I’m a female solo traveller and THESE are the best countries for holidays alone (and the common mistakes women on their own make)

Enjoy your own company? Then take it to the next level and book a solo holiday.

That’s the advice of 63-year-old seasoned solo traveller Christina Ford, a lifestyle blogger (a-broad-in-london) and author of the award-winning book In Search of Mr Darcy: Lessons Learnt in the Pursuit of Happily Ever After. She tells MailOnline Travel why travelling solo is ‘fabulous’, the best countries to visit alone – and the common mistakes women make when visiting somewhere on their own.

So why is solo travel fabulous?

Christina says: ‘There are so many fabulous things about travelling solo. You’re on your own schedule, doing what you want to do. Your time is your own, and you can pivot at any moment.

‘And you meet new people. Far more than if you were travelling with someone. Plus, you learn how capable you are. I’ve learned more about myself travelling alone than at almost any other time – it’s amazing discovering what great company you are!’

If you find the thought of mingling with new people daunting, Christina suggests joining a walking tour. 

She says: ‘They’re available in almost every major city, usually free, and filled with other travellers like yourself. Strike up a conversation, share that you’re travelling alone and suggest having a drink together.

‘On a solo ski trip to Whistler, I asked my ski instructor for recommendations, and by the end of the lesson, she invited me to join her and some other instructors at their local bar, an unexpected and fun evening that wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t mentioned I was travelling solo.’

But make sure to steer well clear of any romantic restaurants.

The experienced solo traveller warns: ‘When dining alone, find lively, fun places, absolutely nothing romantic. I once told my Madrid guide that I didn’t want to be in a restaurant where there was the slightest chance of someone at the next table proposing! I prefer restaurants with a bar where I can eat. Then, I put my phone down, stay present, and engage with people.’

While planning your first solo jaunt can be exciting, Christina warns the most common mistake she sees lone women make is ‘biting off more than you can chew’.

She explains: ‘If it’s your first solo trip and you’re afraid of flying, don’t plan a two-week journey with multiple flights. Choose a place you can fly to directly. 

‘Also keep it short at first – it’s better to want more. Do your research and plan something you’ve always wanted to do but within your comfort zone.’

The avid traveller tends to use ChatGPT to plan short trips and recently used the AI chatbot to design a jaunt to Rome.

She says: ‘My prompt was, “Single female traveller, three days, loves sightseeing, history, great food, and of course, shopping.” In seconds, I had a three-day itinerary and I followed about 90 per cent of it. Bravo, ChatGPT!’

For a longer trip, such as an African safari, Christina recommends joining an ‘existing tour group’, explaining: ‘You might have to pay a single supplement, but it’s a good way to meet new people with much of the itinerary already planned for you.’

So where are Christina’s top destinations for solo women travellers?

She says: ‘I am a huge fan of Italy and have travelled there extensively. My favourite solo place is Cinque Terre, five ancient fishing villages connected by sea, train or hiking. It’s the perfect combination of healthy living, gorgeous vistas and fabulous food. I recommend going during the shoulder seasons, like October, when the crowds have thinned.’

Christina also recommends her native Canada as ‘great for solo travellers’.

She explains: ‘If you prefer something more urban, Toronto is a fantastic choice. Often described as New York run by the Swiss, it’s a great food town with safe and clean public transit. As a solo traveller, it’s easy to get a single ticket for a Broadway-style show. 

‘Canada is generally a safe country filled with friendly people who will gladly point you in the right direction – and probably apologise if you get lost. But part of the fun and growth of travelling is allowing yourself to get lost!’

And where would she leave off the bucket list?

Christina previously spoke to MailOnline about her terrible experience in Mykonos, where she felt she was discriminated against as a solo traveller. 

However, she says: ‘There’s nowhere else I wouldn’t return to, solo or otherwise. But there are places I’d avoid as a female solo traveller – specifically, countries where women don’t have the same freedoms as men.’

While Christina’s mum was ‘worried’ and her friends think she’s ‘brave’ for venturing abroad alone, she says taking the plunge is worth it, explaining: ‘It can be scary doing something new or getting lost in a foreign country, but think about what you’d miss out on!’

How does she stay safe abroad?

Christina, who emphasises that ‘safety is crucial’ for lone women travellers, recommends always carrying a phone charger as ‘you never know where the day could take you’ and sharing your live location with a friend or family member.

Christina always pins her hotel’s location on Google Maps and advises ‘using your common sense’ around ‘sketchy areas’.

Another top safety tip? Buy travel insurance.

Christina says: ‘It’s peace of mind, especially in the U.S. Once, I broke my pelvis at Burning Man and ended up in hospital for eight nights. I can’t imagine the bill without insurance.’

Still unsure whether to take the jump?

Christina says: ‘Travel is a gift. Don’t wait for your schedule to align with a friend’s. Life is short, and the world is big. To quote Anatole France: “Sometimes one day in a different place gives you more than ten years of life at home.”’