14 Epic and Safe Destinations for Solo Female Travellers

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I’ve long been an advocate of solo female travel and have previously written about why I love travelling alone and why you should too. I’ve spent the last 15 years travelling solo and have been to dozens of destinations worldwide by myself. And while solo travel is completely liberating, in a world where women have to think about safety every day, it can also feel scary and intimidating.

With this in mind, and with 15 years of solo travel experience behind me, I wanted to compile a list of the countries I have travelled to that I felt safe in as a woman alone. Does this mean that each of these countries is 100% safe? Of course not.

Naturally, you have to take safety precautions as a solo traveller everywhere you travel, but these countries provided me with an enriching experience that I can’t wait to share with you.

So, whether you’re an experienced traveller looking for your next solo adventure or a first-time solo traveller looking to book your first trip, these are the 14 best places to travel solo as a woman in my experience.

14 Top Destinations for Safe Solo Female Travel

Maun, Botswana

Often called the gateway to the Okavango Delta, Maun is a small town in northern Botswana. I recently spent a week solo travelling in Botswana and absolutely loved it. Flying into Maun, I noticed immediately how warm and friendly the people were, before embarking on a 3-day camping trip into the depths of the Okavango Delta with Mosu Safari Tours.

While there’s not much to see and do in the town of Maun itself, the Okavango Delta is well worth a visit, as one of the last pieces of wilderness remaining on this planet. This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with wildlife everywhere, stunning sunsets and even more amazing people. I cannot wait to go back to Botswana to explore more of the Delta.

Crime rates in Botswana are very low, and I experienced no issues while I was there. The only thing I had to contend with was catcalling from men in the street when walking alone, which made me feel uncomfortable. That being said, it wouldn’t prevent me from returning in the future.

Where to Stay in Maun

I stayed at Sedia Riverside Hotel in Maun and loved it. The staff were exceptionally friendly, the rooms were modern and spotless, and the food was great. The grounds around the hotel are also lovely and great for bird-watching or simply sitting and enjoying the sun. The price I paid included a great breakfast.

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Abu Dhabi is one of the safest cities in the world and one of the best travel destinations for solo female travellers. I spent a few days by myself in Abu Dhabi recently on my way back from South Africa, and felt very comfortable walking around and travelling by myself.

People were very friendly and respectful, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. As well as beautiful beaches such as Corniche Beach, there are plenty of places to visit in Abu Dhabi, including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Museum and the Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace.

It’s important to note the cultural and societal norms in the UAE and dress accordingly. To show respect for religious customs, women should refrain from wearing revealing clothing when not at the beach or pool. I chose to wear loose linen trousers and a long-sleeved loose-fitting top, and also wore a headscarf when visiting the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, which is a requirement for women inside the mosque.

Where to Stay in Abu Dhabi

I stayed at the Aloft Hotel in Abu Dhabi as part of a free layover with Etihad for 2 nights. I loved the hotel and enjoyed staying somewhere a bit more luxurious than I usually do. The hotel has a variety of bars and restaurants, and a beautiful pool with a poolside bar. The location is fairly good, although you’ll need to get an Uber if you want to visit the sights, as Abu Dhabi is huge and not easily walkable.

Iceland

Iceland has one of the lowest crime rates on the planet and is a very peaceful country with welcoming, modest people, making this a top destination for solo female travel. Having travelled to Iceland in winter and spent some time driving around Iceland, I will definitely return and would be happy to travel alone.

Iceland is especially great for solo female travellers who enjoy adventure travel. If museums and art galleries aren’t your thing, and you enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, Iceland is the destination for you.

From volcanoes and glaciers to waterfalls and natural hot springs, Iceland is the ultimate adventure destination for solo travellers and one of the best places to hunt for the Northern Lights.

What’s more, Reykjavik is a small city that is easy to navigate and feels more like a town than a city, so you never feel too overwhelmed by the hectic city pace.

Where to Stay in Iceland

Reykjavik makes a great base for exploring southern Iceland. I stayed in an Airbnb, which is no longer available for rental. I’d recommend staying in an apartment or self-catering accommodation so you can cook at home, as eating out in Iceland can get expensive. I recommend Skólavörðustígur Apartments, which are in a great central location in downtown Reykjavik and have self-catering facilities.

Alternatively, if you’re after accommodation outside the city, where you may be able to spot northern lights from the comfort of your lounge, the Strýta Apartments are outside Reykjavik, surrounded by countryside.

Thailand

I felt extremely happy and safe travelling in Thailand and can’t wait to go back. The people are incredibly warm and friendly, crime rates against tourists are very low, and Thailand is also firmly on the backpacker’s trail, which means it is easy to meet new people.

Start your trip with a few days in Bangkok and get to grips with the hectic but amazing capital before heading down to the south to explore the islands and beaches in Krabi. Another must-see near Krabi is Khao Sok National Park and Cheow Lan Lake, which is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.

When I visited Thailand, I experienced several occasions where local people went out of their way to be helpful and kind. For example, when I left my purse in a bar, the staff noticed and kept it safe. It was still there 2 hours later when I went back to search for it.

On another occasion, I almost ran out of fuel in the middle of nowhere. A friendly local noticed my plight and drove 20km to collect fuel for me. What’s more, he wouldn’t accept payment for his good deed.

Where to Stay in Bangkok

We stayed in a fab little hotel in Bangkok called Pho Place. The hotel is in the heart of Chinatown, which means you are right in the thick of all the action. But the hotel is set back from the road down a little lane, which means the hotel is away from the noise of the city. The hotel is exceptionally cheap and very clean, with friendly staff in a great location.

Paris, France

France is an amazing destination for solo female travel. I have an ongoing love affair with France and French culture and regularly travel there to explore more of this gorgeous country. But, if you’re going to embark on a solo trip to France, what better place to do so than Paris, the most beautiful city in the world?

Paris was the first place I ever travelled to completely alone. I spent 3 days in Paris on my first solo trip in 2015, and while I was very nervous, I totally fell in love with it. I have since been to Paris five more times, three of them solo.

Every time I visit, I spend whimsical days wandering the beautiful streets, sightseeing and exploring iconic locations such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Jardin des Tuileries, the Louvre and countless other museums, sights and neighbourhoods.

Sitting in a Parisian cafe, while sipping a coffee or a glass of wine, reading a book or watching the world go by, is one of my favourite ways to romanticise my life.

Embark on your own solo Paris love affair, and I promise you’ll never want to visit Paris with a crowd again!

Where to Stay in Paris

My favourite hotel in Paris is Grand Hôtel Lévêque on Rue Cler, which is one of the prettiest streets in Paris. Lined with bakeries, cafes, restaurants, florists, fromageries, and chocolatiers, stepping out of the hotel onto Rue Cler is a Parisian dream. This hotel is also in a great location in the 7th arrondissement, only a short walk to the Eiffel Tower and Place des Invalides.

The Grand Hôtel Lévêque is a little more expensive than the hotels I usually opt for, but in Paris, location is everything when it comes to safety as a solo traveller and enjoying that wonderful Parisian life!

Corfu, Greece

Corfu is one of my favourite places on earth. I have visited Corfu eight times and have always felt safe and welcome on this beautiful Greek island. The Greek people are exuberant, friendly, chatty and outgoing – I have never met people as friendly as the Corfiots.

Corfu is a very safe place with some of the lowest crime rates in Greece and Europe. Corfu is easy to travel around via car or scooter, with plenty of things to see and do.

If you’re looking for a relaxing solo beach break, I highly recommend Paleokastritsa as the most beautiful place on the island. With several stunning beaches, a huge variety of restaurants and tavernas and plenty of apartments and hotels to choose from, Paleokastritsa is the best place to stay.

Where to Stay in Corfu

Having visited Corfu eight times, I have stayed in a variety of different apartments and hotels, but always in Paleokastritsa. While all-inclusive hotels can seem appealing, the food in tavernas in Corfu is all part of the experience, so I avoid all-inclusive to ensure I can try a few different restaurants and tavernas throughout the week. Some of my favourite self-catering apartments are Paradise Apartments and Arianna Apartments.

If you’re after something slightly more high-end, the Akrotiri Beach Resort Hotel is a great choice.

Riga, Latvia

I recently travelled solo to Riga, Latvia’s capital city, for a long weekend break. Not only did I feel completely safe, even when walking alone at night, but I also found the people to be welcoming and friendly. Riga is a beautiful city to explore, with a pretty old town and a turbulent but interesting history.

One of my favourite things to do when travelling solo in a city is to book a walking tour. In Riga, I booked two – the Old Town Walking Tour and the Alternative Walking Tour, which shows you parts of the city you may not usually venture to as a tourist. Not only does a walking tour help to familiarise you with the city, but it’s also a chance to chat with the tour guide to get recommendations for the best places to visit, eat and drink.

Another suggestion is to check if the city you are visiting has an opera house or theatre. I’ve spent many evenings having my cultural glass topped up by an incredible opera or stunning ballet.

Spending your evening at a show, opera, or ballet means less time sitting by yourself in a bar, restaurant or hotel room. I spent a wonderful evening at Riga’s Opera House – it was a chance to get dressed up and enjoy a fantastic opera, before heading out for a late dinner after the show.

Where to Stay in Riga

I stayed in this gorgeous apartment, which is in a fantastic location and has lovely views across the river. Other options include Allure Rooms for a low-budget option, or the gorgeous Boutique Hotel Justus, which is in a great location in the heart of the Old Town.

United Kingdom

Having grown up in the UK, I have spent much of my life exploring various corners of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. The UK is a very diverse country to visit, especially if you can get out of London, with the rugged highlands of Scotland, the quaint villages of Devon, Cornwall and the Cotswolds and the mountains of Wales.

My favourite places to explore, which tend to be off the typical tourist trail, are the city of Bristol (which is perfect for solo travellers), the Jurassic Coast, Dartmoor National Park and Pembrokeshire.

Bristol is a very cool city with fantastic places to eat, buzzing nightlife and a great art scene. The Jurassic Coast, Dartmoor and the whole of the South West Coast Path are fantastic areas for hiking, although they do get busy in July and August. And Pembrokeshire is so ‘off-the-beaten-track’ it can almost be called a secret coast with rugged, untouched, empty beaches as far as the eye can see.

Other favourite places to explore solo include Bath, Snowdonia (Cadair Idris is particularly epic), the Brecon Beacons, the Isle of Skye and the Cotswolds, although these tend to be more popular with tourists.

Belgium

As a small European country, Belgium is easy to navigate and is a very welcoming country for solo female travellers. I stayed in Bruges for 3 days and explored the picturesque city mostly on foot. Bruges is a great choice if you enjoy beautiful architecture, delicious Belgian food (frites, waffles, chocolates, beers – yes please!), friendly people and plenty of things to see and do.

I felt very safe wandering around the city after dark. It’s so pretty it almost feels like a film set!

Where to Stay in Bruges

I stayed in the ibis Budget near Brugge Centrum Station as we were on a budget. The ibis Budget is next to Minnewater Park and only a short walk to the city centre.

If you’d prefer to be inside the city itself, The White Queen B&B is a beautiful bed and breakfast, or Hotel ‘t Putje near Minnewater Park is another lovely place to stay.

Portugal

I have visited the Algarve twice, and I wouldn’t hesitate to travel solo through Portugal again. The people in Portugal are friendly and very appreciative when you make an effort to speak in their language.

The Algarve is a beautiful beach destination for solo female travellers that offers plenty of activities and places to explore. From epic coastal hikes to stunning boat trips along the coastline, there’s plenty to keep you busy in Portugal. It’s also a fantastic place for a campervan road trip along the Algarve and Portugal’s West Coast!

What’s more, many people speak English, although it’s always good to learn a few words in the local language to be polite.

Where to Stay in The Algarve

I stayed in the pretty little town of Tavira, which is a great choice if you prefer to avoid the touristy vibes of places like Albufeira and Lagos.

A great budget-friendly option is Al-Gharb Tavira Eco GuestHouse, which is in a fantastic central location and has positive reviews. Another option is the Formosa Guest House, as it’s in a brilliant location, with some rooms enjoying views over the town and river.

Alternatively, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could hire a campervan from Indie Campers and go on a 7-day campervan road trip through Portugal!

Australia

Australia was the first long-distance solo trip I took, and I have to admit, I was nervous. But there was absolutely no need to be, as I had the best month of my life travelling around Australia in a campervan and exploring the various cities from Sydney and Cairns to Melbourne and Adelaide.

Australia is a hot spot for backpackers and solo travellers, so it’s easy to meet new people if you want to, and it’s also a fairly safe destination for solo female travellers. Of course, English is also the first language, so there are no language barriers to navigate.

The only thing you need to be careful of in Australia is the wildlife – from snakes and spiders to crocs and jellyfish, it seems everything in Australia wants to kill you. So it’s wise to avoid hiking alone and join a group tour if you do want to embark on a hike, just to be safe.

Spain

Spain is one of my favourite countries in the world, with incredible cities and a stunning coastline. From the best wine (in my opinion) to amazing food (tapas, anyone?) and culture, Spain is a diverse country that has something for everyone. I’ve visited Madrid, Granada and Malaga as a solo traveller and always felt safe in each place.

However, while Spain is generally a safe country for solo female travellers, the one thing to be aware of in some of Spain’s major cities, such as Barcelona, is pickpocketing. But with a few safety precautions, you can stay safe and avoid any problems.

Germany

I have only been to Germany once as a solo traveller, but I absolutely loved it. I spent 4 days in Bonn, a small city just outside Cologne. Bonn is an underrated gem of a city, with heaps of history and culture. It’s also quite a small city, so it’s easy to navigate on foot, and the public transport system is a breeze.

I found the people here to be some of the friendliest I have ever encountered on my solo travels. On several occasions, people went out of their way to help me and chat with me. I spent an evening at the opera, after which I got chatting to the lady in the seat next to me and ended up having dinner with her after the show.

I felt completely safe walking around Bonn in the dark and really enjoyed my time there. I’d definitely be happy to explore more cities and destinations in Germany as a solo traveller.

Where to Stay in Bonn

I’d recommend the Domicil Hotel Bonn. This hotel is in a great location with lovely rooms at a great price. Alternatively, for something a bit more fun, check out Prize by Radisson, which is located in the centre of the city, right on the riverside.

Jordan

I spent a week travelling through Jordan and fell in love with it! Far from the misplaced concerns about safety, I felt totally welcome and safe in Jordan. While it is surrounded by conflict and war zones, Jordan itself is a very peaceful and safe country, making it an excellent destination for solo female travellers.

As with any Muslim country, you should be respectful of their culture and dress appropriately in Jordan as a woman. I spent one day in Amman before travelling to Aqaba, the Dead Sea, Dana Biosphere Reserve and of course, Wadi Rum and Petra! It was one of the best trips I have ever taken, and I am already planning a solo trip to Jordan in 2026!

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If you have any questions about the best destinations for solo female travel, solo trips and holiday ideas, or staying safe as a solo traveller, I’d love to hear from you! You can get in touch using the contact form on the contact page.