Solo travel was once considered the domain of men primarily, with most women solo travelers occupying small and specific niches, such as businesswomen or flight attendants.
As cultural expectations have changed over the last few decades, the number of women solo travelers have boomed. These days an estimated 72 percent of American women engage in some level of solo travel. If you’re in that group, keep reading for the top 7 destinations for women solo travelers.
Seattle, Washington
Domestic travel is always a little bit easier than foreign travel simply because you don’t need to bother with getting a passport or securing visas for your stay. Fortunately, plenty of places in the U.S. are great for solo women travelers.
Seattle is near the top of the list. Seattle has a surprisingly small downtown core. That makes hitting big attractions like the Space Needle or the Museum of Pop Culture easy, even on short trips. Plus, there are coffee shops everywhere.
London, England
For someone yearning to escape the borders of the U.S. without giving up the convenience of English, London is a great destination. The sprawling capital of England is home to countless attractions and museums, such as the London Bridge, the Tower of London, the National Gallery, and Trafalgar Square.
Las Vegas, Nevada
If you like a bit more glitz with your trip, Las Vegas is always a great stop. While best known for its casinos, Las Vegas is also home to many stages shows you can take in. Beyond that, you can visit the Mob Museum or take a nature break at the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. If you really want to treat yourself, you can even book a private jet to Vegas.
Iceland
Iceland is another excellent destination for solo travelers. It’s one of the safest countries in the world and enjoys excellent gender equality. Beyond that, Iceland is home to some extraordinarily beautiful natural vistas.
You can take a pass on urban settings, take day trips, or go hiking to explore nature. If you prefer more creature comforts, you stick with Reykjavik. If you do, make sure to stop by and see the Hallgrimskirkja. It’s the biggest church in the country.
Austin, Texas
Most people don’t think of Texas as a tourist destination, but Austin is something special. After all, it’s a city with the slogan, “Keep Austin Weird.” While you probably want to avoid going during South by Southwest when the city’s population soars, the rest of the year is a safe bet.
There is a thriving nightlife scene with plenty of live music. You can get serious about your love of BBQ at restaurants across the city. If you’re interested in nature, swing by the Congress Avenue Bridge to see the bats.
Salzburg, Austria
When people think of fairy tale settings, Salzburg comes as close to that vision in reality. The city is also very friendly to pedestrians and bicyclists. It has around 100 miles of designated bike paths cutting back and forth through the city. Make sure you visit Nonnberg Abbey or head over to the Augustiner-Bräu Biergarten.
Washington, D.C
At some point in their life, every American should make a secular pilgrimage to the nation’s capital. While the city has its share of crime, it’s also a city that is surprisingly easy to navigate. While there, you can visit some famous monuments, such as the Lincoln Memorial. It’s also an ideal opportunity to visit some of the nation’s most famous museums, such as the Smithsonian museums or the National Gallery of Art.
Solo Travel and You
While many women may hesitate to travel solo for very reasonable reasons, many locations in the world lend themselves to female solo travel. You can stick closer to home with domestic destinations like Washington, D.C., Austin, Vegas, and Seattle.
If you want a taste of European culture, you can visit London and get a taste of British culture or head off to Salzburg to see how the Austrians do things. If safety is top of mind for you, Iceland is the way to go. You can see Reykjavik one day and have a nature adventure the next.