🧭 10 Destinations for a solo female traveler: safety rating

Not every woman decides to travel alone to an unfamiliar country. Foreign cities, a language you don't know, and stories from friends about how dangerous it is can all be intimidating.

Half the success of a trip like this comes down to being informed. According to the WPS Index 2025/26, Denmark ranks first for women's safety, and the index covers 181 countries in total (data from 09/2026, Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security). A second reference point is the Global Peace Index: in the 2026 report, Iceland, New Zealand, Switzerland, Slovenia, and Portugal are again among the most peaceful countries (2026 data).

Below are ten destinations where a solo female traveler can feel at ease. For each country you'll find practical details: when to go, how to get there, and where to find accommodation.

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1. Iceland: the land of fire and ice

💡 In short:

Pick a country that matches your season: New Zealand is best from November to April, while Malta and Israel are good almost year-round.
Check entry requirements and prices before buying a ticket.
Country safety: data from 09/2026, verified against the WPS Index (Georgetown).

Scandinavian countries consistently rank in the top ten of safety indexes, and Iceland is the leader here. If you love nature and want to see rare natural phenomena with your own eyes, start with Iceland.

It has waterfalls, black sand beaches, basalt columns, volcanoes, glaciers, and hot springs. Roads and tours operate year-round, so the season matters less here than for southern countries.

Milky blue water, steam, and the Blue Lagoon building

Don't want to go far? Norway with its fjords is nearby. Need city infrastructure? Then look at Denmark or Sweden. Scandinavians are peaceful and friendly, though they do keep their distance.

The southern ring road is easy to split into several legs: waterfalls, a glacial lagoon, and black sand beaches follow one after another along a single road. Book your car in advance, availability runs out quickly in summer.

Who it's for: if you care about wild nature and don't mind wind and rain.
The catch: Iceland is expensive, accommodation and food are in the upper price range for Europe.
Where to stay: hotels in Iceland on Trip.com

2. Switzerland: mountains, cheese, and chocolate

Need somewhere warmer and closer? Look at Switzerland: it never drops out of the rankings of the most stable countries. According to the Global Peace Index for 2026, it's again near the top of the list.

Mountains, alpine air, clean lakes, and tidy cities are spread across the country. On a solo trip here you can truly relax: trains run on schedule, and signs are easy to understand without knowing the language.

Snow-covered Zermatt with the Matterhorn in the background in winter

© NOTE: This image is a panorama consisting of multiple frames that were merged or stitched in software. As a result, this · CC BY-SAPhoto: NOTE: This image is a panorama consisting of multiple frames that were merged or stitched in software. As a result, this, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

For those with a sweet tooth, there's a separate item on the itinerary. The Lindt, Milka, and Toblerone brands all come from here, and a chocolate train runs from Montreux to the Nestlé production site. Book factory tours in advance: weekend spots sell out quickly.

Who it's for: if you want a calm route through mountains and cities without a language barrier.
The catch: Switzerland is expensive, dinner and a night in a hotel cost noticeably more than in neighboring countries.
Where to stay: hotel prices in Switzerland

3. Thailand: a retreat for body and soul

Traveling alone but don't want to feel alone? Then Thailand is for you. Many people choose this country for solo trips: there are plenty of tourists, and you definitely won't be without company.

Locals have long understood why visitors come, so finding a single room in a hostel or a single in a hotel is easy. The main reasons to go: the sea, the beaches, and affordable spa treatments.

Panorama from the Wat Arun terrace over the river

Between Bangkok and Pattaya, markets and small shops stretch along the road selling literally everything. On the map nearby are other Southeast Asian destinations: Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam. Take a closer look at them if you want to extend your route.

Who it's for: if you want a warm ocean, good service, and low everyday prices.
The catch: high humidity during the rainy season, and haggling is expected at markets.
Where to stay: find a hotel in Thailand

4. New Zealand: the other side of the world

Not an obvious route, but the list would be incomplete without it. New Zealand is far away, the country is expensive, and before the trip you need to apply for an NZeTA electronic authorization and prepare for a long journey.

All of that is forgotten once you reach the other side of the world. Snow-capped mountains, rainforests, giant trees, fjords, glaciers, geysers, blue lakes, and extinct volcanoes: nature here is the main attraction. Add the Hobbit village from the films and whales off the coast.

Milford Sound with Mitre Peak and a boat

People travel to the Kaikoura Peninsula for whales, orcas, and dolphins. Tours run year-round, but book your spot in advance: departures depend on the weather and fill up quickly.

New Zealand also consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world. Keep in mind that it's in the Southern Hemisphere, so the most comfortable time to visit is from November to April. Europe's summer months fall during the local winter.

Who it's for: if you're saving up for a big trip and are ready for a long flight.
The catch: the country is expensive, the NZeTA authorization must be arranged in advance, and the journey takes more than a day.
Where to stay: find accommodation in New Zealand

5. Malta: a tiny island under the "boot"

Malta is one of the ten smallest countries in the world, and that's its advantage: everything is close by. The population is just over half a million, so locals mostly know crime and danger from the news.

Gilded interior of St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta

The capital has preserved the look of a fortress city, and there are good beaches, a warm sea, and a mild climate. Getting there is easy: low-cost carriers Ryanair and Wizz Air love the island.

Who it's for: if you want a short flight, the sea, and minimal logistics.
The catch: the island is small, and beaches and hotels are packed in high season.
Where to stay: book a hotel in Malta

6. The Balkans: Slovenia and Montenegro

How could a list of destinations for a woman leave out the Balkans? Close, beautiful, and the languages are similar. The Balkans are convenient for experiencing different cultures in a single trip.

What to choose? It depends on what you're after. Cultural tourism, historic sites, the sea, nightlife, and gastronomy: all of it fits into one route.

If you want peace and quiet, look at Slovenia. Locals are modest and calm; hustle and bustle is foreign to them. One cautious piece of advice: it's better not to go out alone at resort clubs, because there are many visitors from out of town.

Aerial view of Lake Bled with its island and church

Montenegro gives you the sea and mountains side by side: beaches, old towns, and canyons within a single day. In the evening, resort centers are lively, so look for accommodation in a quiet area in advance. If time and money allow, plan a big trip across several Balkan countries at once.

Who it's for: if you want the sea and mountains close together and don't mind bus transfers.
The catch: resort towns are noisy and crowded in summer, and quiet areas need to be booked in advance.
Where to stay: find a hotel in Montenegro

7. Israel: the Dead Sea year-round

The Dead Sea is a must-visit, especially if you have any health concerns. The salty water is rich in magnesium, bromine, sodium and potassium, and the local mud is used in treatment centers.

Panorama of Ein Bokek hotels on the Dead Sea shore

Several mud treatment centers operate along the coast, and the swimming season here lasts all year round. Swim in short sessions and keep the water out of your eyes: the salt concentration is very high.

Who it's for: if you want to combine relaxation with wellness.
The catch: the water is so salty that you can't stay in it for long, and it stings any cuts.
Where to stay: hotels near the Dead Sea

8. Portugal: sea, trams and Cape Roca

What kind of list would this be without Portugal? Plenty of seafood, a mild climate, historic architecture, courteous locals and Cape Roca, the westernmost point of Europe.

Cabo da Roca lighthouse on a rocky platform

Don't leave Lisbon without a ride on the historic yellow tram. The routes run through the city center, and you can buy a ticket in the carrier's app or from the driver. Before your trip, look into the local cuisine and opening hours of restaurants and cafes, it will make your evenings noticeably easier.

Who it's for: if you love photographing cities and want mild weather outside the peak season.
The catch: in summer, central Lisbon and the coast are packed with tourists.
Where to stay: hotel prices in Lisbon

9. UAE: from sands to skyscrapers

Want a safe Eastern fairy tale? Plan a trip to the UAE. Despite the conservative Arab world, Dubai has long become a cosmopolitan metropolis and one of the cultural centers of the Middle East.

Aerial view of Dubai with skyscrapers and construction sites

Before your trip, carefully study the local laws: they differ from European ones. The rules cover clothing in public places, alcohol and behavior during Ramadan.

Who it's for: if you want a warm city with safe streets and well-developed services.
The catch: in summer the heat is extreme, and walking during the day is almost impossible.
Where to stay: hotels in Dubai on Trip.com

10. Canada: scale and Niagara

Let's head to another continent, to the second-largest country in the world by area. The flight is long and expensive, but the combination of skyscraper-filled metropolises and untouched nature is worth it.

In the 2022 Global Peace Index report, Canada ranked 12th (2022 data). The country is international, and foreigners are treated warmly here, so a solo female traveler feels comfortable.

Panoramic view of Niagara Falls from above

Niagara Falls is a must on your itinerary. Getting between cities is convenient by train and bus, but plan distances with a buffer: the country is huge.

Who it's for: if you want to combine big cities and national parks in one trip.
The catch: the flight is long and expensive, and distances between cities are large.
Where to stay: book hotels in Canada

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Which country on the list is the safest for a solo female traveler?

According to the WPS Index 2025/26, Denmark leads, while Iceland, New Zealand and Switzerland regularly hold top spots in global rankings. For your first trip, choose a country with straightforward logistics and a well-developed tourism infrastructure, there are fewer reasons for stress there. Ranking data: WPS Index 2025/26 (Georgetown).

Where to go in winter alone?

It's summer in the Southern Hemisphere at that time, so New Zealand works from November to April. Malta, Israel and the UAE welcome tourists almost year-round, with warm weather and plenty of beaches. Plus, there are fewer tourists in winter, and accommodation prices are usually lower.

Do I need a visa for these countries?

The rules depend on your citizenship and change every year. EU citizens don't need a visa for New Zealand and Canada, but they must apply for an electronic authorization in advance. New Zealand requires an NZeTA, Canada requires an eTA, neither is a visa. For Malta, Thailand and the UAE, a passport and a return ticket are usually enough. Check the conditions on the official embassy website before booking.

How much money should I budget for a solo trip?

The budget depends on the country and season: Iceland and Switzerland are expensive, Thailand and Montenegro are cheaper. Calculate accommodation, food, transport and excursions separately, and you'll see the real total. Book your hotel in advance, prices rise fastest in high season.

Where can I find a travel companion?

There are online communities of women travelers where people share experiences and find travel buddies. It's helpful to post in local groups before you leave and ask for advice about the area. This removes some of the fear and gives you up-to-date information from people who have already been there.

In short: what to book

Country	Who it suits	When to go
Iceland	wild nature and the north	year-round
Switzerland	mountains, cheese and trains	May-October
Thailand	sea, markets and spas	November-March
New Zealand	big experiences	November-April
Malta	short flight and sea	April-October
Slovenia and Montenegro	sea and mountains close together	May-September
Israel	wellness by the sea	year-round
Portugal	cities and photography	April-June
UAE	a warm city in winter	November-March
Canada	metropolises and parks	June-September

If you're short on time and want the sea, go for Malta or Montenegro. If you're ready for a long journey, plan for New Zealand or Canada. For wellness, choose the Dead Sea, and for mountains and trains, head to Switzerland.

What to book in advance: hotels on Trip.com and tours on GetYourGuide. In high season, spots sell out fast.

Where to go alone: 10 safe countries for solo travel