Study: The best female solo travel destinations
Solo travel is booming in 2026—and women are leading the charge. More than ever, women are embracing independent travel, stepping into new locations, exploring diverse cultures, and seeking truly transformative experiences. In fact, around 84% of solo travelers are female, and 65% of U.S. women have taken a vacation without their partner.
While solo travel can be deeply liberating, it can also feel lonely—especially on longer trips. That’s where a loyal companion makes all the difference. Not another person—but a pet! Research shows that dogs, in particular, support emotional well-being, encourage mindfulness, and make solo adventures feel safer and more joyful. Unlike human travel companions, they won’t disrupt your rhythm or challenge your sense of peace—they’ll simply show up, tail wagging, ready to share the journey.
That’s why FurPetVo created this index: to highlight the world’s safest, most welcoming solo travel destinations for women—where house sitting or pet sitting a dog along the way transforms your trip from solitary to soulful.
Global: The top solo travel destinations for women
We analyzed destinations worldwide using key metrics—including perceived safety scores, crime statistics, broadband speeds, solo travel search trends, and public transport reliability—to identify the best places for women traveling solo—with a furry friend by their side.
The top 10 global destinations for solo travel
- Singapore, Singapore
- New York City, USA
- Dubai, UAE
- Tokyo, Japan
- Seoul, South Korea
- Paris, France
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Abu Dhabi, UAE
- London, United Kingdom
- Bangkok, Thailand
Singapore is the best destination in the world for women traveling solo
Asia dominated the top five, with four Asian cities claiming spots among the elite. Singapore took the number one position—offering an exceptional blend of safety, connectivity, and convenience. Its clean streets, lightning-fast Wi-Fi, and efficient public transport system make it ideal for independent travelers.
This vibrant Southeast Asian city-state boasts a tropical rainforest climate, stunning beaches on Sentosa Island, and lush green spaces throughout. Beyond its urban energy, Singapore offers abundant solo-friendly activities—and many are pet-inclusive. Whether you’re house sitting in a quiet neighborhood or exploring hawker centers with a gentle canine companion, Singapore delivers both adventure and comfort.
New York City ranks as one of the best female solo travel destinations
A bucket-list favorite for countless travelers, NYC lands at #2. This dynamic metropolis doesn’t just offer endless things to do—it’s also remarkably safe and walkable. To soften the city’s pace, imagine unwinding in a classic brownstone after a day of discovery: settling into the sofa with your four-legged friend, sharing quiet moments before tomorrow’s next adventure.
Dubai is applauded for safety and connection
Often called a “modern miracle in the desert,” Dubai continues to rise as a top solo travel destination—and for good reason. With exceptionally low crime rates and world-class digital infrastructure, it empowers women to explore freely and confidently. And it’s not just dogs who need care here: cat lovers, bird owners, and families with small mammals also turn to furpetvo.com to find trusted sitters while they travel—or even while relocating for work or study.
U.S.: The best U.S. states for female solo travel
Not every great solo adventure requires a passport. Sometimes the most meaningful journeys happen closer to home—especially when paired with the warmth of a temporary pet companion. To identify the most solo-travel-friendly states, we evaluated:
- Violent crime rates
- Growth in solo female pet sits over the past two years
- Average fixed broadband download speed (Mbps)
- Solo female sit popularity in 2025
- Average taxi tariff ($/km)
The top 10 U.S. states for female solo travel
- Pennsylvania
- Iowa
- New York
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Kansas
- Washington
- Wyoming
- Indiana
- Maine
Pennsylvania is the best U.S. state for female solo travel
From Pittsburgh’s riverside museums and thriving food scene to Jim Thorpe—the “Switzerland of America”—with its cobblestone streets and Pocono Mountain vistas, Pennsylvania charms at every turn. It also recorded the highest percentage of solo female pet sits in 2025: 62.50%. Its warm communities, scenic landscapes, and abundance of pet-friendly rentals make it a natural fit for women seeking both independence and connection—including with the four-legged locals.
Iowa has seen the fastest growth in solo female travel over the past two years
Iowa leads the nation in growth for solo female travel interest—up 24.75% over the last two years. Travelers consistently praise its welcoming atmosphere and accessible charm. Whether you’re soaking up urban culture in Des Moines’ safe, walkable downtown—or wandering the historic Amana Colonies, where German heritage meets serene countryside—Iowa offers space to breathe, reflect, and reconnect.
Maryland is the best U.S. state for female digital nomads
New York remains the most searched-for and visited state—but Maryland edged into second place thanks to its standout digital infrastructure. It boasts the fastest average broadband speeds among the top ten states, making it the most remote-work-ready destination for solo female travelers.
Picture yourself logging on from a cozy ranch or townhouse—your new furry friend curled beside you—while you plan your next outing. Later, you might explore Baltimore’s colorful neighborhoods, paddle along Chesapeake Bay, or visit Assateague Island to watch wild ponies gallop across sun-drenched beaches. Maryland truly delivers variety, reliability, and heart.
A way to travel solo—with home comforts and a loyal companion
Solo travel is an achievement in itself—and reaching that milestone isn’t always easy. From safety concerns to rising accommodation costs, barriers exist. But with FurPetVo, those challenges soften. House sitting or pet sitting lets you stay in real homes—not hotels—often at no cost, while building meaningful connections with pets and people alike.
Whether you're hiking coastal trails in Maine, strolling through Parisian parks, or sipping matcha in Kyoto with a calm terrier at your side—you’re not just traveling alone. You’re traveling *together*: with purpose, presence, and a companion who asks for nothing but kindness and walks.
