2014 was the year I learned to sit still in my own company. There were long train rides through unfamiliar countryside, conversations with strangers that turned into genuine friendships, and mornings where the only sound was the spoon clinking against my teacup on a balcony overlooking a sea I had never seen before. Solo travel changed how I see the world, but more than that, it changed how I see myself. For 2015, I wanted to share five destinations that are not just safe and welcoming for women traveling alone, but genuinely transformative. These are places where the culture invites introspection, where the landscapes feel like they were made for long walks and longer thoughts, and where you can arrive alone and leave feeling fuller than you thought possible.
Each destination on this list was chosen for its ease of navigation, its warmth toward solo female travelers, and its ability to offer both solitude and connection — whichever you need on any given day.
1. Slovenia — The Quiet Heart of Europe
Slovenia often gets overlooked by travelers rushing between Venice and Vienna, but that is precisely its charm. Ljubljana, the capital, feels like a small town dressed up as a city — safe, walkable, and filled with riverside cafés where you can sit alone with a book and never feel out of place. The old town is compact, and the public transport system (buses and trains) is reliable and easy to use even if you do not speak Slovenian.
For a solo traveler, the highlight is Lake Bled. Take the local bus from Ljubljana (about 90 minutes, €6 one way) and spend a day walking the 6-kilometer path around the lake. In spring and early autumn, the crowds are thin, and you can rent a small rowboat to reach the island church without queuing. The water is startlingly clear, and the stillness of the morning — when the only sound is the oar dipping into the lake — is a kind of meditation.
Practical note: Slovenia is one of the safest countries in Europe. Violent crime is rare, and locals are genuinely helpful. I recommend booking a room at a guesthouse in the old town of Ljubljana rather than a hotel — you will get homemade breakfast and a direct line to local advice.
2. Japan — The Art of Being Alone in Public
Japan is a masterclass in how to be alone without feeling lonely. The culture respects personal space and silence in a way that feels liberating for a solo traveler. You can spend an entire day visiting temples in Kyoto, eating ramen at a counter facing the wall, and riding the Shinkansen bullet train — all without a single awkward conversation, yet surrounded by a quiet, respectful energy.
For a first solo trip to Japan, I suggest staying in a ryokan (traditional inn) in Hakone for two nights. The experience of an onsen (hot spring bath), a multi-course kaiseki dinner served in your room, and a futon on tatami mats is deeply restorative. You do not need to speak Japanese to get by — most ryokans have English-speaking staff, and the train routes are clearly signposted in English and with color-coded lines.
Cultural note: Tipping is not practiced in Japan. Instead, show gratitude with a polite bow and the phrase “arigatou gozaimasu.” Also, carry a small hand towel — many public restrooms do not provide paper towels.
If you are worried about the cost, Japan can be done on a budget. I have written about how I traveled on €35 a day, and the principles apply here too — stay in capsule hotels or budget guesthouses, eat convenience store onigiri for breakfast, and buy a JR Pass before you arrive. For a deeper look at how I managed costs across multiple countries, see my earlier piece I Travelled Solo on €35 a Day – Here’s How.
3. Portugal — Sunlight, Sea, and Slow Living
Portugal has become a favorite for solo travelers because of its affordability, warm climate, and the genuine friendliness of its people. Lisbon is a city of hills and tiled facades, where you can spend a week wandering the narrow streets of Alfama, eating pastéis de nata, and riding Tram 28 without ever feeling rushed.
But the real magic for a solo journey lies south — in the Algarve region, but not the crowded tourist strip of Albufeira. Instead, base yourself in the small town of Lagos or the quieter village of Sagres. From there, you can hike the cliffs along the Costa Vicentina, where the Atlantic crashes against golden rock formations, and you will often have the trail entirely to yourself. The Rota Vicentina walking route is well marked, and there are hostels and guesthouses in every village.
Wellness tip: Book a sunrise yoga session at a studio in Sagres. The combination of salt air, open sky, and guided breathing is a powerful reset for anyone traveling alone.
4. Morocco — A Feast for the Senses (with a Little Planning)
Morocco can be intense for a first-time solo female traveler, but with the right preparation, it is deeply rewarding. Marrakech is the most accessible entry point, but I recommend spending only one or two nights there before heading to the coast or the mountains. The medina is a maze of colors, smells, and sounds — beautiful but overwhelming if you are not used to the constant attention from shopkeepers.
For a calmer experience, take the train from Marrakech to Essaouira (about 2.5 hours, second class is comfortable and cheap). Essaouira is a coastal town with a relaxed vibe, a strong wind that makes it perfect for kite surfing, and a fishing port where you can eat grilled sardines at a plastic table overlooking the boats. The streets are less chaotic, and you can walk alone at sunset along the ramparts without feeling hassled.
Practical advice: Dress modestly — cover your shoulders and knees. A lightweight scarf is invaluable for covering your head when entering mosques or for shielding your face from dust. Learn a few phrases in Darija (Moroccan Arabic): “la, shukran” (no, thank you) is essential in the souk.
Morocco taught me that solo travel is not about avoiding discomfort, but about choosing which discomforts are worth growing through. The kindness of a riad owner who brought me mint tea when I looked lost, or the woman in a textile co-op who showed me how to weave — those moments are the real souvenirs.
5. New Zealand — The Ultimate Solo Road Trip
New Zealand is the gold standard for solo travel because the infrastructure is built for independent exploration. The South Island, in particular, offers landscapes that feel otherworldly — fiords, glaciers, turquoise lakes, and mountains that change color with the light. Renting a small car or campervan gives you complete freedom, and the roads are safe and well maintained.
For a solo traveler, the best route is from Christchurch to Queenstown, taking your time through the Mackenzie region. Stop at Lake Tekapo for a night — the night sky is a designated Dark Sky Reserve, and you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye. There are affordable holiday parks where you can pitch a tent or sleep in your van, and they have communal kitchens where you will meet other solo travelers from around the world.
Budget tip: New Zealand is not cheap, but you can save by cooking your own meals and staying at Department of Conservation (DOC) campsites, which cost as little as NZ$10 per night. Groceries are expensive in remote towns, so stock up in Christchurch before heading south.
Safety note for solo women: New Zealand has a low crime rate, and hitchhiking is common among travelers, though I always recommend using organized shuttles or your own vehicle. The “Kiwi” hospitality is real — locals will stop to help if you have a flat tire or look lost on a hiking trail.
How to Choose Your Destination
If you are new to solo travel, I suggest starting with Portugal or Slovenia — both are low-stress, affordable, and easy to get around. If you have already traveled alone and want a deeper cultural immersion, Japan or Morocco offer rich rewards. And if you crave wilderness and solitude, New Zealand is unmatched.
Before you book anything, I recommend taking a “still day” before your departure — a full day with no travel, no errands, no packing. Just rest. I wrote about why this practice became essential for me in The Art of the Pre-Trip Pause: Why I Now Schedule a Still Day Before Every Journey. It changed how I arrive in a new country — calmer, more present, and ready to receive whatever the road offers.
Wherever you go in 2015, remember that traveling alone is not about being lonely. It is about giving yourself the gift of your own company — and discovering that you are enough.
