The travel trend of traveling solo is bigger than ever before – especially for women. If you are keen to give it a try and see what all of the fuss is about, you may be wondering which destinations are ideal for your very first solo trip. The truth is that there are many from which to choose, but one that always offers the full package is the Philippines.

Here is a handy guide in terms of planning your solo vacation to Las islas Filipinas.

Where to go

You can feel empowered to go practically anywhere in the Philippines as a solo female traveler. It is generally considered to be a safe country where crime is relatively minimal. However, there are certain areas that you might want to steer clear of, such as Marawi City in Mindanao and Sulu Archipelago, the southern Sulu Sea included.

Now that you know where not to go, here are a few ideas for places that you should be planning to visit and explore:

• Siargao: Siargao is extremely diverse and known for its classic island charm. You should feel right at home the moment you visit, especially considering that it has a reputation for welcoming and attracting the most solo travelers in the country. It is a surfing hotspot and the perfect place to try your hand at many other thrilling water activities.
• Batanes: If you are in search of natural beauty, then Batanes should be the number one location on your priority list of must-sees. Its coastline is absolutely stunning, as is its magnificent mountainous surroundings. It is ideal for those solo travelers in search of a balance between relaxation and adventure.
• El Nido: You will find a number of exhilarating island hopping tours that will take you to El Nido – and for good reason. It is home to a variety of regions that allow for plenty of scenic exploration, including lagoons, massive caves, and tranquil, hide-away beaches promising the ultimate ‘me-time’ experience.

What to do

Needless to say, the majority of travelers choose The Philippines vacation because of the opportunity to laze around on the sandy beaches for days on end. However, its stunning sun, sea, and sand experiences are not the only experiences that this archipelagic country has to offer its visitors. Here are a few other activities to add to your itinerary:

• Visit the Banaue Rice Terraces: Many people consider the Banaue Rice Terraces to be the ‘eighth wonder of the world’. Carved into the mountains of Ifugao, these rice terraces are over 2000 years old and still actively used by the locals to grow vegetables and rice to this day.
• Take in the beauty of San Agustin Church: Constructed during the Spanish Colonial Period, San Agustin Church is undoubtedly one of the most stunning pieces of architecture in the country. You will find it nestled in the heart of Manila.
• Marvel at Mayon Volcano: This towering volcano is active and has been nicknamed the “Perfect Cone” due to its perfectly symmetrical cone shape.

Nothing is holding you back from exploring The Philippines solo with confidence.