What are the top destinations for solo female travel?

Sometimes I catch myself thinking about what it would be like to travel alone; the freedom to wander without compromise, to follow my own pace, and to discover hidden corners of the world on my own terms. But along with that excitement comes a natural hesitation: Will I feel safe? Will I get lonely? Will I know how to navigate new cities and cultures by myself?

These thoughts can block even the most daring women from leaping. But traveling alone is also a chance to get back your freedom, meet interesting people, and learn more about yourself than you could in a place you know well. The most important thing is to pick places that know what solo female travelers need. These should be safe, well-connected, culturally welcoming, and full of activities that make traveling alone both comfortable and empowering.

The right place to go can turn your doubts into excitement, whether it's a busy city with a lot of social activity or a quiet retreat where you can think and have fun. This will help you travel with confidence and enjoy every moment of your trip.

Best Travel Destinations for Solo Female Travelers

Traveling solo as a woman can be more than just a trip; it’s an act of reclaiming time, space, and self‑discovery. But sometimes, internal blocks slow us down: Is it safe?, Will I feel isolated?, What if something goes wrong? These thoughts often hold us back. The truth is: with the right destinations, planning, and mindset, solo travel becomes empowering, not intimidating.

Here are destination ideas and how to lean into them entirely, so you don’t just visit, you thrive.

Kyoto, Japan:

Kyoto feels like a city that slows down time. Walking among its quiet temples and shaded gardens, you can get lost in thought without worrying about crowds. Small ryokans offer communal meals where locals and travelers mix, and afternoon tea ceremonies or Zen meditation sessions create a gentle sense of connection.

If you're worried about speaking the language, choose one activity, like the tea ceremony, with help from a guide. This city makes everyone feel welcome, even if they're traveling alone, and it encourages both thought and exploration.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is full of life. There are a lot of cafés on the colorful streets of Alfama and Bairro Alto, where you can easily meet other travelers. The city is small enough that you can enjoy walking around by yourself. Street music fills the plazas, trams glide past tiled buildings, and friendly locals make you feel at home. Lisbon encourages people who want to go on their own to find their own rhythm, which is a mix of social and quiet discovery.

Blockbuster mindset: If you fear city travel alone, schedule one social activity (walking tour), then wander on your own. You’ll get balance: community + solo freedom.

Reykjavik, Iceland,

Reykjavik is safe, and nature goes hand in hand with it. Organized day trips from the city take you to glaciers, hot springs, and volcanic landscapes, so people who travel alone can have fun without worrying about what will happen. Evenings can be spent strolling the harbor, sampling local cuisine, or cozying up in cafés. Reykjavik is a rare place where you can do exciting things outside and relax in quiet, safe city spaces.

If you are concerned about being too busy while exploring alone, choose one fun activity, such as a glacier walk. Then, enjoy a leisurely walk around the city or relax at a cozy café. This way, you can have a good mix of adventure and downtime!

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai, Thailand, is smaller and quieter than Bangkok, but it's still very lively. Temples, markets, and wellness cafés make it easy to explore at your own pace. Cooking classes, meditation sessions, or guided cultural tours are all structured social activities. Quiet cafés and co-working spaces are great places to relax and recharge. Here, women who travel alone can easily mix immersion, adventure, and time to themselves.

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne, Australia, is a city that is full of creative people. There are so many reasons to walk around, like street art lanes, local markets, and places to hear live music. Public transportation makes it easy to get from one neighborhood to another, and boutique hotels are safe and stylish places to stay. Melbourne lets people travel alone and make their own adventure by combining city culture with independent exploration.

Cape Town, South Africa,

Cape Town, South Africa, has beautiful natural scenery and a lively city life. You can go on group trips and then have time to think by yourself at the waterfront or on the hikes up Table Mountain. Boutique lodges and tours for women offer safety and help, while open-air markets and walks along the coast encourage exploration. Cape Town is a great place for people who want both adventure and freedom.

If you worry about safety, start with a group‑led experience, then choose solo moments in well‑trafficked places. Use ride‑share apps vetted for safety.

What tools or resources can help me feel safer while I explore?

When traveling solo as a woman, it’s natural to wonder: are there tools or resources that can help me feel safer in these cities? From apps that track safe routes to local communities and alert systems, using technology and local networks can enhance your security. Here are some of the things I've heard from women and men who go on solo travel.

bSafe: Enables real‑time GPS tracking by trusted contacts, SOS alerts, and even fake‑call features to help you exit uncomfortable situations.

Noonlight: A discreet emergency‑alert app where you hold down a button, and if you let go without entering a PIN, emergency services are alerted with your location.

GeoSure: Offers real‑time safety scores for neighbourhoods based on metrics like crime, lighting, and transport access, helpful for choosing routes or deciding if you’ll explore at night.

TripWhistle Global SOS: Useful when you’re abroad—provides local emergency numbers for police/medical/fire services in 200+ countries and shares your location with responders

Tourlina: A women‑only community app for meeting fellow female travellers, arranging meet‑ups, or connecting with companions, which can ease the isolating feeling of solo travel.

Final Thoughts on Solo Travel as a Woman

At the end of the day, there’s not a huge difference between solo travel for women and men; the basics of planning, exploring, and enjoying a destination remain the same. What matters most is understanding how to accept local culture and social norms. In some places, certain practices may feel restrictive or even unfair from your own perspective, but being aware and respectful while selecting the right destination makes all the difference.

With Planingo Hotels, you can filter and choose accommodations that suit your needs, including safety, location, and comfort. Planingo Flights helps you find the best travel routes and airlines for female solo travel. And with Planingo Trip Maker, you can build your entire itinerary, combining activities, sightseeing, and social experiences that match your style and pace.