27 Safest Countries for Solo Female Travelers

Now, I love traveling the world on my own. There’s something so freeing about being able to just go and do exactly what you want without factoring someone else in. After all, we’re all busy people, and getting the same time off work or school just doesn’t work a lot of the time.

However, as a woman, I recognize that some countries are a lot safer than others. Just because I might feel comfortable in Turkey on my own, because I’m used to haggling culture and men shouting at you in the street, doesn’t mean that everyone is that desensitized. 

Traveling solo as a woman takes a lot of confidence but it also takes a lot of street smarts. You need to be aware of your surroundings a lot which can be exhausting. If you can visit countries that are largely safe for women, you can actually relax a little bit and enjoy your trip. So, here are my 27 safest countries for solo female travelers. 

What Do We Need to Think About as Solo Female Travelers?

Before we dive into the main list, I want to go through some parameters for what to look for as a solo female traveler. 

• Walkable cities usually have better street lights, you don’t need to get in as many sketchy taxis or run down for the subway at night.  
• A culture of equality. By and large, if the culture and society value women as equals, the treatment of female tourists is likely to be better. 
• Other travelers: If it’s a destination with a lot of other travelers, especially solo female travelers in hostels, then that is usually a good sign. 
• Countries with good WiFi and data connections are great in case you get in trouble or have any issues. It’s also good if you just need a time-out and want to watch some Netflix in the dorm. 
• Linked by public transport. If you can get in and out of the city or town easily, this is a good sign. The last thing you want is to start feeling unsafe and not have a viable way to move on if you need to
• Reviews from other solo female travelers. There are so many groups, pages, and forums for solo female travelers now who give honest views and advice about different countries and cities. Do your research before you go so you know what to expect.
• Every city has a “bad area”. Even in the safest place in the world, you’ll find pickpockets or petty crime. Be sensible when you’re walking at night, let people know where you are, and heed warnings from locals. 

27 Safest Countries for Solo Female Travelers

So, here are my 27 safest countries for solo female travelers. It’s worth saying, these are in no particular order at all! 

I also want to mention that I accept that some of these places might have less-safe areas within them – like everywhere else – but on the whole, these nations of safe and fun for solo female travelers to visit. Good? Let’s dive in. 

1. Japan

Beloved for its cultural history, high-tech cities, and great foodie scene, Japan is high on the bucket lists of many people. With bustling cities like Tokyo and Osaka, historic sites like Kinkaku-ji and Sensō-ji, and the wild hiking trails and relaxing onsens around Mt Fuji, Japan has a little bit of everything.

As Japan has a really low level of crime and efficient public transport systems, it’s ideal for solo female travelers. Make sure you learn some basic Japanese greetings and etiquette or bring a portable translator with you just in case you get stuck with the language barrier. 

2. Australia

Australia is a backpacker paradise for a good reason. With stunning scenery, amazing cities, a laidback vibe, and English spoken as a first language, it’s a go-to for many travelers looking to explore for a couple of months. 

It’s a big country, and most people stick to the main coastal cities like Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. There are popular bus routes around these areas and it’s very easy to meet up with other solo female travelers or join tours along the way to out-of-the-way places like Uluru. 

3. Canada

One of the best places to dip your toe in the solo female travel world as an American is by heading north to Canada. With the lack of a language barrier (except in Quebec), great wildlife, and easy transit options, it’s a fairly low-risk place to travel as a woman – except for maybe bears on the trails!

Whether you want to dive into nature in Lake Louise and Banff or explore the European-style architecture in Quebec or explore cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, there is a ton of variety in the Great White North. It’s also the perfect multi-season destination depending on what kind of vibe you’re after.

4. Denmark

If you love style, walkable streets, fairytale vibes, and Scandinavian design, Denmark is one of the best places to visit as a solo female traveler. The capital, Copenhagen, is one of the most walkable cities in the world and there’s even a driverless monorail that goes around the city which makes it really easy to get around. 

Denmark on the whole feels really safe and it’s ideal for a short city break if you just want to dip your toe in the water of solo travel. You can also easily get from Denmark to Sweden, Netherlands, or Germany by train or bus if you want to do some interrailing. 

5. New Zealand

Listed as the second most peaceful country in the world on the Global Peace Index, New Zealand is one of the safest places to visit. Despite its remote location, the towns and cities are well connected with scenic trains and campervan trails, however, the best way to explore for solo travelers is by group tour bus, like Kiwi Experience, or using the intercity bus network.

Whether you want to run around Lord of the Rings movie sets at Hobbiton, check out the stunning glaciers in Franz Josef, or cruise along fjords in the southern Fjordlands, there’s tons to see and do.

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6. Iceland

While it’s not the cheapest destination in the world, Iceland remains one of the best places to visit as a solo female traveler. The Land of Fire and Ice is one of the most beautiful countries on the planet filled with glaciers, geysers, and of course, the Northern Lights. There are a ton of tours to these natural wonders which makes it easier for solo travelers to jump on and check out. 

The capital, Reykjavik, is also super walkable, with a colorful vibe that’s warming even when the weather is freezing! It’s also full of solo travelers from all around the world, and a lot of solo female travel groups as well, if you want to meet people at your hostel or at the common attractions.

7. Norway

If you love hiking, fjordlands, and natural mountain beauty, then you’re going to love Norway. Again, being Scandinavia, it’s not the cheapest location on this list, but it’s a safe and cool location to visit if you’re an outdoorsy person. 

The connections between the coastal cities of Stavanger, Bergen, and Tromso in the Arctic Circle are decent, and you can even get across via boat to the stunning Lofoten Islands. If you visit in the summertime, you can benefit from the Midnight Sun and have extra long days to explore this beautiful country!

8. United Kingdom

Now, the UK does have a bit of a reputation when it comes to safety, but on the whole, I’d say it’s safe for solo female travelers. In terms of culture and language, it’s very similar to the US which makes it a good option for your first female solo adventure. 

I’d recommend spending a couple of days in London, but make sure you jump on a train and explore outside the city. Head to the beautiful coastal regions like Cornwall and the Jurassic Coast, find adventure in the mountains of Snowdonia and the Cairngorms, or head to the northern cities like York, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Liverpool for more variety and friendlier vibes. 

9. Ireland

What’s not to love about Ireland? The rolling green hills, the friendly vibes, the bustling nightlife scene. It’s also super friendly for women traveling on their own, especially if you want to hire a car and drive around, or jump on the buses between the different cities. 

One of the most scenic routes has to be the West Atlantic Way which goes up the western side of the country, taking in stunning coastal scenery, visiting cool cities like Galway, and visiting windswept beaches around the Dingle Peninsula. If you’re going out this way, the buses take some getting used to, but if you’re organized you can journey around this area without an issue.

10. Spain

If you love historic cities, stunning beaches, and delicious food, you need to head to Spain. Whether you’re chilling on the islands, soaking up the sunshine vibes, or exploring cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, or Seville, there is no bad way to spend a few days in Spain.

On the whole, Spain has a history with tourists and they’re not crazy about tourists in Barcelona at the moment. However, if you head to the less-popular cities like Seville and Valencia which are full of history and culture, and have much fewer crowds, you can have an amazing time. It’s also easy to get around and there are a ton of great hostels to meet people. 

11. Poland

When people hear Poland on a list for solo female travelers, they’re often a bit dubious, but I’m here to set the record straight! Poland is a beautiful country with so many amazing cities to visit from Warsaw to Krakow to the colorful houses of Gdansk. 

The cities are largely walkable which is great and there is a mix of student vibes and amazing history, which makes it great for solo female travelers. Of course, like with any place with great nightlife, just be aware of your surroundings and use some common sense!

12. Taiwan

Honestly, Taiwan is one of the best places to go as a solo female traveler because everyone is so accommodating. If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to Japan, with fewer crowds, the technological hub is a perfect place to check out.

The capital, Taipei, has a gorgeous blend of new skyscrapers and Japanese and Chinese-inspired architecture and culture. Outside of the city, there are some amazing mountain trails and rolling hills if you want to get your nature hit. 

13. Portugal

If you’re looking for an affordable getaway as a solo female traveler, there’s no better place than Portugal. Whether you’re hitting the island chains of Madeira or the Azores for budget Hawaiian vibes, or heading to the mainland for gorgeous architecture and beach-filled beauty, you can have your dream vacation here.

With one of the lowest costs of living in Europe and becoming a hub for digital nomads, it’s a very accessible place for solo female travelers. Wander the cobble streets of Lisbon, learn to surf in Cascais, or indulge in wine tastings in the Douro Valley! 

14. Switzerland

With iconic hiking trails, mountain vistas, and delicious fondue-filled vibes, Switzerland is the outdoorsy paradise of central Europe. Enjoy a lakeside getaway in Geneva, get those mountain town vibes in Zermatt, or indulge in history and culture in Basel.

Switzerland does have a reputation for being expensive, so it’s not a budget-friendly getaway, but it’s a beautiful destination. Being an affluent country, you don’t get as many people coming up to you, which can be reassuring for solo travelers. 

15. South Korea

South Korea is 100% having a moment. Let’s be honest, Korean culture is huge right now and it’s making it a popular place to visit for solo female travel. With the amazing public transport, it’s really easy and safe to get around South Korea and explore outside of the capital, Seoul.

If you want beachy vibes, head to the coastal city of Busan, or if you want a more tropical experience, journey to Jeju Island for snorkeling and adventure. Of course, you can also live out your K-Drama fantasies and visit the many filming locations across the country!

16. Germany

I might be biased, but Germany is a great place to visit as a solo female traveler. You can explore the many museums and galleries around the country, including the amazing selection in Berlin. Using the German rail system, you can easily hop between different cities and combine your trip with other central European countries. 

Getting around Germany is really easy and it’s got a young vibe, especially around Berlin, so it’s common to meet other solo female travelers. 

17. Greece

Honestly, Greece is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Island hopping around the islands is one of the best ways to spend summer, and this has become increasingly popular with solo female travelers. The ferry system is super easy to manage and there are plenty of hotels and hostels on the different islands.

Whether you want to relax on the beach, go on boat party tours, or check out the archeological sites and ancient history, you can absolutely do all of this. There are plenty of tour companies if you want to reach attractions that aren’t public transport-friendly, and it’s pretty easy to meet other travelers on the islands and the mainland. 

18. Sweden

If you’re into stylish vibes and love exploring cobblestone cities and cute islands, journey north to Sweden. From the historic streets of Gamla Stan in Stockholm to the vintage stores of Gothenburg to the relaxing parks and atmosphere of Malmo, there’s a Swedish vibe to suit everyone. 

Getting around Sweden is pretty straightforward with a lot of buses, ferries, and trains between the main cities and towns. It’s not super cheap, but there are a lot of great hostels and cheaper Airbnbs around the main cities, and they’re largely walkable so you won’t spend a ton of money on transport once you’re there. 

19. Austria

Feeling like a mountain escape? Austria is Switzerland’s more affordable neighbor. With more of a musical history thanks to Salzberg being Mozart’s hometown and the setting of the Sound of Music, it’s a perfect escape for culture lovers.

If you head to the capital, Vienna, you can wander the cobblestone streets, enjoy the Nachtmarkt, and experience the regal beauty of the Schonbrunn Palace. Of course, outside of the cities, there are tons of mountain trails for hiking and exploring, and you can even cruise down the Danube to neighboring cities like Budapest in Hungary. 

20. Italy

Okay, I love Italy and will happily go back time and time again. It’s one of my favorite places to travel solo as it’s so easy and affordable to get around. Trains are really reliable and you can not only get between all the main cities for cheap, but you can also visit cute and historic small towns really easily for a completely different vibe.

Whether your Dolce Vita experience involves wandering the high-class streets of Milan, searching for a bargain in the markets of Florence, or having a beachside getaway on the Amalfi Coast, Italy is always a great idea as a solo female traveler!

21. France

Who doesn’t love the idea of wandering around stunning historic streets, eating delicious pastries, and drinking great wine? In France, you can absolutely do this. If you can speak a little bit of French, it will go a long way as a solo female traveler. While many French people speak English, many aren’t willing to do so, especially in Paris.

Using the TGV fast-speed train network you can be in the south of France on the Riviera in a couple of hours, be eating world-class gastronomy in Lyon, or heading to the vineyards of Bordeaux with ease. 

22. Netherlands

If you want a great, entry-level solo female travel adventure, I can definitely recommend going to the Netherlands. The capital city, Amsterdam, is famous for friendly getaways and solo travelers as it’s easy to get around by foot or by bike. With the picturesque canals, art galleries, and huge parks, it’s a great place to visit without breaking the bank.

The good thing is that English is widely spoken in the Netherlands, there are a ton of female-friendly hostels, and it’s a great jumping-off point for exploring the rest of Europe by train. Outside of Amsterdam, you can also check out great cities like Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht. 

23. Croatia

If you’re looking for a blend of Greek and Italian vibes without all the crowds, head to Croatia. Although it is getting more popular, especially around the walled city of Dubrovnik and the fancy and beautiful island of Hvar, it’s still more relaxed than the Greek islands or the Amalfi Coast.

You can indulge in history and architecture on the Dalmatian Coast or head inland and experience amazing waterfalls and national parks. For solo female travelers, you can jump on buses in between locations or pick up tours that are specially designed for female solo adventurers.  

24. Slovenia

So, Slovenia is massively overlooked right now, but it’s going to become one of the next big European destinations. If you’re outdoorsy, Slovenia is going to be paradise. From the amazing Soca Valley with its hiking and climbing vibes to the beauty and history of Lake Bled, there is a lot to love here. 

Start in the artsy capital of Ljubljana and then you can visit the popular wild spaces like Triglav National Park, Soca Valley, and more using the public transport network. There are even Hop-on Hop-off buses around the popular hiking areas so you don’t need to drive.

There’s also a whole host of outdoorsy hostels and mountain hubs where you can meet like-minded travelers.  

25. Singapore

As one of the most expensive places to live in the world, it’s little wonder that Singapore is a safe place for solo travelers. It’s basically a city-state, so it’s really easy to get around Singapore by foot or using public transport. 

Spend a weekend in Singapore, exploring the affluent Marina Bay Sands area, enjoy the adventure parks of Sentosa, or hike up Mount Faber for amazing sunsets. It’s not a cheap destination, but because of its size, it’s great for wandering around on your own. 

26. Finland

If you’re into snow-filled landscapes, toasty saunas, and relaxing vibes, you need to head to Finland. This Nordic nation is one of the safest places on the planet, and great for solo female travelers looking for a cozy time. 

You can enjoy the history of the capital, Helsinki, or head up to the north to Finnish Lapland, where you can go snowmobiling, skiing, and more. The main way to get around is by train, and you can see world-class scenery as you whizz through the countryside.

27. Thailand

As a backpacker favorite, Thailand is one of the most popular spots for solo female travelers looking for a budget-friendly place to explore. With so many cheap hostels where you can meet people, good public transport around the country, and a blend of jungle, mountain, and beach vibes, what’s not to love about Thailand?

It used to have a reputation for being a bit sketchy, but Thailand has got much safer over the years. The price point and variety make it a great place for solo female travelers and it’s easy to get around the country using the popular tourist trail routes.

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