Places to Travel Solo Female: 7 Safe and Exciting Spots

Introduction

Do you know that 72% of American women are currently traveling alone, yet the majority of them continue to inquire about safe places to travel solo female to go? There are simply too many great places on this planet to see, and being a solo female traveler does not necessarily translate to missing out on safety or pleasure. Actually, independent female travel has grown 45% over the last five years, with women everywhere seeking freedom, self-knowing, and genuine cultural encounters on their own terms more than ever before. Following is an awakening directory of seven of the safest and most gratifying destinations independent female travelers must include on their bucket lists.

Travel Itinerary/Overview

For women seeking the perfect solo travel experience, these seven destinations offer the ideal balance of safety, accessibility, and unforgettable experiences:

1. Reykjavik, Iceland – With one of the lowest crime rates globally and breathtaking natural wonders, Iceland tops many lists of places to travel alone. Explore geothermal spas, witness the Northern Lights, and hike across dramatic landscapes knowing you’re in one of the world’s safest countries.
2. Tokyo, Japan – Immerse yourself in a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology. Japan’s exceptional safety record, efficient public transportation, and respectful culture make it perfect for solo female travelers.
3. Wellington, New Zealand – Adventure awaits in this compact, walkable capital city. New Zealand’s friendly locals, stunning scenery, and reputation for safety create an ideal environment for women traveling solo.
4. Montreal, Canada – Experience European charm without crossing the ocean. Montreal’s bilingual culture, vibrant arts scene, and low crime rates make it one of North America’s best places to travel alone.
5. Copenhagen, Denmark – Bicycle through this picturesque Scandinavian city where gender equality ranks among the highest worldwide. Denmark’s progressive attitude and excellent infrastructure create a welcoming atmosphere for solo travelers.
6. Singapore – This ultramodern city-state combines cultural diversity with impeccable cleanliness and order. Strict laws and comprehensive surveillance make Singapore exceptionally safe for women to explore independently.
7. Melbourne, Australia – Discover a thriving food scene, street art, and diverse neighborhoods in this cultural hub. Australia’s laid-back attitude and excellent safety record make Melbourne a standout destination for solo female adventurers.

Best Time to Travel

Timely planning your independent travel can enhance your experience by 30% and even cut costs by 25%. For the best places independent female travelers should plan to visit:

Iceland: Visit May-September to experience 20+ hours of daylight and moderate temperatures, or September-March to witness the Northern Lights when aurora activity is 40% more readily available than during other times.

Japan: Spring (March-May) is cherry blossom and 30% more hospitable weather than summer, and autumn (September-November) has lovely autumn leaves with 35% fewer in-season tourists.

New Zealand: Summer heat ideal for outdoor pursuits is found in December-February, with daylight 35% longer than winter.

Canada: Festivals and prime weather to tour are found in June-September, with 45% more outdoor pursuits than cold winter months.

Denmark: May-August is the best weather with 60% warmer temperatures than winter and daylight lasting until 10pm.

Singapore: February-April tends to have 25% less rain compared to monsoon (November-January) and is thus ideal for sightseeing.

Australia: March-May and September-November have balmy temperatures with 40% fewer tourists compared to the Australian summer holiday seasons.

Step-by-Step Travel Guide

Step 1: Research and Choose Your Destination

Begin by identifying places to travel solo female adventurers rate highly for safety. Cross-reference travel advisory websites, female travel forums, and safety indexes like the Global Peace Index. Look specifically for destinations with low crime rates, reliable public transportation, and positive reviews from other solo female travelers.

Step 2: Plan Your Itinerary

Establish an adaptable daily schedule that accommodates must-see sights as well as downtime. Inform a close friend or family member of your itinerary, along with accommodation and approximate timeframes. Utilize apps such as Google Maps to download offline maps of your location and pinpoint main locations such as your accommodation, emergency services, and principal sites.

Step 3: Book Female-Friendly Accommodations

When choosing where to sleep, prefer those with 24-hour front desks, safe entry, and good ratings from solo female travelers. Consider solo female bed-and-breakfasts, female dorm rooms in hostels, or top-rated hotels with a safe neighborhood location. Prefer booking your room near public transport and arriving late at night at your destination only if necessary.

Step 4: Pack Strategically

Create a capsule wardrobe appropriate for your destination’s cultural norms and weather conditions. Research local dress codes to ensure you’ll blend in rather than stand out as a tourist. Pack a doorstop alarm, first aid kit, and portable phone charger as safety essentials. Bring copies of important documents stored separately from the originals.

Step 5: Arrive and Orient Yourself

Upon arrival, take a guided tour to get oriented, or use your first day to walk around the main areas during daylight hours. Download local transportation apps, purchase any necessary transit cards, and familiarize yourself with how to get from your accommodation to major attractions and back.

Budget and Cost Insights

Understanding the financial aspects of solo travel helps you plan effectively. Here’s a breakdown of approximate daily costs (USD) for budget to mid-range travel in each destination:

• Iceland: $150-250 daily (accommodation costs 40% higher than European averages)
• Japan: $100-180 daily (public transportation passes can save up to 30%)
• New Zealand: $100-200 daily (free natural attractions can reduce activity costs by 25%)
• Canada: $120-200 daily (food costs approximately 15% higher than US averages)
• Denmark: $130-230 daily (city cards offer 20-40% savings on attractions)
• Singapore: $80-180 daily (hawker centers reduce food costs by 60% compared to restaurants)
• Australia: $120-220 daily (accommodation represents approximately 40% of daily budget)

Money-saving tips:

• Travel during shoulder seasons for 15-30% savings on accommodations
• Stay in hostels with female-only dorms to cut lodging costs by up to 60%
• Use local transportation apps to find the most cost-effective routes
• Take free walking tours available in most major cities (just tip your guide)
• Cook some meals yourself if staying in accommodations with kitchen facilities

Safety and Wellness Tips for Solo Travelers

When exploring places to travel solo female travelers should prioritize these safety measures:

• Stay connected: Purchase a local SIM card or international data plan to ensure you’re always reachable. Check-in regularly with someone back home.
• Trust your intuition: If a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself immediately. Your instincts are often your best protection.
• Research local scams: Each destination has common tourist scams. Knowing these in advance helps you avoid potential troubles.
• Limit alcohol consumption: Stay aware of your surroundings by moderating alcohol intake, never leaving drinks unattended.
• Use transportation wisely: Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps rather than hailing unknown cabs. In Japan and Singapore, look for women-only train cars during rush hour.
• Appear confident: Walk purposefully, even when lost. If needed, step into a shop or cafe to consult maps or directions.
• Secure your belongings: Use anti-theft bags, money belts under clothing, and hotel safes for valuables and important documents.

Accommodation and Transportation Recommendations

For accommodations, consider:

• Female-only floors in hotels like Bella Sky in Copenhagen
• Women-owned B&Bs such as Downtown Reykjavik Apartments
• Well-reviewed hostels with female-only dorms like YHA Melbourne Metro
• Established international hotel chains in Singapore and Tokyo for consistent security standards

For transportation, prioritize:

• Public transportation in Japan and Singapore (rated 95% for efficiency and safety)
• Uber or Lyft in Canadian and Australian cities, which create digital records of your journeys
• Pre-booked airport transfers when arriving in a new destination, especially at night
• Rental bikes in Copenhagen, where cycling infrastructure ranks among the world’s best
• Guided tour groups for remote locations in New Zealand and Iceland

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overpacking: 65% of solo travelers report bringing too much. Pack versatile clothing items that can be layered and mixed instead.
• Not researching cultural norms: Understanding local customs reduces unwanted attention by 40%. Research appropriate attire and behavior for each destination.
• Sharing too much information: Avoid telling strangers you’re traveling alone or sharing your accommodation details.
• Keeping all valuables together: Distribute money and cards between different secure locations on your person and in your luggage.
• Skipping travel insurance: Medical emergencies abroad can cost thousands without proper coverage. Comprehensive travel insurance typically adds only 4-8% to your total trip cost.
• Being too rigid with plans: Allow flexibility in your itinerary for unexpected discoveries or recovery from jetlag.

Packing and Preparation Tips

Essential documents:

• Passport with at least six months validity
• Digital and physical copies of important documents
• Travel insurance information
• Emergency contacts list

Technology essentials:

• Universal adapter
• Portable charger
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Doorstop alarm

Health necessities:

• First aid kit with prescription medications
• Hand sanitizer and face masks
• Menstrual products (which may be difficult to find in some locations)
• Reef-safe sunscreen

Clothing guidelines:

• Research weather patterns and pack accordingly
• Include one versatile dress/outfit for nicer establishments
• Comfortable walking shoes for daily exploration
• Lightweight scarf (serves multiple purposes including covering shoulders in religious sites)

Conclusion

The world is full of destinations solo female travelers can visit safely, and these seven places rise to the top with their ideal mix of safety, ease, and lifelong memories. Whether it’s Iceland’s out-of-this-world landscapes or Australia’s thriving cultural scene, every destination offers something special for personal challenge, cultural connection, and independent exploration. Just recall that due preparation, situational awareness, and self-assurance are your finest traveling companions on any solo trip.

Ready to embark on your solo female travel? Share your questions or stories in the comments below, or join our newsletter for monthly solo female travel tips.

FAQs

Q: Is it really safe for women to travel alone abroad?
A: Yes, if you prepare and plan. The destinations discussed in this article always rank high on the safety lists and have infrastructure that is solo-traveler friendly.

Q: How do I meet other travelers while researching where to travel solo female?
A: Stay in social accommodations like hostels, take walking tours, use traveling apps like Bumble BFF or Tourlina for traveling women only, or attend local events and classes.

Q: How should money be handled securely while traveling alone?
A: Use a combination of tactics: take a limited amount of local currency, use a credit card with no foreign transaction fee, and have an emergency cash reserve hidden away. Notify your bank of travel plans to prevent card blocks.

Q: What do I do about unwanted attention as a single female traveler?
A: Stand up for yourself, remain assertive when you refuse conversation or invitations, and enter public areas if you are uncomfortable. In some cultures, wearing a simple wedding band can keep unwanted advances away.

Q: What do I do if there’s an emergency while I’m traveling alone?
A: Research emergency numbers in advance (not everybody uses 911), know the location of your country’s embassy or consulate, and have electronic copies of important documents stored online in cloud storage.

Q: Is it more expensive to travel alone compared to traveling with friends?
A: Solo travel can cost 15-30% extra due to single supplements at hotels. This may be averted by sleeping in hostels, using home-sharing websites, or looking for hotels without single supplements.

Q: Where should solo female travelers not go?
A: While individual circumstances can vary, the inexperienced traveler might wait until they have had more experience with solo travel to visit countries that have intense political instability, exceedingly high crime, or rigid restrictions on women’s freedom of movement.