Whether you’re a female traveller, a solo traveler or just looking for the perfect vacation spot to spend some quality time alone, the chances are you want to travel to a place you feel safe.
It can be hard as a solo traveller to try and keep yourself safe while exploring so many magnificent countries. Luckily, there are so many places you can visit without having to worry and still with culture and beauty. Whichever country you choose to visit on your own, always make sure you still have your wits about you. Keep your belongings safe and close to you, as even the safest country will have moments of petty theft.
Countries are rated on a Global Peace index to determine just how safe they are. This is a handy tool to check out as a solo traveller as it will give you an idea of the amount of social safety, any conflict in the area and how present the military is.
Here you’ll find a list of the top safest places to visit across the world.
Iceland
Iceland is well known for its picturesque scenery. There are beaches, mountains and sometimes even the northern lights. Most people spend a few days to a week here to really soak in the sights.
The country is considered the safest place in the world to visit, especially for solo travelers. Iceland has some of the best air quality in the world. This will be due to its crisp, arctic air and its minimal pollution, thanks to the lack of cities. Along with this, the country also has friendly citizens, safe wildlife species and a low crime rate.
Denmark
Denmark is a Scandinavian country that has plenty to offer such as coastlines and colorful cities. With Copenhagen as its capital city, it’s become a popular place for a city break.
With only a small number of petty crimes and street harassment, Denmark is considered to be safe. You can travel without any bother on public transport and not have to worry extensively about petty crimes. Copenhagen is known for its low crime rates, with tourists barely experiencing any problems. The Danish people are happy to help anyone out, especially when it comes to finding your way around. As with all places you visit, you should still air caution and have your wits as no place is considered 100% safe.
Ireland
Ireland may not be known for its weather, but it is known for its safety. It’s been ranked the third safest country due to its Global Peace Index. Along with this and its rugged coastline and swarms of greenery, the country has become popular amongst those travelling solo.
Ireland has high rankings for employment, healthcare, safety and overall life quality. While you should be wary wherever you go in Ireland, the area with the most concern is Dublin, which is the country’s capital. Even though Dublin is still considered to be safe, there’s still a small chance you could be the victim of petty crime, especially as a traveller.
New Zealand
One of the safest countries in the world is New Zealand. It has become a popular place for travelers to visit, whether solo or not. The main appeal of the country is its laidback vibe. Along with the quieter way of living, New Zealand also has breathtaking scenery. Many describe the country as a place with beauty around every corner.
New Zealand is known for being a safe place to visit thanks to its emergency services, low crime rate and very friendly locals who are happy to help with just about anything. New Zealand also has a tiny population of only five million. It can be down to the small population that crime rates are much lower than other countries.
Austria
With glimmering lakes and snowcapped mountains, it’s easy to see why Austria has become a popular travel destination. It’s also a safe place to visit thanks to its low level of crime and strict regulations.
Unlike many other European countries, Austria is safe to walk around at night thanks to its friendly population and patrolled neighborhoods. Street harassment is low and so are many other petty crimes. Its biggest petty crime is pickpocketing, which is something all tourists need to make sure they are aware of when traveling.
Singapore
If you’re looking to travel further east and still want to feel safe, then look no further than Singapore. The country has been named the safest in Asia. You won’t be left without things to do in Singapore thanks to its modern skyscrapers, hundreds of restaurants and unique attractions.
Singapore is perfectly safe for those travelling on their own. It has low crime rates, an easy-to-follow legal system, the best healthcare in the world and political stability. You can feel safe in Singapore at night and during the day, which is important for any lone traveller.
Portugal
Thanks to its vibrant capital, Lisbon, Portugal has become a popular place to visit while traveling Europe. If you want to escape the city, you can also head down to the south coast, where the country has quaint holiday towns to fully immerse yourself in the Portuguese culture. The country even boasts 300 days of sunshine, making it a perfect destination if you’re chasing the sun.
Portugal has a high quality of life, and this is thanks to its safety measures and low crime rates. The Portuguese are also known for being friendly and helpful, so don’t be afraid to ask if you need advice.
Slovenia
Slovenia is the eighth safest country in the world. You’ll find Slovenia next to Italy and with many lakes and castles to explore, it’s easy to see why it’s a popular tourist destination.
You can enjoy the nights as much as the days in Slovenia, thanks to its low criminality. The country is safe to walk around all hours of the day. As a solo traveller, you won’t have to fear interacting with Slovenian people as they are all kind enough to help. It may also be a perk knowing that food and drink are completely safe to eat, thanks to it being highly regulated. You can even drink the tap water.
Japan
Another Asian destination that’s safe to visit when traveling on your own is Japan. The country has everything to offer from the bustling city of Tokyo to the quiet beaches and historical culture.
Japan has a low crime rate. So, while there’s still a small possibility of petty thefts, when it comes to your overall safety, you’ll be in good hands. Japan’s healthcare is also of the highest standard, with many doctors in the larger cities able to speak English. Public transport is also reliable and with taxis being safe to use, you’ll be able to easily get around the country with no problem.
Switzerland
Switzerland seems to have it all with mountainous views, green valleys and the most incredible chocolate! It’s also safe for those travelling alone. Switzerland has an easy public transport system and great healthcare. The locals are friendly and many also speak English.
The only thing that may be unsafe when visiting Switzerland is the outdoors. You should take extra care if you hike on your own, making sure to tell someone where you are going or avoiding any extreme hiking trails. Make sure to also take things like altitude sickness into account if you’re climbing mountains on your own, as this could become dangerous.
