As much as I love traveling with my friends and family, I have to admit that I get particularly excited when I have the opportunity to take a solo trip. Compromise is great and all, but there’s absolutely nothing wrong with loving the idea that you get to make all the decisions regarding said trip. (After all, they’re your vacation days and money we’re talking about.)
When you’re in a new city or country on your own, you get to set the itinerary from start to finish — and by tailoring the trip to suit your passions and interests, you’re likely to leave with a greater appreciation for the destination. Plus, traveling solo is empowering and shows us just how self-sufficient we can be. Even if it’s a little stressful and anxiety-inducing at times, there’s a lot to be said for learning firsthand that we’re perfectly capable of handling roadblocks (either figurative or literal) without the help of a friend or significant other.
Whether you’re a young professional who’s saved up her paychecks for the purpose of a solo trip or a mom who needs some much-deserved alone time, put these 10 destinations on your shortlist.
Quepos, Costa Rica
If you're an adventurer who can't get enough of nature, you'll find paradise in Costa Rica. The country is considered the birthplace of ecotourism, and it's one of the safest travel destinations in the world. Plus, the residents are incredibly friendly and helpful — something that never hurts when you're navigating a foreign country on your own.
We recommend staying in Quepos, a tropical inlet village against the backdrop of the rainforest. You'll have easy access to Manuel Antonio National Park, which boasts four beaches and hiking trails through the rainforest. The Quepos village center has six blocks of art galleries, restaurants, bars and hotels to explore, and you'll also want to check out the beautiful Marina Pez Vela.
Copenhagen, Denmark
If you love cities but aren't especially keen on public transit (*raises hand*), Copenhagen is calling your name. The Danish capital is laid out to encourage biking above all other forms of transportation, so you can cycle around the city and take in the beautiful architecture and canals.
Don't miss the indoor food market, Torvehallerne or Amalienborg Palace, The Round Tower (the oldest functioning observatory in Europe), Denmark's National Museum and Bakken, the world's oldest amusement park. If you're partial to fairy tales, check out the Hans Christian Andersen Fairy-Tale House.
Copenhagen is one of the safest cities in Europe, and because Denmark prioritizes gender equality, women are less likely to encounter discrimination and harassment than in other countries.
New York, New York, U.S.
As I learned during my five years living in a very cramped apartment, it's common for New Yorkers to look for solitude outside the home — and that's great news for solo travelers.
New York City is home to some of the best museums in the world, such as The Met, The Museum of Modern Art and The Museum of Natural History (not to mention lesser-known gems like The Frick Collection and the Museum of the Moving Image). Nothing beats visiting museums on your own — you only have to take in the exhibits that interest you and can cruise through the rest.
A visit to New York wouldn't be complete without a stroll through Central Park or (in my opinion) an hour or two at The Strand, one of the world's best independent bookstores. But be sure to venture outside Manhattan and check out the other boroughs: Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
A safe city with friendly, helpful residents, Vancouver has been described by The New York Times as "Manhattan with mountains." (Yes, please!) Go shopping in Gastown and stay for dinner and drinks; bike through Stanley Park; get a healthy dose of food and nosh at Granville Island's food market; and walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
Although there's more than enough to do in Vancouver, a day trip to Whistler, British Columbia is also a popular option — it has killer skiing in the winter and beautiful hikes in the summer. If you're an American citizen or have your passport, you can also turn your visit into a Pacific Northwest road trip and hit up Portland and Seattle in the States (two cities that are also great for solo female travelers).
Tokyo, Japan
With transportation and accommodation options for women only, Tokyo is the perfect city to visit if you're ready to venture out of your comfort zone but are feeling a little nervous about being alone on the other side of the world. From its neon-lit skyscrapers to its historic temples, Tokyo offers an amazing blend of ultramodern and historic.
Don't miss the Tokyo Skytree (the observation deck offers amazing views), Tsukiji Market, Senso-ji temple, Imperial Palace and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. It's extremely common to see both men and women eating in restaurants alone in Tokyo, so no need to feel self-conscious when you dine out solo.
London, England
If you're planning your first solo trip abroad and are feeling nervous about it, London is an excellent option — being able to understand the language and read the street signs will be a major relief. The city is also easy to navigate, and you'll master the tube maps in a snap.
Although London isn't the most affordable city on the list, many of the best attractions (namely the museums and parks) are free. Be sure to visit The British Museum, Portobello Road Market, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral, Kensington Gardens and Tower Bridge. Art lovers will want to check out The National Gallery (and The National Portrait Gallery next door), The Tate and The Tate Modern. And if you're a fan of all things creepy, book yourself on one of the London ghost tours.
Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia
This seaside enclave is a peaceful, low-key alternative to bustling Sydney. Known for its surfing and scuba diving sites, Byron Bay is the perfect destination for women who can't get enough of the ocean.
You'll also want to visit The Byron Bay Lighthouse, Byron Bay Farmers Market, Arakwal National Park and Cape Byron State Conservation Park. Grab a bite (and a drink) at Treehouse on Belongil, a charming beach bar where there's live music all weekend.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires ranks as one of my most cherished memories of solo travel. In fact, it's so welcoming, you shouldn't be surprised if a family invites you for a home-cooked meal when they learn you're in the city on your own.
Friendly, welcoming culture aside, this cosmopolitan city will keep you busy from dawn 'til dusk (and then some). Some sites you won't want to miss: The Costanera (an ecological reserve); El Caminito (a colorful street museum); the Sunday fair in San Telmo, Teatro Colón (the city's opera house); and the Casa Rosada (the presidential palace). Just be sure to save some energy for the nightlife.
San Francisco, California, U.S.
One of the most picturesque cities in America, San Francisco is the ideal destination if you're looking for an easy, low-stress trip that still offers plenty of exciting sites and unique neighborhoods.
Be sure to visit Haight-Ashbury (the hub of the 1960s countercultural movement), Chinatown, Coit Tower and the famous City Lights Bookstore. And don't forget to take the ferry to Alcatraz Island, home to the infamous penitentiary.
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Although the public transportation in Amsterdam is just fine, renting a bike is decidedly the best way to get around the city. (Personally, I didn't want to miss a single view of the beautiful canals.)
If you love museums, you'll want to carve out plenty of time to spend wandering the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum (dedicated to the city's arts and history) and Rembrandt House Museum. Don't miss Bloemenmarkt, the world's only floating flower market. And of course, you can't leave Amsterdam without visiting The Anne Frank House — just be sure to arrive early, because the lines can get long.
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