Thinking about a trip just for you? That’s wonderful! More and more women are choosing to travel solo these days. And of course, safety is always on our minds. Some of the safest places to travel for females are Iceland, Japan, New Zealand, Ireland, and Switzerland. Let’s find out what makes them perfect.
Female safety criteria
So, how did I choose these locations? I looked at several important things:
- First, I checked official safety reports. This included the Global Peace Index.
- I also looked for places with low crime rates and paid special attention to female safety.
- Gender equality rankings and female intentional homicides were important too.
- Plus, I read real stories and considered experiences from other female travelers.
Ultimately, I combined all these factors to find the top picks.
Iceland
First up is Iceland! This island nation is stunning. It’s famous for its dramatic landscapes. But it’s also known for being incredibly friendly.
Why Iceland is one of the safest places to travel for females
Iceland is a super-low-crime country. It consistently ranks among the world’s most peaceful destinations.
Plus, Iceland has the highest gender equality (0.935 out of 1.0). This means respect is a big part of the culture there.
“…I met two people in a cafe and ended up going waterfall hunting with them in the middle of the night. If you knew me, you would say Iceland must be overly female-safe…”
Mrfybrn, Reddit.
Most locals also speak English well. This makes getting around and asking for help much easier. You’ll feel comfortable exploring on your own.
Amazing things to do
Get ready for some unforgettable experiences! For example, you can soak in the famous Blue Lagoon. Or try the less crowded Sky Lagoon. If you travel in winter, chase the magical Northern Lights across the sky.
And that’s not all. Drive the famous Golden Circle route. You’ll see powerful geysers and beautiful waterfalls. Finally, spend time exploring Reykjavik too. Its streets are full of colorful buildings and incredible street art.
Sleep soundly
Finding a peaceful place to stay is easy. Choose places with high ratings like Hótel Frón in Reykjavik. Hostels like Kex Hostel are also very popular and have female dorms for extra comfort.
Check out more Iceland-related information about accommodations, attractions, and weather in my post. And don’t forget about a stable mobile internet connection.
Japan
Next, I suggest you journey to the Land of the Rising Sun. Japan offers a mix of ancient history and super-modern cities. It’s also famously travel-friendly. And by the way, have you already taken care of your visa? You should, because if you decide to travel to this incredible country for several months, you’ll need a digital nomad visa.
Why is it one of the safest places to travel for females
This nation is known worldwide for its extremely low crime rates, which continue to decrease yearly. You’ll feel very secure exploring here.
“Felt 100% safe in Japan even when I was walking around in the middle of the night alone.” – roxemmy, Reddit.
Japanese culture values respect and order. This factor creates a welcoming and harmonious environment for everyone.
Plus, the female intentional homicide rate is very low and is constantly decreasing year after year. It is another statistic highlighting the high level of female confidence.
Here’s another story showing just how safe it is.
“When we lived in one of the prefectures north of Tokyo my 5 year old daughter would go to the 7-11 down the street on her own.” – teacamelpyramid, Reddit.
Imagine that level of trust! A bonus for you is female-only subway cars during busy hours.
Things to do
My favorite wonders are:
- Explore the beautiful ancient temples in Kyoto.
- Then dive into Tokyo‘s bright, electric energy – marvel at the majestic Mount Fuji (July to September is the climbing season).
Speaking of seasons, choose the best time to do what you plan in Japan (e.g., seeing cherry blossoms or traveling during the season with the lowest attendance).
And the food! Oh, the food is fantastic. Japan is perfect for solo diners, too. Many restaurants have counters or small tables perfect for eating alone comfortably.
Accommodation
You’ll find plenty of safe and clean places to rest. Business hotels are standard and offer comfort and security. For a unique experience, try a traditional ryokan – a Japanese inn.
Capsule hotels are popular and affordable. Many offer female floors, which adds peace of mind. Hostels are also plentiful. They are usually clean and secure.
New Zealand
Ready for breathtaking landscapes and thrilling adventures? New Zealand is calling! It’s a dream destination for many reasons. Feeling safe while you explore is one of them.
Why it belongs to the safest places to travel for females
People from New Zealand are called “Kiwis.” They are known for being friendly and helpful. This makes a big difference when you’re exploring on your own. It may explain why the country scores so high on peacefulness.
And the high level of gender equality.
One traveler shared her experience:
“I felt incredibly safe in New Zealand… In NZ it felt like being in the Midwest… everyone was very friendly and helpful.” – Hatari_Tembo, Reddit.
What to do
By the way, NZ’s tourism is well-developed, so things are organized and easy to navigate. Besides, with reliable local mobile networks, it’s super helpful for maps and staying in touch.
If you love hiking, you’ll feel secure on their famous “Great Walks.” Park staff often check these trails. Also, hike through stunning landscapes like the Tongariro Crossing. If you love excitement, head to Queenstown. You can try bungee jumping or skiing there!
Furthermore, take a cruise through the dramatic fjords of Milford Sound. Or, if you’re a fan, explore the magical Hobbiton movie set!
Traveling solo here can be a powerful experience. As one traveler put it,
“My favourite place on the planet. Spent a month there and saw as much as I could on both islands, and there’s not a day goes by I don’t think about the beautiful sights I saw.” – rustoncoffeeco, Reddit.
Indeed, it’s a place where you can feel confident striking out on your own.
Accommodation
The YHA hostel network is reliable and popular. They often have rooms available for females, such as at YHA Nelson. Motels are also standard throughout the nation and are generally very safe. Additionally, look for cozy Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs). Lodges near national parks also offer comfortable and secure stays.
Ireland
Now it’s the Emerald Isle’s turn! Ireland is famous for its stunning green landscapes and rich history. It’s also known for its incredibly friendly people.
Why it’s among the safest places to travel for females
Ireland consistently ranks high on the Global Peace Index. It’s often found in the top 3 or 5 most peaceful countries.
In particular, the Irish are truly famous for their hospitality. They have a special word for fun social energy: “the craic” (say it like ‘crack’). You’ll find it everywhere! While you still need to use common sense, especially in busy areas of Dublin, such as for petty theft or late at night near pubs, Ireland is generally considered a safe place for females overall.
“All of Ireland, especially south and west coast are all very friendly to our group of travelers (1 was by herself, another was a mom with 2 daughters in their mid-twenties).” – ladybug10101, Reddit.
Hearing that kind of welcome makes a big difference.
Attractions
Prepare to be amazed by Ireland’s beauty. Marvel at the dramatic Cliffs of Moher towering over the sea. Drive the scenic Ring of Kerry for breathtaking views. And explore Dublin’s history at places like Trinity College or Kilmainham Gaol.
Meanwhile, dive into the capital’s famous pub culture, especially in the Temple Bar area. I also recommend soaking up the lively, artsy atmosphere in Galway. If you’re feeling brave, kiss the famous Blarney Stone! The tradition dates back to the late 18th century.
Finally, if you’re in the mood for an unforgettable Irish adventure, then choose March because it’s the best time to visit Ireland, especially Dublin (hello, St. Patrick’s Day!).
Accommodation
You can experience genuine Irish hospitality by staying at traditional B&Bs. These are a top choice for solo travelers. They offer a chance to chat with locals.
Hotels are easy to find in cities. In Dublin, areas like Dublin 2 or 4, near St. Stephen’s Green or Ballsbridge, are generally great locations. Hostels are also available.
Switzerland
If you picture stunning mountains and crystal-clear lakes, you think of Switzerland! This country is like a postcard everywhere you travel.
Why Switzerland is among the safest places to travel for females
Switzerland is known for running like clockwork. This efficiency extends to its safety! Crime rates are very low here.
The public transport system is on time and very safe to use, day or night.
“I often travel by train, even late at night and all over Switzerland for many years. I have never had a bad experience yet. People who cause stress can be seen from far away, just try to get out of the way, the platforms are mostly big enough. At the big stations like Winti, there is often security and policemen around.” – tambaka_tambaka, Reddit.
Meanwhile, the country scores high on general safety indexes.
It’s a place where you can feel truly comfortable exploring. As one traveler mentioned,
“Compared to many other countries Swiss is one of the safest places on earth. Geneva is a bit sketchy but compared to any other place (not Swiss) it’s still a safe place.” – stu_pid_1, Reddit.
Another traveler shared a perspective on self-defense, but added a strong reassurance:
“It’s generally a very safe area if you don’t move stupid. I personally would advice you to get pepperspray bc it’s extremely effective, much much MUCH more effective then a taser. My girl owns a m17 and im very relieved that she has one (handgun). Just in case. She never had to use it btw, also never „showed“ it in need to get out of a situation… At the end you actually don’t need anything here in Switzerland bc 99.9% nothing will happen to you.” – That_Walrus3455, Reddit.
This highlights how secure it feels on the ground.
Attractions
Get ready for incredible sights! My three bits of advice are:
- First, enjoy the iconic Matterhorn mountain.
- Next, take a relaxing cruise on the beautiful Lake Geneva.
- Finally, explore charming, historic cities like Lucerne or Bern.
If you love the outdoors, hike or ski in the stunning Swiss Alps. If you dream of a winter wonderland, visiting the Swiss Alps in February is perfect for cold-weather activities. Oh, and don’t forget to indulge in the world-famous Swiss chocolate!
Accommodations
Try a guesthouse in a small alpine village for a cozy and secure feel. Or consider a female hotel in Zurich, such as Josephine’s Guesthouse. Hostels are also available in cities and some mountain spots.
If you want to hear more about living and traveling in Switzerland, you can find some great info by listening to podcasts for Swiss digital nomads. They often share helpful tips.
Go forth and explore!
Wow, we’ve explored some truly amazing and safe places, haven’t we? And now I’m “testing” other destinations that could be the safest places to travel for females. So stay in touch!
Remember, the countries we talked about are known for being friendly. However, staying aware and prepared is always important. This is true no matter where you are in the world!
- So, think about a smart packing list that includes essential items for your carry-on and main luggage.
- Consider location-specific things. This means understanding cultural events and weather seasonality.
- Make sure you stay connected. One of the great ways to get mobile internet in multiple countries is a travel eSIM like Ohayu. There is a Global eSIM plan for 120+ destinations that automatically switches the supported local networks when you cross borders and does not require a physical SIM card. It’s easy to install on compatible phones and can often be cheaper than roaming from your home carrier.
Now, take a deep breath and get excited about the safest places to travel for females. The world is waiting for you. Go forth and have an incredible journey filled with adventure and happy memories.
