Top local and international destinations for female travellers to explore safely
Fun, fearless and inquisitive. More women are taking on the courage to explore the world around them.
From solo female travel to travelling in groups, women are leading the pack when it comes to shaping these travel trends.
Whether riding solo or in the comfort of a group of friends, female travellers are jet-setting around the globe in search of new friends, different cultures and memorable experiences.
However, safety is the biggest concern when travelling as a woman and female travellers are always on the look out for the easiest and safest destinations to explore.
A growing number of celebrities and influencers are also hosting group tours and experiences connecting wanderlust females from all walks of life, making the experience fun and safe.
This Women’s Month, here are several safe local and international destinations and experiences to explore.
Culture trip: Japan
For a female traveller looking for a cultured experience, Japan is an ideal destination. The island country is generally safe for female travellers and you can comfortably walk the streets without verbal street harassment or being bothered.
Big on respect, the beauty of Japan is that you can experience its culture everywhere from within the grounds of the country's ancient shrines and temples, in the trendy streets of Harajuku, at a friendly izakaya (place to drink) or at a lively festival.
Where to go? Kyoto City is Japan’s cultural heart, drawing visitors to its historic streets and renowned temples. For a deeper understanding of Kyoto’s cultural and spiritual heritage, head to the quiet northern region.
Explore rural towns and charming coastal villages, and enjoy authentic temple stay (shukubo) experiences.
You can book a stay at a temple for a taste of temple life and experience shukubo, like the ancient Buddhist monks and rejuvenate your mental health.
Consider a stay at Temple Hotel Shoureki-ji in Kyoto starting from R9 751 a night per person.
Soft living and wine experience: South Africa
From MCC sparkling wine to rose to chardonnay, South Africa is great wine destination for oenophiles looking to experience the soft life on a budget.
The Stellenbosch region boasts more than 150 wineries opening their cellar doors to visitor and the region is generally safe for female travellers boasting low crime rates.
Stellenbosch is one of the safest towns in South Africa where you can let loose and relax with ease.
The town is also the second oldest town in the country surrounded by the vineyards of the Cape Winelands and the mountainous nature reserves of Jonkershoek and Simonsberg.
The town's oak-shaded streets are lined with cafés, boutiques and art galleries. Cape Dutch architecture gives a sense of South Africa's Dutch colonial history, as do the Village Museum's period houses and gardens.
Consider a stay at the 5-star Clouds Estate and explore the region to your heart’s content starting from R3 276 a night for 2.
Island living on Lamu Island off the coast: Kenya
A hidden gem, Lamu Island is the best place to go if you’re a female traveller seeking the island life, African style.
Lying just off Kenya‘s far north coast is a string of beautiful Indian Ocean islands – Lamu, Manda, Pate, Kiwayu and Manda Toto – known collectively as the Lamu Archipelago.
An area of archaeological and historical interest as well as great natural beauty, these islands are well worth visiting for a more tranquil and away-from-the-crowds Kenya beach holiday, especially when compared to the busier and more developed central and southern parts of the coast.
Lamu Island, a Unesco World Heritage Site since 2001 and a centre of Swahili and Islamic culture for over 700 years, is the most popular and most developed of the islands and its hotels have gained a well-deserved reputation for delivering a superb ‘barefoot luxury’ experience.
Expect great beaches, dazzling coral reefs, a wealth of activities, great cuisine and friendly, discreet service while on a Lamu holiday.
Consider a stay at The Majlis Hotel Lamu starting from R9 154 a night for 2.
Fusion between technology and nature: Singapore
From the city’s stunning skyline to iconic landmarks such as Marina Bay Sands and the Gardens by the Bay, Singapore is jam-packed with iconic attractions.
The city-state seamlessly mixes technology, innovation, and natural beauty making visiting Singapore an unforgettable experience.
For female travellers looking to travel in time to the future, The “Lion City” is known worldwide as a safe destination for travellers and the has a low crime rate and a low murder rate compared to other countries.
Singapore is constantly innovating, blending its traditional roots with contemporary technology and has a rich heritage clearly visible in its architecture, monuments, and cultural heritage sites.
It sits seamlessly alongside vibrant nightlife and world-class shopping destinations. The aesthetic vision of the city runs throughout, from the airport to downtown and the beauty in the country is that you can explore this futuristic world safely.
Consider a stay at Pan Pacific Singapore starting from R5 950.
A taste of Europe: Croatia
For the female traveller looking to for a taste of Europe, Croatia is an ideal and affordable destination. The European country is home to some truly spectacular scenery with its stunning coastline, crystal-clear waters and historic walled towns.
It also has one of the most preferable climates with plenty of sunshine throughout the year.
However, it can get very busy in summer with tourists flocking to coastal towns. Shoulder season is the perfect time to explore this Balkan country as it won’t be too hot or too busy.
Croatia possesses a hoard of historic coastal towns and unspoilt islands. The destination is perfect for travellers looking for a lazy day at the beach or a wild weekend at a niche festival.
The country’s continental side showcases some stunning examples of its heritage, from the preserved walled city of Dubrovnik, to the Roman ruins of Split and Pula. Zagreb, the vibrant capital, is a cocktail of culture, architecture and cuisine.
Explore the museums, galleries and restaurants.
Consider a stay at Sun Gardens Dubrovnik starting from R6 239 a night for 2.