Travelling alone as a woman provides so many pleasures and challenges that it's a shame one can't do it full-time. From crafting an itinerary that satisfies your whims to keeping a schedule that lets you sleep in or rise early - depending on which you prefer - embarking on an adventure with only yourself as a companion can enrich your experience of self and the world in surprising ways. Whether you've taken plenty of solo trips in the past or you're just now testing the waters to see if it's something you'd like to try, here are five cities that make great travel destinations for women.

1. Copenhagen, Denmark

The capital of Denmark and its largest city, Copenhagen is a busy and beautiful city of just under 2 million people. Known for its bicycling culture, stunning architecture, and the fact that a large number of its main attractions are all within walking distance of each other, Copenhagen is also a remarkably safe city to visit for a woman alone, especially for its size, and the Danes are amazingly friendly - just make sure you make the first move as they value personal privacy highly. Highlights to see include:

2. Ottawa, Canada

Canada's capital is a multicultural city where English and French are spoken interchangeably, filling the air with what feels like a constant verbal music. Canadians are polite and friendly to the point of near-caricature, which makes visiting Ottawa a dream - you can book cheap flights online at Flights.com. No matter where you go, doors will be held for you; smiles will greet you, and getting lost will be one more opportunity to interact with a pleasant person.
Head to ByWard Market over the weekend where over 50,000 people - locals and visitors alike - shop for local fruits, vegetables, meats, and wines, as well as artisanal cheeses and bread, and if you travel there during winter, check out the UNESCO Rideau Canal, a historic waterway that forms the world's largest natural ice-skating rink and winds through downtown.

3. Hilo, Hawaii

Another wonderfully safe city, Hilo earns high marks in another category as well: It's in Hawaii. As the largest settlement on the Big Island, the 40,000 people who call Hilo home embody a serene and happy pace that matches the scenery perfectly.
Head over to nearby Akaka Falls State Park to ogle the over 400-foot-tall waterfall. Be sure to rent a jeep or convertible, as the scenic drives are unbeatable.

4. Reykjavik, Iceland

It's easy to see why so many people in Iceland believe in fairies " the place feels absolutely magical. Stark landscapes showcase massive glaciers, healing hot springs, and fertile green spaces, and the city of Reykjavik is one of the world's most colourful and cosmopolitan. During your visit, hit the Hallgrimskirja Church " a place of worship that looks like something straight out of Middle Earth. Climb to the top for a spectacular 360-degree view of the city. Fill your evenings with live music in the local pubs, and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the Northern Lights.

5. Marrakech, Morocco

It may be hard to believe, but Marrakech is actually a great place to travel for a woman on a journey alone, because the Moroccan king has done such an effective job of cracking down on crime and hassling in the markets and public places. The culture is fascinating, and it boasts some excellent museums, including the Maison de la Photographie, which houses over 8,000 photographs from 1870 to 1950. While Marrakech is a more modern Moslem city, you'll still need to take care not to offend local custom by keeping your legs and arms covered, but you can skip the headscarf - it isn't expected of foreigners.
Some say that solo travel isn't for everyone, but that may be due to a problem in destination. If every woman travelling alone visited these five cities, it's quite possible no one would pass up the opportunity to brave a new city with only herself as company.

For those women that don't feel comfortable travelling by themselves, worry about their safety or of getting lonely on the road; why not travel with other like minded women? Adventurous Women ^®™ provide adventure travel, tours, activities & events specifically for women. From low level walking to the more challenging treks, inspirational retreats and adventure weekends