7 Best Countries For First-Time Solo Female Travelers
Thinking about taking your first solo trip as a woman? If travelling alone sounds exciting but also a little terrifying, I completely get it.
I’ve travelled solo to 38 countries, but I still remember how many questions I had when I first started travelling alone. Is it actually safe? What if I get lonely? What if something goes wrong? Will I be able to figure everything out by myself?
The good news is that your first solo trip doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Choosing the right destination can make a huge difference. Some countries are particularly easy for first-time solo travellers, thanks to good tourist infrastructure, straightforward transport, plenty of accommodation options, lots of other travellers and activities you can join along the way.
So, if you’re wondering where to travel alone for the first time as a woman, this guide is for you.
I’m sharing my picks for the best countries for first-time solo female travellers, based on my own experiences travelling alone around the world. I’ll look at more than just safety — I’ll also consider how easy each destination is to navigate, how easy it is to meet people, and how enjoyable it is to travel there on your own.
Because the perfect first solo trip isn’t necessarily the country that’s considered the “safest.”
It’s the one that makes you feel confident enough to want to take the next one.
Thailand
My absolute favourite country for solo female travellers is Thailand! 🌴
This beautiful, chaotic, colourful country holds so many amazing memories for me and will always have a special place in my heart.
But beyond how much I personally love Thailand, there’s a reason I think it’s one of the best countries for your first solo trip.
It’s so easy to travel solo in Thailand
First and foremost, Thailand is one of the easiest places in the world to meet other travellers.
If you’re worried about feeling lonely on your first solo trip, Thailand is probably one of the best places you could start. It’s a true backpacker paradise, and you’ll find solo travellers from all over the world almost everywhere you go.
🇹🇭 Looking for the best places to visit in Thailand? I’ve got you! Check out my other Thailand guides for more inspiration, tips and travel ideas. 👇
🌺 4 Paradise Islands in Thailand That Still Feel Peaceful
🐠 Visiting the Similan Islands, Thailand: A Complete Travel Guide
🤫 Better Than the Maldives? Discover This Hidden Gem in Thailand
💎 The Ultimate Koh Lipe Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know
☀️ What to Do in Koh Lipe: 10 Must-Do Activities on Thailand’s Hidden Paradise
Hostels, group tours, day trips, cooking classes, beach bars and organised activities make it incredibly easy to meet people and make friends — even when you’re travelling alone.
And that’s one of the biggest advantages of choosing Thailand for your first solo adventure: you can be alone without actually having to feel alone.
Whether you’re exploring the temples of Chiang Mai, soaking up the chaos of Bangkok or island-hopping in paradise, you’ll constantly meet other travellers.
And if you’re a little nervous about your first solo trip, that makes a huge difference. You don’t have to arrive in Thailand and suddenly become this ultra-independent traveller who spends two weeks eating dinner alone. You can ease yourself into solo travel at your own pace.
I had such a great time exploring Thailand with fellow solo travelers
You’ll Never Be Bored in Thailand
Another reason I think Thailand is such a great choice for solo female travellers? You’ll never be bored. ☀️
I have such a soft spot for Thailand in my heart. It’s one of those countries I could go back to again and again, and honestly, I think it’s probably one of the most complete countries I’ve ever visited.
Think about it: apart from snow, you can pretty much get anything you want in Thailand 😅 Incredible beaches? You’ve got them. Mountains and jungles? Yep. Ancient temples and fascinating history? Absolutely. Amazing food, crazy nightlife, peaceful islands, adventure, culture, luxury resorts or dirt-cheap hostels? Thailand has all of it.
“Thailand is too touristy!” 🙄 Well, there’s a reason millions of people want to visit every year — maybe it’s simply because Thailand is freaking amazing? 😏🌴
There are so many things to see and do, whether you’re into adventure, nature, culture, food or simply doing absolutely nothing on a beautiful beach. When I was travelling solo in Thailand, I always felt excited about what I’d get to discover next.
You can spend a few days relaxing on tropical islands with white-sand beaches, then head north to explore ancient temples and historic towns. You could be snorkelling around Koh Phi Phi, exploring the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya, or eating your way through the streets of Chiang Mai, there’s a huge amount of variety packed into one country.
That’s one of the things I love the most about Thailand as a solo traveller: you can make the trip whatever you want it to be. Want to spend a week meeting people in hostels and joining tours? Easy. Want to disappear to a quiet island for a few days and do nothing but swim and read? You can do that too.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation or a bit of both, Thailand makes it ridiculously easy to build a solo trip around exactly what you enjoy.
Check my Free Travel Guides to help you plan your solo trip to Thailand 👇🏼
A Safe and Welcoming Experience for Solo Female Travelers
One of the biggest reasons I recommend Thailand for first-time solo female travellers is how comfortable I’ve felt there. I’ve now visited Thailand three times, and I felt so safe and welcome every single time.
Thailand is known as the “Land of Smiles”, and honestly, I can see why. 😄 The Thai people I’ve met have been incredibly kind, friendly and welcoming, and that warmth made a real difference when I was travelling alone.
As a solo traveller, I never felt like I had to figure everything out completely on my own. Whether I needed directions, help with something or simply wasn’t sure where I was going, there was usually someone happy to point me in the right direction — even when we didn’t speak the same language.
And when you’re travelling solo for the first time, those little moments of kindness can make a huge difference. Knowing you can ask for help, chat to someone or simply feel welcomed in a new place makes the whole experience feel much less intimidating.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE: Best Islands to Visit in Thailand
Of course, no destination is completely risk-free. Travelling solo always means using common sense and trusting your instincts. But based on my own experiences, Thailand is one of those places where I’ve consistently felt comfortable travelling alone.
And for your first solo trip as a woman, that feeling of being welcomed rather than completely on your own can be a pretty big deal.
The thai people are some of the friendliest people I ever met
The Easiest Country I’ve Ever Travelled Around
Before going to Thailand, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I knew it was an extremely touristy country, so I assumed there would be plenty of infrastructure in place for travellers — but I have to admit, Thailand completely blew my expectations.
I’ve travelled to a lot of countries, and I genuinely don’t think I’ve ever been somewhere where it’s this easy to get around. Not even Japan. And I’m not exaggerating.
You can literally decide the night before that you want to travel across the country and book the whole journey without a second thought. No complicated planning, no endless research, no trying to piece together five different transport websites.
And here’s the best part: you don’t even necessarily have to book anything yourself.
Just walk down the street and you’ll find travel agencies and little tour shops everywhere. Walk in, tell them where you want to go, and they’ll sort everything out for you. Your bus, your train, your ferry, your transfers — whatever you need.
And we’re not talking about some luxury private transfer service either. It’s often door-to-door transportation at very reasonable prices. They’ll pick you up from your accommodation, take you to the next connection, get you onto the ferry or bus, and eventually drop you at your next destination.
As someone who loves travelling independently but absolutely hates unnecessarily complicated logistics, I was blown away by this.
I honestly can’t rave about Thailand’s transport system enough. It’s organised, efficient, affordable and ridiculously convenient, and it makes travelling around the country as a solo traveller feel so much less intimidating.
Prefer to Book Your Transport Online?
If you’d rather book in advance, I highly recommend 12Go. It’s by far the best website to book public transportation in Asia. It lets you compare and book different types of transport, including trains, buses, ferries and transfers, all in one place.
So whether you’re the kind of traveller who likes to plan everything in advance or you’d rather show up in Thailand and figure it out as you go, you’re covered.
Honestly, I wish more countries around the world would take notes from Thailand 😂
China
Okay, hear me out… China might not be the first country that comes to mind when you think about your first solo trip as a woman. But that’s exactly why I wanted to include it on this list.
China is such an intimidating destination, and I’ll be honest: even after travelling solo to so many countries, I was proper nervous before going there. 😅
There was just so much to figure out before I even got on the plane. China has its own ecosystem of apps and services, and many of the apps and websites we normally use in the rest of the world don’t work there without a VPN. You need to think about things like which apps you’ll need, how you’ll access them, how you’ll pay for things, how you’ll get around and what you need to set up before you arrive.
So yes, China takes MUCH more preparation than your average first solo trip. I definitely wouldn’t recommend just turning up at the airport with absolutely no plan and hoping for the best.
But here’s the thing…
Once I actually got there, all that nervousness disappeared surprisingly quickly.
China ended up becoming one of my favourite countries I’ve ever visited — and, perhaps most surprisingly of all, it’s the number one country where I’ve ever felt safest.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE: Is China Safe for Solo Female Travellers? My Honest Experience
China Is Easier to Travel Around Than You Think
If you’re considering going to China but feel overwhelmed or even a little scared about it, believe me: you’re not alone.
Even after visiting 60 countries, China was easily one of the most stressful countries I’ve ever planned a trip to. There is SO much you need to figure out before you go, and trying to understand how everything works can feel like a complete headache.
But here’s the thing: once you actually get there, China is WAY easier to travel around than you think.
Before visiting China, Japan was probably the most organised country I’d ever travelled to. Everything in Japan seems to run like clockwork — trains are on time, public transport is incredibly efficient and you can usually trust that everything will work exactly as it should.
If you’re planning a trip to Japan, these blog posts might be helpful:
♨️ The Most Unique Onsen Town in Japan
🌿 Discover Japan’s Hidden Gems: The Most Beautiful Countryside Towns
💰 5 Tips to Plan a Budget Trip to Japan
⛩️ Japan Bucket List: 10 Epic Experiences You Can’t Miss
🦊 This Festival in Japan Makes a Whole Town Transform Into Foxes
Well… China is efficient like Japan, times 100. 😂
Seriously. Every time I used public transportation in China, I was completely mind-blown. Everything seemed to be down to the second, and I could genuinely trust the system to get me where I needed to go.
No standing in the middle of nowhere wondering whether the bus you’re waiting for is actually going to show up. No panicking about whether you’re going to make that tight connection between trains. No constantly wondering if the timetable you found online is actually accurate.
China’s transport system just works.
🚄 Want to book your trains in China? I recommend using Trip.com. It’s really straightforward and lets you book your train tickets online before you travel, which can save you a lot of stress once you’re in China.
And even better, if you want to avoid public transportation completely, you can always use DiDi, China’s version of Uber. 🚕
“But won’t taking taxis everywhere be ridiculously expensive?” you might be thinking.
That was my first thought too, especially as a budget traveller. But believe me, China is insanely cheap, and DiDi is no exception.
I once took a DiDi for a 70-kilometre journey and paid just €13. 🤯 How is that even possible!? Europe could never.
I’m still in disbelief that I paid only 13€ for such a long ride from Chengdu to Panda Valley
And honestly, this is one of the biggest reasons I’d tell a nervous first-time solo traveller not to overthink China. Yes, planning your trip beforehand can be overwhelming. But once you’re actually there, the combination of incredible infrastructure, reliable public transport and ridiculously affordable taxis makes travelling around the country much easier than you might expect.
China Is Incredibly Affordable 💰
Honestly, the affordable DiDi rides are just the beginning. One of the things that surprised me most about China was just how far my money went overall.
Before going, I honestly expected China to be more expensive. It’s such a huge, developed country with some seriously modern cities and incredible infrastructure, so I assumed I’d be spending quite a bit to travel there.
I was very, very wrong. 😂
Can you believe I slept at this spa for 37€? Yes, you read that right. READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE: I Slept in Chengdu’s Viral 24-Hour Spa: My Complete Guide & Honest Review
From food and accommodation to trains, public transport and taxis, I was constantly surprised by how little things cost.
And that’s a HUGE advantage when you’re travelling solo.
When you’re travelling with someone else, you can split the cost of taxis, private transfers and accommodation. When you’re alone, you have to pay for everything yourself. So being somewhere where you can occasionally take a taxi, eat out or book something without constantly worrying about your budget makes a massive difference.
Can you believe I booked this hotel room for 78€? I can’t imagine how much this would cost in Europe
You can also eat incredibly well without spending much money.
So if you’re worried that travelling around such a massive country is going to cost a fortune, you’ll be shocked.
China gave me some of the best value for money I’ve experienced while travelling — and that’s coming from someone who normally travels on a budget.
Honestly, after visiting China, the rest of the world look seriously overpriced.
The Language Barrier Isn’t as Scary as You Think 🗣️
China was actually the country where I’ve experienced the biggest language barrier so far. I thought Japan’s language barrier was huge… until I got to China.
Let’s be honest: you’re not going to get far in China assuming everyone will speak English. There were definitely moments when communication was a challenge, and I spent a LOT of time relying on my phone.
But here’s the thing: China is such a digital country that you’re probably going to be glued to your phone anyway. So you might as well take advantage of it for communication as well!
I spent my days using Google Translate to communicate, and honestly? It worked surprisingly well. Whether I needed to ask someone a question, order something, figure out where I was going or explain what I needed, I could usually get my point across with a bit of translating, pointing and gesturing.
You can’t survive a trip to China without a translation app
Honestly, I never felt like I was completely stuck just because I couldn’t speak Chinese. There was always a way to communicate somehow — especially because I had Google Translate downloaded and ready to go.
If you’re going to China, download Google Translate before you go. Seriously. Don’t wait until you arrive and assume you’ll be able to download whatever you need. You never know when your internet connection or VPN might suddenly let you down, and if there’s one thing you really don’t want to be without in China, it’s Google Translate.
I spent my days in China glued to Google Translate
That app is so handy in China that I even ended up having an entire conversation with a three-year-old on a bus using Google Translate. 😂
The little boy was travelling with his grandma and kept staring at me, which is actually something you’ll probably notice when travelling around China — especially in places that aren’t very touristy. As a foreigner, you’re sometimes going to attract a few curious looks!
Eventually, he started talking to me, but obviously… I had absolutely no idea what he was saying.
So I typed into Google Translate that he could talk to my phone and I’d be able to understand him, and then used the little microphone/audio button so Google Translate could listen to what he was saying and translate it for me.
And that’s literally how we had an entire conversation.
He would talk to my phone, Google Translate would translate what he’d said, I’d type my reply, and then I’d press the audio button so my phone could play the translation back to him.
So there I was, sitting on a bus in China, having a full conversation with a three-year-old without speaking a single word of the same language. 😂
Honestly, if a three-year-old and I can have a full conversation through Google Translate, I think you’ll be fine. 😂
I still can’t believe this conversation with a chinese 3-year old actually happened
So yes, the language barrier in China is real. But don’t let that put you off travelling there solo. You don’t need to speak Chinese fluently, and you certainly don’t need to be glued to a phrasebook all day.
Download your translation app, keep your phone charged, embrace a little creativity and you’ll probably manage much better than you expect.
Is China Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
China impressed me in so many ways, but I have to admit that safety was the number one thing that made an impression on me.
Before planning my trip to China, I didn’t really think anything special about safety there. I already knew from my own experiences that many parts of Asia are very safe for solo travellers, so I assumed China would be fine too.
Before going to China, I had no idea if it was a safe country or not
But what I experienced once I actually got there completely blew my mind.
Out of all 38 countries I’ve travelled to solo, China is by far the country where I’ve felt the safest.
I didn’t constantly think about where I was going or what time it was. I didn’t feel like I had to rush back to my accommodation before it got dark or carefully plan my movements around safety. I just went out and did whatever I felt like doing.
And as a woman travelling alone, that felt incredibly liberating.
I felt completely safe to walk around alone in China – no matter the hour
I remember walking through a park ALONE. AT. NIGHT. just to get to a viewpoint. And honestly? I didn’t even think twice about it at the time.
Looking back, I realised how unusual that was for me. I would probably never do that in Europe. Or in many other parts of the world, for that matter.
Obviously, feeling safe is personal, and my experience doesn’t mean that nothing can ever go wrong in China. You should still use common sense, stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts wherever you travel.
But based purely on my own experience, China completely changed my perception of what solo travel could feel like as a woman.
And that feeling of being able to simply go where you want, when you want, without constantly thinking about your safety? That was honestly one of my favourite things about travelling solo in China.
Wanna know more about solo travel in China? Read my full blog post: Is China Safe for Solo Female Travellers? My Honest Experience 🔗
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 10 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 given you some inspiration and made planning your first solo adventure feel a little less daunting. The right destination can make such a huge difference when you’re just starting out — whether you want the ease of Thailand, the incredible organisation of China, the safety and independence I felt in Norway, or the culture and adventure of somewhere completely different.
And if you’re still feeling nervous about travelling alone, that’s completely normal. I was nervous too. You don’t have to suddenly become this fearless, ultra-independent traveller who knows exactly what she’s doing. You just have to be brave enough to take that first step.
I’ve now travelled solo to 38 countries, and honestly, solo travel has given me some of the most incredible experiences of my life. It’s taught me that I’m capable of figuring things out, trusting myself and feeling comfortable in places that once seemed completely unfamiliar.
So if you’ve been waiting for the “perfect” moment to book your first solo trip, maybe this is your sign to stop waiting. ✈️
Because once you take that first leap, you’ll probably realise that travelling alone isn’t nearly as scary as you imagined — and you might just discover that you absolutely love it. ❤️
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Solo Female Travel in the Pacific: Is It Safe & Which Islands Should You Visit? - Around the World In Flip Flops
October 8, 2026 @ 5:36 am
[…] solo trip? Don’t know where to start? I’ve written this whole other post about the 7 best countries for first-time solo female travellers — and some of them might surprise you […]
Is China Safe for Solo Female Travellers? My Honest Experience - Around the World In Flip Flops
October 10, 2026 @ 9:41 am
[…] In fact, after visiting this amazing country, I was so impressed that I even added China to my list of 7 Best Countries For First-Time Solo Female Travelers 🧳 […]