Solo female travel is no longer just a trend — it’s a movement. Women across the world are packing their bags, booking flights, and embarking on solo journeys to rediscover freedom, confidence, and joy. If you’re planning a solo trip this summer, 2025 brings exciting new possibilities and safer, women-friendly destinations. Here’s your complete guide to the best destinations and top safety & planning tips.
It’s Not Just About the Task
On the surface, asking for help might look like needing assistance with housework, childcare, or a work deadline. But underneath, it’s about identity. It’s about what many women have been taught — or shown — from a very young age:
- Be the strong one
- Don’t depend on others
- Take care of everyone else first
This narrative becomes more than just social messaging. It becomes a survival mechanism. Over time, it evolves into a default role where even when help is theoretically available, the woman assumes that no one else will actually step up.
Many women don’t just believe they should do everything — they have lived through experiences that reinforced it. They asked for help and were met with rejection. They watched their mothers, grandmothers, or caretakers shoulder it all silently. And they learned that to be loved or respected, they had to be useful — not needy.
And here’s a hard truth that often comes up in sessions:
In many households, the other party never really expected to participate equally. The woman always stepped in, always took charge, and silently carried the weight. Over time, it wasn’t just expected — it became invisible.
So asking for help doesn’t just bring up vulnerability. It brings up old wounds, survival strategies, and deeply buried fears of being let down — again.
Trending Solo Travel Destinations for Women in Summer 2025
1. Ljubljana, Slovenia
This underrated European gem is incredibly safe, walkable, and picture-perfect. With charming cafes, castle views, and a buzzing arts scene, Ljubljana is ideal for first-time solo travellers. Don’t miss the summer jazz festivals by the river.
2. Busan, South Korea – For Beaches, Beauty & City Buzz
Often overshadowed by Seoul, Busan is a coastal gem perfect for solo travelers. Walk along cliff-side temples, eat fresh seafood at Jagalchi Market, or watch the sunset at Haeundae Beach. Perfect for beach lovers, skincare fans, and K-culture enthusiasts.
3. Cape Town, South Africa
For women who crave adventure, Cape Town offers stunning hikes, penguin beaches, and a rich cultural blend. Stay in well-rated women-friendly hostels and book group tours for safaris or wine tasting.
4. Lisbon, Portugal – For Sun, Sea & Safe Streets
A laid-back city with pastel streets, amazing hostels, and a thriving solo travel culture. Walkable, safe, and full of cultural gems, Lisbon is ideal for first-time solo travelers.
5. Kyoto, Japan – For Peace & Personal Growth
A serene city where safety and spirituality go hand in hand. Wander temple grounds, enjoy quiet gardens, and indulge in the joy of solo dining. Kyoto is a dream for deep thinkers, art lovers, and introverts.
Pro Tips for Women Solo Travelers in 2025
- Trust tech but listen to your gut. Use safety apps as much as you like but always trust your instincts over any Google review.
- Pack light but wise. A compact bag with essentials like a power bank, a menstrual cup, multipurpose shawl or scarf, and refillable water bottle in one solid backpack can save you time and stress.
- Join local women-led experiences. From cooking classes to city tours, they’re often safer, more intimate, and empowering.
- Engage with women travellers communities like Host-A-Sister to maximise local engagement and immerse yourself in a truly global experience irrespective of where you go.
- Let someone back home know your itinerary. At a designated time everyday connect with a friend or sibling and update your location, day’s plan etc for extra peace of mind.
Why Women Love Traveling Solo in 2025
More women are embracing solo travel to break away from routine, overcome fears, or simply enjoy their own company. Whether you’re sipping espresso in a quiet European alley or hiking to a mountaintop alone — every moment becomes a powerful memory.
Traveling solo as a woman is liberating, empowering, and deeply transformative. Summer 2025 is the perfect time to explore the world on your own terms. Choose your destination, follow your intuition, and enjoy the ride.
About the author
Sohini Mishra
Founder, Women In The Hood