I’ve been a solo female traveler for many years now, and honestly, it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Sometimes it’s the only option if you can’t round up your group of friends. The best part is that if you try to integrate with other travelers, you won’t even feel like you’re traveling solo. I try to do group tours, cooking classes, or other activities that help me stay connected with others.
If you’ve been on the fence about traveling solo, I hope this list helps you take the next step.
Below are some of the best countries for solo female travelers, based on safety rankings, accessibility, and some of my personal travel experiences.
🇯🇵 Japan
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, and it absolutely lives up to the hype. I only had 24 hours in Tokyo, but I managed to navigate the subway, eat my way through the city (with absolutely no idea what half of it was), and still feel completely at ease the entire time. I’m already planning a longer trip to explore beyond Tokyo.
Why it’s great
- Extremely low crime rates
- Efficient public transportation
- Clean and organized cities
- Respectful culture
Best places to visit
- Tokyo – vibrant neighborhoods and endless food
- Kyoto – temples, gardens, and traditional culture
- Osaka – amazing street food and nightlife
Solo travel tip: Many restaurants offer counter seating, making it comfortable to dine alone.
🇮🇸 Iceland
Iceland was one of those trips that immediately made me want to book a return flight. I spent 5 days there, not nearly enough, and went at the end of September, which gave me just enough daylight to explore Reykjavík and get out into the landscape. Almost everyone speaks English, so communication was never an issue. If driving on the left side feels daunting, day tours are a great alternative and, honestly, a lot of fun.
Why it’s great
- Very low crime rates
- Friendly, English-speaking locals
- Incredible nature and landscapes
- Easy to navigate
Best experiences
- The Golden Circle route
- Northern lights viewing
- Waterfall and glacier tours
- Road trips along the Ring Road
Solo travel tip: Renting a car makes exploring the country much easier.
🇵🇹 Portugal
I haven’t made it to Portugal yet, but it’s been near the top of my list for a while now, and everything I’ve heard from other travelers makes it sound like a perfect solo destination.
Why it’s great
- Friendly locals
- Excellent public transportation
- Walkable historic cities
- Affordable compared to other European destinations
Best places to visit
- Lisbon – charming streets and viewpoints
- Porto – beautiful riverside city
- Algarve – dramatic cliffs and beaches
Solo travel tip: Stay in central neighborhoods like Alfama or Baixa to easily explore on foot.
🇳🇿 New Zealand
New Zealand is another one I haven’t experienced firsthand yet, but it consistently comes up in conversations with other solo travelers as an absolute must. The combination of safety, English-speaking locals, and jaw-dropping scenery makes it hard to argue with.
Why it’s great
- Very safe country
- Strong backpacker infrastructure
- Incredible outdoor activities
- English-speaking environment
Top destinations
- Queenstown – adventure capital of the world
- Milford Sound – dramatic fjords and waterfalls
- Rotorua – geothermal landscapes and Māori culture
Solo travel tip: Many travelers explore by campervan.
🇨🇦 Canada
Canada is one of those places that keeps pulling me back. I’ve been to Vancouver a few times and made it to Montreal once, and both cities felt incredibly easy to navigate solo. If you’re in Vancouver, don’t skip a water tour; it’s a completely different way to see the city.
Why it’s great
- High safety rankings
- Friendly and diverse culture
- Excellent public transportation in major cities
- Beautiful national parks
Best places to visit
- Vancouver – mountains and ocean in one city
- Banff National Park – turquoise lakes and alpine scenery
- Quebec City – European-style charm
Solo travel tip: National parks like Banff and Jasper are perfect for guided tours if traveling alone.
🇪🇸 Spain
Spain combines culture, food, and lively cities that are easy to explore independently. This was one of my first solo travel spots over 10 years ago. I started in Barcelona and then hopped over to Madrid for a few days. I’m really hoping to check out Seville at some point.
Why it’s great
- Walkable historic centers
- Vibrant café culture
- Late-night dining and social atmosphere
- Strong tourism infrastructure
Best destinations
- Barcelona – architecture and beaches
- Seville – flamenco and historic plazas
- Granada – the stunning Alhambra palace
Solo travel tip: Join small walking tours or food tours to meet other travelers.