Best travel destinations for women in 2024

Denmark

Demark tops our Good Trip Index – the Holiday Extras guide to travelling ethically, sustainably and well – and also tops the Women Peace and Security Index for 2023/24. So of course it had to top our list of women-friendly destinations.

There may be something a little ironic about us suggesting a city break in Copenhagen – after all it's the home of the famous Little Mermaid statue and we're not about a woman giving up her voice for a man! But Copenhagen is a beautiful city and a great choice for your solo travels. Embrace your inner child and head to Tivoli Gardens, the third-oldest operating amusement park in the world, for some good old-fashioned fun.

---

Netherlands

If you're after a city break, Amsterdam is one of the most popular destinations in Europe as millions of people are drawn to the laid-back culture, museums, galleries and the famous coffee shops and Red Light District. It's also one of the safest cities in Europe, making it a great option for female solo travellers. Tourists are unlikely to experience any crime or violence, but just like when you visit any other city it's important to be aware of your surroundings.

The best months to visit Amsterdam are in April and May when you'll get mild weather as well as the perks of spring and those famous tulips.

---

Iceland

Really we'll find any excuse to include Iceland in a guide about top destinations – it's firmly up there in our favourites. There's something about the almost otherworldy beauty of the country, the mystery of either 24-hour light or dark depending on when you go, the amazing food and the friendly locals that makes Iceland a country we love to visit again and again.

Iceland is one of the most feminist countries in the world and for the last 14 years it's topped the Global Gender Gap Report – so add it all together and you have an amazing destination that looks after its women. Win win!

---

Thailand

Thailand is the mainstay of solo backpacking destinations. At this stage it's almost a right of passage to go backpacking here – which, if you're travelling solo, makes it an excellent destination. After all, you're likely to find plenty of like-minded individuals in the wide range of hostels, and there's no better way to make friends fast than checking in to a hostel alone.

If you're nervous about heading out there alone then why not book onto an island-hopping tour? You'll meet plenty of people – and you'll have a blast on some of the very best beaches in the world.

---

Italy

It's time to embrace your inner 'Eat, Pray, Love' – oh how we'd love to spend 4 months eating in Italy!

With affordable flights aplenty, why not take the plunge and explore Italy this summer? Whether you hit the shops in Milan, wonder at the art in Florence or eat your weight in pizza in Naples, you really can't go wrong. Travelling around Italy is a breeze, with most of the major cities easily reached via rail. Plus tourism is widespread here, so if this is your first solo trip you're never going to be far off the beaten track.

---

Mexico

Mexico is great for travelling solo as there are plenty of hostels, it's affordable and tourism is popular – meaning the infrastructure is in place to travel easily and safely.

You could head to Cancún and chill out on the beach by day and party by night, or do something a bit different and sample the best wine on offer in the vineyards of Baja California.

---

Namibia

If we were to ask you the first thing that comes to mind when you hear Namibia we reckon sand dunes will be up there with the top answers – it has some of the best in the world. But what might not immediately come to mind is that Namibia ranks 8th in the Global Gender Pay Gap report – to put that in perspective the UK is 15th!

So grab your bucket and spade ladies, it's time to go make sandcastles. Plus, did you know Namibia is one of the 8 best places in the world to go stargazing – so lay back, look up at the stars and imagine that they're the light reflecting off the glass ceiling shattering above you.

---

Cabo Verde

Awesome beaches, magnificent mountainous, volcanic and desert landscapes, breathtaking surf, and bags of morabeza (the Creole word for hospitality). Cape Verde, or Cabo Verde, is a volcanic archipelago 300 miles off Senegal on the northwest African coast that's become a hot spot among western travellers for chilled tropical getaways. Consisting of 10 islands, this Atlantic paradise is still relatively undiscovered but fast gaining a reputation as the African Caribbean.

Plus Cabo Verde is one of our favourite eco destinations thanks to the recommendation from our friends at the Travel Foundation.