Female solo traveller. Credit: Pexels, Katalin Fábián
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, there’s no better time to embrace adventure and independence with female solo travel.
Here’s everything you need to know about travelling alone as a woman, with an emphasis on safety, preparation, and must-visit destinations.
Why female solo travel?
Female solo travel has been gaining popularity among women of all ages, but mostly middle-aged due to their higher disposable income and fewer family obligations. In a report by Outlook Traveller, “women between the ages of 45 and 55 are most likely to travel solo,” with many choosing to join groups or travel independently with other female friends. According to Outlook Traveller’s survey, “45 per cent of respondents wanted to be a ‘mountain explorer’ while 30 per cent opted for ‘beach bliss,’ making these the top choices for solo female adventurers.”
Atlys data from 2024 further supports this trend, stating, “Solo travel accounted for 20.6 per cent of international travel applications in 2024,” with women choosing destinations based on “safety, affordability, and cultural richness,” such as certain parts of Europe and Japan.
What are the top destinations for female solo travellers?
While solo travel is liberating, choosing the right destination is crucial. It’s best to opt for locations known for their safety, inclusivity, and accessibility. Popular choices among solo female travellers include:
- Europe: Portugal, Switzerland, and Scandinavia rank high in safety and public transport ease.
- Southeast Asia: Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan offer rich cultural experiences and are friendly to solo travellers.
Safety tips for solo female travellers
Safety should always be a priority when travelling alone, especially as a woman due to the sad presence of gender-based violence. Tatler Asia suggests these essential precautions:
- Stay connected: Always share your itinerary with friends or family and check in with them regularly.
- Choose accommodation wisely: Opt for well-reviewed hotels or women-only hostels, and keep the local address on you, written in the native language.
- Trust your instincts: If something doesn’t feel right, leave the situation immediately.
- Use reputable transport: Avoid unlicensed taxis and stick to trusted ride-sharing apps or public transport.
- Blend in: Dressing like a local can help you avoid unwanted attention.
How to connect with other female solo travellers
Join local Facebook groups for tips and social events, or perhaps book a women-only tour. Tatler Asia highlights ‘Insight Vacations’ Tours for Women by Women’, which offers curated itineraries designed specifically for solo female travellers, creating a sense of community while exploring destinations. Small group experiences offer a safe and enriching way to sightsee while maintaining independence.
Solo travel is about more than just seeing new places; it’s about self-discovery. Take moments to reflect, whether through journalling, photography, or simply sitting in a café people-watching. Quite often, the art of doing nothing can be very comforting – or as the Italians say: “Dolce far Niente.”
Happy International Women’s Day and happy solo travelling.
