11 Destinations Ideas for Solo Female Travelers
One of the first times I traveled solo was in college, while studying abroad in Malta. I was determined to visit Morocco, but none of my friends wanted to swap their European plans for North Africa. I was about to give up when a friend told me, “Don’t skip a place just because you can’t find someone to go with. Stay in hostels. Couchsurf. Join a tour. You’ll meet people along the way.”
He was right. Even though I went solo, I was rarely alone. I stayed with a Peace Corps Volunteer I met on Couchsurfing, shared tea with two Moroccan students I met when they approached me to ask what “funky” meant, caught a ride to the coast with a German motorcyclist, and joined a tour group into the Sahara.
Related: Get Inspired for Your Next Trip with Lonely Planet’s New Book, Women Travel Solo
That trip sparked a lifelong love of solo travel—even after I got married and had more friends to travel with. It also taught me that most places can be great for solo female travelers, if you approach them thoughtfully. Most solo female travelers are worried about safety and loneliness but I think you can mitigate both if you choose your neighborhood wisely. Book a tour or a group activity. Pick a hotel with social spaces and helpful staff over an Airbnb. Limit your drinking. And above all, trust that if you’d enjoy a place with a friend, you’ll probably love it on your own too.
If you’re looking for solo travel inspiration, here are 11 of my favorite destinations—plus tips to help you plan your own trip with confidence.
1. Todos Santos, Mexico
Best for: solo surf retreats + beach getaways
I first visited Todos Santos, a small town on the southern part of Baja California, on a solo trip several years ago. I’ve been back a couple of times since (this time with friends) and despite some development, I love that it has remained a relaxed and relatively off-the-beaten-path part of Mexico.
Most travelers come here to surf in nearby Cerritos Beach and Pescadero (both are a short drive south of Todos Santos town) or simply relax by the beach. I don’t surf, personally, so other highlights included mountain biking, watching volunteers release baby turtles into the sea at sunset, and hiking Punta Lobos for unobstructed views of the ocean and desert. I also love happy hour at the secret beach bar, The Green Room, and beachside tacos at Barracuda Cantina.
If you’re on your own, I’d recommend staying at Perro Surfero, a hotel and digital nomad hub in town, or Tribu Pescadero / Tribu Todos Santos (two locations), an affordable boutique hotel with pool and occasional yoga retreats. Both are small and fairly social, and cater to a slightly older (re: not backpackers) crowd. However, if you’re looking for a splurge on a fun hotel with a lively pool scene, go for San Cristobal. Even if you don’t stay here, swing by for a drink after hiking nearby Punta Lobos.
TAKE THIS TRIP
Plan your trip with my complete guide to Todos Santos. On the ground, my Google Map List will help you navigate to all of the best spots (complete with helpful notes!) while you’re on the go.
2. Japan
Best for: a mix of urban and outdoor adventures in a very safe country
Japan has a reputation as being one of the safest countries in the world—a common concern among solo travelers—while also being rich in cultural and outdoors activities. Although I’ve only explored Tokyo on my own, the hospitality and ease of travel I’ve experienced throughout the country has showed me that just about anywhere in Japan is a great option for women on their own. Outside of Tokyo, some of my favorite trips in Japan include hiking the Kumano Kodo (I went with my husband but would definitely feel comfortable going alone as an experienced hiker), biking and looking at art in Naoshima, Japan’s “art island”, and hanging out in Okinawa. Whether you’re sticking to the classic, urban-centric journey around the “Golden Triangle” (Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo, and Fuji) or branching out somewhere more far flung, Japan is a welcoming place for intrepid individuals.
TRAVEL TIP
Ben Richards’ website is one of my favorite resources for planning travel to Japan + discovering lesser-known parts of the country. He’s an expat living in Japan and has lots of great intel and inspo.
3. Penang, Malaysia
Best for: A budget-friendly, foodie destination
The region of Penang, and more specifically Georgetown, is known for being the food destination in Malaysia. It’s also super affordable, which meant I could book a really nice hotel, without feeling jipped by the solo travel tax (that is: paying the same hotel room rate for one person as you would for two). For this trip, I stayed at Cheong Fatt Tze (aka The Blue Mansion). It’s not social in the way a hostel would be, but there’s a very inviting bar, on-site restaurant, and a beautiful courtyard where they serve breakfast (included). It was such a cool experience to not just tour the mansion (it’s open to the public) but stay a few nights. Plus, it’s guarded 24/7.
I also joined a food tour with Heritage On a Plate, which served the dual purpose of introducing me to the city’s diverse culinary traditions and some very lovely dinner companions.
TRAVEL TIP
Don’t miss Georgetown’s speakeasy scene and exploring the city’s hidden bars.
4. Singapore
Best for: an urban getaway in a safe, multi-cultural country
Like Japan, Singapore stands out as a really safe country for travelers. However, since English is an official language in Singapore, I found it a lot easier to be social—whether I was making small talk with a bartender or making new friends at the hotel—while traveling here.
I stayed in KeSa House during my solo trip to Singapore and would highly recommend it. They cater well to solo travelers with a good selection of single occupancy rooms (definitely splurge for one with a balcony) and are in a great location for bars, food, and as a jumping off point for seeing other neighborhoods in the city-state. It’s close to several great hawker centers and a metro as well, making it a great base.
But one of my best highlights while hanging out in Singapore on my own? Treating myself to a solo lunch at Michelin-star restaurant Candlenut, which specializes in Peranakan food, a type of cuisine that blends Chinese, Malay, Javanese, South Indian, and other influences and is unique to Singapore and its neighboring countries.
BOOK YOUR HOTEL
Singapore has so many great hotels. In addition to KeSa, I also stayed at ParkRoyal Pickering—the service was excellent, the rooms were spacious and comfortable, but that infinity pool was truly the star.
5. Paris, France
Best for: living la vie Parisienne
Sure, it might be one of the most romantic cities in the world—but I had a blast hanging out in Paris alone for two weeks back in 2023. Like with most major urban centers, it’s multi-dimensional and has enough variety to meet just about anyone’s needs. It’s also a city that invites aimless strolls, pensive lunches with a book in hand, and evenings spent watching live music in cozy bars. Plus, dining out alone seemed to be pretty common—I never felt awkward—and I loved that being on my own meant that I wasn’t immediately perceived as a tourist.
Some of my top solo experiences in Paris included searching for the best croissant, shopping at Merci Merci, wandering Tuileries, and a splurgey seafood lunch at Clamato.
Then again, part of the reason I enjoyed Paris so much won’t apply to everyone: it’s just way easier to practice French when you don’t have a travel partner giving you away. Which is to say, if you’re trying to improve a foreign language, travel somewhere you can practice it… and don’t bring a friend.
6. Alsace, France
Best for: cycling and wine tasting
If you prefer to explore a smaller, quainter side of France, head to the Alsace region, which shares a border, as well as many cultural and culinary traditions, with Germany. It’s also home to several incredibly cute small towns (officially called “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” or, “the most beautiful villages in France”), the most famous of which is probably Colmar. It’s known for its colorful Renaissance buildings but also happens to be a great jumping off point for cycling around the surrounding countryside. I found it very easy to rent an electric bike from self-service rental company, Le Vélo Libre, (tip: they have a map of all their recommended bike routes on the wall, along with QR codes) and spend a day cycling through nearby medieval towns, and tasting my way through the region’s wines.
I spent my solo weekend staying at Hotel Les Haras in Strasbourg (the region’s capital) and loved the location and on-site hammam, which made it perfect for my mid-fall trip. if I were to plan the trip again, I would choose to stay in Colmar instead. La Maison des Têtes comes highly recommended.
7. Malta
Best for: a history-filled Mediterranean getaway
Since I studied abroad for a year in Malta, I’ve spent plenty of time exploring the tiny island nation on my own. I found it really easy to get around (even without a car). Since English is an official language in addition to Maltese, it’s also very easy to make friends and meet people. Though located in the Mediterranean, don’t expect a sandy, beach-filled getaway. Instead, expect to spend your time exploring the many, many historic sites of Malta as well as its dramatic cliffs and landscapes on its sister island, Gozo.
If you only have a short amount of time, post up in Valletta, the capital city. In addition to being a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site and a site worth visiting in its own right, it’s also very central. Staying here will allow you to easily reach all of the country’s main attractions during the day, and walk to some of the country’s best restaurants and bars in the evening.
TAKE THIS TRIP
Check out my more in-depth guides on the best time to go to Malta, where to stay, what to do, and download the Malta Google Map List for instant access to all of my recommendations on your Google Map app.
8. Sonoma, California
Best for: a quick wine-filled getaway
When I'm looking for a quick solo retreat near my home in San Francisco, Sonoma County is my go-to. I'm especially partial to Guerneville, since there are a couple of hotels with great spa programs (Boon hotel + spa, Dawn Ranch, and The Stavrand), a lovely, safe hiking area (Armstrong Woods), and plenty of wine tasting opportunities—which is always a good solo activity choice if you're in the mood for a bit of chatting. Healdsburg is another excellent small town in this area to stay in, though hotels here are typically more expensive and I find it hard to stomach a $500/night room when I’m by myself.
9. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Best for: an activity-filled getaway in a charming small town
One of the things I look for when choosing a solo travel destination is having enough activities to do, that are just as fun without friends. Santa Fe definitely delivered in that regard. Highlights included hiking the popular (re: not alone) Tent Rocks trail at Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument (above), enjoying a spa day and Japanese lunch at Ten Thousand Waves, and immersing in art at Meow Wolf (the OG). On top of that, I found people here to be friendly and helpful (shout out to the man who, totally unprompted, helped me navigate the tightest parking job of my life). On this trip, I stayed at El Rey Court which was affordable and cute. But if I were to do it again, I would absolutely splurge on a stay at Ten Thousand Waves—the property is so tranquil and peaceful.
10. New Orleans, Louisiana
Best for: a party scene where making friends comes easy
Barely 30 minutes after landing in New Orleans, my Uber driver was giving me the whole dang low-down on New Orleans hospitality. “If you see someone, don’t matter if you know them. Say hi!” For this reason—New Orleans’ welcome-all, don’t be shy, join the party kind of attitude—it was downright hard to have a bad time, even alone. Safety was a bit of a concern but, like most places, I dealt with this by staying fairly sober, splurging on rideshares at night, and really paying attention to my hotel location. I stayed at Columns Hotel and loved the maximalist decor and Garden District location. The Chloe is another great, though splurgy option, as is The Pontchartrain Hotel. Just note that all three are purportedly haunted and if that’s too ghosty for a solo trip, I did have a good time at the (not haunted) Hotel Peter and Paul and the (also not haunted) Virgin Hotel.
If you can, I’d highly recommend trying to get a reservation at Mosquito Supper Club. This social, communal-table dinner is both delicious and an excellent situation for solo travelers who are looking for a bit of conviviality.
11. Costa Rica
Best for: exploring a biodiverse corner of the world
If you're looking for a solo trip that combines outdoor adventure, nature, and approachability, Costa Rica is one of the best picks in Latin America. It’s considered one of the region’s safer countries and is easy to navigate—even if you haven’t done much international travel on your own yet.
I lived here for six months after college and have returned several times since, most recently to explore the wild Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park. It’s the kind of place where you can hike through rainforests, spot howler monkeys, and surf Pacific waves—often as part of a tour or group activity, which makes it even easier to meet people on the road. Whether you're trekking through cloud forests or learning to surf on the coast, Costa Rica is just as fun solo as it is with a group.
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