10 Safest Countries for Solo Female Travelers in 2026

The Safest Destinations for Women Traveling Alone

Safety is the number one concern for women planning their first solo trip — and rightfully so. But here’s the good news: there are dozens of countries where women travel solo every day without incident. We’ve analyzed crime statistics, traveler reviews, infrastructure quality, and cultural attitudes to compile this definitive list for 2026.

1. Japan — The Gold Standard

Safety Rating: 9.5/10 | Budget: $80-150/day

Japan consistently tops every safety ranking for solo female travelers. The crime rate is extraordinarily low — you can walk through Tokyo at 3 AM and feel completely safe. Trains run on time to the second, signage is excellent, and the culture of respect means unwanted attention is rare.

Why it’s great for solo women:

• Capsule hotels and women-only floors in hostels
• Convenience stores (konbini) on every corner, open 24/7
• Lost items are almost always returned
• Excellent public transportation with women-only train cars during rush hour

Best time to visit: March-May (cherry blossoms) or October-November (fall foliage)

2. Iceland — Where Crime Barely Exists

Photo by Sutha Hasan on Pexels

Safety Rating: 9.5/10 | Budget: $120-200/day

Iceland has ranked #1 on the Global Peace Index for over a decade. With a population of just 370,000, everyone knows everyone. Police don’t carry guns. Violent crime is nearly nonexistent.

Why it’s great for solo women:

• Incredibly welcoming culture with strong gender equality
• Small population means tight-knit communities
• Tour groups are easy to join for Golden Circle, glacier hikes, and northern lights
• Reykjavik has a thriving solo traveler scene

Budget tip: Rent a campervan and cook your own meals — restaurants are expensive, but groceries from Bonus supermarket are reasonable.

3. New Zealand — Adventure Without Anxiety

Photo by Azizi Co on Pexels

Safety Rating: 9/10 | Budget: $70-130/day

New Zealand’s combination of stunning landscapes and welcoming Kiwi culture makes it a dream destination for solo female travelers. The backpacker infrastructure is world-class, and the country is small enough to feel manageable.

Why it’s great for solo women:

• Incredible hostel network with high safety standards
• Easy to meet other travelers on popular routes (Milford Track, Tongariro Crossing)
• Efficient bus networks connecting all major destinations
• Strong culture of looking out for travelers

Must-do: The Routeburn Track — one of the world’s great walks, with DOC huts where you’ll share stories with fellow hikers.

4. Portugal — Europe’s Hidden Gem

Photo by James Colasacco on Pexels

Safety Rating: 9/10 | Budget: $50-90/day

Portugal offers everything you love about Western Europe at a fraction of the cost. Lisbon and Porto are walkable, the food is incredible, and Portuguese people are genuinely warm and helpful.

Why it’s great for solo women:

• One of the most affordable Western European destinations
• Excellent public transit in Lisbon and Porto
• Strong cafe culture — perfect for solo dining without feeling awkward
• Vibrant hostel scene with regular social events

Budget tip: Eat at local “tascas” (traditional restaurants) for lunch — the “menu do dia” (daily menu) includes soup, main course, drink, and dessert for under $10.

5. Canada — Friendly, Safe, and Vast

Safety Rating: 9/10 | Budget: $80-140/day

Canadians have earned their reputation for friendliness. The country offers everything from cosmopolitan cities (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal) to jaw-dropping wilderness. Infrastructure is excellent, and the culture is inclusive and respectful.

Why it’s great for solo women:

• Multicultural cities where everyone is welcome
• Well-maintained national parks with ranger programs
• Reliable Greyhound/VIA Rail connections between cities
• English and French spoken — easy to communicate

6. Singapore — The Safest City on Earth

Photo by Cyrill on Pexels

Safety Rating: 9.5/10 | Budget: $60-120/day

Singapore is arguably the safest city in the world. Strict laws mean virtually zero street crime. The MRT system is spotless and runs until midnight. Hawker centers serve incredible food for $3-5.

Why it’s great for solo women:

• Walking alone at any hour is completely normal and safe
• Hawker centers are perfect for solo dining
• Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa, and Marina Bay Sands are easily explored alone
• Gateway to Southeast Asia — perfect first stop before heading to Bali, Thailand, or Vietnam

7. Denmark — Hygge for One

Safety Rating: 9/10 | Budget: $100-170/day

Copenhagen regularly ranks among the world’s happiest and safest cities. The Danish concept of “hygge” (cozy contentment) extends to solo travelers — you’ll find cozy cafes, beautiful parks, and friendly locals everywhere.

Why it’s great for solo women:

• Bike-friendly city — rent a bike and explore like a local
• Free walking tours are an excellent way to meet people
• Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, and the Little Mermaid are all walkable
• Strong safety net and social infrastructure

8. Switzerland — Precision and Peace

Safety Rating: 9/10 | Budget: $120-200/day

Switzerland runs like clockwork. Trains are never late, streets are immaculate, and the mountain scenery is life-changing. It’s expensive, but the Swiss travel pass makes getting around easy.

Why it’s great for solo women:

• World-class public transportation connects every village
• Hiking trails are exceptionally well-marked
• Mountain huts offer affordable accommodation for trekkers
• Low crime rates across the entire country

9. Ireland — Where Strangers Become Friends

Safety Rating: 8.5/10 | Budget: $60-110/day

The Irish are legendary conversationalists. Walk into any pub alone and you’ll walk out with five new friends. The country is small, the landscapes are gorgeous, and the literary culture runs deep.

Why it’s great for solo women:

• Incredibly sociable culture — you’ll never feel alone
• Compact country — you can drive coast to coast in 4 hours
• Wild Atlantic Way is one of the world’s greatest road trips
• Hostels in Dublin, Galway, and Cork have great social scenes

10. Austria — Alpine Elegance

Safety Rating: 9/10 | Budget: $70-130/day

Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck offer a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Austria is clean, efficient, and extremely safe. The classical music scene, the coffee house culture, and the alpine landscapes create an unforgettable solo experience.

Why it’s great for solo women:

• Vienna’s coffee house culture is perfect for solo contemplation
• Excellent train connections to surrounding countries
• World-class museums and galleries
• Alpine hiking in summer, skiing in winter

Safety Tips That Apply Everywhere

No matter where you travel, these universal tips will keep you safe:

1. Share your itinerary with someone at home — use Google Maps timeline or a tracking app
2. Book the first night in advance so you’re not searching for accommodation after a long flight
3. Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong, leave immediately
4. Keep digital copies of your passport, insurance, and important documents
5. Learn basic phrases in the local language — “help,” “no,” and “police” at minimum
6. Stay connected — get a local SIM or eSIM (Airalo is great) so you always have maps and communication

The Bottom Line

Solo female travel has never been safer or more accessible. These 10 countries offer the perfect combination of low crime, excellent infrastructure, and welcoming cultures. Start with whichever speaks to you — once you’ve taken that first solo trip, you’ll never look back.

The world is waiting. Go see it.