5 tips how to travel safely as a female solo traveler
You've definitely seen the hashtags and stunning photos on social media, but solo female travel extends beyond that. Traveling solo isn’t just a trend. It’s a mindset. It’s that nudge to break out of your routine, chase your curiosity, and experience the world on your own terms. Sure, the freedom is intoxicating. Wake up when you want, wander where your feet take you, skip the itinerary entirely if that’s your vibe. But let’s be honest: safety is probably sitting somewhere in the back of your mind, too.
You’re not alone in that. More and more women are taking the leap, booking that single seat, packing light (or not), and stepping into the unknown. Whether it’s your first solo trip or you're a seasoned solo traveler, we’ve pulled together the top destinations that balance wonder and safety. Plus, a few real-world tips to help you travel smarter, not harder.
1. Carefully selecting your destination
When it comes to solo travel, the destination definitely counts. You want to choose your destination based on its safety, ease of navigation, and welcoming atmosphere. Based on recent data we’ve collected, the following places are among the favorites of solo female travelers.
Italy
Stay aware of your surroundings in busy areas, especially in popular tourist spots photo by Sofia Alberti Manarola, Riomaggiore, Italy
Italy is among the top destinations for female solo travelers. Italy provides a solo-friendly environment with great transportation, rich cultural events, and an inviting attitude for female travelers, from the ancient streets of Rome to the stunning Amalfi Coast. Due to their abundance of attractions and walkability, Florence, Venice, and Milan are also highly recommended.
It’s hard not to fall for Italy. Picture this: charming piazzas buzzing with conversation, museums that feel like time machines, and cafés that practically beg you to sit down and stay awhile. Everything’s set up to make your trip easy: clear tourist routes, trains that actually run on time (imagine that!), and locals who greet you like an old friend. Whether you’re wandering through a street market or savoring a perfect espresso at a neighborhood bar, there’s a quiet kind of magic in how welcome you’ll feel. Solo travel here doesn’t feel lonely it feels like a long-overdue date with yourself. History, style, and seriously good food all in one place? Italy’s got you.
Portugal and Spain
Portugal and Spain are great for solo travelers, but always share your itinerary with someone you trust, Lagos Portugal captured by Daniel Llorente
Because of their relaxed atmosphere, reasonable costs, and established female solo traveler culture, Lisbon and Porto, Portugal, are great places for first-time solo travelers. With their lively cultures, delicious cuisine, and plenty of chances to network with other travelers, Barcelona, Seville, and Madrid in Spain are all equally alluring.
Bustling markets, flamenco performances, rooftop terraces, and scenic plazas offer endless experiences, while a mix of modern amenities and historic charm makes each city feel both exciting and safe. A strong solo travel community and an easy-to-navigate layout help visitors feel at home.
Austria & Czechia
Wiesing, Austria is a stunning solo travel destination, stay safe by checking the weather, planning your route, and sharing your plans photo by Paul Pastourmatzis
If you want to see stunning architecture with a high level of safety Vienna and Prague are the places to be. We’ve found both of these European towns provide reliable transportation, friendly locals, and a diverse cultural experience, making them ideal for solo travelers. Elegant palaces, historic squares, and charming cafés create a picturesque setting, while well-preserved landmarks offer endless opportunities to explore.
Vienna’s efficient public transport system and Prague’s compact, walkable streets make getting around easy. Both cities boast lively arts and music scenes, cozy coffeehouses, and plenty of social spaces where solo travelers can connect with locals and fellow visitors.
Solo adventure in Costa Rica
Drake Bay, through the lens of Filip Mroz is a paradise for solo adventurers, stay safe by informing someone of your plans
Craving something with a bit more edge—some adventure with your sunshine? Costa Rica might just be calling your name. According to what we've seen (and honestly, experienced), it's one of the safest spots in Latin America for solo travelers. Think laid-back surf towns like Santa Teresa, where barefoot mornings turn into sunset beach strolls, and misty cloud forests in Monteverde that feel like something out of a dream. The vibe? Equal parts “welcome home” and “let’s explore.” Locals are famously kind, the tourism game is strong, and if you're into sustainability, you’ll feel right at home; there are eco-lodges, wildlife sanctuaries, farm-to-table, everything. Whether you're zip-lining through treetops or just swinging in a hammock with a fresh coconut, Costa Rica makes going solo feel like the most natural thing in the world.
National parks, wildlife reserves, and adventure sports like zip-lining and surfing. If you are looking for a thrill, or if you’re seeking a more peaceful escape, head to yoga retreats and beachfront cafés. A welcoming atmosphere and a large community of fellow travelers make it easy to feel at home.Read more on why Costa Rica is a top choice
Thailand
Phra nang Cave Beach, captured by Farsai Chaikulngamdee is perfect for solo travelers, stay aware of tides and surroundings for a safe experience
Thinking about heading to Asia solo? Yeah, it can feel a little overwhelming at first. Thailand is easily one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia, which is probably why it attracts such a wide mix of travelers—from seasoned nomads to first-timers with backpacks that still have tags on them.
Chiang Mai’s calm charm, Bangkok’s buzzing energy, and Pattaya’s beachside ease all offer their own flavor of solo-friendly adventure. You’ll find tuk-tuks zipping around, plenty of English signage, and group tours that don’t feel forced. For women traveling alone, it strikes that rare balance: vibrant but not chaotic, adventurous but still grounded.
And the real magic? It’s in the little moments. Wandering through a lantern-lit night market, sipping something spicy and sweet from a street cart, or joining a local cooking class where strangers turn into dinner buddies. The hostel scene’s solid, and co-living spaces make it easy to strike up conversations that turn into travel plans. Add to that a strong digital nomad network and round-the-clock transport options, and you’ve got a place where solo travel doesn’t feel solo at all.
2. Tech-safety: smart tools for solo travelers
Stay safe while traveling solo with offline maps, emergency apps, and location sharing photo by Tamara
Traveling solo doesn’t mean traveling alone, especially with technology on your side. Here are some must-have tools:
Noonlight: A safety timer app that will notify emergency contacts if you do not check in.
What3Words: Allows you to communicate your exact location with emergency services anywhere in the world.
Geosure: To help you decide where to stay and where to avoid, GeoSure offers neighborhood safety ratings.
Google Maps Offline: Download maps before your trip and mark safe zones, embassies, and recommended spots.
Apple AirTags/Tile Trackers: Track your luggage, passport, and valuables.
Digital payments: Minimize carrying cash by using Apple Pay, Google Pay, or prepaid travel cards. Be sure to look up the most common method of payment.
Emergency documents: Store copies of your passport, insurance, and itinerary in the cloud, and carry physical copies in separate locations.
Daytrip app: If you book a ride with Daytrip, using the app you can share your location with friends and family as you travel.
Local emergency numbers: Save the numbers of emergency services of the places you are traveling to, just incase you need them and to give you peace of mind.
3. Local connection strategies
Meeting locals and fellow travelers are some of the best ways to enhance your solo experience. Here’s how to connect safely and meaningfully:
Female-only accommodations: Look for women-only hostels and boutique hotels for a safe and comfortable stay.
Apps for meeting fellow travelers:
Bumble BFF: Connects you with local and fellow female travelers.
Meetup: Find female travel groups, local events, and meet-ups.
Walking tours:
Best time to go? Mornings tend to be safer, with fewer crowds and more structured tours.
4. Smart transportation: how to travel safely between cities
Though public transport is usually cheap, private transfers can be a safer and more convenient option.
Why choose a private car service?
No navigating unfamiliar stations at night
Safe, vetted drivers
Door-to-door service avoids potential scams
Daytrip offers optional sightseeing stops, so that you can safely enjoy more when traveling alone between cities
Other transport safety tips:
Train seat selection: Pick a seat near conductors or in busy carriages.
Airport arrival planning: Arriving alone in a new country can be overwhelming trying to figure out transportation, avoid taxi scams by pre-booking your transfer with Daytrip.
5. The gray woman method: blending in without losing yourself
While confidence is key, blending in strategically can help you stay safe in unfamiliar places. Here’s how:
Don't overshare: While it’s great to meet locals and make new friends while traveling, avoid telling strangers where you are staying. And always make friends and family aware of your location.
Use headphones: Without music, they can create the illusion that you’re occupied while still being aware of your surroundings.
Adopt confident body language: Walk with purpose, maintain a strong posture, and avoid looking lost, these can help avoid unwanted attention. If you are lost, find a nearby cafe or other establishment to ask for directions.
Research local dress codes: Respecting cultural norms helps you blend in, a little research before traveling goes a long way to help mimic what the locals do.
With more women traveling solo than ever before, the travel industry is evolving. But there’s still work to do. From better safety measures to eliminating single supplements, more brands need to prioritize solo female travelers. Until then, knowledge, preparation, and community remain the best tools for an empowering female solo adventure.
Have solo travel tips? Share your story below!
We’d love to hear your experiences and advice! Drop a comment below and share your best solo female travel tips.
