Solo female travel

Hi, I'm planning (in February 2026) a two-week trip to Mumbai and the surrounding area, and I'm wondering if it's possible to include a beach stay (very close to Mumbai), but not Goa or Kerala.

If you have any experiences to share on this, I'd love to hear them.

Thanks so much!

Marsyork

Hi everyone,

I’m planning a trip to Turkey this summer and I’d like to get there by hitchhiking. I’ll be traveling solo, and I’ve already done a lot of hitchhiking (Brazil, Albania, from Paris to Romania with a companion, France, Vietnam, Cambodia, and short distances in India).

Has anyone here already made this trip by hitchhiking? How long did it take you? Which countries were the hardest to find a ride in? What techniques did you use to get rides in places where people don’t usually stop? Have you ever had to pitch your tent on a highway rest area? Have you ever run into any problems?

I’m not worried about hitchhiking in Europe, but I don’t know much about Turkey or its culture. Is hitchhiking something people do there? What about hitchhiking as a solo woman—do cars stop? What should I watch out for in this country?

I’m looking for stories from people who’ve actually had this experience—or at least part of it—not advice from those who’ve never traveled this way or in these countries. Thanks for respecting that!

Thanks for reading, and I can’t wait to hear your responses!

Hello, We’re two senior travelers and would like to spend a good two weeks in Benin next winter. Classic itinerary: North and South. Could you recommend a driver-guide so I can ask for a quote? Many thanks!

Hi there, I’m planning to spend 7 to 10 days in Monastir in mid-September, with half-board and a mid-range budget. Which hotels would you recommend? Thanks for your tips!

Hi there,

I’m leaving for Bishkek tomorrow for work. I’ve decided to extend my business trip by 3 days. What can I do during those 3 days, considering I’m a solo female traveler and don’t have a driver’s license? I’m looking for nature and I’m not sure I won’t get altitude sickness above 3,000 meters! ;) (I’m used to traveling on a budget and taking local transport)

So excited to be back on this forum!

Thanks for your great tips. Céline

Hi there! I’m 38 and looking for a female travel buddy to explore Colombia this summer. As a travel enthusiast, I’ve been lucky enough to visit many countries and want to keep living this passion. If this project interests you, I’d love to chat!

Absou

Hi everyone,

As a senior woman, I’m planning a solo trip to Uzbekistan this time. I arrive in Urgench on April 18 and leave from Tashkent on May 9, so 3 weeks. 1 - Aral Sea: I’d like to start there. Has anyone had a recent experience to share? Depending on your feedback, I’ll decide whether to go or not—my whole itinerary shifts based on that! 2 - What’s the best way to get around between cities? The train seems preferable, but booking and paying from France is complicated… and I’d have to plan everything in advance 😕 3 - Has anyone gone directly from Samarkand to Fergana? If so, by what transport? Or is it mandatory to go through Tashkent? 4 - Any tips for the most frequent and reliable transport in the Fergana Valley? 5 - I’d also love recommendations for accommodations (hostels, guesthouses) and nice restaurants in the country!

Feel free to share whatever advice you can… Thanks so much in advance! 😉

Hi there, I’m starting to look into traveling to Quebec but mostly up North, so I’m looking for info on boat travel and accommodation options. Just doing some trip planning—I’m traveling solo. Best, Marie

Hi there!! I’ve already been to Australia twice: Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Cairns, Brisbane, Ayers Rock, Alice Springs, Perth, and the surrounding areas. I’d love to see Darwin and other amazing spots in this country!! I’m booking my flight ticket for about three and a half to four weeks max.... I’ll be traveling solo for this trip. I’m planning to leave in mid-May—apparently, the weather’s pretty good then. Any tips you can share? Routes to take? Must-do activities?? Thanks so much for your help!!!!

Has anyone got a recommendation for a reliable agency at a reasonable price for a 2-day trip to the Aral Sea from Nukus?

Hello everyone! I REALLY need some advice because I’m feeling lost with my choices for my next solo trip—I’d like to book within the month . Just so you know, my trip will be in September 2025 for about 17 days. My top pick is Vietnam; I’ve never been to Asia. I know the rainy season will be in full swing in September, but several reviews seemed to say it’s not necessarily a dealbreaker, even though it might affect a few hours each day. PS: I was considering Cambodia, but apparently, the situation isn’t safe for a woman or a tourist right now. I’ve also heard a lot about New Zealand, but I don’t know anyone who’s been there—especially solo. The nature looks amazing, but does 100% nature get boring quickly when you’re alone? Are there meet-up spots or restaurants/cafés in all the must-see places? To give you some background, I’ve traveled solo before: Seville, Sweden (Stockholm and Lapland), and I spent 6 months exploring Marseille on my own. I love discovering places and cultures by myself. Fun fact: my favorite trip was South Africa—for the change of scenery, the people I met, the landscapes, and the nature—but I wasn’t solo there. Do you have any firsthand experience with these two destinations for a solo trip as a woman? Or do you have other ideas that fit a similar budget and are interesting for 15–17 days, with a real sense of adventure? And, of course, safe and not too stressful for a woman! (I’d also love to hear about any custom travel agencies you’ve had good experiences with—I really want to plan this trip as best as I can, but all the agencies I’ve found have mixed reviews.) Thank you so much for your help!! I’ll keep you posted on my choice and I’m happy to answer any questions you might have!

Hi there, My sister and I are planning a little 10-day trip to Morocco. We haven’t decided on a destination yet. We’d like to go at the end of March or beginning of April. We want to be close to a big city but near the sea, in a hotel with a pool and gym. For this first trip to the country, we’d like to mix relaxation, sports activities, and visits to the city and surrounding areas. If you have any suggestions, we’d love to hear them. Thanks in advance.

Hello everyone, after our trip was canceled due to COVID, I’ve decided to travel alone at 66 since my husband is no longer healthy enough to join me. I speak a little English and, while I’m taking this trip as a challenge, I’ll admit it stresses me out a bit. I’ll be leaving in May for 3 weeks. If it’s easy to plan the route and accommodations with Airbnb, I’m a little worried about transportation. Do you think it’s better to hire a guide for visiting the cities? I’d love all your tips. Corinne

Hi there,

A friend and I are planning to visit Northern India from March 3rd to March 25th. We’ll arrive in New Delhi, then take a night train to Bikaner, Bikaner to Jaisalmer (train) Jaisalmer to Jodhpur (train) Jodhpur to Udaipur (car) Udaipur to Bundi (train) Bundi to Jaipur (train/bus) Jaipur to Agra by train Agra to Varanasi and return from Varanasi to Delhi by night train

We’re planning to stay 1 or 2 days in each city. This itinerary was recommended by a guide my friend has been talking to—what do you think?

It’s our first time in Northern India. I’ve only been to Southern India before—Pondicherry for 10 days about 10 years ago—so it’s nothing like the North. Thanks!

Hi there! I’m a 43-year-old woman planning to travel solo in early March. I’m not into commercial resorts, so I’m looking for places like youth hostels or *casas particulares* where I can meet other travelers. I’d love to do a mix of activities—ideally snorkeling, hiking, Latin dance, group tours, biking, etc. Mostly, I want to meet people (not necessarily a man, just folks in general!). My dream spot would be somewhere I can do Latin dance almost every night, but I’m open to other suggestions. Thanks!

I’ve often been told that traveling alone in Egypt as a woman can be dangerous, and that it’s absolutely necessary to have a companion. Is this really the case? Can I travel there without running into major problems?

I’d like to visit Malta for the first time as a solo woman, in January 2025 for two weeks from Lille in northern France. Explain everything to me from A to Z, please! Is it possible to go without a guide? What do you recommend? Thanks for your valuable advice

Hi there! I’m heading to Thailand on February 22, 2025. After Chiang Mai, I’ve got a flight to Krabi, then 3 days in Koh Tao. Is it easy to get from Krabi to Koh Tao? On the island, I haven’t booked any activities—I figured I’d sort things out once I’m there. Anyone got tips for me?! Thanks a bunch, Laurence from Bayonne

Hi, I’m planning to leave around 25/01 for Mexico: Oaxaca first, then Chiapas, and then heading to Guatemala, starting with Panajachel. I’ve read a lot about how borders and transport can be dangerous. So, I’ve decided to travel with assistance and take a shuttle/minivan door-to-door from San Cristóbal de las Casas to Panajachel. There are lots of companies, and many have a bad reputation. Has anyone here had any experience with this? I’d love to hear any tips or advice. Thanks! Ed

Bonjour à toutes Je lis vos messages et je sens mon envie gonfler.. J ai 56 ans, sportive très sociable, je ne suis jamais partie seule et ça me titillé. Je rêve d Asie également, Cambodge, Thaïlande, Birmanie ? J aime à découvrir les paysages mais surtout les gens, Je suis allée l an dernier faire un treck au ladakh av deux amis, nous avons fait seuls, ce fut un énorme bonheur visuel, la vallée du ladhak est merveilleuse mais dormir chez l habitant, début juillet très peu de touristes, fut une expérience inoubliable Parcontre je n irai pas en Inde seule, je n ai pas aimé l attitude des hommes envers les femmes, bon je ne s'y suis allée qu une fois.. Dknc merci de me donner des motivations supplémentaires pour partir seule, suis je pas trop vieille ? Mille merci Laurence de Bayonne

Thanks to everyone!! You’re motivating me even more!! I’m really excited!! A thousand thanks Lau

Hi everyone, Here’s my route—I’d like to stay at least 3 nights in each stop, take Indian dance classes, a cooking class, and any other discoveries you might recommend! I arrive in Delhi in early March 2025, then take a flight to Jaisalmer. Do you know of any charming, well-located hotels along this route? Between buses, trains, or another flight, what would you suggest? Jaisalmer / Jodhpur: Jodhpur / Udaipur Udaipur / Jaipur Jaipur / Agra Agra / Varanasi Maybe head down to Kolkata and then back up to Delhi. I’d love to hear about any firsthand experiences you’ve had!

Best, MurieJeanne

Hi everyone, I’m planning my trip to South Africa for February. I’m a woman traveling solo. I have a flight to Nelspruit where I plan to rent a car to visit Kruger Park, then drive the Panoramic Route (starting from Hoedspruit and returning to Nelspruit to drop off the car). The issue is, this will be my first time renting a car, and it’s stressing me out! I travel alone a lot but always manage with public transport. This time, I don’t really have a choice but to rent, but I’m uneasy about driving a car that isn’t mine—especially since it’s left-hand drive... I figure driving in Kruger Park should be manageable since speeds are limited. But I’m worried about the Panorama Road, the mountain pass, etc. Is the road very winding and dangerous? I’m afraid of ending up on narrow, rough roads with the void (Blyde Canyon) right next to me... I know I need to watch out for potholes. But do you think it’s manageable, or is it really too risky for someone who isn’t very comfortable behind the wheel?

And regarding safety (crime), do you know if there are any issues on this route? Thanks for your advice!

Hello, so happy to be back on the forum! I’m heading off alone in mid-January for 5 weeks in Mongolia. I’d love all your tips—transport, accommodation, you name it…

For the cold, I think I’m used to it since I used to travel in Siberia, but that’s over now.

Looking forward to hearing from you! M

Hi, I’d like to know if it’s possible to go to the Dominican Republic with just a one-way ticket using a French passport? Also, do you know of any cheap and safe Airbnbs or other options for a woman traveling alone? Thanks for your replies.

Hi, I have a reservation for a solo stay at a club hotel on the island of Tenerife in the Canaries from 12/15/2024 to 12/22/2024. I was supposed to go with a couple of friends who know the island well, but they canceled their trip. Anyway, I’ve never traveled alone before, and I’m a bit nervous. What do you recommend to help me not feel isolated, make the most of my stay, and connect with other people? Thanks for your advice, Happy holiday plans to everyone! !

Hi there, I’m planning to spend a week in Lapland from January 4th to 11th, 2025. It’s one of my dreams that I’ll finally get to fulfill—I’ve only been to the mountains once before, at Les 2 Alpes when I was 19. I’ll admit, I’m usually more drawn to warmth, the sea, and islands, but I have this crazy desire to discover this incredible region.

For those of you who’ve been lucky enough to go, could you please share lots of tips so I can make the most of my trip? What clothes should I pack, what local dishes should I try, and what souvenirs should I bring back? Thanks in advance!

Bonjour

J'ai 64 ans , j'adore les voyages et découvrir les populations qui vivent autrement , je marche et me suis mis comme prochain objectif , puisque en tête depuis 20 ans , aller au tibet , marcher , mais sans but compétitif, et aller a la découverte de cette population que j'adore! Sans performance , là , n'est pas mon intérêt .Mon seul intérêt est PARTAGER et ECHANGER!!!

Je désire aller de village en village sans pour autant faire des exploits de kms ou de temps /Mon but marcher et découvrir autre chose et surtout partager cette richesse , découvrir et partager!!

Qui peut me renseigner sur un voyage simple vers cette population que j'ai hâte de découvrir!!

Mon voyage serait fin 2016 mais il me faut des infos concernant les meilleures saisons pour approcher ce monde vivant en autarcie quasi complète.

Merci avous tous

Mireille

Bonjour, j'ai l habitude d'aller dans un beau tout inclus mais j aimerais changer et louer un appartement sur airbnb en rep dom. Le problème c'est que je suis seule... Ce n'est pas dangereux d'être seule en appartement et non en tout inclus ? J'aimerais vivre à la locale, être plus libre mais j'ai un peu peur...merci pour vos commentaires! Anaïs

Coucou tout le monde !

Voilà, en fait je compte faire du stop pendant les vacances de février, mais comme je n'en ai jamais fait toute seule, je ne sais pas où je dois me situer à Marseille-même pour avoir le plus de chance de rencontrer des gens qui pourraient m'emmener vers ma destination finale.

Alors, ma requête la voici; si quelqu'un a déjà fait du stop en partance de Marseille, je suis preneuse pour qu'il me dise où me situer s'il vous plaît ?! Ma destination finale sera les Hautes-Alpes (donc on va dire entre Chorges et Embrun...)

PS : Il n'y a aucune raison que ce soit risqué pour moi de faire du stop toute seule étant une fille ? Des expériences à m'apporter peut-être ? :)

Merci !