Looking for countries to start your next solo adventure? One of our Expert travelers, Nathalia, made a list of 10 places recommended for women traveling alone. This a must-see list full of tips for those traveling solo for the first time. Check it out to start planning your next trip!
We believe, without a shadow of a doubt, that a woman's place is wherever she wants to be. However, while our struggle for a world with equal rights is making progress, traveling alone continues to be an act of defiance. It’s not hard to find countries where incidents of violence against women are still very high, which intimidates travelers to a certain degree.
We dream of the day when women don’t have to look for recommendations of safe places to travel alone. However, while this still isn’t the reality, we believe that some countries are safer for us women travelers than others.
So we decided to make a list of 10 countries where solo female travel can be an amazing experience. Does that mean that these places are 100% safe? Of course not. However, in our experience and according to research, they’re much safer and calmer than others.
Here are our top 10 countries for solo female travel!
- Finland
Land of the midnight sun and the Northern Lights, Finland is the ideal destination for nature lovers. There’s Lemmenjoki National Park, the largest wooded reserve in Europe, and multiple other wild areas, including the region with the greatest number of lakes in Europe.
Safety: Finland is ranked number one in terms of safety by the World Economic Forum in their Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report.
Where to stay: Check out Worldpackers’ host list https://www.worldpackers.com/search/europe/finland
The worldpacker Mari Scogna in Finland
- Canada
Canada is home to a wide range of landscapes, including centuries-old forests, snow-covered mountains, countrysides, and lakes. Its wilderness especially is spectacular and definitely worth the trip. What’s more, their cities also have a special charm and a multicultural touch.
Safety: Of all the countries in the Americas, Canada is considered the safest destination for women travelers.
Where to stay: Check out these amazing list of Canadian hosts https://www.worldpackers.com/search/north_america/canada
The worldpacker Sabriena Tancsics in Canada
- New Zealand
A country of otherworldly landscapes, New Zealand, or Middle Earth for Lord of the Rings fans, is the perfect destination for those who love adventure, sports, nature, or all of the above. This small country is made up of two main islands that boast extremely varied kinds of scenery. On the North Island, you’ll find paradise on its beaches, active volcanoes, and colorful lakes. On the South Island, it’s quite a different scene: snowy peaks, glaciers, and the ocean full of seals and whales.
Safety: New Zealand is considered the fourth safest country in the world to travel in, according to a survey by the Institute for Economics and Peace.
Where to stay: from stunning beaches to snowy mountains, here’s everywhere you can stay as a worldpacker https://www.worldpackers.com/search/oceania/new_zealand
- Uruguay
This small country, situated right next to Brazil, is a charming place with extremely welcoming people. In its capital of Montevideo, you can enjoy the beaches that create a stunning contrast with the urban part of the city. In Punta del Este, Uruguay's most famous resort town, you’ll find beaches, monuments, and quiet places to relax. In Colonia del Sacramento, you have the chance to see a smaller region, full of history and charm.
Safety: Uruguay has some of the lowest crime rates in the Americas.
Where to stay: check out the hosts you can stay with exchanging your skills for accommodation https://www.worldpackers.com/search/south_america/uruguay
This is me exploring Uruguay :-)
- Switzerland
Located in the heart of Europe, Switzerland offers much more than great watchmakers. It’s a country full of cultural diversity, a wide variety of beautiful attractions, and cosmopolitan landscapes that fade into the natural ones.
Safety: Switzerland is the 7th most peaceful country in the world, according to the Global Peace Index (GPI).
Where to stay: find opportunities to volunteer in Switzerland https://www.worldpackers.com/search/europe/switzerland
The worldpacker Amanda Rulevas in Switzerland
- Belgium
It’s not for nothing that Belgium is known as a mandatory destination in Europe. The country is a real gem, with many historic sites, excellent infrastructure, and various other tourist attractions. In Brussels, you can stroll the streets and enjoy the medieval architecture, while in Bruges, you’ll find a landscape worthy of a stunning romance film.
Safety: Belgium ranks 10th in the International Women's Travel Center’s list of the best countries for women traveling alone.
Where to stay: take a look at our list of 5-star hostels for places to stay for free in exchange for a little work https://www.worldpackers.com/search/europe/belgium
The worldpacker Lorena Alonso in Belgium
- Austria
For many travelers, Austria is an almost perfect country. They say that problems seem to disappear there, which must be because Austrians enjoy some of the best quality of life in Europe. And what’s more, the country has some truly extraordinary landscapes: you'll find snow-capped mountain peaks, beautiful green forests, and crystal-clear lakes.
Safety: Austria is ranked 4th in the International Women's Travel Center’s list of the best countries for women traveling alone.
Where to stay: check out these work exchange opportunities in Austria https://www.worldpackers.com/search/europe/austria
The worldpacker Beatriz Bralo in Austria
- Iceland
Iceland is really worthy of its name, as 15% of the country’s surface is covered with ice. You can go even go walking on the ice and discover caves there. However, despite its name, the country also has a lot of fire. Yep, you read that right. This destination features no less than 20 active volcanoes. Between the ice and the fire, Iceland offers its visitors some truly magnificent sights. Its capital, Reykjavík, is very charming, with many attractions and a busy nightlife.
Safety: Iceland has the some of the lowest crime rates on the planet and is ranked number one in the Global Peace Index (GPI).
Where to stay: travel in Iceland by exchanging your skills for accommodation with these amazing hosts https://www.worldpackers.com/search/europe/iceland
- Japan
Japan is a destination where millennium-old traditions coexist with super advanced technology. However, there’s much more to say about this country. We have to mention Tokyo, a mega-metropolis considered the cleanest and best-organized in the world. And Osaka, a modern city that’s charming and full of different things to do.
Safety: Japan ranks 6th among the most peaceful countries in the world, according to the Global Peace Index (GPI).
Where to stay: check out our favorite places to stay in Japan with Worldpackers https://www.worldpackers.com/search/asia/japan
The worldpacker Shanon Giffard in Japan
- Chile
A country of unique beauty with something that’s sure to please even the most demanding of travelers, Chile is full of filmworthy landscapes. These include Atacama, the most arid desert in the world, and much of the wild natural beauty of Patagonia. It also features historic cities, lively beaches, and perfect camping spots. Its capital of Santiago is especially striking, surrounded by mountains and with a wide variety of activities for all tastes.
Safety: Chile has low crime rates and is ranked 24th in the Global Peace Index.
Where to stay: we have more than 100 opportunities for accommodations in Chile without paying a thing https://www.worldpackers.com/search/south_america/chile
Myself travelling in Chile
We hope you found our list for solo female travel useful, but there are also many, many other great places to travel! If you’re still not sure where to travel alone or have any questions, you can find plenty more advice around the web or even send me a personal message here at Worldpackers.
See you around the world :-)