Think you need a partner or group of friends to travel the world? No way! Solo women travelers are out there adventuring every day. So where should you go? Check out this list of the best countries for solo female travelers – they are sure to offer everything you are looking for in a great adventure. From stunning landscapes to vibrant cultures, these destinations have it all. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and explore the world on your own terms!
For those who love to travel alone, picking the right destination is essential. You want a place with plenty of things to do, that’s safe and welcoming for foreigners, and where you’ll feel comfortable exploring on your own. These fifteen countries are perfect for any solo woman traveler.
There are safe solo travel destinations out there where solo women will feel welcome for reasons other than being seen as sexual objects – countries that value solo female travelers just as much as any other traveler without giving them a second glance. The following list of the fifteen safest countries for solo female travelers was compiled by looking into crime statistics involving solo women versus crime statistics involving all people or men only. This list is based on safety data involving solo female travelers from 2010 through 2014.
1. Sweden
Sweden is a country with an outstanding record of solo female safety. It has the lowest rape rates in Europe (9 per 100,000 women). As well as, one of the lowest murder rates for solo female travelers (1 out of 100,000 solo female travelers). Other crime rates such as car theft and home burglaries are also very low.
2. Iceland
There is almost no crime committed against solo female visitors in Iceland. When solo women are the victims of a violent crime, it is usually a random attack by a stranger. Iceland has a very low population and solo female travelers can often go days without seeing another person. Icelandic police reported only one incident of sexual assault against a woman traveling alone in 2012.
3. Switzerland
Switzerland is considered one of the safest countries for women in Europe. Women visitors will also experience some of the best solo travel opportunities in Europe such as skiing, and mountain climbing. In addition to plenty of activities that can be enjoyed alone, solo female travelers will also enjoy the beautiful landscapes that are part of the stunning Swiss Alps. There are very low rates of crime against solo women travelers, with an average of 66 crimes per 100,000 solo female travelers from 2010 through 2014.
4. Australia
Solo female travelers will love Australia as a solo travel destination. Not only is it absolutely beautiful, but solo women will also find that they are treated as equals and with respect. Australia has a low rate of violent crime against solo female travelers. The average of solo female crimes per 100,000 solo travelers is 62 per year. There are very low crime rates against solo women travelers, with an average of 67 crimes per 100,000 solo female travelers from 2010 through 2014.
5. Norway
Solo female travelers love to travel in Norway because they experience very little crime. Which is no wonder considering solo tourists are treated very well by the locals. The majority of crime against solo women in Norway is car theft and home break-ins, which still leaves solo female travelers feeling safe. The average number of crimes committed per 100,000 solo female travelers here is 68 from 2010 through 2014.
6. Denmark
Denmark is such a solo female traveler-friendly country that has the world’s first nationwide hotline for solo travelers called “Jentetelefonen” (or “The Girls’ Telephone”). On this hotline solo, women can call for advice on solo travel, housing options, safety tips, and more. The average number of crimes committed against solo women here yearly is 63 per 100,000 solo female travelers.
7. Finland
This solo travel destination has some of the world’s top solo travel destinations for women such as Oulu and Porvoo. In general solo female travelers experience a safe environment here in Finland. The majority of solo female crimes (191 out of 286) are car thefts. Finland is one of the safest solo female travel destinations with an average number of solo female crimes at 60 per 100,000 solo travelers here yearly.
8. New Zealand
New Zealand has one of the lowest crime rates against solo women travelers. On average there are 60 crimes per 100,000 solo female travelers from 2010 through 2014. New Zealand solo women travelers should take some precautions when traveling in more remote areas. There are no specific rules for solo female travelers, but you should be cautious when traveling alone in unfamiliar areas (for example, hiking alone or biking trails).
9. Singapore
Solo female travelers love to travel in Singapore because women have a relatively high status here. Many solo women travelers come to Singapore for vacations, business trips, study abroad students, and expats. While crime rates in Singapore are low, women traveling alone should take some precautions when alone at night or in remote areas. Singapore has one of the lowest crime rates for solo female travelers. On average 61 crimes were committed against solo women per 100,000 solo female travelers each year from 2010 through 2014.
10. The Czech Republic
This destination has some of the world’s safest cities for women such as Prague, Hradec Králové, and České Budějovice. While solo female travelers are safe in the Czech Republic, solo women should travel with caution in more remote areas. There are an average of 60 crimes committed against solo women per 100,000 solo female travelers each year from 2010 through 2014 here.
11. Spain
Solo female travelers will find ample activities to enjoy alone in Spain. To ensure solo female safety, solo women should stay aware of their surroundings and avoid traveling alone on isolated roads or hiking trails. Crime rates against solo women are low in Spain, with an average of 38 crimes committed per 100,000 solo female travelers here yearly from 2010 through 2014.
12. Germany
Germany is another popular safe travel destination for women. There are plenty of activities that can be enjoyed alone such as visiting the historic Old Town of Leipzig, touring castles in Bavaria, or skiing at Garmisch-Partenkirchen. As a solo female traveler, you should take some basic precautions when traveling solo in Germany. The average number of crimes committed against solo female travelers is 66 per 100,000 solo female travelers.
13. France
Solo-female travel is quite popular in France, especially since solo women can rent vacation homes without paying a deposit. On average there are 30 crimes against women per 100,000 female travelers from 2010 through 2014. Activities that can be enjoyed alone are biking, hiking, or wine tours. Before traveling to France read our article on safety tips while traveling in France.
14. Taiwan
While solo female solo travel is safe in Taiwan, women should exercise some caution and avoid traveling alone to remote areas. In Taiwan, some activities which can be enjoyed alone include strolling through the Huashi Ancient Path, hiking along the Yangmingshan National Park, biking around Taroko Gorge, or visiting Yingge. The average crime rate towards women is about 68 per 100,000 solo female travelers.
15. Lithuania
Lithuania solo female solo travel is safe because solo women are not targeted due to their gender. Women can enjoy activities such as solitary biking, hiking, or fishing. When it comes to solo female safety in Lithuania, women should take some basic precautions by avoiding walking alone at night and traveling in remote areas alone. Lithuania has an average of 50 incidents of violence against women for every 100,000 women each year between 2010 and 2014.
Conclusion
Solo female travel is becoming more and more popular every year, and for good reason. It can be a great way to learn about new cultures, challenge yourself, and grow as a person. But before you set off on your next adventure, it’s important to do your research and choose the right destination. That’s why we put together this list of the 15 safest countries for women to travel to solo. So whether you’re looking for an exotic locale or a more familiar destination, we have you covered. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter for even more travel inspiration!