Solo travel is trending ala Eat, Pray, Love and we’re here for it. Sometimes you’ve just got to get away and get some R+R or a new experience and gathering up the crew is hard. People have lives, maybe you’re going through something and need a change of scenery and sometimes traveling with your girls can be drama, so taking a girl’s trip solo can be the best move. It can also be intimidating as a woman traveling solo, so we’ve rounded up the top safest countries to travel as a woman alone:
10 Iceland
Iceland is known for being one of the most safest countries in the world and for their welcoming Nordic culture. They have very low levels of crime and violence, making it a popular destination for solo travelers. Everyone is all so helpful that you’ll never feel alone (unless you want to). With all the beautiful nature, it’s the perfect spot to be rejuvenated and reinspired, surrounded by volcanoes, glaciers, the northern lights, waterfalls and of course, the Blue Lagoon. The best time to go is anytime – winter is great for the pools and a snowy adventure, and summer is great for the long daylight of the midnight sun.
9 New Zealand
Who’s ever met a Kiwi that wasn’t the nicest person ever? Yes, New Zealanders are known for being really friendly, helpful, and welcoming to visitors (which there are a ton of, so you at least won’t have to solo hike). There are also a ton of outdoor activities that usually end up in beautiful vistas, waters or general backdrops. From hiking and camping to kayaking and bungee jumping, there’s something for every level of adventure seeker. Make sure to hit up the Abel Tasman National Park: This coastal park is a great place to go kayaking and see some native wildlife like fur seals and penguins.
8 Japan
Japan has a reputation for being an extremely polite and respectful society, with a strong emphasis on hospitality and customer service (a values of social harmony). This means that women traveling alone can expect to be treated with respect and courtesy wherever they go. Getting around when you’re alone is also easy, as Japan’s public transportation system is extensive and reliable and their famous bullet trains are some of the fastest and most efficient in the world. A lot of the signage is also in English, so you don’t have to worry too much about language barriers. What to do? Visit Kyoto for stunning temples and shrines, traditional gardens, and geishas districts. Go hike Japan has many beautiful hiking trails that run through the Japanese Alps. Relax in an onsen which are traditional Japanese hot springs, with views of the mountains or countryside. And of course, eat fresh sushi, ramen and unique street food.
7 Canada
Canada is known for being a friendly and full of multiculturalism, so if you’re looking for variety, Canada is the spot. Vancouver is a very compact city and really easy to get around. It also is stunning with the downtown surrounded by ocean and mountains. Toronto is booming with lots of activities, dining, and cultural activities to do. Banff National Park is the spot if you’re looking to relax in some hot springs, take a gondola up the mountain and maybe run into some cowboys.
6 Australia
We all have friends that took a leap year and went to Australia to ‘discover who they are’. It’s no wonder because it’s super safe, it has a wide range of accommodation options, including hostels, hotels, and bed and breakfasts, it’s summer there when it’s winter here, and it’s stunning. If you’re into surfing or want to learn, it’s one of the best surf spots in the world (just watch out for sharks). You can visit the natural wonder that is the Great Barrier Reef, go wine-touring at some of the best wineries and the most important – see kangaroos, koalas and wallabies.
5 Costa Rica
Costa Rica becoming the new Tulum with more music festivals moving because it has one of the lowest crime rates in Latin America. Costa Rica is also famous for its natural beauty and outdoor activities like surfing, beaching, zip-lining and hiking. It’s also the go-to destination for wellness, spas, and yoga retreats. With its stunning natural scenery, fresh food, and laid-back lifestyle, it’s easy to unwind and recharge while visiting the country. You can also pop over to Nicaragua and take in another culture (it’s very common for travelers to just walk across the border).
4 Norway
For starters, Norway is the leader in gender equality with women being well represented in politics, business, and other areas of society, so as a female, you’ll be in good hands. Norway is also the land of friluftsliv (love of the outdoors), surrounded by mountains, glaciers and deep coastal fjords. If you’re a skiier, Norway has some of the best ski resorts in the world and if you’re a beginner, they also offer lessons and have equipment rentals at most hills. But the very must see are the fjords – like a narrow river valley that goes through mountains and cliffs. You can take boat rides through the natural wonders.
3 Singapore
Singapore is a very modern and developed country, with excellent infrastructure and a high standard of living. This means that the city is clean, well-maintained, and easy to navigate, which can make solo travel less intimidating. The most iconic attraction is the Gardens by the Bay – a garden with sculptures, and a stunning light show in the evening. Be sure to visit the Marina Bay Sands hotel for the rooftop infinity pool with breathtaking views of the city skyline. Singapore is also known for its delicious food, which draws on a variety of cultural influences from the surrounding countries. And finally, shopping. Singapore is a shopper’s paradise, with everything from high-end boutiques to street markets. Orchard Road is a popular shopping destination, but there are plenty of other options as well.
2 Portugal
Portugal has a rich history and culture that resulted in beautiful architecture and delicious food and wine. If you want the big city vibes, Lisbon is for you. The city that resembles San Francisco is stunning, has a vibrant nightlife, bustling streets full of restaurants and European shopping. Porto is a bit smaller and very charming and all you’ll want to do is drink coffee and wine and eat pastel de natas. Or you can do the beach life in the Algarve region in a whitewashed fishing village or surf town filled with sea caves, sandy coves and turquoise water. Portugal is your oyster.
1 Ireland
You won’t be solo for long in Ireland because some friendly Irish folks will kidnap you and take you to the pub for pints and the craic (in the best way possible). After the hangover, Ireland also has beautiful scenery you can take in by driving the coast and a lot of art, music, and literature. There are plenty of museums, galleries, and literary landmarks to explore, and many cultural events take place throughout the year. The must-see attractions are the Cliffs of Moher, exploring the cities of Dublin and Galway, hiking in the Wicklow Mountains, and obviously hanging out in a pub, listening to traditional Irish music.
