Top 12 Fall Destinations Perfect for Female Solo Travel in 2024

The perfect fall destinations for solo female travel! Summer is almost ending, and while I’m not ready to say goodbye to summer, I’m excited about fall!

After travelling to over 70 countries, I can safely say I’m an expert in many destinations. And I have actually visited all of these awesome fall destinations in this blog post!

I can already smell the pumpkin-spiced lattes and see the beautiful fall foliage. I’m bringing out the leather boots and creating a burgundy fall wardrobe!

Fall is also an excellent time for solo travel! The busy and expensive summer season is over, and the shoulder season is upon us.

It’s the perfect time for a more affordable, beat-the-crowds fall solo trip! There are so many great destinations to visit in the fall where you can enjoy the beauty of fall weather.

Or maybe you’re just trying to escape the colder weather? Even for the sun seekers, there are so many great destinations. While everyone is blowing on their spiced lattes, you’re sipping an ice-cold margarita on the beach of Thailand.

Let me get your inspiration flowing! Here are the top perfect fall destinations for solo female travel!

What makes these Fall Destinations perfect for Female Solo Travel?

There are many great destinations to visit in the fall! However, for this blog post, I focus on the best destinations for women travelling alone.

These destinations are safe, fairly easy to travel, and worth every penny. Not all of these fall destinations are great for the solo budget traveller, but there are ways to make your trip budget-friendly. Some destinations are worth the splurge.

I also feel it’s important that the destination has a lot to offer, such as sights, museums, fantastic restaurants, and incredible hikes. Just a lot of awesome stuff to keep you busy on your solo trip!

I’ll cover the perfect cold and warm destinations for your solo fall adventure!

1. Kyoto, Japan

Fall is an excellent time for solo female travellers to visit Kyoto, Japan! I visited Japan twice at the end of summer and late winter, and the weather was lovely both times.

Most days, summer was still a little too warm, and late winter was still too cold, especially in the evenings!

The best time to visit Japan is in late Spring and early fall. Japan, and especially Kyoto, is famous for its fall foliage. The colours of traditional Japanese temples and shrines perfectly match nature’s fall foliage.

Check out the fantastic design Ace Hotel in Kyoto for an incredible stay!

While Kyoto is a truly traditional Japanese experience for fall, we must not forget the rest of Japan! Japan, in general, is perfect for a fall solo trip! If you’re visiting Kyoto, you can’t skip Osaka and Tokyo!

Five days in Tokyo would be perfect, two days in Kyoto are ideal if you’re short on time, and a food tour in Osaka is a must!

Visiting Japan in October or early November will guarantee crisp fall weather while you enjoy Japanese culture and hospitality. Fall is one of the country’s high-season periods (fall and cherry blossom season).

Steal my 2-week solo Japan highlights itinerary!

While prices may rise, I’m confident you can find affordable accommodation during the high season too. I travelled to Japan during the early cherry blossom season and found prices really good.

The Japanese YEN is currently low, which means more YEN for your buck. Don’t miss out on this fantastic Kyoto Highlights Bike Tour!

Japan is perfect for solo female travellers. It is truly a must-see destination in the top fall destinations for solo female travel.

2. Thailand

Thailand is always a good idea! If you want to spend time combining warm weather, a beach, a city, nature, and delicious food, Thailand is the place to be for your fall destination.

I love Thailand, and it will always be my number one travel destination. Weather-wise, you’ll always be good in Thailand, but you MUST check the weather.

Thailand is a big country, and the weather differs by region. While October and November might not be the high season months, I have travelled to Thailand in the fall several times.

The end of September into October was great for Bangkok and Koh Samui (region). There were some occasional rain showers, but nothing lasted long.

Phuket and Krabi will be better in November than October, and Chiang Mai and Bangkok (my favourites) will be great in the fall. By the way, this Bangkok food tour with 15 dishes is a MUST!

Thailand is a great budget destination, perfect for solo female travellers. You can find luxury stays for a fraction of what you would pay in Western countries.

Just ensure you visit at the beginning or end of any rainy season. Even then, an occasional downpour is really not the end of the world. 

3. Seoul, South Korea

Seoul is another excellent fall destination for solo female travellers! I fell in love with Seoul a few years ago, and I’m telling you all about it in my Ultimate Solo Female Travel Guide To Seoul!

Like many other destinations, Seoul is famous for its fall foliage, and you’ll find Seoul covered in beautiful colours.

The cooler, crisp temperature will be perfect for sightseeing and visiting the hip, trendy coffee cafes. If you want to stay in line with the Koreans, always order an iced americano, even when it’s cold outside!

Check out my tips for first-time solo travel in Seoul!

Seoul is too hot in summer, and winter can be brutally cold! The best time to visit is in spring and fall. There’s so much to see and do in Seoul, and it’s impossible to get bored on your solo trip there.

From visiting historical sights to skincare shopping in Myeongdong to biking along the Han River (don’t forget to stop for ramyeon or chimaek). A visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon is also a must!

If you didn’t already know, convenience stores in South Korea are a sight to behold!😅

4. New York, USA

Isn’t New York the best solo city trip in the world? To me, New York really beats all other world cities, especially for fall!

New York City and New York State are famous for the ultimate fall vibe. From walks in Central Park to a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to Brooklyn.

The New York skyline from Williamsburg is a must-see once in your life! But New York can be pretty expensive, especially for solo travellers.

The best time to avoid the crowds and excessive pricing (isn’t everything in the USA overpriced these days?) is during shoulder and low seasons.

I love the NH Collection Madison Avenue boutique hotel for its fantastic location, beautiful bar, and decent-sized rooms! October is considered the shoulder season but look for a midweek stay.

Remember to grab your City Go New York Pass for discounts on sights and museums. A ride on the Big Bus New York is perfect for seeing all the city’s major sights in one go!

If your budget and time allow, I would combine New York and Washington, D.C., for a fantastic solo train trip!

New York is a walkable city, and Washington, DC, also has an excellent subway system, but the sights are a little more widespread. There’s the option of public bikes, which I think are fantastic and affordable!

Check out this excellent fall foliage USA prediction map 2024 to plan your trip!

5. Krakow, Poland

I visited Poland for the first time about ten years ago. I did not know what to expect, but I was so surprised.

Krakow especially stole my heart! The city is beautiful, feels clean, and is new (most of it was bombed during WW2, and they’ve rebuilt it, trying to keep the authentic architecture).

If you’d like to learn more about WW2, you can book a tour of Auschwitz. If that’s a little too heavy, how about a day at Zakopane Thermal Pools?

The city has culture, history, shopping, good food and cool bars for drinks. While the main cities are a bit more expensive, Poland is generally still very affordable. Poland will not only be a great fall destination with crisp fall weather but also a budget one.

Remember to try the local pierogi. They come in different flavours and are amazing. They’re like the Polish version of dumplings.

You can easily combine Krakow with other cities like Warsaw or Gdansk. The distances between the cities are big, so keep that in mind.

I think Krakow is the cleaner, less touristy version of Prague. Prague is great but has lost its charm in the last ten years. Krakow is where you need to be in 2024!

6. Malaga, Spain

I’ve spent one month in Malaga in February 2022 for a Spanish language course. While February is still the middle of winter in Europe, the weather in Malaga was lovely!

Malaga is a beautiful coastal town in Andalucia in the South of Spain. The city has a charming centre and stunning beaches. It’s still the smaller, less touristy version of Valencia or Barcelona (if we compare coastal cities in Spain).

During the day, when the sun is out, temperatures will still be enjoyable and warm. However, as soon as the sun sets, it can get chilly and windy in the evenings.

Nevertheless, Malaga will still have beautiful late summer days in the fall. It is perfect for solo travellers, or how about a Spanish language course?

Malaga has plenty to offer besides delicious food. Rent a bike and ride to the next beach town, like Pedregalejo, or visit the Alhambra in Grenada. 

You could also end your Malaga fall trip in Sevilla, just two hours away, or hike the famous Caminito del Rey, an hour away.

The options are endless if you decide on Malaga, Spain, for your solo travel fall destination.

7. Las Vegas, USA

Las Vegas is the perfect starting point for a beautiful road trip to Utah and Arizona! While Las Vegas itself isn’t that special, there’s so much to do and see not far from it.

Yes, if you’ve never been to Las Vegas, the Strip, downtown Las Vegas, and a show or two is a must. But if you’re not into gambling and drinking, there’s not much more to see or to do.

I love the outdoors and solo hiking, so trust me when I say a solo trip in Las Vegas is the perfect starting point for a fantastic trip for women travelling alone!

From Las Vegas, you’ll have endless options, such as Zion National Park, Bryce National Park, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Valley of Fire, Death Valley, the Grand Canyon, Red Rock Canyon, and the Seven Magic Mountains.

You can either return to Nevada, travel to more awesomeness in Utah, fly back via Salt Lake City, or travel through Arizona and fly back from Phoenix. 

The best time to do this is either spring or fall. The temperature is much better compared to the brutally hot summer! You do not want to hike in these states in summer; it’s way too hot.

You’re going to need a car, but don’t worry. Driving is a piece of cake (especially if you’re from Europe; all these cars are automatic), and it’s fun driving in a big car for a change!

If you’re looking for a reliable rental, check out Discover Cars!

Make sure to make well-planned stops on your trip when road-tripping solo!

8. The Netherlands

How could I not recommend my own beautiful country? The Netherlands is an excellent option for top fall destinations for solo female travel. The crowds have disappeared, prices are much more affordable, and most cities are preparing for colder days.

You’ll find the fall colours around every city; the Netherlands is a green country with many trees. Fall weather also means rain, so bring an umbrella. Rain is part of the Netherlands deal, even in summer, so don’t think you can escape it.

Visit the fantastic museums, the farmer’s markets, the old authentic Dutch cafes and pubs with their patios, and indulge in our local food traditions. 

Try out erwtensoep, hotspots, stamppot, herring, broodje kroket, dutch fries smothered in mayonnaise and fresh stroopwafels. Dutch dishes are made for colder weather, so order a cold beer.

When visiting the Netherlands, remember to visit places outside of Amsterdam, like Utrecht, The Hague, Rotterdam, or Haarlem. Everything is easily reached by train!

If you’re brave enough, you can rent a bike and ride around the city. However, please don’t do it in Amsterdam. Riding a bike there is madness, and it’s only for the pros!

9. Santorini, Greece

Greece has been so popular these last years that it’s everywhere on Instagram. I don’t blame them. Even after visiting Greece so many times, it never gets boring.

My last time in Greece was in the summer of 2021, when I travelled solo to Santorini and Zakynthos. Besides the occasional visit to Athens for work, I haven’t returned to the islands, and I miss it!

I miss the food, I miss the weather, and I miss strolling through the cute white cobbled streets. But like most popular, instagrammable destinations, they’re incredibly crowded and expensive in summer. Greece is one of the great fall destinations for solo female travel!

Trust me, elbowing your way through the streets of Santorini is no fun! I had the privilege of visiting Santorini without the crowds right after the pandemic (Greece was only open to European tourists at the time).

Getting around Greece is much better in the shoulder season, which is October or April. Temperatures can still be warm and sunny but chilly in the evenings.

You’ll find a much more enjoyable Greece with better prices. I would focus my Greece fall trip on a quick two-day must-see visit to Santorini, a ferry trip to Naxos and Paros, and then a trip to Crete.

Crete is a big island, so renting a car is recommended! From Crete, you can fly back to Athens.

10. Temecula, California, USA

I recently returned from a visit to Temecula and realized it’s a perfect destination for a solo fall trip. Temecula is a wine region about 2 hours from Los Angeles and 1 hour from San Diego.

It’s lesser known than the famous Napa Valley, north of San Francisco or other wine regions in California (especially for Europeans).

The best time to visit Temecula is around harvest season, which usually falls from September to October. Summer in Temecula is hot, but early fall will give mild summer temperatures.

Temecula is great for solo female travellers because it has easier travel logistics than Napa. Visiting the wine country almost always means you need a car to get around.

The wine country can also be quite expensive for solo travellers. However, Temecula is the perfect place! Instead of driving around, you can rent an electric bike and ride through the vineyards.

I found prices pretty good, let’s say around $30 for a tasting, which is fairly the same as Napa Valley. Staying overnight (which I highly recommend) in Old Town Temecula is affordable at $100 per night in a budget hotel.

Check out the The Signature Old Town Temecula! It’s basic and simple, but all you need for a night’s sleep before heading on.

If you want to spoil yourself, I recommend staying in one of the winery hotels! You’ll stay in the middle of it all. Check out South Coast Winery Resort.

Temecula is affordable for the wine-loving solo female traveller! And the best thing is not having to drive. You’ll find the best prices during the week. Booking a wine-tasting tour is also a fantastic option to meet other travellers. Or how about a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Temecula?

Temecula is a perfect destination for a fall road trip combined with Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange County (Laguna Beach).

If you’re looking for a reliable rental, check out Discover Cars!

11. Portugal

Like most of South Europe, Portugal is a perfect fall destination for solo female travel! A few years ago, I went on a 12-day road trip to Portugal with my sister—a bucket list trip I’ve had since forever.

Portugal is a long country, so the weather is different in the north than in the south. Even in the fall, the weather is better than in the hot summer! Portugal is also a very safe country, and driving around is easy.

There are many solo travellers and budget-wise, Portugal is still very affordable compared to other Western European cities.

This is what I would do for Portugal. Fly to Porto and stay for three days. You don’t really need a car in the city. Stay in a location that is easily walkable to all the sights.

Then take your rental when you leave Porto for the next city: Lisbon. We stayed in Lisbon for four days and decided to turn in our rental. Like Porto, you don’t need a car in a busy city.

We took a day trip to Cascais by train. In Cascais, you can rent a bike to get around. From Lisbon, also visit Belem, where you can find the original and famous pastel de nata!

Take a rental again for the final part of your trip. On your way to the south, you can visit the famous Sintra, the beautiful Algarve.

The weather in the Algarve can be very different from that in Porto, depending on the time. The Algarve usually has many sun hours in October. Towards the end of October, the beach weather was still beautiful during the day.

I suggest staying in the Algarve for five days to relax and soak up the beach weather. It’s better to keep your car in the Algarve since it’s much easier to get around and drive out to all the hidden beaches!

The Algarve has fantastic beaches, and some of them offer watersports like SUP (stand-up paddle), which takes you through caves on a mostly quiet sea.

Remember to try the local Algarve speciality, “cataplana.” There are many places to stay by the beach. The biggest town is Albufeira, and I love Albufeira as a base in the Algarve.

Stay in the Old Town Albufeira, which is more authentic than the Strip (more catered to partying young people). I’ve been to Albufeira many times (the first time in 2006 when it was still relatively undiscovered), and it still feels like home.

12. Singapore

Singapore is probably the work layover I’ve had the most! I love Singapore. It’s small, very walkable, and so clean. Public transport is fantastic. Everybody speaks English, and there is a budget for everyone.

Singapore has an image of being expensive, but that’s not true. Singapore is not Thailand, but it can also be great for every budget! The biggest expense will be accommodation.

Singapore is also very safe for solo travellers like Seoul, Japan, and Thailand. If you’re a foodie (like myself), you’ll love everything Singapore has to offer. The country has many food options based on the different cultures that brought their cuisine.

Hawker centres are the place for street food, but I suggest also trying the many fantastic restaurants, beautiful bars, and trendy coffee shops.

There are plenty of things to do, like Gardens By The Bay, Marina Bay Sands and the Art Science Museum. But the best thing is to stroll through all the different neighbourhoods. Chinatown and the area around Arab Street (with the beautiful golden mosque) are incredible.

Singapore is great all year, but some months can be hot and humid. The good thing is that there’s air-conditioning everywhere because of the hot weather.

There are also months when it can rain a lot. Fall is an excellent time to visit because the rainiest months are usually December and January.

Singapore has many happy hour deals, and Wednesday is ladies’ day—there are more discounts for women! Happy hours are a great way to stay within your budget, and I always look out for them.

Are you running high on inspiration for your solo trip this fall? What is it going to be? Are you chasing the beautiful fall foliage in Japan, or are you more of a sunny day at the beach type of gal?

Whatever direction you’re taking, you’ll have a fantastic time! Did I mention that I travelled to all of these places I’m recommending? I’m a flight attendant who will share my travel wisdom on this blog!

If this post is helpful, please leave me a comment below! It helps me to keep bringing you the best travel tips!💙

As always, let me know how you’re getting on! I’m here for any questions, and the fastest way to reach me is by leaving a comment on my latest Instagram post!