Hey there, fellow traveler! It’s Sunadha From Team “Banaras Trip” and today we’re diving into a topic that’s incredibly important for all of us solo female adventurers out there: want to know the 15 countries, which are safe for independent traveling for a single woman? This is a list drawn from my five awesome years of solo traveling and what I have gathered from other solo female travelers. So, take your preferred travel planning notebook with the current travel patterns, and let’s go through some excellent places to visit where you will not feel insecure while feeding your traveling bug, Lets explore the list of Safest Countries For Solo Female Travelers.
Table of Contents
Safest Countries For Female Solo Travellers
1. Iceland
Starting our list of safest countries for solo female travelers, we have Iceland; or as they call it, the land of fire and ice. Historically, this beautiful Nordic island country has appeared on the lists of the safest countries and is a paradise for lovers of nature.
For instance, it was an unforgettable experience when I opted for a night in a tent watching the ‘Northern Lights’ at Vik. This brings to light the appreciation I had in feeling fairly secure, even in an off-the-grid type of setting. The crime index of Iceland is very low, people of Iceland are very friendly and the tourism industry is also well developed for solo lady travelers.
Pro tip: Take a car on rent to drive through the Ring Road; however, always look at the road status and especially when it is winter. They explained you never know when it will begin to snow in Iceland!
2. Japan
The next on the list of safest countries for the female traveling alone is Japan. Going to Japan, one can see breasts of the modern Asia in Tokyo and, at the same time, experience an atmosphere of the ancient country in Kyoto, – all these without a hint of violence, robberies, or even pickpocketting.
While on a separate visit to Japan for a week and a half alone, I was shocked at how I could wander around the big cities even at midnight. The incidence of crime is comparatively low, the public transport facilities are excellent, and people are friendly and responsive towards the lone travelers, especially women.
Pro tip: Get a Japan Rail Pass in case you are planning on getting around in several different places. It is affordable and traveling becomes incredibly easy when you use it.
3. India
India might be a shocking entry to some since it is rated among the top countries with increasing safety for single women tourists. Of course, one should always be careful and pay attention to the surroundings, but India is a country that hosts a large number of interesting and exotic things.
Pro tip: It is advisable to take a warm-up when visiting the country by visiting some of the areas that are hot beats for tourists such as Goa or kerala before moving to the real tough terrain of the country. Also, correctly dress and respect cultural norms since this will not attract the attention of the wrong people.
4. New Zealand
In as much as the level of safety for women traveling alone is concerned, New Zealand stands out as one of the best countries a woman may visit. This beautiful country boasts of beautiful scenery, friendly people – the New Zealanders or Kiwis, and have a very active lifestyle.
I backpacked through both these islands for a month and I have not felt such secure all my life. No matter if I was trekking through national parks, or walking around such cities as Wellington, I never felt uncomfortable.
Pro tip: However, it is always better to visit Tanzania during the shoulder season that is March to May and September to November to avoid large crowds and to negotiate for better room tariffs.
5. Canada
Our immediate neighbor in the north has been ranked among the safest places to travel as woman. The origin of the luxurious city Toronto with a blend of ethnic foods and cultures, the celebration of wild life in Banff National Park.
Vividly among all the trips that I have ever taken, the one which I thoroughly enjoyed was the solo car drive through the Canadian Rockies. The kind people, smooth roads, and a great quantity of nature creates a wonderful experience.
Pro tip: If you are visiting during winter prepare to find that the area can get quite cold and ensure that you check on the road conditions especially if you are planning on being behind the wheel.
6. Switzerland
In fact, Switzerland is among the best-looking European countries and among the most secure countries for one woman travellers. It has excellent public transportation, fairly low levels of crime, and of course the magnificent alps to wander around for solo travelers.
I was traveling for a week in Switzerland mostly on hiking trails from one charming village to another in the Alps area. This feeling of safety regardless of the location which can be a mountain trail left me in awe.
Pro tip: While hiking in Switzerland might still be relatively cheap with food and drink costing quite a lot, accommodation in Switzerland can be quite pricey as such it recommended that hikers stay in mountain huts or in hostels while undertaking the activity.
7. Singapore
Exploring alleys of Copenhagen or traveling around Denmark’s countryside, a woman even if she is alone, will have no issues. This Nordic wonder is a historical, cultural, and an excellent;, all-encompassing hot pot of contrast that comes with layers of security.
But when it comes to the safest Asian country for a single woman Singapore takes the cake. This city was described as clean, efficient and the crime rate is nearly non-existent in this city-state.
The environment was credible and even felt at liberty to walk around the colorful neighborhoods of Little India and Chinatown at late night. There are many reasons as to why Singapore is among the safest destinations for single women and one of it is availability, cheap and secure form of transport which is public transport, and another one is strict laws.
Pro tip: One attraction that you can’t afford to ignore it the light show in the very large garden centre called ‘Gardens by the bay’ but it’s free and enchanting.
8. Netherlands
Another European country that is generally safe for any woman, especially those traveling alone is the Netherlands and especially Amsterdam. People from the Netherlands are very friendly and accepting, therefore, solo travelers receive special attention.
Traveling around and biking through the tulip fields outside Amsterdam and then walking through the picturesque canal-side streets are some of the most vivid memories I have. Besides, the public transportation available in the country is also quite well developed, and many cities have infrastructure to support bikers.
Pro tip: If you are in Amsterdam, you should spend a day visiting Zaanse Schans; the town with windmills.
9. Norway
Norway not only tops the list of safest country in the world but also one of the most beautiful countries on the earth. Arguably, travelling to Norway is safe and being nestled in the continent of northern Europe, it also provides variety in terms of attractions like fjords and the midnight sun.
I managed to tour the fjords as well as go on hiking within the national parks for two weeks and I never felt unsafe even in the wilderness. Honestly the attitude is astounding, not only are the Norwegians polite to nature and each other but also to strangers / tourists.
Pro tip: Norway is relatively costly, thus; the cheapest method of accommodation, and an incredible experience is through camping or shanties in the mountains.
10. Australia
Australia is on the dream list of many and more importantly the solo traveling, especially for the ladies is relatively safer in Australia. Australia is a popular tourist destination for many travelers and especially for the lone travelers the country has much to offer; from the uniquely architectural designed Sydney Opera House to Great Barrier Reef.
I have always loved road trips and a trip I did along the Great Ocean Road was one of my best. Sidney as an Australian city provides a pleasant atmosphere and a friendly attitude to female travelers, the necessary infrastructure for tourists is well developed.
Pro tip: If you are visiting may cities, you should consider getting a greymouth bus pass. This is cheap since you cover long distances in lesser time as compared to the other forms of transport.
11. Portugal
Still, Portugal is slowly but surely becoming a popular destination among the niche type of tourists that are solitary travelers. It is among the safest countries for women; and consists of beautiful beaches, historical cities, and mouth-watering meals.
I simply adored the tiles that cover buildings in Porto and relaxed atmosphere of the southern coastline, Algarve. Portuguese people are quite hospitable and I never had a feeling of insecurity even when I was in rather remote places.
Pro tip: Attempt to say a few words in Portuguese to make conversation. In fact, many of Portuguese do speak English especially the younger generation, but they are more delighted if one tries to converse in their language.
12. Austria
Austria is the country of the majestic Alps and deep history, where women traveling alone feel completely safe. From the fine performance of music dating back to the Vienna State Opera to the breathtaking sceneries of the Hallstatt, Austria has various tourism attraction in safe environment.
Last week I was visiting the Christmas markets in Vienna and Salzburg and despite the density of people I did not feel uncomfortable at all. The better organized public transport and very low incidence of violent crime also make Austria one of the most safe countries for female travelers.
Pro tip: In case if you go during the winter, do not hesitate to go skiing or snowboarding in the Austrian mountains.
13. Finland
Flying in the face of conventional wisdom, Finland, the country of a thousand lakes and the Northern Lights is not only gorgeous but also safe for single women travellers. Unlike some cities, however, people in Finland are etiquette-oriented; they are honest and respect other people’s space, making the country secure.
It is quite a thrilling to wake up in a glass igloo in Lapland and have the beauty of the Aurora Borealis shown right in front of you. Despite the fact that I was in such a deserted area, I had no feeling of danger and I was rather relaxed.
Pro tip: If you happen to be there in summer, do not miss out on the Finnish experience of taking a sauna at midnight then bathing in a lake under the midnight sun experience.
14. Ireland
It’s not only beautiful with amazing views and welcoming people, but it is also one of the safest places for a single female traveler. Ireland provides a friendly atmosphere to singles no matter whether they are wandering the streets of Dublin or sightseeing across the Wild Atlantic Way coast.
I had an opportunity to travel around Ireland by car during two weeks, and stay in local houses, meet local people in the local pubs. Again, due to the friendly nature of the people in Ireland or rather Irish, the unfamiliar environment was familiar and thus safe.
Pro tip: This is because B&Bs could be better than hotels in certain aspects of accommodation business. They provide a closer touch to the area experience and more often than not, you will get useful local tips from your hosts.
15. Taiwan
Completing our list of safest country for female solo travelers, is Taiwan. This little-known destination on the Asian continent will provide perfect combinations of the modern cities, scenic nature, and attractive historic and cultural centers, while the security level here is very high.
The polite and helpful Taiwanese people were a big plus and the organization of Taipei’s transport system was most impressive. No matter I was wandering through this night markets or hiking through the Taroko National Park I never felt unsafe and was always welcomed.
Pro tip: It is recommended not to leave a hot spring resort unlatched. Did you know that Taiwan is home to some of the best hot springs on this planet!