A solo female traveller through the land of wonders

Travelling solo is an exhilarating adventure, offering the freedom to explore at your own pace and try new things while creating and capturing unforgettable memories. For solo female travellers, a rapidly growing segment, Saudi—the heart of Arabia—beckons with wonder at every turn.  

Historic Jeddah- A walk through history

Saudi, with its ancient wonders and vibrant cultures, has far more to offer than meets the eye. One of its hidden gems is Historic Jeddah, the cultural heart of the coastal city of Jeddah, where the past and present beautifully intertwine. 

In 2014, Historic Jeddah was recognized as one of the eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Saudi. Its maze-like, bustling streets and narrow alleyways are lined with stunning coral-stone buildings, many of which have been carefully restored to preserve their intricate wooden balconies, known as Rawasheen. 

Here, one will find ancient homes transformed into art galleries and speciality cafes, and if you listen amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, you'll hear the echoes of history.  

Round out the immersive experience with a stay at Beit Jokhdar, a boutique hotel in Historic Jeddah that only opened its doors this year. Spread over a number of one-time family residences, each house has been meticulously restored by a team of historians, local artists, carpenters, and architects for a truly novel stay. 

Hegra – A city carved from stone

Venture into the ancient city of Hegra, built by the Nabateans, Saudi's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the starkly beautiful desert in AlUla, it contains 111 intricately carved tombs and towering rock formations, a humbling walk through history.

Built nearly 2,000 years ago, these tombs stand as reminders of a civilization's genius, with each tomb telling tales through the inscriptions and carvings within - offering tantalizing glimpses into the lives and beliefs of their time.  

Located in a refurbished area of Old Town, Dar Tantora embodies AlUla's dedication to sustainably preserving heritage while providing modern comforts, ensuring visitors a unique blend of history and luxury.

The traditional mudbrick structures have been carefully transformed into boutique-style accommodations, providing guests with a distinctive fusion of historical charm and contemporary luxury. 

The Red Sea- An underwater wonderland 

The Saudi Red Sea is home to one of the world's most intriguing and resilient marine ecosystems, a perfect complement to the solo traveller. Spanning 28,000 square kilometres, it is an underwater paradise with a sprawling archipelago of over 90 islands, pristine beaches, and expansive desert dunes.

The whole region harbours remarkable natural wonders, including one of the world's rare thriving reefs, dormant volcanoes, ancient heritage sites, and majestic mountain canyons.

The Red Sea offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation – take a refreshing dip in your private pool or dive into a range of thrilling water activities like sailing, snorkelling, kayaking, windsurfing, and paddleboarding.

For a more tranquil experience, unwind with a soothing massage or a personalized spa treatment while overlooking the glass-like waters - an ideal way to indulge in the serenity of this coastal paradise before returning to real life refreshed.

Diriyah – Where it all began 

Travel back in time to Diriyah. Known as "The City of Earth," Diriyah is the founding place of the First Saudi State in 1727. At its heart sits the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, a cradle of Saudi culture where the echoes of Saudi's past come alive. 

Each structure tells its own story, reflecting the ingenuity and resilience of early Saudi civilization and offering a glimpse into the way people once lived and organized their society.

The modern Bujairi Terrace is a thriving foodie destination where you will be spoiled for choice with options, including authentic dining experiences at Takya and Maiz and casual spots.

Immerse yourself in Saudi culture with a visit to Diriyah Gallery, where you will find local art and artefacts, and can enjoy experiences such as a Khat Ad-Diriyah lesson to learn traditional Arabic calligraphy and take your name home written in the special Diriyah font.  

See it all on a 12-day women-only adventure

Discover a unique perspective of Saudi with Intrepid Travel's women's-only expedition across the country's dramatic landscapes and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

From Riyadh to Jeddah, spend 12 days travelling the country and learning about its history, sampling the local cuisine and getting to know local women. It is a truly extraordinary experience tailored to women, learning the stories of local women as they offer a window into their world. 

Dress code

If you think you must wear an abaya and a headscarf, think again – Saudi fashion has evolved. But note that while the abaya is no longer a requirement, women in Saudi err on the side of modesty, wearing tops with sleeves and skirts or trousers below the knee.

This serves the added benefit of protecting you from the heat of the day. Pack for the weather with long, flowy dresses and skirts, cardigans, loose cotton shirts, linen trousers, sunglasses, a sun hat, suncream and lip balm.

Planning

Plan your perfect trip with minimal hassle. The Saudi Tourism Authority has covered everything from payment methods to healthcare, how to make calls and useful numbers.

Getting around

Getting around is safe, affordable and easy with taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Uber and other ride-sharing apps.