Traveling solo can be one of the most daunting experiences you’ll ever have, but it’s also liberating once you manage to safely complete your first trip into the unknown. If you’re a solo female traveler, then the anxiety can be amplified several times. Safety is a huge concern that we can’t overlook, but luckily, there are loads of places in the world where a woman can travel without fear.
So in this post, we’re going to take a look at some solo female travel destinations that are safe and spectacular! I’d also like you to check out my ideas for weekend trips for single females, where I recap a handful of places for all budgets.
What to look for in a safe travel destination
So what are some criteria that you should look for in a safe and spectacular travel destination?
- Safety first – Make sure that the destination is known for being a safe place to travel. It’s important because not all places in the world are safe, especially not for a woman traveling solo! A quick Google search should reveal if a country is safe or not, but you also need to consider the city or types of locations you plan to visit.
- Budget-friendly – There are loads of places in the world that are cheap and cheerful to visit. You don’t need to spend a crazy amount of money to have a good experience, and you can stretch your money if you spend wisely.
- Great for tourists – If you want to experience something completely different to your culture, then you may need to learn a few phrases to get the most of your trip. Thankfully, there are lots of countries that are suitable for tourists thanks to having basic English services and language options.
- Lots to do – Solo travel can feel lonely at times, but when there’s so much to do, see, and experience, it can greatly improve your experience!
So that’s the criteria for a great solo travel destination. Below, we’re going to show you a few of our favorite options and why they’re highly recommended!
1. Japan
If you’ve grown up in a Western culture, then Japan is probably one of the most amazing and mystical places that you could visit. It’s one of the safest countries that you can travel to on your own. The crime rates are incredibly low, the people are extremely polite, and there’s just so much to see and explore that it could take years for you to even scratch the surface!
Most people who come to Japan visit Tokyo, the capital of the country. It’s a bustling metropolis with many pockets of nature for you to explore. If you love electronics, delicious food, and exploring a new culture, then it’s the perfect place to start your adventure in Japan. One of the most interesting and amazing things about Tokyo (and Japan in general) is that it’s safe for a female traveler to explore on their own even at night. Women can explore the city without the risk of harassment, and you’ll always feel welcome even with a language barrier.
But as you explore other cities and less-popular destinations that aren’t considered tourist attractions, you might notice that there is less and less English to help you. Learning a few phrases or using a translation service is a great way to get around, as most of the Japanese population are kind, polite, and patient with travelers.
Japan can be fairly inexpensive to explore. Food is cheap and high-quality, and accommodation can be inexpensive if you’re willing to look at inexpensive hotels. It’s not the cheapest destination on this list, but it’s certainly affordable.
2. Nordic Europe
The Nordic countries include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland. These are some of the most beautiful countries in the entire world, offering some of the most amazing scenery and sights that you can find on this planet. But natural beauty aside, they’re also some of the safest countries that you can visit! With a progressive approach to gender equality and rights, you can be sure that you’ll be treated with respect while feeling safe at all times as a woman.
These are fantastic destinations in Europe for people who love to explore nature. There are breathtaking landscapes to explore, but also lots of unique architecture and historical landmarks. The people here are also extremely friendly, but their culture can be a little hidden. Food and drink in these countries is diverse, and you’ll find plenty to explore if you’re looking for something to dazzle your palate.
One of the surprising things about the Nordic countries is that almost everyone speaks English as a second language. This makes it really easy to get around, and you won’t feel lost in translation if you stick to the capitals and other big cities.
In terms of cost, the Nordic countries can be fairly expensive at times, but this is all due to their high standard of living. As such, you can expect to pay quite a lot if you’re exploring the main cities.
3. Singapore
Singapore is one of the most amazing solo travel destinations for women for several reasons. For starters, the crime rates are really low. You can walk around at night and feel safe while you explore what the country has to offer. You also have really convenient transportation options, making it easy to get around the country.
To ensure your trip is as worry-free as your explorations, securing the best travel insurance for foreigners can provide additional peace of mind while you enjoy the vibrant, safe streets of Singapore.
Another great thing about Singapore is that almost everyone speaks English. This is because it’s an incredibly multicultural place with people from all over Asia. As a result, many of them have picked up English as a general language so they can communicate with each other. In addition to this, many signs are also in English, making it easy for a solo traveler to get around.
The food in Singapore is just as diverse as the population. You have incredible fine-dining experiences if you want to splash out on an experience, but there are also hawker centers and street food destinations to explore as well.
It may be less popular than other destinations in Asia, but Singapore is a fantastic place for solo female travelers to spread their wings. We’ve also put together a guide to Singapore hostels, so make sure to check that out if you are looking for budget accommodations. Singapore can be expensive!
Also make sure to read Lex’s guide on solo travel for black females. It’s a very well put together guide.