4 award-winning female travelers share their favorite solo destinations
By MIA TAYLOR
TravelPulse (TNS) W hile women have been traveling the world on their own for decades (centuries, really), a 2024 report from Booking. com reveals that solo travel is surging this year, in particular.
The booking engine says 54 percent of women are embracing solo journeys.
A separate report from Road Scholar, which offers educational travel for older adults, says up to 85 percent of the company’s tour participants who travel solo are women.
These reports underscore what plenty of female travelers have long known: Solo women travelers are a force to be reckoned with. Write us off at your own peril.
Within the travel industry itself, there are a number of high-profile solo female travelers who are constantly serving up an inspiring look at what it’s like to be a woman exploring the world boldly – doing so with comfort, ease and a level sheer joy that’s contagious.
So rather than publish another staid round-up of locations that might be worth considering if you’re a woman traveling alone, we asked a handful of these fearless, globetrotting women what their favorite places are to explore solo and why.
Consider this your insider’s destination guide, curated by a handful of women who, collectively, have visited nearly every corner of the globe and have done so with abandon.
Carolyn Ray, CEO and editor of JourneyWoman
A passionate advocate for women’s travel and someone who embodies the goal of living the life of your dreams, Ray leads JourneyWoman, a publication and platform dedicated to championing travel for women over 50. In her role as CEO, Ray oversees a team of writers and also chairs the JourneyWoman Women’s Advisory Council, as well as its Women’s Speaker’s Bureau.
A Society of American Travel Writers award winner, Ray is also constantly on the go. A look at her social media feed reveals a vibrant life led as a global citizen, and one who never lets any grass grow under her feet.
So what are Ray’s top recommendations for solo travel? Here’s a brief rundown.
Europe
“Europe is a good springboard for those women new to solo travel because of the welcoming mindset of Europeans,” says Ray.
Two of Ray’s favorite places within Europe are Spain and Italy. While lists of the “safest places” for solo women are routinely published, what they don’t often take into account is the culture of the country, continues Ray. “Traveling is more than just hotels and activities. It is defined by the culture, spirit and essence of the destination and how easy it is to connect with a place through the people who live there.”
Europeans, says Ray, genuinely want to share their countries and culture with others, giving solo women a sense of comfort and security.
Ecuador and Columbia
For more experienced solo women travelers, Ray recommends Ecuador or Colombia.
“In Ecuador, I stayed in the Andes at a small boutique hotel, explored the Amazon River on a riverboat and loved witnessing evolution in the Galapagos,” continues Ray. “In Colombia, I was happily surprised by Medellin’s transformation. Once the world’s most dangerous city, Medellin has mastered the art of accepting its past with grace and moving forward with courage. Much of the change has been driven by women in the community and powerful, honest storytelling in places like Moravia.”
Small towns in Mexico
Before wrapping up her rock star list of suggestions, Ray offers one more suggestion.
“I enjoy smaller towns in Mexico, like Merida, Puerto Escondido or Oaxaca,” adds Ray. “I spent about six months in Mexico in 2022 and found the people incredibly welcoming.”
“Oaxaca, in particular, is such an easy city to navigate by foot and safe for women traveling on their own,” she says. “This winter, I’ll be in La Paz, which is just starting to become known among women travelers.”
Jeanette Ceja, travel journalist and TV host
Jeanette Ceja’s love of travel is infectious, and her sheer enthusiasm for exploring destinations near and far and meeting new people practically leaps from her travel photos.
Ceja is also another travel industry powerhouse. Her resume includes being an award-winning bilingual travel journalist, television host, travel adviser and global public speaker.
A short list of her awards includes: receiving the Latina Joven de Impacto Mundial award in 2022 from the Líder Gladiador Conference, being named a Top 40 Under Forty Honoree by AL DÍA News in Philadelphia, and being nominated multiple times for her work by the Los Angeles Business Journal at the Women’s Council & Awards. In addition, Ceja was a nominee for Best Travel Creator at The Tecla Awards – part of the 10th annual Hispanicize conference – honoring Latino contributions to media Ceja is especially passionate about advocating for women and diversity, and she regularly works to cover more stories on these topics. Here are the places Ceja likes to visit as a solo female traveler, when she’s not busy jetsetting for work.
Cannes
Cannes is a breathtaking place for a female solo traveler for many reasons, begins Ceja.
“It’s a city that is accessible for walking and has excellent public transportation,” she explains. “Another great feature is that there are local greeters available who can welcome you while in Cannes.”
The city also has exciting options to keep solo travelers busy, continues Ceja.
“From wellness and relaxation activities, you can treat yourself to a spa day at a hotel or a beach day by renting a cabana,” explains Ceja. “For the more adventurous travelers, you can travel on a daily boat excursion and ferry to the Lérins Islands.”
And that’s not all when it comes to Ceja’s love of Cannes as a destination for solo female travelers.
She also likes the fact that Cannes offers various accommodation options, ranging from world-class hotels to Airbnbs.
What’s more, “there’s always something fabulous to see every season, from nature, film festivals, fireworks, or a Christmas market during the winter,” says Ceja. “It’s a perfect year-round destination for a female solo traveler. “
Monaco
Another favorite destination for solo female travelers is Monaco, says Ceja.
“It’s a very tourist-friendly and welcoming place to be alone, and it’s a short walking distance between museums and major landmarks in Old Town and Monte-Carlo,” Ceja points out. “I visited twice this year, and what I love most about visiting Monaco is that you can spend a day or more exploring everything within its modern city life in Monte-Carlo or discovering the Old Town and seeing the royal history, including the daily changing of the guards in front of the Prince’s Palace.”
Monaco is a destination, says Ceja, with plenty of sightseeing, shopping, restaurants, and spectacular views from every corner.
Lola Akinmade Akerstrom, photographer and author
An individual with such deep, varied and impressive travel credentials, it’s almost hard to know where to begin really when discussing Lola Akinmade Akerstrom’s professional journey.
Even the brief version of her background is awe-inspiring. The Nigerian photographer has worked in more than 70 countries, shooting photos for some of the planet’s most legendary and illustrious publications. The roster of the publications in which her work has appeared is almost dizzying and includes (to name a few) National Geographic, BBC, Smithsonian Journeys, The New York Times, Vogue, AFAR and Elle.
In 2018, Akinmade Akerstrom was the Travel Photographer of the Year Bill Muster Award recipient. And in 2022, Akinmade Akerstrom was named one of eight Hasselblad Heroines.
If all of that is not enough, Akinmade Akerstrom has also contributed to several travel books and is the author of numerous books herself, among them the 2018 Lowell Thomas Award winner for best travel book, DUE NORTH and the bestselling LAGOM: Swedish Secret of Living Well available in 18 language editions.
Given her prolific travels and rich view of the world, insights from Akinmade Akerstrom about the best solo places for women to explore, are indeed gems worth paying attention to. (And don’t miss following her on Instagram to keep up.)
The Nordic Countries
“Recently dragging my suitcase from Oslo Central Station to my nearby hotel at close to 1 a.m., it dawned on me that there are very few cities in the world where I can relatively be out late and still feel safe,” begins Akinmade Akerstrom.
“Arguably the most egalitarian region on earth, it’s no wonder that the Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden are amongst the safest to navigate for solo female travelers. Women’s rights are valued and validated here,” she adds.
Whether you’re chasing northern lights in Reykjavik, or visiting Oslo for museums, or exploring the art world in Helsinki, the Nordics are always a good choice, says Akinmade Akerstrom.
And don’t miss Stockholm for gastronomy, or Copenhagen for its easygoing nightlife, she says.
“The comfort and ease with which public transport and amenities work also make the region attractive,” notes Akinmade Akerstrom. “Plus, when it comes to dating while traveling around the Nordics, you’re more than welcome and (quite frankly) expected to make the first move as a solo female traveler.”
Vincie Ho, PhD, Founder of the RISE Institute
Vincie Ho is the powerhouse founder and executive director of RISE Travel Institute. A non-profit organization, RISE is working to cultivate a global community of conscious travelers. This effort includes offering courses on sustainable travel and also leading RISE Experiential Journeys.
The journeys, which in 2024 included a trip to Mexico’s Yucatan region, are curated with RISE’s commitment to sustainability and anti-oppression in mind and teach participants how to be ethical, mindful visitors.
All of these efforts helped RISE earn a DEI Champion Award from Women in Travel CIC at the 2024 International Women in Travel and Tourism Forum (IWTTF).
With all of this in mind, we asked Ho what her favorite places are for solo female travelers. Here’s what she had to say.
Morocco
Morocco is one of Ho’s favorite destinations thanks to its rich history, vibrant culture, diverse landscapes and delicious cuisine. But that’s not all.
“As a solo female traveler, I felt completely safe throughout my journey, challenging the common stereotypes and media portrayals that suggest otherwise,” says Ho. “While the medinas, such as those in Marrakech and Fès, can be bustling with persistent touts, a little common sense and vigilance allowed me to navigate with minimal hassle.”
Ho also highly recommends hiring a trusted local female guide whenever possible, explaining, “Not only does this enhance your safety and understanding of the culture, but it also enriches your overall experience while contributing to women’s empowerment in the community.”
A highlight of Ho’s own trip to Morocco was attending Amal Cooking Classes, a nonprofit that trains women from disadvantaged backgrounds, including victims of domestic violence, in culinary skills to help them achieve financial independence.
“Traveling during Ramadan offered another layer of depth to my experience, as the streets were less crowded, allowing for a more intimate connection with the culture—though it’s crucial to remain respectful and culturally sensitive during religious observances,” she adds.
Overall, says Ho, Morocco’s unique charm and welcoming atmosphere make it an exceptional choice for solo female travelers seeking adventure, cultural immersion, and meaningful connections with the locals.
Hong Kong
As someone born and raised in Hong Kong, Ho admits she may be a bit biased, but she still wholeheartedly believes her native city is an exceptional choice for solo female travelers.
“Hong Kong is a cosmopolitan hub where East meets West, showcasing a mix of cultural influences evident in its diverse neighborhoods, culinary experiences, and architectural marvels,” explains Ho.
Beyond its vibrant urban landscape, Hong Kong is also rich in natural beauty, featuring breathtaking hiking trails and serene beaches, providing a perfect balance to the bustling city life.
“With modern conveniences like 24/7 shops and restaurants, Hong Kong caters to various needs and lifestyles,” continues Ho. “Its excellent public transportation system and well-lit streets foster a secure environment, enabling women to navigate confidently and freely.”
What’s more, the city is generally known for having low crime rates compared to many other major urban areas around the world. Violent crime is relatively rare, and residents and visitors alike often express a sense of safety while walking the streets, even at night.
Additionally, the captivating geopolitics – particularly its colonial history and current events – provide a compelling backdrop for those interested in understanding the city’s complex political landscape. And if you need still another reason to visit Hong Kong as a solo female traveler, here’s one last point from Ho.
“Hong Kong serves as an ultra- convenient hub in Asia, offering easy access to other cities in the Pan Pacific region, making it an ideal base for further adventures,” says Ho.
Carolyn Ray, CEO and editor of JourneyWoman.
Carolyn Ray / TNS
Lola Akinmade Akerstrom, award-winning photographer and author.
Jessica Wikstrom / TNS
Vincie Ho, Ph.D., Founder of the RISE Institute.
Vincie Ho / TNS
