I’m a solo female traveler and THESE are the best countries for solo vacations (and the common mistakes solo women make)

Enjoy your own company? Then take it to the next level and book a solo holiday.

That’s the advice of 63-year-old seasoned solo traveler Christina Ford, a lifestyle blogger (a-broad-in-London) and author of the award-winning book In Search of Mr. Darcy: Lessons Learned in the Pursuit of Happily Ever After. She tells MailOnline Travel why traveling alone is ‘fantastic’, the best countries to visit alone – and the common mistakes women make when going somewhere alone.

So why is solo travel great?

Christina says, “There are so many wonderful things about traveling alone. You follow your own schedule and do what you want to do. Your time is yours and you can switch at any time.

‘And you meet new people. Much more than if you were traveling with someone. Moreover, you learn how capable you are. I’ve learned more about myself traveling alone than at almost any other time – it’s amazing to discover what great company you guys are!’

Enjoy your own company? Then take it to the next level and book a solo holiday. That’s the advice of 63-year-old seasoned solo traveler Christina Ford. She is pictured above in Sicily, Italy, a country she says she is a big fan of

Christina says Cinque Terre (left) in Italy is her “favorite solo spot.” She is pictured in Taomina, Sicily

“Travel is a gift – don’t wait for your schedule to match a friend’s,” says Christina, pictured hiking in Cinque Terre

Christina describes Cinque Terre (above) as ‘five ancient fishing villages connected by sea, train or walking’

If the thought of meeting new people scares you, Christina suggests joining a walking tour.

She says, “They’re available in almost every major city, usually free, and filled with other travelers like you. Start a conversation, tell them you’re traveling alone and suggest having a drink together.

‘On a solo ski trip to Whistler, I asked my ski instructor for recommendations, and towards the end of the lesson she invited me to join her and some other instructors at their local bar, an unexpected and fun evening that wouldn’t have cost if I had not mentioned that I was traveling alone.’

But make sure you stay far away from romantic restaurants.

The experienced solo traveler warns: ‘If you’re dining alone, look for lively, fun places, absolutely nothing romantic. I once told my guide from Madrid that I didn’t want to sit in a restaurant where there was even the slightest chance that someone at the next table would propose! I prefer restaurants with a bar where I can eat. Then I put my phone down, stay present and interact with people.’

Although planning your first solo getaway can be exciting, Christina warns that the most common mistake she sees single women make is “biting off more than you can chew.”

She explains, “If it’s your first solo trip and you have a fear of flying, don’t plan a two-week trip with multiple flights. Choose a place you can fly directly to.

‘Keep it short in the beginning; it’s better to want more. Do your research and plan something you’ve always wanted to do, but within your comfort zone.’

The avid traveler often uses ChatGPT to plan short trips and recently used the AI ​​chatbot to design a getaway to Rome.

The traveler often uses ChatGPT to plan short trips and recently used the AI ​​chatbot to design a getaway to Rome (above)

Christina says, ‘I prefer restaurants with a bar where I can eat. Then I put my phone down, stay present and interact with people.’ She is pictured above in Seville

Christina advises new travelers to “plan something you’ve always wanted to do, but within your comfort zone” and says “you’ll learn how capable you are” on a solo trip. She is pictured on the left in Marbella and on the right in Corfu

She says: ‘My brief was: “Single female traveler, three days, loves sightseeing, history, good food and of course shopping.” Within seconds I had a three-day program and I followed about 90 percent of it. Bravo, ChatGPT!’

For a longer trip, such as an African safari, Christina recommends joining an ‘existing tour group’, explaining: ‘You may have to pay a single supplement, but it’s a good way to meet new people, since much of the itinerary is already planned You.’

So where are Christina’s top destinations for solo female travelers?

She says: ‘I’m a big fan of Italy and have traveled there a lot. My favorite solo spot is Cinque Terre, five old fishing villages connected by sea, train or walking. It’s the perfect combination of healthy living, beautiful views and fantastic food. I recommend going during shoulder seasons, like October, when the crowds have thinned out.”

Christina also recommends her native Canada as “ideal for solo travelers.”

She explains: ‘If you prefer something more urban, Toronto is a fantastic choice. Often described as New York, run by the Swiss, it is a great food city with safe and clean public transport. As a solo traveler, it’s easy to snag a one-way ticket to a Broadway-style show.

‘Canada is generally a safe country full of friendly people who are happy to point you in the right direction – and probably apologize if you get lost. But part of the fun and growth of traveling is allowing yourself to get lost!’

And where would that leave her on the bucket list?

Christina previously spoke to MailOnline about her terrible experience in Mykonos, where she felt she was discriminated against as a solo traveler.

However, she says, “There is no other place I wouldn’t return, solo or otherwise. But there are places I would avoid as a solo female traveler, especially countries where women don’t have the same freedoms as men.’

While Christina’s mother was “worried” and her friends think she is “brave” for going abroad alone, she says it is worth taking the plunge. She explains: ‘It can be scary to do something new or get lost abroad, but think about what you would be missing!’

How does she stay safe abroad?

‘If you prefer something more urban: Toronto [above] is a fantastic choice,” says Christina. ‘It is often described as New York run by the Swiss’

Christina is pictured above on a solo ski trip to Whistler

Christina, who emphasizes that “safety is key” for single female travelers, recommends always having a phone charger with you because “you never know where the day will take you” and sharing your live location with a friend or family member.

Christina always pins her hotel’s location on Google Maps and advises “using common sense” around “sketchy areas.”

Another important safety tip? Buy travel insurance.

Christina says: ‘It’s a peace of mind, especially in the US. I once broke my pelvis at Burning Man and ended up in the hospital for eight nights. I can’t imagine the bill without insurance.”

Are you still unsure whether you should take the plunge?

Christina says, “Travel is a gift. Don’t wait until your schedule aligns with a friend’s. Life is short and the world is big. To quote Anatole France: ‘Sometimes in one day you can live at home in another place for more than ten years.’