Top 20 worldwide destinations for your first trip as a Solo Female Traveller

There are so many amazing places in the world, it can be difficult to pick one. Here are my top 20 worldwide destinations for your first trip as a Solo Female Traveller.

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20. Auckland, New Zealand

New Zealand is a great place to start your solo travels, so definitely deserves a spot in my top 20 worldwide destinations for your first trip as a Solo Female Traveller. The city is small so it’s easy to get around, and the people in New Zealand are so friendly. Stay in a hostel to make friends, and you might find yourself travelling around the rest of the country with your new friends. If you choose to stay in Auckland, consider taking a day trip or two to see more of the North Island. You can join an organised tour to go to Hobbiton, or see the geothermal hot springs of Rotorua. Read more about New Zealand here (affiliate).

19. Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a great destination for a solo trip, especially if you’re new to Asia. There are a good variety of sights. Take the tram up to Victoria Peak for views over the city, enjoy the light show along the waterfront, and visit one of the many temples. There are many amazing restaurants here as well, serving unique dim sum and other Asian food favourites. Check out this great guide to Hong Kong for the best sights and things to do (affiliate).

18. Salzburg, Austria

Escape to the Austrian Alps and relive the famous scenes from the film The Sound of Music with a solo trip to Salzburg in Austria. It’s a beautiful city to explore – make sure you take time to visit the Mirabell gardens and also walk along the river. Read more about the sights in Salzburg here. Austria is a really safe country for solo female travellers, so you can take some time outside the city as well to the mountains. Kitzbuhel and Zell am See are great options for spending some time in the beautiful Austrian Alps.

17. Masai Mara, Kenya

If you’re new to solo travel, an organised safari in the Masai Mara in Kenya can be a great adventure. Going on safari with a tour group can help you make friends instantly and feel less alone, and it can help you feel safer on your trip as well. Everything will be organised for you, so you’ll be able to focus on getting the best photos of the animals, as well as enjoying spending time with your new friends on the trip.

16. Phuket, Thailand

The next of my top 20 worldwide destinations for your first trip as a Solo Female Traveller is Phuket in Thailand. Thailand can be very affordable, so it’s a great choice if you’re travelling on a relatively tight budget. Phuket has some of the most beautiful beaches in South-East Asia. Research different areas, as some have a great party vibe, whereas others are more laid back. If you’re looking to party all night, there are some great options in Phuket! There’s also beautiful scenery, and you can take boat trips as well as visit the local elephant sanctuary for an ethical encounter with elephants.

15. San Francisco, USA

San Francisco is one of my favourite cities in the USA, and it’s a great place for a solo trip. Find a hostel near the centre so you can be close to the main sights. Spend time in Fisherman’s Wharf, watch the sea lions on Pier 39, visit Alcatraz, and get your photo with the Golden Gate Bridge. There’s great food in San Francisco as well, with some of my favourite Italian food in the whole USA. Read more about the top sights and food in San Francisco here, or this guide book will be a great help when planning your trip (affiliate). Also consider extending your California trip, heading to Yosemite National Park or whale watching along Big Sur.

14. Cairns, Australia

Cairns in Australia is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the most amazing sights in the world. Scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef is an experience you’ll never forget. You can take a boat out on a day trip, and even if you’ve never dived before you can still have a go and go down with a guide. The underwater world is just magical. There are other great sights in Cairns as well. Take a boat to Fitzroy Island to visit the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre and the stunning Nudey Beach. Or head into the ancient Daintree Rainforest and watch out for crocodiles! There’s loads more details about Cairns, Australia in this guide (affiliate).

13. Berlin, Germany

Berlin has some of the best nightlife in any European city. Try staying in a hostel so you can meet friends to party with. But there are other great sights in Berlin too. Visit the Brandenburg Gate and learn more about the history of the Berlin Wall. Read more about the top things to do in Berlin here. It’s also a great city to visit at Christmas as there are hundreds of Christmas markets selling delicious food and beautiful homemade gifts. Read more about Berlin at Christmas here.

12. Bangkok, Thailand

If you want an introduction to a busy Asian city, Bangkok in Thailand is a good option. The Golden Palace is a must-visit, and you can spend hours marvelling at the gold decorations. Take in the city views from a rooftop bar after a day exploring the temples. You can also visit amazing street markets and the floating market to buy some souvenirs to take home, and consider taking a day trip to the ancient city of Ayutthaya as well. Read more about the things to do in Bangkok in this great guide (affiliate).

11. Costa Rica

Another of the top 20 worldwide destinations for your first trip as a Solo Female Traveller is Costa Rica. It’s a great place for ethical tourism, with a wide variety of eco-friendly accommodations available. The rainforest is one of the top sights, and you can go zip-lining through the trees as well as look out for local wildlife. There are beautiful beaches as well on both coasts, and at the right time of year you might be lucky enough to see turtles nesting. Check out this great guide to Costa Rica ready for you trip (affiliate).