Looking for countries for your next female solo travel trip? With solo female travel on the rise, more and more women are heading out and traveling the world. Though, unfortunately a concern among many are ‘where are the safest countries in the world for female travelers?’
With the right attitude and general street smarts and caution, the world isn’t as scary as many would think. There are plenty of countries in the world that females can feel safe and secure while traveling in – whether in a group with other women or traveling solo.
However, there are some countries where incidents of violence against women are still high. There are also some countries where traveling as a foreign female may come with a few uneasy and uncomfortable situations.
We live for the day where we can travel freely, without caution. But, until that day we understand that there are certain countries that are safer than others when it comes to female travel. So, we’ve decided to pull together a list of the safest countries in the world for female travelers.
While they may not be 100% safe (is anywhere in the world fully safe?), according to our experience and research, they’re much safer and more chilled than others.
Related read: Things To Keep Your Mental Health Sane Travelling Solo
Here is the list of some of the safest places for solo female travel.
Solo travelling is a symbol of freedom that leads to a fascinating experience.
You can follow your own schedule, choose your favourite destination and shorten or prolong the trip according to your desire. There is no need to consult anybody. But it’s considered that women travelling alone face dangers and risky situations. Female solo travel often calls issues of safety into question.
This world is full of peaceful places offering extreme serenity and enchanting beauty.
1) Iceland
Did you know that Iceland is ranked as 2017’s number one peaceful country by the Global Peace Index? Well, now you know! This state has a higher rate of gender equality that means solo female travellers will be totally secured in this land.
But this is not the only reason to visit Iceland alone. Downtown Reykjavik is the biggest attraction for tourists for being the central point of Icelandic culture. Moreover, the Blue Lagoon Spa is one persuasive reason to visit Iceland. This is one of the safest solo female travel destinations, too.
2) Italy
Italy is a model of the glorious Roman Empire. This country of ancient culture offers marvellous sightseeing, such as the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Solo female travellers can explore this country while eating delicious pizzas and drinking filtered water from artistic fountains. The Italian people are also quite friendly and helpful.
Read why Puglia is the perfect destination for female solo travel in Italy.
3) Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a small welcoming country full of warm-hearted people. It is a perfect place for adventurous solo female travellers. From diverse wildlife to beaches and rainforests, this place offers a wide area to explore nature.
Whether you want to spend a quiet vacation or attempt thrilling activities such as surfing or snorkeling, Costa Rica is one of the safest places for solo female travel in our books.
4) Bali
Bali is a gorgeous island in Indonesia and a topmost priority of tourists. This calm place has serene beaches, inexpensive accommodation and food and old temples exhibiting the pure Balinese culture.
This place is quite safe for solo female travellers as it’s an epicentre of Indonesian tourism and the government takes effective precautions to keep it clean of violence.
Read our guide on where to stay in Bali.
5) Seychelles
Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands and situated in the Indian Ocean. Although it’s a perfect honeymoon spot, it’s also one of the safe places for women to travel alone.
Visitors can witness the glittery sand of beaches and beautiful species of turtle and tortoise. Having no ground connections makes this country a safe place.
6) Scandinavia
The countries of Scandinavia are full of beautiful spots and attractive architecture. Denmark and Norway have been listed as the top two happiest countries in the world. Moreover, in 2016 Denmark was ranked as the most peaceful country. Solo female travellers can plan trips to one of the Scandinavian countries in order to enjoy the safest journey.
7) New Zealand
Right behind Iceland on the Global Peace Index, New Zealand is the second most peaceful country in the world. Making it another one of the safest countries to travel in as a female traveller. Life slows down when landing in this country. New Zealand is where you go to enjoy the slow pace and friendly locals. This, along with the stunning landscapes.
New Zealand is also perfect for female travelers who love adventure, sports, nature, or all of the above. The country is made up of two main islands – North Island and South Island. North Island is for stunning beaches, active volcanoes and colorful lakes. While South Island is for snowy peaks, glaciers, and an ocean full of seals and whales.
8) Amsterdam, Netherlands
Let’s go to the Venice of the north. Amsterdam is a welcoming city of attractive architecture, cultural museums and beautiful canals. It’s the best place for solo female travellers who are looking for music and parties. This friendly city will indulge the female solo travel in its Dutch culture and history.
9) Switzerland
Switzerland is the 12th most peaceful country in the world according to the latest Global Peace Index, thanks to its political stability and neutrality in global conflicts. Its location in the centre of Europe makes it easy to reach from other European countries, even just for a few days while on a Eurotrip.
Switzerland is heaven for chocolate lovers and female travelers who love stunning scenery. Its an ideal destination to visit in all seasons – from hiking in the mountains in summer to skiing down the snowy slopes in winter. And for the female travelers who prefer a bit more luxury and relaxing holidays, there’s plenty of delicious chocolate and cheese to indulge in.
10) Melbourne, Australia
From melodious music to delicious food and aesthetic culture, the dazzling city of Melbourne offers an unforgettable travelling experience. Besides sightseeing, shopping and catchy architecture, this city also provides safety to residents as well as tourists.
In the glittery lights of Melbourne solo, you can find one of the safest places for solo female travel. Moreover, the local language is English, therefore, women can get quick help by communicating easily.
11) Portugal
Coming in fourth in the Global Peace Index, Portugal is a lovely country to travel as a female traveler. Portugal has also been growing in popularity on the tourism circuit, fast-becoming a must-visit destination across travel blogs and news websites. Lisbon is packed with amazing hotels to stay in, delicious restaurants to eat at, beautiful beaches, and great public transport. Head to the Algarve region for even more beautiful beaches in the quaint towns scattered along the coast. As a female traveler you will feel safe and welcomed by the locals everywhere that you go.
12) Canada
Of all the countries in the Americas, Canada is considered the safest destination for women travelers. Home to a range of stunning landscapes, including century-old forests, snowy mountains, open countryside’s, and beautiful lakes. Canada is ideal for getting out into the wilderness and escaping the hustle of big cities.
Though, the cities also have their own special charm and multicultural touch. A great female-only trip to Canada is going in search of the polar bears during the winter months. It’ll be cold, but so worth it when seeing these snow-white bears in their natural habitat.
Check out our local girls guide to partying in Montreal!
13) Japan
Japan comes in 9th on the Global Peace Index, making it a pretty good option for women traveling alone. Japan is a county where millennium-old traditions are combined with modern technology, creating a unique culture to delve into. Tokyo, the capital city, is considered the cleanest and most-organized city in the world.
Then there’s Osaka, a modern yet fully charming city packed with things to do. Our biggest tip for traveling in Japan: don’t skip Kyoto. Kyoto is touted as the most beautiful city in Japan. It wows female travelers with its stunning villas and UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Kamigamo Shrine, Tō-ji, and Shinmogamo Shrine). You can safely get around the country via the ultra-smooth and efficient bullet trains, famed for their speed and punctuality.
Psst…if you’re looking to explore a more underground side of Osaka, check out our alternative Osaka travel guide.
Related Read: Getting Around in Tokyo by Subway and Train
14) Finland
Ranked number one in terms of safety by the World Economic Forum in their Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report, Finland is a great choice for female travelers. It’s also an ideal choice for nature lovers with its midnight sun and Northern Lights spotting opportunities. The Aurora Borealis (aka the Northern Lights) can be viewed more than 200 nights in a year – pretty much every night in winter.
Finland is also home to Europe’s largest wooded reserve, Lemmenjoki National Park. There’s a Finnish term ‘Everyman’s right’, meaning everyone can walk freely in nature, anywhere you want. Female travelers can feel free and safe to roam around the many forests, lakes, and other wild areas in Finland.
Well, now you have the list of safest destinations so what are you waiting for?
Begin your female solo travel journey today and visit each one of these places to experience endless adventure.
Check out more of our female traveler guides
- Ideas and Tips for a Girls Weekend in Barcelona
- How to Plan the Perfect Girls Weekend in San Diego
- How to Spend a Girls Weekend in Nashville
