Whether you’re an intrepid traveller, or jet setting for the first time, going it alone can be a liberating and life-changing experience. We’ve handpicked a few destinations that are primed for ladies who want to do some solo travelling – footloose and fancy-free. Words by Georgia Lejeune.
Japan – for the seasonal traveller
Depending on whether you’re a warm weather lover or a cool calm and collected winter devotee, Japan’s climate has two distinct periods that will meet your needs. Cherry blossom season coats the country in a light pink carpet from April to May (although this can vary year-by-year); whereas, snow bunnies will bask in the crisp season between December and March.
Big city life
Fly into Tokyo to get a dose of Japan on steroids; if you’re keen to fly solo, stay at the female only Nadeshiko Hotel Shibuya. There’s not a lot of space for activities in the range of 24 capsule rooms, but that’ll just encourage you to get out and about during the day. If you’re keen to find a tribe, stay at the hostel CITAN. Posing as a coffee shop on the street front, explore within and you’ll find the bar and dining – perfect for meeting up with fellow travellers – then retire upstairs to a dormitory. Or let the light from the tall windows beckon you into Nui Hostel & Bar Lounge, which at first glance appears to be a shrine to handcrafted woodwork but on later inspection is a cool hangout space and adjoining accommodation.With so many delicious local eats available the choices can be overwhelming. Commune 246 (near exit A3 of Omotesando Station) is an enclave of food trucks – check out the fresh fare and waterfall of greenery sprouting from the roof at Cori. vegan foodstand. You might even bump into some other solo travellers while chowing down on karaage chicken and band together to create a supergroup for a night of karaoke.
The hills are alive
Head for the hills, or more specifically the town of Matsumoto at the base of the Japanese Alps. A great place to begin a hiking trip or set out for the slopes. Before you move on, check out Matsumotojo castle and stop for a coffee at Amijok. Onsens in Japan are the unequivocal haven of the solo-female traveller. Bathe, soak and sauna surrounded only by women or treat yourself to a soothing massage to remedy those aching adventuring muscles.
Nepal – the peace to your inner puzzle
If introspection, self-discovery and adventure are some of the criteria on your travel list then this South Asian country could be what you’re looking for.
All or nothing
Kathmandu can get a little overwhelming for the solo traveller – with its busy and dirty streets – and is best experienced in small quantities. When you’re in town, stop by Israeli vegetarian restaurant Or2k and make sure you stay in the area called Thamel where there are mid-range guesthouses (Kathmandu Guest House) and more luxury accommodation available. Find calm within the storm of this busy city at the Garden of Dreams, just outside of Thamel, or book in for a retreat at the Kopan Monastery.
Take a hike
Pokhara is the antidote to the hubbub of Kathmandu. Here you can meet other like-minded travellers, prepare for a hike or engage in some adrenalin infused activities (it’ well-known as one of the best paragliding destinations in the world). The 3 Sisters Adventure Trekking began as a way to create job opportunities for local women by empowering them through training and work as hiking guides. The organisation is run completely by women and they regularly operate group hikes, for those who want a social experience, or solo hikes with a female porter if you need some down time. The Nepalese people are what make this place one of the safest and happiest countries to travel alone. Generous with their time and smiles, you’ll find contentment among the people who live within the peaks and valleys of the Himalayas.
Paris – the city of self-love
Your solo trip to this sparkling city is all about balance: finding equilibrium between exploring and people watching, balancing out your breakfast croissant with the cheese (and wine) you’ll consume later in the day. France, and more specifically Paris, is a delight for the solo traveller; however, avoiding the tourist-heavy sites is a must if you want to keep your blood from boiling over (and steering clear of any potential pick-pockets).
Culture vultures
Get your art fix in the halls of Musée Picasso on the rue de Thorigny, in the district of Paris called Marais. Pierre Aubert, a tax farmer, built the hotel in which the art is housed between 1656 and 1659. The collection includes some 5,000 works by Picasso, many of which were donated by his family after his death. Stay on the south bank of the Seine in arrondissements 3rd, 10th, 11th or for a truly French experience stay in a tiny flat in Montmartre (18th). Once a seedy neighbourhood, the cobblestoned streets and quaint shopfronts of this suburb are now home to chic cafes and bustling bars – it’s where the artists, poets and writers go.
The adventurous types
For something a little different, visit Paris’ Jewish Quarter Le Marais. Rummage through vintage clothing shop Vintage Desir on Rue des Rosiers and then amble a little further down the street where you’ll find mouth-watering felafels at L’As du Fallafel – these are felafels that will become a permanent fixture in your dreams. Your shoes were made for walking and that’s exactly what you should do all over the city. Whether it’s a stroll at dusk along the Seine or a mosey through the gardens at La Jardine Du Luxembourg, you’ll take in the best of this city at a comfortable stroll.
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