The Safest Destinations for Solo Female Travelers in 2025

If you’ve been dreaming of taking off on your own adventure in 2025, this is your sign to go for it. Solo female travel is one of the most empowering, freeing, and downright fun ways to explore the world on your terms. You get to decide your pace, your plans—and you grow a ton along the way.

But let’s be honest: safety is always part of the conversation. Luckily, there are so many amazing places where you can feel completely at ease, even when you’re halfway across the world.

This post is all about helping you choose a destination where you can feel confident, relaxed, and ready for anything.

Key Takeaways:

• The best destinations for solo female travel in 2025 are places that combine safety, accessibility, and incredible culture.

• Countries like Iceland, Japan, Portugal, and Singapore consistently rank as top choices for solo women.

• The right gear — like a secure crossbody bag and stylish, practical outfits — makes all the difference.

• Internal links are included to help you dive deeper into safety, packing, and anti-theft travel gear.

Table of Contents

1. Why Safety Matters For Solo Female Travelers

2. What Makes a Destination Safe for Solo Women

3. Top 7 Safest Countries for Solo Female Travelers in 2025

   • Iceland

   • Japan

   • New Zealand

   • Portugal

   • Canada

   • Spain

   • Singapore

4. Quick Tips for Safe Solo Travel
   

5. FAQs

 

1. Why Safety Matters For Solo Female Travelers

There’s something life-changing about hopping on a plane and realizing you’re completely in charge of your experience. No compromises. No waiting on anyone else. You choose when to eat, where to go, and how slow or fast to move.

But it’s more than that. Solo female travel builds confidence. It connects you with yourself in unexpected ways. It reminds you that you’re fully capable of navigating this world on your own terms.

And the best part? You don’t have to give up safety to get that kind of freedom. The world is full of places where solo women travelers are welcomed, respected, and safe.

Choosing destinations with low crime rates, reliable infrastructure, and friendly locals creates the stress‑free backdrop ideal for exploring—and growing.

Safety allows you to focus on the experience: watching a sunrise in Iceland, savoring street food in Tokyo, or catching your breath amid New Zealand’s landscapes—without second‑guessing your surroundings.

2. What Makes a Destination Safe for Solo Women?

Safety isn’t just about crime stats (though those matter). For solo female travelers, it also means:

• Low rates of street harassment

• Walkable cities where public transport is clean and reliable

• Access to healthcare and support

• A welcoming attitude toward women travelers

All the countries on this list check those boxes — and they’re beautiful to explore.

3. Top 7 Safest Countries for Solo Female Travelers in 2025

1. Iceland

Iceland tops almost every “safest country” ranking year after year. With virtually no violent crime and a very welcoming vibe, it’s an ideal place for your first solo trip.

Why solo women love it:

• It’s easy to drive solo (the Ring Road is bucket list-worthy).

• The landscapes — glaciers, black sand beaches, waterfalls — are unreal.

• Locals are respectful and helpful without being pushy.

What to pack:
Layers! Iceland’s weather changes fast. Check out The Ultimate Guide to Stylish Travel Outfits for Women for outfit ideas that keep you warm without looking like a walking sleeping bag.

2. Japan

Clean, organized, and deeply respectful — Japan is solo travel heaven. Whether you're soaking in Kyoto’s temples or sipping matcha in Tokyo, you’ll feel completely at ease.

Why solo women love it:

• It’s normal to eat alone — no one will look at you sideways.

• Trains are on time, safe, and easy to navigate.

• There’s a sense of order and calm that makes exploring stress-free.

Pro tip: Grab a Japan Rail Pass in advance and plan to use lockers at train stations to store your day bag.

3. New Zealand

New Zealand is a dream for nature lovers. From the fjords of Milford Sound to the glowworm caves of Waitomo, the scenery is wild and peaceful at the same time.

Why solo women love it:

• Kiwis are famously friendly.

• Hostels and group tours make it easy to meet people (if you want to).

• It’s one of the few places where hitchhiking is still safe.

4. Portugal

Charming, coastal, and incredibly affordable — Portugal is a gem for solo women.

Why solo women love it:

• You can easily visit Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve in one trip.

• Locals are kind and laid-back.

• Delicious food (like pastel de nata!) is cheap and solo-friendly.

👉 Planning a Portugal trip? Here’s What I Pack for a Fall Trip to Portugal — perfect if you want to stay stylish and secure.

5. Canada

Canada has the perfect mix of big-city energy and jaw-dropping wilderness. Whether you’re hiking in Banff or strolling through Montreal, it’s all good.

Why solo women love it:

• It’s culturally familiar if you’re from the U.S.

• Most locals are friendly, helpful, and used to tourists.

• Public transit is clean and reliable in major cities.

6. Spain

Spain is warm, lively, and full of personality. And while parts of it are touristy, solo women can still feel empowered and free here.

Why solo women love it:

• It’s full of walkable neighborhoods and open-air cafés.

• The pace is relaxed and social.

• There’s endless beauty in every direction.

Safety tip: Spain is safe overall, but Barcelona is known for pickpocketing. Don’t let it stop you — just be prepared. This guide on How to Avoid Pickpockets While Traveling is a must-read before you go.

7. Singapore

If you want total peace of mind, Singapore delivers. It’s one of the cleanest and safest countries in the world — and also one of the most exciting.

Why solo women love it:

• Incredible food (and it’s okay to eat alone anywhere).

• Amazing public transport.

• Low crime, low chaos, high quality of life.

4. Quick Tips for Safe Solo Travel

• Use an anti-theft bag: Lockable zippers and slash-resistant straps really do work. (Here’s how to choose the perfect anti-theft bag.)

• Let someone know your plans: Especially when you move between cities.

• Stay in well-reviewed accommodations: And check for solo-friendly hosts or female dorms if you’re using Airbnb or hostels.

• Use apps: Google Maps for offline navigation, Google Translate, and TripWhistle for emergency numbers.

Solo female travel isn’t just doable — it’s deeply rewarding. You’ll grow, heal, laugh, and make memories that are yours alone.

Start with destinations where you’ll feel safe and supported. Then build from there. 

Above all, trust yourself.

Happy and Safe Travels

Arielle

FAQs: Solo Female Travel

Q: Is it safe to travel alone as a woman?
A: Yes — especially in countries with low crime rates, good infrastructure, and a culture that respects women. Always take basic precautions, but don’t let fear hold you back.

Q: What’s the best bag for solo female travel?
A: A crossbody anti-theft bag is ideal — especially one with RFID protection and slash-proof features. See The Best Leather-Look Antitheft Crossbody Bag For City Travel

Q: What are the safest cities in Europe for solo women?

A: Copenhagen, Lisbon, Amsterdam, Vienna are all solo-friendly and safe for women travelers.

Q: How do I meet people while traveling solo?
A: Join walking tours, stay in social hostels or boutique hotels, take cooking classes, or use solo-friendly apps like Meetup or Bumble BFF.