12 Safe Destinations for Solo Female Travelers

I’ve put together 12 of the safest destinations for solo female travelers after traveling the world solo for the past 15 years.

The truth is, solo traveling to another country as a woman is actually not as threatening as it may seem. While there are some countries where a woman traveling alone will certainly draw more attention, in general a willingness to respect local customs and a cautious awareness of your surroundings will see you through.

Sometimes, though, it’s easier not to worry about extreme culture differences. Sometimes you just want to have fun. In these ten destinations, it’s not uncommon to see women traveling alone, so you can feel free to relax without standing out.

Safest Destinations for Solo Female Travelers

Wales

This country in the west of the United Kingdom has an amazing landscape and an even more amazing cultural history. If you’re interested in the King Arthur mythology, you’ll find a number of important sites from those texts. If you’re into outdoor sports, try a solo hike on the Pembrokeshire coast. Cardiff, the capitol, also offers a number of theaters (including the famous Millennium Center), museums, sports arenas, and shopping centers.

For more information about solo travel in Wales, visit Why Wales is a Perfect Destination for Solo Female Travelers.

Canada

Almost all of my trips to Canada have been solo journeys and I’ve always felt extremely safe. In Quebec, you’ll find a huge cinematic and television culture like the Festival of International Short Film, as well as the famous winter Carnavale in Quebec City. Ontario houses the country’s largest city, Toronto, whose theater, music, and comedy venues are comparable in both quality and number to those in New York City.

The number of national parks, from Niagara Falls to Mount Revelstoke’s 1,000-year old forest, will give you plenty opportunities to hike, camp, ski, surf, and star-gaze. Wildlife lovers, like myself, often find Canada to be one of the best places to head out into the wilderness.

From spending the day with wild grizzly bears and getting up-close and personal with puffins to kayaking and snorkeling with whales, I’ve had some of my most magical solo (and non-solo) wildlife experiences in Canada. There’s plenty of tour operators who provide amazing outdoor experiences in this country, so you don’t need to worry about being completely alone in the wild.

For more Canada travel tips (besides the above mentioned wildlife posts), visit: Essential Travel Tips for North Vancouver Island and Alberta, Canada: The 12 Most Beautiful Places to Visit.

Costa Rica

This country is excellent for ecotourists and those looking to learn more about sustainability — also, those looking to enjoy some aquatic fun! Watch and help sea turtles at their nesting grounds in Tortugero National Park or surf amazing waves at Playa Bonita. Costa Rica is also quickly becoming known for its large number of thermal spas, hot springs, and yoga retreats. What’s better than a solo yoga retreat?

For more ideas about what to do in Costa Rica, visit Pura Vida – Costa Rica.

Bali

Though some of the other Indonesian islands can be more conservative, intercultural Bali is a great and accepting place to travel on one’s own. With amazing beaches and underwater exploration sites like the USS Liberty shipwreck, it makes a perfect place for snorkel and scuba adventures. There are many carved temple sites to explore, including the famous Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.

For more information about my travels in Bali, visit these posts: Eat, Pray, Love, and Surf in Bali & The Ultimate Bali Travel Guide.

Nepal

For the intrepid female explorer, Nepal’s wide range of adventure tourism opportunities are perfect. Since adventure and ecotourism make up a large portion of Nepal’s economy, there are lots of opportunities to meet with an adventure tourism agency or hire a local Sherpa to bring you hiking up the Himalayans or exploring the wilderness.

I spent two weeks with a local guide, visiting tiny remote villages such as Dhading and Sankhu, meeting locals who made a bigger impact on me than any stunning vista ever could. I won’t lie, my visit to Nepal was trying at times, but the people were always warm and welcoming.

For more Nepal posts, visit these pages: I See the Light in You & First Impressions of Nepal.

Australia

The large backpacking culture here means hostels, bars, and restaurants are familiar with solo travelers — but if you’re looking for the opportunity to make other traveling friends, this is one of the best places to do so! Surfers will love the continent, but foodies too, especially on the wine trails. There are already several popular backpacking and campervan routes established, so go where the wind takes you!

For more Australia travel tips and stories, visit these posts: How to Take a Road Trip in Australia & Chasing Waves in the Land of OZ.

Bonaire

Fresh fruit, bright sun, soft sand, and 60 to 100 foot underwater visibility: Bonaire is an amazing Caribbean destination. Along with its incredible beaches and dive sites, Bonaire is also known for its Karnival in February, a colorful, island-wide party that lasts almost two weeks!

For more Bonaire travel stories, visit these posts: Learning to Dive in Bonaire & Unforgettable Bonaire.

Scandinavia

Norway, Finland, Denmark, and Sweden have some of the most progressive gender-equality policies in the world, but they also happen to have incredibly low crime rates. Visit the Fjords in Norway, hike and camp without reproach thanks to Sweden’s Right to Public Access, and make sure to book a hotel with skylights while in Lapland so you can enjoy the Northern Lights and glowing midnight sun.

For Sweden travel tips, read 7 Things You Should Know Before You Visit Sweden and my Island Hopping Guide to West Sweden. I’m visiting Norway in less than two weeks, so stay tuned for plenty of posts on travel in Norway!

Thailand

Not only does this country have some of the most flavorful food in the world, but you can also find Thai massages for cheap! Relaxing, right? Thailand is very used to tourists, especially in its main cities like Bangkok and Phuket.

In the north you’ll be able to explore the mountains and Buddhist shrines, while the south offers excellent surfing, as well as some famous Full Moon Parties for the adventurous. Some of my favorite spots in Thailand include Koh Phangan and Kata Beach.

 Read more: Here’s How To Meet People On Your Next Solo Trip

Scotland

I explored the Inner and Outer Hebrides on a solo trip just a couple of years ago and loved every second of it. The locals are friendly and always up for a good time. I met so many people on this trip that I rarely ever felt alone.

Edinburg has a reputation for being a perfect place for sailing, surfing, and sea kayaking beginners to get their first taste of the water, thanks to its long-time history as a seaside destination in Great Britain. As Scotland’s capitol, it also hosts a number of cultural festivals like the Edinburgh International Performing Arts Festival.

Tibet

Tibet is a fascinating destination for solo female travelers, especially if you love mountains, ancient cultures, and getting a little off the beaten path. Lhasa is a great place to start, with the impressive Potala Palace overlooking the city and pilgrims walking around Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street. Outside the city, you’ll find turquoise lakes, remote Tibetan villages, and some of the most incredible mountain scenery in the Himalayas. A trip to Everest Base Camp is definitely worth considering if you have the time!

Despite its remote location, Tibet can be a comfortable place for women traveling alone. Foreign visitors are required to travel with a local guide on an organized tour, so transportation and travel arrangements are generally taken care of in advance. Traveling with others can also be reassuring, especially on longer journeys through the mountains. The altitude is probably one of the biggest things to prepare for, so don’t rush your first few days in Lhasa.

If you’re traveling solo, a Tibet small group tour is a practical option, and you don’t need to find someone to go with you. Tibet Vista focuses on small group trips, with nearly 6,000 solo travelers joining each year, about half of them women. You’ll be exploring Tibet alongside travelers from around the world, with a local Tibetan guide to show you around. They also handle the required Tibet Travel Permit and other travel arrangements, making it easier to share the experience without having to organize the whole trip yourself.

Switzerland

Switzerland is one of those places that almost doesn’t look real, with impossibly blue lakes, tiny villages tucked into the mountains, and hiking trails that seem to lead to a postcard at every turn.

It’s a great destination for solo female travelers who love spending time outdoors but don’t necessarily want the stress of figuring out transportation in an unfamiliar country. The trains are incredibly easy to navigate, and you can get from bustling cities to quiet mountain towns without ever needing a car.

Switzerland isn’t the cheapest country to visit, but if it’s been on your bucket list, I think it’s worth the splurge. As with anywhere, you’ll still want to use common sense, particularly when hiking alone or exploring remote areas.

For Switzerland travel tips, read How to Plan a Trip to Switzerland on a Budget, 10 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Switzerland and What to Wear in Switzerland: Women’s Packing List.

Have you been to any of these destinations or have any to add to the list? Share your thoughts in the comments!

The post 12 Safe Destinations for Solo Female Travelers appeared first on Ordinary Traveler.

​