The TrustedHousesitters 2023 solo female traveler report

Whether it’s for some much-needed rest and relaxation, an exciting and new WFH office view, or to live like a local in a unique city with the companionship of a new fluffy friend, women are traveling solo more than ever before! In fact, from 2021 to 2022, there was a 193% increase in the number of women completing overnight stays by themselves with TrustedHousesitters. 

The data suggest that younger age groups made up a large portion of women traveling on their own, as the number of women aged 25-45 who traveled solo between 2021 and 2022 increased by roughly 235%. 

However, women within the retiree age group also traveled on their own more, as the number of women aged 46-65 who traveled solo increased by roughly 146% between 2021 and 2022.

While the number of women who traveled solo certainly spiked in the last few years, early 2023 data suggests that solo female travel isn’t slowing down anytime soon. This year, more women are planning to travel solo than ever before with TrustedHousesitters. 

After recognizing this surge in women booking solo pet sits, we sought to uncover the  best places for solo female travel in 2023, which are revealed here in our 2023 Solo Female Traveler Report.

The study considered a wide range of factors that impact how attractive a destination is for both retired and remote-working solo female travelers. For example, by considering the existing popularity for female tourists, Wi-Fi access and speed, women’s safety and violence, and community safety and friendliness.

Explore the findings of our 2023 report below — and find your next solo travel destination inspiration! 

The best places for solo female travel in 2023

Here are the study’s top 10 best states for women looking to travel alone, including why these destinations are great for women and what to do in each:

1. Vermont

Topping the rankings is Vermont, and layered with seemingly unlimited trails to explore with a four-legged friend in tow and the most museums per capita, the northeastern state offers women a perfect R&R getaway. With the lowest rate of violence against women and the highest rate of women who report feeling safe in the nation, it comes as no surprise that the destination is already popular with solo female travelers. On TrustedHousesitters, women traveling alone make up more than half of all overnight stays in Vermont.

2. Pennsylvania

Teeming with history, Pennsylvania offers something unique for every traveler — from rolling hills and picturesque strolls to bustling museum districts. The state positions itself as a perfect destination for female tourists with excellent internet availability and speed, friendly residents, and safety for women. 

3. Delaware

The state of Delaware is the perfect travel location for women looking for that small-town feel with plenty of ground to explore. Lining the Atlantic, the coast offers a perfect retreat for neighbors and visitors alike, from historic restaurants and museums to boardwalk concerts and tax-free vintage shops. As the second safest state in the nation with the fourth-best internet speeds, Delaware positions itself as a perfect place to explore as a solo female traveler. 

4. Rhode Island

Despite Rhode Island being the smallest state in the country, it’s the second most popular state on the list for solo female travelers. Why? Its small size makes it one of the most walkable states to explore in the U.S. (good news for doggos!) — and paired with the highest community safety rating in the nation, fresh seafood, pristine beaches, and quaint, colonial landscapes, it comes as no surprise that it’s an existing popular destination for women traveling solo. 

5. Maryland

For remote workers looking to switch up the office view without missing a beat, Maryland is an ideal place to get away. The state, which hosts the U.S. capital, is found to be the third safest state for women and has the best internet speeds in the nation, so you can look forward to bustling cities and scenic waterways to explore without connectivity headaches. 

6. Minnesota

The first travel destination not located in the northeastern region comes in sixth with Minnesota. Found to be the friendliest state in the country, women traveling solo to Minnesota are sure to feel at home wherever they find themselves — whether it’s exploring the thousands of lakes, getting lost in the largest shopping mall in America, or brushing shoulders with the many friendly locals, who are sure to welcome you with open arms (and open paws)!

7. Colorado

An already well-established solo travel destination for ski enthusiasts, national park explorers, and vibrant downtown seekers alike, Colorado comes in at number seven for the best destinations for female travelers. The popular state for tourism is also considered safe for women traveling alone and one of the friendliest in the nation, so women traveling solo will surely enjoy a unique space with serene mountain views in a state that offers tons to do, for both people and pets alike.

8. New Hampshire

For women who aren’t sure where they’d like to explore on their own, New Hampshire is an excellent choice, as it offers something for every kind of traveler. Exploring mountains, coasts, forests, ports, caves, towns, and cities can fit into one day in this historic state. Plus, the state has the fourth-lowest rate of violence against women and is nationally considered a safe place for solo females. 

9. Hawaii

Where Hawaii lacks in promised internet speed, it certainly makes up for in appearance! Despite being a popular dream destination for families and couples, it’s a preferred destination for solo female travelers as well, as women make up a majority of overnight house and pet sitting stays with TrustedHousesitters. With excellent safety ratings for women, women looking for a luxurious solo stay will surely find R&R in Hawaii. 

10. Kansas

Often overlooked for travel, we’re sure visiting this destination will have you saying, “We’re not in Kansas anymore!” The midwestern state of Kansas has some of the friendliest people in the country, and a very popular state on our list for women traveling solo to visit on TrustedHousesitters. The iconic barbeque, gardens, starry nights, and abundance of “world’s largest” landmarks drive the sunflower state’s rise in popularity.

Additional solo female traveler report findings

The top 10 most popular states for solo female travelers are:

1. North Dakota
2. Illinois
3. New York
4. Louisiana
5. Connecticut
6. New Mexico
7. South Carolina
8. Georgia
9. Washington
10. Missouri

The top 10 best states for remote workers are:

1. Maryland
2. Virginia
3. Delaware
4. Washington
5. Rhode Island
6. Pennsylvania
7. New Jersey
8. Texas
9. Georgia
10. Vermont

The top 10 safest states for solo female travelers are:

1. Virginia
2. South Carolina
3. New Jersey
4. Maryland
5. Idaho
6. Michigan
7. Delaware
8. Florida
9. Ohio
10. Nevada

Why go on a solo travel trip?

We reached out to women who travel solo with TrustedHousesitters to learn more about the benefits of solo travel and what you can discover about yourself in the process. 

Diane Henke said she originally started traveling on her own to escape cold New England winters without the hefty price of renting down south. However, she quickly realized the benefits of spending quality time with yourself. 

“I would recommend solo sitting to other women. It teaches you self reliance. It’s made me a more confident person,” said Diane. 

After leaving a relationship, Tammie Bernard said she turned to solo travel as a way to clear her head and heal her heart. Tammie said that solo traveling with TrustedHousesitters has opened her eyes to her passions—visiting new places around the world and spending time with animals. 

“It's an amazing experience, and I would highly recommend it to any solo woman traveler that has the opportunity. TrustedHousesitters has taught me that I can travel solo for less money and great enjoyment and fulfillment,” said Tammie. “Once I retire, the world is my traveling oyster.”

Ready to take the leap and plan your next solo travel adventure? With TrustedHousesitters, you can discover truly unique travel adventures—made possible by pets. Whether you’re in need of some R&R, want to switch up your home office view, or hope to live like a local in new, exciting places with the company of a new four-pawed pal, we have all the purrr-fect stays waiting for you today!

Methodology

The TrustedHousesitters 2023 Solo Female Traveler Report determined the overall best states for solo female travel with an index of the following factors:

• Internet Speed (mbps) – The average internet speed of each state, retrieved from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission.
• Violence Against Women – The number and rate of women murdered by men in single offender/single victim homicides, retrieved from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program.
• Existing Popularity for Solo Female Travelers – The percentage of total overnight pet-sits completed by solo female travelers in each state, retrieved from TrustedHousesitters. 
• Community Friendliness – Subjective survey of friendliest U.S. states determined by U.S. citizens. 
• Female Safety – Measure of women’s community safety, peace, and security in each U.S. state, retrieved from Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security.