10 amazing DESTINATIONS FOR SOLO female TRAVELERS

Last Updated: 8/19/2018 | August 19th, 2018

Every month, Kristin Addis from Be My travel Muse writes a guest column featuring ideas and recommendations for solo female travelers as I undoubtedly can’t talk expertly on the subject! She’s back this month with an amazing list of destinations for single women traveling!

Traveling solo as woman is a special opportunity to find out exactly who you are in completely new surroundings and without any individual around from your past to influence you. That can be a scary prospect, but the good news is there are plenty of places out there that can make you feel safe and welcome. and when in the ideal place, a solo trip — regardless of how long it is — has the power to benefit you for years or even a lifetime thereafter.

Before I traveled alone – and realized how late it is, I was pretty terrified, mostly because I didn’t think I’d like my own company enough to be solo 24/7. I was thrilled to find that I met new people regularly (something that’s true for solo travelers in general). When on the road, people are social and you’ll regularly be able to make new friends!

While it was possible to feel inspired and thrilled everywhere, a few places in particular stick out as terrific options for women traveling alone. below are 10 solo travel destinations that you probably didn’t expect to be awesome for solo female travelers in particular, whether for their women-oriented services or for their safety, solitude, spirituality, or sociability.

Here are the best solo female travel destinations out there:

1. Moab, Utah

Moab is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. For those all about the camper van life, bouldering, hiking, and kayaking, Moab has it all going on. It’s where you’ll find Canyonlands and Arches national Parks as well as Dead horse state Park. Basically, it’s one of the most stunning areas on earth with a high concentration of extraordinary rock formations and complimentary campsites.

Why it’s terrific for solo female travelers: I easily met people just by hanging around the complimentary campsites, the coffee shops, and while enjoying the sunset over Dead horse point during my solo American Southwest road trip. I tend to find that when a place attracts people because of a common shared interest, especially something outdoorsy, it tends to be social. Moab is a best example of that.

2. Yubeng, China

Yubeng is a remote village in the Chinese Himalayas that can only be reached by foot or mule. during the hike in, I saw Tibetan prayer flags strung from tree to tree, snow softly falling, and animals roaming freely all throughout the town. There are stupas (mound-like structures consisting of relics and used for meditation) everywhere.

Yubeng is serene in a way that much of the rest of China isn’t. The feeling is hard to explain, but it’s felt by all who pass through. If you’re overwhelmed with the rest of China, seek refuge in Yubeng.

Why it’s terrific for solo female travelers: In the big cities, scams typically target young female tourists, but in the Himalayas, you’re a lot more of an esteemed guest. The friendly people of Yubeng are so relaxed, patient, and welcoming, as are the younger tourists who flock there, typically with some English-language ability and curiosity about foreign visitors.

As a solo traveler, I was anxious that I would be completely going this one alone, but I was shocked and thrilled to find that young and friendly Chinese people take this route too, seeking the same sacred place.

3. Maui, Hawaii

Maui isn’t usually what pertains to mind when a lot of people think of a solo trip, but with all its activities — from surfing and hiking to driving the road to Hana and taking boating and snorkeling excursions — it’s actually a terrific place for those flying solo.

With its regularly changing microclimates, the stunning island has pockets of sandy sunset beaches, sprawling resorts, quaint little camping spots, and hikes through the valley.

Why it’s terrific for solo female travelers: The amazing thing about Maui is that it feels like a different country than the States, what with the tropical weather and Hawaiian culture, but you don’t need a passport, an RTW flight, or to learn a different language to take pleasure in it. Plus, there are female-focused activities — like the Maui Surfer girls camp, created specifically for solo female travelers who are trying to find a supportive group of women to take up a new sport with. It’s an experience that is both empowering and fun!

4. El Chaltén, Argentina

If you love nature, there’s nearly no better spot in the world to take pleasure in it fully than in Patagonia. much of the region can be quite remote, but El Chaltén is Argentina’s trekking capital, and as such there are plenty of hostels there, and the whole town is absolutely chilled out. It also draws plenty of solo travelers who are open and delighted to meet others to share the trails with, some of whom I met and hiked with when I was there (albeit not solo myself), and we left as new friends.

Why it’s terrific for solo female travelers: With its constant catcalls, South America can often feel stressful for solo female travelers, but this trekking town is different. It’s full of nature-loving artists and hippies who are welcoming, as well as hikes that are full enough of people that even if you show up solo, you can easily meet others on the trails. So, you could spend time in town just chilling and relaxing, or you could join glacier hikes, learn how to rock climb, or go on camping excursions, all of which accommodate solo travelers.

5. Iceland

It hit me as I was staring up at the northern Lights in Iceland, enjoying them swirl and snake across the sky in flashes of green, that this has got to be, hands-down, one of the most special and drop-dead stunning places on this planet, with its black sand beaches, icy fjords, and those huggable, famous ponies. Where else can you see the northern lights, geysers, and extraordinary land formations all in one spot? I saw so lots of waterfalls, during my ring road adventure I stopped counting and even paying attention. That’s how abundant the natural appeal is!

Why it’s terrific for solo female travelers: Iceland is the safest country in the world. Seriously, people leave their automobiles running, with the keys inside, when they go grocery shopping. That’s how high the level of depend on between people is! Plus, the capital draws so lots of solo travelers on layovers from the us that it won’t be hard to meet someone amazing at your hostel to split a automobile rental with for a day trip like the golden Circle or even a longer journey like the ring Road.

6. Ylläs, Finland

When thinking about an escape, heading to the Arctic during the wintertime was not exactly at the top of my list, but after experiencing how amazing the Arctic could be in Iceland, I went for it: Lapland, Finland, in January.

I found that when the weather is so cold that it drops to 30° below freezing, the air becomes exceptionally crisp. Also, that far north, the sun barely sits on the horizon during the short time that it’s out, creating an unusual combination sunrise/sunset.

Why it’s terrific for solo female travelers: The locals are so darn amiable that you’re sure to make a few friends, especially if you head to the female-owned-and-run Aurora Estate, where the owners can help you plan some amazing excursions snowmobiling and snowshoeing. The region is also home to the only ski slopes in the country, which tend to draw solo travelers. Head to an after-ski bar, join a husky safari, or speak to the locals in Snowman world (ice bar and restaurant). who knows? You might catch the northern Lights, too!

7. big Sur, California

I call California home, but for some reason it took me until I was 29 to finally check out big Sur — and I couldn’t believe what I had been missing: the rocky coastline, whales breaching in the distance, dolphins just about whenever I looked at the horizon, and waterfalls in the state parks. It’s no wonder that the central coast has long enchanted actors, poets, and writers (just crack open any book by Jack Kerouac and you’re bound to read at least a little bit about coastal California, particularly big Sur).

Why it’s terrific for solo female travelers: Camping in big Sur is the best opportunity to meet others because campers are friendly. chances are good you can make a friend at the very next camping spot, especially if you offer them a locally-brewed beer. The hustle and bustle of Los Angeles turns some visitors off, so if what you’re seeking is some extraordinary nature, just head five hours north and you’ll be in paradise. how can you stare up at a redwood tree (some of the largest and oldest trees in the world) and not feel moved?

8. The Nusa Islands, Indonesia

The Nusa islands off the coast of Bali in Indonesia are exactly what you’re trying to find if you want the appeal of Balinese culture but wish it came without the crowds. Made up of three islands, namely Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida, and Nusa Ceningan, They are what people say Bali was like 30 years ago.
Think stunning beaches with half the crowd of Bali’s, opportunities to swim with manta rays and staying in a real treehouse, viewpoints that require some footwork but absolutely worthy, and the bluest water you can imagine. It’s a charming place to spend a few nights on and have a great taste of how Bali used to be.
Why it’s terrific for solo female travelers: a lot of couples traveling in this area select Bali, so chances of you sitting awkwardly next to a loving couple on a sensational beach is much lesser on the Nusa Islands. While some roads are in better condition than the other, they are all terrific for a full day of solo expedition on a bike. You are likely to end up in the same spots with other solo travelers, so meeting others is also very easy.

9. Sossusvlei, Namibia

Itmight seem like a barren desert isn’t the place to take pleasure in by yourself, but I have found it to be quite the opposite. That kind of space to think and feel can really be extraordinary for personal development. Plus, in Namibia, it’s warm and dry, so the sky is absolutely extraordinary for stargazing.

Climbing up and around Dune 45 at sunrise was a stunning experience for me. After everyone else descended, I stayed up top to explore a bit a lot more — and I had the whole view to myself. Can you think of sitting in one of nature’s greatest sandboxes and having it feel like it’s all yours? My inner six-year-old rejoiced.

Why it’s terrific for solo female travelers: Namibia is adventurous and social without feeling dangerous. all of the backpackers and camping accommodations have pools and other common areas, which makes it easy to meet others if you’re solo. It’s also a stunning destination in Africa that isn’t crowded and chaotic and is a lot more about the peace and space than anything else. In a country of only two million people, your greatest worry is the scorpions (for real, though — enjoy out for those!).

You can also join a excursion or safari and meet plenty of other solo travelers. It’s what I did, and I loved it!

10. Berlin, Germany

How did a big city make this list? Well, Berlin is not just any city; it’s full of artists and has been for the past 30 or so years. It’s hard not to feel inspired in a place where so lots of people make their living by creating and honoring their passions. This is why I’ve also made it my home base and became a citizen of Germany. I just couldn’t be without this funky place for too long!

Though it’s the capital, Berlin doesn’t feel crowded because it is so spread out. and with so lots of big parks in just about every neighborhood, peace and quiet is easy to come by.

Why it’s terrific for solo female travelers: Berlin draws lots of solo travelers, and it’s easy to meet others. It’s also a socially progressive city with a low violent crime rate that’s basic to navigate and easy to love. Take a street art excursion and combine everything at once! There are also tons of expats, so check out a Meetup.com group or a Couchsurfing event to get a mix of visitors and those who are a lot more familiar with the city.

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While solo traveling and soul-searching don’t lend themselves to a one-size-fits-all approach, normally the places that draw solo travelers are the ones that are the most interesting and unique, supply opportunities to take pleasure in nature and connect with others (and with yourself). regardless of which place you’re targeting in the world, with these best places for women to travel alone covering just about every continent and style of travel, you can find a place that suits your needs!
Kristin Addis is a solo female travel expert who inspires women to travel the world in an authentic and adventurous way. A former investment banker who sold all of her valuables and left California in 2012, Kristin has solo traveled the world for over four years, covering every continent (except for Antarctica, but it’s on her list). There’s nearly nothing she won’t try and nearly nowhere she won’t explore. You can find a lot more of her musings at Be My travel Muse or on Instagram and Facebook.
 

Book Your Trip: Logistical ideas and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a low-cost flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches web sites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the least expensive rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t forget travel Insurance
Travel insurance will secure you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s detailed protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it lots of times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

SafetyWing (best for everyone)

Insure My trip (for tho