Solo travel is one of the biggest forces shaping the travel industry, and women are leading the charge. Interest in solo travel has surged in recent years. Searches for “solo travel for women” have increased 30% worldwide over the past five years, according to data cited by the BBC. Meanwhile, a 2025 survey found that almost 40% of female travelers were interested in traveling solo, up 8% from the previous year.

The trend is especially pronounced among older women. In a 2025 survey conducted by Collette and JourneyWoman, 61% of women over age 50 said solo travel is their preferred way to travel. Respondents also said they are increasingly prioritizing meaningful cultural experiences, personal growth and the confidence to explore new destinations on their own.

Wellness operators are seeing a similar demographic shift. At Mountain Trek Health Reset Retreat—an all-inclusive, immersive health retreat in British Columbia—women make up roughly 70% of its guests. The average guest age has risen to 54 as more women seek wellness travel experiences during menopause, retirement, empty nesting and other major life transitions.

And today’s solo travel movement isn’t just about traveling alone. Many women are looking for experiences that combine independence with community, whether that’s joining a small-group adventure, signing up for a wellness retreat or simply having the confidence to explore a destination on their own.

To find out where women should go next, I tapped six women who have built careers around travel, including CEOs, luxury travel advisors, retreat founders and travel creators. Here, they share the destinations they recommend most, along with the advice they give women taking the leap into solo travel.

Maria Gregoriou: Founder, Exclusolo

After nearly 25 years in the software industry, Maria Gregoriou left the corporate world to follow another passion: helping women discover the world on their own terms. The Greece-based founder of the luxury travel company Exclusolo designs bespoke journeys for women navigating everything from divorce and widowhood to retirement and empty nesting. She also runs Kudos, which focuses on inbound travel to Greece.

A certified travel advisor who has visited more than 60 countries, Gregoriou specializes in helping women navigate major life transitions through thoughtfully designed travel experiences, from private cooking classes with a Moroccan chef to sunrise meditation with a Buddhist monk in Kyoto.

Gregoriou believes that the beauty of solo travel is that it allows you to shed your everyday persona. “At home, we are so defined by our roles as colleagues, mothers, partners and friends that we can forget to ask who we are when none of those labels apply,” she told me in an interview. “When you travel alone you might be traveling first to lose yourself, but in the end you end up finding yourself.”

Tip: “Say yes to the table for one,” says Gregoriou. “Solo dining intimidates a lot of women before their first trip, and it becomes one of their favorite parts by the end. Bring a book, sit at the bar or just people-watch. Some of the best conversations I’ve ever had began when a local noticed I was eating alone and decided to say hello.”

Maria Gregoriou’s Favorite Solo Travel Destinations

Kyoto, Japan

“Japan consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world for solo female travelers. The combination of ancient temples, ryokan hospitality, and a culture of quiet respect makes it ideal for women traveling alone,” says Gregoriou. She recommends staying at the legendary Tawaraya ryokan in Kyoto and booking a private tea ceremony through Urasenke.

Lisbon, Portugal

“Portugal is having a long, well-deserved moment,” says Gregoriou. “It’s walkable, welcoming, affordable relative to other Western European capitals and has a vibrant food and arts scene.” Explore Lisbon’s Bairro Alto neighborhood and LX Factory and stay at Vila Foz.

Ravello, Italy

“In Italy, there’s nowhere quite like the Amalfi Coast for solo indulgence,” says Gregoriou. “The combination of dramatic cliffs, cerulean water and exceptional food makes it feel like a constant dream.” Base yourself in Ravello, which Gregoriou describes as quieter than Positano. Stay at the Belmond Hotel Caruso and book a private boat excursion to explore the sea caves and hidden grottos along the coast.

Peru

“Peru is one of those destinations that humbles you completely, and for the solo female traveler it offers an experience that is as spiritually expansive as it is visually extraordinary,” says Gregoriou. Her advice: Use Cusco as a base before exploring the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, arriving aboard the Vistadome train through the Andes. Stay at Sol y Luna, a boutique hotel whose foundation supports educational programs for local children. “A private guided tour of Machu Picchu at opening time, before the crowds arrive, is something our clients consistently describe as one of the great moments of their lives.”

Paros, Greece

“My homeland Greece is one of the most welcoming and solo-friendly destinations in the Mediterranean, and it rewards travelers who venture beyond the well-worn tourist path,” says Gregoriou. While Santorini is “iconic for a reason,” she recommends Paros for solo female travelers because of its relaxed pace and authentic village life. Another tip: Spend some time in Athens (“endlessly fascinating, with world-class museums, a thriving food scene and neighborhoods that are wonderful to wander alone”) before you head to the islands.

Norway

“Norway is one of the most breathtaking and solo-friendly countries on earth, and it consistently ranks among the safest in the world for women traveling alone,” says Gregoriou. “The fjords are reason enough to visit, but Norway rewards those who go deeper. A private cruise or kayak through the Nærøyfjord is utterly spectacular, and the northern regions offer some of the best opportunities to witness the Northern Lights.” Base yourself in Bergen for the fjords and Tromsø for the Arctic experience. Stay at Storfjord Hotel, “a stunning property perched above the water, intimate in scale and extraordinary in setting.”

Botswana

“Botswana is the answer for the solo female traveler who has always dreamed of Africa but wants to do it safely and in style,” says Gregoriou. “It is one of the continent’s most politically stable and well-managed safari destinations, and its commitment to low-volume, high-value tourism means the experience feels exclusive and unhurried.” She recommends staying at Mombo Camp or Belmond Eagle Island Lodge in the Okavango Delta. “Game drives here are genuinely life-changing.”

Slovenia

“Slovenia is one of Europe’s most beautifully kept secrets, and it is perfectly suited to the solo female traveler who wants something authentic and unhurried,” says Gregoriou. “Ljubljana, the capital, is compact, walkable and full of charm, with a café culture that makes solo days feel effortless and a food scene that punches well above the country’s size.” Another not-to-miss spot: Lake Bled, “a mirror-still lake ringed by Alpine peaks with a fairy-tale island church at its center.”

Erika Brechtel: Founder, Élanoura

One spontaneous solo trip changed the course of Erika Brechtel’s life. Born and raised in Hawaii, Brechtel grew up with a love of history and culture, but her passion for solo travel began in 2015 with a 48-hour trip from London, where she was living at the time, to Marrakech. She founded Élanoura on a simple conviction: that the women who give so much to everyone around them deserve journeys that give something back. Her retreats pair far-reaching destinations with purpose, bringing small circles of women together to explore the world while supporting girls and women in local communities through volunteering and donations to nonprofit partners.

Brechtel believes travel should leave both travelers and the places they visit better than before. “That is what I love most about traveling alone: It connects you back to a new version of yourself,” she told me in an interview.

Tip: “Plan the edges, then let the middle breathe,” says Brechtel. “Lock in the things that protect you—your arrival, your first night, a way to be reached and then leave real room for the unplanned. Pre-book a few activities you are excited about so each day has an anchor, and keep the rest open for last-minute impulses.”

Erika Brechtel’s Favorite Solo Travel Destinations

Marrakech, Morocco

“Marrakech is a feast for every sense, and because the people love their city, it is remarkably clean and well cared for,” says Brechtel. “There is so much to do in the Medina and just beyond it, and your hotel can arrange day trips to a desert camp for a camel ride or out to the Atlas Mountains.” She recommends staying at Peacock Pavilions, a give-back hotel that funds Project Soar, a nonprofit empowering local girls. “They take wonderful care of you and can help plan your transportation and activities.”

Mallorca, Spain

“People expect a party island and find something far more peaceful and soulful, all stone villages, terraced mountains and hidden coves,” says Brechtel. “Palma is a charming, walkable little European city, a kind of mini Paris. The island is safe, easy and made for sunny slow mornings and long swims, which is exactly why we have brought women here. Stay at Fontsanta Thermal Spa and Wellness Hotel, home to the only natural thermal waters on the island, with a five-star restaurant on the property.”

Athens, Greece

“Beyond the postcard islands is a culture built on warmth and welcome, where a woman dining alone is treated like family. I love to start in Athens, where the pace of real life is laid over all that rich ancient history,” says Brechtel. “Drive to Sounion for the Temple of Poseidon at sunset, and stop for fresh fish at a seaside taverna on the way back.”

Oahu, Hawaii

“This is where I grew up, so I am a little biased. Beyond the resorts is a deep culture of aloha and a respect for the land that puts you right back into yourself. Few places feel safer or more restoring for a woman traveling on her own. Plus, with the recent fires in Lahaina and floods on Oahu, choosing to travel there is a way to give back to local businesses and residents,” says Brechtel. “If you go to Oahu, skip Waikiki and stay at Turtle Bay. On your way up, stop in the little town of Haleiwa. Some local knowledge: For one of the best views of the big waves in winter, watch the surf from the heiau, a Hawaiian historical site above Waimea Bay.”

Maui, Hawaii

Brechtel also shared a few favorite tips for Maui. “Skip the sunrise but do catch the sunset from Haleakalā. Sunrise is usually overbooked and means a 3 A.M. start, while sunset is a more leisurely climb with views just as fantastic,” she says. Another tip: “You’ll be told to take the Road to Hana. Let me save you three hours—you can drive the winding, green road for an hour and turn back around, still taking in sweeping coastal views and hopping out of the car for secret waterfall spots along the way.”

Tokyo/Hakone/Kyoto, Japan

“Japan is safe and welcoming, and the culture of respect means a woman traveling solo is met with care rather than attention,” says Brechtel. “While the language barrier can be intimidating, hiring a guide or joining a small group will quickly put your mind and nervous system at ease.” Élanoura’s October 2026 retreat moves through Tokyo, Hakone and Kyoto over nine days. In Hakone, Brechtel recommends taking a walk around Lake Ashi with views of Mount Fuji.

Victoria Vesce: Founder, The VYB

Travel creator Victoria Vesce has built her career around exploring the world, but her relationship with travel is deeply personal. After surviving a brain tumor and later losing her mother to COVID-19, she turned to travel as a way to heal, rebuild her confidence and embrace life more fully. Now, through her wellness community, The VYB, she hosts events designed to bring women together while encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones.

Vesce believes solo travel offers something unique. “It forces you to rely on yourself in the best way,” she told me in an interview. Traveling alone also creates space to connect with a place, its people and yourself. “That’s when travel becomes more than just a trip and actually starts to shift your perspective.”

Tip: “Stay open but trust your instincts,” says Vesce, who believes that women should research destinations thoroughly before they go. But once they’re on the ground, if something doesn’t feel right, don’t second-guess yourself. “Be open to meeting people and trying new things, but always trust your intuition.”

Victoria Vesce’s Favorite Solo Travel Destinations

Granada, Spain

“Granada has this intimate, almost cinematic feel that makes it perfect for solo travel,” says Vesce. “It’s walkable, safe and full of history, but still relaxed and approachable. It’s one of those places where being alone actually feels romantic, not lonely.” She recommends staying at Hotel Alhambra Palace and spending time exploring the Alhambra, watching the sunset from Albaicín and wandering the city’s old streets.

Bali, Indonesia

“Bali is one of the easiest places to travel solo because it’s built for connection,” says Vesce. “Whether you’re into wellness, fitness or just meeting like-minded people, it naturally creates community while still giving you space to be on your own.” Stay in a boutique villa like Villa Cella Bella and fill your days with yoga, Pilates, beach clubs and walks through the rice terraces.

St. Lucia

“St. Lucia is perfect for a solo reset. It’s peaceful, safe and elevated, with a mix of luxury and nature that makes it easy to fully relax while still feeling taken care of,” says Vesce. She recommends hiking the Pitons, taking boat excursions and enjoying spa days.

Sri Lanka

“Sri Lanka is ideal if you want something more adventurous but still manageable solo,” says Vesce. “It offers beaches, culture and wildlife all in one, and it feels like multiple trips in one destination.” Highlights include the scenic train ride from Kandy to Ella, surfing and wildlife safaris.

Singapore

“Singapore is incredibly safe, clean and efficient, which removes a lot of the stress that can come with solo travel,” says Vesce. She recommends staying at Marina Bay Sands or a boutique hotel in Chinatown and exploring Gardens by the Bay, rooftop restaurants and hawker markets.

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

“Vietnam is vibrant and full of energy, but Ha Long Bay is where it slows down and becomes something truly special,” says Vesce. “It’s one of those places that feels surreal.” Stay overnight on a cruise through Ha Long Bay and combine it with time in Hanoi for an unforgettable introduction to Vietnam.

Galway, Ireland

“Galway has such a warm, welcoming energy that makes solo travel feel effortless. It’s smaller, very social and full of charm,” says Vesce. Check out the Hardiman hotel and take a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher.

Diamond Spratling: Founder, Girl Plus Environment

Diamond Spratling is the founder of Girl Plus Environment, a national environmental justice nonprofit that empowers young Black and Brown women and femmes to lead the climate movement. She is also the author of Sage Sails the World, a children’s book series that helps young readers understand the importance of protecting the planet through travel, exploration and environmental stewardship. Spratling has traveled to 18 countries across six continents and has been traveling solo since age 20, when she first traveled alone to South Africa for a service-learning trip. “What I love most about solo travel is the opportunity to spend time with myself,” she told me in an interview. “I love being able to experience a destination entirely on my own terms. I can follow my curiosity, change plans on a whim and immerse myself in the culture without worrying about anyone else’s expectations or preferences.”

Tip: Spratling has three top tips for women traveling abroad. “Download offline maps through Google Maps before you arrive—they can be a lifesaver when you’re navigating a new destination without service. Get an eSIM so you’re always connected. And enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) through the U.S. Department of State, so the government knows where you are in case of an emergency,” she says.

Diamond Spratling’s Favorite Solo Travel Destinations

Xàbia, Spain

“Xàbia is my favorite destination for women looking for a slower, more intentional solo travel experience,” says Spratling. “The town is incredibly walkable, easy to navigate and has a strong sense of community that made me feel more like a local than a visitor. I stayed at Sun & Co., a co-living space filled with digital nomads from around the world, which made it easy to build friendships while still enjoying plenty of solo time.”

Kenya

“As a Black woman, there was something deeply meaningful about visiting Kenya and experiencing the beauty of the continent firsthand,” says Spratling, who recommend visiting Nairobi (“an incredible blend of culture, food and adventure”) and taking a short flight to the Maasai Mara for a safari, an unforgettable farm to table experience at Cultiva Farm and visiting Kiambethu Tea Farm to learn about Kenya’s tea history. “I loved Kenya so much that I returned a second time for my honeymoon.”

Sydney, Australia

“Sydney is one of the easiest cities in the world to explore solo,” says Spratling. “It’s diverse, welcoming, and offers the perfect mix of urban energy and outdoor adventure. One day you can be exploring world-class restaurants and cafés, and the next you can be hopping between stunning beaches and spotting kangaroos.” Spratling stayed at Ace Hotel Sydney, which was convenient to restaurants and shops, and recommends venturing into the wine country for a gourmet food and wine experience.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Spratling spent nearly three months in Phnom Penh working with an international water justice organization, which gave her the opportunity to experience the city beyond the typical tourist perspective. “There is truly something for every type of traveler, from vibrant nightlife and rooftop bars to beautiful cafés, incredible street food and rich cultural history,” says Spratling. The city also serves as a gateway to unforgettable locations like Angkor Wat.

Durban, South Africa

“South Africa will always hold a special place in my heart because it was the destination of my very first solo international trip,” says Spratling. “I stayed in Durban, a beautiful coastal city known for its warm weather, friendly people and laid-back atmosphere. My days were spent on wildlife game drives and my evenings exploring local restaurants and nightlife. That trip not only introduced me to an incredible country, but it also showed me what I was capable of as a solo traveler, giving me the confidence to continue exploring the world on my own.”

Charlotte Lilley: Founder, The Retreat Co.

Charlotte Lilley founded The Retreat Co. after spending more than 15 years building customer communities in the tech world. What started in 2018 as a side hustle organizing ski trips for friends has grown into a business hosting ski, camp and corporate retreats across North America for adventurous women. Over the past eight years, Lilley has hosted more than 1,000 women, and she says about 99% arrive on their own looking for community. “What I love most is the openness that comes with solo travel,” she told me in an interview. “You don’t have anyone else to lean on, so you lean into the experience. You end up doing things you might feel uncomfortable doing in your normal life, because nobody knows you. They don’t know your story and they don’t know what defines you whether self-imposed or otherwise.”

Tip: “The 48 hours before the trip are usually the hardest emotionally, and is often when people start questioning their decision to go,” says Lilley. “If this happens, just focus on getting to the airport, arriving at the house or hotel, meeting one person, eating a meal. Remember that you do not need this trip to change your life, fix anything or make you a different person. You only need to arrive open enough to experience it.”

Charlotte Lilley’s Favorite Solo Travel Destinations

Lake Tahoe

“This is home base for me, so it’s where I’ve seen the ‘solo to connected’ transformation happen the most,” says Lilley. “In summer, there’s camping, hiking and water sports galore. In winter, there are multiple ski resorts and cross-country ski centers. It’s truly a magical spot, and a low-barrier first solo trip from most places.” One of Lilley’s favorite spots is Sierra Surf Club in North Lake Tahoe, with a hotel, restaurant, coffee shop, bar and retail shop to rent gear for your adventures.

Nevada City, California

“Still somehow a bit of a secret, Nevada City is a foothill town with a unique kind of charm—it’s a mix of Gold Rush history meets a bit of hippie,” says Lilley. “The downtown has a lot of Victorian buildings from the 1800s.” Check out the women-owned flower farms nearby like Soil Sisters Farm, and Emerald Pools, a series of clear, emerald green swimming holes on the South Yuba River. The area is especially meaningful to Lilley, who recently purchased 90 acres nearby to create Serene Ravine, a future camping, glamping and retreat destination. “The area really is magic and has so much to offer.”

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

“This is one of those ‘bucket list’ destinations that has a real draw. It’s a unique cowboy mountain town vibe mixed with ski bum culture,” says Lilley. “The town square is a huge draw, too. I’ve been going to the Mountain Modern Hotel for the better part of ten years, and now it’s where we stay for our retreats.” Other favorite stops include the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar and the Silver Dollar Showroom at the Wort Hotel for live music and dancing.

Sun Valley, Idaho

“Sun Valley has a slower, small-town feel, which tends to attract women looking for a quieter, more intimate retreat. It’s a great option for someone who’s nervous about solo travel and wants a gentler entry point before tackling somewhere bigger,” says Lilley. “The town of Ketchum is super quaint, with restaurants, shops and cafés. And I never, ever miss an on-mountain fondue lunch at The Roundhouse in winter, which is one of the highlights of our Sun Valley retreat.” She also recommends visiting Champions Meadow, which honors the area’s female Olympic medalists, and the iconic Sun Valley Lodge to see the photos of all the celebs who have stayed there.

Breckenridge, Colorado

“Breckenridge has nearly 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, which makes it great for a multi-day trip,” says Lilley. “Main Street is what sets the area apart. It’s an actual town with a mountain attached, rather than a resort village built to look like one.” She also loves the personal touches that make a trip memorable, including yoga classes and local art workshops. Her can’t-miss stops: Crepes A La Cart (with a secret batter recipe) and RMU, which is part ski shop and part bar.

Sugarbush, Vermont

“Through our partnership with Ski Moms, we’ve started running retreats here on the East Coast, which has been huge for women who don’t want to fly cross-country for a solo trip,” says Lilley. “The Vermont ski community has its own tight-knit, cozy energy that pairs really well with the kind of connection we’re trying to build.” She recommends staying at Madbush Falls, a bike-and-ski basecamp with a restaurant, bar and saunas. Other favorites include Blockhouse Studio (for ceramics classes), Addison West (a women-owned home and gift shop) and Lawson’s Finest Liquids (a women-owned B Corp brewery).

Stowe, Vermont

“Stowe has that classic New England ski-town charm—white church steeples, covered bridges and a real four-season town built into the side of a mountain,” says Lilley. She recommends staying at Outbound Stowe, which has a yoga room, hot tub, speakeasy and shuttle to the slopes. Don’t miss the women-owned boutique Archery Close, the Von Trapp Family Lodge for sleigh rides and the nearby women-owned Ellison Estate Vineyard.

Jaclyn Leibl-Cote: President & CEO, Collette

As president and CEO of Collette, Jaclyn Leibl-Cote oversees one of the world’s oldest guided travel companies, giving her a front-row seat to the changing ways women are exploring the world. A third-generation leader of the 108-year-old family business, she has watched increasing numbers of women choose to travel independently, often seeking experiences that balance personal freedom with the reassurance of expert planning and local insight. Her advice is to choose the style of travel that fits your personality. “Solo doesn’t have to mean entirely independent,” she told me in an interview. “Small-group travel can offer both freedom and support.”

Tip: “Focus on pace,” says Leibl-Cote. “Giving yourself time to experience a destination often leads to more meaningful travel.”

Jaclyn Leibl-Cote’s Favorite Solo Travel Destinations

Mie Prefecture, Japan

“Japan offers a level of cultural depth that’s incredibly rewarding,” says Leibl-Cote. One of the most meaningful experiences is meeting Japan’s ama pearl divers in the Ise-Shima region of Mie Prefecture. “These women free-dive for pearls and seafood and have sustained a centuries-old profession while providing for their families and communities,” says Leibl-Cote. “Experiencing their work firsthand brings to life both the cultural tradition and entrepreneurial spirit that define the destination in a way you wouldn’t discover on your own.”

Southern Africa Safari

Leibl-Cote recently traveled on safari with her extended family to Southern Africa. She says that beyond the safari itself, it’s the human connection that stays with you. “Near Victoria Falls, a home‑hosted meal offers the chance to share stories and experience daily life in a way that’s difficult to access independently,” says Leibl-Cote. “For solo travelers, those shared moments, both with locals and within a small group, are what makes the journey feel personal, grounded and unforgettable.”

Florence, Italy

“Italy is often known for its food and iconic landmarks, but what stands out are the everyday experiences like walking the cobblestone streets of Florence and discovering small, family‑run shops and restaurants,” says Leibl-Cote. “It’s a destination that naturally balances independence and connection, making it especially well‑suited for solo travelers.” One experience she always recommends: an authentic cooking class. “It’s a simple way to engage with the culture and share the experience with others.”

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