Every week, someone in our Facebook community asks some version of the same question: where is actually safe to travel as a woman on my own?
Maybe you’ve been dreaming about a trip for years and something keeps holding you back. Wanting to feel safe is smart, and it doesn’t have to stop you from going.
We’ve been running women-only trips for nine years, across more than 25 countries. Here’s the honest answer we’d give a friend.
Easy to do on your own
These are the places we’d happily send a first-time solo traveler.
Portugal
Friendly, affordable and easy to get around, from Lisbon and Porto to the Azores.
“I went to Porto this year, and it felt very safe.”
Shikha, a member of our community
England and most of Europe
No language barrier, great trains and walkable cities. A lot of Europe belongs here too, from Ireland and Iceland to Austria and Slovenia. Just watch for pickpockets in crowded spots.
“Any of the Nordic countries are very safe. Mind you, so is most of Europe, if you take normal precautions to avoid pickpockets in crowds.”
Emma, a member of our community
Malaysia
Modern, welcoming and full of incredible food. Covered shoulders and knees are respectful outside the beach areas.
“I just came back from Malaysia and Singapore and would say that for me they both felt incredibly safe and easy to navigate as a solo traveller.”
Nicola, a member of our community
Very safe, but easier with a group
These are some of the safest places you can go. The hard part is getting around, getting access and making the most of them on your own.
Japan
Absolutely safe, but the trains can feel like a maze, and the best experiences, like temple stays and traditional inns, are hard to book on your own. See our Japan trip.
Bhutan
Peaceful and calm, but most visitors need a licensed guide, and arranging it all yourself takes real effort. See our Nepal + Bhutan trip.
Mongolia
Super safe and famously hospitable, but distances are huge, roads are rough and ger camps aren’t something you book online. See our Mongolia trip.
Underrated, and safer than you think
These places rarely make the usual safest-countries lists, and they should.
Romania
Castles, painted villages and a relaxed, friendly pace. See our Romania trip.
Kyrgyzstan
Wild mountains, yurt camps and some of the warmest hospitality anywhere. See our Kyrgyzstan trip.
Uzbekistan
Turquoise domes, Silk Road cities and very low crime. See our Uzbekistan trip.
Turkey
It ranks low on global peace rankings because of conflicts near its borders, but Istanbul and Cappadocia are welcoming and easy to travel. See our Turkey trip.
Mongolia belongs in this group too: safer, kinder and more rewarding than most people expect.
Incredible, but don’t wing it
We’ll be honest with you. We wouldn’t call Egypt, Morocco or India safe or comfortable for a woman exploring on her own. Catcalling, scams and pushy attention are common, and they can wear down even very experienced travelers.
You shouldn’t skip them, because they’re some of the most rewarding places we go. Just plan carefully, or come with a group that’s done the planning for you.
Two of our travelers put it this way:
“With a local guide and driver the whole way, the stress of travel details was taken completely out of my hands.”
Cornelia, on our India trip
“This company has allowed me to travel safely as a female and make new friends.”
Erica, who traveled with us to Egypt and Iceland
For the full picture, read our honest guide on whether Egypt is safe for women, or see our Egypt, Morocco and India trips.
FAQ: the safest countries for solo female travelers
What is the safest country for solo female travelers?
Iceland tops most global rankings, but for a first solo trip we often suggest Portugal: safe, friendly, affordable and easy to get around.
What is the safest country in Asia for women?
Japan, Singapore and Malaysia are all very safe. Japan is the most rewarding, though the logistics are easier with a group.
Is Europe safe for solo female travelers?
Most of it, yes. Pickpockets in crowded tourist spots are the main thing to watch for.
Is Egypt or Morocco safe for women traveling alone?
We wouldn’t recommend winging either one on your own. Harassment and pushy sellers are common. Plan carefully, use a trusted guide or go with a group.
Is it safer to travel with a group?
Not necessary everywhere, but in places that are intense or hard to navigate, a small group with a local guide makes the trip far more relaxing.
The bottom line
Every woman in our community started somewhere, usually with the same nerves you might be feeling right now. The places on this list are proof that the world is far more welcoming than the news makes it seem.
Pick one place and start planning. And if you’d rather not go it alone the first time, come with us. You’ll arrive as a stranger and leave with a group of women who get it. Here’s how our trips work, or take our trip quiz to find your first one.
