Have you ever traveled solo? There's something so liberating about it: the feeling of doing whatever you please, whenever you want to, the meaningful connections you make with locals and fellow travelers and the feeling of being at peace with yourself. But traveling solo can be daunting, especially as a woman. Here are our top 5 picks for the novice solo female traveler:
1. Luang Prabang, Laos
You will be charmed upon setting foot in this spiritual city. Bordered by Thailand, Cambodia and China, Laos is sometimes overlooked due to its more popular neighbours, yet it is a country worth visiting. Meander through backstreets, sampling street food whilst chatting with friendly locals. Be sure to wake up before dawn to witness a procession of 200 Buddhist monks line the streets to collect alms. There is plenty to see and do in this UNESCO-listed town. Try a yoga class, or head to the outskirts for a picturesque hike amongst gorgeous waterfalls. Let the magic of Ind-China leave you feeling transformed and more in tune with your spirituality.
2. Reykjavik, Iceland
A cutting-edge European city, Reykjavik is buzzing with its lively music scene and trendy cafes where you can spend hours people-watching. Explore Viking museums and visit the blue lagoon, or join a group tour to trek to the top of a glacier. Be sure to try and catch the spectacular Northern lights. There is plenty to do and lots of interesting people to strike up a conversation with. Safety is of utmost importance, so you don’t have to worry about looking over your shoulder.
3. Wellington, New Zealand
This charming city oozes small-town vibes. Wellington is safe, friendly and picturesque. You can spend hours exploring unique and interesting museums showcasing Maori culture and modern exhibitions. When it’s time for a rest, choose a café or bar along the waterfront and watch the world go by. You’re bound to encounter someone interesting. Take a stroll to the beach, or a hike up to a viewpoint of the city. Be sure to ride on the iconic red cable car and explore different neighbourhoods. You’ll find some pretty gardens along the way. Recharge with excellent food and drink- ranging from Asian to Mexican. There’s nothing you won’t find here! This laid-back city is perfect for anyone traveling solo.
4. Kyoto, Japan
Are you fascinated by temples? Even if you answered, ‘no,’ you will be mesmerised by Kyoto. A safe, clean, charming Japanese city, Kyoto should not be missed. We recommend coinciding your visit with cherry blossom or ‘Hanami’ season, or during autumn which are times when Kyoto is extra-stunning. Explore back alleys of Gion corner where you may spot an elusive geisha, and wander around admiring the unique temples and parks. Stop at a tea house and take part in a tea ceremony where you can try the infamous matcha tea. Be sure to take a train out to Arashiyama bamboo forest where you will feel like you have stepped through time. Bonus of traveling on your own? Taking it all in at your own pace. In the evening, head to a delicious ramen bar and compare notes with fellow travelers.
5. London, UK
You must have heard the age-old adage: “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life…”In this case, replace ‘man’ with ‘woman’ and you have the perfect city to explore solo. You'll never run out of things to do- theatres, museums, art-galleries, historical palaces…the list goes on and on. If you prefer some company, connect with fellow travellers or local groups online with apps like Meetup which will match you with people and events you are interested in. A lot of people who attend solo, so you’ll never feel awkward. Stroll around Hyde Park which is great for people-watching, then onto the banks of the Thames toward the city’s iconic bridges. In the evening, head to a pub for a pint and a chat with the locals.
We hope our list gave you some ideas to start planning your next solo trip. If you prefer joining a small group trip, we can also recommend some trusted companies that operate ethically. Feel free to get in touch if you'd like to hear more. We have many years experience traveling solo and can design an itinerary based on your interests.
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