Best Countries for Solo Female Travel

7 Best Countries for Solo Female Travel

Traveling solo as a woman can be an incredibly empowering and transformative experience, offering the opportunity for self-discovery, adventure, and personal growth. With so many beautiful places in the world, choosing a safe country for your solo trip can feel daunting. To find countries with the lowest crime rates for both petty crimes and violent crime, I referenced the Global Peace Index showing the top safest countries in the world and cross-referenced it with U.S. News' Global Survey of Best Countries for Women showing the top female-friendly countries in the world. 

Read on to see the 7 best countries for solo female travelers to visit.

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Several European countries make the list of best countries for female solo travelers, as well as one in the South Pacific and one in North America.

Iceland is the Number One Destination for Solo Female Travelers

1. Iceland

Known as the "land of fire and ice," Iceland is one of the best places for female travelers. With an emphasis on gender equality and with the lowest crime rate in the world, Iceland's otherworldly landscapes beckon travelers from all over the world. This North Atlantic island nation shows off with its breathtaking landscapes of the Golden Circle. Women who travel to Iceland from September to April can experience the ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights. Rent a car in Reykjavik and drive the Golden Circle or the Ring Road (or both!). Along the way, soak in geothermal hot springs, explore glaciers, and witness powerful waterfalls cascading over rugged cliffs. Iceland's pristine nature, friendly people, and a strong emphasis on safety, make it an excellent destination for solo female travelers, particularly those who are nature enthusiasts. 

2. Denmark

Traveling to Denmark is like stepping into a fairy tale. This Scandinavian gem, known for its picturesque landscapes, charming cities, beautiful beaches, and rich culture, offers enchanting experiences. From the colorful buildings lining the canals of Copenhagen to the historic Viking sites scattered across the countryside, Denmark seamlessly blends the old and the new. Explore the iconic Tivoli Gardens and revel in the stunning collection of art at Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. Wake up to tasty Danish pastries, embrace the coziness of hygge, and make sure to take in the serene beauty of the Danish coastline. Denmark's efficient public transportation, friendly locals, and low crime rate (#2) make it an ideal destination for solo female travelers.

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

3. Ireland

Known as the Emerald Isle, Ireland is a small country that captivates visitors with its lush green landscapes, charming villages, and warm-hearted people. Rent a car and take a road trip around Ireland, where you can tour Killarney National Park, visit Ireland's stunning castles, drive the Ring of Kerry, meander along rugged coastal cliffs like the Cliffs of Moher, and enjoy a pint of Guinness or Smithwick's in a cozy pub while tapping your feet to traditional Irish music. Or stay in Dublin, explore Trinity College and the Book of Kells, and take day trips to nearby towns. Either way, Ireland's safety (#3), compact size, and friendly, English-speaking population make it a great choice for solo female travelers.

4. New Zealand

An island nation located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is renowned for its stunning landscapes, from the snow-capped Southern Alps to the pristine beaches and lush rainforests. It's a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, skiing, water sports, and wildlife encounters at every turn. Whether you're exploring the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, cruising through the fjords of Milford Sound, or simply driving along the scenic roads, the Land of the Long White Cloud promises an unforgettable travel experience. Rated #4 for overall safety and #3 for its treatment of women, New Zealand is the perfect place for solo female travelers who love the outdoors.

5. Austria

Nestled in the heart of the Alps, Austria offers a captivating blend of stunning natural landscapes, historic cities, and a rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the charming streets of Vienna, marvel at the imperial architecture of Salzburg, or lose themselves in the alpine beauty of the Austrian countryside. Austria's vibrant coffee culture appeals to coffee aficionados, and Austria is a haven for music lovers, with its illustrious history of classical composers like Mozart and Strauss. Whether you're savoring a slice of Sachertorte in a cozy café, attending a world-class opera performance, or skiing in the Austrian Alps, Austria's timeless charm, warm hospitality, and safety (#5) make it the perfect destination for solo female travelers.

6. Switzerland

Austria's next-door neighborhood, Switzerland is renowned for its breathtaking mountain landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and charming villages. It's a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering world-class skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and hiking, cycling, and water sports in the summer. Switzerland also boasts major cities like Geneva and Lucerne, where modernity meets tradition, with their sophisticated cultural scenes and historic architecture. Swiss precision and efficiency are evident in their well-maintained transportation systems, making it easy to explore this stunning country. Whether you plan to indulge in Swiss chocolate in Zurich, delve into the rich history of Bern, or ride the scenic trains through the mountains, Switzerland is a great place for solo female travelers who value safety (Switzerland is ranked #10), history, and nature.

Niagara Falls, Canada

7. Canada

The only country to rank in both the safest (#11) and the most female-friendly (#6) in the Americas, Canada offers both vibrant cities and wide open spaces for solo female travelers to explore. In this vast country of 3.8 million square miles, natural beauty knows no bounds. From the rugged grandeur of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta to the pristine wilderness of Banff National Park and the multicultural allure of cities like Toronto and Vancouver, Canada offers a rich tapestry of experiences. Solo travelers seeking nature can kayak along the rugged coastline of British Columbia, and, during the winter months, witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Lovers of culture can explore historic French and British influences in Quebec. Don't miss Niagara Falls and the Great Lakes! Canada's friendly and welcoming people, lack of a language barrier, strong commitment to multiculturalism, and reputation as the safest country in America make it one of the best destinations for a first solo trip.

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I hope this list of best solo female travel destinations encourages you to take the plunge into solo travel. One of the best things about solo travel is the opportunity to meet fellow travelers while exploring popular places. With these destinations you can feel safe and wanted, regardless of gender. Nature lovers and history buffs, foodies and lovers of culture, can all find great options for big cities, small towns, and vast countrysides to explore solo.

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