Traveling solo as a woman can be one of the most empowering experiences of your life—especially when you combine it with outdoor adventures. Whether it’s hiking through mountain trails, kayaking on quiet lakes, or exploring remote coastlines, nature has a way of helping you reconnect with yourself. But finding the right destination matters. You need places that are not just beautiful, but also safe, accessible, and solo-friendly.
Today, more women are choosing to explore the world on their own terms, and the demand for outdoor experiences that cater to solo female travelers is growing. However, not all places are created equal when it comes to safety, infrastructure, or access to activities. That’s why we’ve done the research—looking at safety indexes, traveler reviews, local transport, and the variety of outdoor options—to help you make informed travel choices.
Whether you’re planning your first solo trip or looking to add new adventures to your travel list, this guide is designed to give you practical, honest recommendations without fluff.
In this guide, we will explain the best places to travel solo female for unforgettable outdoor experiences, including key activities, safety tips, and what to expect in each destination.
Best Places to Travel Solo Female for Unforgettable Outdoor Experiences
Solo travel is no longer a niche movement—it’s a global trend. But for women, traveling alone still comes with extra considerations: safety, logistics, local culture, and access to the outdoors.
If you’re a solo female traveler looking to explore nature—whether that’s hiking, swimming, camping, or biking—this guide gives you real, research-backed destinations where you can do exactly that.
Why Outdoor Travel Works Well for Solo Female Travelers
Before we jump into the destinations, let’s talk about why outdoor travel is one of the best places to travel solo female:
- You’re on your own schedule. No waiting for others to wake up or agree on a plan.
- Nature is neutral. No crowds, no judgment. Just trails, forests, coastlines.
- Easy to meet like-minded travelers. Hiking groups, yoga retreats, and guided outdoor tours attract independent and conscious explorers.
- Access to safe, remote areas. Well-marked national parks and tourist-friendly towns make nature accessible.
What We Looked at to Pick These Destinations
This list is based on a combination of:
- Global Peace Index rankings (for safety)
- Availability of outdoor experiences
- Accessibility (transport, solo traveler infrastructure)
- Feedback from solo female traveler communities
- Local laws and attitudes toward women travelers
1. Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown ranks highly among the best places to travel solo female for unforgettable outdoor experiences due to its compact size, strong tourism infrastructure, and outdoor variety. Solo travelers can easily access world-class hiking trails like Ben Lomond, water adventures on Lake Wakatipu, and adrenaline options such as jet boating or paragliding.
Accommodations range from social hostels to boutique lodges, making it easy to meet fellow travelers or enjoy quiet solo evenings. Public transport, shuttle services, and tour operators make getting around simple even without a car.
Safety is excellent, with low crime and well-managed outdoor activities overseen by experienced providers. Whether you want a full-day guided kayak trip in Milford Sound or a solo mountain bike ride, Queenstown offers a reliable and supportive environment for independent women explorers.
2. Banff, Alberta (Canada)
Banff stands out as one of the best places to travel solo female for unforgettable outdoor experiences, offering dramatic mountain scenery and reliable infrastructure. The town is walkable and filled with solo-friendly services like visitor centers, hostels, and shuttle options.
Solo travelers can explore iconic trails around Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Banff National Park, choosing between day hikes, canoeing, or simply enjoying hot springs. Trails are well marked and park rangers are readily available to provide guidance or safety updates.
Wildlife management and park rules add another layer of security. During hiking season, solo female travelers are a common sight, hiking independently or joining group tours. With affordable public transit and a strong network of safe accommodations, Banff provides freedom, beauty, and peace of mind all at once.
3. Lofoten Islands, Norway
The Lofoten Islands are one of the best places to travel solo female for unforgettable outdoor experiences because the region offers unmatched coastal beauty and a sense of solitude wrapped in a safe, tourist-friendly environment.
Well-marked trails lead to breathtaking viewpoints like Reinebringen, and coastal paddling or beach walks along Arctic shores provide peaceful exploration. Guesthouses, cabins, and small hotels cater to independent travelers.
Renting a car gives freedom, but buses connect key villages and trailheads. English is widely spoken, and locals are accustomed to helping solo visitors. Low crime rates and excellent trail infrastructure make Lofoten ideal for women who want dramatic scenery without crowds—and with confidence.
4. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai earns its place among the best places to travel solo female for unforgettable outdoor experiences because it blends culture, affordability, and accessible nature activities. From its safe city environment, solo travelers can take day or multi-day trips into forested mountains and waterfalls.
Organized jungle treks, visits to ethical elephant sanctuaries, and zipline adventures all offer guided, secure options. The city’s low cost of living supports lengthening your stay without financial strain. Rideshare apps and shared taxis simplify getting around day and night.
Hostels and guesthouses cater specifically to solo women, and the presence of an expat community adds comfort and connection. Chiang Mai delivers rich outdoor experience with strong logistical support—a strong mix for solo female adventurers.
5. Sedona, Arizona (USA)
Sedona ranks among the best places to travel solo female for unforgettable outdoor experiences by offering accessible desert hiking, spiritual retreat options, and a friendly small-town feel. Trails like Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock are clearly marked and suitable for various skill levels.
Public shuttles to major trailheads reduce parking worries. Visitors can expand their outdoor experience with yoga hikes, meditation classes, and guided vortex tours. Lodging options include hostels, wellness-oriented resorts, and budget motels, catering to diverse solo traveler needs.
Sedona maintains a very low crime rate, and hiking during daylight is both common and safe. Here you can balance physical challenge with mental relaxation—without worrying about solo travel logistics.
6. Madeira, Portugal
Madeira ranks among the best places to travel solo female for unforgettable outdoor experiences due to its lush trails, mild climate, and safe, welcoming culture. The island’s famous levada walks and the Pico Ruivo trail are well maintained and suitable for independent wandering.
Transport is reliable via local buses, though rentals offer greater flexibility. English is widely used in tourist areas, and hostels and guesthouses provide a sense of community. Visitors can enjoy volcanic swimming pools in Porto Moniz or coastal viewpoints along scenic drives.
Crime is rare and locals are helpful, making it easy to explore at your own pace. With natural diversity, secure infrastructure, and genuine hospitality, Madeira provides a peaceful and reliable setting for solo female outdoor travelers.
7. Bali, Indonesia (North or East Bali)
North and East Bali are among the best places to travel solo female for unforgettable outdoor experiences because they combine natural beauty with a calm, respectful cultural environment. Sunrise treks to Mount Batur are guide-led and safe, while waterfall trails like Sekumpul offer scenic day outings.
Coastal snorkeling or diving in Amed appeals to water lovers. Solo travelers find a welcoming atmosphere in local guesthouses that cater to women. Bahasa and English signage help with communication, while rideshare and driver options simplify transport.
Rural areas are quiet and communal, with low rates of petty crime. Visitors who dress modestly, especially in religious areas, can navigate independently without concern. This region delivers active exploration in harmony with Balinese culture, comfort, and ease.
8. Patagonia (Argentina & Chile)
Patagonia is one of the best places to travel solo female for unforgettable outdoor experiences due to its epic trekking routes, glacier views, and supportive travel systems. Destinations like Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares offer well-marked multi-day trails with mountain refugios, camping zones, and shared meals—all lending a sense of community and safety.
Tour operators offer guided treks and transfers, and you’ll encounter many solo hikers doing the W Trek or exploring El Chaltén independently. Infrastructure—like buses, lodges, and shelters—reduces logistic stress.
Crime is low in outdoor zones, but drive and trail preparation is crucial given remoteness and variable weather. Patagonia’s vast wilderness, combined with dependable services and strong local tourism support, makes it an ideal location for solo female adventure.
9. Slovenia
Slovenia ranks among the best places to travel solo female for unforgettable outdoor experiences thanks to its compact geography, reliable transit, and varied natural attractions. Solo travelers can paddle on Lake Bled, hike in the Julian Alps, and cycle along the Soča River—all within a short time span.
Trails are clearly marked, guesthouses and mountain huts cater to independent stays, and English is widely spoken in tourism zones. Train and bus services connect remote areas, making it easy to travel without rental cars. Crime rates are low, and locals are warm and approachable.
The country’s balance of ease, beauty, and safety makes Slovenia a top pick for women seeking independent outdoor journeys without logistical headaches or security concerns.
10. Japan (Kumano Kodo or Nakasendo Trail)
Japan is widely recognized as one of the best places to travel solo female for unforgettable outdoor experiences, largely due to its outstanding safety, efficient transport, and deep respect for travelers. The Kumano Kodo pilgrimage in Wakayama and the Nakasendo Trail through Edo-era villages provide well-maintained paths, English signage, and lodging at each night’s end.
Ryokan and guesthouses along the way include meals, minimizing the need to carry supplies. Public buses, trains, and taxis serve trailheads reliably. Solitude is easy to find in rural forests, yet fellow hikers and pilgrims are common.
Cultural awareness, clean infrastructure, and low crime rates make solo exploration simple and dignified. Women can confidently walk steep mountain paths or peaceful forest tracks—supported by a culture that values harmony, respect, and order.
11. Reykjavík + South Coast, Iceland
Reykjavík combined with Iceland’s South Coast is one of the best places to travel solo female for unforgettable outdoor experiences, thanks to its unmatched safety and accessible wilderness. The capital serves as a convenient base for day excursions to natural wonders like waterfalls, geysers, black-sand beaches, and glaciers.
Popular outdoor pursuits include hiking to Reykjadalur hot springs, photographing Seljalandsfoss waterfall, and exploring ice caves or glacier tongues with guide support. Solo women will appreciate how easy it is to rent a car or join well-run guided small-group tours, with reliable public transport on major routes. Infrastructure is exceptional, with clearly posted trail information and frequent emergency services.
Reykjavík offers a range of accommodations—from friendly guesthouses to central hostels—where solo travelers can meet others or enjoy privacy. With near-zero crime rates, solid road and trail maintenance, and a culture that values outdoor exploration, the region offers strong support for independent travel and nature immersion.
12. The Dolomites, Italy
The Dolomites are among the best places to travel solo female for unforgettable outdoor experiences due to their world-class hiking infrastructure, alpine culture, and structured mountain hospitality. Trails are well-marked, and extensive networks of rifugi (mountain lodges) allow solo travelers to tackle long day hikes or multi-day treks without carrying heavy packs.
Areas around Cortina d’Ampezzo, Ortisei, and Val Gardena offer a range of routes—from gentle meadows to challenging ridges—backed by cable cars and public transit. Safety norms are high: detailed trail maps are available, mountain rescue services are well-established, and informal local networks regularly check trails.
Accommodations range from dorm-style rooms to private guesthouse stays, with communal dining encouraging social connection. English is commonly spoken in tourism areas, and the region’s seasonal nature ensures trails are patrolled and maintained. For solo female travelers seeking alpine scenery with reliable infrastructure and cultural hospitality, the Dolomites deliver both challenge and comfort.
13. The Azores, Portugal
The Azores represent one of the best places to travel solo female for unforgettable outdoor experiences because of their volcanic landscapes, low visitor volume, and strong safety profile. São Miguel, Pico, and Terceira boast crater lakes, waterfalls, ali hiking trails, and thermal pools, creating a unique mix of land and sea adventure.
Solo travelers can hike to Lagoa das Sete Cidades or Lagoa do Fogo independently using public bus routes or rental cars, with straightforward trail signage and detailed hiking guides common in guesthouse lobbies. Whale-watching sailings operate daily in season and are well organized.
Thermal sites like Furnas and Terra Nostra Park make thermal swimming accessible for independent visitors. Accommodations on the Azores are typically small but welcoming, with guesthouses and family-run pensions offering local advice and meal options.
English is increasingly spoken, and crime levels are minimal. For women seeking nature escapes under electric skies, volcanic ridges, and azorean hospitality, the Azores combine solitude with easy logistics.
14. South Island, New Zealand (Beyond Queenstown)
New Zealand’s South Island beyond Queenstown features expansive landscapes, making it one of the best places to travel solo female for unforgettable outdoor experiences. This region includes iconic Great Walks—Routeburn, Kepler, Abel Tasman—alongside wild coastlines, glaciers, and alpine lakes.
The Department of Conservation maintains clearly marked trails, hut systems, and reservation networks for solo hikers. Booking a place in a hut or campsite still allows for meeting other trekkers while preserving independent travel.
Transportation options are plentiful, with intercity buses connecting towns like Te Anau, Nelson, and Franz Josef, and shuttles supporting trail access. Solo travelers also benefit from well-integrated tourism services, including equipment rental, guides, and park safety briefings.
Hostels and lodges in gateway towns offer solo-friendly environments with communal kitchens and social spaces. With low crime, active emergency response systems, and an outdoor culture that welcomes solo women, the South Island is a standout choice for long or short outdoor journeys.
15. Tuscany (Val d’Orcia), Italy
Val d’Orcia in Tuscany stands out as one of the best places to travel solo female for unforgettable outdoor experiences, offering rolling countryside paths, wellness hot springs, and quiet scenic routes. The area is dotted with Primavera-era pilgrimage pathways and secondary hiking routes that wind through vineyards, olive groves, and medieval villages.
Public buses and regional trains connect towns like Pienza, Montalcino, and San Quirico, enabling flexible exploration without a car. Accommodations range from agriturismi (farm stays) to small-scale guesthouses, many of which cater to solo female guests by providing luggage transfers and lightly guided walks.
The region is extremely safe, and locals are used to quiet travelers passing through daily. Trails are non-technical but visually rich, and options to visit spas like Bagno San Filippo allow for relaxation alongside walking.
Solo women can easily adapt itineraries day by day, enjoying morning hikes, midday vinology visits, and restful evenings tucked into Tuscan hilltop towns. The combination of gentle outdoor pursuits and cultural richness makes Val d’Orcia ideal for independent travel seeking beauty and balance.
Conclusion
Traveling solo as a woman doesn’t mean traveling alone—especially when you choose the right destinations that are designed for safety, accessibility, and unforgettable outdoor experiences. From the dramatic peaks of Patagonia to the peaceful forests of Japan’s pilgrimage trails, each location on this list offers something more than just scenery—it offers confidence, independence, and connection to nature.
What makes these places stand out isn’t just beauty, but infrastructure that supports solo exploration: well-marked trails, friendly locals, reliable transport, and access to guided adventures if needed.
Whether you want the comfort of established hiking networks in Slovenia, the thrill of kayaking in New Zealand, or the serenity of Tuscany’s countryside paths, the right destination will make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. Safety remains a key factor, but so does the freedom to explore at your own pace, on your own terms.
No matter your travel style—slow walker, thrill-seeker, or somewhere in between—these outdoor spots are worth considering.
