Table of Contents
Introduction
What are the best countries for Black women to solo travel? It’s a question I get asked all the time and I see it a lot on threads every single day. Black women rightly asking, where is safe to solo travel for Black women. So today, I’m finally sharing my answer to this question. Because as I’ve said on many many occasions being a Black woman in this world comes with so layers, and those layers don’t disappear when we travel. In fact I would say they are somewhat amplified. There are certain things we are more aware of. Certain environments we are more sensitive to. And certain experiences we simply cannot ignore.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a list of solo travel for women destinations where you can feel confident, safe, and inspired. After travelling more than 30+ countries solo myself I’ve included places where I personally felt welcomed, not questioned. Seen, not exoticised. Comfortable enough to just exist and enjoy the experience. Being able to solo travel for Black women because it’s your birth right!
Solo travel for women even more so as a Black woman has been one of the most liberating things I’ve ever done. I took my first solo trip to Berlin for my 25th birthday and fell in love with the experience. Still till this day I am shocked I did that all by myself. Since my first solo trip, I’ve travelled more and more solo and less say I have I now have the solo travel bug! And I have to admit every time I travel solo I learn more about myself where I am deeply satisfied at how well I am able to organise a trip by myself from start to finish.
Not everyone can do this. You know that right? Planning a trip by yourself gives you something. It gives me confidence and the real sense of self. The ability to see the world on my own terms.
If you also want to hear from other solo travel for Black women that have travelled around the world. I’ve created a post where 10 Black women share where is safe for Black women to travel solo around the world and they have been kind enough to share where they felt safe solo travelling as a Black women with me. Read that here.
Related posts:
- 5 Best European Countries for Solo Travel As A Black Woman
- 5 Amazing Underrated Destinations For Black Women to Visit Solo
- 5 Travel Insurance for Solo Travellers Worldwide
Key Things to Know Before Your Solo Travel Trip
| Travel Insurance | Data Usage | Tours/Activities |
| Get travel insurance, I recommend anyone travelling solo should have travel insurance which you can get via SafetyWing here. | Use Airlo, an e-SIM card, for data. You can purchase it here and use the code ADEBOL5279 for a discount. | Tours with GetYourGuide and Viator can be booked online and will also accept credit cards, but you may wish to have some cash on hand for tips after the tours. |
I have a solo travel for wome hub that will help you with all you solo travels as a Black women – Solo Travel Tips & Inspiration
MBV’s 16 Best Countries Where I Felt Most Comfortable as a Black Women Solo Travelling
Here is a breakdown of each countries safe for solo female travellers that I would suggest, with full guides of where I have stayed, what to do and more:
1. Malta
I just did Malta this year and have to say that it is one of the easiest solo trips I’ve ever done in my life. The country is small, easy to get around, the food is good and it’s very relaxing. I didn’t once ever feel overwhelmed at any point, which makes it a perfect country for Black women to travel solo. And the beauty of travelling solo was that I was able to explore at my own pace and just enjoy the experience without overthinking anything. As a Black woman, it felt like one of those destinations where you can just be and actually blend in as it is a country that is super diverse.
It’s perfect for anyone that is a travel foodie too as there is so much to eat. I had rabbit stew, Ftira, Carbonara (although many would argue this is Italian). I also visited some really beautiful places like Mdina, Rabat and more. You can read my Malta travel guide here.
2. Singapore
If you’re looking for a destination that is safe, structured, and easy to navigate, Singapore is one of the best places to start. I will also say Singapore because I love Singapore. I actually lived in Singapore as a student for a semester and have gone back since as a solo traveller, and both experiences were just perfect. And the food is just great.
What stood out to me was how safe I felt moving around independently. I could use public transport late at night, walk through the city alone, and not feel on edge ever. As a Black woman, I didn’t ever feel people stared at me and I certainly didn’t ever feel out of place. Singapore is incredibly diverse, and I mean incredibly diverse which makes a difference in how you are perceived. Read my Singapore travel guide here.
3. Colombia
I loved Colombia. I spent nearly a week in Cartagena, and what made it stand out immediately was the strong Afro-Caribbean presence that I just didn’t expect despite all my research on the country. There is something about being in a place where you see people that look like you that instantly makes you feel more at ease. Not to mention the city is vibrant, colourful, and the food is truly amazing. Read about it: Cooking Travel Talks: What I Cooked & Learnt Around the World
I won’t say “don’t be aware” because you should always be mindful anywhere, but I will say I never felt isolated. The streets are lively, especially in the old town, and I met other travellers very easily.
In both Singapore and Cartagena you can get around very easily with Uber which makes things simple, and the energy of the city made solo travel for Black women feel less intimidating. If you want somewhere social, warm, and culturally rich, Cartagena is a beautiful choice. Read my Colombia guide here.
4. Croatia
Croatia was one of those places where I didn’t expect to feel as comfortable as I did. I just want to go back and experience it again and again because I loved it so much. It’s one of those European countries that you genuinely just feel at ease (I also have a list of European Countries that are solo travel for women friendly, read – 5 Amazing European Countries to Travel Solo As A Black Woman .
I found both locals and tourists to be open and friendly, and I never felt like I stood out in a negative way. There was a calmness to the experience that made solo travel for me feel very natural. The cities are stunning, the food is good, and you can also combine Croatia with Montenegro also. It’s a great option if you want Europe, but without the overwhelming energy of bigger cities. Read my full Croatia travel guide here.
5. Tunisia
Tunisia is one of those destinations that people don’t talk about enough. Even though I initially went for work, I paid attention to how I felt in the environment, and that’s always my biggest indicator of whether I would recommend a place for solo travel.
What stood out to me here was how normal I felt. There is a visible Black community, and because of that, I wasn’t stared at or made to feel like an outsider. That alone made a huge difference to my experience. The local people were also incredibly kind and welcoming, and I did a number of tours and moved around without feeling uncomfortable. Tunisia is definitely one to consider solo if you want something different. Read the Tunisia travel guide here.
6. United States of America (USA)
Now I know USA may be somewhat controversial with everything ongoing but I have done a few States in the US and I would say it is a pretty straightforward forward destination option, especially if you’re an English speaker. I think it also helps that I’m Black British also.
I’ve now travelled solo to places like New York, New Orleans and Las Vegas, and what made it easy for me was the familiarity. You already understand the culture to some degree, which removes a layer of anxiety. I remember walking in Manhattan at 1am in the morning with a 23kg suitcase and still feeling confident because the city truly doesn’t really sleep. Of course, like any major city, you need to be aware of your surroundings. But overall, it’s a very manageable solo travel destination.
7. Morocco
Morocco like Singapore is my second home and will always have my heart. For me Morocco is one of those destinations that people either love or feel unsure about, especially as a solo women travelling. Cities like Marrakech are busy, intense, and full of energy. You do get attention here and there and you need to be confident in how you move. But what I found is that once you understand the environment, it becomes much easier to navigate. When I travelled through Morocco I used trains almost all the time, stayed in Riads, booked activities via GetYourGuide and Viator, which made my experience feel a lot more comfortable. Read my Moroccan travel guides here.
8. Japan
Japan is one of the safest countries I’ve ever visited in my life. I did Japan in 2013 partly solo because my friends arrived later and then left earlier as I wanted to stay in Japan longer. The country is incredibly efficient, organised, and extremely respectful. Everyone just focuses on themselves and like most places I have mentioned the food is just delicious!
As a Black woman, I didn’t ever once feel uncomfortable. People may be curious, but it never felt invasive or disrespected and I went in 2013 where I feel like travelling solo as a Black women was more of a taboo than it is now. If safety is your top concern, Japan should be high on your list. Read my full guide on Japan here.
9. Serbia
Serbia is one of those places that people don’t usually think of. I didn’t think of it until I was living in the Balkan region but I’m so glad I went because I can Serbia becoming more of a destination for solo travellers in the next few years. I arrived in Belgrade and found it to be super easy to explore solo. The city has a strong social energy, and I never once felt isolated. The locals were so welcoming to me and so friendly. I went out in the evenings to Christmas markets and loved it.
Now yes, yes a Black woman, you will stand out. I certainly did when I travelled to Zlatibor from Belgrade by bus by myself for three hours. But and there is always a but. I never once ever experienced anything negative from the locals. People were super helpful and so kind to me.
For me Serbia is one of those destinations where confidence matters, but once you’re comfortable, it’s a great experience. Read my full Serbia guide here.
10. Guatemala
Aww I just got back from Guatemala and I have to say it was one of those trips where I really connected with the culture, especially through food and local experiences. There was so many similarities with the food and Nigeria that I knew immediately that I was going to enjoy it. Travelling Guatemala so was just perfect and I would highly recommend it to anyone that is looking to explore Central America.
The city is small, walkable, and filled with other travellers, which makes it easy to meet people. I also took a cooking class here, and experiences like that make solo travel for women can feel a lot less intimidating.
If you’re someone who enjoys culture, food, and slower travel, Guatemala is a beautiful option for you. You will learn about Mayan culture, eat great food have a brain reset with all the beautiful colours and just love it. Find out more in my Guatemalan guide here.
11. Luxembourg
Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in Europe and one of the most peaceful countries I’ve visited. It’s clean, very easy to explore and navigate and because transport is free for tourist is makes it soo ideal for solo travel.
Travelling here solo as a Black women I found it very diverse so I blended in really well and remember thinking how calm and safe it felt just walking around. It’s the kind of place where you can just exist without feeling overwhelmed. If you’re looking for a quiet, low-stress solo trip, Luxembourg is a great option. Read my full Luxembourg guide here.
12. Kenya
Kenya will always have a special place in my heart. Wooow another place I will always call home. The energy, the people, the culture, everything is just perfect. I went for my birthday last year and just loved it. Oh and it was my 60th country.
As a solo traveller, I always felt safe, but I would still recommend structuring parts of your trip, especially for things like safaris or longer journeys and that’s if you’re going solo or with a group. What stood out the most for me was the warmth of the people. There’s a genuine kindness that you feel when you arrive and that made my solo experience even more special. Read my Kenyan travel guide here.
13. France (Lyon)
I caught a cheap flight to Lyon because I wanted to put my French to the test and J’étais amoureux (I was in love). The city felt like a softer, more relaxed version of France compared to Paris. Lyon is also known for its food, and as someone who loves travelling for the food, I really enjoyed just exploring, eating, and taking my time in the city as a solo traveller.
I felt super at ease moving around alone, the trains and trams were also very easy to navigate with GoogleMaps. You can read where I stayed and ate here.
14. Italy (Venice)
Venice is one of those places that feels like a movie like an actual movie. I have been meaning to go to Venice for the longest time and while I was in London I stole a cheeky flight to Venice for the day for just £25! Bargain right?
I had been to Italy many times (Milan, Bologna, Pisa, Florence and more…). I started the trip with a food tour and loved every minute of it. I am a lover of pasta and all things Italy so Venice was perfect.
As a Black women travelling solo you will literally just blend in because everything is easy to explore around the city. You can read my day trip guide here.
15. Indonesia (Bali)
I’ve been to Bali a few times, the first when I lived in Singapore as a student and the second time when I travelled back in 2019 to be a bridesmaid for my friends wedding. Both times were different for me, as I went as a student and then again with a little more money.
I would say Bali and Thailand (I didn’t go solo) are some of the most popular destinations for solo Black travellers, and I can absolutely see why. The food is great, there is so much to do and there are so many other solo travellers there that you will never ever feel alone. Read my full Bali guide here.
16. Germany (Berlin)
And how can I forget my first solo trip? Like my first official solo trip where I planned from start to finish by myself. I can’t believe it more than a decade (10 years) since I did my first official official solo trip. It was my first time in Germany and for some reason I haven’t gone back since, but I certainly need to because it is one of those easy, straightforward trips that you should just take. My guide may be slightly outdated but use it as a starter for 10 here.
Tips for Black Women Travelling Solo
- Start off small (take baby steps), you may want to do a solo trip in the country you are in. Like a stay-caution. Take yourself out on a date, go for dinner. Or even to the cinema.
- Always (and I don’t say this lightly). Trust your instincts. They are usually right.
- Don’t tell the world you are travelling solo. It’s not for everyone to know. Tell people you are travelling for work or your friend/partner is back at the hotel, etc. Whatever it is, keep your mouth closed!
- Do some research on other Black solo travel bloggers and watch some vlogs before going. I would suggest Abena from @travellingtuesdays, Char from Memories & Musings or Tolu from @tolscreates for starters, all Black Women who do a lot of solo travel around the world.
- Learn some local language phrases like hello, goodbye, thank you, etc.
- Learn how to use Google Maps; it’s important to get around.
- Find Black expat or local Facebook groups ahead of your travels and connect.
- Don’t be afraid to say no or walk away from uncomfortable energy. Something I don’t take lightly. If you don’t feel safe, leave immediately, no matter where it is or what it is.
- Book your tours/day trips with companies like GetYourGuide and Viator for your own personal tour guide.
- And finally always have travel insurance as a solo traveller it is soo important you can get it via SafetyWing here.
FAQs: Solo Travel for Black Women
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Is it safe for Black women to travel solo?
Yes, but it depends on the destination. In this guide, I’ve shared countries where I personally felt safe, comfortable and welcomed travelling solo as a Black woman.
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What are the safest countries for Black female travellers?
Some of the safest countries include Singapore, Japan, Malta, and Luxembourg due to their low crime rates and ease of navigation.
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Where should Black women travel solo for the first time?
If it’s your first solo trip, start with destinations like Singapore, Malta or the Indonesia (Bali) where everything is easy to navigate
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How do I book tours and activities while travelling solo?
You can easily book your tours/day trips with companies like GetYourGuide and Viator for your own personal tour guides.
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Do I need travel insurance when travelling solo?
Oh my gosh yes! This is so important especially as a solo traveller it is soo important you can get it via SafetyWing here.
Final Views on Solo Travel for Black Women
The number of people that I have encouraged to solo travel is truly astonishing. And it gives me so much joy to see people just go out and see the world for themselves. Solo travel is your birthright. The world belongs to you, too. Don’t let fear or ignorance limit you. You deserve to move freely, feel joy, and create beautiful memories on your own terms. Without limits. Because God doesn’t move with limits, why should you?
Worth noting: I also have a full post on countries that other Black women have travelled solo to – 10 Amazing Black Women Sharing Their Favourite Solo Travel Destinations. It features 10 incredible women sharing their experiences around the world. Definitely give it a read! And I now have a Solo Travel Hub that I keep updated frequently. It has all the tips and things you need to get ready for your solo trips.
If this list got you dreaming, it’s time to start planning. Join my Solo Travel Challenge in September, it’s free, and it’s your first step toward your first (or next) solo trip. Join now
Can’t wait to see you onboard.
Debs MBV x
