Best solo trips for women who love adventure

What Makes The Safest Place To Travel Alone As A Woman?

Safety is our top priority when it comes to most things in life, and a solo trip is no exception. For solo female travelers especially, safety is of the utmost consideration when you’re traveling alone and visiting a new destination for the first time.

There are ways to prepare yourself so that you can be aware of your surroundings without having to look over your shoulder. If this is your first solo trip as a woman, then start out with an easy trip so that you can ease right into solo female travel.

There are many factors that go into making easy and safe destinations for solo female travel. While there are many places around the world that are safe for solo travelers, there are a few key factors that make your first solo trip a little easier and safer:

• A majority of the population speaks English. You’ll inherently feel more comfortable when you can communicate with the locals where you’re visiting. If you ever need help, get lost, or need emergency services, the lack of a language barrier will make things easier. Once you get comfortable traveling along in countries that speak your language, you’ll start to feel confident enough to explore other countries. ✈️
• The crime rate is low. If an area isn’t safe for locals, it might not be be safe for tourists — especially female solo travelers. Check out the crime rate of your planned destination before booking your excursion.
• It’s a popular destination among tourists. Destinations are popular for a reason, and you’re more likely to encounter other solo female travelers in frequently visited places. There’s safety in numbers, and seeking other travelers might be something you want for your first solo trip.
• There’s an extensive public transportation system. Being able to hop on a bus, train, subway, or tram will make it easier to get around. You won’t have to rely on taking cabs or taxis by yourself, and you can access the city center easier.

Our 6 Best Solo Trips For Women

Solo female travel is becoming more and more popular as women are finding confidence in traveling solo. 

For the outdoor-lovers, you can find an animal paradise in Ecuador and Uganda. Climb to new heights in Slovenia, Croatia, and Scotland. Brave the cold — and be rewarded with well-deserved, magical sights — in Iceland. 

Galápagos, Ecuador

If you’re looking for an active, nature-filled solo adventure, there are few places to travel to that are better than the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador. On top of being remarkably safe, Ecuador is known for its affordability and jaw-dropping sights.

Want to get up close and personal with tortoises, sea lions, iguanas, penguins, boobies, and even reef sharks? The Galápagos has it all! Jump from island to island and partake in everything from kayaking to relaxing on some black sand beaches.

We love that the Galápagos gives you the opportunity to explore it from above (hiking to the still active Volcano crater, Sierra Negra) and from below (snorkeling the clear waters at Concha Perla). 

You’re unlikely to have a dull — or unsafe — moment here in Ecuador.

More about Ecuador:

• Where to go Kayaking in Galápagos

Reykjavík, Iceland

You know those places where everywhere you turn is a picturesque postcard? Reykjavík, Iceland is one of them. 

Even better, Iceland has been crowned the safest country in the entire world for the 13th year in a row, according to the Global Peace Index.

If you’re prepared to embrace the cold, a winter wonderland in Reykjavík is a trip you’ll never forget. You can’t pass up on ice climbing, chasing a glimpse of the northern lights, or wandering the beautiful small towns. 

Raise your body temperature back up with a dip in any number of Iceland’s natural hot springs, with some great food, or with a cup of coffee (did you know that Icelandic people are the fourth largest consumers of coffee?).  

Iceland will be like no other place you’ll ever visit. If you’re wanting to take your next trip solo, you can rest assured knowing you’ll be safe in Iceland (and bound to meet other solo travelers along the way).

More about Iceland:

• Best Foods in Iceland
• When to Visit Iceland
• Best Iceland Hot Springs
• Ice Climbing in Iceland
• Best Photo Spots in Iceland

Bwindi National Park, Uganda

If Uganda won’t satisfy your need for adventure, we’re not sure what will. Walk among the chimps, track lions and leopards, and observe local gorilla clans. Bwindi National Park is the ultimate animal kingdom. 

On top of all that, consider lacing up your hiking boots or cruising the Kazinga canal (and keep your eyes peeled for hippos). 

Uganda is one of the safest tourist destinations in Africa. Most of the population speaks English and is known for being friendly and welcoming. 

If you’ve ever dreamt of a safari adventure, look no further than Bwindi National Park, Uganda.

More about Uganda:

• Everything Tourists Need to Know About Uganda
• Top Things to do in Uganda
• How to Explore Uganda Wildlife
• Gorilla Watching in Uganda

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana is just as safe as it is difficult to pronounce! The capital city of Slovenia is filled with rich history, winding cobblestone paths, and a dreamy castle atop a hill. 

To truly experience the magic of Slovenia, though, we suggest spending some time in the Alpine valleys and mountain passes. In fact, our favorite is summiting the Julian Alps. Every breathtaking hike needs a refreshing lake, and Lake Bled is another can’t-miss. 

We have equal love for Slovenia’s ability to cater to our sense of adventure, and our need for relaxation. Think wineries, foraging and picnics, lavender farms, and a ​​relaxing raft down the Soča River. It really is a gorgeous country.

Where else can you get the best of both worlds?

More about Slovenia:

• Best Things to do in Slovenia
• Best Slovenia Mountains for Hiking

Istria, Croatia

Spain, Italy, and France are usually at the top of everyone’s list when it comes to dreamy European vacations. But what about Croatia?

You can still live out your Italian dreams in Istria — and at a cheaper price point. Go wine tasting and gawk at the grand architecture of Venetian-style towns. 

With your eyes and stomach satisfied, it’s time to peruse some activities that are sure to get your heart rate up.

You can’t pass up hiking the falls of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Nor can you miss out on sea kayaking to a secluded beach off Split. And in the meantime, soak in the most amazing sunsets over the Adriatic sea.

You’ll be happy to know Croatia is a perfect destination for a solo female traveler. English is widely spoken (more so than the three aforementioned European countries) and it’s affordable.

More about Croatia:

• Best Places to Stay in Croatia
• 6-Day Hiking Itinerary in Croatia
• When to go Hiking in Croatia

Edinburgh, Scotland

Scotland has much more to offer than its whiskey and bagpipes — though we’d never say no to a nice glass of Ballantine’s. 

If you’re up for train rides through the Scottish countryside’s rolling hills, visiting 16th century castle ruins, trekking up mountains, and discovering the rugged coastline, Scotland may just be your dream destination. 

We also love the medieval villages, local pubs, and live music. (And if you travel with us, you can even stay overnight in a castle!) 

Scotland is an extremely inclusive and safe country. You can expect friendly locals, meeting other solo female travelers, and a beautiful backdrop at every turn. 

If Edinburgh wasn’t on your bucket list before, there’s still time to add it!

More about Scotland:

• Best Hiking Trails in Scotland

Solo Travel For Women, According to Explorer Chicks

Explorer Chicks hosts a number of guided adventures that are geared for women only. And don’t let “traveling solo” fool you — you’re sure to make lifelong friends along the way.

“Every Explorer Chicks trip I have done was solo. There’s usually more of us than women who travel with friends!” One of our solo travelers, Megan Marlin said. “Regardless, you’ll quickly bond with all the amazing women as you do fun, hard things.”

Like any new thing, traveling solo can be intimidating at first. But, the payoff is worth it, especially when you have the opportunity to meet other women traveling solo.

Don’t just take it from us — take it from solo traveler Shirley Martinez.

“I have done a lot of solo traveling. Honestly, once you get used to it and realize you can make it whatever you want it to be, it’s AWESOME! I’ve only had great experiences so far and always felt safe traveling along.”

Shirley Martinez

Ready For a Solo Female Travel Adventure?

Take your next solo travel trip with Explorer Chick and meet like-minded solo female travelers. Visit the best destinations and admire them from the highest points with guided hiking tours.