I’ve been travelling the world alone since I was 19. In that time, I’ve visited over 30 countries across 5 different continents and had countless experiences. Last week I recounted my safety tips and lessons from the road in Everything You Need to Know: Solo Travel for Women.

Embarking on a solo trip at least once in your life is something I would recommend to anyone. It was the most defining, empowering, and challenging experience of my young adulthood and helped me to become the woman I had so longed to be. When I ask my friends what stops them from diving into a solo trip, they often have the same response: fear. They are afraid of being alone, not just in a foreign country, but alone with themself.

The concept of stepping so far out of your comfort zone that you are forced to rely on nothing but yourself is scary…but there are things to make the experience less intimidating.

How to choose a destination?

Selecting the right destination can make or break your first solo trip as a woman. It is so important to choose somewhere that makes you feel not just safe but offers you a blend of stunning landscapes, vibrant cultures, and, most importantly, a welcoming and secure environment full of other women exploring the country on their own.

To find the perfect destination you should consider the following criteria:

• The type of trip e.g. beach, adventure, or cultural
• How popular the destination is from a tourist bubble to a remote island
• Your budget for the trip

If you’re like me, your list of places to visit only seems to get longer. To help you narrow down the best destination whether this is your first ever solo trip as a woman, or you’ve been travelling for over a decade, I have created a guide of my personal favourite experiences.

Whether you’re seeking serene beaches, bustling cities, or rugged wilderness, these destinations are sure to inspire and ignite your wanderlust.

Keep reading to delve into the top picks for solo female adventurers seeking unforgettable experiences abroad.

Best Destinations for Solo Travel as a Woman

Taiwan

Type of Trip: Bustling cities, incredible hikes, and summer beaches
Safety: 5/5
Popularity: Relatively few Western tourists, more difficult to meet other travellers outside of hostels.
Budget: $

It’s no secret that Taiwan is one of my all-time favourite travel destinations. I’m lucky enough to have stayed there 3 times over the past few years and hope to return throughout my life. It is one of the safest countries I have visited with the local people overflowing with kindness to share their home. From Taipei’s busy streets to the natural beauty of Toroko Gorge and the tropical Southern coastline, Taiwan truly has something for everyone. The food is delicious and as a bonus, vegetarian food is not only understood but widely on offer making this a dream for someone travelling with dietary restrictions.

New Zealand

Type of Trip: Mountains, surfing, and unique wildlife
Safety: 4/5
Popularity: It can be quite busy during the (Southern Hemisphere) summer months meaning it is all too easy to make friends just about anywhere across the country.
Budget: $$$

I was lucky enough to live in New Zealand for close to 18 months and so it will always hold a special place in my heart. The country feels so safe compared to so many of its Western counterparts, and its small size means travelling it is a breeze. Many choose to buy or hire a car to road trip the country using the free campsites of countless hostels as stops along the way. There is truly nowhere as breathtaking as New Zealand’s South Island. Beyond just the views, Queenstown offers a multitude of extreme sports and thrills, or for more slowed-down options you try out birdwatching for some of the most unique creatures in the world.

Thailand

Type of Trip: Island hopping, ancient temples, and a city that truly never sleeps
Safety: 3/5
Popularity: Thailand is full of backpackers of all ages making it nearly impossible to not join other travellers on their journeys.
Budget: $

Thailand was the first country in Asia that I ever visited. In the name of honesty, I found Bangkok to be quite overwhelming as a solo woman, however, the second I arrived in Koh Phangan, everything changed. Island Hopping was some of the most fun I’ve ever had. Each new island offered fun parties, new friends, and another beach that left me speechless. If you want beaches, snorkelling, and jungle, the islands are the place for you. It is easy to travel from one to the next by buying ferry tickets the night before making your itinerary flexible and stress-free. For a more culture-heavy experience, you can head to Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand where the temples, museums, and night markets will leave your mind filled with wonder.

Croatia

Type of Trip: Beaches, lakes, and a historic old town
Safety: 3/5
Popularity: Dubrovnik and Split are popular holiday destinations, with other parts of the country having a more laid-back and quiet atmosphere if you’re craving more time alone.
Budget: $$

Croatia surprised me with its beauty. I visited after a group in Poland told me it was not to be missed, and wow were they right. Most vacationers stay near Dubrovnik, famous for being the filming location for Kings Landing in Game of Thrones. Dubrovnik is filled with history and absolutely worth a stop, however, the place I loved the most was Zadar. This smaller seaside town is visually beautiful, with a wonderful view of the ocean and delicious food. I felt so safe during my stay in Zadar and would love to go back for a short writing getaway.

Vietnam

Type of Trip: Incredibly culturally rich, sandy beaches, and biking adventure
Safety: 4/5
Popularity: Parts of Vietnam can feel touristy, however, if you’re spending more than a week in the country it is easy to get off the beaten road for a more unique experience
Budget: $

There is no denying that Vietnam is an incredibly special country. It offers outstanding food, diverse and wild landscapes, and dynamic cities. Vietnam is brightly coloured at every step and offers a magical trip with a little bit of everything. It is so easy to make friends and travel by bus or plane across the country, with incredible diversity between cities that are just a few hours away. Vietnam is also filled with history and culture, allowing those with open eyes to learn something important at every stop.

I hope you can see how although safety is important, it is just one factor to consider when it comes to solo travel as a woman. There are still so many destinations that I have yet to visit and explore, but knowing there are more and more other solo female travellers every single year fills me with excitement. If you’ve made it this far, you might want to read more about me here, From Screen to Page: Rewriting my Story.

Have you visited any of my favourite destinations for women travelling alone? Or do you have another country not on this list that you think should be added? Leave it in the comments below.

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