More than ever, women from all over the world are now choosing to travel solo — this comes as no surprise because traveling alone is one of life’s most rewarding experiences. (Safest Countries for Solo Female Travelers)
In fact, in America alone, there are about 32 million women who are traveling solo and that number keeps rising every year! But… as the number of solo female travelers is rising, the number of unsafe destinations is also increasing as they are slowly being brought to light.
I long for the day that I don’t have to write about which are the safest countries for solo female travelers; but the reality is that there are just some destinations that are more dangerous than others.
Thankfully, journalists Asher and Lyric Ferguson helped make my research a lot easier when they created the “Women’s Danger Index“. They basically ranked the top 50 countries with the most international tourists in order to see which are the worst and safest to visit. To do this, they utilized 8 danger factors as they put more weight on street safety and intentional homicide:
- Safe to walk alone at night
- Intentional homicide for women
- Non-partner sexual violence
- Intimate partner violence
- Legal discrimination
- Global gender gap
- Gender inequality index
- Violence against women attitudes
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As mentioned in their findings…
To measure safety abroad, one cannot look at only data on street safety, rape, or violence. It also depends on the general attitude of the culture, the minutiae of the legal system, and the systematic oppression of local women. These issues can affect everything, from easily getting a taxi alone to having your voice be heard in a conversation, to even needing a male escort for your personal safety.
.A lot on our list, such as attitudes toward partner violence may not affect solo female travelers directly, but these factors are a good indication of overall attitudes within the culture.
So for all female travelers out there who are itching to book that plane ticket and tick off their bucket list destinations, below are the top 20 safest countries for solo female travelers (ordered by rank) that are ideal for both first-time and experienced female solo travelers.
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» Safest Countries for Solo Female Travelers «
1. Spain
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Aside from being the second most visited destination in the world (just next to France), Spain turned out to be the safest country for female solo travelers as per the Women’s Danger Index. After all, it ranks high in street safety along and has low legal discrimination as well as low violence rating against women.
So apart from the aforementioned reasons, there are also plenty of other reasons to visit this beautiful country: its scenic Mediterranean coastlines, endless servings of paella, rich culture, and fabulous architecture such as the Sagrada Familia among many others!
2. Singapore
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This small island nation is considered the safest Asian country on the planet! The country scores high in more than half of the factors, with 92% of women claiming that they feel safe when walking alone at night — which I also personally find to be true.
So travel to your heart’s content when you’re in such a dynamic destination like Singapore! Marvel at how old and the new seamlessly coexist as it packs a lot of surprises for its visitors despite its small size. Some of the things you must NOT miss? As a start, don’t skip out on the Gardens by the Bay and Skyline Luge!
3. Ireland
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Ireland may not have the best weather, but you’ll love the fact that it has particularly low levels of discrimination, gender inequality, and violence against women. Not to mention, it is a breathtaking destination with laid-back cities, beautiful countryside, and vibrant culture.
So don’t forget to indulge yourself with some beer (how about a glass of Guinness?) and explore glorious sights like the Cliffs of Moher for an incredible Irish experience!
4. Austria
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For many travelers, Austria is an almost perfect country and they even say that Austrians enjoy some of the best quality of life in Europe. This notion trickles down and reveals itself in the study as it shows how Austria has some of the lowest levels of sexual violence and lowest gender inequality among the countries reviewed.
Aside from being one of the safest countries for solo travelers, Austria is truly a must-see destination for those who have a taste for fine culture.
5. Switzerland
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Switzerland is known for its stunning landscapes and fjords which are not limited to Mount Titlis, Jungfraujoch, and Grindelwald.
Aside from such promising beauty, Switzerland is the seventh (7th) most peaceful country in the world, according to the Global Peace Index. Thus, it’s an incredibly safe country for a woman to travel alone. The country even performed very well when it came to street safety and low crime rates — I can attest to this fact because of my personal experiences.
One situation that always comes to mind was when I once left my wallet at a crowded train station to Matterhorn; I only found out that I lost it when it was sunset (as it was my cue to go back to my hotel). ‘Lo and behold, the train staff held on to it and nothing was lost!
6. Norway
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If I say so myself, it comes as no surprise that Norway (or any of the Scandinavian nations) is regarded as one of the most female-friendly countries in the world. With high standards of living, crime rates are found to be extremely low even in major cities such as Oslo and Stavanger.
With that said, it’s a must to try and do a road trip through this wonderful European city and chase the northern lights, hike to the famed Trolltunga or explore Arctic fjords!
7. Portugal
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Portugal makes it to this list of the safest destinations for female travelers and it scores big points not only for its magnificent scenery but also for its good track record with women’s rights and cultures.
Some of the things to look forward to during your visit are the vibrant city of Lisbon, the dramatic views over Christ the King, and the turquoise-blue waters.
8. Croatia
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Officially called the Republic of Croatia, this Mediterranean paradise features sapphire waters and pristine days — perfect for those who are seeking that premium European summer experience! Thankfully as well, crime in Croatia is relatively low, making it extremely safe for solo traveling, especially for females.
So don’t miss out on this country’s beauty and consider booking yourself a tour of the Plitvice Lakes or a sailing experience. I went solo on a 7-day sailing trip from Split to Dubrovnik before and I met a lot of amazing people, ate a lot of amazing Croatian delicacies, and did a lot of amazing experiences. True enough, it was one of the most amazing Eurotrip activities that I’ve done!
9. Canada
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Canada attracts solo travelers for its safety, solid women’s rights record, and diverse range of scenery. In fact, of all the countries in North America, Canada is considered the safest destination for women travelers. Besides, Canadians have this worldwide reputation of being the friendliest people, and you’ll soon see why once you set foot in this spectacular country.
To add, it is home to a wide range of landscapes, including centuries-old forests, snow-covered mountains, breathtaking countrysides, and pristine lakes.
10. Poland
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Did you know? This Eastern European country is regarded as the safest place in Europe according to OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) and it’s mainly due to its low crime rates and positive attitude towards tourists. Even in the capital of Warsaw, though there might be some petty crimes here and there, solo travellers and female travelers alike will still feel relatively safe, especially with how hospitable Polish people are.
For some of the top must-do’s, I recommend rediscovering the story of World War III by stopping at Auschwitz and the Schindler’s Factory.
11. United Kingdom
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Comprised of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, this historic state packs a lot of allure for visitors of any kind — no matter if it’s from their bustling cities such as London or peaceful countrysides like Windsor.
To date, much like most European countries, traveling to the United Kingdom is very safe. For years, it is regarded as one of the safest countries for solo female travelers given that violent crime is rare. Though one of the reasons why it is placed a bit lower in this list is on how it ranks low on gender inequality and this can be somehow attributed to the pervasive ‘lad culture’ that has developed in the UK. Still and the same, for as long as you keep your wits with you, travel is generally regarded as safe.
12. Netherlands
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The Netherlands is a famous European destination where tradition and innovation intertwine. There is much to be desired here: from tulip fields to romantic city canal cruises, from Van Gogh paintings to the gnawing history of Anne Frank, and so much more!
And as a solo female traveler, you will be needing some caution especially in big cities like Amsterdam — but still and the same, the Netherlands is generally a safe country to explore in (your biggest concern might just be pickpockets). Besides, the Dutch are laid-back folks who are fairly polite; plus, I have traveled to this country far too many times by myself, and I have never felt unsafe.
13. France
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France is the most sought-after destination in Europe, and due to this popularity and ensuing crowdedness, it’s expected that most females don’t feel fully safe at night (especially in the big city of Paris). Nevertheless, it still earns its spot as one of the safest countries for solo female travelers because of how it puts high regard for women’s rights.
Truth be told, the country has a low gender gap according to Ampersand. Moreover, catcalling and street harassment are outlawed and placed with hefty on-the-spot fines.
So don’t let any of your fears stop you from flying to this popular destination as you finally witness the majestic Eiffel Tower, visit the Louvre Museum, explore the fantastical castle island of Mont Saint Michel, drive through the French Riviera, and more!
14. Denmark
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As I previously mentioned, you should always expect Scandinavian countries to be on the list of safest countries for solo female travelers. Visitors will have little to worry about when it comes to crime, and women travelers also don’t have much to worry about when it comes to harassment. Crimes still occur, that’s a fact, but common sense should keep you out of trouble.
To make the most of your stay in Denmark, don’t forget to explore the Tivoli Gardens, take a trip to the ancient city of Roskilde, look for fossils at Møns Klint, sail a real Viking ship with the Viking Ship Museum, and so much more!
15. Italy
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When it comes to solo travel, Italy is an outstanding destination: it’s relatively safe and plenty of sights or activities to keep you occupied for a while! One of my favorite destinations in the country is Rome and even if it’s crowded, female travelers like I do will generally feel safe while exploring key places like the Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel, and Roman Forum among many others!
Of course, let’s not forget the other stunning cities of Florence, Venice, Naples… aaah, I can go on and on about Italy! All in all, there is just so much to see in this country, and as a solo traveler, you will be indulging in a lot of rewarding experiences.
16. Czech RepubliC
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Rates of violent crimes are low in the Czech Republic, and even most of Prague’s areas are safe to walk around even after dark. The country just so happens to be low on the list given the bad rating for its global gender gap. But as per usual, just use common sense much like how you would in any place in the world (even your home country) and you’ll be fine here as a solo female traveler.
There is much to see, after all, in this amazing country: the Charles Bridge along with the grand Prague Castle, the quaint town of Český Krumlov, and many others.
17. Sweden
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This Scandinavian wonder earns its place in this list of safest countries for solo female travelers due to its secure and progressive environment for women. The reason why Sweden scored lower than the other Scandinavian countries is mainly due to its low rating for non-partner and intimate partner sexual violence, as well as the global gender gap.
These factors aside, Sweden is still one of the safest countries in the world and you can enjoy a number of activities, namely: chasing after Northern Lights through Lapland, hiking through the King’s Trail (Kungsleden), etc. etc.
18. Germany
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Germany is also incredibly safe, not just for solo female travelers but also for other kinds of travelers as well. Plus, with a highly efficient rail network to take advantage of, tourists can move between central cities and most places in between with great ease!
And of course, aside from being a safe country to travel to, Germany has so much to offer — from magical castles like Neuschwanstein to stunning natural sights of Zugspitze, from vibrant Oktoberfest festivities to enriching city tours, and more!
19. Greece
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With over hundreds of inhabited Greek islands, tourists are highly unlikely to experience crime or violence — even more so for women. Hence, Greece is a very safe country to travel to at any time.
You might need to put more caution when traveling to more popular places like Athens, but in general, most destinations are safe with petty crime being the main crime you might have to pay heed to. But as long as you do basic precautionary measures, your trip should be smooth sailing!
Speaking of sailing, apart from trying sailing trips, you should also try sailing (or flying!) to other places to experience incredible sights such as that of Santorini, Crete, and others!
20. Japan
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I gotta admit, I expected Japan to be ranked higher on this list because it’s truly one of the safest countries for solo female travelers. Case in point, I’ve been traveling to this destination solo for probably more than 15 times now; I’ve walked through tiny alleys by myself in the wee hours of the night, and yet I have never felt unsafe nor encountered dangerous individuals.
So it truly came as a surprise to me to see that in the Women’s Danger Index, Japan ranked 20 out of 50. But then I realized that indeed… Japan has some problems when it comes to gender equality and attitudes toward women given that its society is still fairly misogynistic (which is deeply rooted in its old traditions and history).
That aside, Japan is generally safe and it is even ranked 6th among the most peaceful countries in the world! With that in mind, it ticks all the other boxes: lively cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, hiking trails, and delectable cuisine. Beyond the well-known cities of Tokyo and Kyoto, don’t forget to explore its off-the-beaten-path spots too such as the Chubu region.
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» Other Safe Destinations «
As you may have noticed by now, the Women’s Danger Index is only limited to the top 50 most popular destinations in the world for international tourists, so there are off-the-beaten-path (yet safe) countries that this research has missed out on as well as some other key destinations, namely…
1. New Zealand
I was actually surprised that this was not included in the previous top 50 list; nevertheless, New Zealand or ‘Middle Earth‘ (for Lord of the Rings fans) is the perfect destination for those who love adventure, sports, and nature. It is one of the safest countries in the world for solo female travelers and backpackers too given that it is the 2nd most peaceful country in the world according to the Global Peace Index.
2. Australia
Australia, just like New Zealand is considered one of the safest countries in for solo female travelers. The Australian metropolis even continues to hold the crown as the Most Livable City, according to the Economist Intelligent Unit. The locals are also known for their warm hospitality and good cheer that’s why a lot of solo travelers consider backpacking around the country safe.
3. Iceland
Iceland has some of the lowest crime rates and it’s ranked number one as the most peaceful country in the world on the Global Peace Index! The country is also one of the best destinations for solo female travelers in search of an ultimate female adventure journey (or a road trip at that!). After all, the country is a haven for travelers who love the outdoors, with numerous waterfalls to explore, glaciers to hike and geothermal spas to soak in.
4. South Korea
South Korea is actually #21 on the Women’s Danger Index, so I thought that it’s worth mentioning this in this list of safest countries in the world especially because it IS safe. Much like Japan, I’ve had no problems traveling around the country as a woman; the only issue why South Korea scored low is its attitude towards women due to its society that’s similar to Japan. But don’t let this dissuade you from traveling to this amazing destination!
5. Taiwan
When it comes to world standards, Taiwan’s crime rate is low; so much like its other East Asian countries, it’s a destination that is pretty much safer than many other places in the world. And as a solo female traveller, you’ll love the array of things to do in Taiwan!
6. Finland
The only explanation why this Scandinavian country is not in the top 20 is because it was not regarded as the top 50 most visited countries in the world. Nevertheless, much like its neighbors, the country is a haven for solo women travelers who are seeking for a range of exciting sights and activities!
7. Philippines
I’m not just saying this because of bias, but primarily because the Philippines IS a safe destination for solo girl travelers. After all, the Filipinos are probably the friendliest and most hospitable people that you’ll ever meet. Add the fact that English is one of the 2 official languages in the country, you won’t have a hard time going around the islands. Just use your best instincts and ‘street smarts’ at all time to not be targeted for petty crimes.
8. Indonesia
Single travelers should never shy away from Indonesia’s charms because they hardly face any real threat or danger. A lot of solo travelers, after all, have been to this amazing country and they have all had a great time! Just don’t throw your common sense out of the window and you’ll have a smooth Indonesia trip right from day one.
9. Thailand
This is truly a favorite destination in Southeast Asia and while Thailand is generally safe, you should still be wary of your surroundings, as well as some of the cultural norms (e.g. some temples don’t allow women, you shouldn’t sit beside Buddhist monks in public transport, etc.). There’s much to be said about attitudes toward women, but still, it’s a relatively secure destination for females.
10. Namibia
This has got to be the safest country for solo travelers in Africa especially since the locals are friendly and that most towns exude a safe atmosphere for tourists (the biggest danger that you might face are wild animals). Just do your research beforehand and you’ll be fine!
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» 5 Worst Countries for Women Traveling Alone «
- DISCLAIMER: The countries in this list are those that ranked the poorest on the Women’s Danger Index that collects the top 50 most-visited countries worldwide. Naturally, this does NOT mean that you shouldn’t travel to these countries — in fact, it’s the opposite.
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You should still go especially if you want to, BUT just take note that you must exercise caution due to the country’s bad record or attitudes toward women. If you’re still not confident, it doesn’t hurt to travel with a companion!
1. South Africa
When I first visited Africa, Zambian locals expressed worry when I told them that my next solo destination was South Africa. “Are you heading alone to Johannesburg?”, they asked. When I replied ‘Cape Town‘, they breathed a sigh of relief and added, “that’s fine, just be aware of your surroundings especially since you’re alone.” I found it odd how they reacted like that, but after careful research, their reaction made sense because the country has historically treated women cruelly, not to mention the high crime rates.
My trip to Cape Town went smoothly and though there were a few moments that I felt unsafe, I still thoroughly enjoyed my stay there! It might be because I spent most of my time driving around tourist areas (it’s said that most crime takes place in the townships); nevertheless, just exercise caution at all times and behave conservatively.
2. Brazil
It might not be a surprise to you to see Brazil in this list of worst countries for solo female travelers because if you do a Google search, most articles won’t sugarcoat the reality that it’s a dangerous country — not only for women but for men too. It has a high rate of crime and most embassies will caution you to never walk alone at night and to never resist any robbery attempts.
It’s still fine to travel alone, but if you ask me, this is not the best place to start with especially if you’re a newbie or beginner solo traveler.
3. Russia
This is yet another surprising discovery when I went through the Women’s Danger Index because I have also traveled to Russia alone but I have never felt unsafe there — not even in the big cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg. But indeed, that’s just my experience. Apparently, this vodka-loving destination is one of the worst when it comes to legal discrimination and general attitudes towards women.
4. Mexico
Safety is, of course, never guaranteed wherever you may be in the world but some places are riskier than others. Mexico is one of those places and this may be also expected by some of you especially because it has low ratings when it comes to street safety and violence.
Other solo travelers might argue otherwise and I’m a bit on the fence with that. I traveled to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, as well as Tulum in 2021 at a time when some cartel shootings just happened and there were a lot of army folks doing their rounds — it added a sense of security but it still felt unsafe at some times. My whole trip ended with no incident and I believe that some areas are safer than others (e.g. Valladolid); but I guess what I’m just trying to say is: just do your research and be cautious, and I’m sure you’ll be able to gauge your level of comfort.
5. Iran
This came as yet another surprise for me because I regard Iran as one of the safest countries in the Middle East (I guess it just scores low as compared to the rest of the top 50 most-visited places worldwide). Though for you, you might have expected this because of how the media portrays this country; however, I urge you to do your own research so you can see how a lot of solo female travelers had no problems journeying through this country alone. You just need to prepare for some things first (e.g. knowing how wearing a hijab is mandatory in the country, knowing how there’s gender segregation in public, etc.) and you’ll be fine.
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Overall
Solo female travel has since become a worldwide trend and I hope that this article helped give you some ideas on the safest countries to travel to!
Of course, there’s the reality that despite this assuring list, the chance of being harassed is still possible — however, this should never stop you from pursuing your travel dreams! A lot of women have gone through such adventures and YOU can too.
