Meet the co-founders of luxury travel agency Alchemist Travel

Are there specific destinations you recommend as particularly safe or welcoming for solo female travelers?
SW: With the right attention to detail, almost any destination can offer an incredible experience for solo female travelers. Scandinavia, for example, is renowned for its safety and strong focus on gender equality, where women travelling or dining alone is entirely normal. In Peru, solo female travelers can experience the warmth of the local culture while supporting women-led cooperatives and staying in community-based accommodations that empower local women.

It’s amazing to see how women across the world are adapting and taking on more independence, whatever their circumstances. We also have found solo travellers love Bhutan, which offers a deeply spiritual journey in an exceptionally safe environment, while Thailand is ideal for those seeking wellness retreats designed specifically for solo female travelers.

In your experience, how does solo travel empower women to break societal norms? 
JH: I have travelled solo regularly, and I believe it fosters independence and confidence like nothing else. Trusting your own decision-making, being content with your own company and having experiences with new friends truly give you a sense of power. I recommend to many of my clients that they take a solo trip once in a while to reconnect with themselves and let the days unfold as they wish, rather than being driven by others or dictated by societal expectations.

How can traveling alone help women build confidence in other areas of their lives? 
JH: I think traveling alone can significantly boost a woman’s confidence in various aspects of her life. It enhances decision-making and problem-solving skills through navigating travel logistics, making decisions, forming new connections, and overcoming unexpected challenges or changes in plans. The time spent alone fosters self-discovery, leading to greater self-awareness and clarity—fantastic when trying to overcome personal and professional goals or just general life skills.

I believe that engaging with new people and cultures in a new or unfamiliar environment improves our adaptability, encouraging us to step out of our comfort zones and delve deeper to discover new sides of ourselves. This experience offers a fresh perspective, often resulting in a renewed appreciation for our lives and empathy for others.