10 Inspiring Solo Travel Destinations for Women

Longing for a vacation all on your own, but not sure where to go? Solo female travel is booming in popularity, propelled by women in search of independent adventures, personal empowerment and self-care, and we’ve rounded up 10 destination ideas across the globe that are a perfect fit. As a whole they’re easy to navigate, thanks in some cases to their walkability and/or train connectivity, and they also feel welcoming for travelers going it alone.

Relatively compact, Boston, Montreal, Prague and Florence all lend themselves to exploring on foot with historic sites and museums galore. Train travel makes getting around Switzerland and Japan a breeze. And for active pursuits or simply soaking up the sun on a postcard-perfect beach, think Hawaii, New Zealand and Costa Rica, all of which offer gorgeous natural scenery and splurge-worthy resorts in spades.

Best Solo Travel Destinations for Women 

Switzerland

Breathtaking mountain scenery is synonymous with Switzerland, but it’s worth spending a day or two in Zurich too. Arrive and check into the legendary hilltop Dolder Grand, home to an impressive art collection (Keith Haring, Salvador Dalí, Fernando Botero) and spectacular onsite spa. If you can will yourself to leave the property, spend an afternoon walking about the compact, medieval Old Town and stopping into the Fraumünster church to see the five stained glass windows by Marc Chagall. From the capital, it’s a short train ride to scenic Luzern and its eponymous deep blue lake. Alternately, travel to the gorgeous alpine villages of Interlaken and Grindelwald (gateway to the Jungfraujoch, an observation deck with panoramic views of the Bernese Alps including the Jungfrau, Eiger and Mönch peaks). Further south, the resort town of Zermatt in the enchanting Valais canton, frames breathtaking views of the world-famous Matterhorn, and is popular for summertime hiking (especially the 6-mile Five Lakes trail, which features mountain reflections in three of the five lakes) and winter skiing.

Prague

One of Europe’s pretties cities, Prague sits along the Vltava River and has a well-preserved, UNESCO-recognized center of Baroque buildings, Gothic cathedrals and the Prague Castle complex across the Charles Bridge. The city’s Jewish Quarter is particularly noteworthy with numerous synagogues and a historic cemetery, as is the 14th-century Old Town Hall, with its Astronomical Clock that strikes on the hour. The lookout gallery from the clock tower affords some of the best views of the city. The most rewarding thing to do in Prague, though, is to let your feet guide you to pint-sized cafes, local boutiques, darling bookstores and specialty shops for crystal and garnet. Base at the Four Seasons Hotel Prague, a posh oasis in the heart of the city’s Old Town with beautiful Charles Bridge views.

Costa Rica

Welcoming, friendly people combined with the pura vida philosophy of happiness and simplicity make Costa Rica a top choice for solo travelers, not to mention the gorgeous natural beauty and incredible wildlife: three-toed sloths, toucans, poison dart frogs and more. The Papagayo Peninsula, with properties such as the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort, is ideal for beach time and water activities such as snorkeling and paddleboarding, thanks to the sheltered harbor of the bay. For more adventurous pursuits and dedicated wildlife watching, consider La Fortuna farther inland, site of Nayara Resorts’ trio of properties — adult-only Nayara Springs, Nayara Gardens and Nayara Tented Camp. Nayara offers a robust catalog of expertly guided activities making it easy to arrange a walk along the Mystic Hanging Bridges, kayak on Arenal Lake with views of the volcano, and zipline above the lush jungle canopy.

Montréal

A vibrant island city in Canada’s Québec province, Montréal blends European charm with a multicultural identity. Base yourself at the 127-room Hotel William Gray in the Vieux Port and stroll about the neighborhood’s charming cobblestoned streets. Don’t miss the Notre Dame Basilica nearby with its blue vaulted ceiling and stained-glass windows depicting Montreal’s history. Come afternoon, a hydrotherapy circuit of sauna, cold plunge pools and hot tubs at the Bota Bota “floating” spa, on an old river ferry, is a unique way to relax and rejuvenate year-round. Spend a day wandering the lively Plateau-Mont Royal and Mile End neighborhoods lined with coffee shops (Le Petit Dep is a great cafe!), boutiques, restaurants and bars. Foodies will also want to make time to browse the sprawling Jean Talon Market in Little Italy or Atwater Water closer to downtown. Though the Museum of Fine Arts remains a favorite for its 47,000-piece collection of paintings, sculptures and photography, also consider the McCord Stewart Museum a few blocks north, which chronicles Montréal’s history as a metropolis and the diverse communities that call it home.

Hawaii

Lounging by a pool, massages and sound baths at the spa, sunrise hikes or surfing? Choose your own adventure in Hawaii, where you can be as active or as low-key as you wish. On the Big Island, get a bean-to-cup crash course at a coffee farm in Kona; chase waterfalls at Akaka Falls State Park; or take to the sky in a helicopter for an aerial view of the island’s volcanoes and black sand beaches. Lush and quiet, Kauai feels blissfully slow with tropical rainforest covering much of the isle. On Maui, which is actively welcoming travelers back after the 2023 fires, a sunrise at Haleakalā summit is a must, as is a whale-watching excursion through the nonprofit Pacific Whale Foundation’s touring arm, PacWhale Eco-Adventures. For the ultimate wellness getaway, however, opt for a stay at Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort. Secluded and unspoiled, the island of Lanai has not one traffic light. At the 96-room hotel, an appointed sensei coach helps guests curate a personal program that can include everything from vinyasa yoga to nutrition classes to horseback riding, and of course, spa treatments in between.

Boston

You could spend an entire week just visiting Boston’s fantastic museums. Dive deep into art and architecture at the Museum of Fine Arts, boasting the largest collection of Monet paintings outside of Paris, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, which resembles a 15th-century Venetian palazzo and houses European, Asian and American treasures. Another day, join a historical walking tour through the Freedom Trail Foundation. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is another Boston highlight with loads of artifacts and photographs as well as exhibits dedicated to JFK’s inauguration and First Lady Jackie Kennedy. For a central base while exploring Beantown, the 286-room Newbury, just across from Boston Public Garden, is an excellent option. Book the Classic Corner Park View Suite, featuring an elegant sitting room with wood-burning fireplace, plush king bed and spacious marble bath. The rooftop restaurant-bar, Contessa, serves contemporary Italian fare (the squash carpaccio topped with arugula, crème fraîche and agrodolce is a personal favorite!).

Japan

If you’re Japan-bound, you’ll likely start in Tokyo, a behemoth of a city that’s an enigmatic juxtaposition of old and new. Highlights such as the Imperial Palace and East Gardens; Meji Shrine, surrounded by forest; and Shibuya neighborhood are plenty to fill a few days. Sample sushi, ramen, wagashi (traditional sweets) and more on a private food tour. From Tokyo, head to Hakone, known for hot springs and beautiful views of Mount Fuji, or on to Kyoto farther west. For the latter, book a stay at the lovely Six Senses Kyoto, with a simple but striking Japanese aesthetic and an outstanding spa. Given Kyoto’s growing crowds, consider trading some of its more touristed shrines and temples for quieter ones such as Daikakuji Temple and its surrounding cherry tree-lined pond, or Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple with 1,200 whimsical Rakan (disciples of Buddha) statues.

Florence

The Uffizi Galleries. The Boboli Gardens. The Duomo. And of course, Michelangelo’s David. Florence’s list of attractions is innumerable, and the city’s historic core is exceptionally walkable, making it easy to wander and explore. Browse food markets and linger in public squares (Piazzale Michelangelo affords gorgeous sunset views across the skyline). Spend an afternoon in the Oltrarno district, out of the tourist fray and home to many artisan and art studios. And savor the gelato, all the gelato! Hotel offerings in Florence run the gamut from ultraluxe to more boutique, but the best ones have stories of their own, making it hard to go wrong. Auberge Resorts debuted the 83-room Collegio alla Querce this past year, a resort-style stay in the quiet hills overlooking the city, while the well-established and beloved Hotel Brunelleschi is just around the corner from the famed brick dome.

New Zealand

Jaw-dropping landscapes, Māori culture, and fabulous food and wine have all placed New Zealand on many solo travel bucket lists. Spread across two islands, the country is quite literally a lot of ground to cover and best explored by self-driving — allow yourself plenty of time to embark on a scenic road trip or alternatively, focus on one area. For the highlights reel, start on the North Island in Auckland and continue to Rotorua for its geothermal wonders and Māori cultural experiences. Next, a special detour to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves is a must. Crossing over to the South Island involves an easy ferry trip across the Cook Strait. Larger and more dramatic, the South Island’s natural beauty is evident upon arrival (no wonder it’s home to 10 national parks). The Marlborough region of the island is renowned for its wine, so opt for a two-day break and check into the namesake Marlborough Boutique Hotel & Vineyard. Once you’ve sipped and savored, head west to see Franz Josef and Fox glaciers via a guided ice climb and conclude your trip in Queenstown, the country’s adventure capital.

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Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.