Global Rankings
Combined rankings based on the WPS Index 2025/26 (Women, Peace & Security Index — Georgetown PRIO), the Riskline Female Traveller Risk Map 2026, and the Global Peace Index 2025 (IEP). These three indices provide a comprehensive picture of safety for solo female travellers.
| # | Country | Safety Tier | WPS Index | GPI Rank | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🇮🇶Iceland | Safest | #1 | #1 | First solo trip, nature |
| 2 | 🇵🇪New Zealand | Safest | #4 | #2 | Outdoors, hiking |
| 3 | 🇧🇾Norway | Safest | #2 | #18 | Nature, fjords, hiking |
| 4 | 🇩🇪Finland | Safest | #3 | #13 | Lapland, design |
| 5 | 🇩🇨Denmark | Safest | #5 | #4 | City breaks, hygge |
| 6 | 🇯🇵Japan | Safest | top 10 | #6 | Culture, solo dining |
| 7 | 🇨🇦Canada | Very Safe | top 10 | #12 | Nature, backpacking |
| 8 | 🇦🇩Netherlands | Safest | #6 | #10 | Cycling, culture |
| 9 | 🇸🇪Switzerland | Very Safe | #7 | #9 | Alps, trains |
| 10 | 🇮🇪Ireland | Very Safe | #8 | #3 | Pub culture, coasts |
| 11 | 🇸🇴Singapore | Safest | top 15 | #7 | City stopover, food |
| 12 | 🇸🇪Sweden | Very Safe | #9 | #27 | Design, archipelago |
| 13 | 🇦🇹Austria | Very Safe | #11 | #5 | Music, Alps |
| 14 | 🇦🇺Australia | Very Safe | top 15 | #19 | Backpacking, nature |
| 15 | 🇬🇧Germany | Very Safe | #10 | #15 | History, nightlife |
| 16 | 🇪🇸Spain | Very Safe | #12 | #21 | Food, beaches |
| 17 | 🇵🇩Portugal | Very Safe | #13 | #8 | Budget, beaches |
| 18 | 🇬🇧United Kingdom | Very Safe | #14 | #30 | Culture, pub culture |
| 19 | 🇰🇫South Korea | Very Safe | top 20 | #42 | Food, tech, beauty |
| 20 | 🇺🇸United States | Very Safe | top 20 | #130 | Road trips, NPs |
| 21 | 🇹🇭Thailand | Very Safe | top 30 | #78 | Budget, beaches |
| 22 | 🇩🇱France | Safe | #15 | #64 | Museums, food |
| 23 | 🇮🇹Italy | Safe | #16 | #36 | History, cuisine |
| 24 | 🇯🇭Malaysia | Very Safe | top 30 | #23 | Food, culture |
| 25 | 🇨🇷Czech Republic | Safe | #18 | #11 | Budget, architecture |
| 26 | 🇵🇱Poland | Safe | #19 | #24 | History, budget |
| 27 | 🇪🇸Costa Rica | Safe | top 30 | #39 | Nature, wildlife |
| 28 | 🇳🇱Vietnam | Safe | top 35 | #45 | Budget, food |
| 29 | 🇵🇭Taiwan | Safe | top 25 | #46 | Night markets |
| 30 | 🇻🇴Uruguay | Safe | top 25 | #52 | Beach, relaxation |
| 31 | 🇨🇱Chile | Safe | top 30 | #55 | Patagonia, wine |
| 32 | 🇦🇷Argentina | Safe | top 35 | #58 | Tango, Patagonia |
| 33 | 🇭🇺Greece | Safe | #17 | #40 | Islands, history |
| 34 | 🇭🇵Croatia | Safe | #17 | #14 | Coast, islands |
| 35 | 🇮🇩Indonesia | Safe | top 40 | #51 | Bali, temples |
| 36 | 🇲🇮Namibia | Safe | top 40 | #62 | Safari, landscapes |
| 37 | 🇯🇴Jordan | Safe | top 45 | #53 | Petra, history |
| 38 | 🇲🇽Mexico | Moderate | top 50 | #132 | Food, culture |
| 39 | 🇲🇵Morocco | Moderate | top 55 | #67 | Medinas, desert |
| 40 | 🇵🇪South Africa | Moderate | top 60 | #100 | Wildlife, scenery |
| 41 | 🇪🇬Egypt | Moderate | top 60 | #109 | Ancient sites |
| 42 | 🇨🇳United Arab Emirates | Very Safe | top 25 | #38 | Dubai, luxury travel |
| 43 | 🇨🇳China | Safe | #89 | #98 | Culture, cities |
| 44 | 🇧🇷Brazil | Safe | top 55 | #128 | Nature, beaches |
| 45 | 🇵🇪Peru | Safe | top 55 | #103 | Machu Picchu, hiking |
| 46 | 🇵🇪Panama | Safe | top 45 | #50 | Transit, nature |
| 47 | 🇰🇭Cambodia | Safe | top 55 | #69 | Angkor Wat |
| 48 | 🇱🇦Laos | Safe | top 50 | #34 | Slow travel, nature |
| 49 | 🇵🇭Philippines | Moderate | #131 | #105 | Islands, diving |
| 50 | 🇪🇳Barbados | Safe | top 40 | #22 | Beach, Caribbean |
| 51 | 🇲🇪Madagascar | Safe | top 65 | #56 | Wildlife, adventure |
| 52 | 🇮🇳India | Moderate | top 60 | #126 | Culture, spirituality |
| 52 | 🇹🇷Turkey | Moderate | top 55 | #147 | History, bazaars |
| 53 | 🇨🇴Colombia | Moderate | top 60 | #142 | Medellín, coffee |
| 54 | 🇨🇺Cuba | Moderate | top 55 | #87 | Colonial cities |
| 55 | 🇸🇦Saudi Arabia | Moderate | #63 | #90 | AlUla, cultural sites |
| 56 | 🇯🇲Jamaica | Moderate | #79 | #93 | Resorts, beaches |
| 57 | 🇮🇱Israel | Moderate | #84 | #155 | Tel Aviv (check conditions) |
| 58 | 🇹🇿Tanzania | Moderate | #121 | ~#110 | Zanzibar, safaris |
| 59 | 🇰🇪Kenya | Moderate | #152 | #127 | Safaris (organised only) |
How to use this guide. Ratings are based on nationally aggregated data — your experience may vary by region, city, and neighbourhood. Always research your specific destination, join local female traveller groups (Facebook: “Solo Female Travelers”, “Host A Sister”), and trust your instincts. The “Safest” tier means incident rates are among the lowest in the world, but no destination is 100% risk-free.
Europe
Europe dominates the upper tier of female travel safety. Nordic countries consistently rank #1 globally across all major indices. Southern and Eastern Europe are also safe, though street harassment and scams are more common in tourist-heavy areas.
🟢 Safest in the World
🇮🇶IcelandSafest
The safest country on earth for solo female travellers. Extremely low crime, progressive gender equality, and a strong culture of respect. The ðo! app connects women in emergency situations. Reykjavik is safe to walk alone at any hour.
Top cities: Reykjavik, Akureyri, þingvellir area
WPS #1 · GPI #1 · Riskline Safest
🇧🇾NorwaySafest
Excellent public transport, widespread English fluency, and low crime. The allemannsretten (right to roam) means safe, well-marked hiking even for solo women. Female-only carriages on some trains. Bergen and Tromsø are especially welcoming.
Top cities: Oslo, Bergen, Tromsø, Stavanger
WPS #2 · GPI #18 · Riskline Safest
🇩🇪FinlandSafest
World-leading gender equality (consistently top 3 in WEF rankings). Excellent public safety record. Public transport works well and is safe even late at night. Helsinki's well-lit streets and 24/7 public transport make solo exploration easy.
Top cities: Helsinki, Turku, Rovaniemi (Lapland)
WPS #3 · GPI #13 · Riskline Safest
🇩🇨DenmarkSafest
Consistently among the top 5 safest countries. Copenhagen is exceptionally safe, with excellent cycling infrastructure and well-lit public spaces. High trust society — locals leave babies in prams outside cafes. Solo women feel comfortable everywhere.
Top cities: Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense
WPS #4 · GPI #4 · Riskline Safest
🇦🇩NetherlandsSafest
One of the safest countries globally with strong gender equality laws and progressive social attitudes. Amsterdam is well-policed and safe, though watch for bike traffic. English is near-universal — easy to navigate and get help if needed.
Top cities: Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam, Leiden
WPS #5 · GPI #10 · Riskline Safest
🔵 Very Safe
🇸🇪SwedenVery Safe
Exemplary gender equality and a strong culture of respect. Most Swedes speak excellent English. Public transport is safe and reliable. Some caution advised in certain Malmö and Stockholm suburbs at night, but overall extremely safe.
Top cities: Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö
WPS #6 · GPI #27 · Riskline Safest
🇹🇷SwitzerlandVery Safe
Low crime, excellent infrastructure, and a safe public transport system that runs like clockwork. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. Zurich and Lucerne feel safe even late at night. Some catcalling in larger cities but minimal.
Top cities: Zurich, Lucerne, Geneva, Interlaken
WPS #7 · GPI #9 · Riskline Safest
🇮🇪IrelandVery Safe
Consistently ranked in the top 10 safest countries. Warm and helpful locals, excellent pub culture that's welcoming to solo women. Dublin is safe by global standards — watch for pickpockets in tourist areas. The west coast is exceptionally safe.
Top cities: Dublin, Galway, Cork, Dingle
WPS #8 · GPI #3 · Riskline Safest
🇬🇧GermanyVery Safe
Strong rule of law, excellent infrastructure, and high English proficiency in cities. The “Women's parking spaces” and “Women-only compartments” on some trains show institutional awareness of safety. Berlin's nightlife is well-policed.
Top cities: Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne
WPS #9 · GPI #15 · Riskline Safest
🇦🇱United KingdomVery Safe
Safe for solo female travellers by global standards. Major cities are well-policed with good public transport. Excellent resources like the “Ask for Angela” scheme in pubs. Pickpocketing in central London is the main risk — violent crime against tourists is rare.
Top cities: London, Edinburgh, Bath, Cornwall
WPS #10 · GPI #30 · Riskline Safest
🇦🇹AustriaVery Safe
Low crime rates, excellent public transit, and a strong safety culture. Vienna consistently ranks as one of the world's most liveable and safest cities. The Alpine regions are very safe for solo female hikers — well-marked trails and reliable mountain rescue.
Top cities: Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck
WPS #11 · GPI #5 · Riskline Safest
🇪🇸SpainVery Safe
One of the safest Mediterranean countries. Strong social culture that welcomes solo women. Tourist infrastructure is excellent. The main risk is pickpocketing in Barcelona and Madrid — keep valuables secured. Nightlife areas are well-policed.
Top cities: Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Valencia
WPS #12 · GPI #21 · Riskline Safe
🇵🇩PortugalVery Safe
Consistently rated one of the safest countries in the world. Extremely low violent crime. Lisbon and Porto are safe to walk alone at night. Excellent solo-travel infrastructure with hostels, group tours, and friendly locals. The Algarve is a top solo beach destination.
Top cities: Lisbon, Porto, Algarve coast
WPS #13 · GPI #8 · Riskline Safe
🟡 Safe — Normal Precautions
🇩🇱FranceSafe
Safe overall but Paris has elevated street harassment and pickpocketing. Avoid poorly lit areas alone at night. The metro requires extra vigilance with bags. Smaller cities like Lyon, Bordeaux, and Nice are more relaxed. Many museums offer women-only hours.
Top cities: Paris, Lyon, Nice, Bordeaux
WPS #14 · GPI #64 · Riskline Safe
🇮🇹ItalySafe
Popular for solo female travellers but street harassment (especially catcalling) is common. Violent crime is low. Watch for scooters snatching bags in Rome and Naples. Stick to well-lit streets at night in city centres. Southern Italy requires more caution.
Top cities: Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, Cinque Terre
WPS #15 · GPI #36 · Riskline Safe
🇭🇺GreeceSafe
Very safe for solo female travellers with excellent tourist infrastructure. The islands are particularly welcoming — strong community vibe makes solo dining and exploring easy. Athens has pickpocketing on the metro but low violent crime. Some catcalling in tourist zones.
Top cities: Athens, Santorini, Crete, Naxos
WPS #16 · GPI #40 · Riskline Safe
🇭🇵CroatiaSafe
Increasingly popular for solo women, especially Dubrovnik and the Dalmatian coast. Very safe by global standards. English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Public transport along the coast is reliable. Watch for uneven streets in Old Town during rain.
Top cities: Dubrovnik, Split, Zagreb, Hvar
WPS #17 · GPI #14 · Riskline Safe
🇨🇷Czech RepublicSafe
Safe and affordable for solo female travellers. Prague is well-policed and popular with solo women. The main risks are pickpocketing on trams and scams aimed at tourists rather than personal safety. Excellent hostel culture for meeting other travellers.
Top cities: Prague, Český Krumlov, Brno
WPS #18 · GPI #11 · Riskline Safe
🇵🇱PolandSafe
Safe with low violent crime rates. Krakow and Warsaw are well-policed and welcoming. Excellent value for solo travellers. The main challenges are conservative attitudes in rural areas — major cities are progressive and English-friendly. Good train network.
Top cities: Krakow, Warsaw, Gdansk, Wroclaw
WPS #19 · GPI #24 · Riskline Safe
✅ All Clear
Also safe for solo women. Belgium, Hungary, Slovenia, Slovakia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Greenland, and Madeira all fall into the “Safe — Normal Precautions” tier. Greenland is exceptionally safe but remote — always plan excursions through registered operators. Madeira is a popular solo hiking destination with excellent safety. Standard travel safety applies — watch for pickpockets in busy tourist zones.
Asia & Oceania
Asia and Oceania span the full safety spectrum. Japan, New Zealand, and Singapore rank alongside Nordic countries for female safety, while parts of South Asia require more caution. Southeast Asia is generally safe but street harassment varies by country.
🟢 Safest in the World
Arguably the safest country in Asia for solo female travellers. Extremely low crime, women-only train carriages, and a culture of respect. Lost items are routinely returned. Solo dining is the norm with counter seating everywhere. 24-hour convenience stores are ubiquitous and safe.
Top cities: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hakone
WPS top 10 · GPI #6 · Riskline Safest
Among the world's safest for solo women. Extremely friendly and helpful locals, excellent hostel culture, and a strong outdoor community. The “Great Walks” are designed for independent hikers. Queenstown is a solo-travel hub. Emergency services are reliable.
Top cities: Queenstown, Auckland, Wellington, Rotorua
WPS #4 · GPI #2 · Riskline Safest
🇸🇴SingaporeSafest
One of the safest cities in the world for women. Extremely low crime, strict laws, and excellent public transport with well-lit stations and streets. Solo dining is normal with hawker centres open late. Nightlife areas like Clarke Quay are well-policed.
Top cities: Singapore (city-state)
WPS top 15 · GPI #7 · Riskline Safest
🔵 Very Safe
Excellent for solo female travel with strong backpacker culture, well-trodden routes, and reliable emergency services. Major cities are safe; remote areas require planning but are not dangerous. Sun, surf, and wildlife awareness are the main concerns.
Top cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns
WPS top 15 · GPI #19 · Riskline Safest
Very safe with low crime rates. Seoul has excellent 24-hour public transport and well-lit streets. Women-only parking spaces and subway cars reflect institutional safety awareness. Solo dining is common with many restaurants designed for single eaters.
Top cities: Seoul, Busan, Jeju Island
WPS top 20 · GPI #42 · Riskline Safe
Thailand's tourism industry is built for independent travellers, including solo women. Bangkok’s BTS/MRT are safe and easy. Strong hostel culture makes meeting other travellers effortless. The islands and northern Thailand are well-trodden solo routes. Scams targeting tourists are the main issue.
Top cities: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Tao, Phuket
WPS top 30 · GPI #78 · Riskline Safe
Safe for solo women with friendly locals and good infrastructure. Kuala Lumpur is modern and well-connected. Penang’s George Town is a top solo destination with excellent street food and walkable heritage areas. Uber/Grab make transport safe and reliable.
Top cities: Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi
WPS top 30 · GPI #23 · Riskline Safe
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are among the safest cities in the world for women. Extremely low street crime, excellent infrastructure, and strong rule of law. Dress codes are relaxed in tourist areas (modest dress outside beach zones). Solo dining and shopping malls are safe even late at night.
Top cities: Dubai, Abu Dhabi
WPS top 25 · GPI #38 · Riskline Safe
🟡 Safe — Normal Precautions
Major Chinese cities are very safe for solo women. Beijing and Shanghai have well-lit streets, excellent metro systems, and low rates of violent crime against foreigners. Street harassment is minimal compared to Western countries. The language barrier is the main challenge, not safety. Digital payments (WeChat/Alipay) are essential.
Top cities: Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Chengdu
WPS #89 · GPI #98 · Riskline Safe
Very popular with solo female travellers. Streets can feel chaotic (especially Hanoi’s motorbike traffic) but crime against tourists is low. The main risk is street theft in crowded areas — keep bags zipped and crossbodies on. Hostel culture is strong and welcoming.
Top cities: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An
WPS top 35 · GPI #45 · Riskline Safe
Bali is one of the world’s top solo female destinations — safe, spiritual, and full of solo travellers. Yogyakarta is also welcoming. Dressing modestly outside Bali (especially in Aceh) is important. Street harassment occurs in Jakarta but violent crime is low.
Top cities: Bali (Seminyak, Ubud), Yogyakarta
WPS top 40 · GPI #51 · Riskline Safe
🇹🇴Sri LankaSafe
Recovering well and increasingly welcoming to solo women. Friendly locals, good train network for independent exploration. Modest dress is recommended outside Colombo, especially at temples. The cultural triangle and hill country are popular solo routes.
Top cities: Colombo, Kandy, Galle, Ella
WPS top 50 · GPI #84 · Riskline Safe
🇵🇭TaiwanSafe
Exceptionally safe for solo women. Taipei has excellent 24-hour convenience stores, well-lit streets, and a helpful-for-women attitude. Public transport is superb. Night markets are energetic but safe. Minimal street harassment.
Top cities: Taipei, Taichung, Tainan
WPS top 25 · GPI #46 · Riskline Safe
Siem Reap (Angkor Wat) and Phnom Penh are popular with solo women travellers. Friendly locals and a well-established backpacker scene. Street theft and bag snatching by motorbike are risks in Phnom Penh. Use ride-hailing apps (PassApp, Grab) rather than tuk-tuks alone at night.
Top cities: Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Koh Rong
WPS top 55 · GPI #69 · Riskline Safe
One of Southeast Asia’s safest and most laid-back countries. Luang Prabang is exceptionally safe and walkable. Vang Vieng and the 4000 Islands are popular solo destinations. Crime is very low — the main risks are transport-related (bus accidents). English is limited outside tourist hubs.
Top cities: Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Vang Vieng
WPS top 50 · GPI #34 · Riskline Safe
🟠 Exercise Caution
A complex destination for solo women — extraordinary but challenging. Street harassment (eve-teasing) is common, especially in Delhi and crowded areas. Avoid travelling alone after dark. Use only reputable pre-booked transport. Group tours are recommended for first-time solo women. South India (Kerala, Karnataka) is generally easier.
Top cities: Kerala, Rajasthan, Goa, Himachal
WPS top 60 · GPI #126 · Riskline Moderate
Palawan (El Nido), Cebu, and Siargao are established solo destinations with excellent English and welcoming culture. However, WPS #131 and GPI #105 reflect real safety concerns — Manila has high street-crime rates and western Mindanao/Sulu carry active security threats. Solo women should stick to tourist islands, use Grab rather than street taxis, and avoid Manila neighbourhoods alone at night.
Top cities: Palawan (El Nido), Cebu, Siargao, Manila
WPS #131 · GPI #105 · Riskline Moderate
Very popular with tourists but solo women report persistent street harassment, particularly in Istanbul’s tourist hubs and on public transport. Cappadocia and the Turquoise Coast are easier. Dressing conservatively helps reduce unwanted attention. Avoid political protests and border areas with Syria and Iraq.
Top cities: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, Izmir
WPS top 55 · GPI #147 · Riskline Moderate
Since the 2019 tourism visa reforms, solo female visitors have grown steadily. Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla are welcoming with extremely low street crime — Riskline does NOT flag Saudi Arabia as high-concern and the WPS rank (#63) is comparable to Chile and Malaysia. However, conservative dress is required (loose long-sleeved clothing outside hotels; abaya recommended in traditional areas), male-guardian norms still shape some interactions, and LGBTQ+ travellers face legal risk. The US Level 3 advisory reflects regional tensions rather than crime targeting women.
Top cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, Diriyah
WPS #63 · GPI #90 · Riskline Moderate
Southeast Asia for solo women — Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia are among the world's most popular solo female travel regions. The well-established backpacker infrastructure (dorm beds, group tours, cooking classes, pub crawls) makes it easy to meet people. Dress modestly outside beach areas and use ride-hailing apps (Grab, GoJek) rather than street taxis at night.
Not recommended for solo female travel. Russia carries a Level 4 US advisory due to the ongoing war, arbitrary detention of foreign nationals, and severely limited consular assistance. Additionally, avoid all travel to Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Central African Republic, Myanmar, North Korea, Haiti, Iraq, Libya, Iran, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, Ukraine, Belarus, Pakistan, Nigeria, Honduras, and Papua New Guinea — all carry Level 4 travel advisories from the US and/or UK due to active conflict, terrorism, kidnapping risk, or state collapse.
The Americas
The Americas range from very safe (Canada, Uruguay) to countries where solo women need to exercise caution. North American infrastructure is excellent; South America offers incredible experiences with varying safety profiles. Note: Venezuela (a Travelmate guide destination) currently carries a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory from the US and UK due to extreme crime, political instability, and infrastructure collapse — it is not recommended for solo female travel.
🔵 Very Safe
Excellent safety record with strong gender equality and inclusive culture. Cities are well-policed and public transport is reliable. The solo travel scene is booming — Vancouver and Toronto have excellent hostel cultures. National parks are well-maintained for solo hikers.
Top cities: Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Banff
WPS top 10 · GPI #12 · Riskline Safest
🇺🇸United StatesVery Safe
Safe for solo female travellers with excellent infrastructure in major cities. Gun violence and homelessness are visible in some urban areas but rarely target tourists. Stick to well-populated areas in cities at night. National parks are very safe for solo travel.
Top cities: New York, San Francisco, Portland, Austin
WPS top 20 · GPI #130 · Riskline Safe
🟡 Safe — Normal Precautions
🇪🇸Costa RicaSafe
Central America’s safest country and a top solo female destination. “Pura Vida” culture is welcoming and tourism infrastructure is excellent. Wildlife tours, surfing, and yoga retreats attract many solo women. Watch for street theft in San José.
Top cities: San José, La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde
WPS top 30 · GPI #39 · Riskline Safe
🇻🇴UruguaySafe
South America’s safest country with progressive social values and very low crime by regional standards. Montevideo is relaxed and walkable. The beach towns (Punta del Este, Colonia) are safe for solo women. Minimal street harassment compared to neighbours.
Top cities: Montevideo, Colonia del Sacramento, Punta del Este
WPS top 25 · GPI #52 · Riskline Safe
Well-organised and safe for solo women by South American standards. Santiago is modern and functional. The Lake District and Patagonia are top solo-travel destinations. W-trek in Torres del Paine is popular with solo hikers. Political protests occasionally disrupt cities.
Top cities: Santiago, Valparaíso, Puerto Natales
WPS top 30 · GPI #55 · Riskline Safe
Safe for solo women with strong tourism infrastructure. Buenos Aires is vibrant and walkable in safe neighbourhoods like Palermo and Recoleta. Patagonia and Mendoza are top solo destinations. Watch for theft in crowded areas and avoid walking alone late at night.
Top cities: Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Bariloche, El Chaltén
WPS top 35 · GPI #58 · Riskline Safe
Vibrant and exciting but requires more caution than Argentina or Chile. Rio and São Paulo have high street crime rates — avoid favelas, don’t display valuables, and use Uber at night. The Northeast coast (Salvador, Recife) and the Pantanal are popular solo destinations. Join group tours for favela visits.
Top cities: Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Salvador, Florianópolis
WPS top 55 · GPI #128 · Riskline Moderate
One of South America’s most popular solo destinations. The Gringo Trail (Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Arequipa) is well-trodden and safe for women. Hostel culture is excellent. Street theft and taxi scams are the main risks — use Uber and avoid displaying expensive camera gear in cities.
Top cities: Cusco, Lima, Arequipa, Huaraz
WPS top 55 · GPI #103 · Riskline Safe
Safe for solo women by Central American standards. Panama City is modern with good infrastructure — stick to the Causeway and Casco Viejo areas. Bocas del Toro and San Blas Islands are popular solo destinations. Avoid walking alone in El Chorrillo and Santa Ana neighbourhoods at night.
Top cities: Panama City, Bocas del Toro, Boquete
WPS top 45 · GPI #50 · Riskline Safe
🟠 Exercise Caution
Popular with solo women but safety varies dramatically by state. Mexico City (Condesa, Roma), Oaxaca, Mérida, and Yucatán are safe and welcoming. Avoid northern border states and areas outside tourist zones. Catcalling is common but mostly verbal. Use Uber rather than street taxis at night.
Top cities: Mexico City, Oaxaca, Mérida, Cancún
WPS top 50 · GPI #132 · Riskline Moderate
Incredible destination that has transformed but still requires caution. Medellín and the Coffee Region are popular and relatively safe. Bogotá and Cartagena have higher street crime — don’t walk alone at night, use Uber or official taxis. Avoid border areas with Venezuela and Ecuador. The solo backpacker scene is vibrant.
Top cities: Medellín, Cartagena, Bogotá, Coffee Region
WPS top 60 · GPI #142 · Riskline Moderate
Safe in terms of violent crime but carries unique challenges — persistent jineteros (hustlers), dual-currency confusion, and unreliable infrastructure. Solo women report frequent catcalling. Havana’s well-touristed areas (Habana Vieja, Vedado) are fine during the day. Casas particulares (private B&Bs) are safe and hospitable.
Top cities: Havana, Viñales, Trinidad, Cienfuegos
WPS top 55 · GPI #87 · Riskline Moderate
🇯🇲JamaicaModerate
All-inclusive resorts in Negril, Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios are safe and popular with solo women, but Jamaica has one of the Caribbean’s highest violent-crime rates. The US and UK both advise caution due to crime and health concerns. Independent travel outside resort zones requires extra care — arrange transfers through your accommodation, avoid downtown Kingston and Montego Bay after dark, and stay on the north-coast tourist strip.
Top cities: Negril, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio
WPS #79 · GPI #93 · Riskline Moderate
Also safe for solo women. Barbados is one of the Caribbean’s safest islands with excellent infrastructure, friendly locals, and reliable tourism services. The west coast (Platinum Coast) and south coast are popular with solo travellers. Standard beach-town precautions apply — lock your accommodation and don’t leave valuables unattended on the beach.
Patagonia for solo women — Argentine and Chilean Patagonia is one of the world’s best solo-travel regions. The well-marked W-trek has refugios (mountain huts) where solo hikers can meet others. Hostels in El Chaltén and Puerto Natales organise group shuttles. The scenery is breathtaking and safety is excellent.
Africa & Middle East
Africa offers incredible solo female experiences in countries like Namibia and South Africa, but safety profiles vary widely. The key is choosing the right destinations and exercising appropriate caution. Middle Eastern countries are generally safe for women in tourist zones. Note: Several African countries with Travelmate guides (DR Congo, Congo Republic, Ivory Coast) carry high safety risks across all traveller types and are not recommended for solo female travel based on current advisories.
🟡 Safe — Normal Precautions
One of Africa’s most popular self-drive destinations with well-maintained roads and reputable campsites. The tourist experience (Sossusvlei, Etosha, Skeleton Coast) is genuinely safe when travelling through established operators. However, note that Namibia’s WPS rank (#128) reflects high national GBV rates — the tourist corridor differs significantly from urban local life. Avoid walking alone in Windhoek and Walvis Bay after dark and lock accommodation at all times.
Top cities: Windhoek, Swakopmund, Sossusvlei area
WPS #128 · GPI ~#115 · Riskline Safe (tourist corridor)
🇯🇴JordanSafe
The safest Middle Eastern country for solo female travellers. Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea are well-touristed and welcoming. Dressing modestly (covering shoulders and knees) is expected. Local hospitality is legendary — you’ll be invited for tea frequently.
Top cities: Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea
WPS top 45 · GPI #53 · Riskline Safe
An adventurous solo destination with unique wildlife and landscapes. Violent crime is low but street theft and bag snatching occur in urban areas (Antananarivo). Solo women should arrange tours through reputable operators. The Route Nationale 7 is the classic solo route. French is essential outside tourist hubs.
Top cities: Antananarivo, Nosy Be, Morondava, Andasibe
WPS top 65 · GPI #56 · Riskline Moderate
🟠 Exercise Caution
🇵🇪South AfricaModerate
Incredible destination but requires vigilance. Cape Town’s city bowl, Waterfront, and Camps Bay are safe in daytime. The Garden Route is a popular solo-friendly route. Use Uber at night, don’t walk alone in deserted areas, and always lock accommodation. Join group tours for township visits.
Top cities: Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Garden Route
WPS top 60 · GPI #100 · Riskline Moderate
Challenging for solo women due to persistent street harassment (catcalling, following, “guides” demanding money). Marrakech and Fes medinas require assertive boundaries. Riads are safe havens. Group tours are recommended for first-time solo women. Dressing conservatively helps reduce attention.
Top cities: Marrakech, Fes, Chefchaouen, Essaouira
WPS top 55 · GPI #67 · Riskline Moderate
Extraordinary historical sites but high harassment levels. Persistent catcalling, groping in crowded areas, and aggressive touts. Luxor and Aswan are easier than Cairo. Private tours or group trips are strongly recommended for solo women. Use reputable guides and avoid evening walks alone.
Top cities: Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada
WPS top 60 · GPI #109 · Riskline Moderate
🇮🇱IsraelModerate
Tel Aviv is a vibrant, LGBTQ+-friendly city with low street crime and strong tourism infrastructure — many solo women visit without incident. However, GPI #155 and the current US Level 3 advisory reflect ongoing regional conflict, rocket-fire risk to southern/northern border areas, and volatile security in the West Bank and Gaza (which should be avoided entirely). Check current conditions before booking; sirens and shelter drills are part of daily life.
Top cities: Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa (avoid Gaza border area)
WPS #84 · GPI #155 · Riskline Moderate
🇰🇪KenyaModerate
A top African wildlife destination but WPS #152 (bottom quintile) and five active US risk factors (crime, terrorism, kidnapping, health, unrest) put Kenya solidly in the challenging tier. The organised safari experience (Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo) via reputable operators is well-managed and comparatively safe. Independent travel in Nairobi and coastal cities requires vigilance — use Uber/Bolt, don’t walk after dark, and avoid the Somalia border and northeastern counties entirely.
Top cities: Nairobi, Masai Mara, Amboseli, Diani Beach
WPS #152 · GPI #127 · Riskline Moderate
🇹🇿TanzaniaModerate
Zanzibar beaches and the Serengeti/Ngorongoro safari circuit are hugely popular with solo women through organised operators. WPS #121 places Tanzania in the fourth quintile, and the US advisory flags crime and terrorism. The tourist infrastructure works well when booked through reputable safari companies, but independent travel in Dar es Salaam and border regions requires more caution. Modest dress is expected in Zanzibar (Muslim-majority).
Top cities: Zanzibar (Stone Town, Nungwi), Arusha, Serengeti
WPS #121 · GPI ~#110 · Riskline Moderate
Solo female travel in Africa — Namibia and South Africa are the best entry points for your first solo trip to Africa. Both have excellent tourism infrastructure, English as an official language, and reputable tour operators who cater to solo women. Consider joining a small-group overland tour (e.g. Nomad, Intrepid, G Adventures) to travel safely while meeting others.