Spokesman Report
Jeddah :Traveling solo is an exhilarating adventure, offering the freedom to explore at your own pace, try new things, while creating (and capturing) unforgettable memories. For solo female travelers, a rapidly growing segment, Saudi—the heart of Arabia—beckons with wonder at every turn.
Ranked as one of the best places to travel alone as a woman*, Saudi is not only a secure destination but also one brimming with awe-inspiring sights and exciting activities. Whether you’re eager to immerse yourself in history, dive into pristine waters, or explore lively markets, Saudi has something for everyone. What does one bring to a place like Saudi as a woman? Climate appropriate clothing, a camera to capture the moments that will imprint in your mind for an age, and above all, a sense of discovery.
Now is the time to start your solo adventure, follow in the footsteps of a heroine who answers the call for Saudi, and discover the expansive geography, diverse terrain, and human and natural wonders of the country. Stepinto 200,000 years of largely unexplored human history in AlUla,behold the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Historic Jeddah and Hegra, and take a dip in the clear turquoise waters of the Saudi Red Sea.
This Land is calling, when was the last time you did something for the first time?
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.
Where to Stay in Historic Jeddah
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,
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.
Where to Stay in AlUla
Stay at Dar Tantora,a hotel featured in TIME Magazine 2024’s travel list of World’s Greatest Places. Located in a refurbished area of Old Town.
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 kilometers, it is an underwater paradise with a sprawling archipelago of over 90 islands, pristine beaches, and expansive desert dunes. The whole region harbors remarkable natural wonders, including one of the world’s rare thriving reefs, dormant volcanoes, ancient heritage sites, and majestic mountain canyons.
Where to Stay
Stay at the St. Regis Red Sea Resort, located on a pristine private island, and indulge in their luxurious beachfront or overwater villas with direct access to some of the best diving spots in the region.
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 Terracethe 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. And in the Winter months, you’re in for a treat with Diriyah Season events.
Where to Stay
Stay at Four Seasons Hotel at Kingdom Centre, Riyadh’s most recognizable landmark, for the best views across the city, and look out for the upcoming opening of Diriyah Bab Samhan Hotel, bookings open on 23 September, where each room invites guests to immerse themselves in the splendor of Najdi architecture and culture.
See it all on a 12-day women-only adventure
Discover a unique perspective of Saudi withIntrepid Travel’swomen’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. A truly extraordinary experience, tailored to women, learning the stories of local women as they offer a window into their world.
Tour a citrus farm with sisters who transformed their father’s vision into a multigenerational business, take a cooking class and pottery workshop, get to know the Holy City of Madinah with a local female guide, cruise and snorkel the Red Sea and meet Saudi’s first-ever female guide in Jeddah.