In 2019, 'Eat, Pray, Love' might seem like an outdated holidaying concept and just another thing your mum talks about from time to time (in addition to applying for Bake Off and getting a Momager haircut). But according to survey statistics from online booking platform Hostelworld, female travel is up 45%. So if you or your mum is jetting off solo here's their tried-and-tested guide to the top-ten places to stay.
Hostelworld based their chart toppers on the reviews and scores left by female users of the site. So whether you're looking for a space to meet like-minded people on your travels, or an escape to have some serious alone time, these places are recommended by women who've been there already.
10. Hostel One, Budapest, Hungary
This hostel on a mission to provide a social atmosphere. Sociable staff cook you dinner, take you on adventures during the day, and share their expert city knowledge with anyone wise enough to listen. After dinner, guests can gather to play games and, when the bar closes, staff are happy to lead the way to the best party spots in town - great if you're looking to meet friends to go 'out out' with.
Dorms from £9 per night
Overall rating: 9.6/10
9. The Romehello Hostel, Rome, Italy
From culture lovers to craft-beer buffs, there's something for everyone. Its artistic layout, friendly staff and activities mean it's an experience and not just a place to crash.
Dorms from £22 per night
Overall rating: 9.6/10
8. Garden House Hostel, Porto, Portugal
Located on a charming pedestrian street in the Old Town, just a stone's throw from the stunning Capela das Almas chapel with its hand-painted blue tiles. Reviews say it's 'open and airy' with its large outdoor terrace and friendly staff who provide a personal service and pub-crawl to help you discover the city and your fellow travellers.
Dorms from £11 per night
Overall rating: 9.6/10
7. The Hostello, Verona, Italy
Split across a four-storey building with a stunning garden that's perfect for sitting with a glass of wine. The friendly staff are on hand 24/7 with recommendations on where to eat and which city sites you have to see before you leave.
Dorms from £23 per night
Overall rating: 9.6/10
6. Lub D Cambodia Siem Reap, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Boasts modern design, a great atmosphere and a pool worth posting on Instagram. It even offers all-day breakfast and delicious barista-made espresso coffee, plus an activities tour desk to help you explore the Angkor Wat temple nearby.
Dorms from £7 per night
Overall rating: 9.7/10
5. La Banda Rooftop Hostel, Seville, Spain
Hosts dinner parties every evening on the open roof, which overlooks the stunning cathedral to create a strong friendship vibe. It also offers free walking tours and promises to hook you up with the best flamenco and tapas spots in town.
Dorms from £17 per night
Overall rating: 9.6/10
4. Goodmorning Lisbon Hostel, Lisbon, Portugal
Highly rated for its great location, waffles for breakfast and cooking classes for all guests, meaning you can go out or stay in and still have fun.
Dorms from £15 per night
Hostelworld overall customer rating: 9.7/10
3. Lost Inn Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
Located in the historical, elegant district of Chiado, Lisbon, the airy hostel is housed in a renovated eighteenth-century building complete with vaulted ceilings, époque tiles and wooden floors.
Dorms from £11 per night
Overall rating: 9.7/10
2. Stamps Backpackers, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Stamps' dorm rooms use a semi-private sleeping pod concept meaning extra privacy for those looking for a good, but affordable night's sleep. It's also the perfect place for solo travellers to meet people, offering group activities every evening and day trips for a family vibe.
Dorms from £7 per night
Overall rating: 9.7/10
1. We Love F. Tourists, Lisbon, Portugal
The newly refurbished We Love F. Tourists, in Lisbon, Portugal, was crowned as the Best for Female Solo Travellers, thanks to its friendly staff, daily activities and ideal, safe and culturally-rich location.
Dorms from £14 per night
Overall rating: 9.6/10
Want more information on solo travel? Visit here.
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