“Travel is so much about getting out of your comfort zone,” says Darley Newman, the Emmy Award–winning host and storyteller behind Equitrekking (the first travel series to take viewers horseback riding around the world)) and her newest show, Travels with Darley, which just launched its 12th season on PBS.

One of Newman’s favorite ways to get out of her comfort zone? By traveling solo: “We can challenge ourselves in new ways,” Newman told me in an interview. “On a solo journey, we can focus on the experiences wholly with all of our senses. We have the flexibility and freedom to chart a path where we want to adventure. It’s liberating, nurturing and beneficial in so many ways.”

She’s not alone. According to data, solo travel has never been more popular: New Google data shows that “solo travel” searches spiked 20.2% in 2024. And solo female travel is particularly popular: Another survey showed that almost 40% of female travelers want to travel solo in 2025—up 8% over 2024.

Darley attributes the rise in solo female travel to a number of factors. “Women are more financially and mentally independent than in past decades and are taking advantage of this independence by going after what they want. This includes more travel to even further reaches of the world,” says Newman, who credits other forces, too. “The pandemic, natural disasters and other world occurrences have also caused people to assess their lives, happiness and longevity. Many women know the satisfaction and benefits that traveling in general, including solo travel, can bring.”

In Season 12 of Travels with Darley, Newman brings that very spirit to the screen. This season not only revisits the familiar paths of America’s hidden gems and urban adventures but also spotlights sustainable travel, culinary-centric itineraries, and culturally rich experiences. Newman’s personal insights and on-screen storytelling serve as the perfect roadmap for anyone ready to explore the world on their own terms.

Newman says she started Travels with Darley to not only expand the realm of the stories she could share, but to amplify them even more with wider audiences. “I think it’s part of my personal calling to do this type of storytelling work. I hear from so many small businesses and communities who have had people reach out to them because they saw them on Travels with Darley,” says Newman. “I know what I do is helping to make an impact in people’s lives in a positive way and that makes me happy.”

One business that was impacted is Udderly Caffeinated, a cow-themed shop in Salem, North Dakota that was featured in a season 11 episode of Travels with Darley. “We have had many customers who’ve said they enjoyed viewing the show and had to check out the ‘famous small-town coffee shop,’” Udderly Caffeinated’s owner Malinda Ellingson told me in an interview. “Some have even driven as far as three hours away to order the drink that Darley loved.”

And it wasn’t just the shop that was impacted: “Since the show aired, our little town of almost 1,000 people has seen a large increase in tourism. Showcasing not only our shop, but our 38-foot-high fiberglass cow ‘Salem Sue,’ Darley and her crew have really helped to turn travelers into tourists,” says Ellingson.

Patricia Michaels, a trailblazing fashion designer and former Project Runway contestant, shares that enthusiasm for the show—and Newman. In Season 12 of Travels with Darley in the “Santa Fe Indian Market” episode, Newman interviews Michaels—who was recently named a “Native Treasures Living Treasure”—at the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture. Newman also wore a Patricia Michaels pottery shad haute couture dress to the Santa Fe Indian Market SWAIA Fashion Gala in 2024.

“I love Darley’s enthusiasm for life and varied cultures,” Michaels told me in an interview. “She holds no limitations, embraces the moment and conveys that experience to her audience. She was so excited to wear one of my latest evening dresses at the SWAIA Gala and proudly represented Native American art and design in the best light possible.”

What sets the show apart is that it’s not just a travel show. “We’re revealing deeper stories of cultural significance, capturing stories that have been left untold or are lesser known and sharing that through a medium which allows for many voices to be heard,” says Newman. Read on for Newman’s top tips for solo female travel as well as her list of the best solo trips for women.

Solo Female Travel: Top Tips

Drawing on years of immersive storytelling and firsthand adventure, Newman shares indispensable advice for the solo female traveler:

Do Your Research: “Studies say that much of your happiness from trips comes from the actual planning and anticipation—a great reason to take the time to do your research on where you’re going, how and when,” says Newman. Delve into online resources, social media and firsthand recommendations to create a travel plan that aligns with your budget and goals.

Pack Lightly: “There are a lot of reasons to pack lightly. Airlines lose luggage. It takes more time at the airport on both ends. It can hurt your body to carry heavy baggage and it also makes you less mobile on your voyage,” says Newman. Lay out your wardrobe and pare it down to versatile pieces that mix and match effortlessly. Always pack essential items like a trusty hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Stay in Touch: “Going solo doesn’t mean going totally off the grid. Have a buddy system in place. It’s important to have someone know where you are and where you’re heading,” says Newman. Utilize smartphone tracking tools and share your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member, especially when venturing into remote areas.

Meet the Locals: “I recommend to almost anyone to take walking tours, food tours, biking tours and other introductions to cities and new areas in small groups when traveling where you can. Sometimes you meet new friends, but most certainly you will learn things about the new location you didn’t know before,” she says. Engage in walking tours, stay in locally owned hotels or rentals and chat with people to uncover hidden gems and genuine insights about your destination.

Roll with It: “Travel, like life, is filled with the unexpected, which can be good or bad and then you may find out there was a silver lining,” says Newman. Sometimes, getting a little lost leads to the most memorable experiences—don’t sweat the small stuff.

Take a Breath: “I’m glad that the slow travel movement is continuing. I recommend that travelers, especially solo travelers, use all five senses to help further imprint memories and savor each moment and be present on their trips,” she advises. Disconnect from digital distractions, journal your thoughts and let each moment imprint on your senses. “I also like to put my phone down. It makes you appreciate the smaller things and have a calmer approach to the place and that can help create longer lasting memories.”

Solo Female Travel: 11 Amazing Places

Newman’s extensive adventures have led her to some of the most inspiring destinations for solo travel. Here are her top picks.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

“This is one of my favorite places to travel for its mix of fascinating culture, history and the diversity of its spicy, hot green and red chile infused cuisine,” says Newman. “You can visit this destination year-round, but I do recommend August for Santa Fe Indian Market, where a mix of artists from around the world showcase colorful pottery, fashion, jewelry, dance, music and stories. Get tickets to some of the special events ahead of time, like Best of Show. Eat mole with Chef Fernando Olea at James Beard Award-winning Sazón, take a flamenco dance class with EmiArte Flamenco and head out to Cerillos to go horseback riding with Broken Saddle Riding Company.”

Seoul, Korea

“I’d travel to Seoul just to eat the Korean BBQ. It’s delicious,” says Newman. “Add in historic palaces, markets with savory street food and an excursion to meditative temples and you’ve got a once in a lifetime trip. Rent a hanbok, traditional Korean dress, to get free entry to one of Seoul’s five palaces and fun photos. Don’t miss elaborate Gyeongbokgung Palace, the oldest and largest of the five. Time your visit with the Guard Changing Ceremony. For a dive into different foods, walk through Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in South Korea. You can go on your own or enlist a local tour company like ZenKimchi, whose local guides will take you to see and eat authentic Seoul food and visit coffee shops (super popular in Seoul) and more. I ventured way further afield to Baekyangsa Temple to take cooking classes with Jeong Kwan, made famous by Netflix Chef’s Table, meditate and explore area nature in the surrounding nature.”

Rekjavik, Iceland

“Saddle up on furry Icelandic horses and ride the volcanic landscapes Iceland. A horseback riding trip in Icleand is a great pick for solo women travelers. Several companies offer short and multi-day horseback riding adventures, including Ishestar,” says Newman. “For those who just want some horse time with these Viking horses, you can also opt to travel 15 minutes outside of Reykjavik to take a stable tour. While many people tout the Blue Lagoon for an Icelandic spa experience, also consider spa time with the locals in Reykjavik at Laugar Spa, where you can dip in progressively hotter hot pots and enjoy massages, fitness classes and an Icelandic wellness experience in a high-tech setting. In Reykjavik, add add the city’s main church, Hallgrímskirkja, Perlan nature museum and Saga Museum to your list. Check for special events and festivals, happening year-round, along with a vibrant music scene in Reykjavik.”

Québec City, Canada

A slice of Europe in North America, Québec City is charming and historic with decadent cuisine and a range of places to stay, from the famously photographed Chateau Frontenac to a restored former Augustinian cloister. Take a walking tour with Cicerone Tours to intimately discover hundreds of years of Québec history. Guides like Simon Pelletier will also share local attractions, so you get a two-fer by booking this experience. Dine on Quebecois dishes like poutine and maple taffy on snow dessert at La Bûche, which offers a ski-lodge like setting. Head to upscale Chez Boulay inside Hôtel Manoir Victoria for maple mousse and dishes inspired by Québec’s Boreal region. View stunning waterfalls just outside of the city at Parc de la Chute-Montmorency. For a unique, wellness-centered retreat right in Old Québec, stay at Le Monastère des Augustines whose roots include the strength of the Augustinian Sisters, pioneers in healthcare. You can even stay in the rooms where they prayed and slept.”

Charleston, South Carolina

“One of my favorite cities, Charleston is a fabulous food hotspot, with regal accommodations, historic walking tours and a myriad of museums to love,” says Newman. “Plus, Kiawah Island and even Myrtle Beach are a short drive away if you want to vacation with a city and beach combo. Visit artisans and shop for unique finds like sweetgrass baskets at Charleston City Market. Step inside The Charleston Museum and the Heyward-Washington House for a look at South Carolina and American history. Dine at James Beard Award–nominated The Grocery for elevated Southern cuisine and heirloom ingredients with Chef Kevin James. Get oysters in an old garage at Leon’s Oyster Shop. Grab an addictive pimento cheese biscuit at Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit. My dining list could go on and on. Stay in historic luxury at boutique Wentworth Mansion. They offer unique experiences for guests, including channeling the 20’s on a ride in a 1928 Model A Ford Sport Coupe to see historic homes and White Point Garden.”

Bordeaux, France

“Wine lovers have lots of options for exploring Bordeaux and beyond, from retro-sidecar tours to river cruises to inexpensively riding public trams,” says Newman. “Cité du Vin, an architecturally significant museum devoted to wine history and culture, offers exhibitions, tastings and workshops with unusual wines from around the world. Savor local cheese and artisanal meats and products at the largest covered market in Bordeaux, Marché des Capucins, where you can restaurant hop inside or grab items to go for a picnic. Saint-Émilion is famous the world over for its wines, and especially those made with Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes. Take a car or train less than one hour from Bordeaux to walk through this medieval village, named after a Benedictine monk who became famous for working miracles. For those who want to save money, the bus is a super inexpensive option at just a few Euros each way.”

Cappadocia, Türkiye

“Take a flight from Istanbul to stay in a cave hotel in Cappadocia,” says Newman. “As many of these cave hotels have a central courtyard where guests gather, you’ve got an instant community of travelers to meet and live music and fresh local food to enjoy. Look at Göreme, Avanos and Uchisar for cave hotels and delight in breakfast spreads of local cheese, spreads like pekmez, homemade breads and piping hot teas. At night, live traditional music and local raki and wine combine, along with the occasional cat sighting. Rise early for a hot air balloon ride over the fairy chimneys, whimsical landscapes dotted with monasteries and vineyards, for which this area is so well known. I recommend booking this at the front end of your Cappadocia visit, as sometimes the weather conditions aren’t right, and you’ll need to reschedule your hot air balloon ride for another day. Visit the Göreme Open Air Museum and take a guided tour to learn about this monastic center and UNESCO World Heritage Site with well-preserved frescoes dating from the ninth century to the eleventh century. Take a pottery class in Avanos with master Chez Galip or just stop by his shop to find one-of-a-kind artwork.”

New Orleans, Louisiana

“New Orleans is easy to navigate, lively and offers top choices for restaurants and live music,” says Newman. “Hop a streetcar to explore the French Quarter, City Park and the Garden District. I recommend a walking tour of the Garden District (New Orleans Legendary Walking Tours) to get further insight into the historic homes here, some owned by celebrities. Do go to Café Du Monde for a sugar covered beignet. Pair sweet with savory with a salty ham roll at Mother’s Restaurant, located in the Central Business District and within walking distance to the French Quarter and the National World War II Museum, an educational and poignant must-visit. Don’t miss jazz at Preservation Hall.”

Florence, Italy

“Florence has a timeless draw,” says Newman. “We all know Eat Pray Love, but having studied abroad in Florence, I love that Florence has an overwhelming amount to see, do and eat, but is not as overwhelming to navigate as larger cities like Rome might be. Book tickets in advance to visit the Uffizi Gallery and the David statue at the Galleria dell’Accademia. On my last visit, I rented an apartment through Vbro within walking distance of the Duomo and truly felt like a local as I had my morning standing cappuccino at breakfast. Another budget-friendly and well located option is Hotel Piccolo. In Piazza della Repubblica in the center of Florence, check out historic Caffè Concerto Paszkowski or Giubbe Rosso, the literary café where artists have gone for over a century. I love to see a city in an active way. By Santa Maria Novella Train Station, you can rent bikes and careen through the picturesque neighborhoods around Piazzale Michelangelo. Just keep in mind there are many hills! Your reward, a glass of wine and aperitivo at Le Volpi e l’Uva close to the Ponte Vecchio.”

Hwy 1, California

“Take a classic California road trip along Hwy 1 to meet elephant seals at Piedras Blancas Rookery, see wildflowers hiking through the Los Padres National Forest and eat fresh oysters at Tognazzini’s Dockside Restaurant with views of “’he Gibraltar of the Pacific,’ Morro Rock,” says Newman. “Make sure to stop in Solvang for a taste of ‘Little Denmark,’ including decadent Aebleskiver, a Danish delicacy that’s akin to a pancake golf ball, sprinkled with powdered sugar and jam, at Solvang Restaurant. You can even sit in the booth featured in the movie Sideways. Careen down large, surreal sand dunes on a thrilling ATV ride at Oceano Dunes. I went out with Sunbuggy Fun Rentals and then explored the grandeur of Hearst Castle with its legendary art collection.”

Great River Road, Illinois

“You can go goat trekking in Galena, stay in treehouse accommodations, find a working Dutch windmill and a French fort in the middle of Southern Illinois on this epic road trip along Illinois’ portion of The Great River Road, which runs along the magnificent Mississippi River for almost 3,000 miles,” says Newman. “The Illinois portion is 550 miles, and takes you through stunning and tasty diversity with true Americana vibes. The BBQ at 17th Street BBQ in Murphysboro and the views from Inspiration Point in the Shawnee National Forest are worth the drive alone! Channel ghosts of the past and great leaders from President Ulysses S. Grant to Susan B. Anthony on a ghost tour of Galena and then grab an empanada at Galena Bakehouse, started by a couple from New York City. Make sure to visit the Quad Cities for homemade hot fudge at Lagomarcino’s, which has been open since 1908.”

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