The Top 9 Travel Destination in 2025 for Solo Travelers

Unlock the secrets to a memorable solo travel experience with our exclusive guide to the safest and most captivating destinations of 2025. Discover how cities like Brisbane, Australia, offer a vibrant culture and nightlife alongside unmatched safety, making it a prime choice for solo and female travelers. With insights from travel aficionado Julie Fenn, we unveil the rejuvenating waterfalls and hiking trails of Nikko, Japan, as the perfect retreat for those seeking tranquility. Koh Samui, Thailand, is also highlighted, capturing the imagination thanks to its feature in a popular TV show, promising an alluring mix of adventure and relaxation. 

Join us as we explore a curated list of nine must-visit locations, expertly gathered from top travel authorities like American Express, Conde Nast, and Lonely Planet. Whether you're drawn to the serene landscapes of Paros, Greece, as a peaceful escape from its bustling counterparts or the cultural richness of Australian cities, each destination promises unique experiences tailored to diverse travel preferences. As we wrap up 2024 and set sights on the coming year, this episode offers inspiration and practical insights to guide your next travel adventure. Share your journeys with us, or even join our show to bring firsthand insights to fellow wanderers.

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Chapters

• 0:00 Top Travel Destinations for 2025
• 18:01 Top Travel Picks for 2025

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:24

Hello sister travelers. Well, here we are. Have you been waiting for this episode? I have been so excited to get this information out to you.

Speaker 1: 0:34

Last year, I produced an episode about 12 popular places to go in 2024. It ended up being my most listened to and downloaded episode. I loved putting it together and even interviewing a few people that have been to some of those popular places. Now, this year's list is a little different than last year's in that I have gotten more specific. Last year was more on the countries or regions that were popular this year and so that, if you want to re-listen to that, by the way, that is episode 66. And it goes through and some of those places are actually still trending right now. But this year I got real specific into actual cities and countries, and these were gathered from several sources. Like I did last year, I love doing all this research. You know I had American Express, I had a list out Conde Neste, I had a list out Discovery Photos, forbes there were so many. Even Lonely Planet had something out. So, gathering all that information from all these sources, I found nine places that I felt were both popular in, you know, being hotspots for 2025 to go to, but also I always consider, is it safe for a solo traveler and is it safe for women in general? So this is why I've chosen these nine places. Some of them were mentioned more than once by some of these lists of people, these groups, so that also played a part into it, like if it were listed more than once. I definitely, you know, maybe go. Okay, this is, this is a place to be in 2025. So are you ready? So here we go.

Speaker 1: 2:32

The first one last year, I actually highlighted the area or the state of Queensland and I even had a guest on episode 94, who went into great detail about Queensland area, but also about this number one spot to go to in 2025. And that is Brisbane, australia. It is located between the Golden Sunshine Coast. Brisbane offers excellent museums as well as vibrant dining and nightlife. So again, that area has become popular. It's on the top of the charts to see and, as my guest, julie Finn, had said in the episode, she's been on my podcast twice and she felt so safe in that country, in that area. So definitely a place to consider to travel to in 2025. So make it put it on your list.

Speaker 1: 3:29

Another one that also is a repeat from last year. Now, last year Japan was in my top destinations of locations to see and later in 2024, condé Nast voted Japan as the world's favorite travel destination and it's still on the top of the trending places. But I want to get more specific. So two sources actually named Nikko, japan, as the place to go in 2025. So Nikko is tucked away kind of in a mountain retreat type of area. It's mostly rural but it's blending with the elements of Quito and Mount Fuji. It has a lot of photogenic waterfalls and abundant hiking trails, so this sort of environmental setting kind of falls. Within last week I talked about some general travel trends that are happening and I would say Nikko actually would probably be a place. If you were looking to do more of a silent or restful travel and move away from touristy spots, this would be the place to go All right, and we know in Japan there's also an abundance they say abundance hiking trails, but an abundance of what they call forest bathing opportunities. So you know lots of places where you could go and get away from the touristy spots and have that quiet, really like unplug completely type of trip. And, seeing that Japan again made the top of the list, it's completely safe and clean, safe for women, safe for solo travelers. So that is number two. Number three I actually also mentioned in last week's episode, because this particular spot is inspired by a show called White Lotus. Season three is going to actually be filmed or is filmed already, but it hasn't quite released yet. I think it's releasing in 2025.

Speaker 1: 5:35

It's Koh Samui, thailand, and so this was mentioned. As you know, people traveling to places that are being inspired by movies or shows, and so this is a location that is, I think, even before the show was probably, you know, on top of the list. But in general, thailand is a very safe place for solo travelers and I even think back to the 1990s when, you know, it was very popular for solo backpackers to, you know, go to Thailand and go to all those islands, and Puckett and Maya Bay actually was also very famous in that area from a movie called the Beach and even so much that it got over touristy and they had to close it for a little bit, but it has reopened, I think, in the past year or bit, but it has reopened, I think in the past year or two. It has reopened to tourists. So, but this is an 88 square mile island. It offers some dreamy combinations of lush, jungle, white sand beaches, of course, and the turquoise waters that we all know, and kind of kind of picture when we think of, you know, those beaches in Thailand. It is perfect for the active traveler or if you're just looking to relax, and the best times are December through February to go. But honestly, I think you know, just be careful, it might, you know, look at when the rainy season is there and maybe try to avoid the touristy high season as well. So number three there in Thailand.

Speaker 1: 7:15

Number four is Peros, greece. As we know, europe is always a hotspot for travel in general, right? So my list would not be complete if I did not mention at least some place in Europe that was very popular. I mean, there's been a couple others that were mentioned. This one I like because you know Greece in general is really popular, especially the more popular Greek islands such as Santorini, mykonos, crete. But people are moving away from these over touristy islands and so Peros offers a laid back feeling of this Greek island and it still has a vibrant cultural scene. It has that rocky coastline with beaches, you know, some secluded coves, so put that one on your list If you're looking to. You know, go to Europe. If you're in Europe, getting to Greece once we're over there is not too difficult, right? Number five this is a new one, but I'm seeing so much popularity to this actual country in general. It's, of course, made my list, but there's reasons why it's becoming popular and it is Nuke Greenland Now.

Speaker 1: 8:30

Greenland in general is becoming more popular to get to for a couple reasons. As I mentioned in last week's episode, people are traveling more for what is called they have a term for it, it's called astro-tourism, where people are traveling to see sort of these natural wonders that are happening in the sky, and so this is related to the Northern Lights, of course, and it's, you know, greenland, norway, of course, iceland, all those further north Nordic places are definitely going to see. They say there's gonna be a lot more activity in the sky in 2025. So more people are going to Greenland, but it has gotten a lot easier to get there. I think that's been sort of what has deterred people in the past of going to Greenland, I mean, besides it being really cold, okay, well, let's, let's get beyond that In 2024, in 2024, united has actually started offering a nonstop flight to Nuuk Greenland from Newark, newark, new Jersey, and there's some other airlines and people are starting to offer these flights. Iceland Air is also expected to launch flights into Nuuk from cities like from the us, like chicago or new york, and even from other places. So this is becoming popular and the the airlines are responding to that and so there's easier ways to get there. You're going to see lots of icebergs and the northern lights. It's less populated island. There's more opportunity to see the northern lights in this atmosphere.

Speaker 1: 10:27

So number six on my list is São Paulo, brazil. This is the largest city in Brazil, not the capital, and it's also South America's financial capital. Actually, it has vibrant arts, it's a multi-ethnic city, it has great architectural history and it has some of the continent's best museums, street art and homegrown fashion. Now this has become popular. There's obviously Carnival that happens. Now most of us think when we, you know, think Carnival, everybody thinks of Rio de Janeiro, but that is just really. It's a large, large celebration. But they still do that in Sao Paulo as well, same date. So this coming year, in 2025, it will be, if you want to hit that and get to that Brazilian carnival, and it is one of South America's most extensive street art and annual celebrations that they have, and it is particularly a buzz in 2025. The dates for that in 2025 are February 28, through March 8. Great alternative to, you know, rio de Janeiro, right, and this is still going to give you that same experience of experience carnival. So, if you like that sort of atmosphere and again, it is safe for solo travelers to go to Number seven.

Speaker 1: 12:06

Believe it or not, I got something from the US on a list, and this was mentioned in more than one list. The state was mentioned a couple times. This specific area I'm actually so on board with it's Moab, utah, in the US, and so, according to the Amex list, this is where I got that. You know they mentioned this as one of the top places in 2025 to travel. You know they mentioned this is one of the top places in 2025 to travel and it is the gateway to Utah's mighty five national parks, and I have been to all of them except Moab, so it is a perfect starting point to explore the American Southwest. You know travelers come for world-class rafting, mountain biking, canyon hiking or simply to bask in that red rock scenery and I will agree, it is amazing. I love Utah, I love all the national parks there. So I agree with this being on the list. And, of course, I would have to say, if you plan to go to Moab, utah, you are going to need to rent a car though, because, especially if you plan to go to Moab, utah, you are going to need to rent a car though, because, especially if you plan to hit a bunch of those national parks that are near Moab while you're there, you might as well right, you'll need a car to get around. So that is one downfall, but definitely worth it, in my opinion, to hop in a car, go see Moab, utah, but then hit a bunch of the other national parks nearby. You will love it.

Speaker 1: 13:40

Number eight Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam Okay, better known as Saigon and back in my day growing up, and it is one of the most popular cities in Vietnam, cities in Vietnam, and in 2023, it had a population of 10 million, roughly, that's in the city. So the city's geography is defined by rivers and canals, right, and although, as I always like to preface, you know, even though I've picked these places as you being safe, safe for solo travelers, safe for women, we know no place is completely risk-free, right, but Ho Chi Minh City is generally regarded as a safe destination for female travelers. It does have a lower crime rate compared to other major cities. Launching this December, vietnam will be it's called s journey. It's a train that's going to transverse the country's uh full from north to south length, a slow train. It's a seven night itinerary and you know it takes you from hoi to ho chi mon city or vice versa. You can go for ho chi mon city um up, and it has some leisurely stops along the way, and this would be a great way to see the country in slow travel method. But also, you know, when I've taken a train ride, I loved the ability to just sit and watch the scenery go by. And also, you know the meals are usually taken care of. You know that. So something to consider if you're not sure you want to kind of plan a trip to Vietnam, although there's wonderful groups out there that you could do a group tour in Vietnam, and so that was on.

Speaker 1: 15:34

That was number eight on my list and number nine, mirakesh, morocco. Okay, as that country is building its efforts from their 2023 earthquake in the Atlas Mountains, tourism is starting to return and become more important for that country in 2025. And most of the sites in Mirakesh are welcoming back travelers. It's beautiful there, as you've seen probably pictures and the flying to Morocco from North America is also becoming easier in 2025. Again thanks to United, taking route again from Newark to Marrakesh and that launched just this past October. There's also a route from Toronto to Casablanca that will be taking off in December 2024 this month. So there are easier ways to get there from the other side of the pond and there's so much culture in Morocco.

Speaker 1: 16:39

And Morocco is also one of the places that is mentioned in last week's episode as sort of inspiration based on some movies or films that people are starting to gravitate towards because they've been inspired by these shows or movies to go to these places. And you know there's some just beautiful colors. I just, I always picture morocco, um, and especially marrakech, all the markets and the colorful, uh scenery and everything. So and again, you know right now it's safe. Now you want to keep eye and checking on any of these places. As we know, things can turn on a dime, um. So before you book or go anywhere, make sure you're checking some of those government websites to make sure, or go to safeexpatcom and see if they have, you know, recommended see what the threat level is in that country before you book your flight, and then keep eyes on it because, as I said, everything can change overnight, right? For example, you know Morocco had that earthquake. It must be something you couldn't predict, right? So things like that could happen and that could alter or change your travel.

Speaker 1: 18:01

But these are the nine that I'm putting on my list of trending and top places you want to travel in 2025.

Speaker 1: 18:12

Get them on your list and if you do happen to go to these places in 2025, I would love to hear from you, because then we can get you on the show sharing your experience and even giving us some you know firsthand. You know experience and insight into these locations as a solo female traveler. Well, I hope you enjoyed this episode. I'm excited for you to have it and, you know, get the information out there to you. I encourage you right now. It's just the end of 2024. And most people are starting to think about their 2025 travel. And has any of this inspired you? Or maybe last week's episode got you thinking about what does inspire you to pick a specific location of where you will go next? Maybe these nine places have sparked an interest in you and you want to look into maybe going those places in 2025. You won't be alone and I encourage you to get out there and book those flights, get that trip planned for 2025 and have an adventure.