Ready for some solo travel, but not sure quite where to go? It’s understandable. Going it alone can be a little daunting, but the truth is that it offers far more opportunities for adventure, surprise and meeting new people than when you’re in company – especially if you choose the right destinations.

Here’s your guide to the best places in the world for women journeying on their own.

United Kingdom

The UK is a terrific spot to begin, especially if you haven’t done much travelling before. The perfect balance of familiarity and excitement is on offer. There’s no battling with a foreign language, everyday activities like going to the post office and shopping follow the same procedures they do at home and, should you need any assistance, such as medical services, it’s easily accessible. What’s more, there are always plenty of Aussies around and, being overseas, they’re even friendlier than usual, so it isn’t hard to find company.

At the same time, the UK promises some amazing adventures, from London’s epic multicultural buzz, to world-famous historical sites like Stonehenge, to some of the most beautiful countryside you’ll see anywhere. Getting around isn’t difficult – your Australian driving licence allows you to get behind the wheel in the UK. You’ll find some excellent deals at DriveNow car rental in Belfast.

Scandinavia

Scandinavia, which incorporates Norway, Sweden and Denmark, is renowned for its equal treatment of women.

It’s a great place to travel solo because you can expect to be approached with dignity and respect. Plus, even though English isn’t the native language, you’ll find that most Scandinavians are incredibly fluent in it – English lessons are a major part of their education.

As far as adventures go, there’s certainly no shortage. Scandinavian cities are lovely to travel around, being less crowded than places like Paris and Rome. Some highlights you should definitely check out are the Norwegian capital, Oslo, which is home to the stunning Vigeland Sculpture Park; Malmo, in Sweden, famous for its focus on sustainability and easy access to hiking and watersports; and Denmark’s charming capital, Copenhagen.

Canada

Canada is known for its friendly, welcoming and polite population. Plenty of women travel solo there – both to spend time in the clean, culture-filled cities, and to embark on fantastic outdoor trips. It’s a particularly popular choice for Australian travellers because the two countries have quite a bit in common.

Canada is easy to get around, with good roads and plenty of affordable options for car hire. Culturally, loads of unexpected experiences can be had. Did you know, for example, that Winnipeg boasts one of the best ballet companies on the planet? Or that some of the best songwriters in history, including Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen, come from Canada?

In addition to the rich urban arts scenes, there are plenty of festivals held every year.

Plus, when it comes to nature, Canada is hard to beat – from the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains to diverse wildlife and views of the Northern Lights.