The 10 Best Places for a Woman to Travel Solo

Traveling with a partner, friend, or tour group can be a blast, but there’s something to be said for visiting a foreign land all on your own. It’s an experience that everyone should try at least once in their life. It forces you to immerse yourself in the local culture and connect with strangers in a way you normally wouldn’t. Plus, you’ll arrive back home with a newfound sense of independence that you won’t get from traveling with someone else.

Some might say that it’s dangerous for a woman to travel alone. We say that it’s perfectly safe so long as you choose the right destination. While there are some countries in the world where a woman might feel unsafe on her own, there are plenty of places that you can visit unaccompanied.

Here are the 10 best places for a woman to travel to on her own.

1. Amsterdam, Netherlands

This beautiful, canalled city is the perfect destination for anyone craving a solo adventure. It’s extremely easy to get around the winding cobblestone streets by yourself, especially if you do as the locals do and rent a bicycle. Enjoy a contemplative afternoon on your own in the Van Gogh Museum or people-watch while sipping a coffee at a sidewalk café.

If you’re looking to make new friends, it’s easy to spark up a conversation with a stranger while sparking up something else at one of their famed “coffee shops”, where legal cannabis can be bought and consumed by locals and visitors alike.

2. Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland just might be the ideal place for the lone traveler. Its breathtaking landscapes will make you feel as if you’ve reached the edge of the Earth and fill you with solitude. Moreover, its warm and welcoming locals will keep you from feeling too lonely when you eventually start to crave conversation.

Iceland’s capital city of Reykjavik feels more like a small town than an urban center. Despite that, it still has plenty of activities to offer. Take a spa day and have a relaxing soak in one of their many natural hot springs or make new friends at a swanky hostel where strangers will soon become friends.

3. Thimphu, Bhutan

If you’re in search of some inner tranquility, a solo trip to the Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan might be just what you need. While some parts of Asia are not the safest place for a woman to travel alone, the Global Peace Index ranks Bhutan as the 19^th least dangerous country in the world. This makes it the safest South East Asian nation on its list.

Nestled in the picturesque Himalayan Mountains is the capital city of Thimphu. Known for its unique Dzong architecture, Thimphu has plenty of monuments and fortresses waiting to be explored by adventurous lone travelers such as yourself.

4. Port Louis, Mauritius

The Island of Mauritius is a former Dutch colony located in the Indian Ocean just off the Southeastern coast of Africa. Plus, according to the Global Peace Index, it’s the 23^rd safest nation in the world.

Its capital city of Port Louis has plenty to offer a solo traveler. This includes:

• Jewel-toned ocean views;
• Sandy beaches;
• Boutique hotels, and;
• Fascinating museums.

One thing to note though, Mauritius is a fairly conservative country. As such, be sure to dress appropriately — particularly when visiting a religious site.

5. Singapore

The island city-state of Singapore is said to be particularly suited to women traveling alone. In addition to being one of the safest cities in the world, Singapore is very clean and has a great public transit system.

Singapore is an especially great destination for foodies who love a good meal but who hate to dine alone. Some of the best food in Singapore can be found in one of their many famed food courts where visitors dine communally. These food courts are a great way to score a good meal and some friendly conversation.

6. Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

If you want to go on a honeymoon but haven’t found your groom yet, you can still visit paradise on your own. In this case, paradise being the British Virgin Islands.

Crime rates are relatively low in the British Virgin Islands, particularly on the smaller island of Virgin Gorda. In Virgin Gorda, you can relax at “The Baths”, a boulder dotted beach with turquoise waters, or explore the private grottos.

7. Toronto, Canada

You would be hard-pressed to find a part of Canada that would be deemed “unsafe” for a woman traveling alone. After being ranked the sixth safest city in the world by The Economist, Toronto sounds like a particularly nice destination to visit alone.

This multicultural waterfront city is chock full of diverse neighborhoods that are all easily accessible on foot or by public transit. You could explore the historic Distillery District, eat Dim Sum in Chinatown, window shop on Queen St. West, and take in a ferry ride to Toronto Island all on the same day. There’s so much to see and do that you’ll be glad you didn’t bring along a travel partner to fight over your itinerary with.

8. Auckland, New Zealand

If you’ve always wanted to go “down under” but don’t love the idea of going somewhere that’s riddled with a million animals that can kill you, then New Zealand is the place for you. Not only does it lack the deadly flora and fauna you’d find in Australia but it ranks as the 13^th safest country in the world on the Global Peace Index.

While in Aukland, you can wish upon a star at the Stardome Observatory, taste wine at the vineyards on Waiheke Island, or, if you still enjoy a bit of danger, base jump off the side of their famed landmark the Sky Tower.

9. Tokyo, Japan

For those in search of a clean, safe, and friendly city, look no further than Tokyo, Japan. It’s a city that consistently ranks as one of the safest in the world.

In Japan, it’s quite common to see a woman traveling alone. Plus, the locals are courteous, respectful, and eager to help anyone who is lost or looking for recommendations. So, score the perfect selfie in front of the country’s famed cherry blossom trees or enjoy a contemplative moment at a peaceful Shinto shrine. Best of all, you won’t have to share your sushi platter with anyone!

10. Valetta, Malta

Malta is an ideal destination for solo travel. This Southern European archipelago combines the high culture and rich history of Europe with the sunny warmth of the Mediterranean.

Malta has a low crime rate and virtually no language barrier for English speakers, leaving you free to roam the islands by yourself to your heart’s content. Enjoy the year-round summer weather on one of their breathtaking beaches or marvel at one of the city’s 320 historical monuments.

TWStock / Shutterstock