As Female Solo Travel Rises, Here Are Three Unique Destinations To Explore In 2026 – From An Expert

Is solo travel the way to go?
As Female solo travel continues to surge globally, driven by a mix of economic independence, flexible work, wellness culture, and the rise of digital storytelling platforms that normalize — and celebrate — women exploring the world on their own terms.
Women now account for the majority of solo travel bookings worldwide. And as the category matures, more travelers are looking beyond traditional “intro to solo travel” destinations and toward deeper, culturally rich experiences that expand perspective.
To explore some of the more unexpected — yet rewarding — places for women traveling alone, we sat down with Angelique Chamberlain, Travel Writer for Los Angeles Times Studios. Angelique has traveled to 103 countries across all seven continents over the past 20 years. Her mission has been simple, she says:
“See the world. Learn from it. Leave with more curiosity than you arrived with.”
Chamberlain offers a few key principles she lives by:
Book major hotels for solo trips; save boutiques for group travel
Have your hotel arrange transport & tours
Dress appropriately for the local culture
Share your location with a trusted contact
Enjoy restaurants — but limit alcohol until you’re safely back at the hotel
Above all, she emphasizes confidence and curiosity.
“Travel alone doesn’t mean traveling lonely,” she says. “It means you’re open — to yourself, and to the world.”
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Here are Angelique’s three recommendations for solo women travelers looking for meaningful exploration in 2026.
1. Tunis, Tunisia — History, Texture, and Timeless Beauty
“On my quest to visit the former land of great military commanders, I booked a trip to Tunisia to follow in the footsteps of Hannibal Barca,” Angelique shares — referencing the famed general from the Second Punic War. Today, Carthage— once a powerful Mediterranean civilization — sits as part of Tunisia, layering modern life atop deep antiquity.
“Tunis itself is fantastic,” she says. “It’s a unique blend of African, Middle Eastern, and European architecture.”
A standout moment was Sidi Bou Said, a cliffside town just outside Tunis famous for its blue-and-white architecture, artisan shops, relaxed cafés, and rooftop terraces overlooking the sea.
“It feels cinematic,” she says. “Quietly glamorous, but grounded.”
Tunisia also holds some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world, including:
Dougga — a remarkably intact Roman town
El Djem — a 35,000-seat amphitheater that rivals the Colosseum
Hotel Picks:
The Four Seasons Hotel Tunis
The Tunis Marriott Hotel
“They both offer international-standard hospitality,” something she recommends for first-time solo travelers in the region.
2. Siem Reap, Cambodia — Spiritual Grandeur Meets Quiet Luxury
Siem Reap is home to Angkor Wat, a 12th-century Hindu temple complex and the world’s largest religious monument. Once the seat of the Khmer Empire, Angkor was eventually reclaimed by the jungle before being rediscovered by French explorers centuries later.
“Standing inside Angkor Wat feels like stepping into another era,” Angelique says. “It’s majestic, serene, and profoundly moving.”
She also recommends Ta Prohm Temple, the hauntingly beautiful ruin famously featured in Tomb Raider — where towering trees grow through ancient stone walls.
“It’s one of the most photogenic places on earth,” she adds.
Siem Reap offers an elegant balance of authenticity and comfort — a blend many solo travelers value.
Hotel Picks:
Park Hyatt Siem Reap — centrally located, peaceful, refined. Enjoy an evening Apsara dance performance in the courtyard.
Amansara — a sanctuary-like luxury stay offering private guided museum tours.
3. Saudi Arabia — Unexpected Warmth and Extraordinary Landscapes
“Saudi Arabia had been on my bucket list for years,” She says. “But my hesitation was safety and how people in a strict Muslim country would treat an American woman.”
The experience surprised her.
“People could not have been nicer,” she shares. While she chose not to wear a hijab or abaya, she dressed modestly — and was welcomed everywhere.
The food, hospitality, and history were highlights.
“I’d return for the cuisine alone,” as she laughs.
Her journey included visits to Riyadh, A dynamic mix of modern development and historic culture. A key stop was Al Diriyah, the original Saudi capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site. She also recommends the Kingdom Centre Skybridge for breathtaking sunset views 99 stories above the city. And AlUla. “One of the most unique places I’ve ever seen,” she says. Home to Hegra, a Nabataean archaeological site similar to Petra — and the striking Banyan Tree AlUla resort surrounded by red-orange desert rock formations. The property also houses Maraya, the world’s largest mirrored building.
Hotel Picks:
Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel — Diriyah
Banyan Tree AlUla — other-worldly desert elegance
As solo female travel continues its upward global trajectory, destinations like Tunisia, Siem Reap, and Saudi Arabia offer something increasingly rare in tourism: depth.
And for many women, that’s the real luxury.