5 Underrated Locales Perfect For Solo Women Travelers

Your Instagram feed has probably been bombarded with the same destinations all summer — we’re looking at you, Tulum. Yet popularity isn’t enough when it comes to vacationing as a solo woman traveler. Violence against women persists across the globe, so it’s understandable to have some apprehension about traveling just anywhere.

There’s nothing wrong with resort life or making your way to a “touristy” destination, but if you’re ready to explore some hidden gems while saving money and avoiding overpriced tourist traps, these underrated countries for solo women travelers can provide memories to last a lifetime.

The Global Peace Index ranked Uruguay ranked the 46th most peaceful nation in the world, as well as the safest country in South America. Despite the impressive marks, the tiny country sandwiched between Argentina and Brazil doesn’t get nearly the same hype as its neighbors. As we transition into fall and winter in the northern hemisphere, it’s the perfect time to hit the beaches in Montevideo or Punta del Este since it’ll be heating up on that side of the equator.

Outside of sunbathing, it’s a dream destination to take in European-inspired architecture, indulge in nightlife where staying out until sunrise is the norm, and eat plenty of traditionally grilled meats, or asado. Pro-tip: flying from Miami will likely get you the cheapest flight and the broadest selection of flight times. Miami International Airport offers more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other U.S. airport, according to the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners.

While Spain itself is one of the most visited countries in Europe, its archipelago off the northwestern coast of Africa is lesser known. The Canary Islands, a collection of eight major inhabited islands, host a constant stream of tourists from the United Kingdom according to Statista, but it’s time that everyone outside of Europe got hip to what it offers.

The Canary Islands are crafted for nature lovers. There you can find 54 Blue Flag beaches, a designation awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). That means the swimming water is top-notch since it complies with a plethora of environmental regulations, and there are plenty of health and safety infrastructures to guarantee your safety when you visit. That only scratches the surface, as there are also volcanoes, sand dunes, coves, peak stargazing, and more.

Although Taiwan News says that the state of Florida is over four times the size of Taiwan, there’s something magical in air on the teeny tiny island. The Expat Insider 2021 Survey revealed that Taiwan was ranked the number one place to live and work in the world. One of the highlights of the survey was that not a single expat said they felt unsafe there, and it also ranked at the top of the list when it comes to friendliest countries.

Plus, Taiwan is known to be budget friendly. Tons of the activities in its capital of Taipei, like visits to museums, temples, and zoos are free. Eating out is a breeze, since street food is abundant around every corner.

Botswana is a portal to what feels like another world. One World Nations estimates that 38 percent of its total land is dedicated to national parks, wildlife management areas, and reserves, so it’s the safari destination. If balcony views of watching elephants munch on leaves is on your bucketlist, this southern African nation is the way to go.

Even though the Kalahari Desert sweeps through an overwhelming majority of the land here, tourism is well developed in the southern African nation. That means you can get your fix of luxury accomdoations, tours, and cruises all while still being off the grid. The U.S. Department of State lists Botswana as a Level 1 travel advisory, meaning you should exercise normal precautions with added peace of mind.

In a study conducted by Bounce, Ireland was ranked as the safest country for women to travel to. The survey looked into the prevalence of violence against women, local attitudes on violence towards women, the percentage of women who feel safe walking home at night, and more.

For this reason and more, the lush hills of the Emerald Isle deserve a visit. The vibrant pub culture, castles, and dreamy cliffsides feel straight out of your favorite series (Game of Thrones, anyone?). It’s perfect for a scenic road trip to all corners of the island to see all the undisturbed landscapes.