Studies find women want to travel alone for freedom and flexibility, but are often concerned about personal safety and getting lost. Getty Images
Studies find women want to travel alone for freedom and flexibility, but are often concerned about personal safety and getting lost. Getty Images
Studies find women want to travel alone for freedom and flexibility, but are often concerned about personal safety and getting lost. Getty Images
Studies find women want to travel alone for freedom and flexibility, but are often concerned about personal safety and getting lost. Getty Images

Seven of the world's best destinations for solo female travellers


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Solo travel is on the rise and almost 85 per cent of lone travellers are women, according to a recent study.

Supporting the report by ferry operator Condor Ferries, the main reasons women love to travel alone are freedom and flexibility, the opportunity to relax and enjoy “me time” and to challenge themselves, finds Statista. At the same time, they report worries about personal safety, higher costs, language barriers and getting lost.

The National rounds up seven of the best destinations for women travelling alone this year.

Iceland

The capital Reykjavik offers plenty to curious tourists. Photo: iStockphoto
The capital Reykjavik offers plenty to curious tourists. Photo: iStockphoto

The land of fire and ice has secured the top spot on the Global Peace Index for 17 consecutive years, as Iceland’s commitment to safety creates an environment where women can explore alone with confidence.

The country’s low crime rates foster a sense of security making ethereal landscapes such as geysers, waterfalls and volcanoes easy to explore. There are also plenty of chances to discover its fascinating culture and mingle with friendly locals.

Drive around the Golden Circle, which is easy to navigate, head into the depths of the wilderness in a camper van or simply relax in the hot springs around Reykjavik, where a combination of upmarket restaurants meet cool museums and artisanal boutiques.

Iceland also keenly focuses on gender equality and responsible tourism.

Galapagos Islands

Vast biodiversity is a major draw for the Galapagos Islands. Photo: Dustin Haney / Unsplash
Vast biodiversity is a major draw for the Galapagos Islands. Photo: Dustin Haney / Unsplash

This Ecuadorian archipelago offers an extraordinary experience for solo adventurers, with fascinating natural beauty protected by strict tourism regulations.

This year, it has been named one of the top destinations for solo travel by Flash Pack, a tour company that specialises in organising adventure trips for solo travellers in their thirties and forties.

The Galapagos are home to an extraordinary wealth of marine life and offer unique biodiversity on land and underwater.

Small group tours are also ideal for anyone looking to enjoy their independence while making friends along the way.

Japan

This is the year of Japan as, after almost 1,000 days of being closed to tourists during Covid, the world is returning.

While it’s popular with most traveller demographics, the country is also ninth on the Global Peace Index and topped Flash Pack’s list of top solo destinations this year.

Whether you’re heading for the bustle of Tokyo, the quirky corners of Osaka, the majestic Mount Fuji or to experience the natural beauty of Kyoto, the country seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. It offers a diverse range of experiences, from visiting ancient temples to gawping at futuristic skyscrapers.

Canada

Some tour companies offer women-only excursions to see the northern lights. Photo: Lindblad Expeditions
Some tour companies offer women-only excursions to see the northern lights. Photo: Lindblad Expeditions

Travel experiences to witness the aurora borealis, or northern lights, are in high demand this year, as visibility is projected to be better than it has been in more than a decade.

For solo female travellers, Canada is a great option, particularly the quaint town of Churchill, Manitoba, where Natural Habitat Adventures offers women-only excursions to see the lights in unique situations.

Churchill’s strategic location under the auroral oval enhances the chances of clear, prime viewing conditions. Meanwhile, the tour company provides a supportive atmosphere for women, fostering camaraderie among like-minded adventurers, and organises Arctic activities such as snowshoeing and dog sledding.

The UAE

Visitors enjoy a catamaran ride around Louvre Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
Visitors enjoy a catamaran ride around Louvre Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

The UAE’s cities have often been ranked among the safest, especially Abu Dhabi, which has held online cost-of-living database Numbeo’s title of world’s safest city since 2017. It offers a deep and culturally rich experience with attractions such as Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Dubai also stands as a beacon of security, offering travellers a taste of cosmopolitan luxury in some of the planet’s most famous landmarks.

For adventure seekers, there’s Ras Al Khaimah, which has plenty to offer outdoors, and Fujairah is great for keen divers.

This combination makes it one of the most popular destinations among solo female travellers.

Sri Lanka

Galle is a popular coastal holiday destination. Photo: Shutterstock
Galle is a popular coastal holiday destination. Photo: Shutterstock

Ranking fourth on Flash Pack’s list of top solo destinations this year is Sri Lanka, where ancient history meets natural beauty and some of the warmest hospitality you’ll come across.

The island nation, nestled in the Indian Ocean, has a rich blend of temples, tea plantations, hikes and coastal wellness retreats. There are seaside towns such as Galle, bohemian escapes in the mountains like Ella and a bustling city vibe in Kandy.

The country’s climactic warmth extends to its people and the welcoming atmosphere for tourists.

Antarctica

Travellers in Antarctica can only venture out onto the ice under the supervision of travel companies. Photo: Cassie Matias / Unsplash
Travellers in Antarctica can only venture out onto the ice under the supervision of travel companies. Photo: Cassie Matias / Unsplash

As one of the most isolated and pristine environments on Earth, Antarctica is becoming an increasingly sought-after destination. With strict tourism regulations, it’s a great option for women going it alone.

The continent’s growing popularity among tourists is a testament to its rugged landscapes, diverse wildlife and unparalleled sense of remoteness.

Solo female travellers can join organised expeditions, navigate the icy waters and witness wildlife in their natural habitat, from penguins to seals and walruses.

Pick a reputable company and tread lightly since the continent is one of the last frontiers of tourism.

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EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

Estijaba – 8001717 –  number to call to request coronavirus testing

Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111

Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre

Emirates airline – 600555555

Etihad Airways – 600555666

Ambulance – 998

Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries

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The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo

Power: 268hp at 5,600rpm

Torque: 380Nm at 4,800rpm

Transmission: CVT auto

Fuel consumption: 9.5L/100km

On sale: now

Price: from Dh195,000 

Company profile

Name: The Concept

Founders: Yadhushan Mahendran, Maria Sobh and Muhammad Rijal

Based: Abu Dhabi

Founded: 2017

Number of employees: 7

Sector: Aviation and space industry

Funding: $250,000

Future plans: Looking to raise $1 million investment to boost expansion and develop new products

RESULTS

Bantamweight: Victor Nunes (BRA) beat Azizbek Satibaldiev (KYG). Round 1 KO

Featherweight: Izzeddin Farhan (JOR) beat Ozodbek Azimov (UZB). Round 1 rear naked choke

Middleweight: Zaakir Badat (RSA) beat Ercin Sirin (TUR). Round 1 triangle choke

Featherweight: Ali Alqaisi (JOR) beat Furkatbek Yokubov (UZB). Round 1 TKO

Featherweight: Abu Muslim Alikhanov (RUS) beat Atabek Abdimitalipov (KYG). Unanimous decision

Catchweight 74kg: Mirafzal Akhtamov (UZB) beat Marcos Costa (BRA). Split decision

Welterweight: Andre Fialho (POR) beat Sang Hoon-yu (KOR). Round 1 TKO

Lightweight: John Mitchell (IRE) beat Arbi Emiev (RUS). Round 2 RSC (deep cuts)

Middleweight: Gianni Melillo (ITA) beat Mohammed Karaki (LEB)

Welterweight: Handesson Ferreira (BRA) beat Amiran Gogoladze (GEO). Unanimous decision

Flyweight (Female): Carolina Jimenez (VEN) beat Lucrezia Ria (ITA), Round 1 rear naked choke

Welterweight: Daniel Skibinski (POL) beat Acoidan Duque (ESP). Round 3 TKO

Lightweight: Martun Mezhlumyan (ARM) beat Attila Korkmaz (TUR). Unanimous decision

Bantamweight: Ray Borg (USA) beat Jesse Arnett (CAN). Unanimous decision

The Intruder

Director: Deon Taylor

Starring: Dennis Quaid, Michael Ealy, Meagan Good

One star

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The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

Company Profile 

Founder: Omar Onsi

Launched: 2018

Employees: 35

Financing stage: Seed round ($12 million)

Investors: B&Y, Phoenician Funds, M1 Group, Shorooq Partners

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Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

Dust and sand storms compared

Sand storm

  • Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
  • Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
  • Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
  • Travel distance: Limited 
  • Source: Open desert areas with strong winds

Dust storm

  • Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
  • Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
  • Duration: Can linger for days
  • Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
  • Source: Can be carried from distant regions
THE CLOWN OF GAZA

Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah 

Starring: Alaa Meqdad

Rating: 4/5

About Karol Nawrocki

• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.

• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.

• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.

• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.

MATCH INFO

Burnley 0

Man City 3

Raheem Sterling 35', 49'

Ferran Torres 65'

 

 

Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

Updated: April 16, 2024, 7:03 AM`