Today, NomadHer is sharing five international destinations every solo female traveler should have on her radar in 2026.

Every place below comes recommended by NomadHer solo travelers who actually went there, so you can trust these picks for safety and ease.

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How we chose these destinations

When you pick a solo travel destination, look beyond “pretty” and prioritize whether you can move around safely and comfortably.

• Safety and walkability: central area safety, nighttime lighting, access to emergency services
  
  
• Public transit you can rely on: dense routes, readable English signage, easy transfers, city centers that are close to the airport
  
  
• Solo friendly culture: bar seating and communal tables, normalizing one person meals, plenty of single rooms and dorm options
  
  
• Active nomad and travel communities
  
  

If a city checks these four boxes, your solo trip will likely feel safer and more comfortable from start to finish.

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5 Solo Friendly International Destinations 

Japan

Japan ranks among the best in the world for safety, cleanliness, and transit. Moving around at night or eating alone is simple and comfortable. Stations, shops, and convenience stores are everywhere, and standardized payment systems make the entire experience smooth for solo travelers.

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“It felt sooo safe, from trains, to walking alone, to clubs, I was never worried about my safety.

The food is obvs amazing and things aren’t as expensive as you’d think! Would recommend Disney (land and sea) too!!

Did not encounter any issues with language barriers either, especially Tokyo, very accommodating even 7elevens have translations on items and at the counter like asking you whether you need a bag and yes/no replies.

Just great really.”
(Recommended by Kendra)

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Mongolia

Mongolia is set up well for safe solo travel, with guided tours, established ger camps, and clear tour options. The focus is on nature and culture rather than nightlife, so routes tend to center around guided activities that keep you within a safe structure. Hospitality is strong, which makes the overall experience feel especially warm.

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“I went to Mongolia 🇲🇳, with a small organised group tour in 2017, just 10 or so people, with a local guide. 14 days. Absolutely magical from touch down to take off.

They might not have the typical big capital city life going on, but it’s such an inspiring life there.

We toured the country by jeeps with local drivers, sleeping in nomad-style ger (yurt) camps most nights.Spectacular sunsets and sunrises. Starry nights without light pollution.

We got to spend a night with an actual nomad family (zero amenities, but plenty of heart-room). That was the best meal of my life.

The Mongolian culture has so much character and depth. The traditions are steeped in thousand-year history.

Locals were open to travelers like us, and it’s always a good time having a drink and a game of goat bones, even without understanding the language.”
(Recommended by Sofie)

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Peru

The classic “Lima–Cusco–Machu Picchu” route is famous for a reason. Hostels, guided tours, buses, and trains are well organized and easy to book. Tourist areas often have visible staff and patrols, and when you use traveler services like bag storage and community tips, solo travel feels secure and supported.

“I was there with my backpack and nothing else. I spent there almost 25days.
I only pre-booked the buses and the flights to go and come back, and then I just went with the flow.

It is one of the safest women-only travelers that I’ve explored so far.
Local are super helpful, from Young people to elderly everyone is open-minded, no matter which village or city I visited.

While travelling I met several local people from Lima, that only had a short vacation and went back home. Well, when I reached back to Lima, they were waiting for me to pick me up, eat out, enjoy their city.
Walking alone, I never felt bothered by anyone”
(Recommended by Sonia)

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New Zealand

Safety, nature, roads, and trail systems are excellent. On both the North and South Islands, you’ll find standardized hostels, shuttles, and well-marked walking tracks, which makes moving around and staying solo very manageable. Backpacker culture is strong, so it’s easy to meet peers and join group activities.

“Personally, it was my first solo trip and I went to the South Island of New Zealand. Fell in love with nature at Wānaka, highland cows in Queenstown and how closely we could observe the universe at Lake Tekapo ( Dark sky Project). I met a lot of girls solo traveling from different countries, which inadvertently inspired me to continue my solo traveling journey.

To add: the Hostels, transportation, local surroundings made me feel safe :)”
(Recommended by Sue)

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South Korea

Across major cities like Seoul and Busan, subways and buses are extensive, English signage is clear, and tap-to-pay transit cards make getting around simple. 

Streets are bright and feel safe even at night, with countless convenience stores and restaurants open late, and most major-city transit runs until late hours. 

With so much to enjoy—from K-food and K-pop to K-beauty and strong public safety—South Korea is an excellent choice for solo female travelers.

“I loved the food, and I was so fortunate to meet a lot of both local and foreign people to make my trip even better.

Everywhere I’ve been has been beautiful and I have been met with nothing but hospitality and curiosity.

I’m definitely going back again later. And I hope to join more of your events next time. Because I met some of the nicest girls at the baseball event and that just made my trip even better.” 

(Recommended by Sofie)

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