10 First Time Solo Female Travel Destinations

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There is no better time than now to plan your first trip aboard including the bucket list of places you want to visit. So to make your search easier, I am sharing the 10 safest first time solo female travel destinations.

First time travel can be nerve-racking but as a solo female traveller, you already also know if you wait for other people to join you, that could be forever and no one should have to wait forever to be on that hammock by the Ocean! So we don’t wait for other people to travel. We just book that ticket and off we go.

Some may call it singles holidays, single traveller holidays, holidays for single people, just you holidays, holidays for one or solo friendly holidays. Have you rolled your eyes when people gasp, shocked in horror look at you weirdly when you announce you are a solo woman traveller or travelling on your own? I get you, my fellow female travellers, it’s not like we are walking to New York City from Sydney! I know just like me, you spend a lot of time thinking, planning, researching and finally making it happen.

In saying that, it is imperative to understand safety concerns (all of my recommendations below passed the safety standard for travelling at the time of writing), find cheap flights, reasonable accommodation and a travel plan with affordable insurance. Solo travel as a woman can be challenging but with the right attitude, some savings and good planning it can be done smoothly.

With 4 years of solo travelling 47 countries and 5 continents under my belt, it is fair to say I am all about travel, especially women’s travel, female travel destinations and sharing travel tips. Travelling alone has become somewhat of second nature now. But in case, you prefer to travel with plus one, there are tons of solo female travellers groups and solo female travel networks online also.

10 Best places to travel for the first time

Now before we start the best places to travel alone females.

Here are 7 travel tips for first time solo female travellers

1. Always make a copy of your passport and keep it in your luggage or day bag
2. Don’t walk on your own at night in poorly lit places or on empty beaches
3. If you can wear a money belt that fits under your clothes
4. Don’t carry a lot of camera equipment – especially in major cities
5. Beware of thieves posing as police officers
6. Don’t carry too much cash with you. Probably a good idea to bring half of it with you and leave half in the locked-up bag or deposit box in the hotel
7. Don’t wear flashy jewellery

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Without further ado, below are my highly recommended 10 best countries for solo travel.

1. Explore the beauty of New Zealand

It is safe to say New Zealand is a nature-lovers and thrill seeker’s paradise. Photography, hiking, bungee jumping, sailing, scenic flights, skydiving, dolphin watching, fishing, camping, a river cruise or just relaxing. Whatever you are there to do, you really can’t go wrong.

The background sounds of wildlife, ferries or just a quietness of nature offer such a striking landscape which is so picturesque. It really is serene!

The best way to experience the peace, beauty, and tranquillity of New Zealand is to see it for yourself. Whether you are in a small car, bus, train, ship or cruising at your own pace and whim, you cannot fail to be amazed and enthralled at the variety of constantly-changing scenery which surrounds you on all sides, and the limitless possibility of visits.

The snow-capped mountains change in appearance with changes in the light and the sunshine. You could spend your day just watching the changing vista and not be bored. It is so beautiful, everywhere you look captivates the senses and provides you with a true appreciation of nature. You could spend a lifetime and so much would remain untouched. Rugged beauty to the max!

And the best thing is NZ is one of the best places for solo travel for women and also the safest places for women to travel alone.

14 most beautiful places in New Zealand North Island

10 most beautiful places in South Island New Zealand

Best Season to visit New Zealand

New Zealand in Summer – December to February. Travelling in summer has the advantage of the best overall weather. Then the Autumn (Fall) is from March to May, Winter is from June to August and New Zealand in Spring falls from September to November.

2. Road trip around Australia

A road trip around Australia is a perfect getaway. Starting from Sydney is common among travellers then heading to either the East coast, west coast or around Northern Territory and a few other off-the-beaten path places. From a few days, weeks to months-long road trips can be experienced with the pristine white sand beaches, cute koala-type wildlife or swimming with the sharks or dolphins by your side! Even if you start your trip solo, you will likely bump into a small group of people from escorted tours and other fellow solo travellers.

Sydney, Australia guide  - everything you need to know from the visa, see, do, stay and more.  

There are many road trips to choose from and almost all of them offer some of the most stunning scenery available on this planet. Flying is quicker but in Australia, it’s certainly true that the journey can be as important as the destination, especially in a land dominated by expansive outback landscapes.

The world-famous Great Ocean Road road trip comes with the little beach gem “Lorne”, a sweet little town like Port Campbell and, as well as the magnificent apostles, the beauty of ‘lesser’ locations like Loch Ard Gorge.

Another road trip featuring stunning places in the east coast of Tassie, from Hobart to the Bay of Fires discovering the amazing short walks–the tallest and widest Australian landscapes. The Coral Coast Drive, Outback Central Arnhem Highway road trip, The Savannah Way, and Journey from Cairns to Cape York are some of the recommended road trips.

With great weather and scenery, Australia is one of the best places in the world to pull a road trip. It is also popular for beach holidays for single travellers as well as married or separated. There are tons of women solo travel in Australia and if you are doing a certain road trip, chances are you will meet the same people again as everybody does the same route.

One of my friends from the northern hemisphere did singles Christmas holidays and absolutely loved the sunny beach days at Christmas. If you can, plan your travels to Australia during the summer. Also, something worth mentioning is because the crime rate is low, it is perfect for first-time solo female travel destinations.

must-see places on the east coast of Australia

most instagrammable places in Sydney

solo travel to Brisbane

Best Season to visit Australia

Australia in Summer – December to February, Autumn (Fall) – March to May
then our winter is from June to August and spring is between September to November like in New Zealand.

3. See/climb the tallest mountain in the world in Nepal

Though still recovering from the earthquake of 2015, Nepal is full of culture, mountains, and optimism. I was impressed with the country’s natural beauty and soaked in the fresh air as I kept on walking towards Everest Base Camp a couple of years ago.

Not only the majestic tallest mountain in the world, but Nepal also boasts the famous Hindu temple- Pashupatinath Temple, Buddhist Monkey Temple aka Swaymabhunath on top of the hill and a Mosque in the middle of the city.

While you are there, eat delicious Nepali food such as Thakali Dal Bhat, street momos, tasty Chowmeins and a sip of Rakshi!

Let me just add, I’ve met travellers who went to Nepal for month-long trekking and they are living there for 10 years now! Some even call Nepal home setting their businesses there and marrying a Nepali.

If you are after one country to spend your holiday in beautiful nature and give back at the same. You can do so in Nepal in many ways. You can either Volunteer in an NGO, teach in a school or participate in social campaigns.

All the travel-related Nepal posts

Also, long shot but if happen to be in Nepal during Valentine's Day and not sure what to do there. I've got you covered

All the Everest Base Camp series

Best Season to visit Nepal

Nepal in Winter – December to February
Nepal in Spring/Summer – March to May (The second-best time to visit and trek; spring brings warm weather and spectacular rhododendron blooms)
Nepal in Monsoon (Rainy) – June to August (The monsoon rains (mostly at night) bring landslides, and clouds often obscure mountain views) low season hence things should be cheaper
Nepal in Autumn (Fall) – September to November (Clear skies and warm days make autumn the peak season)

4. Experience wonderful Indonesia

If you are a fan of offbeat travelling and unusual things to see and do. You would enjoy Indonesia, even though now a very popular tourist destination, would be a great choice for lesser-visited places such as Pantai Parang in Yogyakarta, the spectacular Kalimutu Volcano in the Indonesian island of Flores, Elephant Cave, the temple with an evil face carved out of the big stone at the entrance to welcome the visitors!

I can recommend visiting the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (Mandala Wisata Wenara Wana), three Hindu temples in the heart of the green forest and Pura Taman Saraswati, a Hindu temple devoted to Saraswati Devi, goddess of wisdom. Then comes the most peaceful site and view ever, Tanah Lot, yet another Hindu temple, but it sits on a rock in the Ocean surrounded only by the sea and apparently protected by sea snakes!

Off the beaten path of  “ghost town” of Taman Festival Bali, former themed park in Sanur, and the spooky Necropolis of Trunyan traditional village in Kintamani area where residents instead of cremating the bodies of their dead, lay them on the ground. That’s some dark tourism there for you.

For the change of scenery, there are miles-long beaches as well where the board, free sunbath and hotel service are top notches. It is one of the favourites of female solo travel destinations.

Whatever you are into, Indonesia got something for everybody.

2 weeks Bali itinerary

Top things to do in Yogyakarta

Best Season to visit Indonesia

There are two seasons in Indonesia. The dry season (April to October), and the monsoon season, (November to March) enjoy hot and humid temperatures all year.

5. Visit magical Myanmar

Tourism is only just starting to blossom in this ancient country, so it is still a good time to go and experience everything Myanmar has to offer.

If you love to explore 2000+ centuries-old temples, go on hot air balloons, or see the mountains, lakes, and little resort towns, off the beaten path Myanmar is the place to go.  It can be a cheap holiday for a single person and because it was peaceful, safe and traveller-friendly, it has become one of my favourite solo holidays so far. Hence I recommend it as one of the best countries for first-time solo female travel destinations.

PS: News and media like to exaggerate the situation in Myanmar but I suggest taking that advice with a grain of salt. Do your own research, and be sensible.

I have put together everything you need to know before you go to Myanmar. How to apply for the visa, where to stay, where to eat, the point of interest including how to get from one city to another in Myanmar and also about Bagan, Inle Lake, Kalaw, Yangon and Mandalay.

Master travel guide to Myanmar

Find out best pagoads and temples to see in the city of 2000+ temples in Bagan, Myanmar

Best Season to visit Myanmar

Myanmar has a tropical climate with three seasons. Summer is between March to May when the whole country becomes very hot, particularly the dry zone of the central plains where Bagan and Mandalay often see temperatures in excess of 40°C. Followed by Monsoon/Rainy season from May to October and the cool season between November to February which is also the best time to visit when days are summery and nights are cooler.

6. See Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a surf and yoga paradise, a country full of elephants, beautiful produce and fresh food. They have wildlife biodiversity, incredible sights and cultural heritage also.

Don’t miss riding the Kandy to Ella Train, visiting Nine Arch Bridge in Ella and then hiking the little Adam’s peak.
There is also a day tour that features amazing Horten plains followed by a scenic train ride to Ella. It’s extremely good value considering there is hotel pickup and railway station drop-off, bottled water, English-speaking driver, all in a private vehicle including the train ticket and costs only $41.
It is called From Ella: Horton Plains & Scenic Train Ride Day Tour

Book this tour: From Ella: Horton Plains & Scenic Train Ride Day Tour

Some other must-dos are trekking through a tea plantation in Nuwara Eliya, safari in Kaudulla National Park, sunset at the famous rope swing in Dalawella, surf at Hikkaduwa, hike to the top of Diyaluma Falls, another hike in Riverton, exploring the Markets, seeing the Pidurangala Rock, and Sigiriya Rock.

A road trip along the South Coast also comes highly recommended as well as exploring Colombo City.

Travel convenience is sophisticated with taxis, and organised tours. Language and Ease of Communication is no barrier as most people speak English. Also, the wide assortment of accommodation options says it’s easy to book places on the go. And because of all these good reasons, Sri Lanka is considered one of the safe countries for first-time solo female travel destinations.

Adventure in Srilanka

Best season to visit Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with distinct dry and wet seasons.
Summer/Dry season – December to March (perfect for the west and south coast and hills)
Summer falls between – April/May to September ( good timing for the east coast)
Sri Lanka in south-western monsoon/rain – April/May till September

7. Get inspired by South Africa

South Africa is one of the safest counts for holidays for single travellers over 50, 40, 30 and 20. What I mean is age is not a factor and neither is your marital status.

South Africa is a country of high mountains, open plains and rugged coastlines. There are some of the best vineyards in the world and the opportunities for watching wildlife are second to none. Some of the best things to do in South Africa are cycling all the way from Namibia to Cape Town, driving the entire East Coast from St.Lucia to the Cape of Good, also Cape Town’s table mountain.

Plenty of sunshine, wine, food, scenery and outdoor lifestyle is perfect for your next solo travel destination. It can be a cheap holiday for a single person as the cost is affordable as well. From safaris to caves, marine life to scenery, South Africa has it all!

Best season to visit South Africa

South Africa is a year-round destination due to its varying regional climates and wildlife opportunities.
South Africa in Hot/Dry season – November to February while the best time to visit for whale watching is between July and November.

8. See Costa Rica and its natural beauty

Another solos singles holidays include Costa Rica. Loads of solos holidays brochures advertise Costa Rica as solo travel groups’ favourite destinations. And it is easy to see why.

There are 801 miles of coastline in Costa Rica, more than 300 beaches, serene national parks, volcanoes, waterfalls, rainforests, cloud forests, underground cave systems, hot springs, animal sanctuaries, exquisite diving destinations, and adventure parks, there is always something new and exciting to do.

Some of the must-sees in Costa Rica would be Arenal volcano national park, top waterfall La Fortuna waterfall, La Paz waterfall gardens nature park, Tabacon hot springs, Venado Caves, La Selva biological station and reserve, Del Toro waterfall, Catalinas islands, Cano island biological reserve, Rio Celeste, another national park Poás Volcano national park, and one more Manuel Antonio national park, Rainmaker Aerial walkway, Rio Tárcoles, the mysterious stone spheres, Lankester botanical gardens, Butterfly conservatory, San Lucas island and the national theatre.

Best season to travel to Costa Rica

Costa Rica in Summer/Dry season – Mid- November to April (Best time to visit for sunshine, rainforest and beach but also the most popular and expensive)
Costa Rica in Rainy/green/ Wet season – May to Mid-November

9. Check out Kenya (wildlife and game reserves)

If you have a soft spot for wildlife and Kenya is a great travel destination. If you aren’t too sure about the safety issues, one thing to do is check the news or go to Instagram, explore the page, type in the destination and look up recent photos. Sometimes it helps to understand the current situation from the local people’s posts than the polished news online.

In Kenya, I recommend visiting Maasai Mara (a world-renowned safari park in Kenya), Amboseli National Park, Nairobi, Hell’s Gate National Park, Tsavo East National Park, Fort Jesus, Mombasa, Malindi, Samburu National Reserve, Lake Nakuru, Herders with their cows in Laikipia, Lake Naivasha, Kisumu, Nyeri, Marsabit and the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Lamu, Kenya’s oldest living city.

Again, the safety travel tips apply here but don’t be afraid to explore your boundaries – just be sensible about it.

Best season to travel to Kenya

Kenya in Summer/Dry season – Mid- June to October and Late- December to Mid-March (best time for game viewing)
Kenya in Rainy/green/ Wet season – November – April and May

10. Cruise lines for Solo travellers

Something different in this list of solo traveller holidays is cruising. I want you, my readers to know travelling by cruise is an option and can be as pleasing as travel by an aeroplane, train or bus.

Cruises are also great for solo travellers because it offers a safe environment where you can easily meet new people and visit many places in different destinations without worrying about how or when to get there.

The best thing about it is, that many cruise lines include all your meals, entertainment and some short side trips as well. However, it can be more expensive to go on a luxury cruise than to be a backpacker in Southeast Asia. So, my top tip here is to check out last-minute single-person holiday deals, some solo holiday packages or solo travel companies that cater to solo female travellers.

I used to think cruises are for elders but it is really a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I have included this on this list because there are many countries you can visit safely on a cruise as first-time solo female travel destinations. In saying that how many other solo travellers will be there? On average around half the people, you meet will be travelling solo!

Of course, the number varies from one trip to the next but you can always ask when you make your booking. Some companies also organised a Pre-holiday get-together so you can get to know your fellow travellers ahead of the trip!

Some of the best cruise lines that cater to singles holidays over the 30s and 20s are the Norwegian Cruise Line, P & O, Holland America, Cunard, and Fred. Olsen, Contiki, G Adventurous, and top deck. They also include social single activities like bar crawls, singles meetups and deck parties. Studio cabin for singles and some with no single supplements. (It’s a charge placed on solo travellers who want their own room instead of purchasing a twin share. Norwegian doesn’t charge this on ships with single studio cabins)

Some of the best places to go on a cruise can be the Caribbean, Alaska, the Mediterranean, Hawaii and Australia & New Zealand.

I hope this first-time solo female travel destination gave you some ideas about where to go for your next solo adventures.

Let me know in the comments

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