A wise man named Ken Poirot once said, âSome journeys in life can only be travelled alone.â Take his advice and fly with it. Sometimes the only travel companion you need is y-o-u, but where does a woman full of wanderlust go when sheâs ready to start a solo adventure?
Well, the correct answer is wherever the heck she wants, but there are a few key characteristics making some places more appealing than others. There are many factors really, and nowhere will ever be 100% perfect for everybody, but there are some significant similarities in the best places to start.
For many, safety is key. A progressive general view of womenâs rights is ideal, as well as a penchant for like-minded travellers and other female travellers. Ease of accessibility is great, and overall just having enough interesting things to do in said place is ideal.
Whether youâre diving into travelling alone as a woman for the first time or looking for a classic destination you havenât explored yet, here are 10 great travel spots to start your next adventure.
The Netherlands
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The Netherlands is one of the most progressive countries around on quite a few topics, and along with scoring well on safety lists, the locals are known for being laid back, friendly and polite.
Amsterdam is easily one of the coolest cities in the world, and itâs the perfect place to wander and explore endlessly. There are few things better than biking around solo every day to cross hot spots off your bucket list in record time, and biking solo really is just the best way to see the whole city.
Croatia
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There are few places in the world where weâd rather get lost than in Dubrovnik. We challenge you to find an old town as clean, well preserved and more picturesque â PSA: you probably canât. The charming city is ideal for exploring alone without worries because as long as you walk downwards, youâll always find yourself in the middle of town, so you itâs impossible to get lost even if youâre hopeless with directions.
The area is rich in history, and itâs a refreshing change from the rest of Europe you may be used to. Add in some quality beach time, epic national parks and a little sailing and you canât go wrong exploring the Croatian coast.
Switzerland
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Super safe, very charming, easy to navigate and one of the most delicious places in Europe â is there anything wrong with Switzerland?
While itâs not the cheapest country in Europe, youâre paying for quality, and honestly, who doesnât want to treat themselves to a bit of luxury every now and then? From shopping to hiking, skiing and spa-ing, Switzerland has everything youâre looking for in a bucket list destination, including enough castles to bring out the Disney princess in all of us.
Japan
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Japan is one of few places in the world that really caters to the solo travel experience. Japanese life is organized, efficient, clean and polite, making it incredibly easy to comfortably fit right in and get your sushi on.
The locals are so kind, helpful and accustomed to doing things solo as well. Everything from travelling to eating out alone just feels so natural in Japan, and the sightseeing and transport are like the cherry (blossom) on top of an amazing adventure.
Spain
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Spain really has a little bit of everything. The unique country is one of the most diverse in Europe, making it the perfect destination to explore solo.
The stunning cities are walkable, the history is vast and fascinating and the beaches and party scene are legendary. As a bonus, Spanish tapas makes for the perfect cheap meal option for one.
Iceland
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Not only is Iceland one of the most popular places to visit du jour, but doing it alone is a breeze. Reykjavik is the perfect size to get around on your own, and the friendly locals are helpful and speak English as well.
If youâre looking to extend your European exploration, itâs a great stopover spot, plus the geothermal spas are the perfect place for some pampering and tranquility. Itâs also one of the most progressive countries in terms of feminism and attitudes towards women, and one of the worldâs safest countries.
Sweden
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When it comes to safety and womenâs rights, Sweden consistently ranks close to the top of every list. Itâs an ideal area to explore solo as its progressive nature falls in line with many other Nordic countries as well.
From the epic seafood and sightseeing to the adventure activities and Northern Lights, Sweden is the perfect place to explore on your own. If youâre hoping for the perfect soundtrack for your trip, their love for quirky music festivals wonât disappoint.
Ireland
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For women travelling alone, Ireland is the perfect place to start. Itâs almost impossible not to fall in love with the Emerald Isle as a whole, as the expansive lush green landscapes, charming cities and awesome traditional pubs provide everything a solo traveller could desire.
Itâs a stark contrast to home, without putting you too far out of your comfort zone and the people are some of the kindest and most charismatic in the world. Whether youâre alone or not, the pubs are magnetic and make you feel right at home. Grabbing a pint of Guinness or a meal solo is perfectly OK, and thereâs tons to explore on foot, bike or by car. From the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher to the Jameson Distillery and the iconic Blarney Castle to the intriguing musems, Ireland is full of eye candy.
The island is small enough to explore in entirety without journeying too far, and itâs one of the safest and friendliest places in Europe, making it an ideal country to travel alone.
Australiaâs East Coast
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The highly frequented stretch from Melbourne to Cairns is by far one of the most iconic routes for young solo female travellers, so youâre sure to find plenty of like-minded adventurists.
The safe and straightforward route will treat you to the best sights and experiences Australia has to offer. Youâll find yourself enjoying beach days and brunch in Sydney, hippie vibes in Byron Bay, craziness in Cairns, surfing spots in Surfers Paradise, idyllic settings and sailing feels at the Whitsundays and letâs not forget the bucket list must â snorkelling or diving in the clear corals of The Great Barrier Reef. Mix this in with a vibrant party scene and load of carefree young travellers and The East Coast is sure to please.
Sri Lanka
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If endless beach days bore you but youâre still a self-described sun seeker, Sri Lanka is absolutely the place for you. The predominantly Buddhist country and its residents are friendly and welcoming, which makes this naturally beautiful country the perfect place for solo female travellers to visit. Think gushing waterfalls, dense rainforests, tropical beaches and safari parks – all begging to be explored. Considered by many to be “heaven on Earth”, Sri Lanka is largely friendly to solo travelling gals, but as with any destination, just make sure you observe local customs and traditions. In some parts it might be wise to dress appropriately and conservatively as a sign of respect. You don’t want to be that tourist.
While on the tear-drop-shaped island, make sure to check out the elephants, sloth bears, leopards and crocodiles in Yala National Park, kayak down the Kalu Ganga River, go back in time on a visit to the colonial tea plantations dotted around the central highlands, hike to Adamâs peak and even hit up the year-round surfing scene on the south coast at Ahangama, or the east coast at Arugam Bay.
The entire country offers something exciting and unique. Fortunately, itâs not too big so youâll be able to cover a good chunk in two to three weeks if you make some solid travel plans.