Top 5 Safest Countries in the World for Solo Female Travellers

When it comes to travelling, safety should be a priority, especially in a world that hasn’t fully achieved gender equality. While the golden rule is that everyone has the right to travel where they want, feeling safe during your journey is equally important. Fortunately, there are a number of countries that have taken significant steps to ensure safety for solo female travellers.

The unfortunate reality is that travel can be riskier for women in certain parts of the world. In destinations like Afghanistan, for instance, travelling alone as a woman can feel like a mission impossible. The same can be said for places like Mexico—let’s save that conversation for another day. However, there are an increasing number of countries where safety concerns are minimal, allowing women to explore new destinations without the fear of locking themselves in their hotel rooms or worrying about walking back to their accommodation at 2 AM.

It’s important to note that these aren’t “women-only” destinations; rather, they are countries where basic public safety is prioritised. In these places, you can wander the streets without fear, which is the bare minimum anyone should expect. The great thing about travelling somewhere new is the element of surprise, for better or worse. We all want the positive surprises, and that’s why we’re sharing this list of the top 5 safest countries for solo female travellers.

If you truly want peace of mind while travelling, the best thing you can do is not take unnecessary risks. That’s why it’s ESSENTIAL to invest in good travel insurance. This should cover cancellations, which are common in places like Japan or Canada, as well as medical emergencies, which can be financially devastating in case of an unexpected incident.

The Safest Countries for Women Travellers

For this list, we’ve considered countries with strong public safety measures, low crime rates, and, most importantly, those that offer a sense of security as soon as you arrive. While no place is entirely risk-free, these destinations have significantly lower risks compared to others. Let’s dive into the top 5.

Japan

Ranked sixth in the Global Peace Index, Japan is known for its exceptionally low crime rate. Cities like Tokyo and Osaka are among the safest in the world, where you can comfortably walk through most neighbourhoods, even at night.

Canada

Among the countries in the Americas, Canada stands out as a top choice for nature lovers, thanks to its breathtaking national parks. The country is also renowned for its friendly and polite population, and it’s consistently ranked as one of the 12 safest countries in the world.

Uruguay

If you’re looking to explore South America, Uruguay is the perfect starting point. This small nation, nestled between giants like Argentina and Brazil, boasts one of the lowest crime rates in Latin America, making it one of the best places to live and the safest destination for female travellers.

Switzerland

At the heart of Europe, with the stunning backdrop of the Alps, Switzerland is famous not only for its chocolate and precision watchmaking but also for its incredibly low crime rate. Ranked as the sixth most peaceful country globally, you can feel the tranquillity in the streets of its capital, Bern.

Iceland

An ideal destination for solo travel, the Land of Ice and Fire offers one of the most unique experiences on Earth. Known for its striking volcanic landscapes mixed with frozen vistas, Iceland also happens to have the lowest crime rate in the world, making it a safe haven for travellers.

In conclusion, these destinations are perfect for those who want to explore the world without constantly looking over their shoulder. While travel always comes with some risks, these countries offer a much lower chance of encountering trouble, making them ideal for solo female travellers.