Every year I write about the best destinations for solo female travellers to travel to for that year, but each year I feel that the same countries seem to appear. While it’s great that so many countries remain some of the best destinations for women, it also keeps driving tourists to the same spots.
So this year for 2026, I want to inspire you to travel somewhere completely new and a little bit different! Yes, Switzerland, and Singapore will always be on the list but it’s time for the big names to move over and make way for the others. The ones that really need our tourism.
So here’s my list of the top 10 emerging destinations 2026 for solo female travellers to visit this year. And you are completely forgiven if you have never heard of them! (Listed in alphabetical order)
1. Anguilla
Beach Girl about the Globe, Island GatG
This Caribbean island is so under-rated! It has some of the most stunning beaches I have ever seen. There isn’t an airport here so you have to fly into St Martin (or St Maarten as it’s also known because it’s half-owned by the French and half-owned by the Dutch!) So I recommend staying a few nights on St Martin too! It isn’t really an island to party, more to enjoy the ocean and soak up the sun on white sands (especially in Shoal Bay). It’s easy to hire a car and navigate your way around too.
- Anguilla is: relaxed Caribbean, beautiful beaches, low-key luxury
- Solo rating – seasoned solo
- Read: Solo Anguilla guide
2. Bonaire
Adventure GatG, Ocean GatG
If you’re heard of Aruba, Bonaire is right next door! It’s part of the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) and a little gem in the Caribbean. It’s more natural and laid back than Aruba and Curacao and what it lacks in colourful buildings it makes up for in nature. You can see flamingos, desert landscapes, and experience world-class snorkelling and diving straight from the shore. Plus, if you’re a keen kite-surfer, this is the island to do it. And you can still find the Dutch-Caribbean history that these 3 islands are known for. It’s an ideal off-the-radar destination for ocean solos.
- Bonaire is: wild, untouched, eco-friendly
- Solo rating – seasoned solo
3. Brunei
Cultural GatG, Religious GatG
What’s great about Brunei is that you can tag this unique little Kingdom onto your Asia trip as a stopover if you are flying with Royal Brunei as you don’t need long here. Especially if you are heading to Borneo which is the neighbouring country. Just 2 or 3 nights is enough to get a taste of the country.
What Borneo offers is a history into oil in the region, boat rides to see the Proboscis monkeys (the ones with the big nose), and climbing towers for a rainforest view. As well as beautiful mosques and decadent museums. It’s an Islamic state in an exotic location. One that I haven’t come across before. One thing to note is that you can’t drink or smoke in the country so you may want to skip this one from the list if you do.
- Brunei is: niche, cultural, unexpected Borneo stop
- Solo rating – first time solo
- Read: Solo Brunei guide
4. El Salvador
Surfing GatG
This is a country that I haven’t personally visited yet. Years ago when I was in neighbouring Honduras, El Salvador was deemed too dangerous to explore. Now, it’s experiencing a huge comeback and it ranks one of the safest countries in Latin America (but you still need to be careful here as it is Latin America).
Today, it’s popular with surfers, hikers and adventurous travellers for its volcano treks, black-sand beaches and colourful colonial towns. It feels like one of those places that’s just starting to step into the spotlight and the kind of destination you visit now before everyone else catches on.
- El Salvador is: colourful, volcanic, untouristy.
- Solo rating – seasoned solo
5. Gibraltar
History GatG
Not only is Gibraltar so small that you can visit in a weekend but it’s also on the Spanish border making it easy to combine a trip to Spain with this interesting British territory. Known for its famous rock and its resident monkeys, Gibraltar has a rich military history and is an interesting blend of both Spain and England. It’s safe, easy to get around and what I love is that you can even walk across the runway! (When a plane isn’t landing of course). And on a clear day, you can even see three countries from the Skywalk.
You can visit a natural cave that was used as a hospital during WWII and learn more about the history at O’Hara’s Battery or National Museum. Explore the castle or admire artwork from local artists, and learn about human evolution. Take a cable car to the top of the rock for the views or just lay on a sandy beach. It’s also perfect for diving with 30 plus wrecks and reefs (and you may even spot a dolphin too!)
- Gibraltar is: historical, British-meets-Mediterranean culture
- Solo rating – first time solo
- Read Solo Gibraltar Guide
6. La Palma
Hiking GatG, Volcano GatG
You’ve probably heard of Gran Canaria and Tenerife. Well, La Palma is in the same group of the islands; the Canaries. It’s one of the smallest lesser-known islands but it has just as much nature as the big guys. It’s the type of island that attracts the maturer solo, especially if you like hiking. It’s not really known for its party atmosphere (head to Tenerife for that). Instead it’s the place to relax, visit a small winery, hike a volcanic crater, see a blue lake, wander around the colonial old town, and emerge yourself in nature. Plus, you can practice your Spanish too!
- La Palma is: nature, hiking, volcanoes, slow island life
- Solo rating – first time solo
- Read Solo La Palma guide
7. Oman
Heritage GatG, Nature GatG
Oman is another destination worth adding to your list for 2026. Not just because it’s beautiful (although it really is breathtaking). It’s one of those rare places that still feels wonderfully untouched, where you can drive for miles past mountains and desert. I think it’s a magical place that feels like you’re stepping back in time. It’s such a country for heritage with traditional forts, ancient souks, and UNESCO sites.
You can hike and swim in wadis and hidden pools and lose yourself in desert dunes. Oman consistently ranks as one of the safer places to travel in the Middle East, which is reassuring if you’re heading out on your own. If you’re craving space, nature and a slower pace of travel, this is an ideal country to visit.
- Oman is: desert landscapes, heritage, safe Middle East gem
- Solo rating – first time solo
- Read Solo Oman guide
8. Palau
Cultural GatG, Diving GatG
If you are in Australia or New Zealand, this Pacific island is really easy to travel to. (You can also reach there from Taiwan). It’s one of the cleanest islands that I visited in the Pacific and also the safest. Palau is such an education in war history in the Pacific and you can see relics remaining from WWII. There are more than 340 islands here so the snorkelling and diving here are world-class.
Palau is deeply rooted in tradition and you can learn about the culture and the roles of the clan and chiefs. Peleliu Island is an interesting island to visit with so much history including caves where the Japanese soldiers hid during the war. If you’re looking for a cultural, peaceful, clean destination in Oceania, this is the one!
- Palau is: pristine diving, conservation-led travel, War history
- Solo rating – first time solo
- Read Solo Palau guide
9. Sao Tome
Nature GatG
This Portuguese-speaking island on the continent of Africa, and I must admit that I didn’t know where it was until I actually went there. Located south of Angola (one of the most expensive African countries!) this interesting country is made up of two islands. Sao Tome, and Principe.
What makes this country so different is that if feels that the island of Sao Tome is divided in half. Half has lush rainforests, whilst heading north? Has a more arid feel. And the capital has old colonial Portuguese buildings. But it isn’t really a destination for a first-timer. But if you fancy somewhere different and you’re in Africa (there are direct flights from Angola) then look it up!
- Sao Tome is: wild, volcanic, remote, eco-adventure.
- Solo rating – seasoned solo
10. Sierra Leona
History GatG
All I knew about this African country before I visited was what I had seen depicted on the movie, Blood Diamond. I had no expectations and like anywhere where you travel with an open mind, you have the absolute best experiences. Sierra Leone is one of the friendliest countries I have been to.
The locals are so intrigued that you have travelled to their country, and genuinely want to help you if you get lost or find out more about you. You can visit a chimpanzee sanctuary, watch traditional dance at the Turtle Islands, and learn about the history at the National Museum. It’s a country that stays with you long after you leave.
- Sierra Leone is: raw, rebuilding, meaningful, community impact.
- Solo rating – seasoned solo
So there you go. My 10 emerging destinations for solo female travellers this year. Each one has a different feel, and there’s one for you, no matter what your comfort level. Have I inspired you with any of these destinations?
