Hi there! I’m in the middle of planning my first solo trip (as a woman). Do you have any ideal destinations with activities like hiking, diving, sightseeing, and easy ways to meet locals—all on a small budget?

I’d love to hear from anyone who’s had this experience before! :)

Hi everyone, I wanted to share a few tips that really helped me better prepare my carry-on luggage. After a few trips (and some mistakes too!), I’ve finally found a way to organize myself that makes life a lot easier. Maybe this can help other travelers here. 1. Choose a practical and sturdy bag A good bag is the foundation. I’ve noticed that a model with a solid structure, sturdy wheels, and a well-thought-out interior really changes the experience. Hard-shell suitcases hold up better, especially when you’re hopping between flights. Personally, I use a Lambert suitcase because the interior is super well-divided, but the important thing is to find a model that works for you. 2. Rolling your clothes really works It’s simple, but it saves so much space. Plus, it wrinkles less. I do this now for almost everything, especially lightweight clothes. 3. Keep everything in a small kit 100 ml liquids, toothbrush, cream, mini first-aid kit… Having all of that in one clear toiletry bag makes going through security much easier. It saves you from having to take everything out and put it back in a rush. 4. A pouch for essentials Passport, headphones, charger, phone… I keep all of that in the same pouch. It saves so much stress when you need to find something quickly, especially on the plane. 5. Traveling lighter makes all the difference Since I started choosing versatile clothes that mix and match well, I travel with a lot less. Less weight, fewer decisions to make, fewer things to lug around. It honestly makes traveling so much more enjoyable. From the conversations I’ve had with other travelers (and several customers too), I’ve realized you can really simplify your trip just by organizing a little better and choosing good accessories. If you have other tips or methods that work for you, I’d love to read them. We always learn from others on this forum. Looking forward to exchanging with you all!

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

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 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! !

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, I’m spending a week in Morocco (Rabat - Meknes - Fes). I’ll be traveling solo—is it safe for a woman over 60? For transportation, I’m planning to take the train. I was thinking of buying my ticket last minute, but it’s around the end-of-year period…? I’ll be in Meknes on December 31st—any suggestions on how they celebrate New Year’s Eve there? Is anyone visiting these destinations? Maybe we could meet up…? Thanks in advance.

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!

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?

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 everyone, I’m planning to travel solo to Oman in December 2025, renting a vehicle that allows me to camp in certain areas. For those who’ve already explored the country this way, could you share your experiences or tips? I’d also like to visit the Wahiba Desert, but in that area, I’d prefer a guide for driving and, most importantly, not to sleep in those luxury desert-edge camps but rather have a "wild" escape under the stars. Any guide recommendations? Thanks in advance – Clem

Bonjour,

J'ai l'habitude de voyager seule, mais je ne suis jamais allée en Jamaïque , je vous mets le lien des recommandations aux voyageurs de Diplomatie France , il y a un paragraphe sur les femmes voyageant seules en Jamaïque . Lisez aussi le paragraphe plus général sur la criminalité dans le pays .

A mon avis vous pouvez y aller seule si vous avez l'habitude de voyager seule en dehors de l'Europe et de certains pays asiatiques réputés très sûrs .

https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/information-par-pays/jamaique/conseils-aux-voyageurs-securite

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’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, Can you share some info about Mauritius, since I’m traveling alone and would like a local contact there? Thanks.

Hello fellow travelers,

I’m considering a road trip (rental car) to explore the Canadian Rockies in September 2026, starting in Calgary and ending with about 10 days in Vancouver and the surrounding area. (Two weeks in the Rockies and a little under two weeks in Vancouver and nearby.)

I’d like to say that being a woman traveling alone doesn’t really bother me. That’s not the issue. Being a woman is just how it is, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon, but traveling solo is something I could fix by finding travel companions. However, I had a not-so-great experience in India with two girls who were total strangers at first and turned out to be quite annoying, so I’m a bit put off by the idea now.

My question is simple, assuming I do this trip alone: is it worth sticking *only* to driving? I have **zero** sense of direction—with a map, I’m hopeless. So, is it realistic to think, "With my GPS, I’ll just drive from Calgary to Vancouver and see what I see," since I don’t see myself hiking alone? I’m not easily scared, but I wouldn’t feel confident doing that solo. Unless all the sightseeing is done with a guide (but then, hello, the cost—my budget isn’t exactly overflowing).

What do you all think? Thanks for taking the time to read this. Take care and happy travels. Cheers, Régine

Hi there, After hearing so much about Djerba, especially the GO clubs, is it risky for a young, pretty newly-retired woman to visit the island alone? Thanks in advance.

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’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!!!!

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 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 envisage un voyage en Jamaique. J'aimerai avoir des retour sur le fait de voyager en solo , en etant une femme... Merci d'avance!

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.

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!

Bonjour Perju, C 'est gentil pour la recommandation, Mais elle sera en "minibus" dans le sens inverse et mon périple est imprévisible. Je dois rejoindre un motard Français pour lui apporter un apn. (Et j'ai déjà du mal a lui dire ou je serai et quand). Effectivement tu as raison! il lui faudra bien s 'assurer de partir avec un guide si elle souhaite bivouaquer seule.

J hésite entre Jamaïque et Argentine..

Bonjour ,

En Amérique latine je vois des femmes de tous âges qui voyagent seules , il faut être plus prudente qu'en Europe , il ne faut pas oublier qu'une bonne partie de la population est très pauvre , il est conseillé de ne pas exhiber de signes extérieurs de richesse et il faut aussi faire attention avec son téléphone portable dans la rue .

Une femme qui voyage seule attire l'attention , surtout dans des pays où les gens voyagent très peu et quand ils le font c'est en couple ou en famille.

Dans certains pays d'Amérique latine on pense qu'une femme qui voyage seule est une femme qui cherche des aventures avec les hommes du pays , sortir seule le soir dans les bars peut être "risqué" .

Pour la Jamaïque je pense que si vous vous ne sortez pas trop de sentiers battus et si vous suivez les conseils de prudence et de bon sens cela devrait aller , mais le risque zéro n'existe pas et on peut se trouver au mauvais moment au mauvais endroit .

Je vous mets un carnet de voyage récent , de 2023 , le profil de l'auteure est différent du vôtre ( couple de retraités ) mais ça vous donne une idée de l'ambiance , sur certaines photos on voit beaucoup de touristes .

https://www.myatlas.com/blogueusedesbaous/la-jamaique-une-ile-de-reve-et-de-reggae

bonsoir ne pas perdre de vue que dans la Caraïbe et l'Amérique latine il y a beaucoup de violence sociale, il faut l'admettre tout de même. Je vous conseille d'aller hélas dans un all-inclusive pour commencer ; j'écris hélas car dans un all-inclusive on n'est pas en contact avec la population locale. Il est déconseillé d'aller dans les townships seule sinon se faire accompagner par quelqu'un de confiance. La particularité des townships c'est que la population y est très "roots" donc sans artifices comme dans les hôtels pour touristes. Sinon si vous voulez découvrir la culture afro-caribéenne un peu hors des sentiers battus on peut aller au Belize également. Mais vaut mieux pas trop sortir des sentiers battus tout de même.

Hi everyone, I’m 66 and just discovered solo travel in Uzbekistan—I loved it! So I’ve decided to explore Africa, starting with Senegal. I’m just beginning my research, but if anyone can give me advice on which month to go, what to see, and whether this destination is safe—or maybe suggest another African country—I’d really appreciate your tips!

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 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