logo
Thinking of taking a solocation? Here's why Dubai, Poland, Spain may be just right

Thinking of taking a solocation? Here's why Dubai, Poland, Spain may be just right

News242 days ago

Supplied
More and more people are taking up opportunities to travel alone.
InsureMyTrip conducted a study across 62 cities based on female safety and tourism metrics to create a list of the best cities for solo female travellers.
Dubai in the United Arab Emirates came up tops for safety, with an overall score of 7.71 - 83% of women reporting feeling safe walking alone at night
Solo travel is on the rise, but for female travellers it is safety concerns - more than money or geography - that often stop them in their tracks.
InsureMyTrip conducted a study across 62 cities based on female safety and tourism metrics to create a list of the best cities for solo female travellers.
Travel trends have changed to reflect that the safest places to travel to alone are not always the Nordic countries. Due to their reputation of being small and often equal-gender societies, there was a belief among travellers that they were safer vacation spots for solo travellers. However, that has changed.
Dubai in the United Arab Emirates came up tops for safety, with an overall score of 7.71 - 83% of women reporting feeling safe walking alone at night.
Dubbed the city that never sleeps, it has establishments closing late in the evening, surveillance in public spaces, night tours of the city, late-night restaurant dining, and shopping at various boutiques and malls.
This setup is perfect for solo travellers who love leisurely exploring the city.
READ | The world's safest country for women travelling alone is not a Nordic country
And if you aren't too concerned about safety and you were already looking to chase the summer as South Africa gets colder, here are six good reasons why you should consider Dubai:
1. Perfect winter weather
Trade icy mornings for balmy days bathed in sunshine. Dubai's winter climate is idyllic, averaging a pleasant 25°C, perfect for exploring the city from the early morning to the late evening.
2. Thrilling theme parks
Thrill-seekers unite at IMG Worlds of Adventure, the world's largest indoor theme park, or Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis, The Palm. Little ones will be mesmerised by KidZania, a miniature city where children can role-play their dream jobs.
3. Desert adventures
Escape the urban bustle with a desert safari. Families can experience dune bashing and sandboarding, followed by a traditional Bedouin dinner under the stars. This immersive experience offers a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage.
4. Underwater wonders
The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, in the Dubai Mall, is home to thousands of marine animals. Walk through the underwater tunnel and marvel at sharks, rays, and penguins - witness the ocean's wonders up close.
5. Cultural immersion
Dubai is more than a modern metropolis; it's a city steeped in history and tradition. Explore the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and traditional wind-tower architecture. Visit the Dubai Museum in the Al Fahidi Fort for insights into the city's past.
6. Family friendly convenience
Dubai's commitment to luxury extends to its family-friendly accommodations. The city boasts many hotels and resorts catering to families, offering spacious rooms, kids' clubs, and dedicated family pools.
Many hotels also offer all-inclusive packages, making it easier to budget for your trip. Consider purchasing a Dubai Pass, which provides access to multiple attractions at a discounted rate. Look for hotels that offer free breakfast or complimentary access to kids' clubs.
READ | Best destinations for solo women travellers - SA ranks in the top 20
Other countries that made the top 10 cities for solo female travellers, with their overall scores, are as follows:
Dubai, UAE - 7.71
Krakow, Poland - 7.18
Madrid, Spain - 7.14
Munich, Germany - 6.89
Chiang Mai, Thailand - 6.84
Lisbon, Portugal - 6.61
Prague, Czechia - 6.50
Vienna, Austria - 6.47
Singapore - 6.43

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Corrections: June 10, 2025
Corrections: June 10, 2025

New York Times

time4 hours ago

  • New York Times

Corrections: June 10, 2025

An article on Sunday about Hong Kong's strategy to attract tourism misstated the timing of the Golden Week holiday. It is in early May, not early March. An article on Monday about Representative Don Bacon, a Nebraska Republican, and his break with President Trump misstated the number of terms an incumbent mayor of Omaha had served before his recent election loss. It was three terms, not four. A picture caption with an article on Friday about a new show by the photographer Elle Pérez misstated the title of an artwork, using information from the Cultural Counsel. It is 'Untitled (wet and tired flowers),' from 'La Despedida,' 2025, not 'Untitled (cut path and yellow flowers),' from 'La Despedida,' 2025. An article on Monday about the television producer Jesse Collins misidentified the documentary in which Beyoncé requests a 30-foot camera track. It is 'Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé,' not 'Homecoming.' Errors are corrected during the press run whenever possible, so some errors noted here may not have appeared in all editions. To contact the newsroom regarding correction requests, please email nytnews@ To share feedback, please visit Comments on opinion articles may be emailed to letters@ For newspaper delivery questions: 1-800-NYTIMES (1-800-698-4637) or email customercare@

Happy Valley tourism receives over $1 million in grant funding
Happy Valley tourism receives over $1 million in grant funding

Yahoo

time9 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Happy Valley tourism receives over $1 million in grant funding

CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB) is rolling out over $1 million in tourism grants to 81 recipients over the net fiscal year. The annual event awards funding to projects and organizations that 'foster visitation' according to a press release from the HVAB. This year the bureau is giving out a record-breaking $1,100,750. HVAB CEO Fritz Smith attributes the boost in funds to the county doubling its hotel tax five years ago. 'When we got the room tax increased five years ago, that was our goal was to, within five years, reach that $1 million mark in terms of grants that we awarded,' Smith said. Juniata College receives approval from state nursing board for new nursing program Commissioner Steve Dershem said it took 'a lot of thought' to make the decision to raise the tax. But, five years out from the tax raise, he says the initiative was a 'tremendous success.' The $1.1 million is being split among 81 recipients, including tourism heavy-hitters like 4th Fest, Grange Fair and Arts Fest. Of the 81, 11 of them are newcomers to the program. 'We also wanted to stimulate new events,' Smith said. 'And so over the years, we've really been able to be successful with that because of this program.' Some of the new faces include Burning Ma'am, AAUW State College and the Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society. New or old, local officials say each organization plays a role in making the county more appealing. 'These large events are major economic drivers for the local economy, and they're places for reunions and fellowship among local residents and those who return to our community for these events,' Commissioner Amber Concepcion said. The grants will begin distribution in July. For a full list of the recipients, visit the HVAB's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Google's AI Shift: Travel Marketing Disruption Is Coming Fast
Google's AI Shift: Travel Marketing Disruption Is Coming Fast

Skift

time18 hours ago

  • Skift

Google's AI Shift: Travel Marketing Disruption Is Coming Fast

At Skift Research, we think travel leaders need to be a little Google-obsessed. It's one of the most important drivers of bookings, and our data shows Google is undergoing a real-time AI transformation with massive implications for the industry. Google has been a critical part of the tourism marketing funnel for decades. Now, as the search giant reinvents itself for the AI era, the downstream impact on the entire travel industry could be dramatic. Skift Research's latest research report – AI, Google, and the Shift from Keywords to Context in Travel – tracks how Google is embedding AI tools into its search platform and what it means for travel marketers. In a 2023 study, Skift laid out four key areas where generative AI could impact the travel industry. We believed AI would first impact internal tools and customer support, and there have been a slew of product launches in those areas. But we also predicted the most profound impact would be in search, though it would t

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store