To ask which destination you’d pick for a solo trip as a female traveller?

My daughter has gone to Zandvoort on her own. She is camping. Half of her flight were on their way to the F1 & she says it’s just a great community feel.

so I reckon any of them.

I've travelled solo in and around Budapest and Barcelona, also in Belgium but mainly Brussels and west, never been to Spa Francorchamps. I'd generally consider these pretty safe and easy to travel solo. Given what you've said, Budapest would be my pick of these three and I think technically Hungary is a bit safer than Spain or Belgium, at least in terms of crime, although I don't think there's that much difference. I also think Budapest will be the least expensive of the three, if that's a consideration, and it's quite an easy city to navigate for a tourist, lots of signposting and easy public transit including to and from the airport and many of the central areas are beautiful even just to walk around. Only things I'd mention is that it is a big and busy city (quite similar in that respect to Barcelona) and while it is very modern there are a few aspects that still have a bit of a Cold War-era vibe (I notice it in particular in and around the train stations).

I've also never been to Azerbaijan and therefore would be tempted by Baku, but if you're mainly going for the event and won't spend much time there it might not be worth the extra distance and (I think) more expensive flight unless you really prefer it for the GrandPrix itself. I get the impression that it may be a little bit less relaxing for a tourist than the other options, maybe needing a bit more preparation and care in terms of observing local customs, dress, etc. Also depending on citizenship you may need the e-visa for Azerbaijan.

Japan? Budget?
If your budget is that if a millionaire maybe.
It's thousands!

I mean maybe there's cheaper options in air BnB if you want to take that risk but the flights alone are crippling.

I would go for Budapest myself.

@RainSoakedNights Fair enough, I was just suggesting an alternative in case you were interested. Someone else might be if they're viewing the thread.

I've had a good time in all of the above.

I will say though that I went to Budapest with one other female friend and we felt very safe at all times, even wandering around and on public transport after dark. It's also a lovely city with lots to do. I recommend that one!

If you're interested in or have the budget for something further afield, Japan is always a great place to visit as a solo female traveller. I've been 4 times in the last 10 years, twice by myself.

There are some great Airbnb experiences like food tours which you can very easily do alone and join a group, I enjoyed stuff like that when I was by myself. It's safe, modern and pleasant to travel about, fascinating culture like the sights of Kyoto or beautiful, wild areas of northern Japan like Akita or as far north as Hokkaido, and then the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.

Japan is quite a collectivist and traditional society, and it is still misogynistic in that sense - especially re: women working when they have families etc - but I've never been harassed or had issues with men as a foreign traveller there.

Most restaurants cater for solo diners with counter seating, i.e. yakiniku places where you have your own mini grill to cook your meat, and it's really common to eat alone so you wouldn't feel self conscious. It's pretty affordable both for food and accomodation as long as you book your hotel/apartment well in advance. I love it and I'm already planning my next trip there.

Family have been to Baku and loved it. They were male travelers so can’t comment on the solo female aspect but they said it’s very low key for spectators compared to some other races as there aren’t as many fans there.

My friend had her pocket picked in Barcelona. Another friend was physically assaulted by an older woman and lots of weird sleazy guys.

Which is what has biased me against Barcelona!

I wouldn't pick Baku as a single female @RainSoakedNights. It is an overtly sexist place.

The current political regime and support for that regime makes it a place for me to avoid. A friend of mine, who travels everywhere solo, had to cut her trip short due to how awful her experience was and she went to Finland instead!

But you maybe fine, so definitely poll as widely as possible (which is what you are doing now I guess!)

I don't think there are any safety issues at a y if them, particularly as there will be 10000 or more tourist and press everywhere, for my money Singapore is the best F1 venue

I went to Budapest recently and would have felt safe there as a solo traveller .Really beautiful and lots to see - plus a day at the thermal baths.
I'm not a fan of Barcelona (although mainly as I prefer the tapas scene in the South!) A friend was shoved over and her bag snatched there but maybe that was bad luck. I love Madrid and would happily travel there alone though.

Watching this with interest as I’d love to gift my DH a trip to one of the European Grand Prix venues for his 50th next year. I was thinking Spa or Barcelona. I think he’d prefer the Belgian race but felt there was more to do around Barcelona if he wanted to do something other than motorsport.

I've only been to Barcelona of all those destinations and I was in a group. Aside from the pickpockets we felt safe. My friend is Hungarian and she rates Budapest for a city destination. Didn’t indicate it wouldn’t be safe for a female duo.

I've only been to Bruges but I'd still rule Belgium out on account of being boring. Baku is a much longer flight and i don't know if anyone flies direct so I'd give that a miss. You've been to Barcelona before so I would go somewhere different this time - so I'd go Budapest, I've been twice, felt completely safe and it's a great city. Go to Szechenyi baths while you are there - amazing!

If all you want to do is go to the race though then just pick the easiest one for you.

Then surely it makes no difference where you go, if you’re literally either at the track or asleep in your accommodation all the time?

Not sure I’d pick Spa, did you watch the race on Sunday?

I’d feel entirely safe in Belgium, Budapest or Barcelona, all of which I know well, and, while I have never been to Azerbaijan, DH has been there for work and thought it was fascinating — so I’d probably go there, for the sake of going somewhere unfamiliar.