While traveling solo can be a daunting thought, there are some amazing adventures to be had that you can do all on your own and not crumble with anxiety!
Some of the best experiences in the world can be done independently. You’ll meet like-minded travelers along the way, make memories that will never fade, and you’ll come home feeling more accomplished than ever.
A safe place to start your solo travels is in Iceland!
See the Northern Lights in Iceland
Iceland’s popularity is growing and is the perfect place for a first-time solo female traveler! It’s considered the safest country in the world and hosts one of the most incredible sights you’ll ever see – the Northern Lights. Who doesn’t have this on their bucket list, right? Your best bet to seeing the lights is to travel to Iceland from January to March, but September and October are good months to travel to avoid the extremely cold weather conditions. Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland and you’ll be able to find several tours from the city that will take you to the Northern Lights.
Go Scuba Diving in Indonesia
Indonesia is one of the best destinations in the world for incredible scuba diving adventures. There is an array of marine wildlife and stunning coral reefs to discover in its crystal-clear blue waters. If you’re considering a trip to Indonesia and looking for the best scuba diving spot, head on over to the Raja Ampat islands – a top spot for scuba diving enthusiasts. If you can afford it, you must book yourself a seat on a liveaboard! You will live on a boat for the duration of your trip and you’ll get the most out of your dives. If your budget doesn’t allow it, then you should consider a dive and stay package which most resorts on the islands will offer.
Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru
Visiting the ancient Incan ruins of Machu Picchu is on most traveler’s bucket lists! There are a variety of hiking routes to ‘the lost city in the clouds’ but the most popular route is the Inca Trail. It’s 45kms and takes about 4 days to complete. You’ll hike through beautiful forest scenery and see some incredible ancient ruins along the way. It is a high-altitude trek so it’s important to understand the symptoms of altitude sickness and you’ll need to obtain a permit, which I suggest booking at least 6 months in advance. Tour operators organize everything for the trail, so if this is your first time traveling alone – this is a great one to start with!
Go Paragliding in the French Alps
If you’re heading to the French Alps, you’ll be able to find some epic adrenaline-pumping activities and some of the best paragliding sites in the world. The weather is perfect for beginners and learning to tackle the skies. If you are inexperienced at paragliding, don’t worry, you can fly tandem and take lessons with a qualified instructor. Oh, and the scenery? You just can’t get better! All year the weather is great for flying but generally, April to November are the best months for paragliding in the French Alps.
Party at The Yacht Week in Greece
For those sailing enthusiasts who like to party and travel – Yacht Week is the place to be! The Yacht Week has been described as a ‘floating festival’, a week full of sailing, sun, parties, and exploration! An absolute experience and a wonderful way to see Greece and all it has to offer, from the nightlife to the local cuisine, you’ll be wanting to come back again for this very well organized week of fun! This one takes a bit of preparation beforehand, but it is so worth it for the experience. You’ll need to find yourself a crew and book a boat, but for solo travelers – book a solo spot and share a cabin with another solo female traveler. You are sure to have the experience of a lifetime!
Go Slackpacking in South Africa
Slackpacking is an easy and fun way to go on some awesome hikes without being weighed down by all your baggage! South Africa is an incredible destination, and with some incredible trails to discover, the concept of slackpacking is perfect for a solo female traveler. A porterage service will deliver your bags to your next accommodation each evening, leaving you to travel lighter and feel free. It means you can bring all your necessities and even some extras without worrying about how you’re going to carry it all on the trails. Some popular trails in South Africa that offer slackpacking includes the Tsitsikamma Mountain Trail, the Whale Trail in De Hoop and even the Wolhuter Wilderness Trail in the spectacular Kruger National Park. Slackpacking has all the benefits of multi-day hiking, without the load.
Trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal
This is a challenging trek, both mentally and physically. So, if you are looking to test your limits, then this is the one for you! You will be trekking at 5,300m, so this is another hike where knowledge of altitude sickness is very important! You will need to have prior experience hiking at high altitudes. I suggest hiring a local tour operator for guided tour groups to Everest Base Camp, but if you are up to it, hire a porter and hike independently. For the best weather for unspoiled views, consider trekking during the months of September to October.
So, if you are nervous about the thought of traveling alone but are looking for adventure. These are a great way to start and you’ll come home with some incredible stories to share. And, if you are already an experienced solo traveler, why not give these epic adventures a try on your next trip?
Author
Mila Whitman and her husband Mark have an outdoor adventure blog, Mountain IQ.
“Mountains are our passion – for us there is nothing more exciting than adventuring into the great outdoors.”
You can check out their recent guide to the Camino de Santiago trails, here: https://www.mountainiq.com/guides/hikes-in-europe/camino-de-santiago-routes/
Great info Keep Sharing.
https://www.uniquetreks.com/14-day-everest-base-camp-trek
Wow. 7 epic adventures for sure. Our Julie has chosen this post to be featured in our next Blogger’s Pit Stop. Well done.
Kathleen
Thank you so much!
I’ve always dreamed of doing something like this. Great adventures. Any will do!
Great information, thank you for sharing.