Solo travel is different when you’re a Black woman. It’s empowering, freeing, and honestly life-changing, but it also comes with its own set of things to think about. International travel and experiencing new places in general can be intimidating as a black person, you may be wondering if you’ll be gawked at, sexualized, harassed and discriminated against. So planning takes more than just looking up cool spots on TikTok. This list is based on my firsthand experiences and honest opinions having traveled to 30 countries. 

This comprehensive guide is about finding places where you can feel safe, seen, and have an amazing time. Being a black person influences how locals and other travelers see you, treat you, and engage with you. That’s why it helps to hear from people who’ve been there,  people who get it. Before we jump into  some of the best places to travel solo as a Black woman, I will be grading each based on the categories below:

Safety: How safe the destination is and feels overall, including walking alone, transportation, and dealing with authorities and locals.

Cultural Acceptance: How welcoming and respectful locals are, especially toward Black women. This includes experiences with stares, microaggressions, or friendliness.

Ease of Navigation: How easy it is to get around solo using public transport, walking, or apps like Uber.

Affordability: Cost of accommodations, transportation, food, and activities so it is better value for solo travelers in general.

Community/Representation: Whether you see other Black travelers, expats, or a general sense of inclusion and belonging. Includes the presence of diverse locals.

Fun & Social Opportunities: Availability of things to do solo like nightlife, events, walking tours, live music, and general vibe for making friends if you want to.

1. Copenhagen, Denmark

Safety: 10/10

Cultural Acceptance: 8/10

Ease of Navigation: 10/10

Affordability: 5/10

Community/Representation: 6/10

Fun & Social Opportunities: 7/10

Copenhagen, Denmark is one of those cities that just feels easy, making it a perfect destination for black female solo travelers. For a European country, it truly feels like a breath of fresh air. I did not get any stares or comments that made me feel like I stood out, although I did stand out. Danes really mind their business in the best way possible. They are polite, helpful if you need them, and overall respectful. Denmark is one of the safest countries in the world and it’s somewhere you can be fully yourself without feeling judged. The city has this calm, laid-back vibe that makes it great for solo travel. You’ll see tons of people on bikes, cute cafes on every corner, and that classic Scandinavian charm in the architecture. It’s one of the best cities to hop on a bike and explore.

When it comes to neighborhoods, look into staying in Nørrebro for its multicultural vibe and fun food spots. Vesterbro is great too, especially if you want something trendy and central. Both areas are safe, walk-able, and full of personality. I stayed at Cabinn Copenhagen, a basic and affordable option in the Orestad district close to major attractions. As far as things to do, there’s no shortage. You can explore the palaces and castles like Rosenborg or Amalienborg, explore the hippy neighborhood of Christiana, wander around the colorful Nyhavn harbor, or take a day trip to the white cliffs of Møns Klint for a change of pace. The only caveat is that Copenhagen is not the most budget friendly destination out there. I’ve put together a fun list of 16 free things to do in Copenhagen if you’re trying to stretch your budget. If you’re looking to support local Black-owned business while you’re in Copenhagen, make sure to check out The Caribbean Housewife which serves dishes originating from the Caribbean and South America and SASSA which serves various african dishes.

The nightlife in Copenhagen is fun without being overwhelming. For solo travelers a pub crawl is always an easy way to check out the city and meet fellow travelers.Check out places like Jolene Bar in Kødbyen for dancing or grab cocktails at Ruby, which feels more chill and classy. You’ll find people out late, but it never feels chaotic or unsafe. I walked out in Copenhagen alone late at night and felt comfortable doing so. And honestly, solo travelers are treated like anyone else, no weird energy. Locals are used to people exploring alone, and most won’t even blink twice. Copenhagen remains my number one solo travel recommendation for everyone’s first solo trip, including black women.

2. Roseau, Dominica

Safety: 9/10

Cultural Acceptance: 10/10

Ease of Navigation: 6/10

Affordability: 7/10

Community/Representation: 10/10

Fun & Social Opportunities: 7/10

Dominica is one of those underrated destinations that ends up leaving a big impression. This island nation is an incredibly safe destination, with low crime rates and a close-knit vibe where everyone seems to know each other. You’ll be surrounded by friendly locals who are welcoming and genuinely kind. It’s a majority black country, so as a Black traveler I blended in visually, though locals were still able to tell I wasn’t from there. It’s an excellent choice if you want to feel that strong sense of belonging. People move at a slower, more easygoing pace, and there’s no rush to anything. It’s a great spot for solo travelers, especially if you’re looking to unwind and connect with nature. Just keep in mind the island is very car dependent. Taxis are the main way to get around, and rides can get pricey.  For example, the drive from the airport cost me about $90 USD one way.  Booking your drivers ahead of time makes things a lot easier.

Dominica doesn’t have a huge track with tourists, but that’s part of its charm. It is big on eco-tourism so you won’t find a sea of all inclusive resorts lining the beaches like you would in other more Caribbean popular countries. However, you’ll find the cutest eco-friendly stays and boutique hotels. It’s more about peace, quiet, and soaking up Creole Caribbean culture. There’s a ton to do on the island from chasing waterfalls, incredible hikes, relaxing at hot springs, enjoying the beautiful beaches or learning about the Island’s history in a museum. For nightlife, you’ll find bars downtown near the cruise port terminal blasting Caribbean music. Dominica is one of my  personal top solo travel destinations that has the kind of space where you can truly be yourself and feel that sense of belonging as a black woman.

2. Antigua/Lake Antitlan, Guatemala

Safety: 7/10

Cultural Acceptance: 8/10

Ease of Navigation: 7.5/10

Community/Representation: 7/10

Fun & Social Opportunities: 9/10

Guatemala is a must-visit destination and thankfully its welcoming atmosphere makes it a great place for solo black women travelers. Guatemala generally has a strong solo travel scene so  you’ll meet backpackers and long-term travelers often. Locals are used to tourists and are generally helpful. It’s easy to connect with other travelers or explore on your own without feeling out of place, at least not in a bad way. Plus, Guatemala’s strong indigenous roots, really give it that authentic feel.

I did not receive any malice or negative attention. Locals were friendly and open, but some may be curious in a respectful way. One time, I was eating street food in Panajachel when a nearby family started guessing where I was from. Eventually, they asked, and when I told them ( the U.S), they were excited they got it right. It felt warm and lighthearted. I did come across a handful of other black travelers, though not a lot. I would recommend avoiding going out alone at night, as I would with 99% of other places in the world when it comes to women traveling alone.

If you’re heading to Lake Atitlán, there are a few great places to stay. There are various towns around the lake so there are lots of options to choose from. San Marcos is peaceful and known for yoga and wellness. San Pedro is more social and budget-friendly. Santa Cruz is quiet with beautiful lake views. Panajachel, where I stayed, is one of the most popular towns around Lake Atitlán and a great base for solo travelers. It has a vibrant culture, easy to reach, plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops. A lot of boats (lanchas) to the other lakeside villages leave from here, so it’s really convenient if you want to explore the area or take day/overnight  trips to the other towns. I did a sunset ATV tour which was simply magical, taking me to some of the surrounding villages along the lake with stops at the most picturesque viewpoints. I stayed at Dreamboat hostel in the heart of Panajachel  and got a private room.  In Antigua, staying near the central park gives you easy access to shops, and restaurants.

There’s no shortage of things to do in Guatemala. You can paraglide over Lake Atitlán, shop at the colorful markets, visit nearby villages, take a cooking class or witness a mayan ceremony. Hiking Volcano Acatenango is a major highlight of visiting Guatemala. It’s challenging but worth it for the views. Whether you’re into culture, nature, or adventure, you’ll find something that fits your vibe.

The nightlife in Antigua is low-key but fun. Café No Sé has mezcal and live music. Las Vibras has a more upbeat vibe with dancing. In Lake Antitlan, Tipsy goat is a go-to spot for travelers.

3. Montreal, Canada

Safety: 8/10

Cultural Acceptance: 7/10

Ease of Navigation: 10/10

Affordability: 7/10

Community/Representation: 7/10

Fun & Social Opportunities: 7/10

Montreal is one of those cities that just feels good to be in. I’ve been several times because it’s a quick getaway from NYC and loved it every time. It’s modern, and full of energy whether you go during the winter or summer months. Montreal is one of the top destinations for festivals, there’s always one or more going on in the city. It’s also one of the safer cities to explore solo, especially if you’re sticking to the well-known areas. As with any city, take normal safety precautions. The public transportation system is super easy, you can use the metro and train system is straightforward. Ubers are always around. You can walk a lot too, especially downtown and in spots like the Plateau or Old Montreal. The city has a strong Black presence and a population that’s used to seeing Black travelers, so you’re not likely to stand out or feel uncomfortable. You’ll notice diversity in the city, even with the strong French influence. It’s not hard to find a sense of community here as a black person. There are a variety of black owned restaurants here like Tropikal  Restobar, Cajou Cuisine, Pikliz and Zettis Cremerie. Check out Librairie Racines which is a bookstore specializing in black history and culture.

There are tons of nightlife options, but for starters 042 Afro Lounge, Balattou, and Bar La Shop are good choices. Montreal is also affordable compared to other big cities, which makes it even better for solo travel. Whether you’re looking to vibe out at a spa, hit up cool thrift shops, or just have the freedom to be fully yourself, Montreal is a solid choice. 

4. San Salvador, El Salvador

Safety: 8/10

Cultural Acceptance: 7/10

Ease of Navigation: 6/10

Affordability: 10/10

Community/Representation: 7/10

Fun & Social Opportunities: 7/10

El Salvador has become a surprisingly great spot for solo travel, especially as a Black woman. Safety is the first thing most people ask about, and while it used to have a bad reputation for violent crime, things have changed a lot. It’s now the safest country in Central America, and I felt totally fine during the day. I did not visit this country solo, but I met 2 separate black women solo travelers while there who absolutely loved it. I have no hesitations about visiting solo in the future. I did not at any point feel a heightened awareness of safety. That said, I wouldn’t recommend being out alone late at night, especially since ubers can be tricky to find after dark and you don’t want to get stuck. During the day, getting around is pretty easy. I used local transportation, ubers, a private driver for long day trips, and the Moovit app to figure out bus routes. Crossing the street can be chaotic, though, so you’ve got to stay alert.

The people are incredibly friendly and welcoming. In the Historic Center of San Salvador especially, folks were so curious and warm. El Salvador wasn’t colonized the same way other countries were, so there’s not really an Afro-descendant population. Because of that, Black travelers can get some attention. People waved, complimented me, and even asked for pictures. If you’re not into that, it might be more comfortable to stick to the tourist path where people are used to seeing foreigners. I had this experience only in the city center. It’s a great option to visit central America and get a little bit out of your comfort zone to experience new cultures. There isn’t a big expat community yet, but tourism is growing fast, and it’s easy to connect with other travelers along the way.

 El Salvador is super affordable, too, which makes it easier to say yes to that extra excursion, stay longer, or eat well without stressing your budget. I spent a long weekend there and spent under $800 USD including the flight. It’s a tiny country but there’s a ton to do there, check out this list of the top 16 things to do if you need ideas for your itinerary. There’s a great mix of fun and wellness here, from relaxing hot springs to beach towns, waterfalls, hikes, or surfing. Overall, it felt like a place where I could just be myself, explore freely, and enjoy the moment. I love El Salvador and I think El Salvador loves me too haha. I can’t wait to go back.

5.Travel Tips Just for Us

Traveling solo as a Black woman means being mindful of a few extra things. Dealing with microaggressions can be exhausting, especially when they pile up over time. There’s no one-size-fits-all way to handle them, and how you respond can depend on your mood, environment, personality, preferences and safety. It helps to stay grounded and remind yourself you belong wherever you are. Sometimes, you might want to address it directly. That can mean calmly pointing out what was said and why it was inappropriate, asking questions to make the person reflect, or setting a boundary. 

For example “Please don’t touch my hair. It makes me uncomfortable” if you do not want your hair to be touched. You could also address it by mirroring their behavior. Addressing it by touching their hair back and asking questions can be a bold, non-verbal way of flipping the script to make a point. You’re essentially saying, “See how this feels?” without raising your voice or getting into a confrontation. That said, it’s not for everyone or every situation. It works best when you feel safe and are ready for a teachable moment because reactions can vary. If you’re okay with someone touching your braids for instance, but you don’t like that they did not ask, you may say something along the lines of “I’m okay with you touching my hair, but next time you need to ask. It’s a personal thing for a lot of people.” Other times, you might choose to let it slide, not because it didn’t matter, but because you’re protecting your peace or just don’t have the energy. Black women are not a monolith, and ultimately, it’s up to you how you address micro or macro aggressions, but remaining grounded is key.You don’t owe anyone an explanation for how you choose to handle them, and your emotional well-being comes first.

6. Final Thoughts 

Solo travel as a Black woman can seem daunting due to the specific challenges you may face. But don’t be afraid to take up space, make your own decisions, and show up for yourself in a world that doesn’t always expect you to. There are a few other places where I haven’t been yet, but from the personal experiences of other Black women travelers, I’ve heard are great options for us. On the African continent, Ghana seems to be a powerful destination for black women solo travelers seeking a deeper understanding of the transatlantic slave trade and their ancestral roots. Ghana is generally described as “Africa for beginners” because it’s easier to navigate than most other countries in Africa. An Asian country that I’ve heard recommended often is Japan because it’s safe and rich in culture. Mexico City is one of the top solo travel experiences I’ve been recommended for black women because it has a large and thriving expat community. It’ll be easy to find your people while immersing yourself in Mexican culture. Iceland is another destination that I’ve heard nothing but good feedback.

There’s a special kind of freedom in choosing your own pace and finding joy without needing permission. You grow, you gain confidence, and you prove to yourself that you can handle anything.The experiences are out there waiting for black women to explore. Don’t wait, this world was meant for you too.

Disclosure: Explore with Milca is a reader supported website. I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you when you buy through links on my website.