a popular destination amongst tourists for its “hippy vibes”.
The world is opening up again and the need to satisfy travel bugs is at its highest. Doing this as a female solo traveller seems to be an efficient route.
It can often feel overwhelming when mapping out a journey. There are many aspects to consider in terms of location, budgets, climates etc.
Although solo travelling in itself is nerve-wracking, there is an additional factor of safety – particularly for the female solo traveller.
Nervertheless, fear has never stopped women from planning out their solo travelling journeys.
According to research conducted by Condor Ferries, 54% of British females are more likely to travel alone than they were five years ago.
This was further supported by research stating that women account for “84% of solo travellers”.
Travel in itself offers the opportunity to gain skills and knowledge about various cultures and lifestyles.
There is something empowering about this activity which seems to drive the female majority.
Jessica Nabongo, a female solo traveller who is on a mission to be the first black woman to visit every nation in the world, spoke of the importance of solo travelling.
“When I’m travelling alone, I’m much more inclined to meet new people and I definitely make deeper connections with people in the countries that I’m visiting.”
DESIblitz presents 10 top destinations for female solo travellers.
San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Solo travellers are often quite wary of South America. However, the continent has a lot to offer in terms of beauty and incredibly diverse terrain.
San Pedro de Atacama has become a popular destination amongst tourists for its “hippy vibes”.
With a mostly warm climate, breathtaking scenery and a mouth-watering selection of local cuisine, it seems like the place to be.
A welcoming community combined with a low violence rate makes San Pedro de Atacama an ideal
location for a female solo traveller.
Key spots to visit: El Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) and El Tatio.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Regarded as one of the “best destinations in Europe”, Amsterdam has plenty to offer for the curious female solo traveller.
It has a great selection of hostels, with many being aimed at women only. This provides the perfect opportunity to meet other women and build travelling friendships.
The city is known for its great public transport links. However, finding central accommodation is a bonus, as everything is within a great walking distance when staying in the centre.
With Amsterdam known for being a “flat city”, there is even the opportunity to rent a bike and tour around.
Walking tours are also a popular choice, and a lot can be learnt about Amsterdam’s interesting history.
With a low crime rate, the city is safe to wander around both day and night. But it is important to be aware of your surroundings.
Key spots to visit: The Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum and Red Light District tours.
Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the world.
With South Korea being well known for its skincare products, what female solo traveller could resist the appeals of its capital?
Seoul welcomes tourism, with information kiosks conveniently placed around for a point of reference.
As South Korea is the birthplace of K-pop, there are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the musical culture by visiting the K-POP Museum.
For the more active female solo travellers, why not bike down the Han River, or hike up the N Seoul
Tower.
Key spots to visit: Changdeokgung Palace, N Seoul Tower and Gwangjang Market.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is a wonderfully structured city that is a great first destination for beginner female solo travellers.
Many Danes speak English very well, meaning that it is very easy to navigate the city alone.
In 2019, Copenhagen was voted Lonely Planet’s ‘Top City to Visit’ and it lives up to the title.
It is an incredibly diverse and entertaining city. It has a lot to offer, meaning it caters for any type of traveller.
Take a boat tour from Nyhavn, one of the most photogenic spots in the city and capture the colourful surroundings.
Or pay a visit to Christiania, an intentional community within the city. But do not take your phone out to take a picture because cameras are prohibited in the area.
Key spots to visit: The Little Mermaid statue, Christiania, Tivoli Gardens and Nyhavn.
Phuket, Thailand
Thailand in itself is an incredibly exciting trip for any solo traveller. The country has a lot to offer in terms of culture and history.
Known for being exceptionally safe, Phuket has risen as a popular destination for independent females who are pining for a new experience.
There is now a range of travel options to also help facilitate the eager female solo traveller.
For the more luxurious traveller, the Aleenta Resorts is a luxury hotel chain. It offers an “authentic travel experience” for the female traveller who is “also wishing to feel secure”.
It can be expensive but you can save money by using one of the many female-only hostels that are situated all over the city.
Phuket is home to the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park, where visitors can feed and bathe the animals on guided tours.
There is a vast range of activities to try, ensuring that there will never be a boring day in Phuket.
Key spots to visit: Bang Tao Beach, Chalong Bay Rum Distillery or even hop over to Phang Nga Bay.
Iceland
Iceland is a great island that is a fantastic destination for active tourists!
Due to the dangers of its terrain, day trips and excursions with professionals are a must.
In her blog Girl about the Globe, Fleur Rollet-Manus referenced the company G Adventures Iceland. They are a budget-friendly tour company, which offers a range of adventure trips throughout the country.
Having used them herself, she described them as “a solo, female-friendly company”, offering up a solid
opportunity to meet fellow travellers in a safe environment.
The crime rate in the country is very low and often appeals as a destination for female solo travellers due to its high regard for gender equality.
The country may offer a lucky sighting of the Northern Lights, or the chance to look out for some whales!
Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most famous attractions, although extremely tourist-ridden, is definitely worth a visit. Feel at one with nature and absorb the minerals from this wonderful natural bath.
Key spots to visit: Blue Lagoon, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Kirkjufell (Church Mountain).
Costa Rica
Being one of the most bio-diverse places in the world, Costa Rica is an absolute must-visit. Its wildlife and incredibly varied environment is definitely something for the most curious.
Costa Rica is a relatively safe place for a female solo traveller, however, it has been advised to take precautions and avoid travelling at night.
Tourists are often advised to stay in reputable hostels within the capital of San José.
There are plenty of exciting activities and places to visit throughout this beautiful country. The only worry is whether there will be sufficient time to accommodate all travel!
Nosara is a great place for yoga or surf enthusiasts. According to The Soloist, it offers up a very “young and global vibe”.
La Fortuna is for the more adventurous tourists, promising alluring scenery, waterfalls and Arenal Volcano National Park, which comprises of two volcanoes.
Lastly, why not take a journey through Monteverde, which is full of lush greenery and wildlife.
Key spots to visit: Nosara, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park and Venado Caves.
Tokyo, Japan
Admired for its futuristic qualities, Tokyo is an extremely exciting city with a great buzz and culture.
An ideal location for those wishing to experience a completely different way of life.
There may be some hesitation towards travelling to the city due to the language barrier. But Tokyo is well built for tourism so it should not be a problem.
Tokyo is generally very safe for female solo travellers, although there is some advice to avoid certain districts when alone.
In spite of this, it should not have a big impact when planning out a successful trip.
The city offers up a diverse array of activities. From the likes of the Yayoi Kusama Museum for art enthusiasts to the tranquillity of the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, there is something for everyone.
Key spots to visit: Shibuya Crossing, Senso-ji and The Imperial Palace.
Málaga, Spain
Málaga is not the first Spanish city you would think of but it is ideal for relaxation, offering a combination of urban and coastal living.
Not only is there plenty to experience in terms of culture but the Andalusians are also some of the most welcoming people.
It is an ideal place for the female solo traveller, with the majority of the city being incredibly safe to walk around at all hours.
Málaga is also generally very cheap to stay and travel and even more so during the off-season.
Nonetheless, being located on the Costa Del Sol, the city sees around 320 days of sun per year.
Take a trip to Picasso’s birthplace in the famous Plaza de la Merced, or examine the architecture in Alcazaba.
Key spots to visit: Castillo de Gibralfaro, the Botanical Gardens and Mercado Central de Atarazanas.
Bali, Indonesia
For many travellers, Bali is one of the top destinations to visit.
Being a popular location for travellers on their gap year, it is clear to see why it draws so much attention.
It offers an enlightening, spiritual experience whilst also catering to those more aligned to the party lifestyle.
With solo travelling being extremely popular in Bali, it is an amazing opportunity to interact with others given the great variety and quality of hostels within the area.
Given its popularity, it is also perfectly safe for the female solo traveller, with plenty of activities available to help you interact and meet others.
Ubud is a great spot as there are plenty of trendy cafes that are generally affordable, and great to sit in whilst planning future journeys.
Visit the beautiful Gunung Kawi Temple, relax on the Nyang Nyang beach or experience the Banyu Wana Amertha waterfall just outside Ubud.
Key spots to visit: Pura Tanah Lot, Mount Batur and Pura Ulun Danu Bratan.
These locations are well-loved among tourists, including female solo travellers.
They offer an extremely enriching experience that will be remembered for years to come.
These destinations offer you the chance to immerse yourself in a variety of cultures and to make friendships.
So whether there is a journey lined up, or one in years to come, consider adding these destinations to your bucket list.
