As a female solo traveler, the factors I always prioritized as a beginner were safety, ease of travel, affordability, language, cultural norms, and overall enjoyment.
It can be intimidating, but choosing the right destination can make all the difference in whether you end up in LOVE with solo travel or if your first solo trip is your last.
In this blog, I’m going to hit you with my 6 personal favorite [best] destinations for first-time female solo travelers!
Best places for female solo travel in 2023
Don’t forget— after you check out the destinations on this list, take a look at the 8 BEST travel safety products for women (most under $20 on Amazon!) in 2023. After choosing a destination, I think that feeling prepared is the most important thing that you can do to feel safe and comfortable— keep the confidence flowing with some of these creative travel safety gadgets!
1. Iceland
Iceland is a top destination for solo female travelers because of its stunning natural beauty, low crime rate, and advanced gender equality.
From unbelievable glaciers to black sand beaches, waterfalls, hot springs, puffins, and volcanoes, Iceland has something for everyone, including the famous Blue Lagoon (although I recommend visiting Sky Lagoon for fewer crowds and a natural spring!)
Iceland is easy to get around with a car (you HAVE to drive the Golden Circle!), everyone speaks English (in addition to Icelandic, one of the most beautiful and interesting languages that you can totally understand if you know what you’re listening for!), and the locals are friendly and welcoming.
Reykjavik, the capital city, is a vibrant, safe, and laid back city. Roam the streets, grab a beer, go to the penis museum, and watch the sunset over Rainbow Street (pictured!). Then, head off into the greenest, most scenic countryside you’ve ever seen! Iceland is pure magic.
Visiting Iceland? I learned a lot and made some bonehead mistakes. Check out these 6 tips that first time visitors to Iceland need to know!
2. Bali, Indonesia
Bali is a popular destination if you’re looking for a tropical paradise! Before you come for me, I recommend going north of the CRAZYNESS of Bali to find a more laid back, relaxing paradise.
You can find smaller beachy towns with gorgeous Hindu temples, black sand beaches, healthy & fresh food, and friendly locals. Take day trips to the famous spiritual hub of Ubud, do a sunrise hike of the active volcano (Mt. Batur), learn to surf, and mingle with other solo female travelers!
It’s also quite touristy and developed, so Bali a good starting point in an exotic place with no language barrier for a first international trip. Plus, there’s no shortage of nature, wellness retreats, yoga, and cute coworking cafes perfect for women travelers!
3. Japan
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, making it a fantastic destination for solo female travelers. Other than Iceland, Japan is the only country (and a much more populous one at that!) where I felt like I could walk around anywhere, any time by myself and not have anyone so much as look at me. Some of the trains even have women-only cars!
The country has a rich cultural heritage, and the locals are so welcoming and friendly. Though the language barrier is a factor, with google translate and a willingness to learn a few phrases, you’ll be more than fine! I recommend skipping the bustling disaster of Tokyo and visiting more fun, interesting cities in Japan- Hakodate, Sapporo, Nara, Osaka, Kobe, Hiroshima- or the places with stunning natural beauty, like Okinawa, Beppu (hot springs), or the 5 lakes of Fuju (Hakone).
4. Maui, Hawaii
I probably don’t have to tell you that Maui is paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and solo travelers.
It’s world famous for landscapes: cascading waterfalls, beaches (some with black or red volcanic sand), ocean life, tropical gardens, beautiful fresh fruit, and seafood. Maui is also exceptionally safe, laid back, and a real “choose your own adventure” kind of destination.
It’s a special place for humpback whale watching, snorkeling with sea turtles (they are literally swimming 10 feet off of the beaches), scuba diving, getting the world’s best mai tai, and driving one of the world’s most famous road trips, the Road to Hana.
Also for caramel banana macadamia nut pancakes. Do not sleep on the food in Hawai!!
The locals are friendly, the island is easy to navigate, and Lahaina is great destination for solo travelers looking for adventure sports. Fun thing— I consider Maui my first big solo trip! It changed my life, so it has a special place in my heart. If you’re considering Maui (and you totally should!) learn the best time to visit Maui and check out these 8 practical tips for driving Maui’s famous Road to Hana.
Ready to book a flight? This is my BEST tried and true travel hack for finding the cheapest flights.
5. Portugal
Portugal is one of the most affordable European countries for solo female travelers to visit without breaking the bank! It’s a real sleeper in Europe because newer travelers typically go straight for London, Paris, or Rome. These are all amazing destinations, but Portugal has ALL the old world charm, cobbled streets, and amazing food at a cheaper price point. It also has gorgeous, rugged coastline, charming coastal towns, a world famous wine region, and plenty of activities for solo travelers. On the coast, don’t miss Porto, the Azores, or Algarve! And be sure to add the Benagil sea caves (gorgeous emerald water) to your list!
6. Australia
Especially if you’re visiting from America, Australia is a great place for a first solo trip! Though Australians obviously have a unique and special culture, it’s one of the most similar places to travel in the world to the USA. As an English speaking developed nation with dynamic cities and nature, Australia is known for beautiful beaches, national parks, and wildlife in particular! Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are cosmopolitan cities with plenty of activities for solo travelers, such as visiting museums and exploring the food scene. Australia is a haven for adventure travelers, scuba divers, surfers, camper van enthusiasts, and wildlife lovers.
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