Best Places For A Woman To Travel Solo Without Fear
Traveling alone as a woman shouldn't be scary. There are plenty of destinations that can make for a safe and enjoyable trip and still give you the adventure and peace that you crave. Whether you prefer a stroll through a city or a hike through beautiful scenery, we've included something on this list for every woman.
Finland
Finland is ranked number one for safety by the World Economic Forum in its Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report. It is known for the midnight sun and the Northern Lights, and it makes a great gateway in nature. The Lemmenjoki National Park, the largest wooded reserve in Europe, for example, makes an ideal hiking trail for any woman.
Indonesia
The island of Lombok, specifically, is not as populated as others, so it's cheaper. Due to its smaller crowd, it's easier to find and connect with other women traveling on their own. Plus, it offers great beaches and scenery.
Italy
This is a great country to live out your Lizzie McGuire fantasies by indulging all of your senses. This country is filled with cities like Florence that are easy and safe to walk through and navigate alone. Fashion, food, and culture are all accessible within blocks of each other.
Iceland
Here are two great reasons to go to Iceland: In 2018, it announced a new law that made it illegal for businesses to pay women less than men, and it has extremely low crime rates. Plus, Iceland is famous for its landscapes, thermal pools, or the Golden Circle waterfalls.
Switzerland
Switzerland offers a Swiss Travel pass that works for every mode of public transportation (trains, buses, and boats). This makes it easier for women to get to their destination, from hiking trails in the Alps to the streets of Zurich.
The Philippines
The Philippines has a little bit of everything for adventurous women. You can go on solo motorbike adventures, or you can surf its beautiful beaches. The island has a laid-back atmosphere that will make you feel relaxed and at home.
Australia
Cities like Melbourne are filled with live music, award-winning food, and artistic culture. It is also home to big gardens and parks, museums, Victorian-era architecture, shopping, and art galleries. This all makes it an ideal travel destination for every type of woman.
Uruguay
Uruguay is one of South America's safest countries to travel alone in, with some of the lowest crime rates. It offers lavish beaches in places like Punta del Este, Uruguay's most famous resort town.
New Zealand
Instead of wondering what New Zealand has to offer, one should wonder what it doesn't. Sitting at number two on the Global Peace Index's list of safest countries around the world, New Zealand is a natural beauty. On top of its beaches and vineyards, it also hosts vibrant cities with friendly locals.
Galápagos
If you love animals, this is a great destination. It is one of the only places that lets you get incredibly close to animals like birds, reptiles, and sea critters without them running away. Plus, you get to meet other people who are also there because they love animals.
Costa Rica
Take yourself on an adventure here and you won't have a second to be bored between surfing, zip-lining, volcano hiking, wildlife spotting, and hot springs. In fact, according to the co-owner of AdventureWomen, a by-women-for-women tour operator, "Costa Rica has a reputation for having some of the friendliest locals, making it an ideal place for solo travelers."
French Polynesia
Although less popular, this is a great destination for a woman alone, as the locals immediately treat you as one of their own according to other solo travelers. The locals also preserve and cherish the environment, maintaining its beauty and peace.
The Netherlands
Amsterdam offers a good mix of partying and history while still being safe and friendly. It is often referred to as the "Venice of the North," with its pretty canals, historical museums, and impressive architecture.
Belgium
As a staple of Europe, Belgium is 10th on the International Women's Travel Center's list of the best countries for women traveling alone, and it is host to many study-abroad programs for young women. A beautiful country to explore on foot, everyone should see its historical sites, medieval architecture, and beautiful landscape.
Thailand
Although some areas could be overwhelming, the trick for female travelers is to pick areas like Chiang Mai in the north. Chang Mai is away from the city and full of greenery, Buddhist temples, and walkable streets and markets. Plus, the friendly locals are always out at all hours, so you'll never feel alone.
Mozambique
As a less popular destination, many travelers go there on word of mouth and have cool stories to share when meeting new travelers. There are only a couple of backpacker accommodations there, but it is very easy to bond with other travelers when going alone.
Austria
Women can rest assured that Austria is ranked fourth in the International Women's Travel Center's list of the best countries for women traveling alone. Some people say that problems just seem to disappear in Austria, which could be due to the great quality of life, one of the best in Europe. A life surrounded by gorgeous landscapes such as mountain peaks, green forests, and clear lakes.
Denmark
Copenhagen is very welcoming, as it offers plenty of homestays and hostels in the best neighborhoods. Plus, it's very easy and safe to get around on a rented bike. The bike allows you to create your own adventure strolling through the city's waterfront or biking along its canals.
Patagonia
An ideal location for some soul-searching and some peace and quiet, Patagonia is full of breathtaking natural scenery that isn't super crowded and makes a great space to think and do some self-discovery.
Zanzibar
Every beach bum's dream destination! Zanzibar hosts white-sand beaches and crystal blue waters, which are great for activities like diving, swimming, and boating. People are often dancing at the reggae beach bars, with locals and tourists alike dressed in regalia.
