When Tammy Bernard and her partner of six years broke up this year, she knew she needed to escape.
“I found myself alone again and needed a break to clear my head and heal my heart,” said Bernard, 59.
A remote worker, she used to travel with her partner every winter, but she realized she could easily travel on her own.
Living in Kentucky, she began making plans to visit a friend in Kansas and then a brother in Oregon. Bernard is now working on a smaller budget, so a friend of hers recommended Trusted Housesitters to her. It’s an online community that connects vetted travelers with owners who need their homes and pets watched while they’re away. Bernard, a dog lover, found joy in pet sitting.
Bernard fell in love with solo travel and has never looked back. She has booked a pet-sitting trip for the rest of the year and is also considering staying abroad to see where she will move after her retirement.
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explore america alone
Bernard is just one of many women who travel alone. More women are interested in packing and heading out on their own, according to a 2022 survey.
One concern that causes great hesitation among women is understandably their safety. The survey respondent, a female traveler herself, recommends that first-time solo travelers travel within her home country first.
According to TrustedHousesitters’ new 2023 Solo Female Travel Report, the platform led to a 193% increase in women booking solo stays from 2021 to 2022.
Read more: ‘It’s like your best friend from home’: This startup makes solo travel safer for women
In this report, TrustedHousesitters researchers determined the best US states for women to visit independently. A company spokesperson said the study looked at factors such as existing travel statistics for women travelers, crime statistics, community friendliness surveys, and the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace, and Security’s report on women’s safety in each state. That’s what it means.
At the top of the list are the states that make up the Northeast, with their charming towns and stunning scenery.
“The Northeast is the perfect place for women who want to travel solo, and with our pet sitting platform, you can live like a local, explore nature, or work from home with fun companions in local homes. “Pets,” said Angela Rose, Director of Community at TrustedHousesitters.
According to TrustedHousesitters, these are the 10 best states for solo female travelers.
1. Vermont
The Green Mountain State topped the list of states for solo female travelers. Laws said more than half of Vermont’s hotel reservations are for solo female travelers. It’s easy to see why. The state has incredible outdoor beauty, including mountain views and pristine lakes, great hiking, and the highest number of museums per capita. As a bonus, the town of Waterbury is also home to a Ben & Jerry’s factory.
TrustedHousesitters found that Vermont is one of the safest states for women, with the lowest rates of violence against women and the highest percentage of women who feel safe.
2. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers endless activities for travelers, from exploring history at Philadelphia and Gettysburg National Military Park to marveling at the work of some of the nation’s best artists, such as the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh. There’s also endless nature to explore, including Chester County’s Longwood Gardens and Presque Isle State Park. The state has great internet for female travelers and some of the friendliest residents in the country.
3. Delaware
If you’re a solo female traveler, you’ll feel safe heading to the First State, which is small but full of history and beautiful coastline. Explore Delaware’s stunning colonial architecture and stop at beautiful state parks for a calm and relaxing vacation. Digital nomads rejoice, as this state is her second safest in the country for women and has high-speed internet access.
4. Rhode Island
Rhode Island is the second most popular state for solo female travelers and has the highest local safety rating. The state offers a relaxing vacation with beautiful ocean views and hiking, as well as historic attractions like the Breakers, the Vanderbilt family’s luxurious summer home. Don’t forget to visit the Rhode Island School of Design Museum and sample the state’s delicious seafood.
5. Maryland
Women traveling alone to Maryland won’t have to worry about running out of things to do, as there are plenty of attractions to visit, including Ocean City Boardwalk and Brookside Gardens. Travelers should also try the crabs. According to Trusted Housesitters, Maryland was found to be her third safest state for women and also has the highest internet speeds.
6. Minnesota
Travelers will enjoy Minnesota’s blend of culture and rugged nature. It is one of the friendliest states in the United States for solo female travelers. The state is home to more than 14,000 lakes, many waterfalls, and plenty of hiking trails waiting to be explored. Choose your mode of transportation: canoe, bike, or hike. When you need a break, visit the famous Mall of America.
7. Colorado
One of the friendliest and safest states for women, Colorado is also full of adventure. Enjoy skiing and snowboarding in the winter and mountain biking in the summer in beautiful mountain towns like Breckenridge, Vail, and Aspen. Or try something more unique, like hot springs or sand surfing at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.
8. New Hampshire
New Hampshire offers a cozy getaway for solo travelers. It also has one of the lowest rates of violence against women and is a safe destination for women. Travelers can choose between the mountains or the ocean and explore through outdoor activities such as kayaking and snowshoeing. There are also plenty of charming shopping towns to check out, including Concord, Portsmouth, and Manchester.
9. Hawaii
A dream vacation for many, Hawaii is a safe and popular destination for solo female travelers. In fact, the majority of stays at her Trusted Housesitters in the Aloha State are booked by solo female travelers. Hawaii offers endless natural beauty, including volcanic landscapes, lush valleys, and, of course, picturesque beaches, in addition to many cultural opportunities.
10. Kansas
This Midwestern state is known for having some of the friendliest people, making it an ideal destination for solo female travelers. Visit attractions like the otherworldly Monument Rock in Oakley, or soak up some history at Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site. Don’t forget to eat the barbecue!
Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. Please contact kwong@usatoday.com.
