Safety is subjective, and never something that can be guaranteed 100% — especially when traveling abroad to a new place. But with a bit of planning and making a strategic choice about where you visit, your next solo trip doesn’t have to come with a side of constant vigilance. The onus often falls on women to vet their destinations, take precautions, and plan for the worst-case scenario — but choosing a safe destination can give you the headspace to relax and enjoy the trip.
Slovenia’s quaint capital city, Ljubljana, is compact, welcoming, and easy to navigate on foot. With well-connected transit, a strong sense of order, and a low crime rate, it’s a destination that feels manageable from the moment you arrive. You won’t find yourself second-guessing which route you took home or clenching your bag on public transport. English is widely spoken, and the logistics of getting around are manageable, whether it be by train, bus, or rental car. It’s the kind of place where things tend to work, and the locals are friendly and willing to help if something doesn’t go as planned.
Beyond the capital, places like Lake Bled and Piran see their fair share of visitors, but without the chaos that often comes with bigger, more crowded European destinations. In the countryside, you’ll find hiking trails, alpine lakes, and small towns that are accessible and approachable. For solo female travelers, Slovenia is a great place for getting out into nature without having to be hyper-aware of your surroundings.
Few countries make solo travel feel as seamless as Japan. The trains run on time, the streets are clean, and no one will ask why you’re alone. In fact, solitude is built into the culture — from single-counter ramen restaurants to capsule hotels that prioritize privacy, you’ll find plenty of spaces designed specifically for people doing things on their own.
That said, Japan isn’t frictionless. There’s a learning curve to getting around, especially once you head outside of the major city centers — train signage can be limited, and Google Maps won’t always help you perfectly navigate rural areas. But even if you do get lost, odds are someone will offer to help point you in the right direction.
Canada’s politeness cliché is overused, but there’s definitely some truth behind it. The social contract among Canadians is strong — the majority of the time, you’ll be able to go about your day without being interrupted, harassed, or followed. Solo travel won’t raise eyebrows, and even giving away the fact that you’re a foreigner by asking for directions doesn’t feel like you’re inviting unwanted attention or risk.
Whether you’re hiking alone in British Columbia, navigating the Toronto subway, or shopping in Quebec City’s old town, most people will leave you alone — in a good way. You can blend in easily and take up space without feeling like you’re being observed.
Taiwan is one of those places where things just run smoothly. The subway shows up on time, the night markets feel welcoming, and people generally keep to themselves. It’s easy to wander solo here because you won’t be treated like a spectacle — particularly in Taipei, it’s not uncommon to bump into other solo female travelers.
Outside the capital, other cities like Tainan or Kaohsiung offer even more reasons to visit. Taiwan’s regional trains are easy to navigate, and friendly locals will be quick to offer help if you look lost. Taiwan is a rare destination that makes solo travel feel totally doable, and a great place to start if you’ve never taken a trip on your own before.
What sets Uruguay apart in Latin America is how low-pressure it feels, especially for solo women. The bus system works, street harassment is minimal, and you won’t be met with the kind of negative attention that sometimes happens elsewhere in the region. Montevideo feels down-to-earth, not like a tourist trap — on the main beachside promenade, you’ll pass couples drinking mate, joggers even after dark, and women walking alone without a second thought.
Locals are kind, curious, and generally patient with the language barrier — especially if you try to use a little bit of Spanish. If you are planning a solo trip to LatAm and want an easier, lower-friction experience, Uruguay should be at the top of your list.
New Zealand’s safety is all about social trust — the sense that most people here are good humans, and daily life is designed with that assumption in mind. You’ll notice it in the way people leave their belongings unsupervised, how strangers greet each other on hiking trails, and how someone always seems to offer help before you even have to ask. For solo women, that baseline level of comfort means you can stop looking over your shoulder and actually enjoy what you’re there to do — whether that’s to explore or just relax.
Cities like Wellington and Christchurch are manageable, and it rarely feels like you need to be on high alert. Of course, you should always use common sense, especially if you’re heading into the mountains alone. But if you’re looking for a place that feels adventurous without feeling risky, New Zealand is a solid choice.
Even though it’s a massive, sprawling city with over 9 million people, Seoul is surprisingly safe for solo female travelers. You can walk home at 2am, eat at a restaurant alone, or hop on and off the subway without thinking twice. There’s a strong respect for personal space, and street harassment is extremely rare. For women used to walking around with a mental safety checklist, it’ll be a nice change of pace.
There are a few social dynamics that might be hard to interpret for outsiders at first, but from a safety perspective, it’s a great country even for exploring on your own, especially if you’re a less experienced solo traveler. You can arrive in Seoul without knowing a soul — and still feel totally capable of navigating your way around.
Even if you’re out hiking in the middle of nowhere, there’s something oddly comforting about being alone in Iceland — it’s one of the few places in the world where solitude feels like it’s the default. Reykjavik is compact, friendly, and perfect for using as a base to explore the rest of the island. It’s easy to navigate on foot, and you’ll find plenty of women traveling solo — especially in hostels, cafés, or guided tours that often leave from the city center.
That being said, the nature here is no joke. The weather is harsh and can change fast, even in the middle of summer. If you’re planning to rent a car to drive the Ring Road alone, make sure you have a flexible itinerary, proper gear, and a way to get in contact with someone in case of an emergency. It’s one of the safest countries in the world, as long as you’re prepared for the elements.
This list isn’t meant to cause panic or make you rethink your international travel plans — in fact, you just might feel more at ease in a new environment or different culture. But a little planning ahead never goes to waste, and choosing a destination where the baseline level of safety provides a headstart can make all the difference. It’s not about eliminating every risk, but to give yourself the chance to relax and enjoy the trip you’ve been looking forward to for months.
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