International Women’s Day: Inspiring female solo travellers

Each year on 8 March, International Women’s Day is celebrated worldwide to champion women around the globe and their continuous fight to reach gender equality.

So for women looking to take a solo trip to celebrate girl power — Generator, a European hostel brand, compiled a selection of inspiring trip ideas to celebrate the occasion. From exploring the art galleries of Berlin to relaxing with a cocktail in Barcelona.

According to the 2018 ABTA Holiday Habits Report, more than one in six people in 2018 chose to travel alone, up from the one in nine (12%) who took a solo holiday in 2017 and the trend shows no sign of slowing down.

Hamburg, Germany

As Germany’s second largest city, Hamburg has everything solo travellers need. With down to earth locals, live music on every corner and a thriving art scene, this is the perfect destination for those wishing to head off-the-beaten-track in Germany to explore something a little more unusual.

Hamburg is popular for its collection of landmarks, churches, canals and bridges which rival some of Europe’s most famous.

Madrid, Spain

Famous for stunning monuments, art and architecture, solo travellers looking to head to Madrid will not be disappointed with Spain’s capital city.

It’s known for its rich collection of European art including works by Goya, Velázquez and other Spanish masters. Madrid offers some of the best art museums on the continent which holds renaissance masterworks and seminal 20th-century pieces.

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin, Ireland is perfect for female explorers looking for the famous range of pubs, restaurants and shops that line the cobbled streets.

Some of its most historic buildings include Dublin Castle, dating to the 13th century, and St Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in 1191. Taking leisurely strolls in the city are recommended as it featured parks like St Stephen’s Green and the vast Phoenix Park, containing Dublin Zoo.

Barcelona, Spain

In the cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, there’s a range of museums and historic parks to visit. Going solo won’t be a problem at all as the place makes sure travellers are mesmerised with world-famous landmarks such as the Sagrada Família and other works designed by Antoni Gaudí that dot the city.

Other top attractions include Palau de La Musica Catalana, Montserrat (a Benedictine monk mountain retreat), Montjuic Castle, and Tibidabo Amusement Park.

Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm is the capital of Sweden which encompasses 14 islands and more than 50 bridges on the extensive Baltic Sea archipelago. Ferries and sightseeing boats shuttle passengers between the islands, while its streets are home to the 13th-century Storkyrkan Cathedral, the Kungliga Slottet Royal Palace and the Nobel Museum.

Solo travellers can explore in destinations such as the old town Gamla Stan, Vasa Museum,  the Royal Palace, and Skansen, the first open-air museum and zoo in Sweden.