In the process of getting divorced after almost 20 years together. Need recommendations for good destinations for a solo female traveler. I have never traveled by myself so need a practice. 39yr old, fit and active. Not interested in night life. I am thinking of memorial day weekend for my first solo trip.

Domestic: Charleston, Chicago or Savannah
International: Barcelona, Madrid, London or Paris
All trips I have taken-4 were solo. Felt safe. Walkable. Great restaurants. Museums. Shows. Short day trips from all the cities if you wanted to explore beaches, the countryside or wineries (Barcelona, Madrid & Paris).

I'm a solo female traveler because my spouse and close family members don't enjoy leaving the house (and my work schedule is more flexible than my friends' so I can travel spontaneously).

Taiwan (particularly Taipei if you want a big city) and Japan feel quite safe for a woman but will still give that "I'm in another country" feeling.

Vienna (Austria), Norway in general, and Switzerland (particularly Alpen towns) make me feel like I'm still in the US because I could use English so easily and there seemed to be many other American tourists around. I especially had that feeling in Interlaken. I haven't been to Sweden, Iceland, or Denmark yet but have the same sense of them being "safer" and more comfortable for someone dipping their toes in.

If you want more handholding, consider staying at a resort somewhere and not venturing out of it. Or an Alaskan cruise in summer. Or joining a small tour group. I like G Adventures and Intrepid but they tend to be more "worth it" for adventure travel or countries where it's less comfortable to be alone, otherwise they will feel expensive. I went all over Morocco and to Antarctica with G Adventures, which are two places you wouldn't want to be solo!

By the way, there are multiple Facebook groups for solo female travelers to support with tips and meetups/activities :) and tour groups specifically for women.

Congrats on your first steps in building a new life and making new memories and friends.

Congratulations or I'm sorry. Never know what to say. But as a 38 m that may potentially be going through a similar life event. I'm stealing a few of these destinations for bucket/f~ckit list.

Hi there. I'm sorry for the upside down-ness of life right now. "in the process of getting divorced" is the very worst of it, promise.
I relied on REI Adventure trips - it's apparently a secret singles gem, as most others in the group I trekked with were solo. I made longtime friends and continue to travel together.
Good luck. Lean into your true north.

Hedonism II, Negril, Jamaica. You can skip the nightlife and enjoy the resort

Honestly, if you have the means, a Botswana, Kenya, or Namibian safari would be amazing. I did Kenya after getting out of an abusive relationship, and I’ve never done something that healed the soul faster. Guides and lodges are super friendly toward solo female travelers.

I did a solo trip to Scotland when I turned 40 and it was amazing! There were so many other female solo travelers too. Fly into Edinburgh and do that for a coupon days then sign up for a hiking tour through the highlands. Great place if you love books, history and beautiful nature and hiking

Congratulations on your new beginning! If you’re looking for a safe place and need some time to ponder, the Spanish islands should be ideal for you - many affordable retreat places too (e.g. Lanzarote, Mallorca, Fuerteventura) and some of them you can even socialise with others. DM me if you want more info!

Paris is a great destination as a solo traveler. There’s so much to see and do with no need for venturing out at night if you don’t want to. Don’t worry about a language barrier, many people speak English.

Hawaii!

I love that you’re planning your first solo trip it’s such an empowering experience! Since you’re active and love nature, I’d suggest places like Sedona, AZ for hikes and calm vibes, Asheville, NC for mountains and charm, or Bend, OR for rivers and trails.

I’d love to hear which kind of adventure excites you most—it sounds like it’s going to be an amazing first solo journey!

Second Sedona for the spiritual vibes, great SW food, and breathtaking/humbling views. Day trip to the Grand Canyon is very worth it. Treat yourself to a resort with a great spa and indulge.

Key West is super peaceful.

My answer may seem a little odd but it’s based on a couple of assumptions.

For example, if you want familiarity then any place you have heard the name of before may suit. There are many suggestions in here that are great for that although they are often tourist oriented or full of people.

But if you want to quietly vanish to your own space for a while where seeing other people is largely optional and on your own terms then a place that welcomes visitors but does not welcome tourists (a distinction that I find personally important) might suit.

It really depends on what you feel that you need.

If this idea resonates with you then I can perhaps help on that front because it was such a place that I sought and when I found it, I quietly moved there. Now if I want to spend some quiet time with eagles that know me on a hill top, I can. If I want to stroll a beach or in a forest where I won’t encounter anyone else while I’m there, I can. I am also a part of a real and genuine small community that still cares for each other.

It just depends upon what you seek and need.

Lots of great suggestions. To forget it all and still have fun, though, Hedo is a front runner

For me personally, I wanted to try out English-speaking countries first, just to build the confidence. Then from there, venturing to the other countries that interested me. Have fun!

How old are you?

39

I would recommend Airbnb experiences wherever you go. Good way to meet people and have always felt safe doing them.

Look at Flashpack , they organize trips for solo travelers. Various destinations , things to do, etc