15 safest countries to travel alone as a woman 2022

by grace ashi
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What are the best Solo Female Travel destinations?

If solo female travel is something that has been on your bucket list, there’s no better time to make it happen. With safety and security being a top priority, there are plenty of spectacular countries which make solo female adventurers feel more than welcome. From Iceland and Thailand to Australia and, the options for solo female travelers are plentiful. Each of these destinations offers culture-rich experiences alongside the opportunity to explore breathtaking landscapes in an effortless solo fashion. So don’t delay any longer! Start planning your journey today and discover why solo female travel really is the ultimate adventure.

Tips for your first solo trip

  • Contact friends or family who have visited the location for insider tips.
  • Pack all essential items—including a map or GPS device—before leaving.
  • Arrive at airports/bus & train stations early to avoid stress.
  • •Research the area thoroughly before traveling, including learning about the culture, customs, common phrases, and currency.

Is solo female travel safe?

As a young woman who has traveled alone multiple times; it is safe if you take the necessary precautions. Read my article on how to travel alone for more tips! The sad reality is that if you’re traveling solo as a woman, your safety is always going to be a concern. There are certain countries that are safer than others for women to travel to by themselves. To kick off your travel list, I’m rounding up the ten safest places for women to travel solo.

Best places for Solo Female Travel

  1. Japan

Conde Nast Traveler named Japan the number one place for solo female travelers to visit. The only difficulty that you’re likely to face in Japan is the language barrier. With modern technology and the joys of translating apps, this is an easy problem to get around. You can now find English signage in the most tourist-heavy areas in Japan.

Japan is famous for its public transport, meaning that you don’t have to worry about relying on taxis. Their low crime rate is a reassurance for solo female travelers. The country was also rated number 13 of the safest countries for women by the World Economic Forum.

solo female travel japan
Tokyo tower and cityscape at night with beautiful sky in Tokyo, Japa

Spain

It’ll come as no surprise that most of this list features European countries. Not only is English commonly spoken, but the social context is usually fairly similar to home. Spain is a friendly location for any female solo traveler, with Barcelona being one of the favorite destinations for travelers. The cosmopolitan cities of Spain are easy to navigate and how can you not fall in love with their architecture and cuisine? 

Did you know that Madrid has banned man-spreading on public transport? I think you rest assured that Spain is one of the safest places for women to travel solo to.

solo female travel destination
Plaza de Cibeles in Madrid, Spain
  1. Ireland

Ireland is one of the best safe places for women to travel alone. From stunning natural landscapes to friendly and hospitable locals, to a safe and cosmopolitan capital city in Dublin, Ireland offers an abundance of things to see and do for solo travelers. With a government dedicated to promoting gender equality, this beautiful island is sure to provide an enjoyable and safe experience for female tourists. Additionally, there are plenty of resources available from both the public sector and private businesses which are committed to providing safe spaces for unaccompanied visitors. Ireland is ready to welcome solo female travelers with open arms!

safest countries for women ireland
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  1. Italy

Another European country that tops the list is Italy – more specifically, Venice. The city is small enough that you can explore it on foot within a few hours. There is so much for you to discover in Venice, from St. Marks Square to San Marco Basilica. With the tourists around you, you’ll forget that you’re alone. The main modes of transport in Venice are your feet and on water. As Venice is tourist central, locals are used to giving directions and helping tourists on their way. You can easily see the best parts of the city by yourself in two or three days before setting off to another European destination.

best places for solo female travelers
Grand Canal in Venice with Saint Mary of Health basilica, sun in the morning in Italy
  1. New Zealand

2020 was the year that everyone fell in love with New Zealand and its female Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern. It’s no surprise that New Zealand is a leader when it comes to women’s rights. The country has something to offer every kind of female solo traveler. You can explore the glaciers and beaches, go for a hike in Queenstown or try some wine-tasting on Waiheke Island. You can also experience the Maori culture, which is at the heart of New Zealand. Every solo traveler should hike across at least one of New Zealand’s trails. You can even hike through the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and see the ancient lava flow.

safe solo female travel new zealand
A view of Queenstown on a sunny spring day in New Zealand
  1. Canada

If you’re looking for a safe and welcoming destination for your next solo adventure, Canada should definitely be at the top of your list! With its stunning natural scenery, friendly locals, and low crime rate, Canada is a perfect choice for a solo female traveler. You’ll never feel alone or unsafe when exploring this beautiful country. Here are some of the best solo female travel destinations in Canada: 1. Vancouver Vancouver is a beautiful and vibrant city that has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors or check out the city’s lively cultural scene, you’ll find it all here.

solo female travel destinations vancouver canad
Aerial view of Granville Harbor and bridge in False Creek. Burrard Bridge and the city of Vancouver in British Columbia. Western Canada
  1. Germany

Germany is the perfect solo female travel destination for anyone looking for an adventure. With its world-renowned rail service, getting between cities is a breeze. And if your German wasn’t up to par, most people that you meet tend to speak English as well. On top of that, Germany is also full of affordable and safe public transportation options, ensuring solo travelers don’t have to rely on private or expensive alternatives. Plus, thanks to all the exciting beer gardens, festivals, and castles, Germany has plenty of amazing experiences just waiting to be discovered!

countries for women too travel alone
Museum Island with Berlin Cathedral – Berlin, Germany
  1. Switzerland

Few countries offer the natural beauty that Switzerland has. You can take in stunning mountain views and rivers. The Swiss Alps are famous for their ski slopes. If you want to channel your inner European jet setter, you can stop over at Geneva and experience the best of Swiss culture. Switzerland is a safe option for solo travelers all year round.

solo female travel destination switzerland
Lucerne, Switzerland, Historic city center of Lucerne with famous Chapel Bridge
  1. France

We have all binged Emily in Paris and are thinking of changing our Instagram handle to match hers. You might expect it after watching the Netflix show, but France is actually one of the most progressive countries in Europe. They recently passed a law against catcalling and street harassment. If you’re planning to visit Paris, you can get around fairly easily on the metro. I have written a detailed paris travel guide. Once you’ve decided to move on to your next destination, you’re spoilt for choice of trains and airports. I traveled there last year and felt completely safe! I can certainly attest that it is one of the safest destinations I have been to so far.

safest solo female destinations
Traveling solo in paris france
  1. Thailand

Thailand is one of the best places for solo female travelers thanks to its sense of safety and affordability. Consciously managing your budget is especially important when you’re traveling alone since all expenses become your responsibility. You will find that, in Thailand, your money can take you a lot farther than it would in Europe or the United States. If you really want to get the best out of Bangkok, be sure to hop on a motorbike (safety first – wear a helmet!). It’s a great way to explore the city, reveling in all it has to offer!

safe female travel Thailand
Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

 

  1. Austria

Austria is an amazing destination for women who love to travel alone. This Alpine country offers safe, scenic destinations filled with rich cultural experiences. The Austrian government has invested heavily in programs such as women’s safe havens, extra police presence throughout cities and bus/train stations, and trauma-informed care centers specifically tailored to the needs of traveling women. Visitors can also expect to find a wide variety of accommodations catering to solo female travelers – including hostels that prioritize safety and security, low-cost options with safe common spaces, and traditional hotels that offer special amenities for lone vacationers. Whether you’re looking to explore the grand halls of Vienna or spend time communing with nature in the countryside, Austria is an ideal safe space for female solo travelers!

vienna austria solo trip
Vienna, Austria
  1. Portugal

When it comes to solo female travel, Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world. With its low crime rates and friendly locals, Portugal is the perfect destination for any woman traveling alone. Here are some of the best places to visit in Portugal if you’re a solo female traveler: Lisbon – The capital of Portugal, Lisbon is a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. From its stunning architecture to its vibrant nightlife, there’s something for everyone in Lisbon. And with its low crime rates, it’s the perfect place to explore on your own. Porto – Another great city for solo female travelers, Porto is known for its stunning views and friendly locals.

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  1. Iceland

If you’re a woman who loves to travel solo, you’ll be happy to know that Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world for solo female travelers. Iceland has a low crime rate. This is one of the most important factors when it comes to choosing a safe travel destination, and Iceland definitely delivers. In fact, it’s been ranked as one of the safest countries in the world. 2. There are plenty of things to do. From exploring glaciers and waterfalls to taking in the stunning Northern Lights, there’s no shortage of things to do in Iceland. And, since it’s such a small country, it’s easy to get around.

solo female travel iceland
travel to Iceland – aerial view of Reykjavik city with harbor and Atlantic ocean coast from Hallgrimskirkja church in autumn
  1. Costa Rica

Costa Rica has long been known as one of the best destinations for solo female travelers due to its warm climate, friendly people, and abundance of outdoor activities that make it easy to explore on your own. From white sand beaches to lush rainforests full of wildlife, Costa Rica offers something for everyone—including budget-friendly hostels where you can meet like-minded travelers on the same journey as you!

safest places for solo female travel costa rica
Beautiful tropical Pacific Ocean coast in Costa Rica


Why you should travel solo

No matter where you choose to explore, safety should always be your number one priority when traveling alone as a woman. Doing your research ahead of time will help ensure that you have an enjoyable trip wherever you go. Fortunately, there are many great options available that offer both adventure and security—Singapore, New Zealand, and Canada being just three examples! With careful planning and preparation, your next solo journey can be an unforgettable experience!

 

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1 comment

Chocoviv January 31, 2021 - 1:17 AM

Japan is my top!

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