There is a growing tribe of women who like to have some of their travel plans about themselves—to lose the crowd, to step out of their comfort zones, to reiterate their belief in themselves, to have a worldview that is unhinged. Issues with regard to their personal safety often get spoken about.
There are advisories for single female travellers, and plenty that’s been written about how to be better prepared. In this blog, we list out some travel destinations that have been voted ‘safest’ for those women who wish to travel solo.
Top 10 Safest Countries for Women to Travel To
Here are some places we recommend adding to your list:
Japan 🇯🇵
Japan has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. With emphasis on being respectful, polite, and hospitable always, Japan is considered safe for solo female travellers, even when it comes to stepping out late into the night.
A well-appointed public transport system that runs by the clock and is clean at the same time also offers women-only train cars. This helps to avoid chances of groping during rush hours. Adhering to local rules, dressing modestly, and being aware of your surroundings are precautions you’d like to keep in order to have hassle-free travel across this country.
Learning a few phrases in the local dialect will make communication better and is a skill worth investing in.
Portugal 🇵🇹
With its friendly atmosphere and a low crime rate, Portugal is a happy place for female solo travellers. However, staying alert and being aware of your surroundings can stunt any attempts at harassment in densely populated, touristy places.
Stay mindful of your belongings when using public transport, which is largely safe. Avoid areas that are dimly lit or deserted. ‘NomadHer’ and ‘Travel Ladies’ are service portals that offer information on safety for solo travellers in Portugal.
Again, like everywhere else, keeping your guard up is always a good idea so that you aren’t caught in a vulnerable place.
New Zealand 🇳🇿
Ranked consistently among the safest places in the world, it’s still important to be aware of your surroundings when traveling solo in New Zealand. Stay away from unlit, secluded areas, and avoid hitchhiking, which can have disastrous consequences. Consider carrying some personal safety devices like a whistle or alarm with you.
Share your itinerary with a few people so that they know where you are headed and when. Familiarize yourself with the area you are visiting—learn a thing or two about the local customs/dialect. Make sure to stay understated in how you dress—avoid displaying cash, jewellery, or other valuables, and dress modestly.
Iceland 🇮🇸
It’s a favoured destination for solo travellers due to its high level of gender equality and safety. Iceland has one of the lowest crime rates globally, making it a safe place to travel. The locals add to the feeling of security with their friendly and helpful nature. It has good roads and a reliable public transport system, making getting around a breeze.
The tourism industry is well-equipped with tour operators and guides who can assist your travels. There are negligible connectivity issues in Iceland, which helps travellers stay connected with their loved ones at all times.
People here are respectful and modest. To have a hearty experience in this beautiful country, stay mindful of your conduct and have the most amazing time.
Finland 🇫🇮
It has a reputation for being a peaceful and secure nation, making it perfect for solo female travellers. It has a safe and efficient public transport system that makes going around in major cities a breeze.
The Finnish value personal space and equality, which makes for a safe environment for women. Most places in Finland are well-lit, making them safe to roam around, even at night. The locals are generally friendly, and most are fluent in English. Travellers can freely ask for directions and help if needed.
Canada 🇨🇦
With a strong legal framework in place to guard against gender-based violence and promote equality, Canada is a relatively safe place for all kinds of travellers, including solo travellers. Still, one needs to be mindful of their surroundings and remain vigilant.
Street harassment is sometimes reported, but the good part is that the authorities take strict action against it. It has a low crime rate compared to many other countries, especially in terms of violent crimes.
Switzerland 🇨🇭
Consistently ranking high on global peace indexes, Switzerland is a safe destination for solo female travellers. While the crime rate is low, occasional pickpocketing and bag snatching are reported every now and then.
It is advisable to stay vigilant and guard your valuables. Street harassment in crowded, touristy places may happen, but the authorities deal with it promptly. Getting around is simple, effective, and safe with its network of public transport. With its safety infrastructure and helpful locals, Switzerland ranks high as one of the safest places for solo female travellers.
Costa Rica 🇨🇷
It is generally considered to be a safe country for solo female travellers. If you stay low-key— not drawing attention to yourself by wearing flashy things and carrying valuables, avoiding walking the beaches at night (especially the low-lit areas), keeping a check on your alcohol consumption, or being cautious when driving yourself around in unfamiliar places— you will ensure a happy travel time for yourself in Costa Rica.
Learning a bit of Spanish, staying in well-regarded tourist-friendly places, keeping a few people informed of your travel plans, and researching your destination well in advance will make for a memorable experience traveling through this beautiful country and meeting its friendly people.
Slovenia 🇸🇮
It is gaining popularity specifically for its safety for solo female travellers. If you can stay on your guard against pickpockets and petty thefts, there are no major issues to take care of here. The good thing is that it is considered safe to walk alone at night too, in its cities including Ljubljana.
Slovenia has well-maintained roads and offers a good selection of safe and affordable guesthouses and hotels. Some of them offer personalized service to travellers. Staying respectful of local customs will further enhance your travel through this country.
Ireland 🇮🇪
Ireland has a low crime rate. Cities like Dublin, Cork, and Galway have extensive CCTV systems in public areas. Public transportation is generally safe. Many routes have surveillance cameras, and the drivers are trained to deal with security concerns.
The country has a strong legal framework and supportive services. It’s a good idea to carry a personal safety alarm like a whistle or alarm to draw attention to yourself in an emergency. For the rest, following the general advisory that asks tourists to be careful of their belongings, stay in verified hotels, keep to well-lit places, inform family and friends of your travel plans, and drink in moderation are just the simple ways to have rewarding travel experiences. Language is not a problem here, and the people are warm and welcoming.
Bonus Tips for Staying Safe on Any Trip
- Share your itinerary – Always share your itinerary with a few of your near and dear ones. Keep them posted about any change in plans. Try to stick to what you’ve planned to avoid unnecessary hassles with regard to accommodation/transport bookings, and inviting additional expenses.
- Book well-reviewed stays – Do plenty of research to find the most suited stay for yourself. Read reviews, compare, and map your areas of interest around it to see if it’s ideally located. Ask for deals/packages/discounts against bookings through websites etc. Even if it comes at a markup, choose places where you feel safe.
- Trust your gut, always – Sometimes, you instinctively know if something will work for you or not. Pay heed to what you feel about a place, travel plan, a booking agency/agent, or hiccups you anticipate. Being cautious will make you better prepared.
Conclusion
Adventure can be both bold and safe. Research the places you want to visit, read extensively, and then decide on how you’d want it to go—calm and quiet, adventurous, meditative, or filled with hikes and treks, or even retail therapy. Just be mindful of the local customs and sentiments, be careful of your belongings, and never draw unnecessary attention to yourself by behaving oddly or dressing loudly or immodestly.
The world is wide, and only those who travel have a chance to know it in some parts. We will bring you more such information about places that are a traveller’s paradise.
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