Exploring the world by yourself can be an empowering experience for a woman. You have the freedom to go where you want, eat when you choose, see and do what interests you and skip what doesn’t. No consultation, consensus or compromise required. It can be a confidence-boosting rush of self-discovery. But some women are a little intimidated to go it alone. They focus on potential obstacles like getting lost, feeling lonely, keeping healthy, avoiding harassment or staying safe. The fact is, solo women do face some challenges when they leave the comfort zone of home. With careful planning, commonsense street smarts and a regard for the local culture, you can minimize the risks and maximize your chances of a rewarding trip. Here are 12 of the best places to travel alone as a woman.
1. Norway
Vikings aside, Norway has a worldwide reputation for being a safe and friendly destination – two major criteria for a lone female traveler. Scandinavian countries always top the list in terms of quality of life and happiness ratings. Norwegians are particularly welcoming and proud of their culture. They seem genuinely happy to lend a helping hand, give directions or offer a suggestion to a visitor. Most speak some English (and often a few other languages too), so a communication barrier isn’t a big concern. Nature buffs will revel in the legendary fjords, epic glaciers, northern lights and 21 national parks. City-seekers will be impressed by Olso, Bergen, Stavanger and Tromso.
2. Japan
Japan is another destination ideal for the solo woman. It has exotic Asian appeal but is relatively clean, polite, efficient and orderly – rather remarkable for a country with such a high population density. Their public transportation system is easy to navigate, both in urban and rural areas. The language barrier may be a challenge, but that’s all part of the adventure. Most Japanese are thrilled when you attempt even a word in their native tongue, and many want to practice their English with you. If you get lost or need help reading a station sign (usually written in hirigana), somebody will help you out. It is one of the safest countries around. Japan is seeped in tradition yet infused with modern elements to fill your days with contrasting extremes, from ancient temples, onsen hot springs and tea ceremonies to funky fashions, J-pop karaoke and neon nightlife.
3. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is the destination for women seeking a taste of the pura vida. Whether you want active adventure, a nature immersion or a relaxing retreat, you’ll find endless options here. Zip-line through the rainforest, hike a cloud forest trail, learn to surf or ride the white-water rapids. View a volcano, spot sloths in the jungle, take a beachfront yoga class or laze in a hammock by an eco-lodge pool. Single women often have to fend off unwanted male attention in Latin America, but Cost Rica is a little more relaxed on that front. The local ticos are generally friendly but not offensively flirty – unless you invite it. While there are lots of couples and family vacationers there, you won’t be out of place as an independent traveler. Costa Rica’s tourism industry is well established, so you’ll find comfortable amenities and won’t have to blaze trails here. It’s not devoid of petty crime (where is?), but personal safety shouldn’t be a major concern, particularly on the Pacific side.
4. The Netherlands
Holland is a compact country that’s easy to get around, so women wanderers can pack a lot in on a short trip. No need to plan a strict agenda. Ride a bike alongside the canals or just get lost meandering the blissful city streets of Amsterdam, Utrecht or Maastricht. Pencil in time to explore castles, dykes, windmills, lakes and villages outside of the urban centers, too. You’ll find the Dutch are very liberal-minded, tolerant, friendly people. Hang out in a cafe, art gallery, museum or hipster club where lingering is expected. It’s easy to find someone to chat with (most speak English), or just sit back and people watch. You may want to avoid the red light district or “cannabis cafes”, but be confident that the country has a high personal safety ranking and solo women travelers can feel comfortable.
5. Bali
The whole Eat, Pray, Love phenomenon has put Bali on the map for a wide range of women travelers. Young backpackers, adventurous singletons, soul-searching divorcees and empty-nest widowers all find their place. You may start off traveling alone, but you don’t have to be lonely here. There are many opportunities to meet like-minded people from all over the world at a guesthouse, cafe, yoga class, temple or tour. Tourism is the mainstay of the local economy, so it’s easy (and cheap!) to get around and fill your days. The local Balinese are warm and welcoming too, happy to have you poke in on their endless ceremonies, rituals and festivals. Of course, take the usual safety precautions in Bali. It’s not so much the locals you have to be wary of, it’s the other travelers. Single gals may have to endure occasional cat calls by the Bali boys, but it’s quite benign.
6. New Zealand
New Zealand rates as one of the best places to travel alone because of its down-to-earth people, varied natural wonders and range of activity options. Kiwis are a laid-back bunch; no pomp or pretense here. Take your pick from cities, mountains, beaches, glaciers, fjords, rainforests or Lord of the Rings land. Try bungee jumping, jet boating, skiing or tramping on the Milford Track. Check out the geothermal wonders around Rotorua and experience some Maori traditions. There is so much to see and do on two relatively compact, easy-to-get-around islands an open-minded girl can’t help but have a rewarding trip here.
7. Singapore
Singapore makes an exotic, culturally enriching getaway for the solitary female traveler. It has a mix of modern amenities and traditional flair. The tiny island nation is as safe as it is cosmopolitan, a balanced blend of Chinese, Malay and Indian influences. It has the lowest crime rate in Asia (0.1 percent rate of assault, 1.1 percent rate of reported theft). The modern city has an array of cultural interests, architectural wonders, shopping options, culinary variety and hopping nightlife – something for everyone. Don’t miss Chinatown, the Botanic Garden, Orchard Road or the views atop the Singapore Flyer.
8. Ireland
Ireland is one of the best places to travel alone as it ticks all the main boxes for women – high safety rating, easy to navigate, friendly people, no language barrier, lots to see and do. There’s no culture shock to contend with, but it does have a distinctive flavor that’s fun to explore by foot, bike or tour. It’s an enchanting land rich with literature, music, castles, rolling green landscapes and rocky coastlines. Its wide B&B network is ideal for a comfortable stay, with a dash of Irish charm. You can always have a chat if want to be social, or you can retreat into privacy if that’s your preference. Plentiful pubs and cozy cafes are other hubs to hang out in. It’s completely acceptable for a woman to be there alone. The outgoing Irish are known for their gift of gab, but you might have to fend off the occasional persistent Irishman if he’s had one too many Guinness. Use the same precautions you would at home.
9. Australia
You won’t be the only solo woman traveler Down Under. It’s one of the most popular destinations for “gap year” girls on an extended trip because its safe, easygoing and fun. You’ll find females of all ages, stages, budgets and time frames in the plentiful hostels, hotels and caravan parks there. Oz is a well-trodden traveler’s path, but it always feels like a adventurous discovery. Soak in the cosmopolitan cities like Sydney, Melbourne or Perth. Ply the east coast towns that flank the Great Barrier Reef. Explore the outback, embrace the wildlife and immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture. The continent/country is huge and varied, so you’ll have more options on your wishlist than you’ll know what to do with.
10. Laos
This Southeast Asian country might not immediately pop to mind as a good place for a solo girl, but it’s a worthy destination to consider. Laos is a bit more under the radar than, say, Thailand or Vietnam, but it has become a tranquil haven on the independent traveler trail. After decades of Indochina wars, the country opened itself to tourism in 1989 and is now a rustic yet comfortable place to discover. The Laotian people are warm and eager to accommodate. It has managed to preserve a rich cultural and architectural heritage and boasts some of the prettiest landscapes around. Explore the Mekong on a riverboat, visit Luang Prabang or soak in the French colonial atmosphere of the capital, Vientiane.
11. Canada
Canadians have a global reputation for being friendly, polite and gosh darn nice. The landscapes are phenomenal, from the majestic Rockies in the west to the Maritime provinces in the east. Its cities like Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal are world-class, and the French flair of Quebec just adds to the appeal. Crime rates is low (especially compared with its neighbor to the south) and living standards are high. Distances are vast, but transportation is easy. All this adds up to Canada being one of the best places to travel alone as a woman.
12. Chile
South America as a whole might be best explored with a companion, for company and security reasons. But if you prefer to go it alone, Chile is a good choice on this continent. Santiago is a relatively safe and sophisticated city, easy to get around. Within a few hours you can explore the Andes mountains and the Pacific Ocean, both stretching 3000 miles along this long, skinny country. Head north to the astounding Atacama Desert and south to the wilds of Patagonia. Don’t forget their world-class vineyards and a side jaunt over to Easter Island. Chileans are welcoming – you may even be invited to a family asado for a Chilean barbecue. It’ll help if you know some basic Spanish, but you can usually find someone to translate for you in a pinch. You’ll find that the Latino guys love to flirt with gringas down there, but its a pretty harmless annoyance. Don’t let it get to you.
