PARIS
Anita: “I particularly liked Paris. I did a solo trip many years ago and enjoyed it thoroughly. I know they say the French are a bit snooty, but I found it really easy to get around with a good map, without too many problems. The metro is fantastic and once you get the hang of it, it's just a matter of getting on and off wherever you want. And then the hop on-hop off bus service is a great way to see the city at your own pace and time. I stayed in a hostel – the cheapest I could find and felt completely safe! Definitely a place I'm going to visit again.”
Eiffel Tower and old street lamp.
Street Cafe in Paris.
Pont neuf, Ile de la Cite, Paris.
The charm of Paris by night.
Pola: “I’m a night person and often do sightseeing in off-peak hours, when I can enjoy landmarks uninterrupted. Not every city is good for that, but I have never felt unsafe in Paris after dark. When I got soaked trying to find a restaurant in the maze of Montmartre streets - beginning to doubt if my map was even of Paris - two elderly gentlemen walked me there. Dining out alone was not a problem either – once the waiter realized I spoke little French, but didn’t want to resort to English, he smiled and let me continue en français (in french). And I had no issues taking photos of the Eiffel Tower from every angle at 12:30am, nor looking for a taxi stand afterwards
PALAMPUR, INDIA
Mridula: “Palampur in Himachal Pradesh is a hidden gem. It has tea gardens, toy trains and magnificent Dhauladhar Range as a backdrop. There are numerous side trips possible from the temple town of Baijnath to paragliding in Bir. Palampur is a laid back town where I had a great home stay with Holiday Homes.”
ITALY
Megan: “Not for the Italian men, but for the romantic lure of the country itself. Between the food, wine, shopping, culture, history and spectacular scenery, Italy has something to offer women all over the world. Traveling throughout Italy is an incredibly adventure, and the culture and history on display here is superior to anywhere else in the world. Walk amongst preserved ancient ruins of what was once the greatest Empire on Earth. Dip your toes in the sand and sea while enjoying some of the most spectacular coastal scenery the world has to offer. Explore cobblestone designer districts, savor the flavor of true Italian pastas, or watch the sunset over Tuscany with a glass of local wine in hand.
And while you're traveling solo, in Italy you're never alone. Italians love to chat and are incredibly welcoming and hospitable. You'll make new friends in no time. Sure, you'll probably get complimented, whistled at and maybe even propositioned, but as far as staying physically safe, there is no safer country for solo female travel than Italy.
Colosseum in Rome, Italy.
Picturesque small town street view in Lake Como Italy.
Gondolas, Venice, Italy.
Gorgeous Amalfi Coast.
TURKEY
Shivya: “I ditched the regular tourist circuit of Turkey, travelled for a month along the country's Black Sea Coast, and found myself absolutely overwhelmed by the hospitality of the people. People opened their homes and hearts to me. I walked into a bakery to ask for directions and got a ride from the owner to my destination. I ventured into a family's garden looking for food, and got treated to a delicious meal. Cafe owners, co-passengers, hotel managers, strangers - everyone I interacted with gradually went from being an acquaintance to a friend. The country is beautiful, the food is delicious, and there is so much to explore. And did I mention, Turkish men are eye candies
Blue Mosque at night.
Pigeon Valley, Cappadocia, Turkey
Sunrise at Ortakoy Istanbul, Turkey.
Old street and restaurant tables in Alacati, Izmir, Turkey.
HONG KONG
Ankita: “There is no other place I’ve travelled to where I’ve felt as safe and comfortable as I did in Hong Kong. What was supposed to be a 9 hour transit ended up becoming a 14 day adventure involving hiking, beach camping, boat stays and Hong Kong style barbecues…and all solo mind you!
The city is an exciting mix of local culture and expat influence. Before I travelled there all I expected Hong Kong to be was expensive and full of high-rise buildings and flashy lights. I was surprised to find that not only is it possible to do Hong Kong on a budget but it was also filled with a ridiculous amount of natural beauty. Another thing I loved about the place: whenever solo travel gets a bit too lonely, it’s a city where new friends are made easily. Hong Kong taught me to leave my stereotypes at home whilst travelling and for that I love it all that much more.
- Colosseum in Rome, Italy.