Who doesnt love a tropical vacation? There’s nothing more alluring than relaxing on the soft white sand with the calm ocean waves in the background. Tropical destinations in the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific attract millions of visitors each year from all over the world. Couples looking for a honeymoon spot, friends taking their trip out of the group chat, and solo travelers looking for the perfect escape all flock to tropical destinations.
Some islands feature pristine beaches, others are great for adventurous hikes, and some are cultural hotspots. How can you know which tropical islands are the best for solo female travel and which is right for you? This article will dive deeply into which tropical islands are best for your next getaway!
Here are our top choices for the best islands for solo female travel
- Best Budget: Dominican Republic
- Best Luxury: Turks and Caicos
- Best Beaches: Lombok
- Best for Adventure: Luzon
- Best for Instagram: St Lucia
- Best for Diving/Snorkeling: Maui
- Most Amazing Culture: Samoa
1. Dominican Republic (Best Budget)
The Dominican Republic is known for its stunning beaches, tropical fruit production, and gorgeous landscapes. From famous baseball players to the highest peak in the Caribbean, there are plenty of reasons to put the Dominican Republic on your travel list. It is also well known for having many things to do that are free or affordable, making the Dominican a popular budget destination.
The Dominican Republic is divided into five major areas: The Northwest and the Central Cordillera, The Samana Region, The South West, the region of Santo Domingo, the South East, and Punta Cana. The most touristy region would be Punta Cana. If you are looking for budget-friendly activities and accommodations, head to other regions (like the Samana Region) on the island.
Across the island, you will find plenty of budget-friendly resorts and accommodations like homestays, hostels, and affordable bed and breakfasts ranging from $25 -$120 per night. The typical meal of La Bandera Dominicana (rice, beans, and meat) can be found in every corner of the island for a reasonable price.
Activities in the Dominican Republic can vary based on interests and what you want to do. Bring your own snorkel gear and head to any beach to get up close with tropical fish, visit the fishing village of Las Galeras or relax on one of the many white sandy beaches. There are lots of low- or free activities in the Dominican Republic if you do a little digging.
Is The Dominican Republic Safe?
Although the country has a high crime rate, and there are reports of theft and tourist scams, it is still a relatively safe country to visit for solo female travelers. The global peace index for the Dominican Republic is 1.99/5, which makes it relatively safe. It is always advised for women to stay vigilant and be prepared when traveling. Take your travel essentials to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Safety tips for the Dominican Republic
- Avoid unlicensed taxis.
- Do not wear flashy or expensive jewelry while walking on the streets.
- Avoid keeping your phone out while on the street.
2. Turks and Caicos (Best Luxury)
Turks and Caicos is an archipelago of over 40 islands, each with pillowy white sand and crystal clear turquoise water, the perfect backdrop for your solo luxury vacation. Whether you want to relax at a resort, get out on the water, or shop till you drop, Turks and Caicos has it all.
There are 12 islands to visit in Turks and Caicos, but the most popular island is Providenciales. You can find popular luxury resorts, towns, clubs, restaurants, and bars to explore. Not to mention some of the most stunning Caribbean blue beaches. When visiting Turks and Caicos, it’s ideal to choose a resort or hotel on Providenciales and take boat or charter plane excursions from there.
There are plenty of accommodation choices in Turks and Caicos, but if you are going for a luxury solo vacation, head to The Shore Club, a luxury solo travelers paradise. There are plenty of activities to try on the island, like surfing, snorkeling around Smiths reef, and soaking in the sun on the beach.
Dine in style at Coco Bistro or one of the many other fine dining restaurants on Providenciales and enjoy fresh chef-inspired dishes in a tropical paradise. Head to Ambergris Caye on a day trip to feel like Robinson Carusoe. This private island is excellent for spotting iguanas or whale spotting on the Eastern coast. Other islands like Cockburn Town or North Caicos make great day trips or overnight excursions from Providenciales.
Is Turks and Caicos Safe?
Turks and Caicos is one of the safer islands in the Caribbean and has one of the lowest crime rates in the entire region. The island is considered safe for solo female travelers, although standard travel precautions should always be taken.
Safety tips for Turks and Caicos
- Do not leave valuables unattended in hotel rooms or on beaches.
- Avoid being on beaches after dusk.
3. Lombok (Best Beaches)
Grab your bathing suit, towel, sunscreen, and visit Lombok, Indonesia. When most people think of Indonesia, the first island that comes to mind is Bali, but you’ll be surprised to know that Indonesia is made up of 6,000 inhabited islands, 5 of which hold the largest populations. Lombok can be found in the West Nusa Tenggara group of islands, right next to Bali.
Avoid all the crowds and have the best beaches when visiting Lombok. There are many different beaches on Lombok just waiting to be explored. This island isn’tisn’t home to just your average white sandy tropical beach; some of its beaches have unique features, like luscious pink sands on Pink Beach and Pantai Tebing, which feature towering cliffs.
Discover hidden gem beaches on Lombok, like Mawun Beach, and Kaliantan Beach, where you’ll find very few tourists. It’s important to note that these beaches may be harder to access and have few facilities, but the serenity and solitude will be worth it. Tanjung Aan Beach and Selong Belanak Beach have the best views and crystal clear turquoise waters you would expect to find on a tropical island.
Is Lombok, Indonesia Safe?
The islands of Indonesia are relatively safe, with a few areas where petty crime is prominent. The Global Peace Index gives Indonesia a rating of 1.80, which makes it relatively safe. Although most travelers report feeling safe in Indonesia, there are some interesting scams and things to be aware of.
There have been some reports of methanol poisoning in cheap or homemade alcohol in Lombok. If you drink, choose alcohol from reputable businesses and avoid homemade wines and spirits. Drugs are widely available in Lombok, and you might be surprised to find servers in restaurants or people on the beach offering them to you. Although police presence on the islands is scarce, drugs are illegal in Indonesia and should be avoided.
Indonesia has recently implemented a ban on extramarital sex for locals and tourists alike. As the news received multiple reactions, the government clarified that “only the husband or the wife of the “victim” can make a complaint against adultery. If the “victim” is unmarried or a widow, the right to make the complaint is reserved for the parents or the children.“
The law won’t take effect for three years (2026) and has yet to be signed, but it’s something to note.
Safety tips for Lombok, Indonesia
- Keep your belongings close to you in crowded areas
- Beware of scammers and people who snatch your luggage at airports to charge you extra money for “carrying it.”
- Although the waters look beautiful, beware of the deceptive currents that flow between islands.
- Do not attempt to swim out to any island.
- When traveling outside Jakarta or to any Pagodas, temples, or mosques, dress modestly, covering knees and shoulders.
4. Luzon (Best for Adventure)
True adventure seekers will want to head to Luzon in the Philippines for an unforgettable tropical adventure. Luzon is the main island in the Philippines and is home to 64 million people. Don’t let its population fool you, though; this island is packed with untouched wilderness and adventures waiting to be had. The Philippines is known for its stunning white sandy beaches and lush tropical jungle. The island of Luzon is the perfect place to start your tropical adventure.
Grab your camera and fill your stomach with an off-the-beaten-path street food tour in Manilla before taking a hike around Taal Volcano. Explore the unique environments you can find in Luzon, like the La Paz sand dunes, the Cordillera Mountains, and the coasts and lagoons of Pagudpud. There are also three beautiful waterfalls in Luzon that every adventurer must see! Make sure to pay a visit to Kabigan Falls, Tappiya Falls, and Bomod-ok Falls.
Many adventure sports can be found on the island, like surfing, diving, snorkeling, wakeboarding, ATV trails, and camping. Luzon offers everything else you would expect a tropical island to have: fresh local fruit, beautiful beaches, and unique hotels and hostels. Thrill seekers will absolutely love visiting Luzon.
Is Luzon, Philippines Safe?
Global Peace Index rates the Philippines at 2.34, making it a moderately safe country to visit if you take the right precautions. The military presence in the Philippines is heightened due to martial law declared in 2017. Although the country has since ended martial law, the military presence is still high due to the risk of terrorism.
There are some provinces in The Philippines that are at a higher risk of kidnapping, like
- Sarangani Province
- North Cotabato Province
- South Cotabato Province
- General Santos City
- Sultan Kudarat Province
- Lanao del Sur Province
- Lanao del Norte Province
- Iligan City
- Pangutaran Island.
Although there are some dangers in visiting the Philippines, the country is quite friendly towards travelers, and women traveling solo are no different. Some hotels and hostels offer women-only dorms and rooms, and a firm “no” can go a long way with unwanted attention.
Safety tips for Luzon, Philippines
- Avoid traveling in known kidnapping areas
- Avoid walking around cities after dark
- Keep belongings close to you when visiting touristy areas
5. St Lucia (Best for Instagram)
St Lucia is a small Eastern Caribbean island famous for volcanic beaches, reef-diving sites, mountains, and fishing villages. Traveling through St Lucia is a photographer’s dream. Although many beautiful places around the island, from quaint small towns to hip and trendy resorts, some stand out above the rest.
From the Jade Mountain Resort, catch the perfect view of two mountains stretching out into the sea, referred to as The Pitons. The best view of The Pitons is from across the bay, but it’s a great idea to get up close and hike around them as well. They offer beautiful views of Soufriere and fascinating waterfalls to discover.
Spend a day wandering around Soufriere to capture this beautiful fishing village before heading off to Diamond Waterfall or Paradise beach to photograph more natural beauty. Instagrammers will love the village of Castries, with its pastel-colored houses and colonial-era architecture.
If you have a GoPro or underwater camera, visiting Anse Chastanet Marine National Park or Fairyland will be worth visiting to capture the marine life and corals up close. Don’tDon’t forget to catch that classic Instagram pic of a swing set in the sea. Sandals Grande St. Lucian Resort has a beautiful swingset that makes a great photo prop, especially at sunset.
Is St Lucia safe?
Although crime levels in St Lucia are high amongst locals, it is quite safe to travel there. Of course, it is important to exercise caution when in busy areas, but it is safe for women traveling alone. Taxies are not metered in St Lucia; instead, they have set prices between destinations, making it easier to know what to expect. Public transit is limited, and driving is difficult but not impossible. Although it is relatively safe to be out at night, it’s still not recommended.
St Lucia is a safe destination for solo female travelers. However, you should be aware of aggressive street vendors and rowdy street parties called “jump-ups.” There aren’t many solo travelers who frequent the island, so it is possible that you might be spending a lot of time on your own. It’sIt’s wise to stay where you see the locals hanging out and don’tdon’t visit any secluded beaches alone or close to dark.
Safety tips for St Lucia
- Don’t accept rides from strangers or hitchhike
- Mind the tides when visiting beaches or coastal areas
- Muggings are uncommon but have happened, so keep belongings close and lock up valuables at the hotel.
6. Maui (Best for Diving/Snorkeling)
Get the best view of the underwater world on Hawaii’s island of Maui. This Hawaiian island in the central pacific is well known for its sprawling national parks and over 30 miles of pristine beaches. Nicknamed “the Vally Isle,” Maui also features stunning volcanic mountains and valleys and one of the most famous drives in the world, Hana Highway (The Road to Hana).
Maui offers some fantastic dive sites to swim and explore for those who prefer the tranquil peace of the underwater world. Dive through caverns over 50 feet (15 meters) deep at Lanai Cathedral. Catch stunning rays of light as they pour through the holes in the cathedral’s ceiling, and if you’re lucky, you can spot turtles and dolphins. This is definitely a bucket list dive for underwater enthusiasts.
Honolua Bay and Airport Beach offer sights of colorful corals and abundant marine life, like eels, turtles, stingrays, and tropical fish. Try diving at one of Hawaii’s most interesting sites – Molokini Crater. The back wall of the crater has over 100 feet (30 meters) of warm waters filled with tons of marine life, like gray reef sharks, frogfish, and octopuses. Sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, and humpbacks are rare but still possible.
Is Maui safe?
Hawaii’s overall rating of 2.44 on the Global Peace Index makes it relatively safe to visit but requires caution. There are higher rates of violent demonstrations, homicides, and weapon use which is not uncommon throughout the continental United States. Most of the crime does not relate to the tourist industry, and although the locals aren’t always pleased with the constant stream of tourists, they are relatively friendly, and the islands are safe to visit.
Safety tips for Maui
- Beware of tides, large waves, and underwater currents when on beaches.
- Don’t snorkel or do any water sports alone
- Respect water safety signs on beaches
7. Samoa (Most Amazing Culture)
One of the most underrated tropical islands, Samoa stands out above the rest. This tropical island in the South Pacific Ocean consists of two main islands, two smaller islands, and several smaller uninhabited islands. On the island of Samoa, you can smile and wave at all the locals, and they will return the kindness. The island vibes are as strong as the culture here and are worth exploring.
In addition to visiting the postcard-worthy beaches and main attractions like the Alofaaga Blowholes, Piula Cave Pools, and Afu Aau Waterfalls, you should spend time immersing yourself in local Samoan culture. There are many ways to enjoy the culture, but the best would be to hire a local guide directly to help show you around or arrange cultural activities for you.
Samoan culture heavily focuses on family, community, and church. You can often see families gathering and spending time together on any given day and plenty of kids running freely. They often host Fiafia nights, where many families gather, cook, eat food, and dance the night away.
See a Samoan Fire Knife dance up close and admire the skill and grace of the dancers. Try local dishes like palusami (baked coconut cream cooked inside coconut leaves) or faiai eleni (fish baked with taro leaves and spices). Visiting the Samoan Cultural Village is a great way to learn more about the Samoan way of life. You’re sure to be captivated by this magical island’s rich culture and heritage.
Is Samoa safe?
Although there is some crime on the islands, Samoa is generally considered safe for tourists with the proper precautions. English is spoken widely on the island, and hotels and taxis are safe to use.
Women traveling alone should be aware that there has been a history of sexual assaults on the island. Women should avoid walking around at night or going to bars. Samoan women do not commonly go out to drink, which sends the wrong signal to men when they see women at night.
Safety tips for Samoa
- Beware aggressive street dogs
- Don’tDon’t walk around at night
FAQ
Is the Caribbean safe for solo travel?
The Caribbean is considered a popular destination for all travelers, from solo adventure seekers to families and couples. The beautiful beaches and waters bring in travelers from all over the world. The Caribbean has over 700 unique islands; some are considered safer than others. Overall the Caribbean is considered safe, but it is not without crime and scams.
Travelers to the Caribbean should take precautions against common tourist scams and keep their belongings close to them when in crowded places. It is a good rule of thumb to avoid pulling out your phone or wearing expensive jewelry or clothes to avoid becoming a target. For women, it is a great idea to take a travel purse instead of a regular purse in case of theft. Learn how to clean the inside of a purse so that your travel bag will last you through many vacations!
What is the safest Caribbean island for a solo female to travel to?
Out of all the 700 Caribbean islands, St. Barts, Anguilla, and The Cayman Islands rank the highest in terms of safety. These islands have low crime rates and below-average property and violent crime rates. They often cater to luxury travelers and rely on tourism as a vital economic source, incentivizing locals and criminals not to mess with tourists.
Where to solo travel as a female in the US?
The US is another excellent destination for solo female travelers. The country is large and has 50 states; some are safer than others. According to the world peace index, many states in the West, like Washington, Oregon, and California, and states in the East, like Ohio, Virginia, and New York, have relatively low scores and are safe to visit.
Non-mainland states like Hawaii and Alaska are also considered safe for women to visit. When considering where to go in the USA, it is best to check for individual cities’cities’ crime rates and the state’s overall rating. Some cities like San Francisco or New York City may be appealing but can be more dangerous for female travelers.
Is Indonesia safe for female travelers?
Plenty of travelers report feeling safe while solo traveling through Indonesia. The country has an overall peace index of 1.80, making it relatively safe for travelers. Although solo female travelers should be aware that Indonesia is a conservative country, it would be wise to cover your shoulders and wear long skirts or pants to avoid unwanted attention.
Adjusting your fashion style according to local custom is important so the locals would respect you. Here’s an example of it: what to wear when traveling to Morocco.
Big cities are not without risk, so it is best to take standard travel precautions in crowded, touristy places.
What to pack for a tropical destination?
Packing for a tropical destination can be tricky as some are more prone to rain or monsoons, and some are drier. Depending on the season, it is always important to pack the following items:
- Light rain jacket
- Sandals
- Sunscreen
- Beach hat
- Sunglasses
- Travel bag
- Walking shoes
- Beach bag
Summary
Tropical islands are wondrous places to visit, filled to the brim with lush jungles and stunning beaches. Whether heading to a tropical island for a calm vacation or a true adventure, you will surely be amazed by the options you have to visit. Knowing what you are visiting for will make choosing your tropical island destination a breeze.
Traveling solo doesn’t have to be scary or lonely. Here are my 9 tips for solo female traveler. You’ll find something useful whether you’re just started or already have some experiences before.
