Featured image: Feeling stuck? Learn how to decide where to travel with these tips for solo women | Photo by shiwork on Envato

How to decide where to travel

by Karen Gershowitz

For some women, deciding where to go is often the most exciting part of planning a solo trip. But if you haven’t travelled in a while, have lost your travel partner, or have had a change in mobility, choosing a destination can be overwhelming. With so many options, it’s easy to get stuck in a loop of indecision. You may wonder whether you’ll choose the “right” place or if you’ll enjoy the experience at all.

The good news is that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your perfect destination shouldn’t be the hottest place on social media — in fact, that’s probably the last place you’d want to go. Crowded spots with inflated prices often lead to stress rather than enjoyment. I learned this lesson firsthand when I visited Dubrovnik, Croatia, after it had been touted as a must-see. Though the city is undeniably beautiful, the crowds were overwhelming. Similarly, your friends may rave about their recent vacation, but that doesn’t mean it will be the right place for you. The best solo trips are the ones that match your personal interests, comfort level, and curiosity. Here’s how to decide where to travel.

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What to consider when choosing a solo destination

Whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a long overseas trip, choosing the right destination is about more than checking off a list of popular places. It’s about immersing yourself in a place that resonates with your interests, offering the pace, culture, and activities you’ll love.

Start by considering what makes you comfortable, asking the right questions, and narrowing down your options based on your lifestyle, preferences, and personal curiosities. While cost is also a factor, in this initial brainstorming phase, we’ll leave that for a separate discussion. First, let’s put our list together and then we can address the practicalities.

1. Plan around your interests and hobbies

One great way to choose your destination is to follow your interests. By selecting a place that aligns with what you love, you’ll get the chance to immerse yourself in the local culture while doing something you’re passionate about.

History Buffs: If you love history, select a destination rich with ruins, landmarks, and museums. I know several friends who have planned trips focused on topics like the Vietnam War, Roman Britain, and Samurai culture. Each returned home with a deeper understanding of history and a newfound appreciation for the country’s culture.

Art Enthusiasts: If art is your passion, head to destinations known for their artistic heritage or vibrant contemporary scenes. Besides places with great museums and galleries, consider places where contemporary artists live and work. During a road trip in the Southern USA, I visited local self-taught artists’ studios. The artwork I collected now decorates my home, reminding me of the wonderful time I spent getting to know the artists.

Nature Lovers & Photographers: If you’re passionate about capturing landscapes, national and state parks—both domestic and abroad—offer diverse beauty, from mountains to deserts.

Sports Enthusiasts: If sports excite you, travel to places with rich athletic traditions, whether you’re watching or taking part. You can explore unique local sports like Jai Alai in San Sebastián, hurling in Ireland, or curling in Canada and Scotland.

2. Find a parallel location

For women who are just starting to travel solo, why not explore a parallel destination? Using a parallel destination approach helps you find areas with the atmosphere and experiences you already love but with fresh new perspectives.

Consider these parallel locales:

Both Asheville, North Carolina and Taos, New Mexico, nestled in stunning mountain ranges, offer an artsy, bohemian vibe. When I visited them, they both enchanted me with their galleries and scenery.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, and Bar Harbor, Maine share a charming small-town atmosphere and stunning ocean views.

Quebec City is a North American city with European-inspired architecture, vibrant culture and great food. It’s loved by many solo travellers. As a parallel, consider Colmar in the Alsace region of France. It’s known for its well-preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture and canals. The city’s narrow, cobblestone streets and colourful half-timbered houses evoke an atmosphere reminiscent of Quebec City’s Old Town. 

Vermont’s scenic drives and quaint villages mirror the storybook landscapes of Bavaria, Germany. During an autumn visit to Bavaria, the rolling hills and half-timbered houses reminded me of Vermont’s charm.

How to find a Parallel Destination

The most straightforward way to locate a “parallel” destination is by doing some research. Whether you use a search engine or an AI tool like ChatGPT, Preplexity, Gemini or Copilot. These are readily available in free versions and simple to use. AI tools have an advantage over basic search engines (like Google in that they allow users to ask questions conversationally and include multiple criteria. The more specific your query, the better the match you’ll find. Here are some examples of helpful questions you can type into an AI program or search engine:

Where can I find a place with [specific feature] like [favourite destination] that has a similar climate?

Example: Where can I find dramatic coastal cliffs like those in Big Sur that have good weather in March?

What smaller cities have a similar cultural feel to [favourite city]?

Example: What cities have a similar vibe to New Orleans, with a rich music scene, great food and botanical gardens?

Where can I experience [specific activity] other than [original destination]?

Example: Where can I go wine tasting outside of Napa Valley? I’m especially interested in lesser-known areas in the U.S. and Canada, but I’ll also consider European destinations.

Asking these types of questions can help uncover underrated destinations that align with your interests and offer a similar atmosphere to your favourite places while providing new experiences to enjoy.

3. Consider your lifestyle

Your lifestyle plays a significant role in shaping the type of travel setting that suits you best. To make the most of your travel experience, it’s important to reflect on your preferences and how you envision spending your time away from home. Understanding your travel style helps pinpoint the destination that will provide a meaningful, enjoyable trip. Here are a few things to consider:

What pace do you prefer?

Are you a woman who enjoys endless things to see and do? If so, consider visiting large cities with plenty of attractions and a bustling atmosphere. If relaxation is more your speed, opt for slower-paced destinations with serene surroundings. Personally, I get bored just sitting on a beach for days. That’s why I like river cruises—I can explore new destinations while having a home base to return to each night.

How much social interaction do you enjoy?

Your comfort level with meeting new people can influence your choice of destination. Are you the type of woman who loves engaging with locals and joining in on lively social scenes? A visit to a pub in Ireland almost guarantees you’ll be chatting and maybe even singing with locals.  However, if you prefer solitude and quiet, the Scottish Highlands, a remote cabin in the Pacific Northwest, or a quiet beach town on a Greek island might better suit you.

How much physical activity do you want?

If you love physical challenges and adventure, consider destinations where you can hike, snorkel, or ski. But if low-impact pursuits are more your style or if you have mobility issues, then wine tours, garden strolls, or scenic train journeys might be better alternatives.

What will you eat?

If you love trying local delicacies and street food, destinations like Mexico, Thailand or Morocco offer rich, diverse cuisines. If you prefer familiar foods or have specific dietary needs (such as vegan, gluten-free, or diabetic), large cities with international cuisine options may be more accommodating. I travelled with a vegan friend, and she became frustrated by the limited options available. Bringing snacks from home helped, but it’s something to consider when choosing a destination.

With a bit of research, you can learn how to decide where to travel and find the perfect destination that aligns with what excites you most. So trust your instincts—wherever you go, it will be the right place for you.

This is part of a series to help women get started in solo travel. Look for more articles coming soon!

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