Traveling alone, even as a woman, is not as challenging or scary as you might think. There are many benefits: you don’t have to adhere to anyone’s schedule, budget or food preferences, so you can really prioritize yourself. Traveling alone is all about doing what you want to do and going where you want to go the most. Adventuring alone as a woman allows you to see the world on your own terms.
Whether you’re worried about safety or seeking companionship, there are plenty of places around the world to consider for your next solo trip.
Barcelona, Spain
When visiting Barcelona, whether you want to dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant or watch a soccer (soccer) match, you can spend your free time immersing yourself in the local culture. Writer Mona Gable says, “Barcelona is a place of wonders – medieval neighborhoods, sunny beaches and world-class museums, not to mention Antoni Gaudí’s famous architecture. ” She loves exploring this Mediterranean port city, especially because it’s walkable and has an easy-to-navigate transportation system of subways and buses. She also notes that she feels safe: “As a female traveler, I feel very comfortable wandering around many neighborhoods alone, even late at night when Catalans are out for dinner.”
Travel tip: Gable says it’s best to avoid the touristy Ramblas – Barcelona’s main thoroughfare – except to check out the city’s legendary food market, La Boqueria.
Botswana.
Botswana is known for its African wildlife safaris, where visitors may encounter elephants, zebras, rhinos, lions and cheetahs while camping and dining in luxury tents. The perfect combination.” She recommends Botswana’s green season (November to March) for single female travelers; many safari camps waive the single surcharge at this time of year, which offers excellent value and means you’re more likely to meet other single travelers. This is also the peak birding season, and you’ll find plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife in the lush landscape.
Many camps will have someone available to greet guests on arrival and help you navigate the airport or transfer flights. In Smith’s experience, camp guests are also escorted to their rooms at night for an added wildlife safety factor. “Single female travelers can enjoy daily shared safari activities in an intimate camp that encourages completely separate social gatherings to design the trip around what works best for you,” she says.
Travel tip: Smith recommends that you make your social media accounts private when you travel so strangers can’t track your location or learn about the customs of your destination. “Depending on local standards, this will help avoid accidentally giving the impression of being edgy or flirtatious,” she explains. “For example, while prolonged eye contact may be considered a sign of confidence or politeness at home, it may give the impression of flirting at your new destination.”
Italy
Imagine yourself indulging in pizza and gelato, visiting world-famous museums, touring picturesque wineries and shopping at designer boutiques – all within reach in author Martha McCully’s travel destination, Italy. “Italians want to share their culture, and welcoming you is part of their personality,” she says. “Plus, the food and wine are fantastic.”
McCully believes that the idea that traveling alone means you’ll be alone is a misconception. “That’s simply not true,” she says. “Book a group tour at your destination or private message your past friends on Instagram, which is what I did in Bologna.” There are many unique ways to meet other travelers in Italy; she suggests signing up for a Bologna cooking class with Taste of Italy, a food tour with Curious Appetite or a painting class with Plein Air Tuscany. “The idea is that you’ll be with like-minded travelers while others take care of all the organization,” McCully explains.
TRAVEL TIP: McCully recommends sticking to your healthy habits while on the road to maintain a healthy routine. “I like to carry my rituals with me,” she says. “When I’m rooted with what I know makes me feel good physically and mentally, it’s like I’m living in another country, not just visiting.”
Iceland
With glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls and hot springs, Iceland’s fascinating landscape makes it a must-visit destination. The “land of fire and ice” is also known for its puffins, Viking history and female empowerment, and the country has a reputation as a champion of gender equality.
“Iceland is a favorite destination for solo female travelers because it’s easily one of the safest countries in the world,” says Jenny Ly, a professional travel blogger for Go Wanderly. Iceland has one of the lowest crime rates in the world and no animal predators that are dangerous to humans-if you plan to drive, just be prepared for bad weather and proceed with caution.Ly recommends trips that include whale watching, with nearly a dozen species of whales sailing Icelandic waters; visiting the ice caves of the Vatna Glacier; and chasing the Northern Lights in the darker months ( October through April) to chase the Northern Lights.
