel near Santa Croce and quickly made friends with other solo travellers. We’d spend mornings wandering the Uffizi Gallery, afternoons eating gelato by the Arno River and evenings sharing bottles of Chianti over pizza. Even when my new friends moved on, I never felt lonely in Florence. The city is compact enough to navigate easily on foot, and there’s always something beautiful to discover around the next corner.

Italian culture celebrates taking time to enjoy life. Sitting alone in a cafe with a cappuccino and pastry never felt awkward. In fact, it felt like exactly what I should be doing. The Italians I met were warm and expressive, often going out of their way to help when I struggled with my limited Italian.

Discover the Italian cities with the best nightlife here.

Best solo female travel destinations in Asia

Asia is where solo female travel really comes into its own. The continent has a well-established backpacker infrastructure, affordable prices and some of the world’s most welcoming people. I spent several months travelling solo across Asia and these four destinations were all great to explore alone as a woman, for different reasons.

Goa, India: For beaches, yoga and backpacker culture

Goa holds a special place in my heart as one of the first destinations where I truly felt comfortable travelling alone in Asia. This former Portuguese colony on India’s west coast has a completely different vibe from the rest of the country.

The beaches of North Goa attract backpackers from around the world, creating a social atmosphere where it’s easy to meet people. South Goa is quieter and more upmarket if you prefer a more relaxed pace. Either way, Goa’s laid-back atmosphere makes it one of the best places for solo female travel in Asia for first-timers. The locals are accustomed to independent travellers, transport is cheap and easy, and there’s a thriving yoga and wellness scene.

My experience as a solo female traveller in Goa

I stayed in Arambol and quickly fell into a routine of morning yoga classes, afternoons reading on the beach and evenings at beach shacks watching the sunset with new friends.

I spent a month in Goa and could have easily stayed longer. The combination of beach relaxation, cultural exploration in Old Goa’s Portuguese churches, and the opportunity to take yoga teacher training courses makes it perfect for solo travellers looking to slow down and reset.

Read my complete guide to solo travel in Goa here.

Thailand: Island paradise on a budget

Thailand is legendary among solo female travellers for good reason. This Southeast Asian country combines stunning natural beauty, rich culture, delicious food and incredible value for money. Budget solo travel doesn’t get much better than Thailand, where you can live comfortably on £20-25 per day.

Female solo travel Southeast Asia almost always includes Thailand, and for good reason. The Thai people are genuinely welcoming, the infrastructure is excellent and there’s a well-established backpacker trail that means you’re never far from other travellers if you want company.

My experience as a solo female traveller in Thailand

I explored several Thai islands during my travels, and two stood out as particularly special for solo women. Koh Phangan is famous for its Full Moon Party, but there’s so much more to this island. I took a yoga retreat in the quiet north of the island, where I spent mornings practicing overlooking the jungle and afternoons hiking to hidden waterfalls. The island has a strong community of digital nomads and long-term travellers, making it easy to connect with like-minded people.

Koh Chang, near the Cambodian border, is less developed and more peaceful. I loved the laid-back vibe here, cycling around the island and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. The island is small enough to explore thoroughly but large enough to find quiet beaches when you need solitude.

Choose the island in Thailand that will suit you best here.

Malaysia: For skyscrapers and jungle trekking

Malaysia is one of the most underrated solo female travel destinations in Southeast Asia. This diverse country combines modern cities, pristine beaches, ancient rainforests and a fascinating multicultural heritage. The combination of excellent infrastructure, widespread English, affordable prices and a safe environment makes it perfect for women travelling alone.

Malaysia is also incredibly affordable. Accommodation, food and transport are all cheap, making it perfect for budget solo travel without compromising on comfort or safety.

Solo female travel in Kuala Lumpur is straightforward thanks to excellent public transport, widespread English and a safe environment. The capital city is wonderfully multicultural, with Malay, Chinese and Indian influences creating incredible food diversity. From Kuala Lumpur, it’s easy to explore the rest of the country. Borneo solo travel is perfect for nature lovers. The beaches of Langkawi and the Perhentian Islands are stunning, while Penang’s Georgetown is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for street art and food.

My experience as a solo female traveller in Malaysia

I stayed in the Bukit Bintang area of Kuala Lumpur and spent days exploring the Petronas Towers, eating my way through Chinatown and Jalan Alor’s night markets, and visiting the beautiful Batu Caves.

I flew to Malaysian Borneo and spent a week in the rainforest spotting orangutans, proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants. The tours are well-organized and safe, and I met several other solo female travellers doing the same thing.

The combination of wildlife, jungle trekking and river cruises made it one of the most memorable experiences of my travels.

Discover my 3 week Malaysia itinerary for solo travellers here.

Bali: The solo female traveller’s paradise

If I had to choose one destination that epitomizes solo female travel, it would be Bali. This Indonesian island has become a mecca for independent women seeking wellness, adventure, culture and community.

Bali solo female travel is incredibly popular, which means excellent infrastructure catering specifically to solo women. Ubud, the cultural heart of the island, is full of yoga studios, healthy cafes, coworking spaces and wellness retreats.

What makes solo female travel in Bali so special is the sense of community. Whether you’re taking a morning yoga class, working from a cafe or watching the sunset at a beach club, you’re surrounded by other women on similar journeys. I met solo travellers from every continent, and many had extended their stays from weeks to months.

Bali solo travel does require some caution in certain areas, particularly late at night in tourist hotspots like Kuta. But overall, it’s one of the safest and most welcoming destinations in Asia for women travelling alone. The Balinese people are incredibly kind, and the island’s Hindu culture feels peaceful and spiritual.

A Bali solo travel guide wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the food. From cheap warungs serving nasi goreng to upscale restaurants with farm-to-table cuisine, the dining scene caters to every budget and preference.

My experience as a solo female traveller in Bali

I stayed in a beautiful guesthouse surrounded by rice paddies and quickly made friends with other solo travellers doing the same thing.

Beyond Ubud, explore the beaches of Canggu for surfing and sunsets, the temple-dotted north coast around Amed for diving, or the lush jungles and waterfalls of Munduk. The island is small enough to navigate easily by scooter (if you’re comfortable) or with private drivers.

You can find my calm and intentional Bali one month itinerary here.

Best solo female travel destinations in South America

South America can feel like a daunting continent to tackle alone, but it doesn’t have to be. Chile is where I’d point any solo female traveller starting out on the continent. If you want to explore other South American options, read my Buenos Aires itinerary and Rio de Janeiro guide.

Chile: For deserts, mountains and stargazing

My solo female travel experience in South America started with Chile and it stands out as my favourite. This long, thin country stretching down South America’s western edge is one of the continent’s safest and most stable nations.

My experience as a solo female traveller in Chile

Chile solo female travel took me from the capital Santiago through the colorful port city of Valparaíso to the otherworldly landscapes of the Atacama Desert. The Chileans I met were incredibly warm and friendly, going out of their way to help when I struggled with Spanish.

The Atacama Desert was the highlight of my two weeks in Chile. San Pedro de Atacama is a small town that serves as base for exploring the world’s driest desert. I went star-gazing under some of the clearest skies on Earth, sandboarded down massive dunes and watched sunrise over the Valle de la Luna’s moon-like landscape.

Check out the full details of my 2 week Chile itinerary here.

Best solo female travel destinations in Oceania

While I enjoyed Australia, as a solo traveller my heart was really taken by New Zealand. It’s so calm, welcoming and naturally beautiful, I ended up staying and working there for months.

New Zealand: Adventure and pristine nature

New Zealand solo female travel is perfect for outdoorsy types looking for adventure in one of the world’s safest countries. The country is set up for independent travellers, with excellent hostels, well-marked hiking trails, organized adventure activities and friendly locals who go out of their way to help.

What struck me most about New Zealand was how accessible adventure is. You don’t need to be an expert to experience incredible nature. I went kayaking with dolphins, hiked through ancient forests to stunning waterfalls and soaked in natural hot springs overlooking mountain ranges. All of these activities were well-organized with safety as the top priority.

The country is also stunningly beautiful. The dramatic landscapes of Milford Sound, the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, the pristine beaches of the Bay of Islands and the wineries of Marlborough all exceeded my expectations. New Zealand is more expensive than Southeast Asia or South America, but it’s worth every penny for the combination of natural beauty, adventure activities and peace of mind.

My experience as a solo female traveller in New Zealand

I spent several weeks exploring both North and South Islands and felt completely comfortable travelling alone. I met countless other solo travellers, many of them women, doing everything from bungee jumping in Queenstown to hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

Explore New Zealand in 10 days with this itinerary.

Books about solo female travel for inspiration

Before and during my travels, I read several books about solo female travel that inspired and educated me. Here are a few that shaped my journey:

“Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert – Love it or hate it, this book inspired millions of women to travel solo for self-discovery.

“Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail” by Cheryl Strayed – The classic tale of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail alone, dealing with grief and finding yourself in nature.

“What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding“ by Kristin Newman – A funny, honest memoir about a Hollywood TV writer who escapes her quarter-life crisis through solo travel and international flings.

“A Woman Alone: Travel Tales from Around the Globe“ edited by Faith Conlon, Ingrid Emerick & Christina Henry de Testas – An inspiring collection of essays from women who have travelled solo, sharing their experiences from around the world.

Reading these books reminded me that women have always travelled alone, often in far more challenging circumstances than I faced. If they could do it, so could I.

Practical tips for your first solo female adventure

Stay in hostels to meet people. Even if you prefer private rooms, staying in hostels means you’ll have company when you want it and privacy when you don’t. Many hostels organize group activities and dinners.

Trust your instincts if something feels wrong. Don’t worry about being rude – your safety matters more than politeness, so just leave the situation.

Finally, join group tours for certain activities. Solo doesn’t mean doing everything alone. I joined plenty of day trips, tours and activities which are great for meeting other travellers.

Frequently asked questions about solo female travel

Is it safe for a woman to travel alone?

Safety depends on where you go, how you prepare and your own awareness. The destinations I’ve shared here all have good safety records for solo female travellers. That said, you should always take sensible precautions: don’t flash valuables, avoid poorly lit areas at night, trust your instincts and stay aware of your surroundings. I travelled solo for a year and encountered far more kindness than danger.

How much does solo female travel cost?

Budget varies hugely by destination. Countries in Southeast Asia and parts of South America are very affordable. Central and Eastern Europe is cheaper than Northern and Western Europe. Places like Japan, Canada, the US, Australia and New Zealand are relatively expensive. Remember that travelling solo means you can’t split accommodation and private transportation costs, which is usually the biggest expense.

What should I pack for solo female travel?

Pack light – you’ll be carrying everything yourself. Essentials include quick-dry clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a daypack for daily excursions, travel insurance documents, photocopies of your passport, basic first aid supplies, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen and a portable charger. I travelled for a year with just a 40-litre backpack and never felt like I needed more.

How do I meet people when travelling solo?

Stay in hostels with common areas where travellers naturally congregate. Join group tours and activities. Use apps like Meetup or Couchsurfing to find local events. Take classes (yoga, cooking, language) where you’ll meet both locals and other travellers. Say yes to invitations even when you’re nervous. Most importantly, be open and friendly – other solo travellers are usually just as keen to make connections as you are.

Final thoughts on destinations for solo female travellers

Solo female travel changed my life in ways I never expected. It taught me that I’m capable of navigating foreign cities, dealing with unexpected challenges and making friends everywhere. It showed me the world is full of kind people willing to help, and that most of the fear we carry around solo travel comes from our imagination rather than reality.

The best places for solo female travel are those where you feel excited rather than anxious. That means the transportation works well and accommodation is comfortable, so you can focus on enjoying the experience.

After more than 12 years of travel, I’ve learned that what matters is choosing somewhere that feels right for you. Start in more familiar places until you gain the confidence to go further afield.

Finally, you don’t need to be fearless to travel solo. You just need to choose your destination. When you’re travelling alone, you’ll find the world is friendlier than you think – and then it’s about trusting yourself to figure out the rest.