Traveling solo as a woman is a thrilling adventure, one that thousands have embraced as a defining moment of self-discovery and empowerment.
Why not embark on this journey yourself?
With the right preparation, any trip can become an epic experience. That’s why we’ve curated a list of six ideal destinations for those looking to travel alone for the first time.
Feeling a flutter of excitement at the thought of solo exploration? Take heart in knowing that over 60,000 women, fueled by a spirit of adventure and self-reliance, ventured alone between 2018 and 2019, according to lifestyle website RV and Playa. This is your moment to join their ranks.
Poipu Beach, Kauai
Kauai, Hawaii
Hawaii isn’t just a spot for honeymoons and weddings. This popular state is a great option for women seeking solitude and rejuvenation.
Kauai is known as the Garden Island for its tropical rainforests, breathtaking waterfalls and stunning natural beauty. It also served as the backdrop of Hollywood hits like Elvis Presley’s “Blue Hawaii” and the original “Jurassic Park.”
The entire island serves as nature’s playground, allowing for hiking, swimming, snorkeling and horseback riding. You can reach out to groups such as the Kauai Adventure Club if you’d like to experience these activities with others; however the true essence of solo travel shines when you set off on your own, ready to discover the island’s secrets.
The 50th state has a low crime rate and solo travelers have reported feeling safe. Keep a lookout for natural occurrences you may not be used to back home — volcanic eruptions, flash floods, hurricanes and strong currents, though chances of these happening while you’re there are slim.
The small size of the island, which stretches only 550 square miles, makes it an easy place to navigate by car. Visitors can explore the Waimea Canyon State Park, often called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, admire the beauty of the Kilauea Lighthouse and watch a magical sunset at Poipu Beach.
Corona Arch near Moab
Moab, Utah
The American Southwest provides a unique landscape where you are surrounded by red rock vistas and natural arches providing a backdrop for adventure and introspection.
With more than 2,000 natural stone arches and stunning balanced rocks, Arches National Park is Moab’s biggest attraction. Take note that while you may arrive alone, its popularity makes this spot a tourist magnet from sunrise to sunset. Finding someone to snap a picture of you in front of an arch will be easy.
Moab is also home to Dead Horse Point State Park and Canyonlands National Park, where visitors bask at canyons, buttes and mesas along the Colorado River.
The Downtown is the hub for visitors and residents alike, offering great choices for food and drinks as well as tours that work well for anyone traveling by themselves.
Because Moab has some of the country’s best trails for 4x4 off-roading, you can rent an ATV and brave steep terrain or take a Hummer tour that will drive across the popular Hell’s Revenge Trail. Don’t miss rafting the Colorado River and top off the day enjoying a craft beer at the Moab Brewery. In the evening, be sure to spend time admiring the sky. Utah has several designated International Dark-Sky Association areas, including the national and state parks, which means when night falls, an awe-inspiring Milky Way will unfold before your very eyes.
Geyser Creek Trail in Saratoga Spa State Park
Saratoga Springs, New York
While it’s no secret that New York City is a fun destination, other exciting adventures await travelers in the Empire State. Saratoga, a quaint town among the foothills of the Adirondacks, serves as a gateway to the mountains and a setting where city dwellers go to escape the chaos of life. It’s also a hub for female travelers who don’t want to leave the country but are looking for a relaxing getaway in an area that’s easy to explore.
Known as Spa City, the town’s healing waters of the mineral springs in Saratoga Spa State Park is a National Historic Landmark and a big tourist draw. Of course, those looking for excitement will want to visit the horse races at Saratoga Racetrack, just be sure to schedule your visit when the races are on, between late July through Labor Day.
La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
Barcelona, Spain
On a visit to the city in 1862, Hans Christian Andersen remarked that Barcelona was the “Paris of Spain” (understandably so, as the cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region is known for its art and architecture). Roam the streets and admire the fountains, sculptures, medieval buildings and beautiful plazas that have inspired those before you.
Solo female travelers recommend first-timers stay in the Gothic Quarter of the city, a neighborhood close to famous attractions like the Cathedral of Barcelona (also called the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia), The History Museum of Barcelona (MUHBA), El Call (Barcelona’s old Jewish quarter) and a popular hangout for tourists and locals alike, the Royal Square. Exploring Barcelona by foot is easy, and walking allows you to take your time exploring. The city also has an efficient metro system. Pickpocketing is a common occurrence, so be sure to use street smarts while out and about.
The city’s tapas culture is a solo traveler’s dream. Whether enjoying these flavorful and varied appetizers at a local tapas bar or sidewalk café, this staple culinary experience serves as an ideal way to connect with the culture and make some friends along the way.
Food, tapas and winery tours are also great options for single travelers. Make sure to visit Tibidabo, the highest point in Barcelona boasting panoramic views of the city, and the Bar Marsella for drinks. It’s the oldest bar with a roster of notable patrons that include Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí.
The Church of the Holy Family, also called La Sagrada Familia, offers an unparalleled experience that travel enthusiasts agree is must-see. Its breath-taking architecture stands as a monumental piece of art, often described by visitors as the most beautiful building in the world.
Bathing Boxes in St. Kilda, Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia
For a memorable solo experience, hop on a plane and travel half-way around the world to Melbourne, Australia. Considered one of the safest places in the world, Melbourne is a popular destination among backpackers, younger travelers and women on their own.
The city is easy to navigate, rich with arts and culture, boasts a vibrant nightlife and offers landscapes that can’t be seen anywhere else.
Don’t miss shopping in the Queen Victoria Market, the largest and most popular market in the city, and roaming Victorian-era pedestrian paths (also called laneways) known for vibrant street art and cafes. Take a tram to St. Kilda to enjoy the beach and snap a photo in front of the famed line of 82 colorful bathing boxes, where women in the 1900s changed into their swim gear.
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, take a day trip to nearby Phillip Island, home to the largest Little Penguin colony in the world. From a boardwalk, you can watch these adorable seabirds waddle out of the ocean at night, an event that has affectionately been named by locals as the Penguin Parade.
Hot Springs in Reykjavik
Reykjavik, Iceland
Kate McCulley, a renowned travel influencer who shares her experiences as a solo female travel on adventurouskate.com, recommends making Reykjavik, Iceland, your first destination.
The country’s capital, Reykjavik sits along the coast and, with its current population just shy of 140,000, has been described as having both a cosmopolitan and small-town feel. English is spoken by 98% of the population, enabling easy communication with the locals.
Interestingly, 98% of the Icelandic police force does not carry guns, the country is ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world and considered one of the safest in the world as well.
Iceland’s vibrant cafe culture provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere for those venturing on their own. If you’re looking to explore Reykjavik and its surroundings with others, there’s an abundant array of tours designed to immerse travelers in the country’s stunning natural beauty. You can see hot springs, glaciers, mountain peaks and black sand beaches, or you could join a Northern Lights tour with like-minded travelers hoping to check off a popular bucket list item.
If you do choose to travel to Reykjavik, don’t forget to try one of its 18 public pools, of which all but one are outdoors. The temperature of the water in the geothermal pools can reach 100⁰ F, making it possible to enjoy a swim even in freezing temperatures.