Whether it is by choice or because your schedule does not fit with someone elseÕs, solo travel is indeed a fascinating ride that every female should experience at least once in her life. As far as IÕm concerned, traveling solo is a liberating and eye-opening experience that feeds your passions, promotes self-discovery and stretches your comfort zone. And when you travel solo, you also get the freedom to create your own schedule, relax when you want, and be social whenever you want. To top it all off, traveling solo will let you meet a ton of people as well as forge stronger relations than you would if you were with a travel buddy.
Solo travel isnÕt as dangerous and complicated as most people think. Yes, the world can be quite an intimidating place, but most of it is just media hype. Trust me, the world is teeming with beautiful and safe places to travel alone for females. Want to travel solo, but donÕt know where to go? HereÕs a list of some of the best places to travel alone for females!
1. Rome, Italy
Rome, famed for its inspiring fashion, beautiful people, delicious food and romance, is truly a fabulous destination that will indulge all your five senses. As a female solo traveler, walking around this vibrant Italian city will let you feel empowered and fully present. Not to mention, you may even get a marriage proposal, as you wander around Rome, as a solo traveler.
2. New York City, United States
Looking for amazing places to travel alone in America? Explore the Big AppleÕs outer boroughs and the streets of Manhattan with no arguments over which iconic landmark, cutting-edge gallery and world-famous museum to visit. If you are not as bold as Carrie Bradshaw, and you donÕt like to dine in a restaurant alone, there are tons of gourmet food markets to eat in NYC. You may also go rollerblading in Central Park, take a sightseeing cruise on the Hudson, people watch in Times Square, or browse a Brooklyn flea market.
3. Melbourne, Australia
Headed to the ÒLand Down UnderÓ? Praised for its live music, award-winning food and artistic culture, Melbourne is by far one of the best places to travel alone in Australia for females. Labeled as the cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne dazzles and appeases solo female travelers with verdant gardens, large parks, theatres, galleries, museums, extensive shopping and Victorian-era architecture. As an added plus, Melbourne can serve as a base for exploring other awesome places to visit in Australia as well, such as Philip Island, The Great Ocean Road and Grampians National Park.
Melbourne is also one of the safest places to travel alone for women. As a matter of fact, you can even walk around there at night on your own. In addition, Australia is an English-speaking country, meaning it is easy for solo travelers to get around and navigate in Melbourne. If you ever need help, you may ask anyone walking by, and they will be happy to assist you.
4. Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is one of the safest places to travel alone in the world, for women. As a matter of fact, it is ranked number one on the Global Peace Index, which is a report released by the Institute for Economics and Peace regarding the peacefulness of regions and countries around the world. But, make no mistake about it Ð ReykjavikÕs safeness isnÕt the only reason it has crawled its way on our list of the best places to travel alone for women. It is, after all, the epicenter of life and culture of Icelandic people as well as one of the countryÕs focal points of tourism. Eclectic, laid-back and downright beautiful, Reykjavik is a great base for day trips that display IcelandÕs postcard-perfect attractions, such as the Blue Lagoon and Northern Lights.
5. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam, revered as one of the best places to travel alone in Europe, is a vibrant, friendly and safe city that has a lot to offer to female solo travelers. Known colloquially as the ÒVenice of the NorthÓ, Amsterdam enthralls solo travelers with its gorgeous canals, globally renowned museums, lovely bridges and stunning architecture. Whether you want to party, dive into its culture and history or just enjoy the relaxing feel of an old European city, thereÕs something for every solo travelerÕs taste in the Dutch capital.
6. Guatemala
If youÕre looking for interesting places to travel alone in Central America, look no further than Guatemala and its highly touted Mayan Ruins. Not only does it have a plethora of cultural and historic attractions, but itÕs an inexpensive place to travel as well, which means you can stay there for a while to volunteer or learn Spanish. A playground or thrill-seekers, Guatemala has plenty of adventurous diversions to offer to intrepid travelers, including whitewater rafting, kayaking, and kayaking. Additionally, a visit here gives you an opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the most active volcanoes in Central America.
7. Montreal, Canada
If you want to get a sweet taste of Europe without spending a fortune, Montreal is the place to be. Lauded for its rich culture and history, Montreal appeases female solo travelers with its scenic riverfront Old Port, history museums, grand old French restaurants and old cobblestone streets that are lined beautifully with 17th-century buildings. WhatÕs more, it is home to the Montreal Botanical Gardens as well as dozens of bars and nightclubs.
Canadians are, in general, friendly and charming, making Montreal one of the safest and best places to travel alone in North American. And by the way, did we mention that it is just a few hours away from the iconic and supremely beautiful Niagara Falls?
8. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai, nestled grandly on Northern ThailandÕs foothills, is one of the top and most picturesque places to travel alone in Asia for ladies. Surrounded by a lush countryside and mountains, Chiang Mai is much safer, quieter and greener than its capital Ð Bangkok Ð and has a significant expatriate population as well as a cosmopolitan air. Fittingly nicknamed as the Òrose of the northÓ, Chiang Mai is a historically and culturally interesting city, with over 300 Buddhist temples and array of vegetarian dishes and yoga styles to offer.
9. Bali, Indonesia
Relaxing beaches, temples as well as inexpensive accommodations and food are just some of the top reasons why Bali is often deemed one of the ultimate places to travel alone for females. With an amazing backpacking culture for young folks, budget-conscious female travelers will always someone cool to hang out with in Bali. And with all those striking beaches, you bet there are quite a few marvelous resorts for a little bit of luxury in this tropical haven. You will be so busy unwinding and soaking up the wondrous Balinese culture that youÕll forget that you are traveling alone.
10. British Virgin Islands
Think the Caribbean is just for honeymooners and couples? For a scintillating solo Caribbean escape, make sure to include the supremely beautiful British Virgin Islands to your route planner, as you plan a trip to the West Indies. Billed as natureÕs little secrets, British Virgin Islands has a great nightlife circuit and boasts some well-known beaches that lure flocks of single travelers from all over the world. People there are friendly, and youÕll find it easy to make friends in this warm and lovely Caribbean paradise.
11. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen Ð the capital of Denmark Ð is, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the safest and most intimate places to travel alone in Europe. Known as the coolest kid in the Nordic block, this Danish city beckons female travelers with its nightlife, culture, shopping and beautiful architecture. Moreover, the city is compact and is fairly easy to navigate, even though mixed in its urban scene. In fact, you can explore Copenhagen and experience its grandeur by using only a bicycle.
12. Cuba
Havana Ð the capital of Cuba Ð conjures images of cigars, salsa, 1950s Chevys, and crumbling colonial architecture. But with CubaÕs political scene shifting, private enterprise is being highly encouraged, and smaller businesses are expanding and opening. Now is an awesome time to visit those artisan shops and back street restaurants. Home stays are popular in this country, and this, together with low crime rates, means solo travel is rewarding and safe in Cuba
13. Tulum, Mexico
TulumÕs aquamarine waters and powdery white sands beaches are enough to put anyone into a state of euphoria. Safe, beautiful and a lot more peaceful than the surrounding tourist destinations, Tulum is a tropical getaway that lets solo travelers meet other travelers as well as have a relaxing yoga or beach vacation.
14. Rajasthan, India
Rajasthan is an astonishing introduction to India, for ladies who are traveling solo. Dubbed as the ÒLand of KingsÓ, this wonderland is brimming with historic treasures like palaces and forts. Plus, itÕs quite easy to travel between the major sites of Jaisalmer, Jodphur, Jaipur and Udaipur. Moreover, you will be spoiled for choice for inexpensive and atmospheric places to eat and stay. Spend time on the back of a camel in the desert, and donÕt miss PushjarÕs Camel Fair, which is held in October or November.
15. Costa Rico
Are you an adrenaline-junkie whoÕs looking for thrilling places to travel alone? Then, open your route planner or travel planner, and plan a trip to the Costa Rica. With a multitude of recreational activities, volcanoes and surfing options, Costa Rica is a great place to quench your thirst for adventure. Once stereotyped as an unsafe travel destination, Costa Rica is also full of helpful and warm-hearted locals, making it one of the best places to travel alone for females.