These days, a lot of young women are into the whole solo international travel thing. It’s not just the young ones, though; even retirees are getting in on the action. It’s pretty amazing to see so many women travelling alone all around the world.
In fact, according to the travel experts at Virtuoso, the number of women over 65 who travelled solo in 2022 was four times higher than in 2019.
But it’s not all carefree adventures and spontaneous decisions. Most of these solo women travellers take their safety very seriously and put in a ton of effort to plan their trips. They want to make sure they have everything sorted out to avoid any potential risks.
Here are the five safest countries solo female travellers can explore with peace of mind
If you’re a solo female traveller looking for some inspiration, here’s a list of the top five safest countries for women. These rankings are based on the Women Peace and Security Index by Georgetown University, the Global Gender Gap report by the World Economic Forum, and the Institute for Economics and Peace Index.
Slovenia
Slovenia, leading the women’s peace and security index in Central and Eastern Europe, has made remarkable strides in this realm in recent times. According to the index, an impressive 85 percent of women in Slovenia enjoy a sense of safety.
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Moreover, the nation’s public transportation system is also recognized for its commitment to ensuring a secure environment throughout the country.
Rwanda
Rwanda stands proudly as the global leader in promoting gender equality among lawmakers. 55 percent of seats in Parliament are reserved for women, giving them a significant voice in decision-making.
Beyond this achievement, Rwanda also impresses in its community safety index, securing a top position according to the Women Peace and Security Index report.
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Additionally, this African country claims the sixth spot in the respected Global Gender Gap Index, highlighting their commendable efforts in ensuring women’s active participation in economic activity, education, healthcare, and politics.
UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) currently holds the highest position in terms of women’s education and economic participation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Notably, the UAE has recently taken steps towards promoting gender equality within its Parliament.
A comprehensive study conducted in the country revealed that an impressive 98.5 percent of women aged 15 years and older feel safe walking alone in their respective cities or areas at night.
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Furthermore, Dubai, a prominent city within the UAE, has been recognized as the safest city for solo female travellers in the index compiled by Insure My Trip, a reputable travel insurance firm.
Japan
Japan is recognized as one of the safest countries worldwide, ranking among the top 10 nations according to the Global Peace Index. Crime rates here are impressively low, with hardly any violent incidents to worry about.
Japan provides exclusive amenities for female travellers, including individual subway cars, accommodations, dining options, and various activities.
Norway
Norway tops the charts in the Women’s Peace and Security Index, ranking first in women’s participation in economic matters, ensuring community safety for women, and avoiding discriminatory laws. Not only that, Norway consistently secures a spot in the top 10 list for gender equality and happiness worldwide.
