Many women want to travel alone and the feeling is potent. It is a vocation to know not only the world around, but the shapes of personal power, ingenuity, and self reliance. It is the opportunity to program yourself, to go at your own speed, to be blissfully selfish with your time, and to touch new regions and other people devoid the prism of someone other than yourself. However, to each woman who foresees that happiness, there is usually a chorus of doubting voices, on the inside and outside, that tend to meet her, with the question, ouch is it safe? This is a question filled with both legitimate concern and social predispositions towards suspicion and caution and sometimes this question can manifest itself in the form of a barrier, an obstacle between the dream of exploring alone and the act of buying a ticket. The thing is that the world is much open, welcoming, and manageable as we are made to think and there are so many places to go which could provide a woman traveling alone not only with feeling safe, but the way it could truly make her feel, extremely and miraculously free.
Entering a world map of possibilities is exciting but it is imperative to first know what safe really entails when speaking about the life of a solo female traveler. It goes much further than mere low crime figures, though that, of course, is also a crucial starting point. An even safer place would be where a woman feels safe and not intimidated in the street, whether in the day or night time. It is a city that has stable and navigable mass transportation, where-by one can easily and stress-free move. It is a society, which has an extremely high level of gender equality, women being a visible respected component of everyday society. More so, a very well developed tourist infrastructure, some measure of political stability, and an overall culture of being helpful to visitors all aide in this all round feeling of security. Safety thus has nothing to do with a lack of danger, but a kind of freedom: a freedom to walk, stroll around, get temporarily lost and experience the world not with fear.
It can be hardly imagined that a destination can have a more comprehensive sense of security than Iceland. It has always been present at the lead position within the Global Peace Index, so exploring this country alone in the context of Nordic island nations would present a magnificent background. The terrain alone is out of this world, a spectacular backdrop that consists of tumbling waterfall, huge glacors, steamy geothermal areas, and black sand beaches. The security is noticeable; crimes here are very unlikely, and there is a strong culture of trust and neighborhood. This means as a solo traveler, you liberate yourself to freely explore your confidence. A well-known way of exploring the country is car renting and driving the famous Ring Road, as there are resplendent views every bend and meter of the way. The tourist infrastructure is great and since the economy is so much focused on tourism English is almost a universal language. There is an opportunity to participate in a group tour to see a glacier or the ice cave, meeting other tourists, and then get back to the deep silence of the trip to the Westfjords. It is a land of the key event of nature and its rugged, magnificent beauty provokes reflection and the feeling of potential ability of the self.
Our Odyssey carries on eastward around the globe; to the other side, to another cosy little cradle of independent travelers and adventure seekers; New Zealand. New Zealand is just as famous as Iceland due to mind-blowing natural beauty and an extremely low crime rate. But the beauty of Iceland is stark, volcanic; that of New Zealand is soft, green and extremely varied, subtropical beaches or the North Island opposite to magnificent fjords and snowcapped Southern Alps of the South Island. There is no better distinction of New Zealand of course, as it is highly commendable of the New Zealanders, the Kiwis as they are fondly called, who are very easy-going, greeting persons, and helpful. This makes it such that a lone woman would not feel very lonely unless she wants to. It is so very easy to befriend fellow backpackers and campers in a van all around the world, the country has a well worn and very safe backpacker and campervan trail. Be it bungee jumping in Queenstown, tramping the challenging Tongariro Alpine Crossing or kayaking by the still waters of Abel Tasman National Park, you find yourself immersed in a network of tourism provisions that are not only supportive, but also strong enough to aid you in coordinating your plans without any hitch.
To anyone who rebelliously wants to touch the same communion with the outside world yet in their own inimitably European version the wood and lakes of Finland promise an overwhelming feeling of peace and safety. Like its Scandinavian neighbors, Finland also has a lot of social stability, little crime and a strong regard about gender equality. This is the land with culturally apreserved subjective space and moments of engaging silence that is a very comfortable land to visit on your own. Its public transport is the epitome of efficiency as you can zoom up easy as you want via the busy forward thinking capital of Helsinki to the peaceful lakeland of the interiors or the magic winter wonderland of Lapland. In Lapland, you have an opportunity to achieve a one-man mission to see the Aurora Borealis, Husky safari, or just spend time in an empty snow-covered forest. One empowering and unusual feature of the Finnish culture is a right of the people known as the right of every man (in Finnish: The right of Everyman), whereby one has the ability to roam freely in nature, to pick berries and mushrooms, irrespective of who is the owner of the land. This philosophy produces a sense of utter trust and relationship to the natural environment, and Finland is the right place to go to a woman who wants to be alone, feel safe, and tasted the magic of the north.
Transiting between the serene silence of Nordic prairies to a living buzz of a megacity, Japan is a rather interesting, and, arguably, a surprising option when it comes to the safest countries to travel alone. Security in Japan is at another stage given the fact that the culture shows utmost respect, honesty and harmony in groups. The crime rates are outrageously low and one can even leave his/her wallet on the table in order to save a place at the cafe with no fear that it will ever be taken, a sign that people are trusting each other. As a single girl, that implies you can continue the exploration of the immense capital city of Tokyo or the temples of the old Kyoto until late at night with the experience of full security. Easy to move around the country, the public transport, especially the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) is an aspect of marvel, with very good sense of timing and efficiency. The language barrier may be intimidating, but rest assured that the locals are very polite and will in most cases go an extra mile to assist you, including using translation apps or even taking you all the way to where you want to. I propose Japan, a single trip in the realm of unusual opposites: the bygone and the hi-tech world, the peaceful gardening and the hot metropolis, and the chance to be unrecognizable and fully secure at the same time, in the crowd of millions of people.
Whereas Japan can provide the feeling of safety in the form of the structure and reservedness of Japanese society, another form of warmth and security is the welcoming rays of the sun and the Portuguese aura. Portugal is an ideal destination to visit once a woman is attracted by safe, cheap and culturally rich European experience. Violent crime is minimal and the country has a laid back and friendly environment. And there is much more variety in Portuguese experiences: Lisbon is full of charming and romantic, tram-filled hills, Porto is a romantic, port-wine-soaked city, and the Algarve has some of the finest golden beaches. The territory can be called rather small and travelling is easy with good train and bus transportation. The people are very friendly and welcoming and the English is widely spoken in the tourist regions. Being a solo traveler, you will feel free to spend your days going to historic castles, tasting tasty local food (fresh seafood and pasties de nata are the things you will definitely have to taste), and your evenings listening to soulful melodies of Fado music in the small tavern in Lisbon. The country is historic and lively at the same time and due to its reduced size and friendly atmosphere, it is perfect as a first-time solo travel destination.
To the adventuring soul that wants to get wholesome slice of the foreign (and dip in nature), Costa Rica is a travel landmark in Central America. The country motto the pure life, Pura Vida is not a saying but rather a philosophy which has filled society with a touch of relaxed serene positive thinking. Costa Rica is very stable in political errands, it does not have an army, and has poured much into education and environmental conservation. This has made tourists to feel free and comfortable. It is a trailblazer in ecotourism and has a well-developed network of ecotourism lodge, national parks and tour operators, all of which allow a lone traveller to have lots of fun with the amazing biodiversity. You may do a walk in the rain forest at night with a group of people or you may take a yoga lesson at a healthy house or you learn to surf in the Pacific gentle waters. There are simply standard precautions you should apply wherever you are; however, Costa Rica remains an easy point of entry to the wild scenes of the Latin America and proves that you can still find both exciting downpour of wildlife and a safe environment in one.
Small country Slovenia is hidden in the heart of Europe where there is a wide array of experiences within this small, exceptionally safe package that is crammed with an amazing range of terrains. Its more renowned northern and southern neighbors, Italy, Austria and Croatia stealing much of the limelight, Slovenia is a nature lover and people-hater paradise where the solo traveler will want to spend a lot of time. Slovenia is pristine with high regard for sustainability and its capital city Ljubljana is possibly among the most sustainably green and most appealing cities of Europe. The central area is also barely pedestrian, which makes it a pleasure to walk around the city or ride a bicycle. Crime rates are so low and the country is so safe and orderly. From Ljubljana, the entire country is within easy reach. It is possible to visit the fairytale world of Lake Bled and its island church, the astonishing platland of the Julian Alps in Triglav National Park and even stick your toes in the Adriatic Sea in the beautiful coastal town of Piran during a day. Slovenia affordable, efficient and incredibly beautiful, with all the grandeur of the Alps, the charms of Central Europe, and a discovery that is more difficult in more popular destinations.
Naturally, the path to the safe visit does not rest only on the destination, but on the attitude of the traveler and on his ways. Regardless of the place you visit, there are several general rules that can help you to be a much safer and more confidence person. Intuition is the strongest item in the arsenal of a traveler. When a situation or a person feels wrong, then it most likely is. Believe that feeling and get out of the situation without being concerned with having to be polite. Preparation is also key. One is always advised to tell someone at home about his itinerary and keep in touch. The pressure that you become stressed when Iraq in that new place will be dealt with by ensuring that you have booked your place of stay, at least one night. As soon as you get there, a local SIM card or an eSIM can give you uninterrupted internet and access to the maps and information. You could learn at least to say such simple things in the local language as a greeting, a thank you, and an excuse me, and this can help a ton in establishing a positive relationship.
Furthermore, practicing situational awareness is crucial. Be wise on where you keep what you carry in busy areas and you should not wear such items as flashy jewelry or wads of money. Although it is great to be open and friendly, caution must be taken not to over-pollute persons with too much personal information, e.g. where to stay in case of strangers. One should also be conscious, sensitive to local cultures especially procedures of dressing in religious places. Having a portable charger, a mini first-aid kit, digital and physical copies of your essential documents are some of the easy things to do that can turn masses in regards to your peace of mind. The fixed habits are not intended to point towards intimidation, however, they develop a system of readiness so that you can sleep calmly and get completely into the thrill of your experience.
Solo traveling as a woman is a political statement, an act of independence, a large investment in oneself. It is concerning being proven that you can operate within the world in your own way, resolve your own issues, and be your best friend. These destinations are simply meant to be the beginning of the exploration, and the destinations that have been selected are simply a starting point, and they have been selected because they present a blank canvas of this sort of development, where the bass hum of worry can be turned down, and the melody of the world can be heard. These destinations are places of solitude and exploration though they are a motivating example of safety and excitement not to be mutually exclusive; as Iceland with its glaciers designed the topography of the forested Costa Rica to the organized cities and the coast of Portugal which has a sunny climate. The world is waiting with open arms. The trick is to study things, listen to your heart, and to just step out of the door that first time. The individual who comes back will not always remain the same one who went away.
To set forth alone as a woman is a political statement and a proclamation of independence, and a serious investment in your own self. It is the matter of showing that you are capable of living in the world according to your own rules, resolving your own issues, and being your own best friend. These destinations are only the first example, due to them being a soil on which this type of growth can be achieved because this is where the continuous chatter of fear can be diminished and the loud sounds of the world can take its place. Whether in the glaciers of Iceland, on the rainforests of Costa Rica, on the well-organized streets of Japan, or the sunny coast of Portugal, they all prove that safety and adventure are not opposed to each other.
These two countries provide the listener with the epic, panoramic adventure, but the desire to travel alone also might be fulfilled during a long weekend, in the dense force of one, glowing metropolis. A week in a city is, indeed, a great way to get acquainted with traveling on your own, as in the city you will be safe and within the four walls but able to have access to culture, gastronomy, and experiences beyond measure. A prime example is Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. This city is a masterclass in civilized urban living. It is very safe, clean, and hugely easy to move through especially by bicycle, which is the most common way of transport among people. Spreading onto the air is the culture of hygge, which is the feeling of coziness and contentment that establish the atmosphere of inviting surroundings. Alone, you are free to peruse the best design museums in the world, poke around the colourful Nyhavn harbour and try the best pastries as you walk about this city feeling entirely comfortable. The size of the city is compact, and it is small enough that it does not feel cumbersome to navigate around, the right place to gain confidence as a solo traveler.
Traveling back to urban areas, we can now jump to the other side of the world to one of those cities that is almost a mirror of Hygge Copenhagen but with a different source of energy type, however, still the same strong source of comfort: The city of Taipei, Taiwan. It is one of the most well-kept secrets of the Asian continent as well as a paradise of female solo travelers. The society is built on safety and the rate of crime is extremely low whereas people are known to be polite, friendly, and honest. The true joy of Taipei is its accessibility. MRT is an example of efficiency and clarity: signs and notifications appear in English, and it is no trouble to get to know each corner of the metropolis. There is also a food paradise, where a lone diner will love to go to those busy night markets, such as Shilin or Raohe where you can casually stroll amongst the vendor stalls, and there you can taste dozens of mouthwatering little morsels and just end up spending only a couple of dollars. It is the city where the temples that date back to the ancient times are located harmoniously next to the architectural marvels of the modern era, such as Taipei 101, and where you can flee the city rush to take a walk in the nearby Yangmingshan National Park. The city of Taipei is a unique area that allows people to be safe, cheap, and cultured at the same time.
Dublin, Ireland, is a fantastic choice in case you want to experience legendary European hospitality and a place where you can hardly stay alone longer than a day. It is a warm and convivial city and this spirit is one of the ideas summed up in the term craic which means rollicking good time and companionable talk. At the same time, as an English-speaking, solo traveler you can find yourself engaged in a chat with a nice local or another traveler within minutes of walking into any of the traditional pubs in the city and ordering yourself a pint of Guinness. The city is a small, manageable place to walk which boasts a literary tradition, lovely Georgian houses and an upbeat youthful atmosphere. You will have the time to see Trinity College and the Book of Kells, mystify yourself with St. Stephen Green, and you will hear the performance of live traditional folk-music, which comes out of doors of pubs, Temple Bar area. The social aspect of Irish culture is part and parcel of the culture itself, offering a kind of security blanket, the sense that you belong and that anything, or at the very least a good conversation, is not too far off.
The last urban candidate that is high with modernity but rich with tradition is Seoul, South Korea. South Korea, just like Japan, is very safe to a lone woman since it has very low crime rates and you are treated with great respect. Seoul is a city that never sleeps, you can experience everything in it and it is huge in its possibilities. It is possible to wake up in the morning and enjoy the peaceful beauty of Gyeongbokgung Palace, spend the afternoon enjoying the awesome cafe culture of the city, and have an evening out experiencing the lively young spirit of an area such as Hongdae. The underground metro network is huge, fast and accessible. The city is the exact place which is a paradise to the skincare enthusiasts as well as the foodies as well, nowhere to go, hundreds of shops and restaurants to visit. As a solo traveler, you will find it exciting because most of the operations are done independently, including visiting the serene temples and a vibrant street-food tour, and the experience of blending high-tech convenience and personal security.
There are whole regions of the world that can be quite approachable and safe too as a single woman and even some that are not as unattainable as it would appear. The best illustration is the case of Vietnam, which has a safe and well-built tourism route. A visit to this town needs some element of decisiveness and care of the environment, especially when dealing with traffic and petty crimes such as bag snatching, but the rewards are very high. This networking element comes through as a large community of people take up backpacking and traveling and therefore feel the unity of experience. The magical lantern lit ancient town of a town such as Hoi An, with its unbelievable tailor shops, and leisurely pace of life, makes the perfect starting point. You may attend a cooking course, ride bicycle across rice-fields or just just relax by the river and watch the world go by. The crazy Old Quarter of the gorgeous capital of Hanoi is an overload to all your senses, and the amazing culture of street food is the reason to leave your friends alone and enjoy it all by yourself as you will be able to take a seat on a small plastic stool and taste such favorites of the locals as pho and bun cha. Solo traveling in Vietnam helps you learn how to be resilient and adapt to new conditions in the environment of overall safety and unbelievable cultural diversity.
But the map of safe destinations is not the only part. The other half of the journey unfolds within you. It is a path of discovering how to find the paths in the land of your own feelings, how not to be lonely a couple of times, how to reach the skies of new kind of confidence. The fear of loneliness is probably the most widespread one, which concerns the solo travel and is entitled to exist. You will feel like you need someone to share it with, at some point, perhaps when you watch a beautiful sunset or a nice meal. The trick is to accept this feeling and not allow it to overtake you. There are many strategies for fostering connection. There is an option to live in a social hostel with a shared place, and that is one of the quickest means to meet others. A day tour in a small group, a cooking course or a free walking tour can also be a wonderful way of spending some time together with strangers.
However, one of the best ways in which a single trip within solo travel can instill an untouchable intrinsic self-reliance is learning to deal with loneliness and even derive power out of it. It teaches one how to make of oneself the best company possible, how to trust oneself, how to find contentment in one own observations. Some of the most important ideas can be hit at these silent moments when one sits in a cafe in Paris with only a notebook to have the company, or hikes somewhere in New Zealand with the sound of his breathing, or lies in a temple in Japan and watching how the world wakes up. You come to realize that there is the difference between being alone and lonely. It is the freedom, a chance to communicate with your environment and with yourself without any barriers.
Naturally, this process of the self occurs not only internally in the sense of learning to display an outward face of confidence, which becomes a safety net in itself. It is unfortunate that trying to walk in the world as a woman may often have to do with unwanted stares. The best defense is a proactive offense of confidence. Be focused, walk upright and maintain eye contact. Such a body language will indicate that you know what is happening around you as you are not a soft target. Another important thing is to get rid of a habit to be always polite. And when someone is uncomfortable with you, you do not have to give him a smile or a soft rejection. An emphatic negative in the native language, an awkward and stubborn turn, and a walk away towards a public area in a decisive manner is completely hypothetically acceptable and a powerful action. Do not fear to be a rude person when it comes to your safety. Small decoys, such as wearing a simple band on the ring finger, are also useful to many tantric tourists: in more conservative societies, it may be a barrier to unwanted physical attention.
This is all about the realities of taking care of yourself financially and in terms of health as well in the stress-free trip. The time-old wisdom of separating your money and cards around is still golden. Carry a day supply of money in a pocket, put your backup cards and larger sums of money in a secure belt that is around the waist or the ones in your suitcase that are in lockers in your hostel. Let your bank know about your travel dates so they would not freeze your cards, and look into a special travel card with more favorable exchange rates and keeping more money safe. Health-wise, always travel with comprehensive travel insurance—it is non-negotiable. Assemble the smallest and most personalized version of a first-aid kit bearing the prescription medications you require while carrying the basics such as pain relievers, antiseptic wipes, and blister plasters. When you are aware that you can help yourself with minor financial or health problems on your own, it is a great confidence boost.
Lastly, it is only at the end of the trip that you have stepped into an aircraft plane back home that the journey of a solo traveler is over. A readjustment is usually evidenced, a sort of reverse culture shock, as you integrate back to your everyday life. All these sensations you get when you travel can start feeling dull when you get back to the world back home and you might find the internal changes you underwent hard to express to your friends and family that did not have the same trip as you. Be gentle with yourself during this time. Give yourself space to process your experiences. To fill in the gap, you can do journaling, navigate through your photos, or even interact with other travelers through the Internet. It is the most significant thing, really, to understand that the resilience, problem-solving, self-sufficient nature, and open-mindedness to the world which you have acquired do not stay in your suitcase. You can no longer do without them.
When you opt to view the world by oneself you opt to believe in its goodness and most importantly you opt to believe in yourself. It is a courageous act which is compensated by a thousandfold with each new sunrise seen, each new flavour tasted and each small obstacle adapted. The places listed here, the cities of Europe, the shores of Asia, are only points of departure, haven where you can start on your own great adventure. The real place you are going is a better, more competent and more worldly you. The world is a big place and not a scary place as you might have been made to assume. It is full of good people, stunning beauty and infinite possibilities to connect. Then just research, pack your bag and follow your instinct and go. A world full of adventure awaits as also a new version of you.
