Traveling solo can be a risky proposition for anyone. That’s especially the case if you’re traveling to a foreign country. It’s going to be hard not to feel vulnerable in certain situations. As a female traveler, there are even places where you can’t get a large room on your own. You’ll want to avoid these spots at all costs. Some of the places, though, that we’ll look at here, are not only great places to visit – these are spots where you can feel relatively safe, even if you’re traveling on your own.
Japan

The language barrier can scare many solo travelers away from Japan. What’s great about this destination for women, however, is that locals are generally very respectful. It’s super safe and easy to travel using the different methods of public transportation. If you research your route beforehand, it won’t be that hard to find your way. Plus, it’s a destination that has a lot to offer—it’s not just the Tokyo city life that you can enjoy.
Portugal

This is a destination that has exploded in popularity over the last few years. Truth be told, it’s odd that traveling to Portugal hadn’t caught on as much until now. It’s got the beach, amazing food, a ton of historic landmarks to explore, and more. Plus, women tend to feel very safe here. Many spots have become tourist-friendly, and people walk along these streets day and night without concern. You still want to be careful about wandering into less populated areas, particularly late at night. But if you stay near the hot tourist spots, you should be fine.
New Zealand

Another place on the map that’s known for great hospitality, particularly toward women. The only thing about New Zealand that people have to realize is that, as a country, it’s pretty big. It can offer a ton of different experiences for travelers but do expect to spend some time on the road. Knowing this, it can be key for women to plan their tours in advance. Going on these tours within a group can be the best way to avoid uncomfortable situations. The main issue could be getting lost along the way and being completely alone. As mentioned, these tours can counteract this.
Greece

Again, one of the benefits that you’ll have, particularly in the Greek Isles, is that most of the trips are done in groups. Even if you’re alone, it’s not like you’re going to be taking a boat completely on your own to get to where you need to be. When it comes to Athens and other larger cities in Greece, you do want to make sure you stay within the main tourist areas. There are neighborhoods that you don’t want to wander into, but with some decent planning, you should be okay.
Sri Lanka

This is one of the biggest surprises on the list, for sure. We wanted to include it because it’s important to point out that this is not a country where women are generally looked down upon. That might be an idea that people still hold onto.
In recent years, there have been protests here because of the country’s economic situation. That’s actually something that has made coming here cheaper and, therefore, more attractive. Avoiding areas where people are protesting is a must, but other than that, it’s generally safe for women.
Guatemala

Another surprise on the list in the eyes of many. It’s important to point out that not all of Guatemala is safe. You want to make sure you arrive by air; you don’t want to cross the border with Mexico at any point. From there, make sure you book a ride to your destination with a certified company. Apart from that, there are plenty of beaches and resorts to enjoy at amazing prices. You won’t get any of the crowds that you’ll see in the popular Mexican destinations nearby. This makes it a great place to really come and relax.
Iceland

Iceland is considered one of the safest countries in Europe in general. It’s known as a place with a chill vibe where many people come to enjoy nature. The capital city, however, can provide places to go bar hopping, for example. This is an activity that can be dangerous for women who are going solo. But in general, Iceland will have you feeling safer on the street even at some later hours when it wouldn’t be wise to be out on the street in other countries.
Canada

If you don’t want to go far, particularly if it’s your first solo trip, north of the border could be the best option. Chances are you know the language, and in general, Canada is a place that’s going to feel like home. As with some US cities, you need to be careful in certain areas. However, you can expect to receive a decent level of respect from locals.