The 5 Solo Trips Every Woman Should Take At Least Once

Rejuvenate your body and mind with an empowering journey.

By

Erin Gifford

 
Published January 31, 2025

I’ve never been one to shy away from an adventure just because I’m traveling solo. For the last 10 years, I’ve been chipping away at my goal of running a half-marathon in every state, usually jetting off on my own to navigate new cities and cheer myself on to the finish lines.

As I’ve gotten older, however, I realize that solo trips can be about more than lacing up my running shoes. They can be about nurturing your soul, learning about new cultures and savoring all-important “me-time” moments. You know, without having to run 13.1 miles.

Whether you want to truly go alone, or join a crew of like-minded women, here are five unforgettable solo trips to embark on at least once. Grab your bags, let’s kick off this adventure.

Wellness Retreat: Recharge and Rejuvenate in Tulum, Mexico

Imagine stepping into a sanctuary of calm, where the air is infused with soothing scents and gentle chimes beckon you to unwind. Ah, serenity now. Enjoy beachside yoga at a spa hotel or go all in with a wellness retreat focused on self-care practices like meditation, nature walks, and journaling.

Consider Tulum, Mexico, a wellness-forward destination known for salty ocean breezes, beachside yoga and natural cenotes like Tortuga and Zacil Ha. Book a stay at a lifestyle hotel, like KAN Tulum, for curated wellness programs and elevated healthy dining.

Tulum is also a go-to destination for women’s wellness trips like the Sacred Medicine Woman Retreat, which offers sound healing, vegan meals and soul-cleansing rituals.

Adventure Travel: Embrace Your Wild Side in Costa Rica

Adventure travel is all about stepping outside your comfort zone. From surfing ocean waves to cycling scenic trails, exhilarating experiences can re-ignite your sense of wonder and need for exploration. You may even discover that fearless female that’s been lurking inside.

Set your sights on Costa Rica, an adventure travel paradise. Drop your bags in La Fortuna at the Paradise Hot Springs Hotel. Zipline above the jungle canopy at Arenal Volcano National Park or hike to the stunning, 230-foot-tall La Fortuna Waterfall. As a bonus, try the thermal pools.

For an invigorating week filled with canyoneering, whitewater rafting and hiking through cloud forests, join an all-inclusive, women-only retreat in Costa Rica with Into the Wild.

Mindful Travel: Peace and Reflection in Kyoto, Japan

Slow down, breathe deeply and connect with yourself and your surroundings. Zen meditation, fragrant garden walks and calligraphy classes encourage mindful appreciation. Get ready to escape the daily grind and find inner peace and tranquility.

Explore the quiet beauty of Kyoto, Japan, as you embrace calm and reflection. Visit the Zen rock garden at Ryoan-ji Temple or participate in a serene tea ceremony at Camelia Garden. Book a meditation or sauna room at the Good Nature Hotel to help reset mental fatigue.

Activ Retreats offers mindfulness retreats to help you cultivate a deeper connection with yourself and the world around you. They include daily yoga, walking meditation and spa days.

Cultural Immersion: Dive into New Experiences in Florence, Italy

What better way to expand your horizons than by immersing yourself in a new culture? From art classes to hands-on cooking workshops, reaching across cultures can create lasting memories. You may even come to appreciate art, history, language and gastronomy in new and different ways.

Head to Florence, Italy, a culturally rich destination known for museums, galleries and culinary artistry. Sign up for art workshops at the Accademia del Giglio or a cooking class at Cucina della Terra. Stay at the Borghese Palace Art Hotel, which hosts monthly art exhibitions.

For a fully organized experience complete with wine tours and all the pasta, consider Illuminare Retreats for Women, which hosts women’s retreats in Europe, including Florence and Porto.

Nature Connection: Find Confidence Outdoors in Sedona, Arizona

Stunning natural landscapes can provide a backdrop for quiet introspection. Only in nature can you connect with your most authentic self. Outdoor activities, like hiking or mountain biking, offer the added bonus of promoting overall physical well-being.

Consider Sedona, Arizona, where striking red rock landscapes like Chimney Rock and Airport Mesa inspire inner reflection. Meditate at energy vortex sites like Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon. Stay at Junipine Resort, which sits on Oak Creek and has a nature walk on the grounds.

For a guided experience, join a women-only adventure with Backroads, which includes walks at Cathedral Rock and Red Rock State Park, poolside relaxation and evening stargazing.

 

Have YOU ever taken a solo vacation? Where did you go? Let us know in the comments below.