Exploring the world by yourself can be intimidating, lonely and sometimes dangerous. But it can also be one of the most rewarding things you will ever do.
In the above video, women from around the world share their experiences of solo travel and give advise on where to stay and how to keep safe.
Be warned, their stories will make you want to jump on the first flight out of the UK.
SEE ASLO:
Solo Travel As A Woman: Safety Tips And The Most Dangerous Places In The World For Women Revealed
The Best Solo Travel Destinations
Reykjavik(01 of15)
Where: IcelandOutdoor activities are king in Iceland. Base yourself in the capital for easy day trips to virtually any corner of the country, beauty spot, or adventurous activity. Iceland frequently tops solo travelers' lists of most user-friendly destinations. In Reykjavik, hang out at The Laundromat Café, a social meeting hub where travelers and locals casually dine, wash laundry, drink coffee, read books, and share travel tips.Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Reykjavik Guide (credit:Hannamariah/Shutterstock)
Paris(02 of15)
Where: FranceWith an extraordinary array of bistros and cafés, Paris is a city where you can while away hours poring over a café au lait, chocolate chaud, and sumptuous patisseries while observing French culture through thefenêtres (windows) on the Champs-Élysées. Solo travelers gravitate towards Café de Flore and Deux Magots, which serve as meeting places for solo travelers to join up to explore the city. Also of note: Paris is a relatively safe European city for women traveling alone.Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Paris Guide (credit:lornet/Shutterstock)
Bali(03 of15)
Where: Indonesia Yoga, spirituality, spas, massages, beaches, organic eateries and markets— are you sold, yet? With such diversity, Bali is a staple for solo travelers from across the globe. People drift into its ease of life and wealth of fellow traveler-settlers. It helps that food is delicious and cheap, as is the cost of living in general.Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Bali Guide (credit:Jason Ho/Shutterstock)
Bangkok(04 of15)
Where: Thailand Solo travel and Bangkok have a long and convoluted history. It’s often said that you’d be lucky to meet a Thai in some parts of Bangkok. Luckily, other parts retain deep-rooted authenticity, which still attracts even the worldliest travelers. Temples, floating markets, cheap shopping, and nightlife galore keep the most active visitors busy traversing the city thanks to its excellent infrastructure.Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Bangkok Guide (credit:Yentafern/Shutterstock)
Seville(05 of15)
Where: Spain The capital of Andalusia reflects all the romantic notions of Spain, as it plays home to Moorish architecture, bullfighting, and flamenco. Easily navigable on foot, Seville offers colorful ceramics, cobbled alleyways and mouth-watering markets. The city is a photographer’s dream with inexhaustible charm, luring enthusiasts to stay a while.Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Sevilla Guide (credit:Svetlana Bobrova/Shutterstock)
Dubrovnik(06 of15)
Where: CroatiaWith an infrastructure geared for tourists, solo travel is straightforward in "The Pearl of the Adriatic," as christened by Lord Byron. Shoulder season is warm and not yet overcrowded. Take day trips to Montenegro or Bosnia and Herzegovina. If adventure gets you going, take a hiking or rock climbing tour with Croatia Traveller, where you'll meet others with the same interest or relax on an island cruise with others while sipping sundowners along the dramatic Dalmatian coastline.Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor's Dubrovnik Guide (credit:Agata Dorobek/Shutterstock)
Dublin(07 of15)
Where: IrelandAnyone anywhere could make friends over a pint of Guinness. And Irish hospitality is world-famed for warmth and friendliness, especially in Dublin. Head to a traditional Irish pub; havens of chatter, to converse with locals who are completely used to tourists, even in the most remote countryside spots.Join walking tours exploring the literary greats, from Oscar Wilde to George Bernard Shaw, earning Dublin its UNESCO City of Literature status.Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Dublin Guide (credit:(c) Atterhorn | Dreamstime.com)
Queenstown(08 of15)
Where: New ZealandThe adventure capital of New Zealand’s South Island can leave you exasperated trying to fit it all in. From bungee to zorbing to horseback riding, Queenstown is a mecca for adventure travellers. Squeeze in superb gastronomy and nightlife too. Travellers often end up staying longer than planned – you’ve been warned! It’s easy to rent a car or join a group trip. The latter is a sure-fire way to meet others travelling through the country reputed on its safety.Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Queenstown Guide (credit:vichie81/Shutterstock)
Santiago(09 of15)
Where: ChileConsistently raved about by travelers for its advanced transportation networks, excellent restaurants, and beautiful public spaces, Santiago is a sophisticated and accessible yet authentic South American city. Head straight for Bellavista, a trendy bohemian quarter with bars, quirky buildings, and artistic graffiti. Within easy reach from Santiago are colorful Valparaiso and glitzy Vina del Mar.Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Santiago Guide (credit:© Peter Guttman)
Masai Mara(10 of15)
Where: KenyaNature has a way of bringing people together. In the Masai Mara’s vast Big 5 terrain, a safari plunges visitors deep into the grasslands. Independent travellers are joined up with others on Jeep safaris, providing an instant set of friends. June to October is best to witness Migration, a movement of millions of wildebeest. But during low season, many lodges waive single supplements.Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Masai Mara Guide (credit:prasit chansareekorn/Shutterstock)
Vancouver(11 of15)
Where: CanadaSummer is kicking in the bohemian and laid-back city of Vancouver. Live music festivals, such as Osheaga, are a big draw here. Non-stop summer sunshine guarantees plenty of outdoor fun, allowing you to bask in the rays in the signature, relaxed ambiance for which Vancouver has become known.Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Vancouver Guide (credit:Lissandra Melo/Shutterstock)
Ambergris Caye(12 of15)
Where: BelizeThe coolest Central American destination right now has to be Belize. Ambergris Caye lives up to the hype, and there are bars, beaches, and natural beauty in huge quantities. Interspersed with Mayan ruins, a spectacular barrier reef, and rainforest, this English-speaking nation appeals to expats and solo travelers alike.Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor's Ambergris Caye Guide. (credit:Bourdages/Shutterstock)
Tokyo(13 of15)
Where: JapanYou'll need 3–4 days in Tokyo at the very least. Indulge in the cuisine with sushi, ramen, and tempura that's better than you've ever tasted. If you’re keen to meet English speakers, head to Pink Cow bar in Roppongi, known for its expat following. The Hub is a chain of pubs, popular with younger crowds, where it’s easy to meet people organically.Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Tokyo Guide (credit:SeanPavonePhoto/Shutterstock)
Grand Circle(14 of15)
Where: Southwest USAThis beautiful vast Grand Circle spans 5 states loaded with national parks and monuments, interwoven by designated Scenic Byways.It’s an attractive route to Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park and more. (credit:wizardofwonders/Shutterstock)
Alaska(15 of15)
Where: USAWhale-watching, dog-sledding, horseback riding through the mountains and eating fresh salmon are just a few of the highlights on board an Alaska cruise.Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Alaska Guide (credit:Jerryway | Dreamstime.com)