14 Best Destinations for Women Who Are Traveling Solo
Whether you're planning your first trip or looking for your next international adventure, these places are both fun and safe.
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If you live in a big city or have been overloaded at work lately, you may be long overdue for a relaxing vacation. While a much-needed girls' weekend getaway is always a great option for lasting memories and tons of LOLs, you may want to consider taking some time for yourself and planning a solo trip.
We consulted experts in travel from Fora, a modern travel agency, who have helped several clients meet and fulfill their solo travel aspirations. We also considered recommendations from our Good Housekeeping team, which has been evaluating destinations worldwide for the Family Travel Awards. Together, we've compiled this list of tried-and-true solo travel destinations for women.
If you’re still a little concerned about safety while navigating these cities on your own, not to worry because we also checked the Institute for Economics and Peace's 2023 Global Peace Index, which vets each country to measure their "peacefulness" as well as the U.S. Department of State's travel advisories.
As always, when traveling alone you should carry out your own research on each destination and take proper precautions to keep yourself safe. Otherwise, happy travels!
Iceland
Iceland tops the Global Peace Index for the most peaceful country in the world. Even the U.S. government notes that Iceland has a " low crime rate ." It also lends itself to adventure lovers with its many natural attractions. Top nature destinations include Black Sand Beach, Ring Road, Blue Lagoon, ice caps, and steaming geysers. Just make sure to enjoy some time in the beautiful city of Reykjavik, as well.
TIP: Get more of a feel for the local culture by looking to residents as resources. "Iceland is an extremely safe country with very friendly locals who love sharing information about their beautiful country with visitors," Fora Advisor Kara Kassuba told Good Housekeeping. "During your time there, you’ll likely meet many people and find yourself engaged in interesting conversations with non-stop learning opportunities."
Denmark
Denmark is well known for its stunning castles, vibrant towns and villages, as well as famous natural-occurring attractions. The country is also vetted as safe and secure, ranking second on the 2023 Global Peace Index.
GH Staffer Emma Seymour recently traveled to Copenhagen on her own and expressed that the destination was ideal for biking and had a ton of great restaurants and shops. " I biked everywhere and it was really easy to rent bikes (there are a bunch of bikes just lying around that you can use with an app!)," she said. "I highly recommend biking through Christiania and eating at the vegan restaurants there. It can feel awkward to embrace going to bars or restaurants alone, but it's the best way to see a city."
TIP: Consider staying in a hostel for added security and the opportunity to connect with other travelers. "I stayed at Steel House hostel, which was so fun," Seymour said. "I had a private room that was small, but perfectly organized. The hostel had a ton of social events too and was very family friendly. It felt super safe."
Mexico
The key to solo travel in Mexico is to pick cities that are easy to navigate and welcoming to tourists. Fora Advisor Caryn Ruocco suggests Mexico City, Mexico. "The city is safe, especially in neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa and Polanco," she told Good Housekeeping, noting that "these areas are particularly well-patrolled." The city is also very walkable and offers an impressive art scene for those looking to immerse themselves in Mexican culture. Another Mexican city solo travelers should add to their list for its warm and fun energy? Sayulita.
TIP: Treat your resort as a home base for your activities and travel. "You should treat yourself to a little R&R at a resort after a solo adventure and end your time with a stop at Susurros de Corazón or Four Seasons Punta Mita to treat yourself to a night in luxury and a visit to the spa,” Ruehl said.
Ireland
It's hard to beat the beauty of Ireland. The U.S. government notes that the country has a "low rate of violent crime" so traveling on your own should feel secure and comfortable. GH staffer Kaitlyn Phoenix took one of her first solo vacations to the country, noting that it is a must-visit. “The people in Ireland were super welcoming. I was young and trying to save money at the time so mostly stayed at bed and breakfasts, but I splurged for a night in Ballyseede Castle and loved it so much,” Phoenix said.
GH staffer Stephanie Dolgoff also loved how easy it was to get around Dublin on her own."I stayed at a tiny, cheap little place called Parkway Guesthouse. Very spare but cute and nice and the proprietor was a lovely, helpful guy," Dolgoff said. "Dublin is a walkable place and I could get most anywhere on foot from there, although it wasn’t directly in one of the trendy neighborhoods."
Phoenix also noted that Ireland has no shortage of outdoor attractions. "The Cliffs of Moher are a must-see if you’re in Ireland," she said. "If you’re into nature walks and gardens, the Blarney Castle grounds are nice to explore so it’s not just about kissing the Blarney Stone."
TIP: If you opt to rent a car in Ireland "keep in mind that in addition to driving on the left side of the road, you’ll have to navigate a lot of one-lane roads (like the Conor Pass) where you have to pull over if another car comes by from the opposite direction," Phoenix said.
Spain
As if the beaches, architecture and food were not already a major draw, Spain ranks in the top 35 on the 2023 Global Peace Index, making it one of the countries in the world that has maintained peace over the last year. Solo travelers will enjoy the country's diverse terrain, offering walkable cities, vast deserts and calming countrysides.
TIP: Enjoy tapas for one sitting barside or enjoy street food in a nearby park as an easy way to meet others.
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Hawaii
Though Hawaii may often get overlooked for solo travel due to its reputation as a romantic or family destination, the island of Hawaiʻi (you might know it as The Big Island) is definitely worth a visit. Whether you spend time on the Kona side filled with resorts or the tropical and lush Hilo side, you'll get to experience the beauty of the diverse landscape. Musts on the to-do list include the volcano park, horseback riding, and swimming at night with the manta rays, says Fora Advisor Melissa Friedman-Levine.
TIP: If you want to travel with a four-legged friend, book your stay at Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club, which allows all sizes of dogs without any pet fee. Solo travelers can treat their pups to dog-friendly programming, including SUP paddle and surf lessons for dogs and pet portraits with a local dog photographer.
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Seattle, Washington
You might actually be sleepless in Seattle — just because there's so much to do. Solo travelers will feel right at home in Pike Place Market, where they can grab breakfast and lunch from one of the many stands, and pick up gifts and unique souvenirs. Pike Place Market is also home to Golden Age Collectables, the oldest comic book store.
In a nearby area of the city is a different collection of attractions to see. "I was surprised that The Museum of Glass, Museum of Pop Culture, and the Space Needle neighbor each other. So, plan to spend the day visiting all three," said Karen Cicero, Contributing Travel Editor.
Another tip? "Take an excursion for the day or overnight to Olympic National Park, which has a lake, rainforest and rugged coastline," Cicero added.
Another GH staffer, Amanda Constantine, said "one of the best things about Seattle is the coffee culture, which is also perfect for solo travel!" She noted that the shops can easily be found on most corners and she tried more than a few. "Some of my favorites were the original Starbucks, Victrola Coffee Roasters and Analog."
TIP: July and August are the least rainy months to visit while November and December are the wettest. "I visited last July and there wasn't a drop of rain and the temperatures were in the 70s — it was perfection," said Cicero.
Croatia
Boasting over 1,200 islands, Croatia is the perfect destination for anyone who loves sailing or outdoor water activities. Its coastal cities also feature gorgeous cobblestone streets, adorable cafés and artisan boutiques. If that isn't enough, the country's low crime rate also makes it an amazing option for solo travel.
TIP: Game of Thrones fans will want to check out Dubrovnik, where several of the scenes from the series were shot. There are also tons of options for Game of Thrones tours where travelers can visit film sites and learn more about what went on behind the scenes.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Believe it or not, the Big Easy has tons to offer solo travelers. Take your pick from jamming to live entertainment on The French Quarter, visiting plenty of historical sites, and indulging in excellent cajun and creole cuisine. Exploring the quarter, filled with live music, is the way to do it. You'll also want to get tickets to Preservation Hall, which is home to classic New Orleans jazz music. Other notable stops for wandering include the Garden District for home tours, Magazine Street for restaurants and shops, and the Arts + Warehouse District, which features the Ogden Museum for Southern Art and a variety of interesting local galleries on Julia Street.
TIP: Book a dinner at Mosquito Supper Club or Dakar Nola, which both have shared tables. "As a solo diner I’ve always had an interesting evening with my paired dining partners,” Kassuba said.
Taiwan
You may come for the hot springs, festivals and breathtaking landscape, but you'll want to stay for the variety of places to shop and dine. Taiwan's diverse offerings make it the ideal location for solo exploration.
TIP: Stop by the night markets for affordable and delicious cuisine. Linjiang Street (Tonghua) Night Market has been said by reviewers to have plenty of options, but be sure to have cash on hand as not all vendors will take card.
Cambodia
If you're looking for a destination that is as culturally and spiritually rich as it is beautiful, Cambodia is a great place to go. Your money will also go a long way as one US dollar is equal to about 4,100 Cambodian riel. Some highlights of Cambodia include gorgeous temples, eclectic and diverse cities, relaxing beaches, and luxury hotels.
TIP: Make sure to visit the spectacular temples of Angkor Wat, which Fora Advisor Alexandra Hepworth described as "a sight to behold."
Washington, DC
If you're traveling solo for the first time, DC is your ticket to fun. It's easy to access by train or plane, depending on where you're coming from and it has an easy-to-navigate public transportation system. Many museums and historical sites are free to enter, so there's no pressure to stay for hours. That means you can hop from the gemstone exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History to the remarkable collections at the National Portrait Gallery all in one day — and still have time to grab lunch from one of the food trucks near the National Mall. "Be sure to make it over to the Georgetown neighborhood during your trip," suggested Cicero. "You'll find wonderful restaurants with many types of cuisine plus cute one-of-a-kind shops and coffee bars. There's even a cat cafe!"
TIP: Even though the attractions are free, you need to make reservations in advance to enter; it's easy to do through the websites.
Costa Rica
For a beachside vacation, Costa Rica is just the place to go. Not only does it have clear blue waters, but you can also visit a national park or conservation areas. Costa Rica is also a less expensive alternative to some European cities, but is just as easy to get around.
TIP: Join in on group activities. The town of Santa Teresa "attracts a lot of solo travelers and digital nomads, so it's easy to meet people," according to Fora Advisor Ronit Margolis. "It has a vibrant food scene, with plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a meal alone or with new friends. You will feel a strong sense of community as everyone is so friendly."
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Rwanda
Rwanda is one of a few countries that are in the blue zone on the U.S. government's website, meaning you can exercise "normal" precautions when traveling. You'll have a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the African country as you can plan to see incredible wildlife in their many National Parks.
TIP: Beyond experiencing the great outdoors, learn a bit about the history and culture by exploring the Kigali Genocide Memorial and multiple art galleries.
Cameron (she/her) is a staff writer for Good Housekeeping, where she covers everything from holidays to food. She is a graduate of Syracuse University, where she received a B.A. in magazine journalism. In her spare-time she can be found scrolling TikTok for the latest cleaning hacks and restaurant openings, binge-watching seasons of Project Runway or online shopping.
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