The Best Solo Trips For Black Women
Stop waiting for your friends—pack your bag and go.
While traveling with friends and family is fun, what are you supposed to do if you want to hit up a destination that no one else wants to visit? Welcome to the world of solo traveling. Taking trips alone has been on the rise, and there’s never been a better time to go explore.
Of course, there are some very valid hesitations to solo travel. It’s not always the safest or most affordable option, but that’s why we’re here to help.
We’ve laid out everything you’ll need to know about traveling on your own so you feel confident when it comes to your next solo excursion.
If you’re traveling with a friend or your family, check out the best places to travel around the world for some magical inspo.
Jump to:
- Benefits of Solo Travel
- The Best Places To Go On A Solo Trip In The U.S.
- Safe Solo Trips For Black Females
- Solo Trips For Women In The U.S.
- Safety Tips For Solo Travel
- Best Solo Trips For Students On A Budget
- Solo Trips For Black Women: Reddit
Benefits Of Solo Travel
If you’re hesitant to make solo travel plans, here are some undoubted benefits of traveling alone, as told by someone who has traveled alone.
Complete Freedom
From the moment you start planning your trip, every decision is 100% yours to make. From the big picture things like where you’re going down to every last detail, you have complete control of your choices. This trip is yours, and you can do whatever you want, whenever you want.
You’re Allowed To Be Selfish
Similar to having complete freedom, solo traveling is built on making your own decisions, especially when it comes to being spontaneous. Want to shop around the city all day? Go for it. Duck into that cute restaurant that you just walked by? Totally. Jump on a random flight because it was cheap and there was a seat? You do you!
Problem Solving & Decision-Making
Undoubtedly, you will run into some kind of snag during your solo traveling adventure—and that means you’ll have to figure it out on your own. The benefit of traveling with friends and family is that someone else usually handles things. But on your own? That’s all you. And while it might seem stressful, it will pay off in the long run, promise.
Immersion For Language Skills
If you’re heading to a country that doesn’t speak English and you don’t have a strong command of the language (much like I did when I went to Japan for the first time), you’ll soon be immersed in it, 24/7. While it’s scary at first, you figure out how to make yourself understood, all while picking up practical language skills that classroom experiences don’t teach you.
You’ll Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
This is the scariest one, but the most important. When I went to go study abroad in London, I was terrified. I had never been that far away from home, flown alone, or traveled internationally before. But after tackling all of that on one trip, I had the courage to keep pushing myself further and further outside my comfort zone. Soon, zooming around on the Tube by myself or hopping on a plane to Kyoto two years later didn’t seem all that scary.
The Best Places To Go On A Solo Trip In The U.S.
Naples, Florida
For solo travelers wanting a beach vacation, Naples is your best bet. Located in southwest Florida, Naples has plenty to do. Head over to Naples Pier, kayak in the mangroves, or go golfing at one of the 90+ golf courses in the area. Marco Island is also only 30 minutes away where you can book a dolphin-watching cruise. Plus, Naples was rated number one in a recent list of safest places to live in the United States, making it perfect for solo travelers.
Boston, Massachusetts
Despite being a big city, Boston can feel like a small town. The city is incredibly walkable, allowing you to experience the city’s history (and making it ideal for solo travelers). There are plenty of museums to explore, as well. Don’t forget to take the T, the city’s subway system, across the Charles River to visit Cambridge, too.
Boulder, Colorado
For a more laid-back solo travel experience, spend your time in the mountains surrounding Boulder. Eldorado Canyon State Park, Flagstaff Mountain, and the Flatirons are all within 20 minutes of the city. But if you’re wanting something less outdoorsy, you can hit up Pearl Street Mall, which is packed full of restaurants, shops, and bars.
Portland, Oregon
Portland is one of the perfect cities to visit for solo travelers. The food cart scene makes it easy to grab a meal by yourself without feeling self-conscious, and there’s a huge variety of cuisines to choose from. Portland is also known for its reliable transit, beautiful parks, and overall community vibes.
Asheville, North Carolina
For the more outdoorsy solo travelers, Asheville has plenty of opportunities for hiking and biking since the city is in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Bikers will hit up the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the hikers can check out the Craggy Pinnacle Trail or Mount Pisgah.
Safe Solo Trips For Black Females
Japan
Japan is well-known as one of the safest countries in the world to visit for solo travelers, including black female solo travelers. Culturally, Japan is very accepting of ohitorisama, or doing things alone. Whether it’s going out to eat, wandering around one of the many beautiful cities, or grabbing a drink, you won’t feel out of placegoing solo.
Portugal
Known for its friendly locals and incredibly low crime rate, Portugal is the perfect place for black female solo travelers. Vibrant culture, gorgeous beaches, and unmatched hospitality make it a must-see location for solo travelers looking to explore Europe.
Maldives
Another great option for black female solo travelers is the Maldives. The country’s tourism industry prioritizes safety over everything else. Most visitors stay on resort islands, allowing increased safety. The country’s crime rate is very low as a whole, but just note that if you visit the local islands, be aware of local customs like dressing modestly.
Iceland
Iceland is a fantastic option for black female solo travelers since, again, the crime rate is staggeringly low. The country also places a huge emphasis on gender equality. The beautiful landscapes, stunning glaciers, and well-known hot springs are a must-see.
Thailand
A well-known safe haven for solo travelers, Thailand is known for its hospitality and low rate of violent crime. This makes it a perfect destination for black female solo travelers. Explore the country’s many temples, markets, and street food while feeling safe and secure.
Solo Trips For Women In The U.S.
Vermont
Did you know over half of all overnight bookings in Vermont are for women traveling alone? Hence why Vermont is on the top of the list for female solo travelers. The state has plenty of outdoorsy things to do, but don’t forget to hit up the Ben & Jerry’s museum, too. Vermont also has the lowest rate of violence against women in the United States.
Pennsylvania
Solo female travelers will have plenty to do in Pennsylvania. From historical sites like Gettysburg to art culture like the Andy Warhol Museum, the state is boasting with culture. Plus, there’s plenty of nature to get lost in, such as the Longwood Gardens or Presque Isle State Park.
Delaware
While it might be small, solo female travelers should check out Delaware. You can’t miss the colonial architecture or the beautiful state parks. It’s a very relaxing vacation destination, and it’s the second-safest state in the country, making it perfect for solo female travelers.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island is the second most popular state for solo female travelers, and for good reason. The state has the highest community safety rating, as well. From ocean views to the Breakers, this is a dreamy destination to check out. And don’t forget to eat plenty of seafood!
Maryland
There’s always something to do in Maryland. Hit up the Ocean City Boardwalk and Brookside Gardens, eat plenty of crab, or visit one of the other many attractions at your fingertips. The state is the third-safest for women (and has the fastest internet speed, for all the digital nomads out there).
Safety Tips For Solo Travel
So now that you’re already planning your solo travel excursion, it’s time to give you some tips to ensure you stay safe while you’re out exploring the world alone.
Share Your Plans With Family & Friends
Send your itinerary to someone back home you trust. It’s also not a bad idea to let the hotel staff at your destination know where you’re going and when you think you’ll be getting back. You can also sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to enroll your trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy to ensure you stay as safe as possible when traveling alone.
Have An Emergency Plan In Place
While you don’t want to assume something bad is going to happen while traveling alone, it’s important to stay informed. Check out where the nearest hospital, police station, or emergency services are, just in case. It would also be a good idea to learn a few phrases in the native language in case you need to ask for help.
Secure Your Valuables
Take only what you need when going out, which is probably your phone, credit cards, cash, your ID, and a copy of your passport. These items should always stay within your line of sight—never set them down or leave them unattended. Secure everything else back in your room.
Use Common Sense
The same rules here apply when you’re traveling in order to stay safe. Avoid drinking too much and keep your drinks within sight at all times. Be aware of your surroundings. Move to a public space around people if you’re starting to feel unsafe or uncomfortable. And if someone asks if you’re traveling alone, say you’re meeting up with a friend or family member.
Do Your Research
Knowing your destination will help ensure your safety when traveling alone. Research if there are any travel advisories, and if so, what for. Learn about the public transit and which neighborhoods and areas are safe. All of this will ensure you don;t have to worry once you get to your final destination.
Best Solo Trips For Students On A Budget
Puerto Rico
Beaches and history make Puerto Rico a fantastic place for students to travel when they’re on a budget. San Juan is about 38% less expensive than New York City, and hotels average about $122. Flights start at $324, non-stop.
Georgia
The country, not the state. Georgia has plenty to do and see for student travelers, full of culture, history, and beautiful landscapes. The city of Tbilisi is 51% less expensive than New York City, and hotels start at about $50 per night. Flights average around $885.
Argentina
This is the destination for student travelers on a budget. Argentina has stunning natural wonders and bustling cities, all wrapped up in a budget-friendly vacation. Buenos Aires is a whopping 75% less expensive than New York City. The average hotel is about $91 per night, and flights go for about $1,144.
South Korea
Asia isn’t always seen as an affordable destination for travelers, but South Korea is perfect for students traveling on a budget. Just make sure to stay there for awhile to get the most bang for your buck. Seoul is about 49% less expensive than New York City with the average hotel being about $88 per night. Flights start at $1,279.
Portugal
Yep, Portugal made it on the list twice for travelers. Libson, for example, is 50% less expensive than New York City, if that gives you any indication of its affordability. The average hotel goes for about $55 per night, and flights start at around $434.
Solo Trips For Black Women: Reddit
Now, don’t just take our word for it. Here’s a Reddit thread of recommendations for solo trips for black women from real experiences.
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