Last updated on February 8th, 2025
Featured image: Find inspiration with one of these 10 best places for solo women to travel to in 2025 | Photo by lucigerma on Envato
10 less-travelled places we love for solo women
by Carolyn Ray
In its efforts to inspire discovery, each year the travel industry exhausts itself creating some terrific ‘best places to go’ lists, with recommendations that help us decide where to go in the new year. These lists cover the gamut — ranging from iconic destinations to remote islands — and many other ‘must-see’ destinations chosen by experts.
At JourneyWoman, we too, read these lists and wondered which places would have more appeal for the solo woman traveller over 50. With almost 200 locations featured by travel experts in highly regarded publications like Lonely Planet (30), CN Traveller (25), Travel and Leisure (50), Frommers (20) , National Geographic (25) and AFAR (25), we asked ourselves: where would we go as mature solo women? Knowing how well-travelled our readers are, what places stimulate our curiosity and pique our interest? Where we can best connect with people and communities? Above all, where do we, as solo women travellers over 50, feel safe?
In what may become an annual tradition, we applied our own criteria to these expansive lists, with a view to safety, mobility, affordability and our own experience and preferences. Knowing that our readers are seeking new, lesser-known, remote places, particularly in Asia and Oceania, we looked at travel outside North America and omitted any countries that were mentioned multiple times. Special thanks to our women over 50 writers and experts for their contributions: Leyla Alyanak, Dawn Booker, Nancy Drolet, Diana Eden, Karen Gershowitz, Rupi Mangat and Jules Torti.
Reminder: Our world is a volatile and ever-changing place. Check travel advisories before you travel and make sure you have travel insurance.
10 Places for Solo Women Travellers Over 50 in 2025
We hope our list inspires women to think differently about not just where we travel to, but how we can embrace a sense of discovery through travel. In the midst of so much conflict in our world, solo travel offers us the opportunity to learn. To expand our understanding of our world. To connect with cultures and communities vastly different than our own. Above all, to embrace the self-discovery and wisdom that comes with stepping into the unknown.
1. Armenia, Asia
Recommended by Lonely Planet
In the heart of the South Caucasus, Armenia sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, with a population of about 3 million people in 11,000 square miles (roughly the size of Belgium). A mountainous country, Armenia is one the oldest nations on earth, with several UNESCO monasteries, and the 2000-year-old Garni Temple. It’s considered one of the birthplaces of winemaking, with archaeological evidence dating back at least 7,000 years. In 2026, the new Armenian National Trail will open, stretching across the entirety of Armenia. According to Lonely Planet, this is the time to visit. You’ll need an e-visa to enter, and it’s known as a safe destination for solo women, however, government travel advisories recommend avoiding the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. For those women travelling solo within Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia, it’s recommended to enter through Georgia. There are relatively low prices on booking.com for hotels and apartments, starting at US$25 a night to the upscale Grand Hotel Yerevan at US$119 a night. Find a place to stay here.
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“Much of the beauty of Armenia lies outside the capital, in places like Khor Virap, a lovely monastery, or Norovank, another church high up on a mountain. The fall colours were beautiful at Mermaid’s Hair waterfall and Arch of Dreams, so serene.” — Myra N., solo traveller who visited in September 2024
2. Bhutan, Asia
Recommended by Travel and Leisure
This South Asian country – landlocked between India, Tibet, China, and Nepal – is the birthplace of the Gross National Happiness (GNI) Index. In Bhutan, happiness is measured as an output more valued than GDP. Education and healthcare are free for all citizens. It’s not only one of the world’s happiest countries; it’s also one of the greenest, with 70% of forest cover. Bhutan’s constitution mandates that at least 60% of the land be conserved, and while many countries struggle to reduce carbon emissions, Bhutan is carbon neutral. It’s the world’s only Buddhist Kingdom, and – open to tourism only since the 1970s – is still shrouded in mystery. Buddhist philosophy and its deep respect for all living creatures make it a place where solo travelling women feel a high degree of personal security. With only 145,000 tourists in 2024, Bhutan has adopted a “low volume, high quality” tourism strategy that includes a US$200-250 per day/per person Sustainable Development fee. Bhutan invokes mindfulness and is the perfect place for women to gather in a yoga, wellness and cultural discovery experience with a women-friendly company like Global Family Travels.
“Comparable in size to Switzerland, the small nation was isolated from foreign influence for most of its existence. Only in the late 20th century did Bhutan begin to welcome travellers, who often visit due to their interest in its stunning natural scenery, impressively preserved culture, and captivating Silk Road and Buddhist history.” — Jennifer Spatz, Global Family Travels.
3. Fiji and Vanuatu
Recommended by Lonely Planet and Travel and Leisure
Aerial view of Erakor Island, Vanuatu, South Pacific / Photo by on Envato
Located close to New Zealand, Fiji is an ocean lover’s dream. With its archipelago of more than 332 islands, Fiji welcomed more than 1 million visitors in 2024, thanks to direct flights from the US on Fiji Air. However, there is no question that this region is fragile. According to Lonely Planet, “Protecting this delicate and fragile ecosystem, its heritage and natural resources, is at the heart of a new initiative that encourages preservation through activities like planting coral and mangroves.” Indeed, Travel and Leisure notes that “Fiji has announced an ambitious responsible-tourism initiative called Loloma Hour that will encourage visitors to volunteer at least 60 minutes during their stay on the islands.” Fiji’s immediate neighbours include Tonga, Samoa and Vanuatu, which suffered a devastating earthquake in December 2024. While travel advisories say it’s safe to visit, it’s important to remember that these islands are in active seismic zones, making planning ahead essential. Many hotels and tourism operators are open for business, but some have been significantly impacted by the earthquake and are temporarily closed. Vanuatu also made Lonely Planet’s list and has less than 45,000 tourists a year. The best reason to visit, Lonely Planet says, “is to experience the rich heritage and diverse cultures of the Ni-Vanuatu (Melanesian people of Vanuatu, also known as Ni-Van).” . Find a place to stay here.
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“I have always been attracted to remote islands with lagoons of pale aqua water ringed by palm-lined beaches. And Fiji is all that and more. With two of the largest barrier coral reefs in the southern hemisphere, the snorkeling is rich and diverse. For local culture, the two main islands of Fiji have frequent market days, such as The Roc Market, which is held monthly with food stores, artisans, producers of cultural products and locally handmade goods, and entertainers. (But I am waiting for supersonic travel to come back before I will travel so far.)” — Diana Eden, JourneyWoman writer
4. Hungary, Serbia and Romania, Europe
Recommended by National Geographic, AFAR and Travel and Leisure
Serbia’s Golubac Fortress on the Danube River / Photo by a_medvedkov on Envato
When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, the bordering countries declared independence and began the process of integration into the European community. While the term ‘Eastern Europe’ implies a unified bloc, all of them have unique cultures and monuments to the past. Travelling by water on a boutique river cruise from Budapest to Bucharest is the ideal way to spend time in all of these countries, without the need to unpack. According to Travel and Leisure, “from tiny vintners to food insiders to Jewish-history specialists, Budapest can speak to a variety of travellers.” Along the Danube, there are stops in Belgrade, Serbia, one of Europe’s oldest cities, dating back some 7,000 years, and Golubac Fortress, one of the most well-preserved fortresses in Europe, on the border with Romania. According to AFAR, “the erstwhile capital of Yugoslavia was a crucial crossroads of Balkan trade, and its enduring blend of Slavic East and cosmopolitan West is most accessible in its food and music.“ Look for no single supplement offers and special discounts from Uniworld, which has a 30% sale happening now.
Find the perfect place to stay here on booking.com.
“I have been wanting to spend more time in the eastern region of Europe after visiting Budapest and Prague in 2023. While there, I witnessed how passionately the people have embraced freedom and hope. I can’t wait to discover entirely new places in 2025 that appeal to my curiosity about history and are so inviting and welcoming.” — Carolyn Ray, JourneyWoman writer and editor
5. The Philippines, Asia
Recommended by Travel and Leisure
With more than 7,000 islands and islets in Southeast Asia, the Philippines sits between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. You’re never far from a beach, but there’s more to see, with an underground river and rice terraces, incredible diving spots rich in biodiversity, unique cuisine, and vibrant festivals. According to Travel and Leisure, the Philippines deserves a fresh look from travellers, particularly given the destination’s ongoing affordability and a pro-tourism government that has made welcoming visitors a key piece of the nation’s economic future.” The Philippines is planning for growth, and tourism data shows that almost 6 million people, mostly from South Korea and the US, visited the Philippines in 2024 and stayed an average of over 11 nights in the country, while 70 percent of tourists coming to the country are repeat visitors. International Living reports that visitors can comfortably live on $800 to $1200 a month, covering housing, utilities, food, healthcare and taxes. Find a place to stay here.
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“Kim (my wife) and I are going to Palawan, Philippines in February. The birds and beach are the undeniable attraction. We’ve booked a week of seaside slothing in the fairytale-like lotus belle tents at Nacpan Beach Glamping. As for birds—the rainbow palette of the flycatchers, sunbirds, babblers, racket-tails and flowerpeckers match the fictional surroundings. After a very sunshine-squeezed winter in Northern Ontario were anxious for the colour and plumage of the South China Sea Isle.” — Jules Torti, JourneyWoman writer
6. Senegal, Africa
Recommended by National Geographic
Senegalese music is a vibrant and diverse art form that combines traditional and modern elements / Photo by AnnaStills on Envato
Located at the westernmost point of Africa, Senegal is at an intersection of great maritime and aerial routes. If offers a rich culture, vibrant music scene, beautiful beaches and diverse cuisine. Dakar, the capital and largest city of Senegal, is often regarded as the cultural and commercial center of French-speaking West Africa. Senegal is also known as the ‘Land of Teraanga’, which embodies warmth and welcoming of others. According to National Geographic, “Senegal’s West African cuisine is a tantalizing blend of Wolof and French influences. Must-try meals include ceebu jën, the national dish of fish, rice, and vegetables, and soupe kanja, a Senegalese gumbo.” Senegal has no travel advisories and guesthouses are available at affordable rates. Find a place to stay here.
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7. Tasmania, Australia
Recommended by Travel and Leisure
What’s more off-the-beaten-path than an island with tongue-in-cheek place names like Eggs and Bacon Bay, Trousers Point, Penguin, Milkshake Hills, Stinkhole, Granny’s Gut, Awesome Wells, Satan’s Lair and Lovely Bottom? It’s not only its place names that make Australia’s island-state Tasmania unique. With over 2,000 kilometres of hiking trails, more than 42% of the state is World Heritage Area, National Parks, and Marine/Forest Reserves. It boasts some of the world’s cleanest air quality year-round. According to Travel and Leisure, this island state is “considered one of Australia’s most rugged, thanks to its jaw-dropping landscapes filled with glacial lakes, lush rain forests, and vertical sea cliffs.” For adventurous women, a solo spot on a group tour may be just the way to commune with nature and like-minded women. Find one here.
Find the perfect place to stay here on booking.com.
“When I spent time in Tasmania I was taken by its diverse landscapes. Parts looked straight out of the English countryside. But the wilder areas have rugged mountains, lush rainforests and unique rock formations. Whether you are a hiker or casual walker, you’ll get to see gorgeous scenery. Hobart (the capital) is quaint and charming, with great restaurants and loads of shops to poke around in. Traveling alone I felt safe; people were friendly and welcoming.” — Karen Gershowitz, JourneyWoman writer
8. St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Caribbean
Recommended by Travel and Leisure
Aerial view of Union Island, The Grenadines / Photo by Robert Harding via Shutterstock
Located in the Lesser Antilles in the eastern Caribbean Sea, St. Vincent and The Grenadines (or SVG) is known as a mecca for snorkelling, diving, sailing and yachting. It is made up of the island of St Vincent and the northern Grenadines, a group of 32 smaller islands and cays (low banks of coral or rock) to the south. According to Travel and Leisure, the destination’s annual festivals are a draw: “Carnival, or Vincy Mas, will run in early July, while the Nine Mornings is a December tradition. In 2025, the Bequia Easter Regatta is slated to return after several years without racing.” Not only is St. Vincent and the Grenadines easy to get to from North America, with non-stop flights from major cities, there are guesthouses, villas, and resorts – a wide range of accommodations from which to choose. Some, like The Young Island Resort, offer single room rates. Find a place to stay here.
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“St. Vincent was voted the World’s Best Nature Destination for 2024, so eco-adventuring women will find lots of activities in this unspoiled country: hikers can trek to an active volcano, take a dip in secluded waterfalls or visit pristine beaches (with black, golden or white sand beaches), Jeep safaris, bike trips and walking tours through the oldest Botanical Gardens in the western hemisphere.” — Nancy Drolet, One Caribbean Canada
9. Uzbekistan, Asia
Recommended by Travel and Leisure
Ancient city of Khiva, Uzbekistan, a UNESCO World Heritage site / Photo by Galyna_Andrushko on Envato
Part of the infamous Silk Road, Uzbekistan is one of the largest Central Asian states, with a population of 36 million people. It’s famous for its historic cities, including Bukhara, and its spectacular Ark Fortress, which is the oldest structure in Bukhara, dating back to the 5th century. Built in 1127 AD, the Kalyan Minaret dominates the skyline of Bukhara – so beautiful that even Genghis Khan didn’t dare to destroy it. According to Travel and Leisure, which included Bukhara, Uzbekistan as one of its best places to go in 2025, “this ancient Silk Road city isn’t the sort of place that typically gets a lot of buzz — which is something the organizers of the first-ever Bukhara Biennial are hoping to change in 2025.” In 2024, Khiva, which was the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Central Asia, was named 2024 Tourism Capital of the Islamic World. You’ll need an e-visa to enter, and there are no travel advisories. Uzbekistan is known as an affordable destination, with prices on booking.com for hotels and apartments starting at US$50 a night. Find a place to stay here. Find the best things to do in Uzbekistan here with Get Your Guide.
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“I criss-crossed the country recently by train on my own, and from the moment I arrived I felt I’d stepped into an oriental fairy tale. The Islamic architecture of Khiva and Bukhara, the intricate mosaic masterpieces of Samarkand’s Registan Square, all so dazzling the words “taking your breath away” don’t do it justice. Safety was never an issue, nor was traveling solo. The country is affordable and public transportation is efficient – someone always has a cousin who can drive you to where you’re going. I found it welcoming, though English isn’t widely spoken, so don’t forget your language app.” — Leyla Alyanak, JourneyWoman writer
10. Zambia, Africa
Recommended by Frommers
Sunset in Zambia after a day of wildlife, what could be better!/ Photo by Envato
Famous for Victoria Falls, Zambia boasts the world’s oldest sand dunes and is considered the best value for first-class wildlife safaris without the crowds. “Zambia is hard to beat as a safari destination. Its primary national parks – South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, Kafue – are all worth seeing for their diversity. Someday everyone will catch on,” says Leslie Nevison, Director of Mama Tembo Safaris. According to Frommers, Zambia “merits a deeper dive than a quick trip to that natural wonder”, noting that it’s “one of Africa’s safest countries, stands at the forefront of female-led initiatives on the continent, giving opportunities for women working as safari guides, members of anti-poaching units, and artisans.” Zambia is the place to go if you’re seeking a women-friendly safari, like those in our Women’s Travel Directory.
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“Traveling solo but joining a safari group once in Africa, I found Zambia enchanting, especially at the peaceful Lufupo River Camp at the junction of two mighty rivers. A large group of hippos made the nightly trek out of the river and then back into it pre-dawn right by my cabin. Monkeys played on my roof, and a large leopard was spotted in a tree on one of our game drives. A unique and special experience.” — Rupi Mangat, JourneyWoman writer and Founder, Rupi the African Trotter
Carolyn Ray
In 2023, Carolyn was named one of the most influential women in travel by TravelPulse for her work advocating for women over 50 in travel. She has been featured in the New York Times, Toronto Star and Conde Nast as a solo travel expert, and speaks at women's travel conferences around the world. She leads JourneyWoman's team of writers and chairs the JourneyWoman Women's Advisory Council, JourneyWoman Awards for Women 50+ and the Women's Speaker's Bureau. She is the chair of the Canadian chapter of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), board member for the Cultural Heritage Economic Alliance (CHEA) in support of Black and Brown businesses, a member of Women's Travel Leaders and a Herald for the Transformational Travel Council (TTC). Sometimes she sleeps. A bit.
Thank you, this was one of the most personally resonant articles I have read in a while.
Thank you! It was meaningful to research – I think we may do this every year, if only to show how solo women evaluate travel!