According to the U.S. Census, there are 110.6 million unmarried Americans age 18 and older. Of those 110.6 million, approximately 58.8 million (53.2%) are women.
That number is nothing to scoff at. Single women, especially Millennials, are hitting the road by themselves to travel the world.
This force of solo female travelers doesn’t stop with single women. Married women are also traveling alone more, especially if their spouses’ schedules don’t work for a vacation.
There are always safety concerns when traveling alone. That’s why it’s important to select safe countries and cities to visit.
In some cases, cities might be safer for men to visit alone than women.
We’ve compiled a list of best places for women to travel alone to encourage those who’ve been thinking about booking a solo trip to do it!
Why Travel Alone?
There are many compelling reasons to travel alone.
Traveling Alone Builds Confidence
When you’re alone, you must rely on yourself 100% to find your ways, make your connections, and find everything you need. Having the challenge of relying only on yourself and succeeding in new challenges builds tremendous confidence.
Time for Introspection
You can do a little soul searching when you travel by yourself. Without others around, you have tons of time for introspection and learn a lot about yourself.
Travel at Your Own Pace
When you travel alone, you get to dictate how long you stay in one attraction or city. No more feeling bored or rushed.
Change Your Plans in a Snap
Without co-travelers, you will be able to change your plans in a snap. If you fall in love with one stop on your journey, you can book in an extra day and push back your reservations at your other stops.
Meet More Locals
There’s something about traveling by yourself that makes you more inclined to talk to others. Whether it’s on the train, on a bus, or at a bar, you’ll find more confidence to talk to others.
Best Places for Women to Travel Alone
Today, traveling is easier than ever with a highly globalized economy.
People feel more confident traveling alone and have the means to do so.
However, there are still places that aren’t considered entirely safe for solo travelers, especially women. When traveling alone, it’s important to stick to your basic safety rules and always be aware of your surroundings.
While there are far more than seven places where women can confidently travel alone, these are our top picks the best places for women to travel alone.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland has boomed in popularity over the last few years. In 2016, the country hosted nearly 1.8 million foreign visitors. That’s 24.4% growth in visitors from 2010.
Most things in Iceland happen in the nation’s capital, Reykjavik. There, you’ll find the Hallgrimskirkja Church, natural hot springs, great food, amazing nightlife, and more.
You can easily rent a car and travel the Ring Road which provides instant access to Iceland’s almost martian landscapes.
Reykjavik also has an incredibly low crime rate, making it one of the best places for women to travel alone.
Stockholm, Sweden
Sweden, along with the rest of Scandinavia, is a pleasure to visit. They feature amazing cuisine, intuitive public transportation, and nearly everyone speaks English.
Stockholm, in particular, has a beautifully-preserved old town (Gamla Stan), gorgeous architecture, and plenty of public parks.
It’s the perfect place for food lovers.
It also boasts colorful architecture and a rich history.
Melbourne, Australia
Something you probably didn’t know about Melbourne is that it’s been named the most livable city by The Economist 7 years in a row.
It’s one of the best places for women to travel alone thanks to its relatively low crime rate, free tourist tram that goes to most major sites, and friendly people.
If you’re a nature lover, visit the Carlton Gardens.
The Star Observation Wheel is great for those who want a bird’s eye view.
Melbourne features great music and food scenes.
Toronto, Canada
If you’re an art and festival lover, Toronto needs to be on your list.
In the summer, you can catch the Toronto International Film Festival, the Luminato Festival of the Arts, or the Toronto Fringe Festival.
For the finer arts, try the Royal Ontario Museum, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and the Toronto Music Garden.
Toronto is fairly easy to get around. From the airport, you can take public transport, a dedicated train line, or the Toronto Airports Limousine if you’re feeling extra luxurious.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is also growing in popularity as a place to travel alone.
Yoga lovers and those looking to connect with their spiritual sides will love the different yoga opportunities on the island. You can also visit several ancient temples.
For those looking for a strict relaxation getaway, you won’t be short of beaches or resorts in Bali. You can opt for resorts directly on the beach or find secluded accommodation in the mountains.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai is an excellent introduction to Asian culture without needing to throw yourself into huge cities like Bangkok or Hong Kong.
You’ll find plenty of street markets offering everything under the sun to pick through.
Getting around is easy. Many visitors find it easiest to walk and use tuk tuks or public transportation to get to farther out locations.
The city is safe and it’s fairly easy to find English speakers.
It’s a great option for those looking to immerse themselves in a culturally rich destination.
Austin, TX, USA
Austin is quickly growing as a top destination in the U.S. It’s a rich melting pot of food, culture, music, and more.
Thanks to its size, Austin attracts many headlining artists.
It also has a healthy local music scene.
One of the top attractions Austin is known for is its bats. You can hop on a riverboat cruise and watch the bats come out in the evenings and fly across the city.
And, of course, in Texas, you’ll eat plenty of delicious comfort food. Austin has a growing food scene complete with TexMex, BBQ, and Asian-fusion restaurants.
What Are You Waiting For?
There are so many places to see in this amazing world of ours. Don’t let the fear of traveling by yourself hold you back!
Before you travel, consider what types of activities interest you and how far you want to go.
Remember, you don’t need to travel halfway across the world to see something spectacular.
So, grab your suitcase, brush up on some top travel tricks, and go visit some of these best places for women to travel alone!
