Solo female travel can be one of the most liberating and life-changing experiences. But it can also be daunting due to a pile of responsibilities, new countries and cultures with languages and customs you don’t understand, and, of course, the potential isolation. Plus, solo female travellers also have to consider safety when planning trips and picking destinations.

So, Expat Explore has narrowed down the top 8 safest destinations for solo female travellers to enjoy adventure as well as peace of mind. Read on to discover the best solo vacation spots known for their safety, captivating culture and focus on solo travel for women.

First things first, why travel solo as a woman?

• Empowerment & Community: Experience personal growth while connecting with like-minded women.
• Safety & Expert Guidance: Guided group tours offer solo female travellers safety in numbers and the guidance of an expert tour leader.
• Curated Experiences: Tailored itineraries include sightseeing and activities such as boutique shopping, cultural events, and nightlife spots that can’t be missed.

Expat Explore’s guided group tours take care of all of this for you! Simply sit back and enjoy the journey.

Take a look at the safest destinations for solo female travel to add to your bucket list:

1. Tokyo, Japan

Japan is home to one of the world’s healthiest cuisines, thanks to its fresh and top-notch ingredients. Apart from Japanese food, the capital city of Tokyo also features many historical and cultural attractions that are perfect for sightseeing, such as the Meiji Shrine and the Senso-ji Temple. Tokyo is a female solo traveller’s dream thanks to its popular shopping districts Harajuku and Ginza. Pair that with beauty treatments, quirky cafés, and local artisan workshops, and Tokyo, Japan becomes a solo female traveller’s dream.

Related: Take advantage of a free day in Tokyo on our Highlights of Japan tour.

2. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a cornucopia of adventure, nature, shopping and nightlife, making it a must-visit for solo travellers. Plus, the safety of all of these attractions means solo female travellers can explore this captivating country with peace of mind. 

From the Monteverde Cloud Forest and the active Arenal Volcano to San José’s buzzing bars and breathtaking beaches along the coast, Costa Rica is the perfect paradise for a solo female escape! Not to mention the range of adorable animals such as sloths and monkeys roaming around!

Related: Get the lowdown on Latin America before your trip.

3. Portugal

Portugal offers incredible bucket-list destinations, like the world-renowned capital city of Lisbon. From the imposing Sao Jorge Castle to the pastel colours of the old town, this city and female traveller’s paradise is home to iconic landmarks, tasty dishes, and charming locals who will make you feel right at home! 

Aside from the capital, Porto is known for chic boutiques and mesmerising markets. Plus, while in Porto, why not sample some of their top export, Port wine? Finally, not too far away from Lisbon, lies the strikingly beautiful Sintra – a town and municipality in the Greater Lisbon region known for fairytale attractions like Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira.

Related: Learn the local way of life on our Spain & Portugal Explorer tour.

4. Baltics (Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania)

With their mix of historic charm and modern marvels, the Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania should be on every solo traveller’s bucket list, especially women! From the marvellous medieval Old Town of Tallinn and Vilnius’s many churches to Riga’s massive Central Market, there’s a safe and spectacular experience for every solo female traveller in the Baltics.

Enjoy the local arts and culinary scenes, complete with Michelin-starred restaurants, innovative bars and cultural spaces that cater to an international crowd. These lesser-visited countries are well on their way to becoming some of the safest and most accessible travel destinations.

Related: Take a look at our top tours to Scandinavia & the Baltics.

5. Scandinavia (Sweden, Norway and Denmark)

The Scandinavian countries of Sweden, Norway and Denmark will welcome any female traveller with open arms. This must-visit group of countries not only boasts incredible public transport, making accessibility a breeze, but is also home to progressive, welcoming locals. 

Check out some high-end Scandinavian fashion in world cities like Stockholm and Copenhagen and enjoy the female-friendly nightlife with nuanced music scenes. Soak up Norway’s spectacular scenery in cities like Bergen and Oslo and be sure to experience the famous Norwegian Fjords!

Related: Discover why Scandinavians live in the world’s happiest countries.

6. Canada

Welcome to Canada, a land of diverse cities, striking natural landscapes and welcoming locals. Explore the expanse of Canada’s natural marvels like Niagara Falls in the safety of groups. In the cities, check out the inclusive bars and music venues for fun and safe nightlife abroad. 

Visit famous cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver for their spectacular shopping districts and fabulous female-led galleries and workshops.

Related: Explore Montreal, Toronto and Niagara Falls on an Eastern USA & Canada Escape.

7. Italy

Home of fashion, fine art and cultural festivities, Italy is another must-see country for women travelling solo. Milan, Rome and Florence are home to some of the world’s top designer fashion houses as well as a variety of mesmerising museums and ancient architecture. Relax on rooftop bars and soak up stylish streets with peace of mind in this safe and welcoming destination. 

Get a true taste of Italy through its mouth-watering cuisine and behold its beauty on breathtaking beaches, such as those along the Amalfi Coast.

Related: Learn some useful Italian travel phrases before you visit.

8. Greek Islands

Relish the sun, sea and sand of the Greek Islands, a vacation paradise and solo female traveller’s dream. Relax and explore the breathtaking islands and experience local life in a safe and inviting atmosphere. 

Bar hop between beach clubs and bars with ocean views, embark on boat tours, swim in crystal clear waters and bring back a bit of Greece with boutique stores and local crafts scattered across the island towns.

Related: Tick the Best of Greece off your bucket list on a guided group tour.

Handy safety tips:

• Do Your Research: Check reviews, scout travel groups, and get local insights on blogs and forums.
• Stay Connected: Let someone trusted know where you’re travelling and keep emergency contacts at hand.
• Respect Dress Codes: Dress appropriately, be aware of cultural norms and learn some basic local phrases.
• Use Trusted Providers: Opt for accommodations and transport known for safety and reliability. 

That wraps up our list of the safest cities for solo female travellers! Are you feeling more confident to add these incredible solo female travel destinations to your bucket list?

---

Join a guided group tour to any of the destinations on our list and benefit from expertly-curated itineraries and family-style, like-minded travel groups. Make a booking now to embark on a memorable solo travel experience with us!