We live in the 21st century. We make tall claims about gender equality. But unfortunately, instances of violence and abuse against women persist.
And it is for this reason of safety that many consider solo female travel risky. Not to mention, it is frowned upon.
Have you always been a free spirit? Would you love to explore the world on your terms without a bodyguard tagging along?
Worry not! We’ve compiled a list of the countries considered the safest for solo female travel. We talk about crime rates and the must-see places in the same breath.
Bonus – we’ve also included tips to stay safe while exploring the world alone!
Here’s a look at the Stats
Based on the figures pulled from the Wandering RV and Condo Ferries, more and more women are choosing to travel alone. The reasons for this are varied. While women take solo trips for business and leisure, sightseeing and shopping are the two most popular motives.
The upward trends have been observed post-2015. Over the last three years, web searches for “solo female travel” jumped by 62%. Given the growing interest, travel agencies have set up dedicated divisions to handle queries related to female travel.
Most women who prefer to travel without a male partner are 25 to 50 years old. Of the women who have travelled alone, around 59% have expressed their desire to do so again. That is despite the uncertainties presented by the current pandemic and the global economic slowdown.
8 Countries Safest For Solo Female Travel
The statistics highlight that Europe is the most preferred destination for solo female travel. Here are the top 8 safest destinations for women.
1. Iceland
No other country has been able to dethrone Iceland as the safest country in the world. The Global Peace Index review lists it as number one since 2008.
There are plenty of reasons for this. This tiny island, perched in the North Atlantic Ocean, has a relatively low population. A higher standard of living coupled with zero tolerance for violence and abuse has further contributed to its lower crime rate. They focus on gender equality, making Iceland an ideal destination for solo female travel. As an island, Iceland is also one of the politically stable nations.
Besides ranking for safety, Iceland boasts stunning landscapes that make the best photo ops. Nicknamed “the island of fire and ice,” Iceland’s varied landscapes featuring ice fields, glaciers, active volcanoes, and geysers will surely attract thrill-seekers. Here, find nature untouched. (Find Places To Stay In Iceland)
- The city of Reykjavik is one of the chief attractions. It is the perfect place to experience the local culture and heritage. You can go whale watching at Reykjavik.
- In Iceland, you must witness the spectacle, the Northern Lights.
- Make the Blue Lagoon at Grindavik your next stop. This natural geothermal spa treats the skin and bundled nerves perfectly.
There’s more to explore: the Strokkur Geyser, the Skaftafell Ice Cave, the Askja Caldera, and the waterfalls.
2. Switzerland
Our next destination is Switzerland. It is the 7th safest country on the list of the Global Peace Index. The crime rate is low. Besides, with a well-developed public transport system, travelling within Switzerland for a solo female traveller is safe. Multi-language announcements (German, English, and French) help you navigate the transport system. However, the natural landscape presents its challenges and calls for care. (Find Places To Stay In Switzerland)
This European nation known for its watches and cheese is unparalleled in its beauty. The mountains, valleys, quaint villages, splendid train journeys, and clean air!
- Matterhorn, one of the highest peaks in the Alps, is a mountaineers’ delight. You can scale it or behold the beauty of this majestic mountain in a cable car.
- Dive deep into the cultural history of the land at the museums across Geneva, Zurich, and Lausanne.
- Enjoy strolls around Interlaken; you are sure to meet plenty of them.
- Interlaken boasts of well-marked hiking trails graded easy to difficult. There’s the Rugen, the Harder Kulm, Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald.
- Lake Geneva, with its Jet d’eau is also among the most photographed landmarks in Switzerland. In Geneva, if you like, there’s wine tasting too.
3. New Zealand
Also included on our list of the eight best and safest destinations for solo female travellers in New Zealand is the island in the South Pacific Ocean.
A woman can safely travel alone in New Zealand.
As a popular backpacking destination, you will never be alone. Travelling within the country is simple and stress-free with their easy-to-navigate routes. New Zealand has a sparse population. The locals are warm, hospitable, and quick to help should you get lost. New Zealand also has safe accommodation options such as hostels and female-only dorms.
New Zealand is stunning, with its laid-back atmosphere and slightly fantastical scenery. The Global Peace Index ranks New Zealand as the second most peaceful country in the world.
- Make Auckland your first stop. It is the largest city in New Zealand, with its chief attractions being the local vineyards, sunny beaches, and hiking trails.
- The Coromandel Peninsula is home to scenic spots such as Cooks Beach, Shakespeare’s Cliff, Cathedral Cove, and Hot Water Beach.
- Visit Rotorua if you are a Hobbit or Lord of the Rings fan. Famous for its geothermal springs, it is a great starting point to explore New Zealand’s Maori culture.
- Adventure enthusiasts can indulge in adrenaline-pumping sports such as bungee jumping, river rafting, jet boat riding, and canyon swinging.
4. Canada
Canadian solo female travel is also trending. And one of the reasons for it is its cosmopolitan nature. Even as a solo traveller, you will blend in.
The people are super friendly. They make you feel welcome and are more than willing to help you with travel tips, too, should you find yourself lost. Most importantly, Canada is safe. Canada continues to feature among the top 10 safest countries in the world. As a female traveller, you can be sure you won’t be harassed or intimidated. (Find Places To Stay In Canada)
What makes Canada an ideal travel destination? A wide range of breathtaking scenery – snow-capped mountains, lush green forests, and crystal clear lakes.
- Banff promises the best hikes in the wilderness.
- Driving through Icefields Parkway is an unmatched experience altogether. The towering mountains, the waterfalls, and the river give you so much to take in on a drive.
- Calgary is your go-to destination if you are looking to unwind amidst nature. You can fly fishing, canoe, ski, or enjoy the fresh outdoor air.
- Head to Vancouver, Canada’s third-largest city, where you can treat yourself to fine dining, shop till you drop, or get lost in the art displays.
- Chill in Montreal, Quebec. The only caveat is you will need to know a little French.
5. Spain
Spain is number 2 after France as the most visited European travel destination. And clearly, it’s a hot favourite with solo female travellers, too. Why?
It would be wrong to say that Spain is free of crime. But with the proper precautions, a solo trip is no hassle. Incidents of violence against women are rare. Besides, you will never find yourself alone with the travellers flocking to Spain in crowds.
Travelling to Spain is always about having too much to see yet so little time to see it all. Home to 40+ world heritage sites, Spain wows its tourists with its sandy beaches, great nightlife, stunning scenery, abundant local festivals, and impressive architectural designs. (Find Places To Stay In Spain)
- Head to Marbella, the resort town with the Sierra Blanca mountains framing the backdrop. You can let down your hair as the sun caresses your body on this Mediterranean beach.
- Madrid promises foodies a gastronomical adventure; no other place serves better traditional Spanish cuisine.
- Be enthralled by a flamenco performance in Seville. And you can shake a leg at a dance class, too. While in Seville, you must see the Cathedral and the Alcazar Palace.
- Finally, you cannot visit Spain and not go to Barcelona. To believe, you must see Gaudi’s architectural wonders – the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell.
6. Chile
If you’ve marked South America as your next destination for your solo girl trip, Chile is the place to go. Except for a few areas, such as Valparaiso, you can constantly roam without looking over your shoulder. (Find Places To Stay In Chile)
Booking a tour is the best way to explore the beautiful locale, the expansive Atacama desert, the national parks, or the art galleries.
- Your first stop should be the Torres Del Paine National Park. The diverse landscape featuring glaciers, mountains, and lakes offers breathtaking sightseeing opportunities. Here, you can sign up for a guided hike.
- Nicknamed the “valley to the moon,” the Valle de la Luna and the Atacama Desert are other must-see spots in Chile. The brown-white, arid (it is the driest region on the planet) rugged landscape is not very inviting. However, the caverns in the area showcase some of the oldest pictographs available.
- Head over to Easter Island and the Rapa Nui National Park. The impressive 15-statue collection is a highlight of the region.
7. Cuba
Cuba is also fast becoming a popular travel pick for solo female travel. There’s something uniquely enchanting about this Caribbean island. The Cuban cigars, the strong rum, and the colourful convertibles filling the streets!
The warm and hospitable locals probably make a solo trip to Cuba worthwhile. Not all speak English but are more than eager to assist with directions. Working knowledge of Spanish will be of great help. (Find Places To Stay In Cuba)
Overall, Cuba has a very laid-back appeal. It is years away from modern tech.
- Visit Trinidad. It beautifully captures the charm and culture of the island. Trinidad stands out with colourful houses.
- Stroll along with the dirt-lined streets in Havana, the capital city known for its timeworn character. You will find pastel-coloured, stocky homes arranged so close they appear stuck together everywhere you go.
- Your Cuban holiday could also give you a lesson on Salsa dancing. You’ll hear festive music on every street and corner.
- If you seek the thrill that comes with adventure, head to the Cordilleras de La Sierra Maestra. You can take a biking trip to the mountains. However, be careful as the terrain is not the easiest to navigate.
- Sancti Spiritus, located an hour from Trinidad, retains its colonial character. It is a serene and beautiful place if you are looking to unwind.
- Vinales boasts of the best biking and hiking routes, too.
8. Japan
If you want to explore South Asia, take our word for it! You should be headed for Japan. Japan is among the top 10 peaceful places in the world, making it another place ideal for your solo female trip. In Japan, a woman can walk out on the streets at any hour without worrying about security.
Japan boasts of an extensive and highly reliable transportation network. Women-only hostels, hotels, and train cars can probably make you feel comfortable.
The best times to visit are in Spring or Fall when the weather is pleasant. Summer and Winter see harsher climates. Japan is steeped in its culture and offers much to see and do. There are plenty of onsens, ryokans, and spas. These authentic Japanese-style communal baths are the perfect way to unwind and relax. Every onsen follows strict rules. So, do read up on those before you go.
Kyoto is popular with tourists for its museums and temples. Kyoto hosts festivals throughout the year, including the Diamonji and Gion festivals. In Osaka, you can experience Japan’s city life. It is known for its calm, laid-back atmosphere and places where you can sample local delicacies. Osaka is also home to the Open Air Museum of Old Japanese Farm Houses, National Museum of Art, Osaka Castle, and Dotonbori.
Kanazawa boasts of beautifully landscaped gardens. Here, you can also visit the Omicho market, known for its local seafood varieties. Dive deep into history at Hiroshima. And, if it is the beach you crave, make Okinawa your next stop.
In Japan, however, one must be mindful of the existing taboos. For instance, talking loudly while using public transport is frowned upon.
Are these countries 100% safe?
Being realistic! The answer to that is No. Wherever you go, and whether you travel solo or as a group, you have to be careful of your safety.
Travel Tips For a Solo Female Trip
Our top 8 recommendations for the safest places women can visit alone are listed above. However, common sense dictates that whether you set off alone or as a group, you must take precautions to keep yourself from harm.
Know where you are going.
Being safe is not only about defending yourself against crimes. Nature can be pretty hostile, too. The weather can take a turn for the worse. You may hurt yourself.
Hence, planning a solo trip starts with gathering all the information about the place you will be visiting. Decide why you see the place to begin with. Find out about the terrain and weather conditions.
For instance, if you plan to go trekking or hiking in a remote area, there are possibilities of a cellular network failure. You could lose your way. That is where a satellite GPS comes in. It would help if you also kept a topographical map handy. It can help you find your way back, given the detailed trails marked with the nearest landmarks.
Pack essentials
You must carry enough water with you. You might not have access to potable water everywhere you go. Bring along a first-aid kit. You could also enrol in a basic first-aid training program ahead of your travel schedule.
Book yourself with a travel agency.
Most of us want to travel without family baggage regarding solo female travel. We want, for once, to take care of ourselves rather than take care of others on vacation.
Given the growing interest in solo female travel, most travel agencies have wings dedicated to female travellers. There are female-customer-only travel agencies, too. They can help you craft the best travel experiences based on your interests and budget.
How does this help? They have on-board travel experts – travel planners and local tour guides. These recommend the best solo female travel destinations and help prepare detailed itineraries. They provide ongoing assistance starting from the travel date to the entire trip.
Yet another advantage of working with a travel agency is getting introduced to travel groups. Here, you can connect with like-minded travellers and even make great friends for life.
Organized tours can help you find travel companions.
Interact with the locals
It is a must, especially if you explore the region independently.
Whether finding the nearest attraction or recommending the best local eatery, no one can help you better than the locals. The best way to experience the region and its culture is to mingle with the locals.
Plan your travel
Since you will be travelling alone, it is best to plan your travel such that you arrive sometime in the afternoon or early evening. If you haven’t pre-booked, you want to have enough time to look for suitable accommodation.
Arriving early also gives you extra time if you are unhappy with the reserved accommodation and want to move. You don’t want to be without a decent shelter in an unknown place in the dead of night.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Most of the countries listed above feature in the Global Peace Index. However, every area will surely have its fair share of petty crime.
Most tourist destinations suffer from the menace of thieves trying to rip off tourists. You needn’t be looking over your shoulder all the time. However, you need to be watchful. Trust your gut. Take action if you notice anything strange. Be confident and alert those around you if you find yourself in trouble.
Try not to dress or behave in a manner that makes you stand out. While warming up to the locals is a good idea, be careful about the details you divulge. For instance, you wouldn’t want to tell people you are on a solo trip or where you have put up, lest you have them following you.
Try to talk to as many people as possible – at your hotel, tour group members, or fellow solo female companions. The more people know you, the better. It is just another way to stay safe.
You should also carry minimum valuables when travelling. Keep your belongings close to you. Pack light. It will allow you to stay mobile and safe. Ensure you have an extra copy of travel documents in case they get lost or stolen.
Stay in hostels
A hostel is an ideal accommodation option for a solo female traveller. It is budgeted. It lets you connect with like-minded women. And most importantly, it gives you a sense of safety.
Think of ways to keep yourself occupied.
Yes! The purpose of a vacation is to explore new places. And while you may have meticulously planned your trip – the hike you’ve enrolled for, the wine tasting tour or the dance class you’ll take, or simply your stroll around the neighbourhood – understand that you’ll spend a lot of time alone, too.
So, think of ways to entertain yourself or fill the empty hours without boredom.
Don’t let fear keep you from what could be an enriching experience. Take your precautions and plan your solo female travel trip today!
Read more articles about solo travel.
Written By Boyan Minchev
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