T+L Editors Share Top Picks For Solo Female Travel & Girls’ Getaways

Solo travel is undeniably one of the most rewarding and transformative experiences — a chance to embrace independence and self-discovery. But for women, it often comes with added complexities, a persistent need to assess just how safe and women-friendly a destination is. While some places are more accommodating and easier to navigate alone, others pose challenges, making it essential and inevitable to practice precaution. Factors like crime rates, walkability, and a country’s stance on women’s rights can profoundly shape the experience, which is why some parts of the world will always be safer for female travellers.

We know this firsthand at Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Macau. As writers and editors who travel extensively — both for work and on our own — we’ve explored destinations ranging from remote corners of Rajasthan to uninhabited South Asian islands. We’ve experienced the striking landscapes of Iceland, spent weekends in Russia and Mexico, and ventured across nearly every continent. And after years of decoding travel surveys, analysing safety data, and gathering firsthand insights, we couldn’t think of better people than our peers to help answer the question that is as broad as it is unavoidable: Where is it safe to travel for solo female explorers or women planning group trips?

Also, read our guide to travelling solo post-retirement.

T+L editors reveal their favourite places for solo female travel and the perfect girls’ trip

Prague, Czech Republic

During a solo trip across six European cities in 2019, Prague stood out for Divya Jain, Regional Managing Editor (Digital Growth) for Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Macau, for its historic allure, culture, and safety. Over two days, she explored its iconic landmarks, crossing the Charles Bridge both during the day and late at night without a moment of hesitation.

“I never felt unsafe, and people were minding their own business. The best part is you can walk around without worrying and enjoy this city with so much to offer,” she said. For those drawn to Prague’s storied past and architectural grandeur, she recommends visits to the Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Lennon Wall, and the Kafka Museum.

Also, check out our guide to the top places to visit and things to do in Prague.

South Goa, India

Yashita Vashishth, Senior Digital Writer at Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Macau, believes South Goa is one of India’s safest and most wholesome solo travel destinations. From wandering through local markets filled with global boutiques to kayaking into the sunset, the region offers endless experiences that captivate solo female travellers.

Also, check out our guide to the best time to visit Goa for a perfect vacation.

“Most cafes have notice boards brimming with posters for ongoing activities — vinyasa yoga, sound healing, crochet, macrame, and everything in between,” she shares. Based on personal experiences and recommendations from fellow female travellers, she finds South Goa a perfect balance of safety and charm. “Sans North Goa’s loud crowds yet brimming with chic cafes, salons, and shopping streets — this destination is a no-brainer.”

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Just before joining as a Digital Writer at Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Macau, I hopped on a last-minute flight to Ho Chi Minh City for a spontaneous adventure — one I could compare to the feeling of falling in love for the first time as I once told a friend upon return that it was “the exact moment I fell in love with Asia”.

Drawn to Vietnamese culture for years, I had long envisioned getting addicted to egg coffees and pho-hopping until I couldn’t anymore after reading countless food magazines and watching travel shows.

For my 25th birthday, I finally embarked on a two-week solo journey, exploring every nook and cranny of this Vietnam city — one that surpassed even my most ambitious expectations. Ho Chi Minh was filled with breathtaking landscapes, warm people, and incredible food. Even with all my research, the experience was better than I imagined. And despite always travelling with relatively heavier camera equipment than most other travellers, I never once felt discouraged to film, even alone in throngs of people or inside century-old buildings.

Cinque Terre, Italy 

Nishtha Grover, Senior Editor at Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Macau, discovered one of the most scenic locations on the Italian Riviera coastline during her recent trip to Italy: Cinque Terre. Made up of five picturesque villages, this coastal paradise is a designated Blue Zone and, according to her, one of the safest places she has ever visited.

“I was there with my friend, and we never felt unsafe. It’s a destination with something for every traveller,” she shared. The villages are connected by a 12-kilometre Blue Path trail that winds through vineyards, narrow village lanes, and stunning Mediterranean views. “Some villages cling to cliffs, while others have beaches, so it all depends on whether you want to hike or just laze around on the shore, enjoying fresh fruit with a glass of limoncello.”

Upper Dharamkot, Himachal Pradesh, India 

Esha Dasgupta, Senior Digital Writer at Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Macau, has found Upper Dharamkot near McLeodganj one of the safest places for women travellers. Having visited multiple times and stayed for weeks, she attests to the ease of moving around — whether venturing out at night, walking alone, or even strolling after dark with her toddler.

“People are friendly and helpful, and all cafes and restaurants are well-lit with clearly marked paths,” she shared. Recalling a particular experience, she added, “I once walked to a concert with a friend in the evening and returned late at night — it all felt pretty safe.”

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India

Dinal Jain, Digital Writer at Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Macau, recalls her first solo travel experience in Rishikesh as overwhelmingly positive, making her recommend it for female solo wanderers or those planning a girl’s trip. “As a solo traveller, I was unsure of what the city held for me, but I quickly realised that Rishikesh was one of the easiest mountain destinations to reach and explore,” she shared.  

“I met many fellow female solo travellers, all of whom shared a similar sense of safety and comfort. Unlike other tourist hubs where you might be pressured into buying something, Rishikesh allows you to explore at your own pace. Whether you’re sitting by the riverbanks or visiting a cafe, you won’t feel disturbed,” she noted.

Tania Tarafdar, Senior Digital Editor, Growth (Hong Kong), also vouched for Rishikesh as the best destination for solo female travel in India and a place from where you are bound to return feeling refreshed. “With serene ghats, tranquil wellness retreats, and excellent Ayurvedic spas, this city offers the perfect blend of adventure and spirituality,” she shared. “Even if you arrive alone, you leave with a community,” she said, recalling moments of temple visits, jam sessions, and exploring artist studios with newfound friends. She pointed to Ananda in the Himalayas for those seeking luxury, while budget travellers could find camaraderie in vibrant hostels like goSTOPS Rishikesh.

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok was a defining solo travel experience for Geeta Gupta, Managing Editor for Subbing and Quality at Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Macau. “My work trip to Bangkok was also my first solo travel experience at 23. Although colleagues joined me the following day, those initial hours were mine alone. As a girl from Delhi, navigating a foreign city by myself, especially at night, was daunting. But Bangkok surprised me with an unexpected sense of security. From the moment I stepped off the plane, I felt an ease I had never known. Simple tasks like hailing taxis and tuk-tuks, wandering the streets, dining, and shopping alone felt remarkably secure,” she said.

The following day brought new connections for Gupta and a friendship that has lasted forever. While meetings occupied their days, evenings were dedicated to the two girls exploring Bangkok’s many pleasures — endless street food, chilled beers at quaint cafes, shopping, relaxing massages, and late-night strolls that often stretched until 4 am.

Meghalaya, India

Divya Jain’s list of safe travel destinations also includes Meghalaya in northeast India. During her exploration in 2024 with three friends, Meghalaya turned out to be one of the safest and most rewarding places they visited. They rented a car from Guwahati and explored Shillong, Shnongpdeng, and Mawphlang, experiencing nothing but kindness and honesty throughout their journey.

“As four women travelling in a car, we did not face any issues or had concerns about our safety even at night. The people were always helpful and honest with their information,” she said.

Are you planning to travel solo or on a female group trip to Shillong and nearby cities? Read our guide to the best time to visit Meghalaya.

Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India

A decade ago, Rubi Borgohain, Senior Editor for Subbing and Quality at Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Macau, embarked on her first solo journey to Jaisalmer. This trip set the tone for her travels as a woman exploring the world alone. The bus ride from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer was an adventure, with goats and villagers in colourful attire as fellow passengers. However, the warmth of Rajasthani hospitality and an unexpected sense of security left a lasting impression on her.

“During my two-day stay, not once did I feel concerned about being stalked, catcalled, or ogled at by strangers,” she recalled. The experience solidified Jaisalmer as a place where solo female travel could be embraced without hesitation.

Phuket, Thailand

Priyaja Bakshi, Digital Writer at T+L Southeast Asia, described Phuket as one of the safest destinations for solo female travellers, alluding to the city’s well-lit and secure environment — whether in the bustling bars of Bangla Road or along the pristine shores of Patong Beach. “You’ll find plenty of female travellers painting the town red, especially at night,” she said. She noted that female-only hostels and ride-hailing services like Grab provided budget-friendly options for safe and comfortable travel.

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(Feature image credit: Frances Gunn/Unsplash)

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Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.

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