Travelling alone as a woman can be quite intimidating and even scary at times. However, just because you want to explore the world solo, doesn’t mean you need to be alone. There’re plenty of tour operators which offer group tours and holidays exclusively for solo travellers and you don’t need to pay a single supplement. Take a look at our wonderful collection of solo tours here.
Meanwhile, find out which cities made our list of the world’s best (and safest) destinations for female solo travellers.
Kyoto, Japan
With over 4,000 historical monuments such as temples and shrines and the charming streetscape of the old city, Kyoto attracts millions of solo travellers all year around. Wander through the incredible Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, visit the Kinkakuji Temple, participate in an authentic Japanese tea ceremony, visit the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, enjoy a panoramic view of the city at the Kyoto Tower, find peace at the Eikando Zenrinji Temple, experience the Monkey Park Iwatayama, walk down the Philosopher’s Path in Arashiyama. Visit Kyoto in spring to experience its magical cherry blossoms or go in the autumn to marvel at its stunning red-orange-yellow colours which dominate the cityscape.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali manages to be an adventurer seeker’s paradise, a spiritual sanctuary, a female solo travellers getaway, a food lover’s paradise and a surfer’s oasis all at once. The locals’ warm and welcoming culture and connection to their rich traditional and religious heritage are complemented by landscapes that include rocky coastal cliffs, coral reefs within aquamarine oceans, steep volcanic mountains and emerald-green rice paddy fields. Once there visit the idyllic Gili Islands, explore Tnah Lot Temple, marvel at the Tegenungan Waterfall, try the iconic Bali swing, practice some yoga on the beach, learn to surf, taste the Nalu bowls, experience the stunning Tegalalang Rice Terraces, swim in the crystal-clear waters of Dimond beach and feel the vibrant Bali spirit in Ubud.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is the buzzing capital of Portugal, famous for its vibrant life, colourful architecture, street art murals, numerous cafes and restaurants offering authentic food and all that sunshine. Wonder at the Torre de Belém, ride the iconic yellow trams, discover the old Alfama District, take a day trip to the stunning Sintra castle, hike the hills all the way to the St George’s Castle and follow the history steps to the marvellous Monastery of Jeronimos. Visit London’s Oceanarium. The National Museum of Ancient art, experience the city’s urban life in Bairro Alto and then take the cable car over Lisbon’s port which offers stunning views of the coast and the 25 de Abril Bridge.
Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland is often ranked as the world’s safest city and one of the best places to live in, which makes it the perfect destination for female solo travellers. Kayak to a volcanic island, visit the world’s biggest penguin colony exhibit, discover the Maori culture and visit the first island on the planet to be designated as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary. The capital is also home to some of New Zealand’s best museums and cultural institutions such as the Auckland Art Gallery and the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Feeling adventurous? Try bungee jumping from the iconic Sky Tower, go on a day trip to the famous Hobbiton Movie Set (from the Lord of the Rings trilogy), learn to surf or explore the famous Waitomo Glow-worm Caves. And let’s not forget all that New Zealand wine!
Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne is a trendy vibrant metropolis, with an exciting city centre, impressive art scene, lush green parks and home to the world’s best coffee. In order to best experience, its playful spirit simply wander through its many laneways, go on a street art tour, visit the Flinders Street Station and Square or stroll the marvellous botanic gardens. If you like sports, head to the legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground or see a tennis match at the Australian Open. Melbourne is a great destination for all shopping lovers with its numerous commercial streets and markets such as the famous Queen Victoria. To get the best feel of the city, enjoy a relaxing river cruise.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Historic, youthful, raucous and refined, Copenhagen is perfect for female solo travellers seeking history, culture, shopping and unique food scene. Visit the famous world’s oldest theme park Tivoli Gardens, take a photo with the Little Mermaid statue, a symbol of Copenhagen, walk around Stroget Street, discover the New Harbour’s colourful architecture, explore the exquisite Christiansborg Palace, relax in the Botanical Garden and finish your Copenhagen trip with the massive Rosenborg Castle.
Montreal, Canada
Vibrant nightlife, a truly cosmopolitan city and a great cultural city make this Canadian city an ideal destination for every female solo traveller. Marvel at the breath-taking panorama views from Mont-Royal, head on a food tour to experience Montreal’s unique mixture of international cuisine, walk down St. Paul Street to feel the famous European spirit of the Canadian city, explore the many street markets and don’t miss to visit the impressive Basilique Notre-Dame. For the art-lovers, we recommend catching the newest exhibit at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.
Florence, Italy
With its varied selection of museums, galleries, boutiques, and storied sites, Florence, the city of the iconic Medici family, has something for everyone, from contemporary art enthusiasts and passionate foodies to serious shopaholics. Discover the legendary art of Uffizi Gallery, marvel at the masterpiece Duomo of the Florence Cathedral, visit Palazzo Vecchio, cross Ponte Vecchio, explore the vibrant Piazza Della Signoria, visit Palazzo Pitti and the lush Boboli Gardens and don’t forget to enjoy the stunning panoramic views from Piazzale Michelangelo.
Boston, USA
Boston is one of the famous city played a key role in the American Revolution and is home to some of the world’s most prestigious university like Harvard, MIT and Berklee. Visit one of North America’s largest art museums – the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, relax in the beautiful Public Garden, discover the Boston Tea Party Ships & floating Museum, head on one of the many brewery tours, scroll down the charming Beacon Hill neighbourhood and don’t forget the busy Quincy Market. For stunning panorama views head to the Skywalk Observatory or simply wander around the beautiful Bost Harborwalk, especially at night.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Known for its cosmopolitan aura, Buenos Aires is a perfect, safe city for the female solo traveller. With a little under three million residents, Buenos Aires offers great cuisine, colourful architecture, vibrant nightlife, and of course all that tango. Discover the quirky Recoleta Cemetery, taste the authentic Argentinian steak, visit Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, explore San Telmo market, watch a polo match or a football game of the city legends Boca Juniors. See a live performance at Teatro Colon, wander Puerto Madero, visit the Plaza de Mayo and La Casa Rosada, discover the Museum of South American art and don’t leave Buenos Aires without enjoying the numerous sweet delights and the famous empanadas.