getting around

Guess whose back, back again… Question: The Himalaya’s , crashing waves,The Imperial Palaces and the City of Gold.. what do they all have in common? 

My Bucket List *Insert A Well Cool Emoji Here*

PSA: I am, by far in no means a well-travelled person. 

That’s a fact. What I am though, is hell bent on self-discovery and the sheer freedom of doing something incredibly exhilarating. Best places to travel alone for female travellers around the world is a compilation of destinations with liberating experiences straight from my bucket list. Solo women travellers are no longer an oddity and their brave ventures are a celebration of a freedom of women across the world. “Best destinations for solo female travellers” is a list of some of the safe havens for travellers where single women, travelling alone, are guaranteed the time of their life.

Hence, I give wings to this wide-eyed desire of solo women travellers with a list of 9 of the best places for single women to travel alone. And still, have a littttttty experience.

I’ve included hyperlinks, feel free to explore more on the links.

It’s a short life and a wide world. Fathom it solo, ladies!

1. Kyoto, The City of Japanese Imperial Palaces

This was a no-brainer for me. First on the list of best places to travel alone is Kyoto. This city of gorgeously styled temples, art galleries and master pieces of Japanese gardens is, against my better preference, best explored walking. For a solo female traveller, not just Kyoto but Japan, is a country that is considered the safest, thus walking through the beautiful corridors around the city with blooming cherry blossoms at night is not a problem at all.

The ‘Kagai areas’ which literally means ‘flower towns’ of Kyoto are places where you can enjoy Teahouse plays with Geiko and Maiko, or apprentice Geisha (the traditional Japanese entertainers we associate with Japan) play traditional Japanese instruments.

Next up is…

2. Vietnam, The Ultimate South Asian Experience

It’s safe. It’s cheap. Destination for solo female travellers can’t get any better. It’s an experience of otherworldly wonders with the most stunning beaches, Buddhist pagodas, rivers and an addictive heritage of the country must be thoroughly explored.

This made it to my bucket list because along with the quintessential hectic south Asian experience at Ben Thanh market in Ho Chi Minh City, there are hundreds of towns inhabited by energetic locals who love to LAUGH.

As a solo female traveller, Vietnam gives you a chance of a lifetime to dive into a culture influenced by Mahayana Buddhism. A visit to the Bat Nha Buddhist temple and other monasteries can give you an enlightening taste of Pure Land and Zen practices.

 

3. Bhutan, The Land of “Gross National Happiness”

You’ve got a bucket list for a solo venture? And you don’t have Bhutan? Yep- add it in. Don’t think too long, just add it. Bhutan is one of the best places to travel alone. To make the most of this tour, I suggest you make your trip during the festivals, which are literally celebrated every month. It’s a chance to join all the locals in the celebrations who come from different parts of the country to the huge Dzongs (Monasetry/Fortress) and perform as masked dancers.

This Land of Thunder Dragon has the most beautiful trekking routes around the country. Druk Path Trek, Jomolhari Laya Gasa Trek and other treks to the high altitudes of Bhutanese Himalayas is the best gift of nature awaiting every adventurous soul.

Bhutan’s stunning mountain scenery is a hiker’s paradise, but Snowdon probably is a small heap of rocks. Compared to the colossal 24,840 ft above sea level compared to the mere 3,560 ft that we were huffing and puffing on. Read about my Snowdon experience here- if Snowdon was gruelling, climbing the Himalayan mountains should be triple the punishment. I cant wait!

4. Auckland, For a Kiwi Perfect Vacation

New Zealand. Based around 2 large harbours, is a major city in the north of New Zealand’s North Island. In the centre, the iconic Sky Tower has views of Viaduct Harbour, which is full of super-yachts and lined with bars and cafes. Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park, is based around an extinct volcano and home to the formal Wintergardens.  While you soak in the beauty of the rolling greens of Auckland and the sunny beaches, stay assured that the Kiwis give no worries to a dreamy solo traveller. The awe-inspiring volcanic cones, Hauraki Gulf Islands & the amazing food tours, it’s simply a paradise for solo explorers.

Horse riding (screams inside)(and if you know me, you know I’m obsessed!) is one joy of life and beaches are another. Auckland gives you a chance to take a horse to a beach. Could it be any better? HELL NO. 

5. Dubai, Spot for a Glitzy Holiday

So Yes, the big big City of Gold. Look beyond the mass hysteria about travelling alone in the middle east and realise that Dubai awaits every wide-eyed wanderer with open arms. Really does. The Palm Islands, Burj Khalifa, the golden Jumeirah Beach and hundreds of other futuristic modern marvels can leave you awestruck at every step.

 

 

 

Shop till you drop, ladiiiiiiiiies! Because we know that if there’s a solo female traveller out there in Dubai, she’s roaming with a serious purpose. Dubai realises and in fact celebrates your seriousness about shopping.

6. Helsinki, A Wonderful Cultural Enigma

Finland made it to my list! Solo travel gives you a golden chance to meet new people and get a taste of unique cultures around the world. Rest assured; Finland is a country warmest at heart towards the visiting travellers with their local food leaving you deliciously directionless in the best walking trails. And if you are at a countryside during Midsummer celebration, chances are that you have a time of your life.

7. Dharamshala, Where Silence is Beautiful

Another beautiful Himalayan town and India’s hidden secret, Dharamshala has recently come on the real map for a lot of travellers around the world promising a uniquely distinctive experience. Various non-profit organisations give ample opportunities to volunteers from all over the world to teach and work with the Tibetan community here. Growing voluntarism makes Dharamshala a great destination for solo female travellers.

Dharamshala is surrounded by the breath-taking Dhauladhar Range promising a scenic bliss throughout your stay and at the same time offering some of the best hiking and trekking routes around this small town.

 

 

 

 

 

8. Costa Rica, Where Green Cannot Get Greener

Costa Rica? Yeah, Costa Rica because if amidst the political turmoil in the Latin American region the country manages to officially be the ‘happiest country in the world’ and one of the best places for females to travel alone.

Costa Rica is also counted as the greenest country giving you a chance to be at the lush rainforests brimming with biodiversity.

My friends are certainly thinking I’m crazy for this one- nobody goes to this rugged, rainforested central American country alone. Its been ruled a safe haven, offering plenty of solo activities that will leave you in awe.

The foaming pacific waters rest at the best seaside’s in Costa Rica where travellers find all kinds of water sports opportunities at quiet sleepy beach hamlets.

 

 

Have you travelled solo and loved your experience? Share your itineraries, photographs and videos with me and tell us about the offbeat spots you visited during your travels!