HOLIDAYS: 14 Solo Travel Destinations for Women to Book Immediately
aurora borealis over skogafoss waterfall and cheerful tourist woman standing in travel famous place on summer in iceland
multicolored vibrant houses along nyhavn harbor on a sunny day, copenhagen, denmark
Denmark is well known for its stunning castles, vibrant towns and villages, as well as famous natural-occurring attractions. The country is also vetted as safe and secure, ranking second on the 2023 Global Peace Index.
GH Staffer Emma Seymour recently traveled to Copenhagen on her own and expressed that the destination was ideal for biking and had a ton of great restaurants and shops. ” I biked everywhere and it was really easy to rent bikes (there are a bunch of bikes just lying around that you can use with an app!),” she said.
“I highly recommend biking through Christiania and eating at the vegan restaurants there. It can feel awkward to embrace going to bars or restaurants alone, but it’s the best way to see a city.”
TIP: Consider staying in a hostel for added security and the opportunity to connect with other travelers. “I stayed at Steel House hostel, which was so fun,” Seymour said. “I had a private room that was small, but perfectly organized. The hostel had a ton of social events too and was very family friendly. It felt super safe.”
Mexico
the mexican flag flies over the zocalo, the main square in mexico city the metropolitan cathedral faces the square, also referred to as constitution square
John Coletti
The key to solo travel in Mexico is to pick cities that are easy to navigate and welcoming to tourists. Fora Advisor Caryn Ruocco suggests Mexico City, Mexico. “The city is safe, especially in neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa and Polanco,” she told Good Housekeeping, noting that “these areas are particularly well-patrolled.” The city is also very walkable and offers an impressive art scene for those looking to immerse themselves in Mexican culture. Another Mexican city solo travelers should add to their list for its warm and fun energy? Sayulita.
TIP: Treat your resort as a home base for your activities and travel. “You should treat yourself to a little R&R at a resort after a solo adventure and end your time with a stop at Susurros de Corazón or Four Seasons Punta Mita to treat yourself to a night in luxury and a visit to the spa,” Ruehl said.
Ireland
cliffs of moher in ireland
It’s hard to beat the beauty of Ireland. The U.S. government notes that the country has a “low rate of violent crime” so traveling on your own should feel secure and comfortable. GH staffer Kaitlyn Phoenix took one of her first solo vacations to the country, noting that it is a must-visit. “The people in Ireland were super welcoming. I was young and trying to save money at the time so mostly stayed at bed and breakfasts, but I splurged for a night in Ballyseede Castle and loved it so much,” Phoenix said.
GH staffer Stephanie Dolgoff also loved how easy it was to get around Dublin on her own.”I stayed at a tiny, cheap little place called Parkway Guesthouse. Very spare but cute and nice and the proprietor was a lovely, helpful guy,” Dolgoff said. “Dublin is a walkable place and I could get most anywhere on foot from there, although it wasn’t directly in one of the trendy neighborhoods.”
Phoenix also noted that Ireland has no shortage of outdoor attractions. “The Cliffs of Moher are a must-see if you’re in Ireland,” she said. “If you’re into nature walks and gardens, the Blarney Castle grounds are nice to explore so it’s not just about kissing the Blarney Stone.”
TIP: If you opt to rent a car in Ireland “keep in mind that in addition to driving on the left side of the road, you’ll have to navigate a lot of one-lane roads (like the Conor Pass) where you have to pull over if another car comes by from the opposite direction,” Phoenix said.
Croatia
aerial drone view of split old town, croatia
Boasting over 1,200 islands, Croatia is the perfect destination for anyone who loves sailing or outdoor water activities. Its coastal cities also feature gorgeous cobblestone streets, adorable cafés and artisan boutiques. If that isn’t enough, the country’s low crime rate also makes it an amazing option for solo travel.
TIP: Game of Thrones fans will want to check out Dubrovnik, where several of the scenes from the series were shot. There are also tons of options for Game of Thrones tours where travelers can visit film sites and learn more about what went on behind the scenes
New Orleans, Louisiana
new orleans, louisiana at jackson square
Believe it or not, the Big Easy has tons to offer solo travelers. Take your pick from jamming to live entertainment on The French Quarter, visiting plenty of historical sites, and indulging in excellent cajun and creole cuisine. Exploring the quarter, filled with live music, is the way to do it. You’ll also want to get tickets to Preservation Hall, which is home to classic New Orleans jazz music. Other notable stops for wandering include the Garden District for home tours, Magazine Street for restaurants and shops, and the Arts + Warehouse District, which features the Ogden Museum for Southern Art and a variety of interesting local galleries on Julia Street.
TIP: Book a dinner at Mosquito Supper Club or Dakar Nola, which both have shared tables. “As a solo diner I’ve always had an interesting evening with my paired dining partners,” Kassuba said
Taiwan
Spring and autumn pavilions, lotus pond, kahosiung
You may come for the hot springs, festivals and breathtaking landscape, but you’ll want to stay for the variety of places to shop and dine. Taiwan’s diverse offerings make it the ideal location for solo exploration.
TIP: Stop by the night markets for affordable and delicious cuisine. Linjiang Street (Tonghua) Night Market has been said by reviewers to have plenty of options, but be sure to have cash on hand as not all vendors will take card
Cambodia
If you’re looking for a destination that is as culturally and spiritually rich as it is beautiful, Cambodia is a great place to go. Your money will also go a long way as one US dollar is equal to about 4,100 Cambodian riel. Some highlights of Cambodia include gorgeous temples, eclectic and diverse cities, relaxing beaches, and luxury hotels.
TIP: Make sure to visit the spectacular temples of Angkor Wat, which Fora Advisor Alexandra Hepworth described as “a sight to behold.”
Washington, DC
The us capitol building with washington monument with us flag in washington, dc united states of america or usa,
If you’re traveling solo for the first time, DC is your ticket to fun. It’s easy to access by train or plane, depending on where you’re coming from and it has an easy-to-navigate public transportation system. Many museums and historical sites are free to enter, so there’s no pressure to stay for hours. That means you can hop from the gemstone exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History to the remarkable collections at the National Portrait Gallery all in one day — and still have time to grab lunch from one of the food trucks near the National Mall. “Be sure to make it over to the Georgetown neighborhood during your trip,” suggested Cicero. “You’ll find wonderful restaurants with many types of cuisine plus cute one-of-a-kind shops and coffee bars. There’s even a cat cafe!”
TIP: Even though the attractions are free, you need to make reservations in advance to enter; it’s easy to do through the websites.
Costa Rica
For a beachside vacation, Costa Rica is just the place to go. Not only does it have clear blue waters, but you can also visit a national park or conservation areas. Costa Rica is also a less expensive alternative to some European cities, but is just as easy to get around.
TIP: Join in on group activities. The town of Santa Teresa “attracts a lot of solo travelers and digital nomads, so it’s easy to meet people,” according to Fora Advisor Ronit Margolis. “It has a vibrant food scene, with plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a meal alone or with new friends. You will feel a strong sense of community as everyone is so friendly.”
