Fancy jetting off on your own adventure? You’re not alone! More British women than ever are packing their bags and heading off solo. There’s something utterly liberating about choosing your own path, setting your own schedule, and having those ‘pinch yourself’ travel moments all to yourself.
But let’s be honest – some destinations just feel more comfortable than others when you’re a female travelling alone. Here’s the lowdown on spots where you can focus on making memories rather than looking over your shoulder.
Before You Set Off
Getting your ducks in a row before departure makes all the difference. Services like OnTrailVisa can sort your visa requirements quickly, saving you from last-minute panic about paperwork (we’ve all been there!).
You should also leave a detailed itinerary with someone you trust back home, including accommodation addresses and contact numbers. It might seem over-the-top, but it’s brilliant for peace of mind.
While you are on the road, drop regular pins on social media or send quick texts to let people know you’re having a fabulous time. This creates a helpful trail of your whereabouts without cramping your style.
And don’t skip the research – hunt down reviews from fellow female travellers about specific neighbourhoods, transport options, and places to stay. Those authentic experiences from women who’ve been there before are invaluable.
Japan: Where Respect Reigns Supreme
Japan can feel like travelling in easy mode. The crime rates are astonishingly low, and the culture places enormous value on respect and personal space.
British travellers get a 90-day visa-free stay, and navigating the country is a breeze thanks to incredibly punctual public transport with women-only carriages on many trains.
The food scene deserves a special shout-out too. Eating alone here isn’t met with pitying looks – in fact, it’s considered completely normal! From slurping ramen at counter seats to tucking into tempura at tiny local spots, solo dining is part of the culture.
New Zealand: Adventure with a Safety Net
Fancy bumping into fellow Brits abroad? New Zealand is practically a home away from home. The Kiwi sense of humour meshes brilliantly with your own, and there’s something comforting about being understood the first time you speak.
Getting in is faff-free with an electronic travel authority that lets you stay for up to six months, so plenty of time to explore both islands properly.
The country’s excellent backpacker infrastructure means you’re never far from new friends, while extensive bus networks connect even remote beauty spots. Most hostels also offer female-only dorms.
Portugal: Sun-Soaked and Budget-Friendly
Portugal gives you European charm without emptying your bank account. The locals are genuinely chuffed to see tourists and often go out of their way to help solo travellers feel welcome.
British passport holders can stay for up to 90 days visa-free, and your pounds stretch nicely here with affordable accommodation and €2 glasses of local wine (yes, really!)
The country’s compact size is perfect for solo travel-hop from Lisbon’s hilly streets to Porto’s riverside cafés in just a few hours by train. The Algarve offers gorgeous beaches where you can relax without hassle from locals or other tourists.
Canada: Where Friendly Isn’t Just a Stereotype
If you’re after wilderness with a side of safety, Canada’s your spot. The shared language and cultural connections mean you’ll settle in quicker than you can say “sorry” (which Canadians do, almost as much as we do!)
The Electronic Travel Authorization takes minutes to sort online and costs less than a London pint, granting stays of up to six months.
Canadian cities regularly top global safety rankings, while national parks offer well-marked trails and friendly ranger stations. Solo hiking feels less daunting when everyone you meet on the path gives you a cheerful “hello!”
Singapore: Clean, Safe, and Wonderfully Efficient
Singapore offers a gentle introduction to Southeast Asia. It’s spotlessly clean, incredibly safe, and English is widely spoken, so no language barrier stress here.
British travellers receive a 90-day visa-free stamp on arrival, and getting around is a dream on their world-class (and affordable) public transport system.
Food-wise, Singapore is heaven for solo travellers. The hawker centres let you sample delicious local dishes for pocket change in hygienic surroundings. No need to book tables or feel awkward dining alone – just grab your food and join communal tables.
Iceland: Where Crime Is Basically Fiction
Iceland is so safe that any serious crime makes national news when it (rarely) happens. The country’s progressive attitudes towards women create an environment where female travellers report feeling completely at ease.
British visitors enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days, and while it’s not cheap, the payoff in dramatic landscapes and northern lights is worth every krona.
The country’s small population creates a village-like atmosphere, and you might bump into the same friendly faces throughout your journey, adding a comforting sense of familiarity.
The beauty of travelling solo is discovering just how capable you are. Each destination above offers its own flavour of adventure while removing unnecessary stress from the equation.
Remember, solo doesn’t have to mean lonely. You’ll likely make more connections travelling alone than you would with companions. There’s something about being on your own that invites conversation and connection.
So go on, book that flight. Adventure awaits!
