So you’re flying solo? How exciting! In this post, I’ll be talking about some of the BEST female solo travel destinations, from my experience as a woman who’s been a jet setter for 15 years.
Medical Disclaimer: Be Abroadable is a travel blog, and the content provided is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended for medical advice. It does not take the place of medical advice or treatment from a physician. Readers should consult their own doctor or a qualified healthcare professional for specific health concerns and questions before traveling to any country. The author(s) at Be Abroadable expressly disclaim(s) responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site.
Because I want to be up front with my readers, here’s an Affiliate Disclosure: as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may include affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you shop using the links below at no additional cost to you.
Best Female Solo Travel Destinations
You’ve got your Pinterest boards, Trip.com Favorites lists, and a whole crowd of people telling you all the reasons why it’s NOT SMART to travel solo…
Yep…sounds like you’re a solo female traveler!
My first trip abroad was to CHINA at the ripe age of 13! I had an obsession with Chinese culture, and was so excited when I got to be a part of an English exchange program so young! (Obviously, I didn’t travel alone then!)
But since that first trip, I traveled to China eight more times, toured Israel twice, moved abroad at the age of 21, and visited Thailand, Macedonia, and Turkey, as well! And PLENTY of that happened solo.
So I’m excited to share my advice for the best female solo travel destinations with you!
Without further ado, here’s my list!
My Tips for Best Solo Female Travel Destinations
DISCLAIMER: This is NOT an official list, based on statistics about crime rate and so on! This is the list that I have compiled from my time abroad, and from PLENTY of discussions with other girlies on the go!
So it’s not necessarily based on stats…it’s based on experience! 🙂
In Asia: Singapore, Japan, South Korea, China
Are you surprised that I’m skipping Europe and heading straight to ASIA? While less developed countries in Asia (such as Thailand) are where a lot of travel horror stories happen, Asia’s developed countries are super safe!
Plenty of my high school students here in China have traveled to South Korea or Japan with friends. They all say the same thing: both places are comfortable, convenient, and very safe!
Part of this is because these Asian countries have a lot more CCTV or cameras in locations. So if something happens, it’s easy to find who did it. Because of this, would-be predators just don’t bother!
As a woman, I have never felt unsafe in China, EXCEPT for circumstances involving other foreigners. I know…that’s messed up. But in general, the locals here are VERY safe and pleasant people to be around.
The highest risk here is getting ripped off by vendors or cab drivers who know you’re not familiar with what prices should be.
The sad truth is: as an American girl, I feel MUCH safer in China than I do at home. I can go out at night alone, whether downtown or in rural areas, and feel totally safe.
So maybe you should start with adding some Asia to your solo female travel destinations list! (If you’re thinking about China, I wrote a post about health and safety tips here!)
In Europe: Norway, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland, Iceland, Ireland
While I haven’t personally been to these countries, you can do a quick Google search to see just how safe these countries are. They are not only safe, but each boasts a TON of beautiful natural and cultural sites to visit!
I have a friend who is in Norway now, and another friend of mine who not long ago visited Switzerland and toured solo while her husband was on business. I also know plenty of gals who have been to Ireland.
The consensus from these friends of mine is ALWAYS that these countries are nothing but wonderful to visit. No freaky situations, and no craziness!
In general, many of Europe’s countries are relatively safe for solo female travelers. Later, with more experience, you may be ready to tackle something bigger and somewhat riskier (Paris, for example).
But for starters, the above mentioned countries are great travel destinations for solo female travelers.
In Oceania: Australia & New Zealand
These two countries have been on my bucket list for SO long, especially since it’s more common to meet people from these countries in China than it is in the US!
The more I hear from Aussies and Kiwis about their home, and the more friends I know who visit there, the more I understand that it’s a FANTASTIC travel destination for solo female travelers.
I have a few friends from Australia that I’ve met over my years here in China. They all say the same thing: their home is very, VERY safe. Their biggest threats are from nature (football-sized spiders? Eek!)
I’d say that these two countries are top of the line in terms of safe travel destinations for solo female travelers. I’ve only ever heard good things!
Unsafe Travel Destinations for Solo Female Travelers
Below are a list of the countries or regions which you probably shouldn’t travel solo for!
I recommend that if you really want to visit a place which is categorized on the list below, that you check US Travel Advisories, and do a lot of reading online about potential risks and how to prepare beforehand!
- Certain cities in the USA (L.A. or Chicago, to name a few)
- Many countries in South America
- Many countries in the Middle East
- Some countries in Africa (I’ve heard Egypt can be tough for solo traveling women)
- Smaller Asian countries, like Thailand or Cambodia.
There ARE solo female travelers who visit these destinations. And oftentimes, they ARE okay. But it’s just that you have higher risks in general in these places.
Risks can range from gender-based discrimination or restrictions all the way to major dangers, like kidnapping. ALWAYS check travel advisories for ANY country (no matter how “safe”) before booking a trip!
Helpful Items for Female SOlo Travelers
For us solo female travelers, it’s always good to have a few tricks up our sleeves while out and about! Here’s a few of my favorites:
A Personal Alarm, because Predators HATE Drawing Attention!
Before I moved abroad, my sister got me this Personal Alarm, since I couldn’t bring anything like pepper spray with me.
I did give it a test run once–and trust me, it’s LOUD! Thankfully I haven’t had to use it while living abroad.
But I have no doubt that something of this caliber would either get you the attention you need, or scare an attacker away in a bad situation!
I earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you!
Passport holder: The Most Secure Option!
Also, in certain countries or situations, I will go full-tourist mode and actually wear my passport under my clothes in a passport holder.
This passport holder which I use is FANTASTIC. The adjustable strap can be worn over the head, or cross-body, and is made of a cable covered in gentle fabric (aka it can’t be cut off your body).
I’ve used quite a few different passport holders over the years, and this one is BY FAR the best I’ve come across!
A Word to the Wise About Traveling Solo
Honestly, before you travel to ANY country (whether “safe” or not!) you should do a LOT of research about potential risks in that country.
Even if you are traveling in a “safe” country, there’s no saying what can happen if you get super drunk at a popular bar/club. Conversely, you can be traveling in a riskier country without issues, if you are extra vigilant.
A lot of it depends on you, and how safely you travel. Though there definitely are some travel destinations that I would just NOT recommend any solo female travelers visit, such as those where women’s rights are lacking.
Summary
No matter WHERE you are traveling to, ALWAYS do your research!
What health risks are common in that country? How about natural risks? What risks are there for female travelers, in terms of crime?
Only after you do your research on all of these questions can you decide whether a certain travel destination is suitable for you.
However, in terms of statistics and experience, the countries which I’ve mentioned in this post are FANTASTIC starters for solo female travelers! So when in doubt, start there!
This post covered some of the best female solo travel destinations, according to my own travel experiences and the experiences of those around me. Any countries you’d add to this list? Drop them in the comments!
You May Also Like:
Expat Woman Survival Guide: My Top 10 Tips for Life Abroad
Expat Women: Support & Love from a Sister Abroad
China Travel Health Advice from an Expat
