Recently updated on December 4th, 2023 at 02:59 pm
Based on data provided annually by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), the Global Peace Index (GPI) is a list of destinations that are considered the safest countries to visit in the world. The GPI takes into account three major factors – societal safety and security, the extent of domestic and international conflict and the degree of militarisation.
If you’re a woman researching solo female travel, the following eight countries should be on your list of possible destinations to visit. Read on to find out what puts them on the list of the world’s safest countries to visit.
Whether you’re a seasoned solo traveller or you’re thinking about heading off alone for the first time, you might want to consider a guided tour. When you travel on a guided tour, you’ll never really be alone – while you’ll have the independence of solo travel, you’ll also have the support of a group of like-minded travellers available should you be in the mood for a chat or a sightseeing companion.
Find out more: Solo travel with Trafalgar
NEW: Discover our just-launched womens-only tours
Iceland
Topping the list of the world’s safest countries to visit is Iceland. With a very low crime rate and a strong history of female equality, Iceland is a perfect destination for solo female travel. On a visit to Iceland, you won’t need to worry about things like being overcharged by taxi drivers or ordering from the menu. It’s a small country with a population of only 300,000 people, meaning it’s friendly, safe, and easy to connect with the local communities. Nearly all Icelanders speak perfect English and you’ll find English menus and signs everywhere.
GET INSPIRED: Visit Reykjavik and the Blue Lagoon when you travel to Iceland with Trafalgar
New Zealand
Second on the Global Peace Index’s safest countries to visit is New Zealand. Popular for solo female travel not least for its epic natural beauty, incredible food and delicious local wine, New Zealand is a safe bet thanks to its low crime rate, English-speaking locals and after dark safety. Getting around is easy too – there’s no labyrinth of highways to navigate – instead you’ll find easy-to-navigate roads that will lead you to wherever you need to go. The locals are friendly too – don’t be fooled by their tell-it-like-it-is demeanor – Kiwis have a heart of gold and are more than happy to help out tourists.
GET INSPIRED: Experience New Zealand’s north and south islands with Trafalgar
Denmark
At number three on GPI’s list of the safest countries to visit is Denmark. Named in 2020 as one of the top countries in the world for gender equality (experts say the country is lights years ahead of others in its take on gender equality), it’s no surprise that Denmark is a popular destination for solo female travel. The country ranks as one of the safest in the world – even catcalling on the street is a rare occurrence here. It’s easy to get around (walking and cycling are incredibly popular in Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital), everyone speaks English and the country’s well-known liberalism is evident in its treatment of women, LGBT travellers and other minorities.
GET INSPIRED: Explore the history of Copenhagen with Trafalgar
Portugal
Portugal topped our list of the world’s friendliest cities in 2021, so it’s no surprise that it also appears at number 4 on the index of the safest countries to visit. Long a popular destination for solo female travel, many female travellers to Portugal echo the statement that the country just feels like one of the safest to wander around alone – according to an Inter Nations survey, 94% of 94% of Portuguese locals are welcoming to expats and travellers alike. Aside from the friendly locals, beautiful scenery and amazing food and wine, crime, harassment and discrimination rates are all low in Portugal – catcalling is illegal here, too.
GET INSPIRED: Travel to Lisbon and beyond on Trafalgar’s Best of Portugal tour
Slovenia
One of the most underrated countries in Europe, Slovenia has the beauty of Austria and Switzerland with the benefit of being lighter on the purse strings. Safe and small, the country is easy to get around – getting between the capital city of Ljubljana and the natural beauty of Lake Bled will take you just 40 minutes by car or coach – making it a popular spot for solo female travel. The country is also known for its health retreats, which can mostly be found along its coastline, which also makes it popular for solo female travellers. Slovenia appears at number five on the list of the world’s safest countries to visit.
GET INSPIRED: Visit Lake Bled and Ljubljana with Trafalgar
Austria
As one of Europe’s safest and most beautiful countries, Austria is a perfect location for solo female travel and appears at number six on the Global Peace Index of the world’s safest countries to visit. Its capital city, Vienna, has been named the “city with the highest quality of life” eight times in a row thanks to its low crime rate, easy to navigate U-Bahn public transport system (Austria is also a walkable city with good cycling paths), and rich arts culture – all factors in making it a great destination for women travelling alone, too.
GET INSPIRED: Experience Austria and Vienna with Trafalgar
Switzerland
Seventh on the list of the world’s safest countries to visit, Switzerland has it all. Picture perfect sightseeing tours, epic adventure activities and peaceful scenic walks are all possible here. For solo female travel, Switzerland is one of the best destinations to visit. It’s safe and friendly, while much of the Swiss hospitality industry is made up of pioneering women – whether hoteliers, chefs or guides. A solo trip here will not only be safe and full of beautiful scenery, it will also throw up countless opportunities to meet other strong-minded, travel-obsessed women.
GET INSPIRED: Enjoy a 9-day tour of Switzerland with Trafalgar
Ireland
Coming in at number eight on the list of the world’s safest countries to visit, Ireland is considered by many female travellers to be the best country in the world to experience solo travel for the first time. First off, it’s an English-speaking country with extremely friendly locals who won’t leave you sitting alone for long. It’s also breathtakingly beautiful with a rich culture and history – you can spend whole days exploring the green countryside of Galway or discovering the history of Dublin. Lastly, it’s a safe country with a low crime rate for Europe – you’ll spot the Irish police, the Gardaí, around most Irish cities.
GET INSPIRED: Take an Irish Experience with Trafalgar
Are you a woman who has travelled solo? Tell us your experiences in the comments below.