7 Solo Getaways For Women Who Want Snow, Sun, Or Somewhere In Between
Solo getaways aren’t just for summer, and December doesn’t have to mean participating in the holidays on autopilot. A travel adventure alone this month can be a powerful way to close out the year on your own terms: intentional, restorative, and maybe even a little adventurous.
It’s more than OK to step away from the noise and claim the end of the year for yourself, whether that looks like snowy mountain mornings, sun-soaked beach days, or a quiet reset somewhere that feels grounding and safe.
These destinations are all about feeling comfortable exploring alone, finding easy community when you want it, and giving yourself permission to do the holidays differently this year.
For snow lovers who also want cozy town life, Banff pairs world-class alpine scenery with a very walkable downtown and plenty of guided small-group activity options like snowshoeing, hot springs, and easy ski lessons that take the stress out of solo adventures. In a country voted the “safest place to travel” last year, Banff offers lots of organized tours and lodge-based experiences if you prefer not to drive.
This hotspot isn’t just upscale slopes. It’s also a compact, walkable mountain town with wellness spas, solo-friendly group fitness classes, and cultural programming (gallery nights and live music) that make it simple to meet people or savor solitude after a day outdoors. Solo itineraries and single-friendly packages are common in winter.
Historically known as an artsy, walkable small city with adobe charm, many visit time and time again for the accessible wellness (spas, hot tubs), and a mellow food-and-gallery scene. Voted No. 1 on Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best Cities,” Santa Fe is ideal for women who want quiet cultural immersion. Short hikes, curated museum days, and day spas pair well with solo dinners in well-reviewed restaurants and affordable boutique inns.
This destination offers mild December weather, dramatic coastlines, and a reputation for safety and walkable Funchal streets. It’s a peaceful “in-between” escape because of the abundance of things to do, like small-group levada hikes, botanical garden visits, and affordable guesthouse stays. Solo travelers often feel at ease and cared for while still getting outdoor adventure and spa time.
If you want mild winter weather (that feels more like spring) but also hiking and culture, Tenerife blends beach options with mountain trails up Teide. Here, you’ll enjoy boat tours, surf lessons, and small-group excursions that are easy to join as a solo traveler. Several of the towns are accessible by bus, so you can travel through cities to enjoy different experiences with ease.
If you love winter festivals, ramen that warms the soul and an easy public-transport network, Sapporo is the place for you. It offers snow-season spectacle with an ultra-safe city center and options from onsen day-trips to amazing communal eating experiences. Winter event programming adds plenty of structured, single-traveler-friendly options. Add the Sapporo Christmas Market to your itinerary, where you’ll find a mix of cultures, foods, and traditionals that embody holiday traditions from around the world.
This capital Caribbean city is a great base for solo women travelers who want sun, culture, and food all in a walkable, warm environment with lots to explore on your own or with new friends. The city combines colonial architecture, lively markets, and waterfront promenades with easy access to beaches and bus or taxi connections to the rest of the island. Historical sites like the Parliament Buildings and Queen’s Park give you culture-rich places to wander during the day, and Broad Street’s restaurants and cafés make solo dining easy and delicious. The local food scene ranges from casual Bajan fish cutters and rum shops to seafood spots and international cafés, giving you plenty of places to people-watch over lunch or dinner.
No matter which solo trip vibe you choose, prioritize basic solo-traveler safety habits including booking trusted transport, verifying lodging, and confirming local emergency numbers. And be sure to enjoy at least one guided experience on arrival, whether it’s a walking tour, a wellness class, or an intro group hike, to shake off holiday isolation and meet people in low-pressure ways.
