​Are you a female passionate about travelling solo? Does it excite you to visit far-flung destinations to meet new people and explore different cultures? But do matters of safety hold you back? You are not alone.

Many women want to travel alone and experience the excitement and thrill of solo adventures. They can head to many relatively safer countries for interacting with friendly locals, exploring the well-trodden backpacker routes or getting the chance to spend quality time alone.

Here is a list of the top 8 safe cities for solo female travellers. Pick your favourite country, grab your passport, pack your bags and get ready to depart on a solo adventure of a lifetime.

Best Solo Female Travel Destinations

Iceland

Iceland’s low crime rates and high standard of living make it a safe and welcoming country. It is the ideal solo female travel destination for nature enthusiasts.

You can bask in the beauty of stunning natural landscapes like volcanoes, waterfalls, glaciers and hot springs or indulge in outdoor activities like whale watching, chasing the Northern Lights or diving in clear-as-glass water at the Silfra Fissure.

New Zealand

New Zealand must be high on the bucket list of the best places to travel for solo females. Its natural beauty, including beaches, forests, mountains and fjords, is enchanting.

The locals are warm, welcoming and friendly. You can experience the thrill and excitement of many outdoor activities like skiing, camping, surfing, stargazing and hiking. The many vineyards and extraordinary restaurants are a treat for foodies and wine lovers.

Sri Lanka

The tiny island of Sri Lanka has a unique charm. It is the perfect stop in South Asia if you are embarking on your first solo trip.

You can backpack along the golden beaches of Hikkaduwa, Mirissa and Arugam Bay for some blissful downtime with beautiful sights, delicious local food and surfing. You can also explore UNESCO-listed spots like Sigiriya and Dambulla.​

Portugal

Portugal has earned to be one of the most perfect places to travel for solo females. There are many backpacker hangouts and plenty of cute cafes and co-working spots to snack on pastel de nata.

The southern Algarve gives tourists whale-watching and watersport opportunities, the Douro Valley is home to rolling vineyards, while Lisbon’s cobbled streets share flavours of history.​

Japan

Japan’s respectful etiquette, culture and traditions make it one of the world’s safest travel destinations, not only for solo females but also for anyone who visits. There are female-only train carriages to take you to women’s hotels securely.

You can use efficient and convenient transport services, like the superfast bullet train, to visit the cascading rice terraces, white sand beaches, snow-capped mountains and volcanic hot springs.

Ireland

Ireland is sure to give you unforgettable memories through its vibrant cities of Galway and Dublin and the picturesque natural beauty of the Cliffs of Moher, Dingle Peninsula and Wild Atlantic Way.

It is one of the best solo female travel destinations because it offers something for everyone, be it history, music, hiking, surfing, food or adventure lovers. The country is small, which means you can cover a lot of it in a few days. To travel to places, you can rent a car or take a bus tour.

Norway

Norway prides itself on having some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. A solo female traveller has plenty of things to explore and do here. The most popular include the Northern Lights, mountains and fjords.

The capital city, Oslo, also offers many cultural attractions and exciting nightlife. Tromso in Norway is one of the world’s best destinations for viewing the Northern Lights.

Switzerland

If you are planning a solo trip to Europe from India, Switzerland should definitely be on the top of your list. Its gorgeous natural beauty, including lakes, forests and mountains, can steal your heart.

The world-famous chocolate and cheese are a treat to your palate. Your Switzerland itinerary should include activities in the Swiss Alps, nightlife, mouth watering food, amazing shopping in Zurich and the historical legacy and the United Nations headquarters in Geneva.

Safety Tips for Solo Female Travellers

The topmost safety tips to keep in mind on solo trips for women are:

Do Not Tell Everyone You are Travelling Alone

If someone makes you uncomfortable or you feel suspicious, do not let them know you are travelling alone. Act like you are meeting a friend, brother or relative soon.

Walk Confidently

Do not let fear or worry show on your face, even if you are confused about where to go. Walk like you know the way or ask another woman for directions.

Be Vigilant While Walking

Avoid wearing headphones or looking down at your phone while walking. If you want to refer to maps on your phone, step into a cafe or a store to study the directions. Do not hold your phone in your hand and draw everyone’s attention to it.

Carry Essentials in a Crossbody Purse

When visiting crowded places, take everything in a purse you hang across your body. Never keep your phone or money in your back or coat pockets. If you have more things to carry, use a backpack and wear it on your front side.

Keep Your Money Safely

Divide your money to keep it in different places. For instance, keep some money in your jeans pocket, purse, toiletries kit, jacket pocket and the rest in the room. This way, you do not lose everything if you get pickpocketed or robbed. You have some money to get your essentials and take you home.

Conclusion

Gone are the days when women could not travel alone due to safety issues. Now, there are many countries for them to live their dream of travelling solo. So, you should push your boundaries and experience the unforgettable as a solo traveller.

Travelling solo gives you a sense of freedom and independence to carry with you for the rest of your life. To further add independence to your trip, purchase individual travelling insurance. Reliance General travel insurance is your reliable and trustworthy companion for travelling abroad, and we can help you with various unplanned trip emergencies, such as loss of passport or baggage, medical emergencies, accidental injury and more.

Our international travel insurance is designed to ensure that you enjoy a worry-free travel experience. What’s more, our policy premium starts at as low as Rs. 306*.  So, explore our travel insurance plans now and embark on the journey of your lifetime!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which place is the safest for women to travel solo?

Norway, Portugal, Budapest and New Zealand are considered some of the safest places to travel for solo females. You can explore these countries if you have the budget. But, if your budget is low, you can travel within India to places like Sikkim, Hampi, Kasol, Puducherry and Ziro Valley.

Is it safe for women to travel alone in Europe?

Yes. Europe, especially Western Europe, has earned a positive safety rating, which should give you peace of mind. Places like Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy and Portugal have great public transport. However, pickpocketing remains a common crime in touristy spots, and you must be vigilant to stay protected.

What are the top safety tips to keep in mind for solo female trips?

First and foremost, do not tell people you’re travelling solo, especially if you find them suspicious. Then, avoid using your back pockets to keep money or your phone. Carry all essentials in a crossbody purse instead. Rely on registered cabs only, and be confident while walking as if you know which route you need to take.