Solo travel can be daunting, even moreso as a black woman who needs to consider safety and cultural acceptance in different destinations. Solo travel can also be incredibly liberating and an opportunity to see the world while also gaining incredible levels of confidence. Traveling solo has given me the chance to visit places I never thought I’d be able to see and have some pretty amazing experiences that I wouldn’t have had if I waited for someone to be able to join me, and I think every black woman should take a solo trip at least once. While everyone’s experience will vary, in my opinion these are some of the best solo trips for black women looking to travel internationally!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a commission (at no cost to you) if you decide to make a purchase through one of my links.
1. Portugal
Portugal has been gaining a lot of traction due to tourism, and there’s a reason why. It boasts charming cities where you can explore cobblestone streets, historic architecture, stunning castles and cultural landmarks, and consistently ranks as one of the best destinations for black people to visit. From the historic streets of Lisbon to the wine and port tastings in the picturesque city of Porto to the sun-kissed beaches of the Algarve, Portugal offers a ton of different experiences for solo travelers.
Portugal has a diverse population, and while the majority of the population is of European descent, there is also a small but growing black population, primarily composed of individuals with African or Afro-Caribbean heritage, increasing in recent years due to immigration and a growing multicultural environment.
Additionally, there is a significant Afro-Portuguese community, which includes individuals of African descent born in Portugal or those who have acquired Portuguese citizenship. Portugal is also becoming a popular destination for black expats. Overall, I found the locals to be warm and welcoming, I never felt unsafe, and would recommend it to other black women who want to visit solo.
2. Thailand
Thailand is one of those destinations that has something for every type of tourist. You can learn about its culture during temple visits, explore bustling markets in Bangkok, relax on serene islands with pristine beaches, appreciate nature at elephant sanctuaries or national parks, and taste local delicacies on street food tours and cooking classes. Thailand is also an extremely affordable destination (not including the flight to get there), making it friendly towards both budget and luxury travelers.
Thailand is known for its warm hospitality and cultural diversity. I found the locals to generally be friendly and welcoming to tourists. Any comments made from locals seem to come from curiosity rather than malice. As a woman, I also felt safe the entire time I was there.
Thailand is also becoming a destination for black expats due to its low cost of living, warm climate, and vibrant culture. Overall, Thailand is one of my favorite places I’ve visited, and I would love to go back one day. In my opinion it definitely makes the list of top solo trips for black women.
Thailand Travel Guides
3. Japan
Japan consistently ranks as one of the best solo trips for black women and for good reason. There is SO much to do that even two weeks won’t feel like enough time! As a first time visitor, I did the classic Tokyo – Kyoto – Osaka circuit and still felt like there was so much left to see. Between the beautiful temples, delicious food, historic sites, stunning nature, trendy neighborhoods, and shopping galore, you’ll never run out of things to do.
Japan also has one of the best public transit systems in the world, so it’s incredibly easy to get around. Crime is low so it’s fairly safe for solo travelers. Japan also is friendly towards solo diners, and it’s not uncommon to see single seat tables and booths at restaurants.
One thing to note is that if you have tattoos you need to check entry requirements for onsens, as Japan still associates tattoos with the yakuza. However, there are a few tattoo friendly onsens, and some onsens will allow entry as long as you cover the tattoos with a large bandage.
4. Iceland
If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to visit another realm, then you need to go to Iceland. Iceland truly is a land of stunning natural wonders. From the relaxing Blue Lagoon to cascading waterfalls like Skógafoss, Iceland’s dramatic beauty really does seem shaped by fire and ice. For black women searching for a bucket list experience, the Northern Lights are also often visible during the winter months, making it a truly ethereal destination.
Iceland consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world, making it a unique destination for black women to visit solo. In terms of diversity, Iceland does have a fairly homogenous population, but I found locals to be respectful and welcoming to visitors from different backgrounds. Overall I felt extremely safe in Iceland and would love to go back.
5. Mexico
One of my favorite solo trips I’ve taken was to Mexico City, Mexico. While I was only there for 4 days, I immediately fell in love. There’s so much incredible food ranging from the best street tacos you’ve ever had all the way to Michelin star fine dining. There’s countless museums to visit, beautiful neighborhoods to explore, and stunning architecture to see. It truly has something for every type of traveler whether you are a foodie, adventurer (you can ride a hot air balloon over pyramids just outside of the city!), or looking for culture.
Mexico City is also fairly safe for solo travelers, especially if you stick to the tourist areas, and I never felt unsafe during my visit. There’s a large expat community and it’s easy to meet other solo travelers if you’re looking to be social.
Mexico Travel Guides
6. Bali
While Bali is often associated with romantic getaways or fun girls’ trips, it’s definitely possible to have an amazing time while visiting solo. Whether you’re looking for the perfect instagram shot of the iconic Bali swings, testing out your culinary skills with a Balinese cooking class, or relaxing at your hotel or private villa, there’s plenty to do as a solo traveler.
Bali is generally considered to be fairly safe, but as always you’ll want to take the usual precautions when visiting a foreign country. Also avoid drinking tap water unless you want to get the infamous bali belly! While there’s a ton of group excursions you can book, it’s also fairly affordable to hire a private driver for the day, and they are often happy to take pictures for you so you don’t have to worry about bringing a tripod or asking strangers!
7. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is filled with lush rainforests and diverse ecosystems, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, adventure seekers, wildlife lovers, and beach bums. There is so much to do, whether it’s Zip-lining through the rainforest, relaxing on sandy beaches, hiking next to volcanoes, or taking a dip in one of the country’s many hot springs, making it a great option for solo trips for black women.
Costa Rica is famous for its “Pura Vida” lifestyle, emphasizing a laid back, friendly, and positive way of living. It’s known for its friendly locals and an inclusive atmosphere, and I felt welcomed the entire time I was there. Costa Rica also has an Afro-Caribbean population concentrated in the Limon province, making up nearly a quarter of the local population.
The country is quickly becoming a haven for black expats, who cite the country’s welcoming culture, beautiful scenery, and low cost of living as reasons to make the move. In general, Costa Rica is considered safe for tourists, but you should still exercise common sense and be aware of your surroundings.
Costa Rica Travel Guides
8. United Kingdom
The first solo trip I ever took was to London, over 10 years ago! There’s plenty to do as a solo traveler like afternoon tea at the Jane Austen center in Bath, seeing the Rosetta stone at the British Museum, visiting the iconic landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, or trying the classic fish and chips at a local pub. You can also line up in the morning to get heavily discounted tickets to shows on West End (I got to see Wicked in the front row for only $30!)
London has a great public transit system so it’s easy to get around, and their high speed trains also makes it easy to take day trips to other parts of the country. Since English is the official language of the UK, communication was also super easy since there was no language barrier.
There’s a pretty large black British population, as well as immigrants from countries all over Africa. While the touristy areas of London are safe, you do need to be on the lookout for pickpockets who are known to snatch people’s phones and purses when they let their guard down.
Leave a Reply