"No travel buddy? No problem! Solo travel is increasingly popular, as The Guardian reported, and women are increasingly keen to check out new destinations on their own. There are many factors that may be taken into account when planning a solo trip and availability of accommodation for lone travelers, personal safety, and ease of meeting other adventurers are all important considerations. These destinations are top picks for all of those factors:
Iceland
If you’re nervous about going it alone then Iceland might put your worries to rest — in fact, it’s the safest country in the world, as Business Insider reported. Although a trip to this notoriously expensive land might set you back a few dollars, Iceland’s stunning scenery and multiple geographic marvels will surely make it worth your visit. It’s also a hotspot for adrenaline junkies and lovers of the great outdoors, so cramming your trip with heart-stopping activities will mean you hardly have the time to get lonely. Try scuba diving between two tectonic plates, horse trekking, and ice climbing to make the most of your visit.
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Canada
If the thought of being alone in an unfamiliar country seems overwhelming, then test the waters with a trip a bit closer to home. With its rugged terrains and breathtaking hikes, Canada offers enough variety to feel like an adventure without taking you too far out of your comfort zone. Cities such as Montreal and Vancouver also offer fantastic culture and foodie delights, all without having to venture far.
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New Zealand
New Zealand’s soaring landscapes and vast, untouched spaces make it appealing for any traveler, but if you’re making a trip alone it can be particularly tempting. Tour buses aimed at backpackers are a popular way to make the most of this island nation, and are also a great opportunity to meet fellow lone travelers. New Zealand is generally considered an incredibly safe country for women, and with the added bonus of not needing to speak another language, it could be a good option to ease you into the #solotravel life.
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Ireland
Another English-speaking spot to try out, Ireland is famed for its friendly locals and lively pub culture. Affordable hostel accommodation is abundant, and its thriving live music scene means that it won’t feel too awkward venturing out to local venues alone. Be sure to take a tour of the Guinness factory and sip on their famed stout, and perhaps make friends on a trip of some of Ireland’s famously emerald green countryside.
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Japan
Although the large majority of Asian countries are fairly safe, it’s understandable why some might be wary of exploring such unfamiliar destinations alone. If you want to visit this vast and incredible continent but aren’t sure where to start, then Japan is one of the safest Asian destinations. Public transport is impeccably organized, making it relatively straightforward to navigate, and local people are almost always polite and eager to help. A potential downside is that many Japanese hostels tend to be pod-styled, so try and book less isolating accommodating if you’re hoping to meet fellow travelers on your journey.
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Portugal
Portugal’s beautiful tiled buildings and white sand beaches have made it a favorite for Instagrammers and travel bloggers. But look beyond the hashtag and Portugal is an easily accessible country with heaps of culture, fantastic food, and great wine. Hop between Lisbon and Porto and take a few days to relax on the Algarve for the perfect combination of city life and relaxation.
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Peru
Although people can be quick to warn female travelers against going solo in South America, Peru is too good to miss. As a well-trodden tourist destination, it tends to be easy to navigate, accommodation is cheap and plentiful, and Peruvians are mostly friendly and accustomed to backpackers treading their turf. If you’re concerned about safety, then consider booking onto one of the many solo-traveler-friendly tours that tick off essential destinations such as Machu Picchu, and spend time with other adventurers taking the same trip as you.
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Finland
Recently named one of the safest places for solo travel, Finland is also currently ranked the world’s happiest country. Wrap up warm and find out why by flying into its icy capital city Helsinki and exploring the surrounding stunning national parks, or going skiing in Lapland. Although Finland can be more on the expensive side and isn’t necessarily a go-to for backpackers (making hostel accommodation a bit trickier to find) violent crime is rare and Finnish people are hospitable and generally speak great English, meaning language barriers are rarely an issue.