Here are 33 of the best trips for women to take on their own, plus some helpful hints.

The trend of women traveling alone is heating up. Nearly two-thirds of today's travelers are women, per the George Washington University School of Business. An estimated 32 million American women travel solo each year, according to the Travel Industry Association. There has been a significant increase in the number of female travelers booking trips alone, according to many tour operators.

Since 2015, bookings by single women have increased by 45% on Hostelworld, the largest online hostel booking platform.

Where are women going, and how are they making the most of their time on their own? I spoke with seasoned travelers to learn their best advice for going it alone, particularly where women should go if they want to avoid other singles. Listen to what they had to say below:

Check out "Quit Your Job and Travel the World: 27 Easy Ways to Make Money Online" for more information.

And she's ridden her motorcycle around the world: Nikki Misurelli, an adventure rider Keep up with Nikki's adventures by following her on Facebook and Instagram.

Don't Close Your Mind: Visiting the Tourist Hotspots, where Everyone Speaks English and Can Help You, May Seem Like the Easiest Option. try something different, go the road less taken. Like anything else, it's not without its dangers, but traveling is a fantastic way to learn about a new area or culture. The locals' day-to-day routines in a non-tourist area are fascinating to observe. Practice some of the local customs by adopting their cuisine, sleeping arrangements, and way of life. Even if you don't speak the same language, a friendly smile (and maybe Google Translate) can go a long way.

The experience of getting really (really) sick while traveling scared me, so I learned the hard way that you should always be prepared for the unexpected. The guys at my local bike shop recommended a membership program called Medjet for emergency medical transport, so when I got home I looked into it. Very reasonably priced, I joined MedjetHorizon because I was interested in their security response membership. Knowing they have my back (24/7 crisis response) makes me feel a little more comfortable venturing out into the world, and it gives my mother and grandmother peace of mind that they would have someone to turn to in the event of an emergency.

Create a Journal Entry We fool ourselves into thinking we'll retain every last detail of our trips by constantly exposing ourselves to novel experiences; in reality, however, the details quickly fade as we become immersed in the flow of new information. Spending as little as five minutes per day writing down significant events or memories can help keep you from forgetting so much. Reading through my old travelogues is one of my favorite past times. Photos are a wonderful way to record memories, but we must be wary of becoming so preoccupied with the act of photography that we forget to fully experience and appreciate each moment as it unfolds.

Where to Go: As a woman traveling alone, Morocco was a highlight of my trip. It was an interesting cultural encounter, but I never once worried for my safety. Everyone I encountered was friendly and helpful, and they all seemed genuinely concerned that I was having a good time on my travels. I once found myself stranded in a small, non-touristy town for the night because I had run out of gas. There were no hotels open for hours, I had only Euros (which were not accepted), and neither gas stations nor currency exchange offices were open. Late at night, I sat down at a quaint neighborhood eatery and paid for my meal with the last of my spare change. They invited me in for free tea, and the locals were nice enough to use Google Translate so that we could all talk to each other. As soon as they heard about my ordeals, they invited me to stay with their family, where I was provided with a warm blanket on the floor (where they also sleep), additional food, and a secure location to leave my motorcycle overnight. After I had my money changed, I attempted to feed this family by providing them with money, but they flat-out refused my offer. The kindest, most compassionate people ever treated me. I have wonderful memories of spending time with this family, among many others.

To answer your question, Kelly Lewis is the brains behind Go Girl Guides, the Women's Travel Fest, and Damesly. If you're looking for cheap vacation spots in 2018, her guide, "The 33 Cheapest Places to Travel in 2018," is a must-read.

Talk Please, please, please, talk to everyone More people who know who you are and can easily identify you are a huge asset. So, I strike up conversations with everyone I meet: at the hotel, the hostel, and even on the bus. Maintaining personal security is of paramount importance to me, and I've found that the best way to do that is to form bonds with others who will also keep an eye out for you.

Never Give Out Too Much Information: I am very conscious of the details I reveal. I do announce my general location on social media, but never reveal my precise whereabouts. I'm not a member of Foursquare and I don't "check in" to specific locations, but I will announce, "Here I am in Bangkok." Let's get together if you happen to be in Bangkok. ”

Where to Go: New Zealand is (not surprisingly) my top pick for a solo female travel destination. ) It was the first place I traveled to and the first place I lived as an expat, and its natural beauty has left such an impression on me that I can't help but draw comparisons to it whenever I travel elsewhere. Personally, I think Argentina and Uruguay are the runners-up and the third-place finishers.

Who: Fashion stylist and travel blogger Nneya Richards, whose blog is titled "N A Perfect World." Richards has contributed to magazines like Vogue and Pop Sugar.

Retail Therapy: Please back companies owned by women. even if it's just a shop I picked up this useful piece of advice every winter while surfing in Mexico. A jewelry store is where I met one of my closest friends. I walked into the shop where she was working to look at jewelry, and she was lovely. In the future, we've become very close friends.

A friendly smile can go a long way toward making new friends and gaining the assistance and guidance of locals who will be more than happy to show you around their home towns and native lands if you'll just listen to them and follow their advice.

What to Do: As a woman of color traveling alone, you'll have to figure out how to get around a lot of places that have been primarily frequented by white men who are "tourism." As we venture out into the world and experience new places and ways of life, we must keep our comfort and safety in the forefront of our minds. Sayulita, Mexico was one of the most enchanted places I've ever visited, and it's where I gained the courage to explore the world on my own. When newspapers in my home country were warning readers about the dangers of traveling to Mexico because of the country's ongoing drug wars, I decided to go there on my own and immediately fell in love with the city. Everything about this beach town made me feel at home immediately: the locals, the sand, the surf, and the sun. Despite its large expat population, Sayulita maintains a laid-back, local character. After only a few days in town, everyone knew who I was and looked out for me. They welcomed me with open arms and gave me a place to stay. To any woman who is considering traveling alone, I say, "Go to the Riviera Nayarit."

Who: Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi's star and creator, Mickela Mallozzi Check out the article "How This Unlikely TV Star Created A Simple Idea That Allows Her to Travel the World" to learn more about her.

I enjoy socializing with others, learning about their interests and musical tastes, and, of course, dancing with them. Most of my happiness comes from dancing, but I also use it to challenge myself by doing something unfamiliar and uncomfortable because I usually have no idea what I'm doing (I'm just copying someone else's dance moves). I've found that it helps me a lot to ignore my self-consciousness when I'm trying to learn a new dance.

Where to Go: I just got back from Georgia (the country, not the state), and it is not only rich in beautiful landscapes, tasty cuisine, and lively, artistic forms of expression like music and dance, but the Georgians' warm welcome is a centuries-old tradition that is deeply ingrained in the fabric of their culture and their very being. The people are extremely friendly, and the country itself is safe, open, and progressive. Upon my arrival in Georgia, I was welcomed as a "da," or sister, by one of my new friends, Mako. There, friendship is revered, and it is expected to last a lifetime when forged over the 8,000-year-old custom of drinking wine together. In the Caucasus, from Tbilisi's hipster scene to Kazbegi's breathtaking mountain vistas, you're sure to make friends for life.

Alyssa Ramos, founder of My Life's a Movie and full-time travel blogger, social media influencer Read "How This Woman Went from Broke to Traveling Full-Time (and Making Lots of Money)" to learn more about her incredible story.

If you're a woman traveling alone, my best advice is to always project an air of self-assurance, do your homework before you go, respect the local culture, and stay alert to your surroundings.

If you are a woman taking your first trip abroad without any male companions, I highly recommend the Riviera Maya in Mexico. S individuals (i.e., U.S. S dollar, people speak English (yes, in Mexico they speak English as well as Spanish), there are a lot of expats and visitors, and there are many exciting and interesting places to visit, including Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Although Playa del Carmen or Tulum may not be the first places people think of when they think of Mexico, I would not mind calling either one of them home. And that's how much I cherish my time spent there

My top pick for women traveling alone is Japan, and more specifically the cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Having blonde hair and blue eyes, I expected to be singled out and stared at, but I found that this rarely happened, and the only time anyone approached me was when they saw that I was obviously lost (as is common when attempting the rail system there), and they kindly showed me the way.

Who: Lavinia Spalding, series editor for The Best Women's Travel Writing and creator of the travel journaling guide Writing Away. Check out her TED Talk, "9 TED Talks That Will Inspire You to Quit Your Job and Travel for a Career," to learn more about her decision to pursue a career in travel.

Assign Yourself: Solo travel is thrilling and enlightening, but it can also be solitary at times. One of my best pieces of advice is to give yourself a task to complete while away. Just finding the best momos in Nepal or the most exciting flamenco show in Spain could be enough. Perhaps a more significant goal is to further one's education or engage in meaningful volunteer work. You'll feel more connected to the world and fulfilled by your travels if you have a personal mission in mind before you set out. Aside from that, keeping a journal is my number one recommendation.

The options for where to go are practically limitless. Portugal and Sicily come to mind, if only because I had some of the best gelato of my life there. When you're on your own, a good gelato can make or break a trip.

Pauline Frommer, co-president of Frommer's, publisher of Frommer's guides and Frommers.com Check out "10 Smart Ways to Save Money on Your Next Trip," where she shares her travel budgeting insights.

Invest: Evelyn Hannon, founder of JourneyWoman.com, gave me the best advice I've ever heard for women traveling alone. As she put it, "the first thing you do when you arrive at your destination is to go into a local store (like a drugstore or market) and buy something small just so you can have the bag, and that bag marks you as a local."

Connect with Other Women: Women Welcome Women is a British-based organization with chapters all over the world. It's essentially a database of women who are eager to lend a hand and make new friends. To be able to feel secure while still experiencing the freedom of solo travel is a wonderful thing.

Location: If I were to travel anywhere as a woman, it would be Paris. You won't feel as anonymous as you might in other places, regardless of your age.

Who: New York Times bestselling author Marcia DeSanctis, whose book "100 Places in France Every Woman Should Go" is a must-read for any female traveler.

My number one piece of advice for women considering solo travel is to go ahead and do it. And that's to face your fears head-on. It's realizing that the best way to integrate yourself into a new setting and set of circumstances is not to be concerned with how other people will react to you For one to be alone Being by yourself allows you to focus and take in your surroundings more thoroughly.

Places to Visit: One of my favorite getaways when I'm on my own is St. St. Petersburg, Russia: one of the world's best for strolling around town Either I can rush through the Hermitage to see just one painting (perhaps Titian's Danae) or I can take my time and enjoy everything the museum has to offer. Where the Moika and Neva Rivers meet, I plan to walk across bridges and canals and admire the white and gold architecture. The city's glistening waterways and architecture inspire me to ponder life's deeper questions whenever I visit the Summer Garden or St. Standing in Isaac's Square, eyes fixed on the soaring dome of the great cathedral

Erica Virvo, director of global operations at Nomadic Matt and a seasoned traveler who has lived out of her backpack for the past decade.

In my experience, staying in hostels is the best option for women traveling alone. Hostels are great for solo female travelers like me because you can always make new friends there, and sometimes those friends become lifelong travel companions. That's more challenging to achieve when you're in a group.

The Vagabond Temple in Kep, Cambodia is a great destination for women traveling alone. In a region frequented by those on the lookout for a particular experience, this yoga and meditation retreat provides a welcome oasis of calm. Even if you're a beginner at yoga or meditation, this place is perfect for recharging your batteries before continuing your travels through Southeast Asia. It's not just for ladies, but ladies tend to be the majority of visitors. Plan to stay for a week, but don't be surprised if you end up there for a month. Those traveling the Banana Pancake Path should check it out.

The answer is Juliana Broste, the woman behind the travel show and the website TravelingJules.com.

In a solitary dining situation, put away your phone and look around you; you never know what interesting things or people you might find. Meeting new people is one of my favorite parts of solo travel. People are less likely to talk to you when you're with someone else. On the other hand, when you're by yourself in a social setting like a bar, people will approach you to strike up a conversation because they assume you're bored.

Location: I recommend visiting a ski town if you're a woman traveling alone. Feel the wind in your hair as you ski or snowboard down the mountain and chat with strangers in the singles line on the chairlift on the way back up.

Who: Hitlist app creator and CEO Gillian Morris Morris offers packing advice in "Confessions of a Packing Expert: 9 Business Travel Hacks."

Use Tinder: This is a bit of a controversial suggestion, but a friend of mine who works at Google conducted a study of the most popular travel apps and found that one of the most popular apps for meeting locals is Tinder. Even when in a relationship, I've used Tinder and made it clear in my profile that all I wanted was to meet a travel buddy or sightseeing buddy in my area. And I have always been very clear in my expression. Meeting new people through online dating sites can be a great experience if you go into it with an open mind and no preconceived notions.

Turkey is the perfect destination for a woman traveling alone. You can expect to be welcomed into many homes thanks to the generous nature of Muslims, and getting around is a breeze thanks to the well-developed tourist infrastructure. Turkey's off-the-beaten-path destinations have some of the best Airbnb hosts I've ever had, and the country itself is full of incredible sights, from the stunning coastline to the ancient ruins of Cappadocia.

Answer: Tami Fairweather, the Adventure Travel Trade Association's (ATTA) event media manager, consultant, connection enthusiast, and communicator

Stay up late instead of sleeping in I always tell my friends that even if they don't feel like getting up early because they're tired, they shouldn't give in to that temptation and stay in bed all day. To put it another way, the things you did on a trip are what stick out in your mind, not how tired you were. Remembering how unmotivated or sick you felt won't be the lasting impression. You will be grateful that you woke up early to visit the church, hike to the waterfall, talk to the locals, and enjoy the meal with them. The challenges of a full day may seem insurmountable at the time, but the experiences and stories that result are priceless.

Some of my most memorable times spent by myself have been spent traveling and thinking about life on my motorcycle. S Interstates and state roads leading to protected areas The best way to see the parks and interact with the locals in a meaningful way is to book a tour with a local outfitter. This is very similar to an overnight kayak trip in the swamp that I took in the Acadiana region of Louisiana this past spring, and I learned more about Cajun culture while sitting around the campfire that evening than I ever could have in a museum.

Who: Julia Pond, the editor in chief of Skyscanner's blog

Engaged! Since we introduced our "tips" section for women traveling alone, I've received a lot of feedback. Bring a wedding ring even if you're not getting married, says one of the more intriguing ones. It can be very useful to pretend that you are attached, whether you actually are or not, and whether you are straight or not, especially if you are engaging in more adventurous travel.

Learning the Local Customs Before visiting a new country, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the local culture. Check out the local attire and see how people have adapted to the environment. Avoid looking like a typical American tourist by dressing up a bit more for your trip to France. If you dress like a French person, you will be treated more favorably. Wearing a Western tank top will make you stand out in India, whereas long, loose pants and a shirt will help you blend in more.

Sri Lanka is an enticing and aromatic travel destination for women traveling alone due to its abundance of exotic flora and fauna, waves, yoga, tea, and cinnamon. People are easygoing and extremely forthright, and you won't have to worry about being harassed or having to haggle as much as you might in its continental neighbor, India. Learn to surf from a local pro (who probably started when he was 11), go on safari in one of three national parks, or hang out with other backpackers at a tea plantation thanks to the city's thriving hostel scene. Dinner should end with some fresh fish on the grill. Repeat

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