Travelling as a single woman is not just about the destination – it’s about rediscovering your own rhythm. At first, the idea of travelling alone can feel terrifying. You imagine yourself dragging your suitcase through the airport, pretending to look confident while everyone else seems to have someone beside them. But here’s the truth: that’s exactly where the magic begins.
Because once you take that first flight alone, you realise it’s not scary – it’s liberating. You make every decision, take every turn, and own every little mistake. And when you come home, it’s not the world that has changed – it’s you.
Italy – Flavours, Freedom, and the Irresistible Charm of Life
Italy brings you back to life in ways you don’t expect. The smell of fresh espresso in the morning, the unhurried way locals enjoy their coffee – there’s something about it that makes you slow down too. After one Italian culinary adventure, you’ll realise you may have never truly tasted pasta before. Here, everything invites you to simply enjoy the food, the people, the sun, even getting lost.
Rome, Florence, Naples – they’re classics, of course. But the real magic lives in the smaller towns, where no one speaks English, and you order based on what you can pronounce. You sit in a family-run restaurant where the grandmother still kneads the dough by hand, and you taste what happiness really means.
If you’re not sure where to start, check out Daniel James Clarke’s wonderful list of lesser-known Italian towns: https://www.danflyingsolo.com/beautiful-small-towns-in-italy/
And yes, the rumours are true – Italian men know how to flirt. Don’t take it too seriously, but don’t deny how good it feels to be noticed. There’s something freeing about walking down the street and remembering: Hey, I’m alive – and I look damn good.
Istanbul – For When You Need a Little Chaos and Colour
If there’s a city that awakens every sense, it’s Istanbul. I thought I was ready for it. I wasn’t. This city is loud, fragrant, chaotic, and beautiful all at once. The Grand Bazaar is an explosion of gold, spices, carpets, and a thousand people trying to sell you something – all smiling while they do it.
And the food… oh, the food. Kebab, baklava, and Turkish tea served in tiny glasses – simple, soulful, and addictive. If you’re blonde, prepare for attention. Turkish men don’t hide their admiration – but most of the time, it’s playful, harmless, and honestly, it’s a nice boost of confidence.
The beauty of Istanbul is in its contrasts. One moment, you’re lost in the bazaar’s noise, and the next, you’re sitting quietly in front of Hagia Sophia, watching the sunset, feeling something shift inside you.
For the Soul Seekers – Bali, India, and Beyond
If travelling as a single woman is less about adventure and more about healing, the world has countless places to help you reconnect. Bali isn’t just a destination – it’s an energy. Mornings start with yoga, coconuts, and locals who greet you with genuine smiles. Life there doesn’t rush. But be mindful – don’t just play tourist. If you stay open, you might meet real healers who can sense your story before you even tell it.
India, however, is a different journey. It’s not quiet or comfortable – but it transforms you. Sitting by the Ganges in Rishikesh, you begin to notice how much noise you’ve been carrying inside. And when you finally let it go, you feel weightless. If you crave adventure, head south to Goa – where driving twenty minutes can cure any worry. Just watch out for the holy cows crossing the road.
Hidden Gems You Won’t Forget
Forget the usual travel hotspots – the world is full of quiet treasures waiting to be discovered. In Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor, time seems to stop. The sea glitters against stone walls, and locals invite you in for homemade rakija like you’ve known them for years.
In Chefchaouen, Morocco – the ‘Blue Pearl’ – you’ll walk through alleys so vividly painted it feels like stepping inside a dream. No filters, no crowds, just you, your camera, and the slow hum of everyday life.
Or maybe head to the Faroe Islands – rugged, quiet, and otherworldly. A place that reminds you how small, and yet how limitless, you really are.
Travelling on a Budget Doesn’t Mean Missing Out
You don’t need a millionaire’s budget to find yourself. Some of my best memories were born from simplicity. Like the time I just got in my car and drove to the countryside – away from city noise, no plan, no GPS. The simplicity of rural life, the warmth of strangers, the silence broken only by birds – it changed me. The lack of internet felt scary at first, but trust me, it’s deeply freeing.
If you crave something abroad, Slovenia’s valleys, Albania’s beaches, or a short train trip to Poland can offer rich experiences without draining your savings. Sometimes, freedom is just a full tank and an open road.
The Morning That Changed Everything
It happened in Andalusia, in the port of Isla Cristina. One morning, I went for a walk to watch the fishermen – something I’ve always loved. There’s a strange magic in the smell of the harbor; what others might find unpleasant, to me, feels like home. Then I saw a girl sitting alone, headphones in, lost in her thoughts. Somehow, I knew she was there for the same reason I was -to process, to let go, to start again.
We started talking. She’d never eaten seafood before, so we shared our first meal together – messy, salty, perfect. Later, I discovered she was a photographer. The portraits she took of me that day helped me see myself differently. The lesson? The world sends you exactly who you need – even if only for the length of a single journey.
Where to Find Other Solo Travellers
Travelling alone doesn’t mean you have to be lonely. Apps like Tourlina (for women only) help you find other solo female travellers safely. Communities like Girls LOVE Travel or Solo Female Travelers Network on Facebook are full of supportive, adventurous women – sharing tips, stories, and sometimes even meeting up on the road.
This Journey Is About You
Travelling as a single woman isn’t an escape. It’s the most honest way to show up for your own life. You don’t need permission, a partner, or a perfect plan – just curiosity and courage. Whether it’s a small Italian town, a chaotic Istanbul market, or a quiet Andalusian harbor – this is your time. So go. Book the ticket. Start the car. Take the first step. And when someone asks why you’re travelling alone, just smile and say: “Because this time, it’s about me.”
