There are lots of reasons to travel solo, especially as a woman. A sense of achievement, empowerment and expanded horizons are just a few of the many benefits to lone adventuring, so it comes as no surprise that the urge to travel solo is on the rise. 

Stepping out of your comfort zone to travel alone can be incredibly rewarding but requires planning to ensure your chosen destination is equal parts safe, welcoming and fun.

To get your plans off to a flying start, we’ve put together a list of the best destinations for solo female travel. Here, we reveal not only the top cities to visit in 2024, but also the most welcoming hotels and fantastic things to experience in each location. And don’t forget, you can redeem or earn miles while visiting, whether that’s through shopping, purchasing travel insurance or renting a car .

Toronto

The city: Canada is known for its warmth and hospitality, along with generous helpings of stunning natural landscapes and buzzy city centres. It comes as little surprise that last year, Toronto was actually one of the most popular solo female travel destinations for British travellers. From its melting pot culinary scene to museums such as the Art Gallery of Ontario and Hockey Hall of Fame , the city’s easy-to-use public transport ensures you’ll be able to see all of it without wearing your shoes out. 

Want to get out into nature? Hiking trails abound, with some winding through the rugged cliffs of Scarborough Bluffs and around the blue waters of Lake Ontario.

The hotels: The sleek boutique Pantages Hotel Downtown Toronto is situated in the safe but buzzy West Queen West neighbourhood, where colourful cafes, street art and indie galleries are prevalent. For a fantastic view over the harbour and Toronto’s CN Tower, book yourself a room at Hotel X Toronto , located on Lake Ontario.

The experiences: Don't miss the chance to get into the great outdoors – a day tour to Niagara Falls is just the ticket. 

Bali

The city: There’s a reason all the digital nomads have set up shop in Bali. If you’re looking to reset and rejuvenate, seek frisson on a surfboard at Echo Beach or explore the tiered viridian fields of Ceking Rice Terrace. 

Meditation, yoga and sound healing are all big deals here, with spots like the Pyramids of Chi and Yoga Barn offering drop-in classes for visitors looking for something more spiritual. In terms of the food scene, skip the acai bowl and get stuck in Balinese fare, as sambal-loaded nasi goreng and juicy babi guling suckling pig are just too tempting to resist. 

The hotels: Beachside indulgence is the name of the game at Aston Canggu Beach Resort , with Batu Balong Beach on your doorstep and an infinity pool on the roof. And for those seeking a jungle escape, immerse yourself in Ubud’s natural beauty with a stay at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.

The experiences: Head to the cliffside Uluwatu Temple, one of Bali’s main temples with sweeping vistas of the ocean behind it. Time your visit for sunset as that’s when male dancers emerge for the traditional kecak dance, a spine-tingling spectacle full of chanting and fire which tells the story of Prince Rama and Hanuman’s triumph over King Ravana.

Seoul

The city: Seoul has seen a huge uptick in visitors since Korean pop culture exploded onto the international scene, meaning they’re more equipped than ever to handle visitors. If shopping, food and all things beauty and fashion are at the top of your list, you’ll be hard-pressed to fit everything the South Korean capital offers into your itinerary. 

Clothing and beauty stores can be found in Hongdae, where you’ll be able to snag a discount if you present your passport at many shops including the legendary Olive Young . Meanwhile, spots like the gigantic bookshelves at Starfield Coex Mall , Apgujeong Rodeo’s rainbow cocktail bars and the emerald Gyeongbokgung Palace provide worthy expeditions for curious minds.

The hotels: Base yourself in Seoul’s tallest – and sleekest – landmark with a stay at Signel Seoul, or follow the neon pink signs to Moxy , where you'll find millennials sipping on coffees and guests weighed down with hauls from the neighbouring Myeongdong Shopping Street. 

The experiences: Head to Gyeongbokgung Palace and see how Korean royalty lived, before strolling down the narrow streets of the nearby Bukchon Hanok Village where historical structures still stand. Before you go, stop by Onion , a charming cafe housed in a hanok-style traditional home with coffees and pastries to fuel you up. 

Melbourne

The city: Last year was yet another popular year for Melbourne among solo female travellers, with many drawn by its artsy laidback vibe. Filled with vintage clothing stores, cosy cafes and some of Australia's best museums, this city’s a vibrant place where the living is easy and coffee is a religion. 

Bring along a camera as you’ll want to snap pictures of the laneways’ graffiti art scene, or the rainbow sheds at Brighton Beach. If you happen to drive, a cruise along the Great Ocean Road as the sea roars beside you is one of the best drives in the world.

The hotels: Housed in a former theatre in the city centre, boutique hotel QT Melbourne channels the city’s effortlessly trendy spirit with moody interiors and a rooftop bar ideal for a post-sightseeing cocktail. There’s also Laneways by Ovolo , a boutique hotel inspired by Melbourne’s hidden laneways and street art, which has the heart of the city on its doorstep.

The experiences: Dip into Queen Victoria Market and snack your way through hundreds of open-air stalls, where a festival or live music act is always on. Learn more about Aboriginal history and culture at the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre , a space co-curated by First Nations people.

Kyoto

The city: While Tokyo has naturally captivated the hearts of travellers over the world, Kyoto is ripe for solo travellers. Teeming with history and market stalls to culinary adventures at Nishiki Market, the former Japanese capital is full of experiences to discover on your own. 

Temple-hopping is the order of the day here especially with spots like Kiyomizu-dera and Kinkaku-ji, but you’ll also want to bring good shoes for a morning climb through Fushimi Inari Taisha’s thousands of red torii gates. After, hop on over to Gion, Kyoto’s geisha district, for a chance to see women with painted faces scurrying between luxe teahouses as you munch on sticks of dango and powdery mochi.

The hotels: Forget the female-only hostels – the upscale Hotel Vischio Kyoto has an entire section of the hotel dedicated just to women. Expect female-only rooms, a mist sauna and women-only sento baths to soothe away your aches and pains. Downtown, the artsy Ace Hotel is another great base for your solo adventure – and has a great lineup of events happening every month.

The experiences: Make a day trip to Arashiyama’s bamboo forests and temples a priority especially if you’re handy with a bike, as rental shops abound throughout the area.