Best Destinations for Solo Female Travelers in 2025

Solo travel isn't a trend; it's a movement. More women are packing their bags, buying tickets, and seeing the world their way. In 2025, first-time solo female travellers to the best, most welcoming , and enduring destinations worldwide will have the largest selection. Years of research, conversations with other travellers, and solo explorations of cities and forests have helped me pinpoint my top spots for balancing safety, culture, and adventure. Let's dive in.

Japan ranks near the top of almost every list for solo female travellers, and with good reason. From the neon lights of Tokyo to the tranquil temples of Kyoto, Japan is a country that perfectly balances Asian traditions with the latest technology. I strolled through bustling markets in Osaka, sipped matcha in serene tea houses, and hiked trails in Hokkaido without ever feeling in danger. Japan's efficient public transport—bullet trains and spotless subways—makes independent travel easy.

Safety is a huge plus here. The crime rate is low, and the people in the country are polite and helpful. As someone who travels solo, I relished how often it was to meet fellow explorers in hostels or join group tours on day excursions. You must experience a ryokan (traditional inn) to experience a dose of Japanese hospitality. Just be sure to familiarize yourself with a few basic phrases, such as arigato (thank you) and sumimasen (excuse me)—it goes a long way.

If you crave European charm without the crowds, Portugal is the answer. Lisbon's pastel-painted buildings, Porto's riverside wine lodges and the Algarve's golden cliffs have something for all travellers. I drank vinho verde at local taverns in the evenings and visited cobbled villages — such as Sintra — during the day.

Portugal is cheaper than Europe, and most locals speak English if you visit tourist destinations. There are many friendly locals who you'll find eager to chat with tourists. For singletons, signing up for a surfing lesson in Ericeira or a food tour in Lisbon provides immediate camaraderie. And the nation's small size means you can travel from north to south in just a few hours by train.

Peru is not just for backpackers—it is a solo traveller's dream. The main event, Machu Picchu, is all the more magical when you hike the Inca Trail alone. I joined a guided group trek, becoming friends with others over sunrises seen together at the Sun Gate. Beyond the ruins, cities such as Cusco and Arequipa boast a rich history, colourful markets, and cosy cafes.

For safety, stay on well-beaten paths and don't walk alone at night. It helps to know a few Spanish phrases, but in all tourist areas, many locals speak English. Don't miss the Amazon rainforest lodges or Lake Titicaca's floating islands, which are safe and easy to visit via organized tours.

Albania is a well-kept secret of the Balkans. With its pristine beaches by the Albanian Riviera, rugged mountains in the north, and Ottoman-era towns like Berat, it's a destination where you can roam freely and inexpensively. I trekked the Accursed Mountains, paddled in glassy lakes, and was frequently the only tourist in sight.

Rugged and sincere, the locals take great pride in their culture and are willing to share it. I stayed in guesthouses where hosts taught me to prepare breakfast (savoury pastry) and talked over raki (fruit brandy). Solo female travel is still rare here, and I never felt uncomfortable — just be sure to dress conservatively in rural areas.

Canada is a mecca for outdoor-loving solo travellers. From the food trucks of Vancouver to the European vibes of Quebec City, there is no shortage of experiences. I drove through Banff National Park, spotted elk, soaked in hot springs, and then exchanged hiking boots for Montreal's jazz clubs.

The country is expensive, however, so you must plan for travel days, while public transport in cities is trustworthy. Canadians are notoriously lovely — so don't be surprised if strangers invite you to grab a coffee or attend a hockey game. Winter trips can be magical (skiing in Whistler, for example), but pack layers; temperatures vary widely.

Thailand is still a mainstay for solo travellers. Chaotic Bangkok, placid Chiang Mai, and the turquoise waters of the south provide infinite adventure. I studied Thai cooking, biked in the rice fields, and made the rounds of the islands on longtail boats. Costs are low, so your budget goes a long way—street food meals are only a few dollars.

Thailand is safe overall, but be careful of scams (such as overly friendly strangers) and avoid walking on deserted beaches alone at night. An xxpat community is huge here, so meeting other travellers is easy. If it's your first solo trip, Thailand offers a gentle introduction to how we navigate foreign lands.

Australia is great for a road-tripping, wildlife-loving solo traveller. I drove the Great Ocean Road, snorkelled at the Great Barrier Reef, and visited Sydney's most famous sites. Melbourne has a thriving arts scene, while the Outback offers peaceful nights of stargazing.

Australians are easygoing and friendly. Hostels frequently organize group activities, from surf lessons to barbecues. The only downside? Distances are enormous, and domestic flights add up. Shape your itinerary around "must-sees", and don't skip less touristy places, say Tasmania's wild landscapes.

The Netherlands is more than Amsterdam's canals and tulip fields. I pedalled through villages such as Giethoorn (the "Venice of the North") and marvelled at Rotterdam's modern architecture. With bike-friendly cities, you can explore alone in an eco-conscious way.

It is a very safe country — even at night. People there speak excellent English , and the public transport system works efficiently. Go in spring for all the flowers in bloom or in winter for the cosy markets. And for something completely different, get an old-school houseboat or a windmill-turned-B&B.

Tanzania offers bucket-list experiences for intrepid travellers. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was hard, but getting to the summit at sunrise with many strangers-turned-friends was epic. Wildlife safaris in the Serengeti, spice tours in Zanzibar, and fascinations in their own right also can't be missed.

Book safaris and treks with a reputable tour operator—they take care of logistics and safety. In places like Dar es Salaam, dress conservatively and refrain from walking alone after dark. Tanzanians are proud of their culture and take great joy in sharing it, ideally over a cup of spiced chai.

Finland is magical in winter. I hunted for the Northern Lights in Lapland, stayed in glass igloos and thawed out in saunas. Solo downtime is best spent in Helsinki’s design shops and cafes. The country’s “every person for themselves” mentality means you’ll be free to explore in peace.

Public transport is reliable, and English is widely understood. Go for winter activities such as husky sledging or cross-country skiing—many tours are geared toward solo travellers. Layer up; the Temperature Can Drop Below Zero!

Travelling solo is empowering, but preparation is essential. Familiarize yourself with the customs of your destination—removing shoes in Japanese homes and covering shoulders at religious sites, for example. Post your itinerary on social media." If it feels wrong, trust your instincts and walk away.

Travel light, but remember a portable charger, a reusable water bottle, and a money belt. Learn a handful of phrases in the local language, and don't shy away from solo-friendly hostels or group tours as ways to meet others.

The world is waiting. Whether slurping noodles in Japan or hiking in Peru, travelling alone instils resilience, curiosity, and a sense of joy in everything you can do. So choose a destination, purchase the ticket, and make 2025 the year you let out your adventure, one step at a time.