10 Best Places to Go on Your First Solo Trip
I was terrified of going on my first solo trip, but once I finally did it, I felt amazing!
It’s normal to feel nervous or anxious before your first solo trip.
Your first time doing anything new is important, because it sets the stage for the future.
To ensure you have an enjoyable first solo trip, consider picking your destination carefully so you aren’t throwing yourself in at the deep end.
Having traveled to 17 countries, ya girl has put together recommendations for some of the best solo travel destinations for women — all of which I’ve visited myself!
These destinations are particularly well-suited for travelers based in Canada or the USA.
Best places for solo female travel
Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver is quite literally heaven on earth.
The coastal city is great for nature-lovers, boasting beaches, forests, and mountains, and it’s even great for city lovers with a modern downtown area overlooking clear blue skies and waters.
Travelers also have several day trip opportunities, to popular places like Whistler, Grouse Mountain, Victoria, and more.
I owe my wanderlust to Vancouver, because that’s where I discovered my passion for travel while I lived there for 7 years.
Why it’s perfect for solo female travelers:
- Vancouver locals speak English, so it’s very tourist-friendly
- Easy access to tons of nature, which can make it fun for whatever type of nature you enjoy
- Public transport is safe, clean and reliable, with several modes of transport including SkyTrain, buses, sea buses and ferries
- Countless day trips and mini trips can be made from Vancouver
Top things to do in Vancouver include cycling through Stanley Park, hiking up to the Capilano or Lynn Canyon suspension bridges, relaxing at one of the many beaches such as Kitsilano or Jericho beach, doing the Grouse Grind hike, and more.
Seattle, USA
Seattle is another city situated in the Pacific Northwest. It has more of a laid back vibe with plenty of museums, photo ops and coffee shops to explore.
Why it’s perfect for solo female travelers:
- The city is English-speaking, tourist-friendly, and very easy to navigate
- Seattle has a great public transport system, including Link light rail and buses
- The city has safe neighborhoods and outdoor activities like parks
- There are tons of solo-friendly cafes, bookstores, and museums
- With close proximity to nature, travelers can also do a day trip to Mt. Rainier and Snoqualmie Falls
Top things to do in Seattle include strolling through Pike Place, learning about the glasswork of Dale Chihuly at the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum, riding the Seattle Great Wheel, observing the city from birds-eye-view from the Space Needle, and more.
Banff, Canada
Banff feels like living inside a photograph.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that real life was even better than the photos—no filters were needed!
Banff is a town in the Canadian province of Alberta, and is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to several species of wildlife including elk and bears.
Why it’s perfect for solo female travelers:
- Banff is a popular tourist destination not only in Canada but globally, and has many tourists so the town is prepared to host tourists
- The town is incredible and will make for a transformative first solo travel experience
- Banff has a good public transport system which is safe, clean and reliable, in addition to it being a very walkable town
Top things to do in Banff include visiting Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Sulphur Mountain, Johnson Lake, and more.
Montreal, Canada
Montreal, often referred to as the “Europe of Canada,” is a melting pot of cultures, boasting stunning architecture and a wealth of activities.
It’s quite safe and ideal for solo female travelers, and is a four hour train ride away from Quebec City, a must visit in Quebec!
Why it’s perfect for solo female travelers:
- French and English are widely spoken, so communication is easy
- Plenty of solo-friendly cafes, museums, and outdoor activities
- Montreal has a safe, well-connected and affordable public transit system with buses and metros
- A wide range of accommodations catering to solo travelers, including hostels and hotels
Top things to do in Montreal include strolling through Old Montreal, exploring the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, hiking Mount Royal all the way to Beaver lake, and more.
New York City, USA
New York City, known as the Big Apple, is a large city offering endless attractions, from iconic parks and world-class museums to a diverse culinary scene and non-stop entertainment—there’s always something new to discover in this bustling city!
Why it’s perfect for solo female travelers:
- This English-speaking city is incredibly diverse, and full of solo-friendly attractions
- There is excellent public transportation in the form of subway and buses — in fact, NYC is one of the most well-connected cities in the world
- There are plenty of safe-to-explore popular tourist areas like Central Park, Times Square, and museums
- As a popular tourist spot, NYC has tons of solo-friendly accommodations
Top things to do in NYC include strolling through Central Park, visiting Times Square, getting a photo at Grand Central Station, taking a short ferry to see the Statue of Liberty, visiting famous museums like MOMA and the MET, and lots more.
London, UK
London is another big city with a very social atmosphere and tons of diversity.
From picturesque landmarks like Big Ben and the Tower of London, to activities like cable cars and markets, there’s lots to do.
Why it’s perfect for solo female travelers:
- This English-speaking city is incredibly diverse, offering plenty of solo-friendly attractions and restaurants
- London has an extensive public transportation system, including the Underground and buses, making it easy to navigate
- There are many safe and popular areas to explore, such as Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace, and tons of opportunities for day-trips and mini-trips such as Oxford, Cambridge, Canterbury, Brighton and Bath
- As a top tourist destination, London provides an abundance of solo-friendly accommodations
Top things to do in London include crossing the Tower of London (often confused for London Bridge!), paddle boating in Hyde Park, riding the London Eye or Emirates Cable Car for stunning views of the city, and so much more.
Scotland, UK
Edinburgh is the perfect blend of medieval and modern, with its historic castles, cobblestone streets, and lively festivals.
From the incredible views atop Arthur’s Seat to the rich history of the Royal Mile, the city is full of mesmerizing sights and experiences.
Why it’s perfect for solo female travelers:
- This English-speaking city is rich in history and culture, with many solo-friendly attractions
- Edinburgh has a reliable public transportation system, making it easy to get around
- Safe and popular areas like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile are perfect for solo exploration
- Edinburgh offers a variety of solo-friendly accommodations, catering to its many visitors year-round
Top things to do in Edinburgh include hiking up Arthur’s Seat for panoramic city views, exploring the historic Edinburgh Castle, walking along the Royal Mile, and taking a tour of the Scottish Highlands (plus see the Scottish Highland Cows), and plenty more.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is a city known for its canals, history, and culture. With its world-class museums, lively neighborhoods, and “coffee shops” (if you know, you know), it’s a welcoming destination for solo travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.
Why it’s perfect for solo female travelers:
- While Dutch is the predominant language in the Netherlands, Amsterdam is a popular tourist destination and therefore quite English-friendly
- Amsterdam has a well-connected and very safe public transportation system, including trams, buses, and bikes, making it easy to get around. Plus, it’s extremely walkable!
- The Netherlands also has an excellent train system, making it easy to take multiple day trips in a day. Some cities are only a 20 minute train ride away!
- As a top tourist destination, Amsterdam offers a wide range of solo-friendly accommodations
Top things to do in Amsterdam include exploring the Jordaan district, getting a stroopwafel from van Wonderen Stroopwafels, taking a canal tour, and making day trips out to other cities and towns, such as Zaanse Schans and of course the Keukenhof Gardens where you can see several species of plants including tulip fields and cherry blossoms. If you’re feeling confident during your trip, you can also take day trips to Antwerp or Brussels in Belgium!
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is a stunning coastal city with lots to offer, from its cobblestone streets and colorful architecture to its delicious cuisine and captivating viewpoints. It’s a perfect mix of culture and relaxation for solo travelers.
Why it’s perfect for solo female travelers:
- English is widely spoken in tourist areas, making it easy to navigate
- Central areas are well-connected and walking distance with affordable public transport in the form of trams and metros, although—be warned it has a lot of steps, so you might want to skip this one if you’re not able-bodied!
- Lisbon is extremely safe for solo female travelers
- With its lively atmosphere, this would make a great first solo trip for someone looking to explore a completely novel environment
Top things to do in Lisbon include exploring the historic Alfama district, visiting the Belém Tower, taking in the views at Jerónimos Monastery, enjoying the waterfront town square Praça do Comércio, and more.
Doha, Qatar
The Middle East gets a bad rap but reality could not be any more different. It’s actually very safe and has strict law and order.
Doha is a fast-growing metropolis where tradition meets modernity. With its impressive skyline, luxury shopping, cultural landmarks, and desert landscapes, it’s a great destination for solo travelers seeking both cultural immersion and urban exploration.
The Qatari government has been attracting more travelers through Discover Qatar, Qatar Airways’ stopover program.
Why it’s perfect for solo female travelers:
- This English-friendly city is culturally diverse, with plenty of solo-friendly things to do
- Doha has a modern, safe and efficient public transportation system, including buses and a metro, making it easy to navigate
- As a luxurious and fast-developing tourist destination, Doha has many solo-friendly accommodations
- Top things to do in Doha include visiting the futuristic Museum of Islamic Art, strolling along the scenic Mina District, exploring the Souq Waqif market, marveling at the architecture of the Katara Cultural Village, taking a desert safari, and more.
How I shortlisted these first solo trip destinations
To ensure your first trip goes smoothly, consider the following when deciding where to go:
Safety
When traveling solo, safety is the top priority.
Opt for a place with low crime rates — both serious and petty crime — because even small incidents can be overwhelming when you’re traveling alone.
As women and people of color, we have to be hypervigilant pretty much all the time, so choosing a destination that’s known to be safe for BIPOC women will help you feel more at ease.
Regardless of where you go, make sure you keep safety tips in mind, and stay connected at all times in case of emergency — Airalo is my favorite eSIM app and has never failed me.
Good Transport Facilities
One of the most important things to look for is reliable public transport.
Being in an unfamiliar city can be nerve-wracking, and the last thing you want is to feel stranded or confused about how to get around.
Since I don’t drive, I always prioritize destinations with dependable public transport systems — whether it’s buses, trains, trams, or rideshare apps like Uber.
It’s more affordable and helps me stay relaxed, knowing I can get where I need to go safely and easily.
Easy Journey
You don’t want to book your first solo trip and end up with multiple layovers or complicated modes of transportation to reach your destination.
Make your first trip as easy as possible by choosing a location that is easily accessible from your hometown.
As well, ensure that getting to the city center is convenient from the station, airport, or terminal where you arrive.
Minimal Language Barriers
Choose a destination where you won’t be overwhelmed by a significant language barrier.
In some places, locals may become frustrated if you don’t speak their language or if they don’t understand English.
This doesn’t mean you should only visit English-speaking countries — just opt for a place where the language barrier isn’t too challenging!
Alternatively, if you speak other languages, consider destinations where you can use and improve your language skills.
Welcoming Locals
Opt for a destination where locals are accustomed to and welcoming of tourists.
In places with a strong tourism presence, many businesses cater specifically to travelers.
This makes it easier to navigate, with services like multilingual staff, clear signage, and organized tours readily available.
You can also learn more about the local history and culture by going on group tours with reliable companies like GetYourGuide.
The world is full of amazing destinations, each with unique attractions and experiences.
For your first solo trip, think about what it is you want to experience the most, then select your destination wisely.
No matter what your travel style is, there’s a city out there to match your preferences and make you fall in love with solo travel — let the adventures begin!
