Solo travel is the gift that keeps on giving. It's the opportunity to get to know yourself, grow as a person, expand your horizons and encounter wonderful people and make longtime friends. That said, travelling by yourself can be intimidating especially for female solo travelers.
To make things easier, we prepared a list of the safest places around the world to add to your bucket list.
Japan
First on our list is Japan, the land of iconic cherry blossom, Mount Fuji and cutting-edge technology.
With an estimated 400,000 climbers each year, Mount Fuji is at the top of the traveler's bucket list. If mountaineering is not your thing, try some fresh sushi at Tsukiji Fish Market or the delicious street food like takoyaki in Osaka.
Security:
Japan holds one of the lowest rates of petty theft, pickpocketing and similar crimes in the world. City centers with cultural landmarks, busy shopping streets and frequently used public transport stops are well-lit, and usually have security guards.
On top of that, many of the major train services have designated cars for women only, with the signs written both in Japanese and in English.
Switzerland
The home of fondue, chocolate, and skiing is our next candidate. With more than 600 museums, Switzerland is the place to be for lovers of art.
Every city in Switzerland has its unique personality, with various landscapes and remarkable city life. Amongst all, Zurich, Geneva, Bern, and Basel are our favorites.
Security:
Expert travel links and established hostel culture ensure a safe and positive stay for solo travelers in Switzerland.
For example, you can enter women-only alpine tours, and request to ski or snowboard with female instructors or as part of a female group in a safe and supportive environment.
Italy
The beautiful blue canals of Venice, The great Colosseum of Rome, Charming coastal towns filled with pasta, pizza and wine. Yes, we are talking about Italy!
Float on a gondola to Murano, breath in the culture of Bologna, or take silly photos in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa – the possibilities are endless.
Security:
Italy’s most-prized tourist destinations such as Venice, Rome, Milan, Florence and Palermo are considered some of the safest places in Europe. They are equally inviting as a solo traveler as well as part of a group, and their secure, well-connected transport links provide safe and easy access.
Iceland
We've kept the best for last, Land of ice and fire.
Iceland is known for possessing a unique ‘small town’ vibe. Reykjavik in particular is fairly small and very easily navigable on foot or local transport services. What Iceland lacks in crowds, It makes up in natural wonders, with massive glaciers, lava trails, fjords and waterfalls all over the country!
Hop on in a car and follow Iceland’s 800-mile Ring Road or the Golden Circle to fully explore this wonderland.
Security:
Iceland consistently ranks as one of the countries with the lowest crime rates worldwide. The whole community is very tight-knit, outgoing and friendly! English is widely spoken (and probably to a higher standard than your Icelandic!) and has an ideal travel infrastructure.
And that's a wrap. Japan, Switzerland, Italy and Iceland are four of the most popular, and safest, tourist destinations for solo female travellers but the list goes on.
