From South America to Southeast Asia, these are the best places to go if you’re looking to travel alone.
Travel is one of life’s best teachers—especially if you’re doing it alone.
Far from being a sad or lonesome experience, solo travel is a way for one to get know oneself better, gain more confidence, meet new friends, expand one’s comfort zone, among many other benefits. It’s one of those things you must do at least once in your life.
If you’ve ever thought of going on a solo adventure, we say, why not! Don’t worry too much as there are several countries known to be relatively safe and easy for women looking to go on a solo journey. With their well-trodden backpacker routes, reliable transportation systems, and friendly locals, these destinations are ideal for females looking for some alone time, somewhere else that’s not home.
Here are nine of the best destinations for solo female travelers in 2024 according to Time Out magazine.
1. Sri Lanka
All photos from Unsplash
If you want to have a peek into what life is like in sultry South Asia, this country is your best introduction to the Indian subcontinent if you’re traveling solo. Sri Lanka has always been quite popular among Western travelers with its age-old Unesco heritage sites like Dambulla and Sigiriya and serene tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya.
Sri Lanka could also give maritime Southeast Asian countries a run for their money when it comes to beaches, rolling surf, and affordable prices.
2. Portugal
Portugal is never not charming. With its medieval castles, impressive museums, cobblestone streets, shimmering beaches, and sumptuous food, it has everything for every kind of traveler, especially females traveling alone. Time Out has also reported that its reputation as an ideal solo travel destination has been solidified by the growing number of digital nomads moving there.
The country on the edge of continental Europe also has a friendly backpacker vibe with its hip cafés and vibrant co-working spaces. Oh, it also has an excellent public transportation system so going around by yourself is a jiffy.
3. Czechia
This Eastern European country is arguably one of the most beautiful not just in the continent, but in the world. With its cities which are like living museums to its gorgeous countryside, what’s not to love about the country still more popularly known as the Czech Republic? It’s also home to Prague and Český Krumlov with their breathtaking, postcard-perfect beauty.
Czechia also boasts a low crime rate, walkable cities, and relative affordability. It also has some of the best beers in Europe!
4. Japan
It goes without saying that Japan is one of the safest destinations in the world. Even its megacities like Tokyo and Osaka could be overwhelming but you won’t feel like danger is lurking in every corner. Also, there’s the fact that the Japanese are some of the most respectful and courteous people on the planet.
Female solo travelers could also find comfort in Japan having one of the world’s best transport systems, that is not only efficient and squeaky clean, but also largely safe anytime of the day.
5. Guatemala
Central America is not really part of the usual Pinay’s travel bucket list—but it should be, with its lush rainforests and azure waters, magnificent ruins and warm, smiling locals. Guatemala is the perfect gateway to the many charms of this part of the world and is slowly gaining popularity among DIY travelers.
It has clean and affordable hostels and convenient tour routes, great infrastructure and affordable price tags. Time Out suggests meeting new friends from around the world while visiting Lake Atitlán, the ancient pyramids at Tikal, and the majestic falls of Semuc Champey.
6. Vietnam
Mainland Southeast Asia has always been backpacker paradise, with Thailand and Vietnam vying for the most number of travelers with their relative safety and popular tourist paths. But if you want a more laid back introduction to the region, then Vietnam is the place to go.
You’ll never go wrong with its top tourist draws Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), Hanoi, Hoi An, and Hue. And you’ll never run out of things to do, great food to eat, and new friends to meet without worrying about running out of pocket money as it’s one of Asia’s most affordable destinations.
7. Australia
Just like Japan and most western European countries, Australia is known for being a safe destination, even for female solo travelers.
With its mammoth size, there are endless things you can do and places to go down under. There’s Sydney and its sophisticated and cosmopolitan vibe, Melbourne and its old-world charm, the majesty of the Great Barrier Reef, and of course, those cute Aussie critters you would want to bring home with you (but you can’t).
8. Greece
Like Australia and Portugal with their seemingly unlimited dose of sunshine, Greece also boasts a trifecta of sun, sand, and (blue) skies. Plus, few other countries could rival its long and proud history.
Greece is one of those destinations that seem to have it all: ancient wonders, cerulean waters, picturesque villages, and delicious (and healthy!) Mediterranean food. Solo female travelers may not want to leave!
9. New Zealand
Just like big sister Australia, New Zealand is one of the safest countries for solo female travelers. There’s so much to do, but most of all, there’s so much to see—it’s not Middle Earth come alive for nothing.
From fjords to mountains, glaciers to beaches, everything about New Zealand is epic especially if you are into the great outdoors.
A friendly reminder, though, before you book that trip, know that even if destinations are known to be safe, it always pays to be extra vigilant and responsible when traveling whether solo or with someone else.
