1. France
France
can get a bad rap at times, as the French are not always renown forth heir warm and affable demeanor. I spent a year in northern France when I was in high school, and I’ll admit I would not have put “friendly” on a top 5 list of words to describe France’s inhabitants. However, I just had the pleasure to return a few months ago, and I have to say, nearly everyone with whom I interacted was kind and generous with my rusty French, and willing to speak English with all kinds of tourists. The trains are efficient (though not at all cheap) and it’s easy to get around within cities or across the country. It’s one of the safest places for
women, although gender roles still exist (I never saw a female waiter!) The food is diverse and delectable, the countryside exquisite, and the architecture ranges from quaint and cozy to magnificent and awe-inspiring. Not to mention some of the most fashionable people watching around. For a first time traveler, France has a perfect mix of stability and uncertainty (more so if you speak no French) that makes traveling so alluring.
2. Thailand 
Don’t be intimidated by lack of language skills! It wasn’t until my 16th or 17th country that was I brave enough to try a place I couldn’t even be confident with my greetings (English, Spanish, and French cover a lot of ground, literally.) But you’ll be hard pressed to find folks more encouraging and forgiving than the Thais when it comes to communication. Thailand is my current home and I can attest that they don’t call it the Land of Smiles for nothing. Tourism is one of the biggest industries here, so friendliness and accommodation are in abundance. Like anywhere, if you wander off the beaten path, late, alone, intoxicated, trouble may find you. But I feel much safer walking alone at night in Phuket, Thailand than I ever did in New Mexico or Chicago. Whether is
hiking through northern hilltop bamboo forests in search of a waterfall more beautiful than the last, volunteering with rescued elephants or getting your scuba license and island hopping in the picturesque beaches of the south, Thailand has something for everyone to do, and some world class cuisine to boot.
3. South Africa
South Africa has a long an
d complicated history, one that has played out in the streets with acts of violence, unfortunately. But we can say the same of the United States, can’t we? South Africa is one of the most stunning and culturally diverse places on the planet, not to mention the chance to see all of Africa’s Big 5. Oh, and did we mention wine tasting, surfing, and some world class hiking? There is no denying that Johannesburg is an overwhelming city with a crime rate that can turn away many travelers, especially solo women. But Cape Town is absolutely lovely. Hike up Table Mountain and be sure to visit the Nelson Mandela Memorial at Robben Island to see a testament to true courage and forgiveness. Head to Franschhoek for wine tasting and nearby Hermanis for whale watching (even bigger than the big 5). Kruger National Park is a MUCH more affordable option than the Serengeti, and you’re guaranteed to come back with wildlife photos worthy of National Geographic.
4. Argentina and Uruguay
So I cheated and put these two together, but if you’ve already made the effort to get down to Buenos Aires, you might as well take the Ferry over the Rio de la Plata to delightful Colonia. Argentina is a pretty enormous country, with a lot to offer. Buenos Aires has stunning architecture and fantastic night life. You can even take a tango class! The pampas lead to some remarkable wine country, and Iguazu Falls in the north is breathtaking and worth the trip. Buy some alpaca wool, and if you’re up for adding another stamp your passport, take the ferry across the river and meander through cobblestone streets and breathe in crisp, chilly sea air while sampling the local yerba mate. I m
ust acknowledge that yes, South America, and Latin America in general can be known for machismo culture. And yes, you will probably not leave Argentina without at least one catcall, especially if you are blond . It is not our view at fannypack that this is something female identifying people must endure in order to experience the world, however we cannot ignore realities nor should we steer clear of places because of social inequality. On the contrary, change comes about through understanding, and understanding comes from communication and a willingness to participate. If we want to make the world and travel safer for women, the answer is to travel more and travel smarter. (Tips to handle and machismo and chauvinism abroad)
5. The United States
Whether you are from the U.S. or have never set foot in the country Grace and I hail as our motherland, there is plenty to do and plenty to see. I spent two months last summer driving around and living out of my car using www.freecampsites.net on my phone to find a place to sleep most nights (I braved summer snow in Yellowstone, but drew the line at tornado warning in Minnesota). In two months, I saw a lot, but much was left unseen. I didn’t even make it to the west coast. If you’ve never traveled solo before, it might be a good idea to get your toes wet domestically and see your home in a new light; or if you’re not American, you may find our country more exotic than you thought. From Miami to New Orleans, From New York to Santa Fe, each city has a unique flavor and culture. I had so many surprises on my road trip this summer, from discovering new foods (muffaleta’s anyone?) to reversing previously held notions (Utah, check it out!).
What are some of your suggestions for first time female travelers?
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