7 inspiring trips for solo female travelers

Solo travel can be one of life’s most rewarding experiences. Picture yourself striking up a conversation with a generous local, like an Egyptian boat captain on the Nile. Having a moment of nature-inspired bliss as you hike the contours of an Icelandic fjord. Spontaneously springing for a solo aperitivo at a restaurant in Rome. These bucket list solo travel experiences are at once exhilarating and empowering, especially if you’re a solo female traveler. 

Women are driving the boom in solo travel, pushing themselves out of their comfort zones by seeking out new places, new people, and new unforgettable moments. But if planning the A-to-Z of a solo trip feels even more overwhelming than the thought of being by yourself in a faraway land, going on a guided tour for solo travelers is the thing for you! Solo female travel with a group can help you make your travel dreams a reality—here are eight reasons why.

To celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re presenting the best places to travel solo as a woman. The theme of this year’s International Women's Day, #BreakTheBias, helps us to imagine a gender-equal world that’s defined by diversity, equity, and inclusivity, and is free of stereotypes and discrimination. In light of that theme, these are places where you’re sure to feel confident and inspired as you explore as a solo female traveler.

1. Portugal

Portugal is a vibrant delight for every kind of traveler, from nature-loving adventurers to culture vultures. It has all the attractions of Spain and Italy—beaches and vineyards, colorful villas and UNESCO-listed historic districts—while being much less expensive. Plus, English is widely spoken, so you’ll never have to worry about not being understood while on a stroll through, say, the storied Alfama neighborhood, one of our favorite places in Lisbon.

On our Portugal for Solo Travelers tour, your Tour Director will take you and your fellow solo travelers to the country’s must-see sights while still giving you ample free time to follow your heart’s desire. Douro River cruise and Port wine cellar tour, anyone? 

2. Italy

When it comes to the historical sites, art, and architecture that get travelers’ hearts racing, there aren’t many places that beat Italy. And who can forget the country’s wine and food? On our Venice, Florence & Rome for Solo Travelers tour, you’ll enjoy the indulgent freedom of eating your way through Italy’s most iconic cities while having a built-in social network of like-minded foodies.

If you want a taste of the island life—sun and sand, seaside cathedrals on cobblestone streets—our Sicily for Solo Travelers tour is a must-do. Before you go, check out our solo traveler’s guide to Sicily.

3. Greece

Athens has thousands of years of history for you to explore on foot, and the Greek islands, easily reached from the capital by ferry, are the fantasy that comes to mind when you think of beaches, seafood, and sunsets. Feel breezy and carefree while dancing, snorkeling, and swimming on our Santorini Caldera Cruise & Dinner excursion—one of Greek Tour Director Christiane’s favorite memories from Greece. Or visit the Little Venice area of Mykonos to do some seaside people-watching over coffee or Ouzo—one of Go Ahead staffer Matt’s top five things to do in Mykonos. 

Check out our Greek Islands for Solo Travelers: Crete & Santorini tour for more!

4. Egypt

Egypt might not be the first destination that comes to mind as a solo female traveler deciding where to go. But our Egypt & Nile River Cruise will leave you in love with the country. That’s because your Tour Director won’t only offer suggestions and directions—they’re an actual Egyptologist who can make Egypt’s history come alive the way a guidebook couldn’t. There are so many reasons why solo female travelers should take a guided trip to Egypt. In the words of solo traveler Katie, “Traveling and seeing the world has changed me because I have an open mind.”

5. Iceland

Iceland is all about gender equality, peace, and safety. Last year, the country was ranked first on both the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report and the Global Peace Index. Those superlatives, combined with the country’s world-famous natural wonders, make it one of the best destinations for first-time solo female travelers.

Our Iceland Travel Guide has everything you need to do and see on a tour of Iceland, but if you want a quicker read, we’ve got five reasons why you should visit Iceland (and especially the capital, Reykjavik).

6. Ireland

Beyond Ireland’s lush landscapes, notable historical sites, and influential culture, the country’s people are known for being hospitable and talkative. Ireland’s pub scene is famously lively for a reason! On our Ireland for Solo Travelers tour, you can have a pint with Irish locals at one of the best pubs in Dublin, trace the country’s coastline along the mesmerizing Cliffs of Moher, and more. Go Ahead staffer Jamie visited the Emerald Isle on her own, and her solo traveler’s guide to Ireland is a must-read before your trip.

For a broader overview of all the wonders the country has to offer—from the winding Wild Atlantic Way to the medieval town of Kilkenny—check out our ultimate Travel Guide to Ireland.

7. U.S. national parks

Is there anything as exhilarating as feeling like you’re on your own (while having the safety of other solo travelers nearby) in an otherworldly natural landscape? Our **U.S. National Parks for Solo Travelers: The Grand Canyon to Zion tour **offers so many opportunities for outdoorsy adventure, from vineyard excursions to riverside hikes, with your fellow-travelers-turned-friends there for support and security every step of the way. The tour will remind you that you don’t need to travel far to see millennia-old cliff dwellings, alien-looking rock formations, and the world’s most famous hole in the ground. (That’d be the Grand Canyon.)

Have you ever taken an inspiring solo trip? Tell us about it on our Facebook page!