If you’ve been spending any time on TikTok lately and found your way over to “traveltok”, we’re sure you’ve seen the videos of girls packing up and booking a flight alone to travel internationally. It’s not too good to be true and that could 100% be you! Solo female travelers are a trend we are here for. Simply, a lack of a travel partner should not stop you from seeing this unbelievable world and the incredible adventures it has to offer.
Did you know there are multiple countries that are not only totally Instagram worthy, but top the charts for being incredibly safe for solo female travelers? In this article we’re going to break down 6 countries that your favorite travel bloggers are simply loving and some of our top tips for staying safe while traveling on your own.
The Best Destinations for Solo Female Travelers
Here are a few of our favorite countries that will give you a solo travel experience of a lifetime.
#1 Iceland
This absolutely stunning place tops almost every list when it comes to choosing somewhere safe! Iceland has been called perfect for solo female travelers as it’s pretty easy to get around and is full of jaw dropping adventures. It really lives up to its nickname of ““The Land of Fire & Ice”.
The city of Reykjavik is famous for its music scene and the ultimate nightlife. You’ll also have no problem asking locals for recommendations and even running into fellow travelers who can share some of their favorite places. Some of the must see attractions that everyone talks about include the Blue Lagoon, glacier hikes, and Silfra Fissure.
#2 Spain
Spain definitely has earned its place on this list! With gorgeous beaches for days, medieval vibes, bustling festivals, and dreamy mountainscapes, this country has it all to say the least. Not to mention we know you’ve heard about its legendary cuisine. There is so much to do here! Before you take flight, make sure to read everything you need to know about visiting Spain so you can be fully prepared for your travels abroad.
#3 New Zealand
Adventure awaits in the glaciers and beaches of New Zealand. Touting some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, New Zealand is also one of the easiest solo travel destinations.
The country has ingenious infrastructure, it’s safe and the perfect choice if you love the outdoors and adventure sports. You can also easily rent a motorhome and go on a tour of the country. Need we say more...
#4 Scotland
We can see it now… Lush rolling green mountains dotted in fluffy white sheep, enchantingly historic cobblestone cities, Celtic culture sprinkled in every direction, and an overall jolly atmosphere are just some qualities Scotland embodies. This country oozes history, charisma, and cultural masterpieces. Scotland is an incredible option for solo females to travel and it has been rated 5 out of 5 stars on many lists. Whether you want to pay a visit to the incredibly friendly Edinburgh or just spend an evening in a local pub soaking in the culture, here’s an overachiever's guide to traveling Scotland.
#5 Japan
If you’re craving a complete switch in culture, you must go to Japan! With its completely fascinating Japanese culture, this experience is going to be unlike any other. Tokyo is considered a safe city to explore for solo female travelers, and you can get pretty much anywhere you want to go with the city’s effective train system. In Japan you can find female-only train cabins, and some hotels have female-only floors! Find futuristic city vibes, breathtaking nature, amazing food, rich culture. Visit Japan!
#6 England
From fairytale countryside villages to the bustling streets of London, England has captured the hearts of many. Home to one of the world’s most popular cities, the British Royal Family, the iconic British flag, and afternoon tea - this country is a dream to explore as a solo female traveler. There’s no shortage of British culture to discover! But before you take on all things English, here’s everything you need to know before visiting England.
Tips for Staying Safe as A Solo Female Traveler
No matter where you travel or how safe your destination has been deemed, safety should always be on your mind. Here are our top tips for a safe traveling experience as a solo female:
❌ Don’t go with strangers (watch out for tourist scams)
This might be a little obvious, but when you travel abroad and someone approaches you offering a tour or an experience, it’s 9/10 not the best idea. It’s a common scam to scout for evident tourists, offer them a taxi ride to an “amazing place” just outside the city, and then refuse to drive back unless you pay a hefty fee. Do your research of the sights you want to see (reserving transportation ahead of time, if possible), stick to your plan and don’t accept random streetside offers.
✅ Do make friends
You may be surprised by the amount of people you meet with a similar itenerary to yours. If you hit it off with some people along the way, make sure to exchange contact information and check in with them throughout your journey. Not only can you exchange real-time tips and tricks on the places you both are interested in but it also keeps you in the loop with what is happening locally in the areas you are visiting.
For instance, I got stuck in a city I never planned on going to due to covid. It was a mandatory lockdown where they shipped all incoming flights to an unplanned location for a whole week. I had made friends on the flight and even though they were sent to a different quarantining facility we were able to keep in touch about when we were safely back on our way. As a solo traveler it was nice to have friends undergoing similar circumstances and as a result I had someone locally that I could lean on should I have needed them.
✅ Do dress like the culture
Before traveling, find out the general dress code for the country. Take note of what local women wear to get an idea of appropriate attire. This will help you blend in seamlessly.
✅ Do maintain privacy
Never share that you’re traveling alone to strangers and don't announce your final destination or length of stay. Some solo travel pros recommend making up a fake name and story for ultimate safety (plus, it can be fun too). While some might consider this a stretch, you can never be too safe, and every precaution has proven to have a benefit. I always like to make friends with the staff or host in which I am staying with so that you have a local contact should you need them.
✅ Do Enroll in STEP (US citizens only)
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is a free service that allows U.S. citizens traveling or living abroad to receive the latest security updates from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. You’ll receive the latest safety and security information for your destination country, so you can make informed decisions about your travel and the information you provide enables the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.
✅ Do carry yourself with confidence
Even if you don’t consider yourself a confident person, being ready to fake it till you make it will get you out of most all unwanted situations. Walk and speak with confidence. Act like you know where you are going and what you are doing and walk with purpose even if that's not the case. Confidence can be a major deterrent to activities such as petty theft.
✅ Do Use Google Maps
It’s just way better than Apple Maps and all the solo traveling pros agree! Make sure you have your maps downloaded ahead of time and to piggyback off of our confidence tip so you’re not always looking down at your phone (which is the biggest giveaway that you’re a tourist), wear your headphones and allow Maps to read off the directions. This way you can always be aware of your surroundings, never miss a beautiful moment, and get to your destination the local approved way. Running Maps all the time can be battery draining so don’t forget a portable charger!
Final Thoughts
Traveling alone can be a liberating feeling, if you have the opportunity to travel somewhere new, nothing, especially the lack of a travel partner, should hold you back!
Once you’ve crossed your first solo trip off your bucket list and you have all that knowledge under your Gucci belt, “where to next?” will become easier to answer. You will meet other travelers along the way raving about their latest adventure and naturally you will see what sparks your interest. Whether it be nature, food, nightlife, culture and attractions, fashion or photogenic destinations, there’s a safe country calling your name.
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We help others experience the magic of travel by providing thoughtful resources and knowledge needed for females to travel smarter. Safe and fun travels to you always! Contact us if you have any further questions or need recommendations on your next solo journey! So get going, what are you waiting for!