TRAVELLING solo is a soul-enriching experience.
While it can be unnerving arriving at a destination on your own, the benefits – new friendships and authentic connections, building self-confidence, being able to do what you want, when you want – are enormous.
And it appears I’m not alone in my love of a solo adventure.
Solo female travel is one of the fastest growing trends in the travel industry, with Hostelworld reporting an 88 per cent increase in solo female bookings in the past four years.
Women are more financially independent than ever and operators are responding to the demand with more female-focused tours and expeditions.
There are yoga and surf stays, hiking and cycling trips and cruises as well as city escapes and culinary tours designed specifically for the solo female traveller.
Here are our tips on where to go solo:
Take a hike
With its pristine natural beauty, glaciers and Northern Lights season, Iceland is on everyone’s radar as a must-see destination.
The good news for solo female travellers is that Iceland has been voted the safest country in the world for more than a decade and is ranked number one for gender equality.
With its small group tours and personalised service, Hidden Iceland is a popular choice for solo female travellers keen to hike on glaciers, discover ice caves and hunt for the Northern Lights.
The boutique company offers both small group and private day and multi-day trips from Reykjavik all around magical Iceland with a focus on natural wonders, hidden sights and warm, personalised service.
Fitness focused
IF your idea of a Bali holiday is more about a detox than cocktail drinking, you’ll enjoy the Health Hub at Komune Resort & Beach Club.
The beachside retreat, located at Keramas, is a popular choice for solo female travellers and offers unlimited group fitness classes – ideal for meeting like-minded people – plus multiple daily yoga classes and a slew of activities like snorkelling, surfing, volcano hiking and SUPing.
https://www.komuneresorts.com/keramas-bali.html
On your bike
There’s no better way to explore the magic of a new destination than on a bike.
And the good news is, single cycling holidays don’t have to involve all hard work and no play.
Luxury operator Cycling for Softies arrange luxury e-bike cycling holidays in France and Italy, which are ideal for those flying solo – and you don’t need to carry your luggage.
Whether it’s taking in the beauty of the Amalfi coastline or exploring the treasures of northern Italy, their e-bike tours are all about taking it slow, stopping to explore, eat and drink and staying in beautiful hotels.
Surf stay
For those cautious about travelling alone, a surf or yoga stay is the perfect way to ease into the art of solo travel.
Soul & Surf have just launched their first European base in Portugal, located on the outskirts of beautiful Lagos in the Algarve, and offers solo travellers their own room or same sex sharing options.
Known for their inclusive good vibes, all meals are enjoyed as a group around a communal table which is a great way to form meaningful friendships.
Closer to home, Soul Surfing’s surfing and yoga retreats at Port Macquarie in northern New South Wales offer women the chance to be empowered in a safe and positive environment.
https://www.soulsurfing.com.au
https://www.soulandsurf.com/retreats/portugal/
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