1. Croatia, Europe
The coastal country of Croatia is the top destination for solo female travellers, according to our study. The country brims with historic cities and natural beauty making it a lovely spot for the more adventurous. With a high number of activities per 100,000 people and lots of hostels to choose from (3.28 per 100,000 people), any female traveller will feel at home. The country also enjoys low crime rates making it an incredibly safe place to be.
2. New Zealand, Oceania
A little further afield is New Zealand, the second best country to visit as a woman travelling alone. The country is known for its adrenaline-packed activities and friendly locals, but our study also reveals that it has the lowest Gender Equality Index rating than any of the other locations on our list making it a great place for women to visit.
3. Portugal, Europe
With sun, sea and surf, Portugal attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists a year, but did you know it’s particularly good for solo female travellers? Whether you’re looking to visit historic Lisbon or chill by the beach, there’s lots to do with 177 activities and tours per 100,000 people and a low crime index of 30.7.
4. Sweden, Europe
It’s no surprise that most of the Nordic countries feature on our top 10 list. Sweden has always been seen as a progressive country, and with gorgeous rural landscapes, it’s also a hub for travellers. Featuring 4th in our index, Sweden scores well for the Gender Equality Index rating at 27.91, only second to New Zealand.
5. Japan, Asia
As one of the most wish-listed countries on our list, many people will be ecstatic to know that Japan is a great country for women to visit alone. We’ve all heard about the cherry blossoms, vibrant nightlife and a country brimming with culture, but Japan’s low crime rate of 22.9 makes it a top choice for women. In fact, its crime score is the lowest than anywhere else in the world, and you have 296 hostels to choose from per 100,000 people.
6. Netherlands, Europe
When you think of the Netherlands, you probably start to imagine canals, tulip fields and windmills, as well as the bustling capital of Amsterdam. But did you know it’s a popular destination for women to travel alone? The Netherlands has 92 cultural activities and tours per 100,000 people so you’re never bored and a low crime score of 26.2 meaning women are safe as they explore.
7. Norway, Europe
Known for its Norwegian Fjords, plenty of hiking opportunities and the possibility of spotting the Northern Lights, Norway is a great holiday destination for those looking for a chillier experience. Although the annual temperature hits 2.06 °C on average, if you wrap up warm, you have 146 tours and activities per 100,000 people to get stuck into and a high safety score of 67.5.
8. Spain, Europe
Each corner of Spain has something for everyone, whether that’s chilling by the beach at San Sebastian or choosing to explore the cosmopolitan city of Barcelona. For women, Spain has 131 tours and activities to enjoy per 100,000 people and a relatively low Gender Equality Index score of 50.74.
9. Australia, Oceania
Australia is one of those countries that attracts people from all over the world. They have great visa options for travellers, so people tend to stay there for long periods of time. In terms of solo female travellers, there’s a lot to like about the country. Australia has a high average annual temperature of 22.06 °C and the 5th lowest Gender Equality Index ranking of any other country at 34.83.
10. Finland, Europe
Our final Nordic country to feature in the top 10 list of best countries for female solo travellers, Finland, is often dubbed as the happiest country in the world. It’s known for incredibly high living standards that are often extended to visitors. Finland has a high safety score of 73.5, 7th in the world and a low Gender Equality Index score of 51.63.
Of the top 10 best countries for solo female travellers, seven of them are based in Europe meaning that travelling through this continent is a good starting point for new travellers. Two are in Oceania and the remaining one is in Asia.
