The hardest part of solo travel isn't the trip, it's booking it.
For a lot of women, choosing that first destination brings on enough second-guessing to stall the whole plan. Don't let it. A few hours of smart research will calm most of those worries and get you on the plane. And the payoff is real: the trip you take alone tends to be the one you talk about for years.
Before you pick a destination, weigh three things:
Safety. A quick search tells you a country's reputation, but go one step further. Check your government's travel advisories, scan the World Health Organization's site for health notices, and browse local news from your destination - that's where you'll catch strikes, protests, or anything else that could affect your trip.
Language. Immersing yourself in a new language is worth doing eventually. But if this is your first solo trip, give yourself a break and pick a country where you speak the language. Navigating unfamiliar streets and transit is hard enough, you want to be able to ask for help when you need it.
Getting around. To really experience a place, you have to leave the hotel room. So research transportation before you book. Is public transit safe and reliable, or will you depend on taxis? Is ride share available and reputable? Your time should go toward exploring, not figuring out how to get across town.
Ready to book? These five destinations consistently treat solo female travelers well, and I've recommended a stay in each.
Annie Toth in Iceland
1. Iceland
Visiting Iceland is like visiting another planet. The landscape changes with every season - glaciers, black-sand beaches, geothermal pools - so there's always something new no matter when you go. It's also one of the safest countries on Earth (it has topped the Global Peace Index every year since 2008), which makes it the rare destination that pairs real adventure with real peace of mind.
Stay: The Reykjavik EDITION. A stylish hotel in the heart of the city, with a spa and hammam open to all guests - exactly what you want after a day chasing waterfalls.
Image credit: The Reykjavik EDITION
2. Dublin, Ireland
Dublin is an easy city to do alone: compact, walkable, English-speaking, and full of pubs where a solo traveler gets a conversation, not a side-eye. Book the Guinness Storehouse ahead - tours sell out - and save an afternoon for Grafton Street and the shops around it.
Stay: The Davenport. Charming, comfortable, and a short walk from Merrion Square, Trinity College, and Oscar Wilde's childhood home.
Image credit: The Davenport
3. Banff, Canada
Banff is iconic for a reason - the scenery almost doesn't look real. Winter brings skiing, wildlife viewing, and occasionally the northern lights. Summer means hiking, the gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain, and a soak at the Banff Upper Hot Springs. And you don't need a car: the local Roam buses connect the town to most major sights.
Stay: Fairmont Banff Springs. The "Castle in the Rockies" is a splurge, and it's worth it - the hotel is a destination in itself, any time of year.
Image credit: Banff Springs Hotel
4. Sydney, Australia
If you want city energy set against a beach paradise, Sydney delivers. It has a Southern California feel with better walkability - perfect for travelers who like their café culture with a wellness streak. Getting around is effortless, too: tap a credit card on trains and ferries straight from the airport.
Stay: InterContinental Sydney by IHG. Stunning views of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House, with the Royal Botanic Garden at your doorstep. Book the breakfast rate - the buffet is a traveler favorite for a reason.
Image credit: InterContinental Sydney by IHG
5. London, England
A favorite for history and literature lovers, London is a cosmopolitan city packed with landmarks so recognizable you'll feel like you stepped onto a film set. Its real asset for solo travelers, though, is the transit system: easy to navigate, safe, and a single contactless tap takes you from the airport to nearly anywhere in the city.
Stay: St Martins Lane London. A comfortable base steps from the National Portrait Gallery and Trafalgar Square - you can walk to half the city's highlights from the front door.
Image credit: St Martins Lane London
Pick the one that's been sitting on your list the longest, then book it. The memories are waiting - and so am I, whenever you're ready to plan.
About the author: Annie Toth is the founder of Average Girl Does Cool Things, a travel brand focused on inspiring women to see more of the world - without waiting for the "perfect" time or travel partner. Known for her streamlined, carry-on-only approach, she helps women travel smarter, easier, and more confidently on their own. Find her at averagegirldoescoolthings.com.
