The Top Bucket List Destinations Every Woman Should Visit Now
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This post shares the top bucket list destinations for women who want safe, exciting, and beautiful places.
If you’ve been doom-scrolling travel content lately…
feeling that pull to just go somewhere amazing, this is it!
This year needs to be the year you stop saying “someday” and book one of these bucket list destinations.
I’m talking about places that are safe, gorgeous, and make our travel souls happy. The kind of trips that change you and make long-lasting memories.
Keep reading because I promise one of these destinations is calling your name.
Why This Year Hits Different for Travel
Female travel is exploding right now, and it’s not slowing down.
We’re choosing once-in-a-lifetime bucket list destinations over basic vacations. We’re done with cookie-cutter resorts because everyone on social media is posting from them.
We want incredible experiences over all-inclusive everything (and those are amazing too!), which makes us feel confident in ourselves.
After years of hustle culture and screen fatigue, we should want a trip that gives us a reset!
And guess what? You’re more ready for this than you think.
The 11 Bucket List Destinations You Need to Add
1. Córdoba, Spain: All the Spain Vibes, None of the Chaos
Want Spain without the Barcelona madness? Córdoba’s your city.
Slower pace, golden light everywhere, and safe for solo wandering that feels relaxing instead of scary.
Get to the Mezquita, a beautiful Islamic mosque, at sunrise, before the crowds hit.
Then walk the Roman bridge with coffee in hand.
The whole city is walkable, so you can get lost on purpose, find hidden gems and cute local shops for souvenirs. Which I absolutely love!
Enjoy tapas and wine in the tiny bars at night, sampling Andalusian flavours.
Total soft-life, gentle travel, energy.
2. Iceland: The Trip That Feels Really Safe Out in Nature
Iceland keeps topping lists for women (travelling solo or otherwise!) because you feel safe here.
Make sure you’re ready for an outdoor adventure, not just exploring the cute towns
Rent a car, drive the Ring Road and chase waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss or Skógafoss! You will lose your breath over the incredible outdoors here.
Book a glacier hike in advance for the full experience and explore a blue ice cave.
Soak in the Sky Lagoon, which probably isn’t mobbed with tourists, and the 7-step Skjól Ritual is so relaxing you won’t want to leave.
Download offline Google maps and grab a pocket Wi-Fi for remote areas. You’ll definitely want both.
3. Seoul, South Korea: Where Culture Meets Incredible Style
Seoul is having a moment, and it’s not hard to see why!
Clean, safe, efficient, yummy food, and packed with personality.
The metro makes getting around stupid easy, even if you’re nervous about navigating a new city. Download Kako Maps because that’s what locals use (over Google Maps) and get an eSim for easy access to data!
Hit up palaces like Gyeongbokgung in the morning and wander through traditional tea houses.
Lose yourself in night markets. Join a food tour to meet people and eat all the things (I’m just dreaming of the tteokbokk).
And when in Korea, you cannot miss the skincare districts! Glass skin? Yes, please!
Sure, you’ll spend half your budget on skincare, but your skin is going to feel fabulous!
If you aren’t convinced to add Seoul to your bucket list yet, women constantly say Seoul made them feel powerful!
4. Azores Islands, Portugal: Where Stress Just Leaves Your Body
Picture it, you’re in Portugal (already exciting!) and looking out at volcanic landscapes and enjoying natural hot springs.
The pace of the islands is nice and slow, so that you forget what anxiety feels like.
The Azores are bucket list destinations for anyone who needs their nervous system to chill out.
Rent a car and explore São Miguel (the largest island) at whatever speed feels right.
Hike or join a tour of the crater rims and have a lovely soak in thermal pools to relax!
Then try the local cuisine like cozido das Furnas, this insane stew cooked in volcanic steam.
Remember to pack layers because the weather’s moody and waterproof everything. You’ll definitely feel like you’ve reconnected with yourself here.
5. Abisko, Sweden: Northern Lights That Will Take Your Breath Away
Abisko has some of the clearest skies for Northern Lights visibility on the planet!
Women love visiting not just for the gorgeous skies and Arctic landscapes, but also for the small town’s safety.
Check the aurora forecasts before you go and stay flexible with your viewing nights.
Try husky sledding or snowmobiling during the day. Those local saunas after freezing your butt off? Chef’s kiss.
It’s the winter adventure of a lifetime.
6. Southern France: Coastal Perfection for Your Soul
Nice, Èze, Antibes, Provence, Bordeaux. These places were designed for slow mornings and feeling fancy without trying.
Base yourself in Nice and day-trip via train to Monaco, Cannes, and hilltop villages that look just out of a fairytale; they’re so pretty.
You should walk the Promenade des Anglais at sunset and poke around markets overflowing with lavender and local goods.
Time it right and you’ll catch lavender fields in full bloom!
Take the coastal train for views that’ll remind you to relax, breathe, and enjoy the small moments.
7. Tasmania, Australia: Wild in the Best Possible Way
Tasmania has everything! Beautifully rugged coastlines, world-class hiking, and an incredible coffee and wine scene.
You’ll get that thrilling, wild feeling without ever feeling unsafe. Road trip to the national parks and coastal drives for maximum impact.
Don’t rush Freycinet or Cradle Mountain. The Wineglass Bay hike alone justifies the flight. Then to unwind? Stop at one of the local wineries for a glass of pinot.
See Tasmanian devils at wildlife sanctuaries. Find your own secret beach.
And definitely give yourself some extra days because rushing Tasmania is a crime.
8. Mexico’s Pacific Coast: Pure Sunshine Therapy
Sunshine, ocean, wellness retreats, and zero stress. Sign me up!
The safe resort towns of Mexico’s Pacific coast have that relaxed vibe women are obsessed with right now.
Visit towns like Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita, and Huatulco!
Book surf lessons, beachfront yoga, and boat tours to hidden spots.
Join small women-friendly group tours for jungle and waterfall adventures (way more fun than solo).
Hit up local markets for real, authentic Mexican food and crafts (perfect for souvenirs).
Mix lazy beach days with active exploring. It’s the reset you’ve been needing.
9. Guatemala: Big Adventures, Small Prices
Guatemala is pulling in adventurous women, and is the perfect place to add to their bucket list destinations (without the European price tag).
The Acatenango sunrise trek is life-changing. You camp overnight, watching the Fuego volcano erupt in the darkness. Women call it their ultimate travel moment.
The base is in Antigua! You can take a day trip to Lake Atitlán for peaceful lakeside relaxation or explore the city.
The architecture is incredible, and visiting the Casa Santo Domingo Museum should absolutely be on your itinerary, too!
Book your volcano trek with amazing guides who handle the heavy lifting.
Guatemala is for the women who want a challenge as well as beauty in equal measure.
10. Wales: The Quiet That Heals
Wales is all about peaceful villages and raw coastal beauty.
With locals who make you feel so welcome and act like they want you there.
It feels light-years away from chaotic European cities, and that’s the whole point.
Walk the Coastal Path sections. Explore Pembrokeshire’s dramatic cliffs. Stay in remote villages or cozy B&Bs.
Mix scenic drives with easy hikes and tiny town stops for meals that feel homemade and tiny shops to wander through.
The slower pace is what makes Wales work. Perfect for when you need space to think and enjoy your own peace.
11. Tokyo, Japan: Where Everything Just Works
Japan ranks as one of the world’s safest travel spots for women travelling (solo or otherwise!), and the efficiency and cleanliness are next level.
Tokyo’s electric energy plus Kyoto’s ancient temples equals perfection.
See Tokyo’s RED° Tokyo Tower. Walk up the steps of the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. Feed friendly deer in Nara.
Everywhere is so easy to get to and feels so organized in the best way!
Visit in fall for momiji-gari (chasing autumn colours) or the spring for Hanami (cherry blossom season). Parks like Yoyogi in Tokyo are stunning then!
As for retail therapy and souvenirs, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Asakusa are just some of the shopping districts!
Just remember: Book temple visits ahead to skip the lines.
Match Your Vibe to Your Destination
Feeling torn about which amazing bucket list destination to visit first? No worries! Here’s a quick breakdown to help you find the perfect match for your travel style.
For the women who are Adventure seekers: Tasmania, Iceland, Guatemala, Abisko
Women who are all about the soft life, slow travel lovers: Southern France, The Azores, Córdoba
If you’re culture obsessed (like me!): Córdoba, Japan, Seoul, West Coast of Mexico
Finally, Women who love being wellness-focused on their adventures: Azores, Japan, Southern France
Planning Your Bucket List Adventure
When you’re planning your bucket list vacation, make sure you’re prepared!
Try to book at least 6-9 months out. The good stuff fills fast.
Pick places known for safety. Read what other women say about tours and hotels/hostels before booking.
Get travel insurance for international trips (seriously, do it).
Pack good shoes and outfits that make you feel like yourself.
Plan loosely so you can be spontaneous.
Go Book the Thing
Pick the place that speaks to who you are and who you want to be this year.
Whether it’s Northern Lights in Sweden or wine in France, these bucket list destinations are waiting for you to say YES!
Stop overthinking it.
Your gut already knows which of these destinations is calling your name, so start researching.
Save this list and send it to your travel bestie right now. Make the plan.
Your next adventure is closer than you think, and future you will thank you for booking it.
