Solo Female? Safety First, Adventure Second: Your Guide to the Best Travel Spots

Solo travel can be unnerving, but also invigorating. Once you decide that you will stop waiting for your friends group to commit to that really awesome trip, and just go at it yourself, a new world of opportunities will immediately open up. You’ll get to meet new, amazing people, you’ll experience new things at your own pace and most importantly, you’ll likely discover so much about yourself along the way.

Of course, with solo travel also comes an added layer of concerns, specially for female travelers, and safety will inevitably be the number one question when choosing a destination. I’ve compiled a short list of some of the safest destinations for female travelers around the world.

Iceland

Iceland is beautiful, rugged, unspoiled and absolutely magical. In the summer, the midnight sun makes it easier to get the most of your day—the almost endless white nights allowing for those extra few miles, or that extra stop at the end of a long day. In the fall and winter, the Northern Lights come out to play but unpredictable weather conditions require loose plans and careful driving. Some of the best moments can be spent in the late evenings, breathing in the cold air while soaking in Iceland's stunning geo-thermal spas after a long day of hiking.

The capital city of Reykjavik will offer a wealth of dining choices and nightlife, but in order to really experience what Iceland has to offer, you’ll want to explore the countryside. The Southern coast is home to some of the country’s most famous attractions, with the East coast being the most rugged, untouched stretch (think awe-inspiring mountain passes and deep fjords). The North is home to vast geothermal activity and Dettifoss (the second most powerful waterfall in Europe). With two weeks, it’s entirely possible to drive the Ring Road and explore some of the major highlights.

Iceland Activities:

• Hot Springs (Sky Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Vök Baths, Myvatn Baths)

• Glacier Hike (available at Skaftafell and Sólheimajökull)

• Puffin Watching in summer months

• Northern Lights in fall/winter months

• Chasing Waterfalls (Goðafoss, Dettifoss, Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Gullfoss are some of the highlights)

Croatia

Croatia hasn’t been a hot travel destination long, but in recent years (I’m looking at you, Game of Thrones), this gem of a country on the Adriatic Sea has been welcoming travelers from all over the world. With its low crime rates, solid tourism infrastructure and plenty of English speakers, Croatia has become a must-see destination for solo female travelers. Here you will find a really balanced mix of culture and adventure, sightseeing and relaxation. From historically-rich walkable cities, to sandy beaches and stunning national parks chockfull of hiking opportunities, you’ll be able to explore as much and as little as you’d like without feeling rushed.

If you have a bit more time, Croatia is also easily coupled with Slovenia for a more nature-oriented trip through the area.

Croatia Activities:

• Plitvice Lakes National Park

• Diocletian’s Palace (in Split)

• Mljet National Park

• Walk Dubrovnik’s Walls

• Pula’s Roman Amphitheater

• Zrmanja River Canyon

• Kick back in Zagreb

Japan

Ranked #13 of the safest countries by the World Economic Forum, Japan should definitely be on your list as a solo female traveler. The small island-country offers an incredible mixture of modern architecture and preserved cultural history that makes for a really rounded experience. The language barrier might be a little bit of a struggle in the countryside, but all major cities have been made more globally accessible since Japan was a host of the 2021 Olympics. Whether you prefer to travel alone, or make friends abroad, Japan is sure to fit your travel style. Transportation is some of the best in the world, and tours are available at all major cities.

Japan Activities:

• Bathe in onsen (hot springs)

• Stay at a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn)

• Maiko Performance (in Kyoto)

• Visit Mt. Fuji

• Go on a food tour

Portugal

If you’re craving rich European history, sandy beaches, sunny weather and mouthwatering cuisine, Portugal should be on your radar. In Lisbon, you will find a thriving nomad scene, rich coffee culture and a ton of cultural monuments. If you only have a few days, Lisbon is the perfect homebase to make day-trips out of. Hop a train to Sintra, visit the beach in Cascais, go see a roman temple in Evora or a Templar Knights town in Tomar. If you’d like to see the North, you can also catch a train to Porto from which you can visit Douro Valley and its endless vineyards, or visit the country’s only national park. Whichever itinerary you pick, Portugal will have something to keep you busy.

Portugal Activities:

• Mosteiro dos Jeronimos

• Castelo de S. Jorge

• Torre de Belem

• Pena Palace

• Quinta da Regaleira

• Convento de Cristo, Tomar

• Tour Duoro Valley

• Walk across Dom Luís I Bridge

Switzerland

If you’re like me, constantly stalking Instagram’s travel feed for the next swoon-worthy destination to add to my bucket-list, then I’m sure you’ve seen photos and reels from Switzerland. Those sweeping landscapes, snow capped peaks and glacial lakes are something out of a painting. A perfect destination in both summer and winter, Switzerland caters especially well to nature lovers. Ski resorts are an experience onto themselves, many offering a ton of activities, world-class cuisine, stunning views and amenities. If your style is to roam, then Switzerland’s rolling valleys, picturesque villages and lakes are a must.

Switzerland Activities:

• Hiking in the Alps

• Explore the medieval town of Gruyères

• Spend a couple of days in Lauterbrunnen

• Take the train to Jungfraujoch

• Visit Oberhofen Castle

Bali, Indonesia

Bali has become wildly popular as of late, and for good reason. Known as the “Island of the Gods,” not only is Bali a sought-after honeymoon destination, it’s a perfect place to explore as a solo female traveler. While the flight(s) to reach Bali can be long, specially if you’re traveling from the United States, the budget-friendly relaxed vibe, golden beaches, thriving culture and insta-worthy landscapes more than make it worth it. Whether your looking for adventure or laid back relaxation, you’ll find it here. There’s caves, waterfalls, vibrant markets, gorgeous temples and water sports just to name a few.

Bali Activities:

• Visit Ulun Danu Temple

• Snorkeling in Amed

• Explore Paddy Fields in Tabanan

• Visit the Monkey Forest

• Hike Mount Batur

• Bathe in the Hot Springs in Ubud

• Visit Lempuyang Temple (Gate to Heaven)

Romania

Romania is another less known travel destination that boasts incredibly quaint medieval cities, and a geographical diverse countryside. While many people will inevitably link Romania to Transylvania and Dracula (guilty!), there is much more to see in this otherwise off-the-beaten-path destination. From ancient churches to towering castles, rolling hills to hairpin drives through the Carpathian Mountains, Romania has something for you, regardless of your style of travel: take a stroll through old Brașov Old Town, or opt for a walking tour in Sighișoara, take in the romanticism and mystique of the lush forests of Transylvania or sail down the Danube River and you’ll soon find out why Romania has become such a hot spot for solo travelers.

Romania Activities:

• Take a walking tour through Bucharest

• Bran Castle

• Peleş Castle

• Corvin Castle

• Sighișoara Citadel

• Drive the Transfagarasan Highway

• Brașov Old Town

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