Stop waiting for your friends â go on that solo trip.
Travelling with friends and family is fun â until no one wants to go where you want to go. Enter: solo travel.
More people than ever are booking trips on their own, and honestly? Thereâs never been a better time to do it. When you travel solo, every decision is yours: the destination, the schedule, the vibe.
Of course, itâs normal to hesitate. Travelling alone can feel intimidating, and for Black women, there can be extra layers to consider, from safety to cultural attitudes that arenât always talked about openly.
But hereâs the thing: solo travel as a Black woman hits differently. Itâs empowering, freeing, sometimes nerve-wracking, but always transformative.
Whether you're prepping for a big spring break get away, craving a beach reset, a city break, or an international adventure, weâve rounded up destinations that balance safety, independence, and unforgettable experiences â plus tips to help you travel confidently on your own.
In this blog:
Why solo travel is the way to go
When you travel solo, every decision is yours. Where you go, what you eat, how long you stay â no compromises, no group chats, no âwhat does everyone else want to do?â energy. Itâs your trip, your rules.
Youâre allowed to be selfish
Want to wander all day? Do it. Spend three hours in a bookstore? Go for it. Book a last-minute flight because it was cheap? Why not. Solo travel is built on spontaneity â and you donât have to justify a single decision.
Youâll become way more confident
Things will go wrong. Plans will change. And youâll handle it. When youâre on your own, you build problem-solving skills fast â and that confidence follows you home.
Youâll grow (even if itâs uncomfortable)
Whether itâs navigating public transport in a new country or attempting a new language, solo travel pushes you outside your comfort zone. Itâs scary at first but then suddenly, itâs empowering.
Best solo trips in the U.S. for Black women
Naples, Florida
For Black solo women 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 tee off at one of the 90-plus golf courses in the area â Naples doesnât call itself the âGolf Capital of the Worldâ for nothing. Marco Island is only 30 minutes away, where you can book a dolphin-watching cruise. Plus, Naples is known to be one of the safest places to live in the United States due to its low crime figures, making it perfect for solo travelers.
Boston, Massachusetts
Despite being a big city, Boston can feel like a small town. Itâs incredibly walkable, letting you soak up centuries of history on foot (which is exactly what makes it so easy to navigate solo). There are plenty of museums to explore, too. Donât forget to hop on the T, the cityâs subway system, across the Charles River to visit Cambridge.
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. Boulder is known for being socially conscious and environmentally responsible, making it a great place to cycle and lean into the outdoorsy lifestyle. And if you want something less rugged, head to Pearl Street Mall, packed with restaurants, shops, and bars.
Portland, Oregon
Portland is one of the perfect cities to visit for Black women 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. Downtown had a rough few years, but the city has made its recovery a top priority: visitor numbers climbed through 2025 and violent crime has fallen sharply. As with any big city, petty theft (especially smash-and-grab car break-ins) still happens, so stay aware of your surroundings and donât leave anything visible in a rental.
Asheville, North Carolina
For the more outdoorsy solo travelers, Asheville offers endless hiking and biking, tucked as it is into the Blue Ridge Mountains. Cyclists take on the Blue Ridge Parkway, while hikers can check out the Craggy Pinnacle Trail or Mount Pisgah. Good news: after Hurricane Helene in 2024, downtown, the River Arts District, Biltmore, and the airport are all back up and running, and Asheville is very much open for visitors. A few stretches of the Blue Ridge Parkway are still closed for repairs, so check the National Park Serviceâs road status before you set out. As always, take basic precautions after dark to avoid pickpocketing or theft.
Best international solo trips for Black women
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 embraces ohitorisama, or doing things solo, so eating, sightseeing, and exploring on your own feels completely normal. Many trains still run women-only carriages during rush hour (clearly marked with pink signage), which some solo travelers appreciate on packed commuter lines. Racial discrimination is generally uncommon, though you may draw curious glances given Japanâs relative ethnic homogeneity.
Portugal
Known for its friendly locals and incredibly low crime rate (especially towards tourists) Portugal is the perfect place for Black female solo travelers. Vibrant culture, gorgeous beaches, and unmatched hospitality make it a must-see for anyone wanting to explore Europe on their own. Pickpocketing can happen in busier spots like Lisbon and Porto, so keep an eye on your bag on crowded trams and in tourist areas.
Maldives
Another great option for Black female solo travelers is the Maldives. A 2025 Indy Escapes article states that the Maldives is considered one of the safest countries for solo female travelers. The country's tourism industry prioritizes safety, and most visitors stay on resort islands, increasing security. If you visit local islands, be aware of customs like dressing modestly and not drinking alcohol outside resorts.
Iceland
Iceland is a fantastic option for Black female solo travelers. The crime rate is staggeringly low, and the country is known to have a positive attitude towards LGBTQ+ people and places a huge emphasis on gender equality. Between glaciers, hot springs, and beautiful landscapes, itâs a bucket-list destination that feels both adventurous and safe.
Thailand
Lastly, a well-known safe-haven for solo female travelers, Thailand is known for its hospitality and low rate of violent crime against tourists. Explore its temples, markets, and legendary street food while feeling safe and secure. One important update: as of late 2025, avoid the ThailandâCambodia border after armed clashes broke out there â the U.S. State Department has a âDo Not Travelâ warning for those border areas. Steer clear of the deep southern provinces and areas near the Myanmar border too, and stay alert for petty scams. Major hubs like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket remain unaffected and welcoming.
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.
5 budget-friendly solo trips for Black women students
Puerto Rico
Beaches and history make Puerto Rico a fantastic place for students to travel when they're on a budget. With awesome things to do like hiking through nature trails and browsing local artisan markets - it's a must-see.
Georgia
The country, not the state. Georgia has plenty to do and see for student travelers, full of culture, history, and beautiful landscapes.
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.
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.
Portugal
Yep, Portugal made it on the list twice for travelers. Libson, for example, is around 47% less expensive than New York City, if that gives you any indication of its affordability.
Safety tips for Black women traveling solo
So now that you're planning your solo adventure, here are some tips to help you stay safe and confident while exploring alone.
Share your plans with family & friends
Send your itinerary to someone back home you trust and check in regularly. 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 enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) You can also enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) so the nearest U.S. Embassy knows youâre in the country.
Have an backup 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. Know where the nearest hospital, police station, and emergency services are. We recommend learning a few key phrases if you're traveling somewhere that doesnât speak English.
Keep valuables secure
Take only what you need when going out: your phone, ID, cards, and cash. Keep these items within sight at all times, and store everything else safely in your accommodation.
Stay aware
Be aware of your surroundings. Watch your drinks, avoid over-sharing that you're alone, and trust your instincts. If something feels off, move to a public, well-lit area with other people around.
Do your research
Knowing your destination will help ensure your safety when traveling alone. Check travel advisories, understand local customs, and know which neighborhoods are safest before you go.
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