14 BEST Countries for Solo Female Travel + Hotels & Tips

Traveling solo is a very exciting experience, but it can also be quite intimidating, especially if you’re a woman. However, it’s a great way to get out of your comfort zone and meet other women, and it doesn’t have to be scary at all! So, to encourage you to take that first step, I created a comprehensive guide with the best countries for solo female travel.

Ideally, you’d get to explore the entire world, but it’s always better to set out with more realistic goals. That’s why I compiled a list of the 14 best destinations for solo female travel, divided by continent, and with handpicked accommodation options in each price category for all recommended locations.

I’ve visited many of the countries on this list, so I can provide first-hand experience on the best places for solo female travel. The top spot goes out to Portugal (I currently live here), with its pleasant climate, affordable prices, and friendly people. However, each destination is a great choice for women traveling solo, even if they’re going on their first solo trip.

As I mentioned, for each country, I feature the best hotels for solo travelers, so hurry up and make your booking in advance; these are all super popular destinations and good accommodations sell out fast!

Let’s start trip planning!

NOTE: you’ll notice that in the budget category for many of the featured destinations, I recommend hostels, which can be a safety concern for some solo women. However, there’s no need to worry – all the hostels recommended in this post either have female-only dormitories or welcome only female guests.

Quick Picks for Your Stay…

Take a look into the top hotels for solo female travelers situated in Lisbon, Portugal:

Here is a map to better visualize the best 14 countries for solo female travel:

Europe

Europe is home to some of the most popular places to travel alone as a woman – most of the countries are relatively small and very safe, plus the people are friendly and welcoming. Whether you’re a European or you’re coming from overseas, Europe is a prime destination for every solo female traveler.

NOTE: you’ll see that I haven’t included any countries in Western Europe. The reason for that is that I wouldn’t recommend it to first-time solo female travelers. This part of Europe is better suited for more experienced travelers, so after you check off some of the countries on this list, you can go ahead and start exploring Western Europe.

1. Portugal

Situated in Southern Europe, Portugal is a major bucket list destination for many people and a great spot for your first solo trip. The country exudes a very lively atmosphere; you can wander the streets, chat with the friendly locals, and sample the fantastic food and wine offered at every step.

For many of the other countries on this list, I recommend starting with their capital cities, and Portugal is no exception. I suggest Lisbon as the top spot in the country for solo female travel, as it boasts many historical landmarks, amazing street art, and a variety of restaurants that are perfect for enjoying a meal by yourself.

I currently live in Portugal, and I can assure you that it’s a very safe place for solo women. Also, the capital has plenty to offer and will keep you busy at all times. And in case you’re still looking for things to do during your time here, there are plenty of exciting day trips you can take from Lisbon.

Other accommodation options in Lisbon, Portugal

2. Iceland

Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world, which makes it one of the best solo travel destinations, especially for a solo woman looking to immerse herself in nature. The country has a relaxed vibe to it, perfect if you’re the type of traveler who doesn’t like crowds or typical touristy spots.

Iceland’s major draw is its natural beauty; you can see everything from waterfalls and black sand beaches to volcanoes and even the Northern Lights. But what might be even better is the country’s size; it’s quite small, so you can rent a car on your Iceland trip and see many of the country’s most stunning attractions, regardless of where you’re based.

All of the accommodations recommended below are located in the capital, Reykjavík, but if you’re looking for alternatives, check out these other amazing spots to stay in Iceland.

Other accommodation options in Reykjavík, Iceland

3. Denmark

Moving along to Northern Europe and Denmark! Although all of the Nordic countries are definitely worth a visit, Denmark is renowned for its gender equality – it’s a great place to be a woman and definitely one of the top places to travel alone as a woman. As soon as you arrive, you’ll be greeted by friendly locals and a cheerful atmosphere, so no need to fret!

FUN FACT: Denmark is the second-happiest country in the world, trailing just behind Finland, and one spot ahead of Iceland.

If you decide to travel solo to Denmark, then I suggest you make Copenhagen, the capital, your primary base. The city boasts a variety of cool attractions, and it’s very easy to get around – you can just rent a bicycle and cycle anywhere in the city. And best of all, you won’t get any weird glances – everyone cycles in Copenhagen!

Other accommodation options in Copenhagen, Denmark

4. Croatia

Croatia is a fan favorite among the Miss Tourist team (myself included)! A few of us have visited Croatia, and we agree that this stunning country on the Adriatic Coast is one of the best places for solo female travel. The country is very easy to navigate, and it has a very charming vibe to it, especially during the summer months.

The capital city, Zagreb, is an amazing destination for a solo trip, with its cool museums and diverse range of restaurants. However, if you’re looking to stay in a beach town, Split is a superb choice – you won’t go wrong with either of these.

Below, I’ve featured some great Zagreb accommodations for travelers on different budgets. Even if you haven’t decided to spend your entire holiday here, I highly recommend you spend at least 1 night in Zagreb – it’s a really great place to explore on a solo trip.

Other accommodation options in Zagreb, Croatia

5. Slovenia

If it so happens that you’re looking for the safest countries for solo female travelers, I can tell you that there’s no need to look further than Slovenia. A few years back, I visited this gorgeous country, and one of our team members used to live there, and she confirmed what I already knew – this is THE place if you’re a solo woman looking for a safe environment!

For your stay, I’d recommend booking a hotel in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Besides the fact that Ljubljana offers plenty of cool attractions, it also has excellent public transportation – you can just hop on the local bus and get anywhere in the city within a matter of minutes!

But staying here doesn’t mean that you’ll be limited to the city; you can take many fun day trips to places like Lake Bled and Bohinj. But best of all, you can even visit a few countries during your stay in Slovenia! Croatia, Italy, and Austria are all just a short train ride away, and this is one of the best solo female travel experiences you can have!

I featured some amazing accommodations below, but if you’d like to have a few more choices, check out my full guide on the best places for staying in Ljubljana!

Other accommodation options in Ljubljana, Slovenia

Asia

From Europe, we hop on to Asia, a continent that also has an abundance of safe places to travel alone as a woman. From the ancient temples of Japan to the beautiful beaches of Bali, Asia has something for every type of traveler. So, whatever your travel preference is, I’m sure you’ll find something to your liking among the following options.

6. Japan

Japan is one of the best destinations to visit in Asia, whether you’re a woman traveling solo or you’re part of a couple or a group of friends. I decided to recommend it as a good destination for female travel because the locals are friendly and helpful, and most cities in Japan have a very eclectic and energetic atmosphere, ensuring you’ll never be bored.

When you’re trip-planning for your Japan stay, I suggest you book a flight that lands in Tokyo and immerse yourself in the bustling life of the capital. Even though Tokyo is a big city and can seem a bit overwhelming at first, you’ll be totally fine – just stick to the tourist areas and get the public transport schedules up front.

And if you’d like to explore more of Japan’s rich culture, then head to Kyoto and explore this gorgeous city for a couple of days – you won’t regret it!

Other accommodation options in Tokyo, Japan

7. Singapore

Singapore is a very safe country, with great gender equality and a modern way of life. One of my favorite things about Singapore is that it’s like a melting pot of different cultures, so you can have a wide range of cultural experiences in just one place!

When I first visited Singapore, I was completely blown away – by everything. It has gorgeous architecture, some of the best hotels I’ve ever seen, and nearly endless shopping opportunities. The great food and the lively nightlife are 2 extra reasons why Singapore will always have a place on my list of best female solo travel destinations.

The hotels recommended below are selected specifically for women traveling solo, but you can also check out my posts with some more great spots to stay in Singapore,

Other accommodation options in Singapore

8. South Korea

South Korea has become wildly popular in recent years, and this should come as no surprise. It has a very rich pop culture, energetic atmosphere, and mouth-watering food, as well as immense natural beauty and traditional landmarks.

Although the country, in general, is very safe, Seoul is one of the best places for female solo travel due to the abundance of activities it offers. Whether you want to party at one of its many nightclubs, do some cool shopping, or maybe even spot some of the most popular K-pop stars, Seoul has it all!

Besides the capital, another great destination in South Korea is Busan, the second most populous city in South Korea and THE place to be if you want to hit the beach.

Besides my recommendations below, feel free to check out my full list of the top places to stay in Seoul. 

Other accommodation options in Seoul, South Korea

9. Bali

Whenever you look at photos of Bali, it seems like this otherworldly, magical place. Up until recently I lived in Bali, and I can confirm that it’s just as magical as it seems in photos. It has a relaxed vibe to it and gorgeous nature, which is why I recommend it as one of the best destinations to visit in Southeast Asia.

Whichever part of Bali you choose for your stay, I’m sure that you’ll have an unforgettable experience, but if it’s your first solo trip to the island, I’d recommend Canggu. I used to live in this lovely village, and I can tell you that it’s an amazing choice for solo female travel – it’s safe, it has some amazing beaches, and the locals are super friendly!

There are plenty of unusual things to do in Bali, so I can guarantee you that regardless of how long you stay, you’ll wish that your trip was a bit longer!

Other accommodation options in Canggu, Bali

10. Thailand

Thailand is another amazing choice if you want to travel solo to Southeast Asia, where you can relax on the beach, eat street food, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife. I used to live in Thailand, and still go back for regular visits – I’ve never had a bad experience as a solo female in Thailand.

I have a full list of all the top spots to visit while on a Thailand trip, but if it’s your first time in this incredible country, I’d recommend Phuket. It has everything you need for a memorable stay – from fantastic food and popular tourist attractions to stunning beaches and cool beach bars.

Other accommodation options in Phuket, Thailand

Oceania

Craving an overseas trip? Well, if you’re not a native of Australia or New Zealand, then you should add them to your to-visit list. Both of these destinations are renowned for their natural beauty, but they’re also popular spots for solo female travel.

11. New Zealand

Nature lovers will be thrilled with New Zealand! This island country has breathtaking landscapes and offers many opportunities for outdoor activities, perfect for solo travelers who want to spend an active vacation while enjoying a calming and serene atmosphere.

For your first solo trip to New Zealand (if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to come back again), you should stay in Wellington, on North Island. This is the nation’s capital and staying here means you’ll be close not only to the airport but also to Tongariro National Park (map), home to 3 active volcanoes, one of which is featured in the Lord of the Rings franchise.

Even if you’re staying in Wellington on the North Island, I recommend taking the time to explore the natural beauty of the South Island; some of the top spots to visit here are Kahurangi National Park (map) – great for hiking and fishing – and Fiordland National Park (map), another LOTR filming location.

Check out all my tips on how to plan a New Zealand trip based on my personal experience, and book the top hotels in the capital, Wellington – listed below.

Other accommodation options in Wellington, New Zealand

12. Australia

My second recommendation for a trip to Oceania (unless you’re Australian and decide to explore your own country) is, of course, Australia. The country is super popular among women traveling solo due to its exciting combination of metropolitan cities and untamed nature, as well as the friendly people and laid-back vibe.

Although all major Australian cities are suitable for solo female travel, I’d suggest Sydney for your first visit to Australia. It has plenty of fun attractions and great beaches, plus a buzzing nightlife and a rich food scene, so you can have it all on your solo trip!

During your Australian adventure, don’t miss the chance to explore the Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef in the world. However, if you’re staying in Sydney, you’ll first need to travel to Cairns, the most convenient spot for exploring the reef.

Other accommodation options in Sydney, Australia

The Americas

For this final section, I decided to group the American continents together – North, Central, and South America. You’ll notice that there are only 2 countries recommended here; even though this huge expanse of land consists of many, many countries, these 2 are the best destinations for a solo female in terms of safety, so you can enjoy a worry-free trip.

13. Canada

Canada is one of the most welcoming countries in the world – even though its climate might suggest otherwise, Canadians are always eager to welcome foreign travelers and make them feel right at home. This was my experience when I visited Canada, and I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to solo travel around North America, especially women.

It was hard for me to decide which Canadian city to recommend to a solo female traveler, but in the end, I opted for Toronto, seeing as there are many cool attractions and great things to do in Toronto. The city is also home to people from all over the world, so you can try different variations of international cuisine – perfect for the foodie in you!

Besides my recommendations below, there are plenty of other incredible places to stay in Toronto, so you’ll have many choices when it comes to Toronto accommodation.

Other accommodation options in Toronto, Canada

14. Guatemala

My last recommendation goes out to Guatemala, a country in Central America, just South of Mexico. This vibrant country boasts a rich history and stunning nature, and it’s among the safest countries in the region.

If this is your first experience with solo female travel in this part of the world, I recommend you stay in Antigua Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage town. This is a small town with well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture and the former capital of Guatemala. History buffs will particularly love this town, and it’s also one of the safest places for a solo female.

NOTE: Costa Rica is another good choice for solo travel in Central America, although I’d recommend it to more experienced travelers as it can be more difficult to navigate and slightly unsafe if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Other accommodation options in Antigua, Guatemala

Tips for solo female travelers

Getting reading for your first trip as a solo traveler? If that’s the case, check out my top solo travel tips for women, based on my own experience, as well as the rest of the Miss Tourist team. Most of us are women who have had at least a short stint of solo travel and we are more than happy to share our advice and help you have the best trip imaginable!

• Stay safe – safety concerns often turn away women from solo travel. However, you can always pick one of the safe destinations recommended in this article, make sure you stay in tourist spots, and book a reliable hotel with good reviews.
• Keep money in different places – pickpockets exist everywhere, so to avoid losing a substantial sum, divide your money and keep a small portion of it in your wallet. Store the rest in a secure money belt, or, if you feel particularly worried, tuck it into your bra.
• Join group activities – solo travel can become lonely, but luckily, there’s a simple solution – group activities. Wherever you are in the world, you can always join a walking tour or seek out a class or a workshop where you can meet other people.
• Stay connected – it’s completely normal to miss your loved ones during your travels. However, in the Golden Age of the Internet, you can easily stay connected; just get an eSIM, and you’ll have constant Internet access to text and make calls to the people important to you.
• Make a packing list – packing for a trip can be a daunting task, so making a list of the essentials can make the process significantly easier. The best tip I can give you on this – don’t overpack clothes; even if you’re short on clothes, you can always go shopping, which is something I personally like to do when traveling. If you need help deciding, check out our list of useful tips for packing.
• Get travel insurance – regardless of the destination, you absolutely need to get travel insurance that will cover any unforeseen medical expenses or theft during your travels.
• Join an online community – finally, if you want to connect with people in the country you’re visiting, or you just need tips on what to do, you can seek out online communities where locals can provide useful insight into the destination, or you can even connect with expats looking to connect with other foreigners in the area.
• Be prepared – whatever situation you find yourself in, there’s an app to help you. Got lost – Google Maps! Need some native phrases – Duolingo! There’s an app for everything you can think of these days, and travel is no exception! For more advice on the best travel resources, check out our article on the top free travel apps.

FAQs about the best countries for solo female travel

Concluding thoughts on the best countries for solo female travel

We’ve reached the end! After reading through my list of the best countries for solo female travel, you’ll have some thinking to do, but I hope that I helped you pick out a good destination for your first (or next) solo trip.

If you’re still having a hard time deciding, these are my top 2 countries for female solo travel:

• Portugal – a vibrant country with a warm climate and even warmer people
• Iceland – boasting the most stunning landscapes, this country is also extremely easy to navigate

Wherever you decide to go, book your tickets and hotel accommodation in advance; this will not only secure your spot in your desired destination, it will give you something to look forward to!

If you have questions or even doubts about your solo trip, leave me a comment below – I’m more than happy to get back to you and provide the answers!

Have fun on your solo adventure,

Yulia

---