5 Locations The Solo, Wanderlusting Woman Should Visit
So, you’re going to see the world. You saved up your money, told your friends via Instagram selfie and you have a basic idea of which continent you want to test drive.
But, here’s the thing: You’re traveling alone. You are a young woman, who might be traveling alone for the first time.
Well, have no fear. There are some unique places in the world you can travel to that will allow you to simply sit back and enjoy the ride. Here are some places you can go without having to worry about what to do when you travel alone for the first time:
Paris, France
Yeah, Paris is where "Taken" took place, but whatever.
Honestly, it's one of the best locations a woman can visit. Audrey Hepburn hit the nail on the head when she said, “Paris is always a good idea.”
It’s a vast city, but the public transportation is easy to understand and there are cultural highlights you won’t find elsewhere (like the Venus de Milo in the Louvre or a perfect chocolate éclair).
Between shopping, museum hopping and a glass of chardonnay, you really can’t go wrong. Where else can you read some Proust, sip a café au lait with a cigarette in hand and feel a bit like a movie star?
Things to see: Sacre Coeur, Moulin Rouge, Palais Garnier, Versailles, Musee D’Orsay
Perth, Australia
If you are looking for a location that is on the more rugged side, Perth is quickly becoming the place to be when down under. As the fourth most populous city in Australia, there’s always something happening. Whether you have an itch to go to the beach or if you want to enjoy the nightlife, Perth is the destination of choice on the world’s largest island.
Australia is also open to working holiday visas, so if you have the itch to stay a little longer, you can apply for one and continue to enjoy the sand and surf and stunningly attractive people -- really, they’re gorgeous.
Things to see: Penguin Island, Kings Park and Botanical Garden, St. Mary’s Cathedral
Lake Bled, Slovenia
This little gem in the middle of Slovenia is quickly gaining recognition for being storybook-like. When you are at Lake Bled, you can take a hike around the crystalline water and see the reflection of a medieval castle built on an island in the middle of the lake.
A short bus ride to the capital of Ljubljana provides a quaint village town where you can enjoy some local dishes and get some peace from the hustle and bustle of other large European capitals.
Make sure to check it out after June so you can see the Vintgar Gorge. The town is so small, there’s no need to worry about safety.
Things to see: Lake Bled Castle, Vintgar Gorge, Postojna Cave, Lake Bled Castle
Reykjavik, Iceland
Considered on numerous travel sites as one of the best places for a solo woman traveler (trust us, we looked), Iceland has a lot to offer for such a small population and landmass.
Three things stand out about Iceland, in particular: Sheep, Northern Lights, landscape. If you are interested in even one of those things, Iceland might be the place for you.
If you are planning to make the trek, see if you can go between September and March or April, when the Aurora Borealis is at its lightest and the brightest.
Think about renting a car and traversing the landscape; you’ll see some mountain views like no other and be able to get a full sense of all Iceland has to offer.
Things to see: The Blue Lagoon, Gullfoss waterfall, Thingvellir National Park, whale watching
Dublin, Ireland
Dublin isn’t just for St. Patrick’s Day; the city is home to a plethora of adventures for the solo traveler to take. Very few places in Europe wear their history so proudly and Dubliners are always up for a good time.
If you are craving a day trip, Ireland’s small surface area makes it easy for you to reach the coast and spend a day on the beach.
Locals will be happy to direct you to the prime locations; most are more than happy to point you to their favorite pubs, as well. Irish people are some of the nicest in the world, so they may help to diminish any fears you have about traveling solo. A pint of Guinness can do wonders.
Things to see: Guinness factory, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Writers’ Museum
Photo via Tumblr
