Top Underrated Destinations for Solo, Female Travellers in 2026

February 12, 2026
One Comment

It’s a new year and time to make your bucketlist solo travel plans for 2026. And while there are many destinations all over social media, why not explore some more underrated places? Here are my top 7 for 2026!

We have already explored my top affordable destination for solo, female travellers in 2026, but now it’s time to talk about the unsung heroes.

The countries that aren’t mentioned on many blogs or showcased in TikTok videos. The ones you may never consider visiting, despite them offering the most breath-taking nature, or historic cities or friendliest locals. And don’t worry, all of these are still very much safe to solo travel as a woman.

So, here are my underrated favourites this year:

Most Underrated Solo, Female Travel Destinations 2026

These places are off-the-beaten path, at times a little adventurous and 100% worth adding to your travel bucket list.

1. Albania

Albania makes it on at least one of my yearly lists each year, and it is back again. Quelle surprise 🙂

But honestly, when I first visited and fell in love with the country in 2024, I thought it would be the next big thing and certainly overrun by 2026. And yet, I still find it an underrated destination that isn’t talked about nearly enough.

Especially outside the main touristy cities of Saranda and Vlore , you will find historic cities, beautiful nature and literally the kindest people ever. And best of all, it is still much more affordable and yet just as stunning as its neighbour Greece.

Check out my Albania guides here.

Some of my favourite activities in Albania:

2. Bhutan

Bhutan crossed my feed for the first time in late 2025 and I’m embarrassed that it hasn’t before. So, I’m here to spread the word of what is now my no. 1 bucketlist destination: Bhutan.

This country requires a little preparation to visit, as it has strict rules regarding needing a visa ($100 per person per night) which is organised when booking through a mandatory tour organiser. Sounds difficult? Possibly, but it is SO worth it!

Hidden in the Himalayas, its incredible, untouched scenery is only disrupted by ancient temples and monasteries. Sustainability, wildlife conservation and ethical tourism are at the heart of everything here and a look into what the future of travel could look like.

It is also an incredibly safe environment for solo, female travellers. While it is a very traditional culture, it follows the Buddhist teachings of respecting all sentient beings which female travellers report seeing reflected in the way locals treat them. Respect and curiosity are probably the most common reactions to a woman travelling alone.

3. Taiwan

Taiwan has been one of the destinations that has gone under my radar for years, and I meet few travellers that actually add it to their Asia travel list. Which is a shame, because it is a beautiful country, super affordable with stunning scenery and so much history to explore.

From the futuristic Taipei to the natural wonders of Taroko National Park, you won’t run out of things to do here. In addition, it is once again a very safe country and solo, female travellers report feeling comfortable and how friendly the locals are.

4. Slovenia

I have seen Slovenia slowly enter the travel hype on social media, but it is still way behind where it “should” be. After all, it has some of the most diverse natural beauty. From the imposing peaks of Triglav National Park to the green banks of Soča River, Slovenia’s picturesque lanscapes are criminally underrated.

I visited Ljubljana and Lake Bled a year ago and never felt uncomfortable or unsafe. The Slovenian people are very welcoming and generally kind.

5. Cambodia

Cambodia was another country that I hadn’t really considered until I visited Vietnam and almost everyone had already been there or was planning to go. The other solo, female travellers I met that had gone there recounted feeling as safe as anywhere else in SE Asia and just to keep an eye on valuables (pickpocketing is one of the most common issues).

Cambodia offers a vast array of temples, pristine beaches, wildlife and much more. It’s certainly one to add to the bucket list.

6. Estonia

The Balkans in general are quite a safe place to visit, with Estonia often at the top of that list. In addition, the country is super interesting as it has only restored its independence a little over 30 years ago and it is actively rediscovering its identity and traditions.

That means parts of the cities feel like a walk through history, while others are in the process of modernisation. On top of beautiful cities like the capital Tallinn, Estonia is also full of natural wonders like the bogs (a sort of wetland), the Baltic coast and national parks.

7. Uruguay

Uruguay should be on everyone’s South America travel list, and not just as a daytrip from Argentina. It is a beautiful, diverse and very safe country that isn’t overrun (yet) and SO worth a visit!

Areas to visit include the cities of Montevideo and Piriapolis, the beach haven of Punta del Este as well as at least one of the 17 national parks full of natural beauty.

FAQ about Solo, Female Travel

What are the best safety precautions to take in unfamiliar places?

There are a few important safety precautions to take when travelling somewhere new as a solo, female traveller.

First of all you need to research your destination – is it safe to travel to (check government websites), do other people travel there, how much information about it is out there, where are the safe areas to stay in, what are some things you need to keep in mind when there.

Once you have determined this and made a rough itinerary, make sure to share this with family/friends. When I solo travel, I always text someone exactly where I am staying when including addresses. We also agree that I text daily unless I am on tours etc. This isn’t to be obsessive but so someone knows exactly where you are and can alert authorities in case of an emergency. This is a precaution so don’t let it scare you.

When I solo travel I also trust my gut and put my safety above all else. If a situation feels unsafe, I get out of it no matter the cost. Money can come back, your life doesn’t.

In general, I’d say avoid being out alone at night, know which areas are safe and which to avoid (your accommodation can usually give you advice on this) and drink only when with friends or in a safe location.

How do I choose affordable but safe accommodations?

The first thing I do when choosing accommodations in a new destination is research the area. Which areas are safe for tourists, especially solo travellers. There are usually lots of resources about these things. If you are unsure, you could also reach out to accommodations for advice.

Second, I usually stay in hostels or hotels that are rated well amongst solo-travellers. This is so I can meet other travellers but also so I know that the location is good etc. Hostel dorms are usually your cheapest option though some countries also have affordable AirBnBs – for those I always make sure it is a female host.

Reviews are crucial!! Check several sites such as booking, Google, Tripadvisor, etc. Some red flags are people talking about stuff being stolen, no women leaving reviews, bedbugs and any negative comments about staff. A huge red flag for me is also when a hotel responds rudely to complaints – it’s unprofessional and will probably affect you if something goes wrong.

How do I deal with loneliness while traveling alone?

When I first started solo travelling, meeting people felt super difficult. Even in hostels, everyone already seemed to be in their little groups and I was struggling. I remember being on week 3 of my Australian East Coast trip and calling my mum sobbing because I felt so lonely.

The more I solo travel, the more I have learned about loneliness and making friends. First of all, I am much more comfortable being with myself now. If I don’t find anyone to hang out with, that is okay. FOMO is sometimes still there, but I always remind myself that I am doing my best.

I usually do meet other people though. A good way is booking hostels with activities as it is SO easy to meet others during say a trivia night or a city tour. Another great way is choosing a female dorm – I often find myself bonding quicker with the girls in there. I also use Bumble BFF. That may sound awkward but I have met some of my now closest friends on there and it has been so great while travelling, especially if I am longer in one place. Finally, Facebook Groups – there are hundreds of travel groups out there and so many other solo travellers just waiting to meet you!

Sometimes though, loneliness prevails. Over the years I have learned that when the feeling refuses to leave, it is my time to go home. It’s a sign from my body that I need a break from travelling and constantly meeting new people. I need familiarity and my family. And that’s okay! Trust me, it took me a while to learn this but stopping a trip early is not failure, especially if it has already been a few months.

One comment

Sheila

14 February 2026 / 1:45 PM Reply

Love the sound of these, Albania has been on my bucketlist for so long, might finally be time this year!