More women than ever travel alone, and the best destinations combine low crime, respect for women, good transport and a welcoming culture. No country is risk-free, and experiences vary with where you go, when and how you travel. This guide ranks ten excellent countries for solo female travellers using two independent measures — the Global Peace Index from the Institute for Economics and Peace, which ranks countries by safety and conflict, and Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Index, which measures women's inclusion, justice and security — along with practical experience of travelling in each.

How the indices rank countries

The Global Peace Index 2025 ranked Iceland as the world's most peaceful country, a position it has held since 2008, followed by Ireland and New Zealand. In the 2023/24 edition of the WPS Index, which ranked 177 countries, Denmark, Switzerland and Sweden took the top three places. Most of the countries below score highly on both measures.

1. Iceland

Iceland combines extremely low crime with a deeply egalitarian culture; it has topped the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Index for more than a decade. Reykjavík is small and walkable, and the Golden Circle and Ring Road are easy to travel by tour or rental car. The biggest risks are natural: weather changes fast, so check road and weather conditions via SafeTravel.is and respect warning signs at beaches and glaciers.

2. Ireland

Ireland ranked second on the Global Peace Index 2025. Its pub culture makes it easy to meet people, and buses, trains and organised tours connect Dublin with Galway, the Cliffs of Moher and the Wild Atlantic Way. Irish people are famously chatty, which makes solo travel feel sociable.

3. New Zealand

New Zealand has a strong backpacker culture, well-marked hiking trails and reliable intercity buses, making it easy to travel independently and meet others. The Department of Conservation's Great Walks need bookings in peak season. As in any outdoor destination, tell someone your plans before you hike.

4. Denmark

Denmark topped the WPS Index 2023/24. Copenhagen is safe, compact and easily explored by bike, with excellent public transport and a relaxed café culture. Many Danes speak excellent English.

5. Switzerland

Switzerland is safe, spotless and has arguably the best public transport network in the world, making it easy to travel alone between cities and mountain villages. Costs are high, but hostels and supermarket meals help. It ranked second on the WPS Index 2023/24.

6. Japan

Japan has very low crime, reliable public transport, and a culture where eating alone is completely normal — many ramen shops even have individual booths. Some trains, especially on commuter lines in major cities, have women-only carriages at rush hour. Japan is a good first destination in Asia for solo travellers.

7. Portugal

Portugal combines safety, affordability, good food and friendly locals. Lisbon and Porto are walkable, with a lively hostel scene, and trains and buses reach the Algarve and smaller towns. The Azores and Madeira are excellent for nature and hiking. Petty theft on busy trams and tourist areas is the main thing to watch out for.

8. Slovenia

Slovenia is small, green and easy to explore: in a short trip you can see Ljubljana, Lake Bled, the Julian Alps, the Škocjan Caves and the Adriatic coast. It ranks highly on the Global Peace Index, English is widely spoken, and public transport is reasonable, though a car helps in the mountains.

9. Canada

Canada's cities — Vancouver, Toronto, Montréal, Québec City — are welcoming and easy to navigate, and its national parks are spectacular. Distances are huge, so plan transport carefully. In wilderness areas, the main risks are weather and wildlife rather than crime; follow Parks Canada's safety advice.

10. Singapore

Singapore is among the safest cities in the world, with strict laws, excellent public transport and hawker centres serving safe, delicious meals late into the night. It is an easy first stop for travellers new to Southeast Asia.

Where to meet other travellers

Solo travel doesn't have to mean being alone. Group day tours, cooking classes, walking tours and hostel events make it easy to meet people, and apps and online communities for women travellers let you connect with others heading to the same place. In places like New Zealand, Iceland and Portugal, the well-trodden backpacker routes mean you will often bump into the same people again as you travel.

Travelling solo on a budget

Solo travel costs more when you can't split rooms or taxis, but there are ways to save. Hostels in all these countries offer female-only dorms, which are cheaper than private rooms and a good way to meet other travellers. Rail passes such as the Swiss Travel Pass or the Japan Rail Pass can be good value for long journeys. Free walking tours, available in most cities, are an easy way to meet people and get your bearings on the first day.

Safety tips for any destination

  • Research neighbourhoods before booking accommodation, and read recent reviews from other women.
  • Share your itinerary with someone at home and check in regularly.
  • Register with your government's travel scheme, such as the US Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, and check official travel advice.
  • Arrive in new places in daylight when possible.
  • Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps, and check the car and driver match the app.
  • Watch your drink in bars, and trust your instincts: it is fine to leave any situation that feels wrong.
  • Dress in line with local norms where appropriate, especially at religious sites.
  • Keep a photocopy or digital copy of your passport, and carry some emergency cash separately.
  • Get travel insurance that covers medical care and evacuation.

Beyond this list

Many other countries are popular with solo female travellers, including Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, Austria, Taiwan and South Korea, all of which score well on safety and gender equality measures. Destinations with more challenges — due to harassment, crime or restrictions on women — can still be visited safely with local knowledge, reputable tours and careful planning. Check the most recent official travel advice before you book.

For costs and practical details if you are considering a longer stay, see our country guides.