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Solo female travel: Best places to visit

Travelling alone can be a liberating experience for a woman - you have the freedom to go wherever you want, eat whenever you want, see and do what interests you, and avoid what doesn't.  When it comes to solo female travel, negotiation, agreement, or compromise are not required.

Solo female travel: Best places to visit

For a woman, travelling alone can be an empowering experience. You are free to go anywhere you like, eat whenever you like, see and do what interests you, and forgo what doesn't. There is no need for negotiation, agreement, or compromise when it comes to solo female travel.

Solo female travel can be a rush of self-discovery that boosts confidence. Some women, though, are a little afraid to go it alone – often concentrating on prospective difficulties like getting lost, feeling lonely, maintaining their health, preventing harassment, or remaining safe.

It's a fact that solo female travellers will have some difficulties however, this can be reduced with careful planning, street smarts, and respect for the local culture.

Here’s a list of our top countries to visit for solo female travellers.

Thailand

Thailand is widely regarded as one of the best destinations for lone travellers, it is a very tourist-friendly country where tourism accounts for 15% of GDP and where abuse and harassment are uncommon. It is regarded as one of the safest countries for female solo travellers, and the people are well-known for being friendly.

Bangkok is consistently ranked as one of the world's most visited cities, making Thailand one of the most popular countries for single travellers overall. As a result, meeting new people is nearly automatic, ensuring that you are never lonely.

The country's allure does not end there. Thailand is on many people's travel bucket lists because of its beautiful beaches, rich history, and numerous picture-perfect locations made famous by movies and full moon parties.

Croatia

Many people believe that travelling to Croatia is dangerous or difficult because it is located in Eastern Europe. All of this is false, and referring to Croatia as being in Eastern Europe will get you punched. Croatia is a fantastic destination for female travellers travelling alone, in my opinion, because everyone speaks English, there is a ton of travel infrastructure, and the roads are in great shape.

Additionally, Croatians have a more Central European than a Mediterranean mindset, which makes them more ordered and punctual. Island hopping in Croatia is also less expensive than visiting the most well-known Greek islands or the Amalfi Coast in Italy.

Egypt

Ancient Egypt, known as Africa's largest civilization, is one of the most frequently discussed topics when discussing travel and exploration. You will have the opportunity to visit the pyramid relics, explore the Nile River, the world's largest river system, and participate in a variety of fascinating activities.

Travellers also leave with unforgettable memories of Egypt's culture. Traditional Egyptian style, associated with the ancient Egyptian empire, can be seen in this wonderful country. And prepare yourself: you are about to enter the mythic world.

 Egyptian tourism declined following the 2011 revolution, but is it safe to visit Egypt now? Many. Tend to ask the question of whether or not Egypt is safe for solo female travellers. – the general answer is yes if reasonable precautions are taken.

Turkey

Turkey is ideal for first-time solo travellers who have travelled before but have never travelled alone. There is a pervasive hospitality culture here, and locals are almost always eager to assist visitors in experiencing their country.

The main issue in Turkey is that once you leave the heavily touristed areas of Istanbul (such as Sultanahmet), fewer people speak English. That doesn't mean people won't try their hardest to assist you! Anyone you ask will gladly give you directions, even if they have no idea where you are going.

Pickpocketing and stealing are much less common in Turkey than you might expect, both in Istanbul for a city of its size and throughout the country.

China

Is China safe for female solo travellers? For female travellers, China is relatively safe but be prepared for some culture shock. Staring, spitting, shoving in lines, and using a microphone for almost everything can leave you feeling a little overwhelmed, especially in the capital of Beijing. That's why we gave it two out of five stars. Most people are curious, but once you get out of the city, people are friendly and welcoming.

The language barrier can be difficult to overcome. Younger people are more likely than older people to speak English if they are lost or in need of assistance. Look for a high school student when in doubt. Keep an eye on your belongings and exercise caution when venturing out alone at night, just as you would anywhere else.

China is a fascinating country to visit, but if this is your first visit and you are unsure of where to go and what to see in China, you may prefer to take a tour of China instead.

Filed under: Egypt Thailand China
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Tara Jenneker
About the author

Tara Jenneker

Traveller, writer, and part of the Encounters Travel team. Covers destinations, culture, and real stories from the road.

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