10 Tour Companies and Destinations Best for Solo Female Travelers

Sometimes when wanderlust strikes, we can’t find a travel companion. Or we don’t want one. That means solo travel, and sadly it’s still a different set of risk calculations for women than it is for men. But don’t let that discourage you! Our correspondent Julie Chang Murphy has curated a list of 10 tour companies that are expert in safe solo travel, and the luxury destinations thought to be best for female travelers right now, including Iceland, Australia and Slovenia. Because the world can’t wait, and neither should we.

Best travel tour companies and countries for solo female travelers

It seems like our Instagram feeds are covered with lone female travelers, perched on a sun-soaked peaks or looking positively glowing in front of an exotic landmark. Is it our algorithm or is there a real trend happening?

It turns out there are stats to back up this surge in women traveling alone. According to Google, searches for ‘solo women travel’ increased by 32% in 2017, 59% in 2018 and then a jaw-dropping 230% increase in 2019. Pinterest also reported a 350% spike in women pinning articles about ‘solo female travel’.

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Women are done waiting for willing travel companions. They have the means and time to do what they want and when they want. Venturing out into the world no longer has to be borne out of a crisis as was the case in the wildly popular books, Wild by Cheryl Strayed or Eat, Pray, Love by Liz Gilbert. Instead, we are looking to solo travel as a form of wellness and personal growth— to embrace independence, to learn about the world and ourselves, and enjoy life.

Though women are ready to get out of their comfort zones, the reality is that personal safety is still very much a concern. But armed with research and knowledge, there’s no reason to let that get in the way of your bucket list. We’ve rounded up 5 destinations around the world vetted by our staff and girlfriends as well as 5 female-only tour companies to really get you off-the-beaten path. Check out our list below and start planning!

5 Best countries for solo female travelers right now

1. Thailand

I’ve personally done this trip twice by myself and always recommend it to anyone who will listen. The first time I spent a week in Bangkok visiting all the temples and street markets and then headed North to Chang Mai, where I learn how to cook traditional Thai cuisine and rode an elephant through the jungle.

A few years later, I embraced the beach life in the south from Phuket to Koh Samui and rafted through mangroves and snorkeled though the most colorful coral reefs. I may or may not have danced on the beach all night — it’s hard to remember! The country is obviously a major center for tourism so it was easy to sign up for various activities and meet other tourists from around the world.

2. Galapagos Islands

Our nature-loving friend spent 10 days island hopping around the Galapagos Islands to satiate her inner zoologist. She reports that although it seems other-worldly with its up close and personal encounters with endemic species, many people speak English and the currency and the current are both American.

This trip is for those who love the outdoors as the most popular activities include hiking, snorkeling, boating and scuba-diving. And because the archipelago is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 97% of the area designated as National Park lands, most visitors will be accompanied by a National Park Certified Naturalist Guide.

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3. Iceland

Several women, myself included, found traveling to Iceland very safe and accommodating for solo travel. It’s consistently ranked one of the safest countries in the world. There’s something about the cinematic landscapes of glaciers, geysers and volcanoes that make it well-suited to introspection and reflection.

If you’re a confident driver, it’s easy to rent a car and take in the sights at your own pace. Otherwise, there are many tour operators to take you to the main sights. Spending a day at the The Blue Lagoon’s geothermal waters is a must and Reykjavik is a thriving and lively city of good eats, art and music.

4. Slovenia

Nestled between Italy and Croatia, this small country is often overlooked but it’s just a matter of time before more people discover it. Based on female representation in local business, gender equality in society, legal equality, safety, as well as the price of female-friendly accommodation and other travel necessities, Tourlane, a trip-planning and -booking service, rated it #1 out of 50 international cities best for solo female travelers.

 

After traveling to its capital Ljubljana a few years ago, we were utterly charmed by its cobblestone streets lined with beautiful baroque architecture. Outside the city, there is much to do and see from castles to the Julian Alps to the magical Postojna and Škocjan caves.  Foodies will enjoy the country’s obsession with fresh fresh and locally sourced ingredients which come together with influences from each of its neighbors – Italy, Austria, Hungary and the Balkans.

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5. Australia

You don’t get much further from home than down under in Australia. The type of trip you do largely depends on how much time you have (it’s twice the size of Europe) but solo female travel is very common and safe here. If it’s your first time traveling alone, you might also feel more confident in an English speaking country.

 

Choose the popular East Coast route from Cairns down the Queensland coast, snorkeling The Great Barrier Reef or take in the cultural sights in Sydney with some surfing at Bondi Beach. For adventures in the sun, sea and sand the opportunities are so plentiful, don’t be surprised if you end up informing your family and friends that you’re staying for a year like our friends did.

5 Best destination travel tour companies for solo female travelers

1. AdventureWomen

This 40-year old women-owned and women-run company offers 50 exciting trips in more than 65 countries worldwide. With a small group size (an average of 12-14 guests), you can explore with a balance of discovery, safety, and camaraderie. If you’ve dreamed of going on safari but can’t imagine doing it alone, the company offers treks in Tanzania (with custom glamping tents) and Botswana.

One of their most popular trips is to Egypt and Jordan where you will cruise the River Nile and walk among the pyramids, ancient temples, and archeological sites. Don’t forget that you can still technically travel solo before or after these group excursions. But these tours help break up the isolation and can help you get your bearings.

2. Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel has been leading responsible, ethical small group adventures since 1989. They offer Women’s Expeditions which are more than just all-female adventures. In some countries, there are things mixed-gender groups just can’t do.

With their trips through Morocco, Iran, Jordan, India, and Peru, travelers are able to have immersive local experiences that would ordinarily be off limits. Think making traditional Indian food at a home-cooking class in Jaipur, experiencing rural nomadic life with Qashqai people in Iran or connecting with female rug-weavers in small villages in Morocco.

3. Wild Women Expeditions

As the largest women’s travel company in the world, Wild Women Expeditions started out as a canoe tripping company in Canada in 1991. Today, they lead tours in over 30 countries across every continent.

These expeditions are perfectly suited for women who need a little more support and confidence in the great outdoors. Try sailing through the Greek islands, trekking through the velvet green valleys of a remote Himalayan kingdom in Bhutan or voyage to Antarctica.

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4. Damesly

Traveling is a learning opportunity in itself but Damesly combines their trips with workshops for women to collect some skills along the way too — including photography, writing, public relations, and more.

The company also makes it a point to stay in women-owned hotels, eat in women-owned restaurants, work with women-owned suppliers and invest in women-owned businesses on their tours. Dine with female winemakers and taste organic wines in the country of Georgia. You can also go on safari in South Africa while learning wildlife photography.

5. REI Women’s Adventures

For journeys within the U.S,  REI is the expert in. exploring the “wildest” places. In their Women’s Adventures, you’ll travel with female guides and a ready-made group of girlfriends on lively trips. These trips blend outdoor activities with local spots, cuisines and communities you wouldn’t find on your own.

Backpack through the Smoky Mountains, kayak the San Juan Islands, and cycle through the Arizona Sonoran Desert. Many of these trips are short and sweet (3-4) days.  It leaves room for some solo time (at a spa perhaps?) if needed.

Best destination tour companies and countries for solo female travel

That’s what our research says about the tour companies that are expert in safe solo travel, and the luxury destinations thought to be best for female travelers right now, including Iceland, Australia and Slovenia.

Now, go forth. Let this be the year you expand your wings and your horizon! Unlike friends who bail at the last minute or partners who prefer the couch and TV, the only way you’ll be disappointed is if you don’t go.

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This article contains affiliate links to products independently selected by our editors. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, Dandelion Chandelier receives a commission for qualifying purchases made through these links. 

Crediting her training as a cultural anthropologist at Wellesley College, Julie has immersed herself in various industries in the last 15 years including fashion design, event planning, and fitness. Julie lives in New York where she loves trying every ramen and dumpling restaurant with her husband and three children. She finds joy in bold prints, biographies of fierce women, kickboxing. And spending way too long finding the perfect polish color to express her mood.