A Place For Women

I remember the first time I walked into a space designed specifically for women. It wasn’t a resort or a retreat — it was a small, unassuming hostel in the mountains of Portugal, where the only people I saw were women and non-binary travelers. The air was thick with the scent of lavender and freshly baked bread, and the walls were adorned with art by female artists from around the world. It felt like I had been handed a key to a place that understood me in ways I hadn’t realized I needed. That’s what ‘a place for women’ means to me — a safe, empowering, and inclusive space for solo travelers who want to explore the world without compromise.^[1]

Solo travel for LGBTQ+ women is not just about finding a destination; it’s about finding a community. Whether you’re navigating unfamiliar cities, dealing with the subtle but persistent microaggressions of being a woman in a male-dominated space, or just looking for a place to feel seen and supported, ‘a place for women’ can be the difference between a stressful journey and a transformative one. These spaces — from hostels to retreats — are designed with the unique needs of LGBTQ+ women in mind, offering everything from gender-inclusive restrooms to queer-friendly events.

When I first started traveling solo as a queer woman, I often felt like I was walking a tightrope. I worried about being stared at, approached, or not taken seriously. But when I found my first ‘a place for women’ — a hostel in Lisbon where the staff greeted me by name and the other guests shared stories over coffee — I felt a shift. I was no longer just a traveler; I was part of a collective. That’s why I’m writing this: to help you find your own place, your own community, your own safe space in the world.

What Makes a Place for Women?

As of September 2026, a place for women is defined by the intention behind its design. It’s not about exclusion; it’s about inclusion. These spaces are created with the understanding that women, especially LGBTQ+ women, often face unique challenges while traveling. From ensuring gender-inclusive restrooms and safe sleeping arrangements to offering workshops on self-defense and cultural sensitivity, these destinations are built with safety and empowerment in mind.

I stayed at a retreat in Costa Rica that had a strict no-male policy and offered queer-specific programming, including a panel on navigating global travel as an LGBTQ+ woman. The sense of belonging was palpable. There was no judgment, no need to hide, and the other travelers were just as invested in creating a safe, empowering environment.

These spaces often include LGBTQ+ inclusive policies, such as the ability to change your name or gender on booking systems, and they usually offer queer-friendly events. For example, I once attended a poetry night at a hostel in Barcelona that was exclusively for women and non-binary travelers — it was a night of raw emotion, connection, and shared stories.

Part of our Solo travel destinations for black women guide.

The Power of Community

One of the most unexpected benefits of staying in a place for women is the community you build. I met a group of women in a hostel in Vietnam who ended up traveling together for months, sharing everything from hotel tips to personal stories. We became friends, and the sense of belonging was something I hadn’t felt before.

These spaces are often designed to encourage conversation and connection. I remember one hostel in Mexico City that had a 'travel swap' night where people shared their favorite destinations, tips, and even travel guides. It was a night of learning, laughter, and bonding.

The connections you make in these spaces often extend far beyond the trip itself. I still keep in touch with the women I met at that hostel in Vietnam. We travel separately now, but we still check in, share stories, and support each other when life gets tough.

Community is the heartbeat of a place for women.

Related: Jamaica all inclusive resorts

Related: Mississippi river cruise all inclusive

Related: All inclusive for jamaica

What to Expect in These Spaces

From wellness retreats to solo travel workshops, these spaces are filled with opportunities to grow and connect. I once stayed at a retreat in Iceland where the programming included a self-defense class led by a female instructor, a panel on navigating global travel as a queer woman. A group hike that ended with a bonfire and storytelling.

The amenities are often designed with women in mind — think private sleeping pods, gender-inclusive bathrooms, and safe spaces for conversations. I stayed at a hostel in Japan that had a meditation room specifically for women, where travelers could come to relax and recharge between exploring the city.

These spaces also often have events tailored to women. I once attended a networking night in Paris where women travelers could share their experiences, tips, and even job opportunities in the travel industry. It was a night of empowerment and possibility.

“I remember the first time I walked into a space designed specifically for women.”— Solo Travel for Lgbtq Travelers editors

Related: Curacao all inclusive resorts

Safety and Inclusivity

Safety is a top priority in these spaces. Many have 24-hour security, female-only sleeping areas, and strict policies against harassment or discrimination. I stayed at a hostel in Morocco where the staff would check in on guests every hour and ensure that all areas were well-lit and secure.^[2]

Inclusivity is also a core value. These spaces often have policies that support LGBTQ+ travelers, such as allowing guests to change their names or gender on booking systems. I once stayed at a hostel in Peru that had a 'gender-inclusive' policy — it didn’t ask for gender at all on the booking form, which made me feel more comfortable and respected.

Accessibility is another important factor. Many spaces are designed with women with disabilities in mind, offering accessible rooms, ramps, and other accommodations. I stayed at a retreat in Thailand that had accessible bathrooms, wide doorways, and even a service animal-friendly policy.

Related: All inclusive for bahamas

Cost and Value

The cost of staying at a place for women can vary depending on the location and the amenities. I stayed at a hostel in Lisbon that cost $120 per night, which was actually cheaper than a regular hostel in the city. But I also stayed at a retreat in New Zealand that cost $250 per night — it was more expensive, but the experience was unparalleled.^[3]

The value of these spaces is often in the experience, not the price. I once stayed at a retreat in Canada where the cost was $300 per night, but the programming, food, and activities made it feel like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You’re not just paying for a place to sleep — you’re paying for a community, a safe space, and a unique opportunity to connect with other travelers.^[4]

For many, the cost is worth it. I’ve met women who have spent thousands on these trips, but they say it’s one of the most valuable investments they’ve ever made. The sense of belonging, the safety, and the connections made in these spaces are often the real value.

The Best Time to Visit

Spring is often the best time to visit a place for women because it’s a season of renewal, both in the environment and in the travel experience. I visited a retreat in Colombia in March, and it was the perfect time — the weather was warm, the flowers were in bloom, and the community felt especially vibrant.

However, the ideal time to visit also depends on the destination. For example, if you’re planning a trip to Norway, summer is the best time for hiking and exploring the northern lights, while winter is better for snow activities. If you’re traveling to Japan, spring is ideal for cherry blossoms, while autumn is perfect for leaves and festivals.

I once stayed at a hostel in Peru during the rainy season, and it was a unique experience. The roads were muddy, the weather was unpredictable, but the community was stronger. People were more connected, more open, and the sense of solidarity was palpable.

Spring is the season of renewal — both in the world and in the soul.

What to Pack

When I travel to a place for women, I always pack with both comfort and practicality in mind. I bring items like a reusable water bottle, a good pair of walking shoes, and a lightweight jacket for unpredictable weather. I also bring a small first-aid kit and a copy of my travel insurance policy.

I’ve learned that it’s important to bring items that make me feel safe and comfortable. I always pack a small flashlight, a whistle for emergencies, and a lock for my hostel room. I also bring a journal to write in — it helps me process my experiences and stay grounded.

For many, the packing list is also about self-care. I always bring a small bag of snacks, a travel-sized skincare kit, and a good book to read in the evening. It’s about creating a space that feels like home, even if I’m in a new place.

A Place For Women