Solo female travel. Man, just typing that makes my palms sweaty, sitting here in my cramped Brooklyn apartment, coffee mug steaming, the radiator hissing like it’s judging me. I’m no fearless globe-trotter—honestly, I’m a mess half the time, overpacking snacks and second-guessing my itinerary. But last year, I took my first solo trip, and it was like… whoa. Life-altering, scary-as-hell, but so worth it. Here’s my raw, unfiltered take on the best spots for first-time solo women travelers, straight from my frazzled American perspective.
Why Solo Female Travel Feels Like Jumping Off a Cliff (But in a Good Way)
I’ll be real: solo female travel is terrifying at first. Like, standing in JFK with my overstuffed backpack, I was convinced I’d lose my passport or get scammed in the first hour. Spoiler: I didn’t (though I did spill coffee on my journal in a panic). There’s something about traveling alone as a woman that feels like you’re defying gravity—equal parts exhilarating and “what am I doing?” The key is picking spots that are safe, welcoming, and forgiving for newbies. These destinations? They’re my tried-and-true, learned-the-hard-way faves.
Morocco: A Sensory Overload That’s Totally Doable for Solo Women Travelers
Morocco was my first solo female travel leap, and holy crap, it’s a vibe. The souks in Marrakech? Pure chaos—spices in every color, vendors yelling, donkeys just existing in the middle of it all. I got lost in the medina for, like, three hours, and my inner klutz was freaking out. But the locals were so kind, pointing me toward Jemaa el-Fnaa square with smiles. I stayed in a riad—think small, family-run guesthouses—and felt safer than in some U.S. cities. Pro tip: book a guided tour for the first day to get your bearings.
Tips for Morocco:
- Stick to well-reviewed riads or hostels with female-only dorms.
- Learn basic Arabic phrases like “shukran” (thank you)—it’s a game-changer.
- Avoid wandering alone at night in the medina; it’s not dangerous, but it’s disorienting.
Check out Lonely Planet’s Morocco Guide for planning tips.
New Zealand: Solo Female Travel Where Nature Hugs You Back
Okay, New Zealand is like if Mother Nature decided to show off. I rented a car in Queenstown—terrifying, because driving on the left? Not my forte. Nearly hit a sheep, no joke. But the South Island’s trails, like the Routeburn Track, made me feel like I was in a Tolkien novel. It’s super safe for solo women travelers, with clear trails and friendly locals who’ll chat you up at every turn. I cried (embarrassing, I know) staring at Milford Sound, fog rolling in, totally alone but not lonely.
Why It Works for First-Timers:
- Infrastructure is solid—good hostels, reliable transport.
- English is universal, so no language barrier stress.
- Join group hikes if you want company without commitment.
For more, Tourism New Zealand has great resources.
Iceland: Solo Female Travel That Feels Like a Warm Hug (Despite the Cold)
Iceland in winter? Bold choice for my second solo female travel stint. Reykjavik’s cafes are cozy AF, and I spent hours scribbling in my journal, snow falling outside, pretending I was in a movie. The Blue Lagoon was touristy but worth it—I floated there, totally zen, ignoring the fact I’d forgotten my swimsuit and had to buy an overpriced one. Iceland’s safe, compact, and perfect for women traveling alone who want adventure without overwhelm. Bonus: the Northern Lights might make you believe in magic.
Iceland Hacks:
- Book day tours for waterfalls or glaciers; you’ll meet other travelers.
- Dress in layers—my Brooklyn ass was not ready for that wind.
- Use Visit Iceland for deals on tours.
Mistakes I Made (So You Don’t Have To)
Solo female travel isn’t all Instagram vibes. I overpacked (shocker), dragging a suitcase through Marrakech’s cobblestone alleys like a fool. I also didn’t research local customs enough—wore shorts in Morocco and got some side-eye. And don’t get me started on budgeting—I blew half my cash on overpriced tagine. Learn from my chaos: pack light, respect local norms, and set a daily budget. Oh, and always have a backup phone charger. Mine died in New Zealand, and I was that person begging at a café.
Wrapping Up This Solo Female Travel Rant
Sitting here, surrounded by my messy desk and half-dead plants, I’m still buzzing from those trips. Solo female travel isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about proving to yourself you can do the scary thing. Morocco, New Zealand, Iceland—they’re perfect for first-timers because they balance adventure with safety. Got a destination you’re eyeing? Drop it in the comments on my blog—I’m nosy and wanna hear your plans. Seriously, go book that ticket. You’ll mess up, you’ll learn, you’ll love it.
