Top 5 Solo Travel Destinations for 2025
Solo travel is more than just an adventure—it's a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and embracing the unknown. Whether you're seeking breathtaking landscapes, cultural immersion, or adrenaline-filled experiences, choosing the right destination is key to making your solo trip safe, fulfilling, and memorable.
For solo female travelers, safety, accessibility, and inclusivity are top considerations. Based on safety rankings, LGBTQ+ friendliness, and traveler experiences, here are the top five solo travel destinations for 2025, along with insights on who they're best suited for, what makes them stand out, and recommended accommodations to enhance your stay.
5. Mexico 🇲🇽
Why It’s Great for Solo Travelers:
Mexico offers a rich blend of culture, nature, cuisine, and color, making it a perfect destination for solo travelers seeking variety and vibrance. While safety varies by region, many popular areas are well-trafficked and solo-travel-friendly, especially on the coasts.
Best For:
Adventurous travelers
Beach lovers and surfers
Digital nomads and slow travelers
Top Experiences:
✅ Swimming with whale sharks in Isla Mujeres (June–August)
✅ Exploring cenotes and ancient ruins in Tulum and the Yucatán
✅ Surfing and yoga retreats in Sayulita or Puerto Escondido
✅ Tasting tacos al pastor and mole in Mexico City
LGBTQ+ Friendliness: ★★★★☆ (High in cities) – Mexico City and Puerto Vallarta are known for their vibrant queer scenes, while other areas are increasingly welcoming.
Women’s Safety: ★★★☆☆ (Moderate) – With the right research and street smarts, many regions of Mexico are perfectly enjoyable and safe for solo female travelers. Stick to areas with strong tourism infrastructure and consider group tours for excursions.
Recommended Accommodations:
Almare, Isla Mujeres – A luxury, adults-only all-inclusive resort focused on wellness and natural beauty.
Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets – High-end boutique resort with a focus on exclusivity and elegant comfort.
👉 Book the Whale Shark Experience:
Looking to check “swimming with whale sharks” off your list? Reserve your spot early for the season (June–August) here:
Whale Shark Adventure – Isla Mujeres
2 Switzerland 🇨🇭
Why It's Great for Solo Travelers:
Switzerland consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world, making it an ideal destination for solo female travelers. Its efficient public transportation, welcoming locals, and stunning alpine landscapes create the perfect setting for an unforgettable adventure.
Best For:
Travelers of all ages and fitness levels
Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts
Those who appreciate structured itineraries and easy navigation
Top Experiences:
Scenic train rides through the Swiss Alps
Exploring the charming streets of Zurich and Geneva
Hiking or skiing in Interlaken and Zermatt
LGBTQ+ Friendliness: ★★★★☆ (Very High) – Switzerland has progressive laws and hosts vibrant Pride events in major cities.
Women's Safety: ★★★★★ (Exceptional) – Low crime rates and gender equality make it a secure destination for solo female travelers.
Recommended Accommodations:
Gstaad Palace, Gstaad: This iconic hotel offers breathtaking views of the Alps and a rich history of hosting notable guests. Latest news & breaking headlines
The Chedi, Andermatt: Combining traditional Swiss chalet charm with Asian aesthetics, this hotel provides a luxurious and serene retreat.
Badrutt's Palace, St. Moritz: A symbol of elegance, this hotel offers exceptional services and stunning views of Lake St. Moritz.
3. Japan 🇯🇵
Why It's Great for Solo Travelers:
Japan offers a seamless travel experience with its extremely low crime rates, ultra-efficient transportation, and deep cultural respect for visitors. Solo travelers can explore everything from high-tech cities to tranquil temples without worry.
Best For:
Solo travelers who love structure and organization
Those looking for a mix of tradition and modernity
Food lovers and culture seekers
Top Experiences:
Strolling through the ancient streets of Kyoto's Gion District
Experiencing the neon-lit vibrance of Tokyo's Shibuya and Shinjuku
Unwinding in an onsen (hot spring bath) in Hakone
LGBTQ+ Friendliness: ★★★☆☆ (Moderate) – LGBTQ+ acceptance is growing in urban areas, especially in Tokyo and Osaka, but rural areas are more conservative.
Women's Safety: ★★★★★ (Outstanding) – Japan is one of the safest places for solo female travelers, with extremely low crime rates and a strong cultural emphasis on politeness and respect.
Recommended Accommodations:
Nine Hours Capsule Hotel, Tokyo: For a unique experience, stay in this modern capsule hotel offering minimalist accommodations and a futuristic ambiance.
Hoshinoya Kyoto: A luxurious ryokan (traditional inn) nestled along the Oi River, offering an immersive cultural experience with modern comforts.
The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka: Combining contemporary luxury with traditional Japanese hospitality, this hotel provides a comfortable base for exploring the city.
4. Iceland 🇮🇸
Why It's Great for Solo Travelers:
Iceland, often ranked among the safest countries in the world, offers a solo-friendly travel experience with its welcoming locals and jaw-dropping natural wonders. It's the perfect place for adventurous solo travelers who love the outdoors.
Best For:
Nature lovers and photographers
Travelers with moderate fitness levels (due to outdoor activities)
Those seeking peaceful, remote escapes
Top Experiences:
Chasing the Northern Lights near Reykjavik
Touring the Golden Circle (Þingvellir, Gullfoss, and Geysir)
Bathing in the Blue Lagoon or hidden natural hot springs
Exploring black-sand beaches and waterfalls on the south coast
LGBTQ+ Friendliness: ★★★★★ (Very High) – Iceland has long been a champion of LGBTQ+ rights and inclusivity. Reykjavik hosts an annual Pride celebration and has a vibrant queer scene.
Women’s Safety: ★★★★★ (Exceptional) – Iceland is consistently ranked one of the safest places in the world for women traveling solo.
Recommended Accommodations:
ION Adventure Hotel, Nesjavellir: A boutique hotel near Þingvellir National Park, ideal for nature lovers and Northern Lights viewing.
Hotel Ranga, Hella: A countryside retreat with themed rooms and outdoor hot tubs—perfect for stargazing.
KEX Hostel, Reykjavik: A trendy, budget-friendly option for solo travelers, with a lively social scene and central location.
5. Portugal 🇵🇹
Why It's Great for Solo Travelers:
Portugal is a favourite among solo travellers for its warm locals, accessible public transport, and stunning mix of cities, coastlines, and countryside. It’s affordable, easy to navigate, and packed with cultural depth.
Best For:
First-time solo travellers
Digital nomads and remote workers
Foodies and wine lovers
Top Experiences:
Exploring the hills and historic neighbourhoods of Lisbon
Wine tasting in the Douro Valley
Surfing or relaxing in the Algarve
Visiting palaces and castles in Sintra
LGBTQ+ Friendliness: ★★★★☆ (High) – Lisbon and Porto are welcoming cities with growing queer communities and annual Pride events.
Women’s Safety: ★★★★☆ (Very Good) – Petty theft exists in tourist-heavy areas, but violent crime is rare.
Recommended Accommodations:
The Independente, Lisbon: A social, design-forward stay ideal for meeting fellow travellers.
Casa do Patio, Lisbon: Boutique guesthouse with a local vibe and charming courtyard.
Memmo Baleeira Hotel, Sagres (Algarve): A relaxing oceanfront hotel with easy beach access and surf schools nearby
Final Thoughts: Choose What Feels Right for You
Each of these destinations offers a safe, enriching, and empowering environment for solo female travelers. Whether you’re a beach wanderer, culture seeker, mountain hiker, or city explorer, 2025 is full of opportunities to create meaningful solo adventures.
🔹 Mexico for color, food, and unforgettable nature🔹 Switzerland for the serene mountain magic
🔹 Switzerland for the serene mountain magic
🔹 Japan for cultural depth and ultra-efficiency
🔹 Iceland for raw landscapes and untouched beauty
🔹 Portugal for charm, affordability, and coastlines
Wherever you go, travel smart, trust your instincts, and remember—solo travel doesn’t mean going it alone. It means going on your own terms.
