Most women who choose to go on a trip alone have some complex moments behind them that they decide to face by doing something beautiful, others start with the intention of self-affirmation, others simply want to make a wish come true without waiting for someone else to accompany them. There are many positive aspects to traveling alone is rewarding and exciting, you know people more easily, greatly increases confidence but also you have the freedom to do what you want when you want it. However, safety is one of the most important things to consider when deciding to embark on a solo female trip. There may be some destinations that are safer than others but the world is not as inhospitable as they want us to believe but minor crimes can happen anywhere no place is 100% safe. With a positive attitude and using common sense, there are a lot of countries in the world where you can feel safe on your own. I also recommend you read 10 safety tips for solo female traveler. Thanks to other experienced solo female travelers and travel bloggers we have compiled a list of safest countries for solo female travelers.

#1 ICELAND

Iceland is a fantastic country for solo female travelers. Iceland is often rated one of the safest countries in the world and has an extremely low crime rate.

Additionally, Reykjavik has a variety of safe accommodations from hostels to hotels. Expect secure, safe rooms and dependable staff. Since tourism is a major industry in Iceland, officials are focused on providing a safe and comfortable experience for visitors.

Iceland is easily accessible from North America and Europe by Icelandair. When in Iceland, opt to stay in the city of Reykjavik or explore the ring road. In Reykjavik, explore the local culture and take day trips to surrounding areas. On the ring road, visit remote areas of Iceland with beautiful scenery, beaches, and small towns.

A wonderful aspect of Iceland is its beauty year-round. In the summer, expect moderate temperatures and long days of sunshine. Some of the best summer activities in Iceland include horseback riding, hiking, and camping. Horseback tours on Icelandic horses are readily available from tour operators in Reykjavik. Hiking and camping will be the best from the ring road where there are smaller crowds and abundant nature.

In the winter, expect cold temperatures, some snow, and short days. Spend time exploring the Golden Circle, visiting the Blue Lagoon, or chasing the Northern lights. The Golden Circle is a popular drive near Reykjavik that hits major sites such as geysers, waterfalls, and the continental divide. The Blue lagoon, while touristy, is a great way to spend a day. Be sure to get tickets ahead of time as it books up quickly. Finally, Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern lights and they cannot be missed during a winter vacation.

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#2 UNITED KINGDOM

The UK is one of the safest countries for solo female travel to visit. The country has a low incidence of tourist crime, with pickpocketing only being prevalent around major tourist landmarks, such as Trafalgar Square in London. It’s incredibly easily to navigate the UK via local rail systems, making it the ultimate solo travel getaway on a budget. Hostels are available in almost every city, helping solo female travellers avoid paying the single supplement.

The UK is a very multicultural country, with many of its residents coming from around the globe. Travellers of every race and religion can feel safe exploring famous landmarks, even in smaller towns.

Be sure to visit cities outside of London. Although this is the capital, there’s so much more to see in the UK. Check out the amazing walking trails in the Cotswolds, just north of London. Go for a day trip to Stratford Upon Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace. Visit the ancient Roman city of Bath, where you can have high tea and go to a spa for the ultimate relaxation day. Take the 5-hour train journey to Edinburgh or Cardiff to explore the other countries within the UK.

Pack for UK weather when you’re planning to visit. It’s always smart to pack a rain jacket or windbreaker, as soggy weather is a realistic stereotype for the UK. You’ll also want to pack a sweater or fleece, even in the summer, as the nights can get quite cool.

If you’re worried about travelling on your own and getting lost, get a cheap SIM card at the airport when you arrive. You can get a data SIM card for under 10 GBP that will let you use Google Maps and keep in touch with friends or family as you explore.

Recommended by By Nina from Nina Out and About

#3 CROATIA

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#4 ITALY

Between the eternal city of Rome, the romantic canals of Venice, and the world class art in Florence, Italy receives no shortage of travelers in every shape and size — and that includes solo female travelers. Whether spending just one to two weeks in Italy, or a month, or much longer, Italy makes a safe country for solo female travelers for a couple reasons.

Firstly, as already mentioned, Italy is a very popular travel destination with a well-trodden and extensive tourist path. While that’s a downside when it comes to attraction wait times and crowds in photographs, the upside is that a solo traveler will rarely actually be alone in Italy.

Additionally, Italy’s robust tourism infrastructure provides different options for whatever travel style makes you most comfortable. Stay in an upscale hotel room, a friendly hostel, or a private apartment. Take the train with the other tourists, or ride the bus with the locals, or hire a private cab. Stick to the main cities, or get off the beaten path. In Italy, the choice is truly up to whatever makes you personally feel most comfortable as a solo female traveler.

In spite of all this, there are a couple things female visitors should be aware of in Italy. The first is pickpocketing, something common in many European tourist destinations. Make sure to keep aware of belongings at all times, do not accept help from anyone besides an official employee at train and metro stations, and do not accept roses or hold babies. The second is catcalling. Be aware that strangers yelling “Ciao bella” is not uncommon, and that it is best to ignore them. Besides those things, just practice the same precautions you would at home, and Italy will make a spectacular solo female destination!”

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#5 PORTUGAL

Portugal is the perfect country for solo female travellers. Not only is it very affordable but it’s also considered a very safe country which is ideal for solo travel. Since Portugal is quite small you can easily get from one place to another. The transport system is very good so you can always find affordable trains or buses. Portugal has incredible scenery and lots to see and do. Lisbon and Porto are considered some of the best cities in the country and should be at the top of your to-do list.

Porto is the home of Port wine so definitely come here for some wine tastings. While Porto has quite a few bars, Lisbon is much more well-known for its nightlife. As a solo female traveller, you should always have common sense when going out at night but Lisbon is considered quite safe so you can enjoy the nightlife without having to worry. The city has a lot to offer like incredible architecture and historic structures. Once you’ve had enough sightseeing head to the south of Portugal to the beautiful Algarve. This is the best spot to come for beaches, swimming and simply relaxing. You’ll love how friendly the people are and of course, the scenery is absolutely amazing.

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#6 SWEDEN

Being one of the Nordic countries, Sweden is incredibly safe and beautiful for solo female travelers. Consistently being rated one of the safest countries to visit, it’s no surprise travelers find this destination progressive, friendly, fascinating, walkable, charming and diverse. Stockholm, the capital of Sweden is brimming with beautiful cafes, amazing subway art, quaint old town charm and delicious food to keep solo travelers excited while ensuring safety and spectacular travel moments.

Stockholm offers varied activities and sights that are all easily accessible through the well-connected public transport system. People are very friendly and communicate well in English so it is an excellent place to visit for people who aren’t bilingual. The vibe of the city is very fun and youthful with plenty of restaurants or bars to enjoy. After all, locals take “Fika” very seriously where people take breaks and meet up for coffee with a sweet treat in a café! Definitely don’t forget to Fika amidst exploring!

Summer is the perfect time to visit Stockholm when the days are longer and the locals enjoy the outdoors making it very lively and vibrant. The city offers plenty of attractions and some of the must visit places are the colorful & quaint Gamla Stan, admiring the opulence of the Royal Palace, enjoying breathtaking views from the tower of City Hall, strolling around the island of Riddarholmen and touring the historical Vasa museum. The metro stations of Stockholm are an artistic paradise to photograph. Some of the most beautiful subway stations are T-Centralen, Stadion, Solna centrum and Mörby Centrum.

No matter whether you spend just a day or few days in Stockholm, the Swedish capital is bound to impress you with its beauty, charm and ease of exploration!

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#7 CZECH REPUBLIC

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#8 CANADA

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#9 MEXICO

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#10 CUBA

With charming yet bustling cities and beautiful countryside and beaches, Cuba is a fantastic country for solo female travelers – and it’s easier than ever to visit. Despite Cuba seeming off limits, especially for travelers from the U.S., it’s easier than ever for Americans to visit Cuba, even with direct flights from Miami and other major U.S. cities.

Cuba is a fantastic destination specifically for solo female travel thanks to its historically low crime rate, which is especially low in terms of crimes towards travelers. You can easily walk around and explore cities and the countryside while feeling extremely safe. Not only is Cuba particularly safe, but there is plenty to do here that makes it a prime travel destination for anyone. Visiting Old Havana is unlike anywhere else, with its beautiful examples of colonial forts, graceful architecture, and restored plazas, plus the countless old American classic cars that glide through the city. Make sure to check out the Fábrica de Arte Cubano at night – this mixed-use art space hosts fine arts installations, concerts, movie screenings, and more, in addition to several bars throughout this former cooking oil factory, now the place to be in Havana.

For a nearby beach destination, make sure to head to Varadero – located just two hours away from Havana, Varadero has seemingly endless and beautiful beachfront to enjoy for travelers at all price points. Here you’ll find everything from luxury all-inclusive resorts to inexpensive private apartments for rent, plus tons of delicious seafood restaurants, bars, and clubs to enjoy, all just steps away from one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful white sand beaches.

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#11 ISRAEL

Israel is the most misunderstood country in the world. Commonly perceived as a dangerous and unsafe place where bombs are dropping – or on the verge of dropping – any minute, Israel is in fact one of the most welcoming and safest countries in the world for solo female travelers. The heavy presence of the military and of police forces means you’re never too far from help, should anything happen to you. Thorough checks at airport safety and border control mean that ill-intentioned people can’t easily enter the country either.

So how does it feel to visit Israel?

It honestly is a walk in the park. The country is modern and well organized; you can easily move around by public transport; everyone speaks English so you won’t have troubles communicating with locals.

As a solo female traveler, you will enjoy simple pleasures that are often denied to women in many other parts of the world. A walk on Tel Aviv waterfront at sunset or even at night, just to listen to the sound of waves; a solitary evening stroll in the center of Jerusalem; a drink in one of the bars of Haifa – you seriously can do whatever you want.

However, don’t think that you don’t have to keep your eyes open when in Israel.

Petty crime – pickpockets for example – are an issue in crowded places ie in Tel Aviv. HaHagana and Neve Sha’an areas are safe to walk around during the day, but you may feel a bit intimidated at night so you should avoid renting a room there.

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#12 IRAN

Iran is not one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. It’s due to the fact that the media portrays Iran as a scary place full of danger. It has; however, nothing to do with reality. The truth is that Iran is one of the best and safest travel destination in the world for all kinds of travelers including solo female travelers.

Once you are in Iran, you will meet some of the most hospitable, friendliest, and kindest people in the world. You will learn about their rich culture and ancient history. You will not only see mind-blowing landscapes and natural wonders but magnificent architectural masterpieces. You will try their divine cuisine that includes delicacies such as saffron ice cream and rosewater cocktail. You will have an abundance of invigorating experiences that will be the best travel memories of your life.

There are countless extraordinary and beautiful places in Iran. If you want to see the most beautiful places in Iran, you need to stay at least three weeks there. However, if you have less time available, you can visit only the top most beautiful places in Iran and explore them in one or two weeks.

The most beautiful places in Iran are in Tehran, Kashan, Shiraz, Isfahan, Yazd, Kerman, the Lut Desert, on Qeshm Island and Hormuz Island. In these places, you will find some of the most fascinating mosques of the Middle East and some of the most colorful mountains in the world. On top of that, Iran has a beach that has literally red sand, and where one of the most important ingredients of the local dishes is the red sand from the beach.

In Iran, everything is so amazing that you will feel as if traveling in Iran is just the most beautiful dream ever.

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#13 UZBEKISTAN

The stans in central Asia might not have the best reputation if it comes to safety, but most of this is because it is relatively unknown among travellers. Uzbekistan, for example, is a great country for solo female travellers.

Uzbekistan was at the heart of the ancient Silk Road. As a result this country has lots to offer if it comes to history and culture. Cities with magnificent Islamic architecture, old caravanserais, bustling bazaars and delicious food.

What makes Uzbekistan particularly safe for solo female travellers are the friendly and welcoming people. Uzbekistan is an Islamic country, but attitudes are liberal. Uzbek hospitality means many heartwarming experiences from people going out of their way to help you and lots of invitations for a cup of tea.

In addition, Uzbekistan is a country where it is easy to travel in. The new high speed trains are a cheap, comfortable and safe way to travel in between Uzbekistan’s cities. Once there you have a good choice of accommodation options. Homestays offer you an insight into modern Uzbek culture and hostels are a great way to meet other solo travellers.

The top attractions of Uzbekistan include the old walled city of Khiva in the middle of the desert, the silk road bazaars of Bukhara and the mosques and madrassas of Samarkand. The capital Tashkent does not have the historical sights the other cities do, but this is a great place to learn more about Uzbekistan’s Soviet past.

Wherever you go, you will find great food. Uzbekistan has a varied cuisine influenced by its neighbours. Its national dish is Plov. Rice with carrots, onions and meat. It always comes with fresh bread and tea.

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#14 VIETNAM

Vietnam is one of the safest country in Asia for solo female travelers, with the added bonus of being super cheap and having plenty of epic things to do for any type of adventurer.

Crime rates are low compared to many Western tourist destinations, and serious crimes against tourists are extremely rare. Pickpocketing and other petty crime is on the rise in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and other hot spots, but if you keep your belongings close and avoid wearing obviously expensive accessories, you shouldn’t have any problem. In terms of getting around, metered taxis or Grab taxis/mopeds are considered safe, and there’s a brilliant network of overnight trains and buses between cities which are reasonably comfortable and a great option for anyone on a tight budget.

The Vietnamese people are incredibly kind and friendly, and any visitors are likely to get a warm reception from most locals. The country is still quite conservative so the idea of solo female travel might be unusual to some people, so don’t be surprised if you get questions about your lifestyle. If you want to avoid this, just pretend you’re traveling with friends. Too easy!

Some must-dos to add to your Vietnam itinerary are getting some stunning outfits tailored in charming Hoi An’s Ancient Town, going on a street food tour in Hanoi, exploring the lush countryside and rice paddies in Tam Coc, and sunning yourself on white sand beaches on one of the islands around Phu Quoc.

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#15 SINGAPORE

Located at the very tip of the Malaysian peninsula in Southeast Asia is the island of Singapore. Although it’s a mere dot on the map, this tiny city-state has grown to be one of the most developed countries in the world.

From an otherworldly vertical garden wrapped around 50-metre-tall “supertrees” that light up at night, to the world’s largest infinity pool set on what looks like a cruise ship balancing on top of three skyscrapers, the attractions in Singapore are designed to impress.

Even the airport is an attraction in itself — having been the world’s best airport for eight consecutive years. It has a rooftop pool, a butterfly garden, a bunch of flower gardens, a giant slide, art installations, and the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.

Despite all its futuristic modernity, Singapore still retains its historic heritage and green spaces. Expect to find centuries-old temples and cathedrals, as well as nature parks, a wetland reserve, and a botanical garden (the only one in the world that became a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

Another great thing to do in Singapore is trying out the local food, which is an interesting fusion of Chinese, Malay, and Indian cuisines. And don’t worry about food safety — Singapore is not only the most modern country in Southeast Asia, but also the cleanest.

With its stringent law system, Singapore has consistently low crime rates. It’s no surprise that it was rated the world’s second safest city in the latest Safe Cities Index. This makes Singapore the perfect destination for solo female travelers, even if it’s your first time traveling alone.

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#16 BALI

Bali – the Island of God is on most traveler’s bucket list and for all the right reasons. Balinese people are known for being kind, loving, and hospitable which makes Bali the safest country for females who want to explore on their own and have their Eat Pray Love moment. The possibility of meeting a ton of other solo female travelers is highly likely but do not throw the general awareness and common sense of the surrounding out of the window. Bali in general is very chill and includes no real threat or danger.

There are some tips to keep in mind that would make solo travel easy. It is required to always carry cash as only the most upscale places would accept cards and shops at the local markets would only accept cash. Renting a scooter is the best way to commute as taxis are expensive. As a solo traveler, Go-Jek is the best app to use for commuting but it’s available only in certain populated areas like Seminyak and Canggu. Otherwise, use the Blue Bird app for cab rentals.

From yoga/meditation classes for peace, amazing beaches to bask in the sun, temple hopping for learning more about the culture, and world-class resorts and hotels, Bali has it all. While Bali is popular, there are many off-beaten places to explore for female travelers who are after non-touristy sites. Munduk in North Bali has fewer crowds, temples, mountains, and plenty of amazing waterfalls to explore. Some of the top touristy things to do include visiting the Monkey temple in Ubud, witnessing the beauty of the rice terraces of Jatiluwih and Tegallalang, and the clifftop Uluwatu temple.

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#17 TAIWAN

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#18 JAPAN

The idea of traveling solo to Japan might seem intimidating, but the reality is that Japan is one of the best country for solo female travelers. Not only are there plenty of amazing things to do, but the country is also extremely safe and easy to get around.

Japan is often said to be the world’s safest country. There are low rates of crime, and you can generally walk around alone in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka without worry. However, when traveling anywhere, common sense should be used to keep yourself safe. Despite its safety, Japan isn’t immune to crimes like petty theft or drink spiking. When traveling as a solo female in Japan, always be aware of your surroundings and make sure your belongings are safe. Be especially vigilant on the subway, as this is a hot-spot for groping. Women-only cars on trains have been introduced to deter harassment during the busy rush hour when groping is most likely to occur.

There are so many things to do in Japan for solo female travelers. Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima are four of the best cities in Japan and are perfect for a first timer’s Japan itinerary. The bullet train makes it very easy to travel between cities. Whether you’re into museums, history, food, or culture, you’ll be able to find something to do in Japan that interests you. In Tokyo, don’t miss Senso-ji Temple and teamLab Borderless, a unique digital art museum. In Kyoto, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Fushimi Inari Shrine are both must-sees.

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#19 AUSTRALIA

Australia is one of the safest countries in the world to visit as a solo female traveler, and is by far the safest continent! Australians are some of the most kind-hearted people, always willing to help with directions and recommendations. They are also generally very happy and live very healthy lifestyles, making a visit here even more enjoyable! Australians also speak English, so there is no language barrier present here if this is also your first language. The crime rate in Australia is extremely low, making it a safe place to explore on your own. Although you should always exercise caution when traveling solo, you can rest easy on the beaches and at the cafes Down Under. Australian cities are very easy to navigate as well. In Sydney alone, there’s an interconnected tram, train, bus, and ferry system that can get you anywhere you need to go. If you’re looking to visit multiple cities during your trip to Australia, there are budget airlines that are extremely reliable as well. Some of these include TigerAir and JetStar. Although all cities in Australia are considered “safe”, the island of Tasmania is one of the safest, and most unique areas to explore. This 4 day Tasmania road trip itinerary is a great one to follow when exploring the island. Finally, Australia is very safe for solo female travelers because you can rest assured you won’t be the only one exploring here alone! Australia draws backpackers from all around the world, and because of its advanced public transportation systems and renovated hostels, it’s super easy to travel here. You’re bound to meet other solo travelers and meet new friends in Aussie!

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#20 NEW ZELAND

New Zealand is a land of sandy beaches, simmering volcanoes, majestic glaciers, mighty fjords (sounds), turquoise lakes and endless mountain ranges. Due to its expansive natural beauty and the popularity of the New Zealand working holiday visa, this remote country is a magnet for travelers of all styles. With minimal crime rates, safe cities and hospitable locals, New Zealand is one of the safest destinations for solo female travelers. But it’s also easy to make friends and buddy up with other travelers if you prefer.

A pure haven for nature lovers, the best thing to do in New Zealand is to tackle the hiking (‘tramping’) trails. Besides hundreds of day tramps, New Zealand is famous for its Great Walks; 11 hikes that you complete over the course of a few days. These are very safe for female travelers to enjoy solo and you can expect to make friends along the way. It’s up to you whether you take a tent or book a dorm bed at the huts. Phone reception is patchy on these walks so tell someone about your plans in case you are unable to keep in contact and carry a portable battery pack because the huts do not have charging sockets. 

If you have a larger budget you can splash out on glacial heli-hikes, kayaking in the sounds, scuba diving trips, bungy jumping and sky diving in New Zealand. 

The best way to experience New Zealand’s two major islands is by renting a car or campervan, and many solo female travelers opt for ‘vanlife.’ Although freedom camping is a perfectly safe option, for additional safety, you may choose to stay in Department of Conservation (DOC) camps and holiday parks for a small fee. Beware that car theft is the most typical crime in New Zealand so never leave your valuables in your vehicle.

The most dangerous thing about New Zealand is the sandflies, so take bug repellant. 

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