5 Incredible Learning Trips for Solo Female Travelers
Looking to do more than just sightsee on your next solo trip? Learning-based travel is one of the most rewarding ways to explore a new place, especially when you’re traveling on your own. Whether you’re chasing waves, trying your hand at pottery, or diving into wellness, these solo-friendly experiences combine adventure, culture, and connection.
Here are five inspiring and hands-on learning trips that are perfect for solo female travelers:
1.) Learn to Surf in Paradise
Solo travel and surfing go hand-in-hand, it’s active, empowering, and surprisingly beginner-friendly. Top spots like Waikiki (Hawai’i), Nosara (Costa Rica), and Ericeira (Portugal) are known for gentle waves, warm water, and welcoming surf communities.
Top Picks for Solo-Friendly Surf Schools:
- Hawaii Surf Lessons in Waikiki
- Safari Surf School in Costa Rica
- Surf Cascais in Portugal
What to Expect in Your First Lesson:
You’ll start with a beach safety briefing and dryland instruction before heading out for small group or 1:1 coaching. Most schools provide the board and rash guard.
Solo Tip: Many surf schools offer weeklong retreats that include lodging, lessons, and meals, a great way to meet fellow travelers.
Best time to go: Dry season (Nov–April in Costa Rica, June–Oct in Portugal, year-round in Hawaii)
Typical cost: $50–$100 per lesson
2.) Take a Cooking Class Abroad
Cooking classes are a delicious way to connect with local culture and they’re ideal for solo travelers because they’re naturally social. Whether it’s rolling pasta in a Tuscan farmhouse or learning to balance flavors in a Thai curry, you’ll walk away with skills and stories.
Incredible Solo-Friendly Classes:
- Tuscany, Italy – Handmade pasta in a countryside kitchen
- Chiang Mai, Thailand – Thai Farm Cooking School (includes market visit)
- Barcelona, Spain – Tapas and sangria class with local chefs
Solo Tip: Many platforms like Airbnb Experiences and Cookly let you filter for small group or English-speaking classes.
Best time to go: Spring and fall for European destinations, winter for Southeast Asia
Typical cost: $40–$100 depending on location and class type
3.) Go on a Yoga or Wellness Retreat
If you’re craving restoration or reinvention, a wellness retreat can offer solo time and supportive community. Whether you want silent mornings or sound baths, there’s a retreat for every mood.
Beginner-Friendly Retreats:
- Bali, Indonesia – Ubud is a hub for yoga and wellness
- Costa Rica – The Nicoya Peninsula offers rainforest and ocean serenity
- Sedona, Arizona – Vortex hikes and healing-focused programs
What to Look For:
- Style of yoga (vinyasa, yin, restorative)
- Focus (spiritual, fitness, detox, women-only)
- Level of structure (open schedule vs. full itinerary)
Solo Tip: Choose a retreat with communal meals and optional excursions to easily meet others.
Best time to go: Nov–March for Bali and Costa Rica, March–May or Sept–Nov for Sedona
Typical cost: $700–$2,000 for 4–7 days
4.) Try a Creative Workshop (Art, Pottery, or Weaving)
Creative retreats and workshops are ideal for slow travel and tapping into your artistic side. Whether you’re drawn to texture, color, or craft, you’ll bring home more than just a souvenir.
Top Experiences to Try:
- Kyoto, Japan – Indigo dyeing at a traditional workshop
- Oaxaca, Mexico – Pottery or textile classes with local artisans
- Provence, France – Plein air painting amid lavender fields
How to Book: Look for classes via Airbnb Experiences, Viator, or retreat platforms like SkillRetreat and BookRetreats.
Best time to go: Spring for Provence, fall for Oaxaca, year-round in Kyoto
Typical cost: $30–$200 per session or day
Solo Selfie It: Snap a photo with your finished creation!
5.) Try a Unique Learning Adventure (Think Falconry, Foraging, or Archery!)
Want to learn something truly memorable? These off-the-beaten-path experiences give you stories for life — and are often hosted in nature-rich, peaceful settings ideal for solo travelers.
Ideas to Consider:
- Falconry in Vermont or Ireland – Learn to handle birds of prey
- Foraging Tours in the Pacific Northwest – Discover edible plants and fungi
- Archery in Scotland or the Adirondacks – Channel your inner heroine with guided lessons
Solo Tip: Check local tourism boards or experience platforms for half-day or full-day programs.
Best time to go: Spring through early fall for most outdoor experiences
Typical cost: $50–$150 depending on location and length
Why Learning Trips Are Perfect for Solo Travelers
These kinds of travel experiences give you built-in structure, natural conversation starters, and a sense of purpose, all of which help ease the sometimes awkward parts of solo travel. Whether you leave with a new skill, a new friend, or just a renewed sense of self, learning trips can turn a vacation into transformation.