Let’s be honest: it’s often impossible to sync calendars and budgets with your friends or family to take a vacation. So you may want to consider heading abroad by yourself. Solo travel, although intimidating, can be one of the most enjoyable ways to see the world; you get to do it all on your timeline. These destinations are among the safest and most enjoyable places for solo traveling women. Bon voyage!

Iceland

Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world, offering a bounty of beautiful natural experiences (hello, Northern Lights). To maximize your trip, rent a car and road trip around Iceland’s Golden Circle, where you’ll see highlights like the Gullfoss waterfall, the Great Geysir, the volcanic crater Kerið, and more. These give you lots of spellbinding nature without venturing to the island’s more remote and desolate areas. In Reykjavik, you’ll find trendy, sustainable restaurants and avant-garde art galleries to round out the trip.

Thailand

There’s a long history of solo female travel in Thailand, which means there’s a ton of information and resources for safe and stunning places to stay and activities to engage in. If you’re looking for a wellness break, this is a particularly perfect destination, known for Thai massage, guided meditation, and breathtaking natural beauty where you can reconnect with the earth by hiking in Khao Yai National Park, the oldest of Thailand’s more than 100 national parks, or sunning on the white sand beaches of the famous Phi Phi Islands.

The Azores

These mid-Atlantic islands are associated with Portugal but blend Portuguese culture with a tropical, pastoral, and volcanic landscape shaped by centuries at sea. The small islands are manageable and safe and offer history, cuisine, and natural wonders. São Miguel Island is the island most flights come into. On the island, you can explore volcanic caves, hike lush mountains, soak in natural hot springs, and even tour the Gorreana Tea Plantation. In the capital city, Ponta Delgada, you’ll find a vibrant nightlife scene and seafood-forward restaurants.

Japan

Low crime rates, a culture of solo activities, and open arms to foreign tourists make Japan a safe and exciting destination for an adventure. Kyoto is a particular favorite for solo travelers. Often called the cultural capital of Japan, you can tour ancient temples like Kinkaku-ji, participate in a Japanese tea ceremony, and stroll traditional gardens including the famed Ryoanji Temple Rock Garden. Gourmands will also enjoy sampling traditional street foods at outdoor markets and tasting fresh-from-the-ocean sushi. Robust public transit and high-speed train systems mean you can easily visit multiple cities during your trip.

Europe by Boat

Most European countries are safe and accessible for solo travelers, but if you want to hit several (and take the logistics out of it) consider a river cruise. Unlike the consumption-centric ocean-bound cruise ships we’ve known in the U.S., these boats usually accommodate less than 200 people for a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere. You can choose a very specific region, for example, a cruise that traverses the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers, stopping at vineyards and chateaus in the French Bordeaux region, or check multiple countries off your bucket list by cruising the Mediterranean to visit Greece, Italy, and other destinations.

Safety tips 

The key to safety while traveling alone is to research, plan ahead, and trust your instincts. Take reasonable precautions without letting fear prevent you from enjoying solo travel. Some things to consider: 

1. To keep your accommodations secure, avoid sharing that information with people you meet on your travels. Be cautious about sharing that you are traveling alone. 
2. Ensure that your hotel is in a safe location by doing research ahead of your trip.
3. Carry basic safety tools like a portable charger and a loud alarm.