10 Best Safe Places To Travel Alone As a Solo Female Traveler

Solo Travel 2020-08-17

Traveling alone is nothing more than a challenge in anyone’s life. Traveling alone as a female gives you an opportunity to figure out who you are in new surroundings and without anyone around you to influence you.

Exploring 10 Safe Places To Travel Alone

As a result of safe places to travel alone, you become closer to yourself and you eventually came out stronger. Also, you completely rely on yourself and that boosts your confidence.

🌍 Travel Planning Table for Solo Female Travelers

Country	Best Time to Visit	Top Places to Explore (Solo-Friendly)
Spain	April–June, September–October (mild, less crowded)	– Barcelona – Art, beaches, Gaudí’s architecture – Seville – Flamenco, food, and charming old town – Granada – Alhambra & Moorish history – San Sebastián – Solo-friendly beaches & food
New Zealand	November–April (summer)	– Queenstown – Adventure capital, safe & scenic – Rotorua – Geothermal wonders, cultural shows – Auckland – Easy transport & safe solo base – Wanaka – Tranquil alternative to Queenstown
Thailand	November–February (cool, dry season)	– Chiang Mai – Temples, cooking classes, solo-friendly – Bangkok – Night markets, safe hostels, local tours – Pai – Laid-back mountain town, yoga, cafés – Koh Lanta – Calmer island, safe beaches
Iceland	June–August (mild weather, 24-hr daylight) OR Feb–March (for Northern Lights)	– Reykjavík – Compact, walkable capital – Golden Circle – Geysers, waterfalls, national parks – Vík – Black sand beaches – Blue Lagoon – Iconic geothermal spa
Malaysia	March–May or September–October (less rain)	– Kuala Lumpur – Modern city, good solo infrastructure – Penang – Food paradise, solo-safe walking tours – Langkawi – Relaxed beaches, easy to navigate – Cameron Highlands – Tea fields, hiking
Japan	March–May (cherry blossoms) OR October–November (autumn leaves)	– Kyoto – Temples, peaceful gardens, safe for solo walks – Tokyo – Efficient, friendly, endless solo-friendly attractions – Nara – Easy day trip from Kyoto – Hakone – Onsen experience with Mt. Fuji views
Argentina	October–April (spring/summer in the south)	– Buenos Aires – Walkable, artsy, safe neighborhoods like Palermo – Bariloche – Lakes & mountains – El Calafate – Gateway to Perito Moreno Glacier – Mendoza – Wine country, good tours for solo travelers
Germany	May–September (pleasant weather, festivals)	– Berlin – Culture, museums, safe & vibrant – Munich – Beer gardens, castles, walkable old town – Heidelberg – Romantic, historic, compact – Cologne – Friendly locals, cathedral, river walks
Canada	June–September (warm weather) OR Feb (for snowy escapes)	– Vancouver – Clean, walkable, city + nature mix – Banff National Park – Stunning solo hikes – Toronto – Diverse, easy solo transit – Quebec City – French charm, safe old town streets

📝 Note: For solo female travelers, always consider:

Staying in well-reviewed hostels or boutique hotels
Using daylight hours for intercity travel
Booking group tours or classes for easy socializing
Keeping a basic safety app or offline map handy

Here is a list of 10 best safe places to travel alone for the first time as a solo female traveler.

1. Spain

Spain is the best vacation destinations for the first time solo female travelers. The culture in Spain is incredibly social and friendly.

Enjoy your alone time by visiting small islands, going on a group tour with other solo travelers, and watching a Flamenco show in a cave. Moreover, experience the real-life Cinderella Castle and taste the flavorful Rabo de Toro.

Walk around the tourist areas but be aware of the surroundings. The country also offers inexpensive accommodations to solo female travelers traveling on a budget.

2. New Zealand

Evening shot overlooking the lakeside town of Queenstown, featuring a mountainside building with large glass windows. The landscape includes a sprawling lake, a small island, illuminated streets, and mountains in the background under a partly cloudy New Zealand sky.

New Zealand is one of the safe places to travel alone for female travelers. It is recognized as one of the safest countries in the world in terms of no violence and crime.

Spend your time by visiting Goat Island for the country’s first marine reserve, enjoying culinary tastes at Waiheke Island, and taking culture tourism to Te Papa Tongarewa Museum.

Besides, make your trip adventurous by sky diving over Lake Taupo, biking around Hastings, and kayaking along the peninsula. Budget-friendly accommodations are also available for women traveling alone.

3. Thailand

Thailand is a popular destination for solo backpack travelers. Due to the deep-rooted Buddhist culture, the country has a low crime rate that makes it easier for females to travel alone.

Make your solo trip memorable by doing scuba diving on islands, enjoying the elephant experience at Elephant Nature Park, immersing in a Songkran Festival, and exploring Kanchanaburi on a train.

Also, experience the amazing views by lazing at the white sand beaches. Learn about travel tips from tour guides to get around the country.

Local Tip: Sign up for a Thai cooking class. It’s fun, casual, and you’ll leave with a full belly and a new skill.

4. Iceland

Iceland is a first-time destination for many solo female travelers. The country offers beautiful landscapes and a rich history to explore.

You can never get bored of this place as it has so much to offer to travelers. Venture to Iceland for observing Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, glazing at the ecstatic Northern Lights, wandering through the Reykjavik streets, and lazing in the water of the Blue Lagoon. To witness Northern lights, the best time to witness these Iceland’s magical sights, is September to March.

Furthermore, make your trip a lifetime experience by doing adventurous activities like hitch-hiking, lava caving, snowmobiling, and whale watching. Know about the solo travel tips from the tour guides to travel comfortably around the country.

Pro Tip: Book a Northern Lights tour in winter. Even if you don’t spot the aurora, the trip through Iceland’s snowy wilderness is unreal.

5. Malaysia

Malaysia is a perfect destination for solo travelers. The country has so much to offer to travelers such as attractive nightlife, beach, culture, heritage, and famous attraction sites.

Enjoy your visit by getting absorbed into the visual marvel of the Batu Caves, touring to Petronas Twin Towers, shopping in Petaling Street, and enjoying local food at Jalan Alor’s street food market. However, the off-the-beaten-path experience is still the best to be enjoyed.

Malaysia is one of the safe places to travel alone. It is also the best destination for cultural tourism if you want a first culture tour abroad.

6. Japan

Japan is the best places to travel for first-time solo female travelers. The country offers a number of new experiences to solo travelers with its captivating life.

Make new friends by taking a Tokyo food tour, creating your personal toy story at the Yamashiroya Toy Store, immersing in the pulsing music at The Robot Restaurant, and wandering through the Ueno Park.

Moreover, enjoy experiencing the magical animation studio at The Studio Ghibli Museum. The country is also marked as one of the safest countries in the world on the basis of low crime.

7. Argentina

Buenos aires Buenos aires City Buenos aires Sunset

Argentina is considered one of the safest countries for women traveling alone. The country offers wonderful nightlife to travelers from bars and clubs to walking alone in the streets.

Experience the beautiful ice field views at Los Glaciares National Park, wandering through the San Telmo Market, and catch the awe-inspiring sight of Iguazu Falls.

Also, don’t forget to explore Argentina’s first-class wine country and the cultural capital of Argentina. Budget-friendly accommodations are also available for solo travelers to make their trip peaceful and comfortable.

8. Germany

The Cultural Melting Pot: Berlin, Germany

Germany is the best place for females to travel alone that suits their needs. The country has a low violent crime rate that’s why females can travel safely and comfortably.

Take a half-day walking tour to explore Berlin, entertain yourselves at Legoland theme park, and a night cruise on the River Main to make your solo trip perfect.

Despite a modern country, the country is also home to many historic areas where history lovers can enjoy their visit. Also, don’t forget to taste the delicious German cuisine served at the restaurants.

9. Canada

Canada is generally a safe places to travel alone for female travelers. It is a great place for travelers who want to experience different cultures and outdoor fun.

The country inspires every traveler with its rich history, architecture, and pristine beauty of nature. Also, enjoy your visit by walking through the Butchart Gardens, enjoying rides at Canada’s wonderland, and learn about the culture, art, and history at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Center.

Experience delicious foods, friendly locals, and great accommodation choices for female travelers.

Solo Experience: Try cycling the Seawall around Stanley Park—it’s a stunning loop and super beginner-friendly.

10. California

California attracts a number of visitors with its vibrant culture and laid-back beauty of nature.

Enjoy tour time in California by exploring the Warner Bros Studio, experiencing Tokyo and China in LA, and taking a walking tour to discover the amazing street art.

Also, get a chance to experience the indoor skydiving to make your trip more adventurous. The country also offers different types of accommodations and dining facilities to solo travelers.

California travel guides can help you where to stay, what to explore, and where to dine in the country.

Final Thoughts

Solo female travel isn’t about proving something—it’s about discovering something. Yourself, maybe. Or the world. Probably both.

Sure, not every place is ideal. But these safe places to travel solo offer more than just low crime stats. They give you the space to explore without always watching your back. They offer comfort in the unfamiliar, kindness in strangers, and a quiet sense of confidence that grows the more you keep going.

So yeah, take the leap. It’s worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it safe for women to travel alone?

Yes, with research and precautions. Choosing safe destinations and staying alert makes solo travel manageable and rewarding.

2. What are the best safe places to travel alone as a woman in Europe?

Kyoto, Ljubljana, Amsterdam, and Helsinki are top contenders for safety, culture, and ease of solo exploration.

3. How do I stay safe while traveling solo?

Stay in well-reviewed accommodations, avoid risky areas after dark, and keep your belongings secure. Trust your gut.

4. Are hostels safe for solo female travelers?

Generally, yes. Look for female-only dorms or rooms with strong reviews and security features.

5. What should I pack for solo travel?

Pack light, bring backup ID and cards, a portable charger, and a small first aid kit. Don’t forget snacks and a journal.

6. Is Iceland safe for women traveling alone?

Extremely. It’s one of the safest countries globally with very low crime and a helpful local population.

7. Should I share my travel plans with someone back home?

Yes. Always keep someone informed of your itinerary, especially if going off-grid or changing locations frequently.

8. What if I get lonely while traveling solo?

It happens. Join walking tours, cooking classes, or hostel events. Or just lean into the solitude—it can be refreshing.

Michael James

I’m Michael James, a professional travel writer and photographer passionate about adventure travel. Together, through my writing and photos, let’s discover the hidden gems and must-see wonders of our planet.

10 Best Safe Places To Travel Alone As a Solo Female Traveler

Exploring 10 Safe Places To Travel Alone