Exploring The World One Hike At A Time With Solo Travel For Women

I will never forget the first time I went out on a trail alone as a solo female traveler. My wish always was to explore the world alone. So, I knew that day would be my turning point. But I did not know it would lead me to a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and adventure I would continue for years and years across continents. And today my goal is to share my experiences about solo travel for women and hopefully inspire you on your own adventures.

Solo Travel For Women Is About Empowering Adventures And Personal Growth

As of today, I have explored so many incredible destinations as a solo female traveler. Every one of those places was unique, but some places were particularly welcoming and inspiring, the best solo travel for women locations. I will tell you about them first. So, get ready to explore the best countries for solo woman travel.

New Zealand

Both New Zealand’s South and North Islands are gorgeous and iconic. The country stands up to its reputation of safety, friendly locals, and stunning natural beauty in one destination. That is why so many women solo travelers travel to New Zealand every year. Some weeks I spent all my time enjoying nature activities. Because there are tons of natural activities you can do here. I hiked through Fiordland National Park, kayaked in Abel Tasman, and even stargazed at Lake Tekapo.

Japan

Japan is the best solo travel for women that guarantees safety day and night. There are so many reasons why I loved traveling to Japan. The public transportation was efficient, there was a very low crime rate, and the country’s culture is very respectful. For an Asian country, I was surprised to see innovative technology in Tokyo. I remember how I spent hours in themed cafés and unique museums in Osaka and Tokyo. Not only that, but I also fell in love with Kyoto’s temples and gardens. They were so beautiful to explore. I also dined alone most of the time during my stay there. Although some travelers are afraid to do that, I can assure you it is completely normal. Still, do not forget to try tasty food at all-female kaiseki restaurants in Tokyo. There are even female-only carriages and women’s hotels you can try.

Iceland

I had a wonderful experience in Iceland as a solo women traveler. Not only me, but even the vision of humanity says Iceland is the safest country in the world. The Ring Road drive gave me so many memories of Iceland. I could enjoy well-known waterfalls, black sand beaches, and even glaciers along the way. It is so peaceful here that even if I leave my car running while I am grocery shopping, no one would steal it. And I love Iceland’s strong commitment to gender equality. I did not only feel safe during my stay, but I was also always respected everywhere. If you decide to stay at a social hostel in Reykjavik, you can enjoy the beauty of the city and find other adventure partners.

Portugal

I started my mornings in Porto in the Ribeira Riverside district. I remember how I enjoyed coffee in the tiny cafes while watching boats loaded with port wine barrels cruise the Douro River. I spent Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, exploring the steep, narrow Alfama streets. The hidden fado bars there play soulful Portuguese music until dawn. I will never forget the unique experience I had in Sintra. I wandered around Pena Palace gardens alone among the exotic plants and romantic architecture.

Solo Travel For Women Over 50

I will also talk about some amazing women I met in this best places for solo woman traveler article. These women were not scared of their age level. They showed me the power a senior woman traveling alone can have when solo traveling, regardless of the age.

Greece

In Greece, I met Maria. She was a 68-year-old retired professor. Her favorite thing to do here was visiting archaeological sites and museums around the country. She taught me about slow travel and how she developed deeper connections with local communities by spending weeks in one place and more. She also loved to enjoy beaches on the islands of Greece. She said she especially comes between April and October because of it during the warm and sunny climate. 

Laos

In Laos, I met Susan. She was a 72-year-old solo traveler from Australia. Her travel style was unique. She focused on traveling comfortably in calm and peaceful places. And Laos was the best place for that. There are no hordes of tourists or full moon parties. The country is filled with Lao people, orange-robed monks, and ornate Buddhist temples. With fewer crowds. Susan said visiting Luang Prabang in the north was very relaxing. As a senior woman traveling alone, you can take a boat trip on the Mekong. There are small villages to visit further. You can even go for a hike in the charming countryside.

You can grab a meal in Laos for a few bucks at the street markets. Want something fancier? Then check out Tamarind Café in Luang Prabang. Laos food is unique and tasty. You can taste sticky rice, orlam, or chicken skewers wrapped in lemongrass.

Argentina 

Massive Argentina introduced me to Janet. She was a 65-year-old photographer. She had found her passion for landscape photography after retiring. From her, I learned about traveling with a purpose. Jane had carefully researched medical facilities near her destinations when planning her solo travel journey. She loves to visit Argentina during summer in December to March. You can do almost everything here. You can hike around lakes and mountains, go on a boat tour to a glacier, taste wines, and enjoy huge waterfalls. There are even museums and churches you can visit.

Tango culture is very popular in Buenos Aires. If you are a fan, you can catch free performances on the street, buy tickets to shows, or even take a lesson. Janet also kept a flexible schedule, including rest days between adventures. So, she would not miss amazing views of Patagonia, the Lake District, or Iguazú Falls.

Joining Solo Travel Groups For Women

I absolutely cherish my independent adventures. But I cannot talk enough about the rich experience I got from traveling with women’s travel groups. 

Egypt

In Egypt, I joined a women-only desert expedition. It changed my mind about what I knew about female fellowship. Our small group traversed the Sahara by camel and spent nights stargazing in luxury desert camps. We tasted traditional Egyptian food like Ful Medames, Koshari, Ta’amiyya, and my favorite Aish Baladi. We also checked out enormous pyramids and cruised down the Nile. I will never forget that experience. The local female guide we got improved our experience. She gave us unique insights into Egyptian culture and showed us famous restaurants like Abou El Sid, Abou Tarek, and Zööba.

South Africa

The all-women’s trip to wild South Africa showed me how solo travel groups for women share challenges and make lasting friendships. None of us had wildlife travel experience before. But together we learned to hike up Table Mountain, wander through the vineyards in Constantia, and explore the lively cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg. Throughout our journey, we supported each other. We traveled through so many doubts and celebration moments. There is so much to do in wild South Africa. We have dived with great white sharks, went on a Big 5 safari, tried canopy ziplining, and more. Chilling on beautiful Robberg Beach, Kraalbaai, or Camps Bay Beach gave all of us the relaxation we needed.

Tips For Women Traveling Solo

Since I have been traveling solo for years, I have developed intuitions on safety and comfort on the road. I now know that safety is about awareness. So, here are some tips from me to help you go on your solo adventures with confidence.

Research Your Destination

Know the local customs, dress codes, and safety tips of your destination. Visit sites like My Travel Muse and StephMyLife Travel to learn everything you need on solo female travel safety.

Stay Connected

Keep in touch with your family and friends back home. Today we can do it like eating a piece of cake because technology is everywhere around us. We only need to get around it. You can use apps like Find My Friends, Life360, or WhatsApp to share your location with your trusted contacts. You can also maintain a shared digital calendar to keep everyone updated on your plans.

Trust Your Instincts

Do you feel something is off? Then get out of there. Remember, it is better to be safe than sorry. Always trust your gut. Do not worry about being polite if it means staying safe.

Pack Smart

When packing clothes for your solo travel journey, pick ones that match the local culture and the weather. And do not forget to pack essentials like a first-aid kit, medications, and a portable charger. Door stoppers and scarves may seem like little things, but they can be very handy in some situations.

Learn Basic Phrases

When you know a few key phrases in the local language of your destination, you can work out the rest. Learn words like “help,” “thank you,” and “where is…” If you cannot do that, then use a translation app to connect with locals.

Checkout Female-Focused Travel Options.

Today, many companies offer dedicated solo travel female packages. Always check out them; they are led by and designed for women. Here are some of the women-only tours:

• Trafalgar
• G Adventures
• AdventureWomen
• Intrepid Travel’s Women’s Expeditions

Use Technology

Thanks to advanced technology today, you can stay connected even if you are offline. Yes, you can access offline maps like Google Maps and Maps.me to travel unfamiliar streets even when you do not have internet access.

Invest In Quality Equipment

If you have good travel gear, it can make a big difference when discovering the best solo travel destinations for women. Always prepare a lightweight daypack when you hike or explore the cities.

Blend In

If you dress like a local, you can avoid unwanted attention when traveling solo. It also shows you respect their culture. It is a factor that affects your overall experience.

Plan Your Transport

Since we are solo women travelers, we should give more focus on our safety. Staying in well-lit, populated areas and avoiding traveling alone at night only benefits us. Check out what the safest transportation options are before you start your journey every day. And always have a backup plan.

Answers To The Frequently Asked Questions

I will now answer some of the most asked questions about the best solo travel destinations for women.

Where is the best place to travel solo for females?

From my experience, Japan is the safest and most convenient place. There is a low crime rate in the country, efficient public transportation, and locals are very helpful. It is one of the best places for solo woman traveler. I never felt unsafe in Japan, even when I was walking alone at night in Tokyo.

Which Country Is Best For Solo Female Travel?

We just mentioned Japan. So, my other best solo travel for women destination would be New Zealand. It is a safe country. And it has beautiful nature and friendly locals. Since they speak English widely there, it is easy to communicate with the locals.

Is It Okay For A Woman To Travel Alone?

Absolutely. Take me, for example. I have been doing it for years. It is very empowering. As solo travel women, we need to prepare well, be aware of our surroundings, and trust our instincts. I learned so much about myself from solo traveling.

What Is The Safest Country For Solo Female Travellers 2025?

Based on my recent travels and current global conditions, I think Iceland is one of the safest countries for solo female travellers in 2025. There is a low crime rate in Iceland, a high standard of living, and it is very tourist-friendly.

Conclusion

I remember how I started my solo travel journey. I was very nervous the first time. But, today I have transformed into a confident solo traveler. I learned about resilience, self-reliance, and the joyous feeling that comes from following my own path from solo travel.

If you are considering solo travel, my advice is to take that first step. Start your journey with a destination that makes you feel comfortable. Prepare well, and let the magic happen when you travel alone. The world is waiting to welcome you. You cannot get the feeling of freedom to explore it all on your own terms by doing anything else. Remember, solo travel for women is not about being alone. This journey is about choosing your own adventure and writing your own story. The memories you make and the strength you find within yourself throughout your solo travel journey are worth every moment of your first doubts.