6 Best Countries For First-Time Solo Female Travelers
Thinking about taking your first solo trip as a woman? Solo travel can feel intimidating—especially for women. Unfortunately, we still live in a world where women face unique challenges and safety concerns while traveling.
As a woman who’s traveled alone to more than 20 countries, I completely understand those fears. But here’s the good news: you’re not alone.
Every year, more women are embracing solo adventures—and it’s nothing short of a revolution. Traveling solo as a woman is not just about seeing new places; it’s about reclaiming your independence, building confidence and discovering who you truly are.
In this post, I’ll share the 6 best countries for solo female travelers—perfect if you’re just starting out and looking for safe, welcoming and empowering destinations.
Thailand
My absolute favorite country for solo female travelers is Thailand! 🌴
This beautiful, vibrant destination holds so many amazing memories for me and will always have a special place in my heart.
Let me share a few reasons why Thailand is the perfect place to start your solo travel journey—especially if you’re feeling nervous about being alone.
First and foremost: Thailand is one of the easiest countries in the world to meet people.
If you’re worried about feeling lonely as a first-time solo traveler, don’t be. Thailand is a true backpacker’s paradise and it’s incredibly popular among solo travelers from all over the globe. From hostels to group tours, local events to beach bars, it’s so easy to make new friends and connections along the way.
Whether you’re exploring ancient temples in Chiang Mai, island-hopping in the south or soaking in the energy of Bangkok, you’ll constantly be surrounded by friendly travelers and locals alike.
I had such a great time exploring Thailand with fellow solo travelers
Another reason why Thailand is ideal for solo female travelers? You’ll never be bored.
There’s an incredible variety of things to see and do—whether you’re into nature, culture, adventure or just relaxing on the beach. I always felt so excited to explore while I was solo traveling in Thailand.
From tropical islands with white-sand beaches to historic towns filled with ornate temples, Thailand is an incredibly diverse and vibrant destination. Whether you’re snorkeling in Koh Phi Phi, exploring ancient ruins in Ayutthaya or enjoying local street food in Chiang Mai, there’s always something new and unforgettable to experience in Thailand.
It’s truly a country that has it all—and one you’ll fall in love with instantly.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE: Best Islands to Visit in Thailand
A Safe and Welcoming Experience for Solo Female Travelers
One of the most important reasons I recommend Thailand for first-time solo female travelers is the feeling of safety and hospitality I experienced throughout my trips.
Thailand is often called the “Land of Smiles” and after visiting three times, I can absolutely confirm that name fits. The Thai people are incredibly kind, respectful and welcoming. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel a genuine warmth that makes you feel right at home.
As a solo traveler, I always felt safe walking around, asking for directions or seeking help. Locals were always happy to assist, even with language barriers—and that sense of trust and friendliness made a huge difference in my overall travel experience.
Feeling safe and supported is crucial when you’re traveling solo for the first time. Thailand truly delivers on that front.
The thai people are some of the friendliest people I ever met
Easy to Travel in Thailand – A Perfect Country for First-Time Solo Travelers
Finally, one of the main reasons Thailand is perfect for your first solo trip is how easy it is to travel around. Whether you’re hopping between cities, exploring remote towns or heading to the islands, getting around Thailand is simple and stress-free.
For smooth and hassle-free transportation, I highly recommend 12goAsia. It’s the most reliable website to book transportation in Asia and it covers everything from buses and trains to ferries. Booking your transport in advance with 12goAsia will save you time and energy, so you can focus on enjoying the adventure!
Flexible and Stress-Free Travel in Thailand
If you’re the type of traveler who prefers a more go-with-the-flow style, don’t worry—Thailand is perfect for that too.
As soon as you start exploring the streets, you’ll notice travel agencies everywhere—and these agencies will quickly become your best friends during your solo trip.
During my own travels in Thailand, I would often walk into a travel agency just a day or two before I needed to travel (sometimes even the night before!) and they’d always help me book my transport. Whether it was a bus, train or ferry, the Thai travel agencies never failed to find me the best options.
Thailand’s tourism infrastructure is top-notch and its transportation system is incredibly reliable and efficient. That makes it so easy to travel stress-free and make up a plan as you go.
Check my Free Travel Guides to help you plan your solo trip to Thailand 👇🏼
Norway
My second favorite country for first-time solo female travelers is one of the most beautiful countries I ever visited.
Located in Northern Europe, Norway is part of Scandinavia. With that, comes lots of stereotypes. People expect Scandinavian countries to be clean, organized, reliable, safe and developed, amongst many other things.
After having lived in Sweden for nearly 8 years and visiting all Scandinavian countries, I’m very pleased to tell you that all of those stereotypes are correct and Norway is no exception!
I found it to be a super organized and easy country to travel in, which made my solo trip there so smooth and pleasant.
Norway is a super organized, clean and reliable country
Besides being famous for having so many qualities, Scandinavians are also known for being cold and reserved people.
After living in Sweden for so many years, I have to confirm that it’s true. But I also have to admit that I found the Norwegians to be quite friendly and nice people who were willing to help more than I would expect any Scandinavians to do!
I usually felt comfortable asking for help or directions on my solo trip to Norway, which I think is such an important aspect for solo female travelers.
Besides, I don’t think there are many other countries where I felt as safe as in Norway. It’s a country that is known for being very advanced when it comes to women’s rights and equality, which I really felt when I was there.
I found the Norwegians really nice and respectful towards women
One of the few downsides of traveling in Norway as a solo traveler is that it’s not easy to meet people.
Since it’s an expensive country, it doesn’t really attract a lot of backpackers or other types of solo travelers. That can make it quite difficult to come across people to hang out with in case you wanted to.
That being said, I really think that Norway is an amazing country for your first solo trip, especially if you want to truly experience some alone time!
It’s such a beautiful country with so much to see and do that, in my opinion, it is best experienced in the peacefulness of your own company.
You won’t feel bored in such a beautiful country as Norway
Taiwan
Even though Taiwan isn’t one of the most popular tourist destinations, I believe it’s a fantastic choice for solo female travelers—and especially for those taking their first solo trip.
I didn’t even plan on going to Taiwan initially. In fact, I ended up there unexpectedly after getting accepted for a volunteering position. But once I arrived, I completely fell in love with this amazing country!
One of the main reasons Taiwan is perfect for first-time solo travelers is its small size and compact nature.
When you’re starting out on your solo travel journey, the last thing you want is to feel overwhelmed by a huge, complex country. That’s why I wouldn’t recommend a destination like Japan for your first solo trip. Even though it’s incredibly safe and culturally rich, it can feel a bit too big and overwhelming for a newcomer.
Taiwan, on the other hand, feels completely different.
I always felt at ease there and the transportation system is incredibly efficient. The island is small, so getting from A to B is quick and easy—making it perfect for first-time solo travelers looking for simplicity and peace of mind.
Taiwan is a really compact and easy country to travel in
Taiwan – A Safe Haven for Solo Female Travelers
One of the best things about traveling solo in Taiwan was how safe I always felt—no matter where I was or what time of day it was.
During my stay, I spent most of my time in Beitou, the area where my volunteering position was located. I always felt completely at ease there, no matter the time of day or night. In fact, Taiwan’s overall safety was one of the things that stood out to me the most.
Even when I traveled to other areas like Hualien and Chiayi, I felt just as safe. Whether I was arriving alone at night or exploring a new area, the sense of security was always present, which made my solo travels feel comfortable and worry-free.
I always felt safe while traveling alone in Taiwan
The Warmth and Friendliness of the Taiwanese People
In addition to being incredibly easy and safe to travel in, one of the main reasons I fell in love with Taiwan as a solo female traveler was the genuine kindness and hospitality of the Taiwanese people.
I lost count of how many times I asked for directions—and every single time, the locals went out of their way to make sure I got to where I needed to go. Even though there was often a language barrier, the Taiwanese were always so friendly and eager to help.
One of my favorite memories was having spontaneous conversations with random people I met along the way. These interactions added such a personal and memorable touch to my experience in Taiwan and I will forever cherish the connections I made there.
The people of Taiwan always went above and beyond to help me with directions
Hungary
Another one of my top recommendations for first-time solo travelers is Hungary—and there are so many reasons why!
Let’s start with Budapest, which is hands-down my favorite European capital. I’ve visited it multiple times, and no matter how often I go, I always find myself falling in love with it all over again.
Budapest is incredibly beautiful, packed with history, and offers so much to do—especially for solo travelers. It’s the perfect place for a solo weekend getaway, and if you enjoy relaxing experiences, the city’s many thermal baths are an absolute must. There’s something so rejuvenating about soaking in warm mineral-rich waters after a day of exploring!
I have visited Budapest several times as a solo traveler and it became my favorite european capital
While Budapest is an absolute highlight, there’s so much more to discover in Hungary beyond the capital.
During my solo trip, I visited Eger and the famous Miskolctapolca Cave Bath—a truly unique spa experience inside a natural cave. I explored both destinations completely on my own and had such a wonderful, relaxing time.
There’s still so much of Hungary I’d love to see and I’m certain I’ll return for another solo adventure in the future. This country continues to surprise me, and it’s an ideal place for travelers looking to go beyond the typical tourist path while still feeling safe and supported.
I loved exploring Hungary outside of Budapest as a solo traveler
Warm and Welcoming Locals
One of the things that made my solo trip to Hungary so special was the kindness and helpfulness of the local people.
No matter where I went, I found Hungarians to be friendly, approachable and ready to help. One moment that really stood out to me was when I arrived in Eger late at night and couldn’t get my internet to work—I was completely lost. But the locals went above and beyond to help me find my hotel. They didn’t speak much English but they were determined to make sure I got where I needed to go.
That kind of warm, supportive atmosphere is exactly what you want when you’re taking your first solo trip ever. It gave me such a strong sense of comfort and reassurance throughout my time in Hungary.
Another reason I loved traveling solo in Hungary is how budget-friendly it is. Solo travel can sometimes mean higher costs, but in Hungary, even private rooms are often as affordable as hostel beds in other European countries. It’s a great destination if you want comfort without breaking the bank.
Bulgaria
If you’re looking for a destination that’s affordable, safe and full of charm, Bulgaria might just be the perfect place for your first solo trip.
I didn’t have huge expectations before visiting Bulgaria, but it completely blew me away! From the beautiful capital city of Sofia to the colorful old town of Plovdiv, this country offers a unique blend of culture, History, nature and warm hospitality.
Bulgaria is such a beautiful and safe country for solo female travelers
As a solo female traveler, I felt very safe in Bulgaria.
Whether I was wandering through the streets of Sofia during the day or arriving in a new city at night, I never felt uncomfortable. People were respectful and willing to help whenever I needed directions or advice.
Public transportation between cities was easy to use and buses and trains were quite affordable. Plus, tours are very affordable as well – giving you the option to explore in comfort without having to spend a lot.
Even if you’re not a super confident traveler yet, Bulgaria is a destination that won’t overwhelm you. It’s a fantastic option if you want to mix urban exploration with nature. You can spend a few days in Sofia soaking up the local culture and then head into the mountains for incredible hikes—Rila Monastery and the Seven Rila Lakes are especially worth visiting. It’s also home to stunning Black Sea beaches if you’re craving some sun and relaxation.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE: How to Visit Rila Monastery: The Perfect Day Trip from Sofia
One of the best parts? Bulgaria is one of the cheapest countries in Europe.
You can eat out, stay in private rooms and travel between cities for a fraction of what you’d spend in Western Europe. This makes it a great choice for solo travelers who want to experience a lot on a low budget.
Italy
Last but definitely not least, I have to mention one of my absolute favorite countries in the world for solo travel: Italy.
I know including Italy on a list of best countries for first-time solo female travelers might be a bit controversial. But hear me out—I truly believe it can be a great choice for your first solo trip, as long as you’re prepared and aware of a few cultural differences.
Italy is famous for its warm, passionate culture. Italians are expressive, lively and incredibly social. This creates a vibrant atmosphere that many solo travelers absolutely love. However, it also means that you might experience some unwanted attention—particularly as a woman traveling alone.
It’s not uncommon to be catcalled or flirted with by Italian men. While this can be frustrating or uncomfortable, I’ve mostly felt safe during my solo travels in Italy. With a little awareness and confidence, you can navigate it comfortably and safely.
That said, Italy remains one of my favorite countries for solo trips.
From the art and food to the architecture and History, it’s a stunning and culturally rich destination that has so much to offer. If you’re dreaming of solo travel in Europe, Italy could be the perfect place to begin—just pack a little extra confidence along with your suitcase.
Italy is one of my favorite countries to travel solo
Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers in Italy
If you choose Italy as your first solo travel destination, just remember these basic solo female travel safety tips—and you’ll be absolutely fine:
✅ Avoid arriving late at night
When booking your flight or train, try to arrive during the day. I’ve felt safe traveling in Italy, but the few times I arrived late at night made me a bit uneasy—so I now make it a rule to avoid late-night arrivals whenever possible.
✅ Watch your valuables
Italy is known for amazing cities—and unfortunately, also for pickpocketing. Especially in tourist-heavy areas like Rome, Milan and Florence. Keep your valuables close, use a crossbody bag and avoid flashing expensive items.
✅ Be cautious walking alone at night in big cities
While the Italian countryside feels incredibly safe, major cities can have rougher neighborhoods. Try to be back at your accommodation early if you’re staying in places like Naples, Rome or Milan. It’s not about being afraid—just staying smart and situationally aware.
I always follow these simple precautions during my solo trips to Italy and they help me feel safe and confident—so I can fully enjoy everything this amazing country has to offer.
With the right precautions, Italy is an amazing country to visit as a solo female traveler
Now let’s talk about the exciting parts of visiting Italy as a solo traveler!
Italy is an amazing country full of things to see and do. The food, the culture, the landscapes and all the History in this country is unprecedented, which is why it’s basically impossible to feel bored in Italy.
If you’re looking for inspiration to take the final step and finally book that flight to Italy, watch the movie “Eat, Pray, Love”. Julia Robert’s solo journey of self-discovery starts in the land of La Dolce Vita and if that doesn’t make you want to instantly hop on a plane and head there, I don’t know what will!
The food, the culture and the History in Italy make it the perfect country to explore as a solo traveler
From romantic Verona to chaotic Naples, Italy is by far the most alluring country I ever visited. No matter how many times I visit, there seems to be no end to my italian bucket list!
I’m sure I’ll keep going back to explore more of this unique country until I die.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE: This 9000-Year-Old Italian City Needs to Be On Your Travel Bucket List
I hope this list has inspired you and given you some helpful ideas for planning your first solo adventure. Choosing the right destination can make a huge difference—and whether it’s the safety of Norway, the friendliness of Thailand, or the cultural richness of Italy, there’s a perfect place out there for you.
I know that taking your first solo trip can feel like a big leap. But after traveling solo to over 20 countries, I can promise you this: solo travel is one of the most rewarding and empowering experiences you can have. Once you take that first brave step, everything gets easier—and you’ll never look at travel the same way again.
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