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Best solo trips for women

From hiking with new-found friends to soaking up culture, a small group tour is a convenient way of exploring new places as a solo female traveler. Not sure where to start? Here are our recommendations for the best solo trips for women.

Written by: Aleesha Sharma, Copywriter at Explore Worldwide
Published: 15 April 2026

Solo female travel has never been bigger – or better. Thanks to our expert Explore leaders and carefully crafted itineraries, all of our tours are suitable for solo female travelers.

But solo travel doesn’t mean being alone. For many female travelers, small group tours provide the ideal balance of independence and community. You’ll meet like-minded explorers, create unforgettable memories, and in some cases form lifelong friendships.

Need some inspiration to help choose your solo trip? Take a look at our guide below for our top picks across Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa. We've broken down the best small group adventures for you to consider, from solo walking tours to cultural trips for singles.

Whether you're an avid foodie or enjoy being on the move, we're sure you'll find something you'll love. So sit back, relax, make friends, and embrace your independence with our round-up of some of the best solo female travel destinations.

At a glance

  • The best solo trip depends on your personal travel style. Do you want to soak up the culture of a destination? Is walking your favorite way of discovering a new place? Are you most excited by the thought of seeing wildlife?
  • A small group tour minimises stress and worry, offers independence, and provides an opportunity to connect with others.
  • Based on your travel style, find a destination that closely matches this. Check out our top destinations for each style below.
    • Walking: Amalfi, Madeira
    • Culture: Japan, Turkey, Peru
    • Cycling: Baltic States
    • Wildlife: Botswana

How to choose your solo trip

There are a few considerations to keep in mind before selecting your first solo trip. A solid starting point is thinking about your travel style. For example, are you looking for a trip focused on culture/discovery, walking/trekking, cycling, wildlife, food and drink, or something else? Next, you'll want to assess your comfort level. If you're planning your first solo tour, you may want to consider a shorter or closer trip to build your confidence.

You should also think about how much free time you'd prefer to have on the trip. For sociable travelers, group dinners and other group activities can provide much-needed connection and community. Independent travelers may enjoy more solo time, such as dining alone or taking advantage of free time during tours to explore at your own pace. Finally, think about your budget/room preferences, as this will help to determine which package is best suited for your needs.

Destination spotlights

No matter if you're planning your first solo trip or are a seasoned solo traveler, our small group tours empower you to travel safely and effortlessly, with like-minded friends to accompany you along the way. Here are our top trips for solo female travelers.

Amalfi Coast, Italy - The Walk of the Gods

Join fellow walking enthusiasts on a small group walking tour. Often a popular choice for solo female travelers, you'll benefit from the camaraderie of a community united by a passion for exploration. Take in the stunning scenery as you hike along Italy's Amalfi Coast and marvel together at the panoramic views over the azure-blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Group activities include a 6.2 mile moderate walk through the Ferriere Nature Reserve and the 'Walk of the Gods' - regarded as one of the greatest coastal walks in the world. There are opportunities for solo time such as a free day to visit Pompeii and Herculaneum, where you can rest, re-energise, and explore the local area at your own leisure.

Amalfi Coast Walking Tour

Follow ancient footpaths in Madeira

If you're a solo traveler who loves walking then Madeira is a top choice. Never feel alone as you follow ancient footpaths along mossy green levadas on the lush island of Madeira, and feel as though you’re on top of the world as you ascend into the mountains and trek clifftop passes.

Join new friends for a feast of traditional Portuguese food in a local taverna and make a toast to lasting memories and meaningful solo adventures. Rest, recharge, or simply explore at your own pace with opportunities for solo time throughout the trip, such as a free afternoon in Funchal. Discover Lisa's take on the 'Hawaii of Europe'.

Walking in Madeira Tour

Explore the highlights of Japan

If Japan is on your travel bucket list, our small group tours are the perfect way for female solo travelers to discover cultural highlights as well as lesser-known treasures. Visit Sensoji - Tokyo's oldest temple, ride a high-speed bullet train, and spot Japan's famous snow monkeys bathing in hot springs.

Make memories with new friends during group activities such as a traditional tea ceremony and a guided walk around one of Osaka's most vibrant districts. Spend solo time however you wish, such as visiting the Ryoan-ji Temple or the acclaimed Golden Pavilion.

Looking for more guidance? Check out our handy first-timer's guide to visiting Japan.

Highlights of Japan Tour

Turkey - more than a beach vacation

Turkey has much more to offer beyond just beaches. There are an abundance of options for solo travelers looking for memorable and immersive cultural and historical experiences.

Discover the fairy tale stone turrets of Cappadocia, witness the crumbling columns of ancient Aphrodisias, or go on a foodie adventure full of slow-cooked pottery kebabs, sweet delights, and mouth-watering street food. Spend solo time soaking up the charm of Kas or get adventurous by trying your hand at sea kayaking.

Turkey in Depth Tour

Discover Peru & The Amazon

Peru and beyond can be tricky to navigate for any solo adventurer. By joining a small group tour, you'll be in safe hands with expert local knowledge.

Solo female travelers looking to explore South America can join our Upgraded - Discover Peru + the Amazon tour. Navigate the lush greens of the Amazon Rainforest and witness one of the New Seven Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu. If that wasn't enough, you'll stay in hand-picked premium accommodation, including an upmarket jungle lodge!

Strike the perfect balance between group activities and solo time. Bond with others, make new friends, and take group photos surrounded by Peru's dramatic mountain scenery, and recharge your social battery with free time in several locations to relax or explore further.

Peru and the Amazon Tour

The Baltic States

Navigating through different countries can be intimidating when traveling alone as a female, so why not opt for a Baltic States cycling tour that combines three countries into one convenient stress-free trip?

Join other active adventurers and cycle your way through Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Pedal through hundred-year-old pine forests, exquisite national parks, and enchanting medieval towns. Make the most of solo time throughout the trip to explore more of the Baltic capital cities Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius.

Cycling the Baltic States Tour

Safari adventures in Botswana

If you're a wildlife enthusiast searching for your perfect solo trip, why not share the joy on a small group safari tour in Botswana, Africa?

Watch elephant herds roam the scorched plains of Chobe National Park, jump into a jeep with like-minded travelers to spot fish eagle, jacana, kingfisher and heron in the Moremi Game Reserve, and feel at ease traveling within a group when searching for semi-submerged crocodiles in the thriving waterways of Okavango Delta.

You'll also have opportunities to relax, explore further at your own pace, or choose from optional activities such as taking a scenic helicopter flight over the falls or white-water rafting in the Zambezi.

Botswana Wildlife Safari Tour

 

What’s your solo travel style?

Be it a classic discovery tour or an exhilarating multi-activity trip, there are travel experiences for every type of explorer. Take a look through the most popular travel styles below to find your perfect match.

Solo trips for women who love wildlife

If you're a female solo traveler who loves the animal kingdom then our wildlife adventures are an ideal way of seeing your favorite animals.

Why not venture deep into the heart of India to discover the Bengal tiger with our Indian Wildlife Adventure tour? Or how about taking a trip through the wilderness to track Africa's most iconic animals on our Botswana Wildlife Safari tour?

Opportunities to spot wildlife don't stop there. Explore Costa Rica's rainforests teeming with life from brightly coloured toucans to slow-moving sloths, visit the famous Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary on our Borneo Wildlife Highlights tour, or go mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park, Uganda.

Wildlife trips

Solo trips for female foodies

Foodies will understand just how important food and drink is while traveling. If you're a solo female traveler searching for your next eating and drinking experience, then we can introduce you to both classic and lesser-known specialities.

While there are many perks to dining alone, our culinary trips are designed to help you connect with the rest of your small group while gaining a deeper understanding of local culture and traditions.

Combine a discovery of Italy's superb cuisine and wine among gently rolling landscapes on our A Taste of Italy - Walking in Puglia tour, whip up a fiery Mexican feast using local ingredients at a Mexican cooking class, or sample the best food Vietnam has to offer on our Taste of Vietnam food tour.

Food & Drink Tours

Solo trips for active women

If you're traveling alone but want an active trip then our walking and trekking or cycling tours are a great way to immerse yourself in your destination while traveling at your own pace.

You could explore Vietnam's lush countryside on two wheels on our Cycle Saigon to Hanoi tour, walk the trails of the spectacular Amalfi Coast on our relaxed Amalfi Coast Walking tour, or challenge yourself on a special trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro on our Kilimanjaro - Rongai Trek.

Activity Tours

Solo trips for culture lovers

Female solo travelers who love culture will appreciate Europe's cultural heritage. From medieval cathedrals in northern Europe to renaissance art and architecture in Italy, Europe is jam-packed with cultural highlights just waiting to be admired.

Outside of Europe, there is plenty to discover too. With its charming cobbled streets and rich culture, Colombia is a vibrant treat for the senses: taste the fruits at Paloquemao farmers market or take in the beauty of Barichara’s white-washed houses. Or you could journey through picturesque Northern India to experience the famous three cities on The Golden Triangle tour.

Culture & Discovery Tours

 

Practical tips for solo female travelers

While solo travel for women can be hugely rewarding, many women may understandably feel nervous about traveling alone, particularly if it's their first time. Check out our top tips below to get the most out of your solo trip.
 

  • Staying safe: It's important to be mindful of safety when traveling alone. Make sure you protect your belongings, never leave your drink unattended, and don't share your accommodation details.
  • Cultural differences: Your expert local guide will help you understand any cultural differences of your chosen location, but doing a bit of research ahead of your trip can minimise stress down the line. For example, be aware of covering up when visiting religious sites and learning basic terminology.
  • Packing: What to bring will differ according to the type of trip you choose, so we provide advice on what to pack for your solo tour on our trip pages - just check the 'Budgeting and packing' section.
 

For more information, check out our comprehensive solo female travel guide.

Plan your solo trip with Explore

Solo travel doesn't have to mean being alone.

When you join a small group tour at Explore Worldwide, you also join a community of like-minded explorers with a passion for travel and a curiosity for life.

Over 50% of travelers travel on their own so you'll be in great company.

View all solo tours

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