Best places for solo female travel: honest picks for women travelling alone

How these solo female travel destinations were chosen

This list only includes the 12 countries that have full, regularly checked guides on this site: Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand and Peru. Each pick is based on practical points that matter to women travelling alone, not on rankings, awards or paid placements.

What was considered

• Everyday safety: the usual risks, how common street attention is for women and what official travel advice says.
• Ease of getting around: public transport, ride-hailing apps and how straightforward arrivals are.
• Other travellers: how easy it is to meet people through hostels, tours and classes.
• Accommodation: the choice of hostels with women-only dorms, guesthouses and well-reviewed hotels.
• Budget: approximate daily costs for budget and mid-range travel.
• The experience: culture, food, nature and variety.

How to read the picks

Destinations are grouped by how easy they usually are for a first-time solo woman, not by how good they are. A country described as easier with a group, such as Egypt or Morocco, can be one of the most memorable trips you ever take; it simply rewards more preparation or company. Situations change, so check your own government's travel advice for any country before you book, and again before you leave.

Best places to solo travel as a woman for a first trip

For a first solo trip, the best place is one where transport is simple, accommodation is easy to judge from reviews and you can relax without constant decisions. Three countries stand out among the 12 covered here.

Japan

Japan is widely regarded as one of the safest countries for women travelling alone. Trains are punctual and well signed, eating alone at a counter is completely normal, and many hostels and capsule hotels have women-only floors or dorms. Many big-city lines have women-only carriages at rush hour. What to know: it is one of the more expensive countries on this list, with budget travel from around €60–90 a day, and groping on crowded trains is a known problem, so use the women-only carriages when you can.

Portugal

Portugal is generally considered one of the safer countries in Europe, and it is compact: Lisbon, Sintra, Porto and the Algarve connect easily by train and bus. Social hostels make meeting people simple. What to know: pickpocketing on Lisbon's busy trams and in crowded areas, slippery stone pavements and a powerful Atlantic Ocean.

Spain

Streets in Spain stay busy late into the night, which many women find reassuring, and fast trains link the main cities. Tapas culture makes eating alone easy. What to know: Barcelona has a well-known pickpocketing problem, and summer heat in Andalusia and the interior can be intense.

All three suit women of any age and travel style, from hostels to comfortable hotels, and all have plenty of walking tours, classes and day trips for company.

Countries we recommend

Best with a groupMoroccoMedinas and the Sahara close to Europe; street attention is common, so many women join a group for the desert.Best first tripJapanWidely regarded as one of the safest countries for women alone, with superb transport and women-only carriages on many city lines at rush hour.Easy EuropePortugalGenerally considered one of Europe's safer countries; compact, friendly and easy by train. Watch for pickpockets on Lisbon's trams.Lively eveningsSpainBusy streets late at night and easy tapas dining alone; petty theft in Barcelona is the main issue.Art and foodItalyEasy trains between great cities and plenty of food tours and classes for company; keep bags zipped in crowds.Island hoppingGreeceWelcoming and generally safe, ideal for a slow solo pace; avoid scooters and quads unless experienced and licensed.Best valueVietnamLow costs and a clear north–south route; women usually report feeling safe in tourist areas in the evening.Social and classicThailandA big traveller scene and easy to meet people; care needed on scooters and at party nights.Middle East startJordanGenerally seen as one of the more relaxed countries in the region, with Petra and Wadi Rum; check advice as it can change.Adventure pickPeruA well-travelled route to Machu Picchu with many small-group treks; take altitude seriously.Culture and coastTurkeyIstanbul, Cappadocia and the coast by long-distance bus; know the common Istanbul scams.For confident travellersEgyptUnforgettable sights, but harassment and touting are common; many women prefer a group or guide.

Best solo female travel destinations in Europe

Southern Europe is one of the easiest regions for solo female travel: short distances, good trains, generally low violent crime and a café culture that makes sitting alone feel natural. Alongside Portugal and Spain, two more countries are strong picks.

Italy

Why: art cities such as Rome, Florence and Venice, easy trains between them and food that makes every day memorable. Many women enjoy Italy alone, and cooking classes and food tours are an easy way to meet people. What to know: pickpockets are active in crowded places such as Rome's metro, around Termini station and the Naples station area; some women meet comments or persistent conversation, which a firm no and walking away usually ends; and summer heatwaves can be tiring. Budget travel starts from around €55–80 a day.

Greece

Why: generally considered safe and welcoming, with island-hopping that suits a slow solo pace and history from Athens to the islands. Unwanted attention is usually limited to comments or persistent flirting. What to know: scooter and quad bike accidents are one of the most common causes of injury for visitors on islands, party islands call for care with drinks and getting home, and summer brings heatwaves and wildfire risk. Budget travel is around €45–70 a day.

Which European country first?

Choose Portugal for a relaxed start, Spain for lively evenings, Italy for art and food, and Greece for islands and a slower rhythm. Spring and autumn are usually the most comfortable seasons in all four, with fewer crowds and lower prices than July and August. Many women also combine two countries, such as Spain and Portugal, on a two-week trip.

Best solo travel destinations for women in Asia

Asia offers some of the most rewarding solo travel for women, with well-trodden traveller routes, low costs in many countries and excellent food. Three countries covered here suit different styles.

Japan: the easiest and most organised

Best for a first trip to Asia or for women who value order and calm. Costs are higher than elsewhere in Asia, but transport is outstanding and walking in cities at night generally feels comfortable.

Vietnam: great value and variety

Why: from Hanoi and Ha Long Bay to Hoi An and the Mekong Delta, Vietnam has a well-travelled north–south route with buses, trains and short flights. Women usually report feeling safe walking around in the evening in tourist areas, and budget travel is around €25–40 a day. What to know: traffic is the biggest risk, so avoid renting a motorbike unless you are licensed and experienced, and keep your phone away from the kerb side in Ho Chi Minh City, where bag snatching by thieves on motorbikes happens.

Thailand: classic and social

Why: a long-established traveller scene, islands, temples and food, with plenty of hostels and tours where you meet people quickly. Most women find Thailand comfortable, including at night in busy areas. Budget travel is around €30–45 a day. What to know: scooter accidents, scams around Bangkok's big sights and nightlife such as Full Moon parties are where many problems happen. Weather differs by coast, so check the season for the islands you want.

A popular approach is to start in Thailand or Japan, then continue to Vietnam once you feel comfortable on the road.

Rewarding solo woman travel destinations that are easier with a group

Some of the most memorable destinations involve more street attention, more haggling or harder logistics. Many women travel independently here, but many others find that a small group or a local guide for at least part of the trip makes the experience more relaxing.

Morocco

Why: medinas, mountains and the Sahara, a short flight from much of Europe. What to know: comments, stares and persistent attention happen, particularly in busy medinas; they are usually verbal and fade if ignored. Loose clothing covering shoulders and knees, a confident walk and airport transfers arranged by your riad all help. Many women join a group for the desert and the long drives.

Jordan

Why: Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea, in a country generally seen as one of the more relaxed and stable in the region for visitors. What to know: staring, comments or overly friendly behaviour do occur, and travel advice can change quickly because of the wider region. A group for the desert section is a common choice.

Egypt

Why: the pyramids, the Nile, Luxor and Aswan, plus the Red Sea. What to know: street harassment, mostly comments and staring, is common for women, and persistent touting can be tiring. Government advice warns against some areas, especially North Sinai. Many women enjoy Egypt most with a group or a guide.

Turkey

Why: Istanbul, Cappadocia and the coast, linked by long-distance buses. What to know: scams in Istanbul and persistent approaches in tourist areas; dressing more modestly outside resorts and central Istanbul usually means less attention.

Peru: a South American pick for women travelling solo

Peru is the only South American country covered in depth on this site so far, and it is a strong choice for women who want adventure and culture. Many women travel alone in Peru every year without problems, particularly on the main Lima – Cusco – Arequipa – Puno route.

Why Peru works for solo women

• A well-established traveller route with hostels, guesthouses and plenty of people to meet.
• Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca and the Colca Canyon, plus Lima's well-known food scene.
• Many treks and tours run in small groups, which makes the Andes sociable.
• Budget travel from around €30–45 a day, and mid-range from around €70–130.

What to know

• Altitude: Cusco and Lake Titicaca are high, and altitude sickness can affect anyone regardless of fitness. Take the first days slowly and talk to a doctor before you go.
• Petty theft: pickpocketing and bag snatching happen in busy areas of Lima and Cusco and at bus stations.
• Taxis: use ride-hailing apps, accommodation-booked taxis or official airport taxis rather than unmarked cars, especially at night.
• Disruption: road blockades and protests can affect travel, so keep your plans flexible.

The Andes dry season, roughly May to September, is the usual choice for trekking, with April and October also good. Dress tends to be more conservative in the Andes than on the coast.

Solo female travel destinations by interest

The best destination is often the one that matches what you love doing, because shared interests are also the easiest way to meet people.

Food

• Italy: cooking classes, markets and regional dishes in every town.
• Spain: tapas bars where eating alone at the counter is normal.
• Vietnam and Thailand: street food tours, night markets and cooking schools.
• Peru: ceviche and Lima's restaurants.

Culture and history

• Egypt: pyramids, temples and tombs along the Nile.
• Jordan: Petra and the Roman city of Jerash.
• Greece and Italy: ancient sites, museums and old towns.
• Japan: temples, gardens and traditional inns in Kyoto.

Hiking and nature

• Peru: treks around Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
• Morocco: the High Atlas mountains and the Sahara.
• Portugal: trails on Madeira and the Azores.
• Jordan: Wadi Rum and desert hikes with a local guide.

Beaches and islands

• Greece: island-hopping by ferry.
• Thailand: the Andaman coast and the Gulf islands.
• Portugal: the Algarve.
• Egypt: the Red Sea for snorkelling and diving.

Slow travel

Portugal, Greece and Japan all suit a slower trip with longer stays in fewer places. Whatever your interest, booking a class, tour or group activity on your first day is a good way to start.

Best countries for solo female travel on a budget

Solo travel costs more per person than travelling as a pair, so budget matters. Below are approximate 2026 daily budgets per person taken from the country guides on this site. Low means hostels or simple guesthouses, local food and public transport; mid-range means comfortable hotels, some tours and restaurant meals. These are approximate ranges; check current prices before you go.

• Vietnam: around €25–40 low, €55–100 mid-range.
• Egypt: around €30–45 low, €70–120 mid-range.
• Thailand: around €30–45 low, €65–120 mid-range.
• Peru: around €30–45 low, €70–130 mid-range.
• Morocco: around €35–50 low, €70–120 mid-range.
• Turkey: around €35–55 low, €80–140 mid-range.
• Jordan: around €45–65 low, €90–150 mid-range.
• Portugal: around €45–65 low, €100–160 mid-range.
• Greece: around €45–70 low, €100–170 mid-range.
• Spain: around €50–70 low, €110–170 mid-range.
• Italy: around €55–80 low, €120–190 mid-range.
• Japan: around €60–90 low, €130–220 mid-range.

Budget tips for solo women

Women-only hostel dorms, shoulder-season travel and room-sharing on group trips all reduce the single-person premium. In lower-cost countries, spending a little more on well-reviewed, central accommodation and registered transport is often worth it for comfort and peace of mind. Remember to add flights, insurance and entrance fees, which can be significant at major sites.

When to go: best months for each destination

Timing affects comfort, crowds, prices and even safety: heat, for example, is a real health risk in summer in parts of Southern Europe, Egypt and Jordan. These are the usual best months from each country guide:

• Morocco: March–May and September–November.
• Egypt: October–April.
• Jordan: March–May and September–November.
• Portugal: April–June and September–October.
• Spain: March–June and September–November.
• Italy: April–June and September–October.
• Greece: April–June and September–October.
• Turkey: April–June and September–October.
• Japan: March–May and October–November.
• Vietnam: February–April and September–November, varying from north to south.
• Thailand: November–February for the Andaman coast; January–August for the Gulf islands.
• Peru: May–September in the Andes dry season, with April and October also good.

Where to go in winter

From November to February, Egypt and the Andaman coast of Thailand are among the most comfortable choices on this list. Morocco's cities are usually pleasant by day in winter, though nights can be cold. In Europe, the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are usually the best time for a solo city trip, with fewer crowds than summer.

How to choose the best place to travel solo as a woman

Before you pick a destination, be honest with yourself about the kind of trip you want. These questions help.

• How experienced am I? For a first trip, choose easy transport and familiar comforts. Save the more demanding destinations for later, or go with a group.
• How much company do I want? If you want people around every day, choose places with strong hostel and tour scenes, or book a small-group trip.
• How do I feel about street attention and haggling? If it would spoil your trip, start with Japan, Portugal or Spain, or join a group in Morocco, Egypt or Jordan.
• What is my real budget? Include flights, insurance, the single supplement and an emergency reserve.
• How much time do I have? A week suits Portugal, Jordan or one region of Italy; two weeks or more suits Vietnam, Peru or Japan.
• When can I travel? Match the destination to your dates, not the other way round.

Mix and match

Many women combine styles: a few independent days in an easy city, then a small-group trip for the more challenging part, then a few quiet days at the end. It is a good way to build confidence while still seeing a demanding destination. Whatever you choose, read the latest official travel advice and recent reviews from other women before you commit.

What about the US and other countries?

Many people search for the best places to travel solo female in the US, and there are many other popular destinations in Europe, Asia, Oceania and the Americas. This site does not have full guides for the United States or for those countries yet, so they are not ranked on this page. Leaving them out is not a judgement about them.

Until those guides exist, the same approach works anywhere: read your own government's travel advice for the destination, look at recent reviews from other women travelling alone, choose central and well-reviewed accommodation, plan arrivals in daylight and use registered transport at night. In large countries, also think about distances and how you will get between places before you book, because that shapes your budget and how much time you spend in transit.

New country guides will be added over time. When they are, they will follow the same honest approach as the 12 countries on this page.