7Trips Every Woman Should Take Solo Before She Settles Down

There’s something magical about stepping onto a plane, train, or bus with only your backpack, passport, and a wide-open heart. Solo travel has become more than just a trend—it’s a rite of passage for women around the world who want to explore life on their own terms.

Before settling into a new chapter,whether marriage, family, or a more grounded lifestyle,solo travel can be the boldest, most transformative gift you give yourself. Traveling alone as a woman isn’t just about exploring the world; it’s about discovering strength, confidence, and freedom within.

If you’ve ever Googled “best destinations for solo female travelers” or “why women should travel alone at least once,” this guide is your compass. Let’s explore 7 unforgettable solo trips every woman should take before she settles down, plus expert solo female travel safety tips, budget-friendly travel hacks, and the life-changing benefits of solo adventures.

1. Bali, Indonesia – The Self-Discovery Retreat

Bali is more than beaches and Instagram photos—it’s a soul-soothing destination where yoga retreats, meditation sanctuaries, and lush rice terraces create the perfect setting for self-reflection. Ubud, in particular, has become the heartbeat of solo female travel thanks to its wellness culture.

• Why it’s perfect for women: Safe, spiritual, and filled with like-minded travelers.
• Must-do: Take a sunrise hike at Mount Batur, join a yoga retreat, or spend a week journaling in a bamboo villa.

2. Paris, France – The Romance With Yourself

Who says Paris is only for couples? Strolling along the Seine with a croissant in hand, visiting world-class museums, and dining solo at a Parisian café can be one of the most empowering things a woman can do.

• Why it’s perfect for women: Paris teaches you to indulge in yourself—your taste, your freedom, your independence.
• Must-do: Visit the Musée d’Orsay, shop at vintage boutiques, and take a day trip to Versailles.

3. Tokyo, Japan – The Cultural Adventure

Tokyo is a feast for the senses. From traditional tea ceremonies to futuristic skyscrapers, the city balances history and innovation beautifully. Japan is also known for being one of the safest destinations for solo female travelers.

• Why it’s perfect for women: Efficient transport, polite culture, and endless experiences.
• Must-do: Explore Shinjuku at night, visit shrines in Asakusa, and take a solo day trip to Mount Fuji.

4. Marrakech, Morocco – The Bold Adventure

For women ready to embrace vibrant chaos, Marrakech delivers. Between the colorful souks, rooftop restaurants, and desert excursions, it’s a destination that pushes you outside your comfort zone.

• Why it’s perfect for women: Teaches resilience and sharpens your bargaining skills.
• Must-do: Stay in a riad, explore Jardin Majorelle, and ride a camel in the Sahara Desert.

5. New York City, USA – The Independent Woman’s Playground

NYC is the ultimate city to test your independence. There’s so much to do that even if you’re alone, you’ll never feel lonely.

• Why it’s perfect for women: Diversity, endless opportunities, and the chance to feel invisible yet powerful.
• Must-do: Broadway show, Central Park picnic, museum-hopping, and exploring Brooklyn’s coffee culture.

6. Cape Town, South Africa – The Nature & Adventure Escape

From Table Mountain hikes to vineyard tours and beaches where penguins roam, Cape Town is one of the most photogenic cities in the world.

• Why it’s perfect for women: Adventure and relaxation in one destination.
• Must-do: Hike Lion’s Head at sunrise, visit Cape Point, and enjoy a solo wine-tasting day in Stellenbosch.

7. Santorini, Greece – The “Eat, Pray, Love” Experience

Nothing says “living fully before settling down” like watching the sun set over Santorini’s blue domes. The island’s beauty makes you fall in love with life, and perhaps even with yourself.

• Why it’s perfect for women: It’s dreamy, cinematic, and gives you memories worth carrying for a lifetime.
• Must-do: Sunset in Oia, a boat ride to the volcano, and indulging in fresh Greek cuisine.

 How to Solo Travel Safely as a Woman

Safety is the number one question women Google before traveling solo. Here are solo travel safety tips to give you confidence:

• Research accommodations thoroughly (hostels with female-only dorms, guesthouses, or Airbnb with verified reviews).
• Share your itinerary with a trusted family member or friend.
• Use trusted transport apps (Uber, Bolt, or local verified taxi services).
• Dress respectfully depending on local culture to avoid unwanted attention.
• Trust your instincts—if something feels off, walk away.

Traveling alone as a woman can be safe when you prepare, stay aware, and choose destinations that are welcoming to solo female travelers.

 Budget-Friendly Solo Travel Destinations for Women

One reason many women hesitate to travel solo is the cost. The truth is, solo female travel doesn’t have to break the bank.

Here are affordable trips for women traveling alone:

• Lisbon, Portugal – Budget-friendly food, walkable streets, and affordable hostels.
• Chiang Mai, Thailand – Yoga retreats, cheap massages, and street food for less than $5.
• Mexico City, Mexico – Culture, nightlife, and affordable luxury hotels.
• Budapest, Hungary – Thermal baths, historic sites, and wallet-friendly cafes.

Budget hacks for women traveling solo:

• Fly during weekdays and use apps like Skyscanner for deals.
• Choose boutique hostels or Airbnb instead of hotels.
• Travel off-season to save 30–50%.
• Use free walking tours for cultural immersion.

 Why Every Woman Should Travel Alone At Least Once In Her Life

Beyond sightseeing, traveling alone as a woman changes you. 

Here’s why:

• Confidence boost: You navigate foreign cities, handle challenges, and make decisions on your own.
• Healing: Many women find solo travel to be therapeutic after breakups or stressful life phases.
• Independence: Learning that you can eat alone, book experiences, and enjoy your own company is empowering.
• Perspective: Meeting people from different cultures broadens your worldview.

Studies show that women who travel solo report higher levels of self-esteem and life satisfaction. This is why every woman should travel alone at least once in her life—before entering a phase where compromises might be required.

Final Thoughts

Solo travel isn’t just about visiting places—it’s about becoming the kind of woman who can walk into any city in the world and feel at home.

Whether it’s sipping coffee in Paris, meditating in Bali, or chasing sunsets in Santorini, these 7 trips every woman should take solo before settling down are more than vacations. They’re milestones.

So pack your bag, book that ticket, and step into a journey that’s all yours. The world is waiting.