In today’s day and age, women want a world that is safe and secure. Unfortunately, this is far from our reality. It is estimated that around one in three women are subjected to sexual violence in their lives, which is why it is very important for women to find countries that are safe for solo travelers. Even though multiple laws regarding women’s rights have been established all over the world, there are only limited countries and places that are friendly for solo female travelers. In this article, we will guide you through all the information regarding the safest countries for women to travel alone. So if you are a solo female traveler planning your next travel destination, you have come to the perfect place. In this article, we will take you through the top 10 countries that are considered the safest for female travelers.
Here is a list of the top 10 safest countries for solo female travelers:
1. Canada
2. New Zealand
3. Sweden
4. Denmark
5. Norway
6. The Netherlands
7. Germany
8. Switzerland
9. Finland
10. Australia
Safest countries for women to travel alone – Top 10 nations
Canada
Apart from being an outstandingly beautiful, economically powerful, multicultural nation, Canada is one of the safest countries for women to travel alone. According to the Human Development Index, Canada ranks as the sixteenth-highest worldwide, and has the 24th highest nominal per capita income.
A part of the Commonwealth of Nations, Canada has been recognized as one of the top countries for its high quality of life, civil liberties, government-people transparency, economic stability, education and healthcare. Owing to all these factors, the country has emerged as a safe haven for solo female travelers.
New Zealand
An island nation located in the southwestern side of the Pacific ocean, New Zealand is a peaceful country consisting of more than 700 islands. One of the most developed countries in the world, New Zealand is politically and economically stable, transparent and protects the civil rights of its people. Therefore, it has evolved to become one of the top safest countries for solo women travelers.
According to a survey by the Institute for Economics and Peace, New Zealand is ranked as the fourth safest country across the globe for traveling. With stunning beaches and snow capped mountains, New Zealand should definitely be at the top of your bucket list if you are a solo female traveler looking for a memorable experience.
Sweden
Sweden is considered to be one of the safest countries in the world – be it for citizens of the country or for tourists. Women traveling in this country hardly need to think about safety issues in Sweden. Owing to stringent women safety rules and regulations, the country has managed to ensure a safe and secure traveling environment for solo female travelers.
Even though the country has a population of more than 10.3 million people, the country reports very few cases of sexual violence. The country forbids any type of violence against women and plays a pivotal role in ending gender inequality. In addition to this, the country is also quite vocal about climate change action, animal rights, religious freedom, human rights, and other pressing matters.
Denmark
Be it during the middle of the day or late at night, if you are a single woman living or traveling in Denmark, you should generally have nothing to worry about. Even if you are a solo female traveler in Denmark, you won’t have to worry about going for a night run.
Despite there being limited women-centric rules and regulations in Denmark, it is relatively safe for women to explore and travel solo. The country reports little to no women related safety issues and the capital city of Copenhagen is also very safe. For this reason, it is generally easier for women to avert any problems or concerns related to their safety when traveling in the country.
Norway
Norway has recently emerged as one of the safest countries for women to live in and travel to. As per the latest surveys and reports, Norway ranks as one of the most travel-friendly countries for solo female travelers. So, if you are planning your next travel destination, you can definitely consider Norway.
Norway ensures high living and travel standards for its female population. Women in Norway can travel very safely and not be worried about any problems or disturbing behavior that may arise from strangers. The country makes sure that women enjoy their rights and freedoms and feel protected across its land.
The Netherlands
When talking about women’s safety, you cannot not talk about the Netherlands. Apart from being a beautiful country, it is also very safe for women traveling alone. Although it is always advised to take certain precautions while traveling anywhere alone, this country is quite safe for solo female travelers.
The Netherlands welcomes travelers from all age-groups and is particularly safe for women travelers exploring the country by themselves. Over a long a period of time, the Netherlands has reported very few crimes of sexual violence directed against women in the country. It is a very safe country for women to travel even during the night. So if you are in the Netherlands and thinking of taking a stroll in the park at night, you should be able to head outside with few to no worries. The country also has rigorous policies in place to ensure women’s safety. If the Netherlands is on your bucket list as your next travel destination, it’s time you strike it off.
Germany
In recent years, Germany has evolved to become one of the safest countries for women to travel alone. The country offers a safe, secure, and pleasant travel experience. If you are someone who enjoys quiet and calm locations, where you can spend some time alone in a serene environment, Germany might be the perfect destination for you.
The country reports a very low crime rate and is comparatively safe for solo female travelers. Local women feel safe walking around the streets of Germany by themselves, as over the years, the country has placed various laws to protect women’s rights and freedom.
Switzerland
Switzerland is one of the most charming places in the world. Not only is Switzerland one of the most romantic places on the earth but it’s also one of the safest places for international tourists, especially solo female travelers. According to the Global Peace Index, Switzerland has been ranked as the seventh most peaceful country in the world. You can only imagine the level of safety and security that the country offers for a solo female traveler.
Crime rates and violence against women in the country have been relatively low across the decade. Which means, if you are planning a solo trip to Switzerland, you should go without fear in your heart, as you will be visiting one of the world’s safest countries.
Finland
One of the world’s safest countries, Finland is quite friendly for solo female travelers, as well as for women who seek to live and work in it. If you are interested in solo travel, this spectacular country should definitely be at the top of your list.
It is said that Finland was one of the first countries to give women their right to vote, which makes it a country that is very progressives when it comes to gender inequality issues. Finland has also been recognized as the world’s safest country by the World Economic Forum as per their Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report. No wonder many solo female travelers choose this amazing country to visit and explore.
Australia
Owing to its reports of violence, most international tourists considered Australia as a little unsafe for women to travel to alone. But with time, Australia put strict policies in action regarding women’s safety and has transformed itself into one of the most peaceful countries across the globe. It has emerged as one of the safest solo travel destinations for women travelers and other travelers to live in and travel freely.
Several reports and surveys have suggested Australia is one of the safest countries for women to travel alone. No wonder this country has been on the list of the most visited destinations by solo female travelers.
LGBTQI+ friendly countries for solo female travelers
If you are a solo female traveler from the LGBTQI+ community, then you need to be mindful of the destination or places you plan your next travels to, as policies regarding the protection of LGBTQI+ minorities differ from country to country. Here we have collated a list of the top places to travel alone as a woman, which are also LGBTQI+ friendly.
Here are the five most LGBTQI+ friendly countries in the world:
Portugal- One of the most progressive countries when it comes to gay rights, Portugal is considered one of the safest and best countries in the world to live in and travel to. From gay friendly bars, cultural centers, cafes and restaurants, Portugal boasts one of the most thriving gay scenes in the entire world. In addition to this, the beautiful country has numerous historical and natural wonders, providing people ample opportunities for sight seeing.
Finland- In addition to being an amazing destination for solo female travelers, Finland is safe for the gay community. According to the Gay Happiness Index, Finland ranks number 12 in terms of happiness for the gay community worldwide. The country’s major cities are populated with various LGBTQI+ cafes, restaurants and other public areas, making Finland an incredibly safe country for the gay community, women and other solo travelers.
Spain- Owing to its low legal discrimination policies against the LGBTQI+ community, Spain is hailed as one of the safest countries for the gay community. If you are a solo female traveler from the LGBTQI+ tribe, you can pick Spain as your next travel destination and witness the rich cultural and architectural heritage the country has to offer.
Norway- Like other Nordic countries, Norway has been recognized as one of the safest countries for the gay community to live and travel. Cities like Oslo, Hemsedal, Trondheim, and Bergen have the reputation of being a few of the most gay friendly cities across the globe. The country has been vocal about protecting gay rights from as early as 1981. So if you are making your travel plans, Norway should definitely be on your list.
Iceland- Cited as one of the most LGBTQI+ countries in the world, Iceland has a number of gay-friendly spots across its land. The country holds gay parades and has a number of restaurants, cafes and bars that open-heartedly welcome the LGBTQI+ community. According to Lonely Planet, Iceland has been included in the worlds top 10 gay wedding destinations.
For further information, you can check out our article: The 10 Most LGBTQ Friendly Countries in the World.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the cheapest and safest places to travel alone?
Countries like Portugal, New Zealand, Canada, Croatia, Italy, Greece and Vietnam are cheap and safe for women to travel alone and explore.
Which is the safest country to travel alone?
According to the World Economic Forum, Finland is the safest country in the world to travel alone, making safe for solo female travelers.
Which country is the best place for women to travel alone?
Owing to low crime rates, Norway is one of the best places for women travelers to travel solo. Other countries like Canada, Sweden, Denmark, Finland are also quite safe for solo female travelers.
If you are someone who wants to settle in one of the European Union countries, you can apply for an EU citizenship. To learn more about this, read our article: How to become an EU citizen.
