Travelling solo as a woman is an incredibly empowering experience. It allows you to move at your own pace, embrace new cultures and gain confidence.
But let’s be real here – safety is a top priority. With a little preparation and awareness, we hope we can help you can explore the world fearlessly.
1. Choose your destination
Some places are safer and more welcoming to solo female travellers than others. Before you settle on your destination, research crime rates, cultural expectations and women-friendly accommodations.
Safe female-friendly destinations:
- Iceland 🇮🇸 (Consistently ranked as the safest country for women)
- Portugal 🇵🇹 (Friendly locals and safe cities like Lisbon)
- Japan 🇯🇵 (Low crime rates and excellent public transport)
- New Zealand 🇳🇿 (Outdoor adventure paradise)
2. Book female-friendly accommodation
Your accommodation is your safe space whilst travelling. Try and choose places that prioritise female safety.
When you’re checking in, ensure the hotel staff don’t make it obvious you’re a solo female traveller and when booking your room, ask to be away from the lift/stairways and not on the ground floor.
You can also ask for a second key for “a guest arriving later” if it makes you feel safer.
Best types of stays for solo women:
- Female-only hostels or dorms
- Women-run guesthouses or Airbnb stays
- Hotels with 24/7 security and good reviews from female travellers
Tip: Check reviews on Hostelworld, TripAdvisor, and Booking.com for mentions of security and female-friendly environments. Ask friends; they may have had first hand experience.
3. Trust your intuition
One of the best safety tools? Your gut feeling. If something feels off, remove yourself from the situation immediately but calmly.
Red flags:
- Someone insisting on knowing your plans.
- Being pressured into an uncomfortable situation.
- Locals or fellow travellers who dismiss your boundaries.
Tip: Have a pre-planned excuse to leave a situation politely but firmly:
“I have a friend waiting for me at my hotel” or “I need to take this call from my family.”
Solo female travel doesn’t have to be scary – it just takes smart planning and situational awareness. With these tips, we hope you’ll be able to explore the world fearlessly and safely!
Are you looking for a safe and adventurous way to travel with a group of friends you haven’t met yet?
Join our female-only hiking group and connect with like-minded female travellers today!
Still looking for more advice and tips? Register here to access our Ultimate Solo Female Traveller Safety Guide below.
