Now more than ever, more women are taking the leap and deciding to travel solo in order to see the world and experience new cultures. Just a few decades ago, the thought of women heading out on their own to the other side of the world was pretty unthinkable, so if you’re considering taking a solo trip, you can pat yourself on the back and congratulate yourself for doing something that not many women in the course of history were ever able to do.
As women, it’s important to keep in mind that even if a country feels safe for men, that doesn’t necessarily mean the experience will be the same for us. Sadly, many places around the world still don’t view women as equal, and the law in many nations around the world still wouldn’t back us up.
Thankfully, there are plenty of countries where traveling as a woman will not be an issue, and you’ll be guaranteed a wonderful, hassle-free experience.
Without further ado, here’s a list of some of the safest countries for solo female travelers. This list takes into consideration several factors, including how safe it is for women to walk alone at night, the femicide rate, legal discrimination, the general attitude towards violence against women, and others.
The Ultimate List of the Safest Countries for Solo Female Travelers
New Zealand
Ranking as one of the safest countries in the world on the Global Peace Index list, New Zealand is a wonderful place to visit as a solo female traveler, especially if it’s your first time!
Traveling to New Zealand is all about adventures outdoors with splendid views everywhere you look. Hiking across the many volcanic areas the country boasts is a favorite activity for locals and visitors alike, as is exploring glacier-carved valleys and discovering landscapes that feel almost otherworldly.
Singapore
With extremely tough punishment for even the pettiest of crimes, Singapore is a place where you’re very unlikely to run into trouble even when traveling completely alone. Over 90% of women have claimed to have felt extremely safe in Singapore. Traveling in Singapore is an incredible experience for those who love big cities. Shopping, unique museums, a thriving nightlife and foodie scene, and incredible theme parks are just a few of the best things to do in this enormous concrete jungle.
What’s best? If you want to travel to other countries in Southeast Asia as a solo female traveler, Singapore makes for a great hub to start easing into the region in order to feel more confident when you arrive at other destinations.
Canada
Canada is ranked as the safest country for women in North America, making it an ideal place to visit for solo female travelers.
With vibrant cities, plenty of historical wonders, a wide variety of food, tons of incredible outdoor experiences that range from hiking across rolling hills to going wildlife spotting in the Arctic Circle, a trip to Canada is guaranteed to keep you pretty busy as you complete once-in-a-lifetime bucket list experiences day after day.
Denmark
Denmark is constantly dubbed the “happiest country in the world”, and it is one of the safest countries in Europe for women to travel alone in. Crimes do occur, as they do in every single country in the world, but they’re extremely rare and you won’t really have to worry about street harassment or anything of the sort. Although small, Denmark has plenty to offer visitors, including wonderful hiking opportunities, a lovely coast, and a glorious food scene in major cities. The best way to get around most places in Denmark is on a bike, and doing so is very safe even at night!
Slovenia
Home to a lesser-known side of the Alps, a rich culture as old as time, bustling student cities, and castles that look straight out of a fairytale, Slovenia is an incredible and easy country to navigate through as a woman.
A few of the best things to do in Slovenia include eating delicious pastries, basking in thermal waters, hiking in the Julian Alps, boating around Lake Bled, and enjoying the capital Ljubljana, which is a student town where you can easily make new friends if you feel like sharing moments with locals.
Austria
Ranking as one of the top spots on the Global Peace Index, Austria is the world’s second-highest nation on the list of countries where women feel safe walking alone at night.
Austria is mostly covered by the Alps, making adventures in the mountains one of the main things to do in this small country in central Europe. Hiking, skiing, and mountain biking are just a few of the adventures you can have here. Moreover, Vienna, its capital, is considered one of the top cultural hubs of the world, with plenty of entertainment options available no matter the time of the day.
Iceland
The crime rate in Iceland is practically inexistent, so you may be more worried about getting eaten by a polar bear than anything else during your visit.
Thanks to its relatively small size but a wide array of things to see and do, Iceland makes for the perfect destination for solo female travelers who love having a packed itinerary.
Wandering inside ice caves, exploring the bustling and incredibly colorful capital of Reykjavik, hiking active volcanoes, and swimming in geothermal waters surrounded by awe-inspiring beauty are just a few of the best things you can do here!
