If you want to solo travel, but you’re apprehensive about doing so safely and confidently, these are the countries to put first on your list.
More than ever before, solo travel is becoming a norm. This trend is particularly true among women, who make up an increasing proportion of those traveling alone. However, there’s a right way and a wrong way to approach solo travel if you want it to be an enriching experience.
Doing your homework in advance regarding personal safety issues is essential when traveling alone; not only do you need to know what locations are safe for travelers generally, but also which places may be less safe for solo travelers specifically.
Safety concerns are relative—what many people find intimidating in one place can be perfectly fine for someone else! That said: whether you’re traveling in your own country or abroad, having some basic knowledge about safety measures can help you evaluate whether or not a location suits your preferences and comfort level as a solo traveler.
It will also allow you to identify the types of dangerous situations that are more likely when traveling alone–so that no matter where you go: New York City or Bangkok–you’ll know how to handle them if they arise.
As a solo traveler, make sure to take the following safety precautions:
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Leave your valuable items at home and only bring what you absolutely need.
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Know where you’re going and how to get there, so that you don’t wander around aimlessly.
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Always stay aware of your surroundings.
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Don’t walk alone late at night, regardless of where you are.
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Try to arrive to your destination during daylight hours so you can get a feel for where you are.
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Research where you are going; customs, dress, entertainment, safe areas, weather, etc.
Now that we’ve got some context out of the way; on with the list!
Top 10 Safest Places for Solo Travelers in 2022
The Gold Coast, Australia
The Gold Coast is a popular tourist destination in the southeast corner of Queensland, Australia. The coastline has a subtropical climate, with hot and humid summers and mild winters. With an impressive safety ranking, it’s no surprise that this city is one of the top destinations for solo travelers worldwide.
Known for its gorgeous beaches and surf culture, there are many different areas to stay in when you visit. If you’re looking for something hip and modern, Broadbeach Waters is the place to go. If you want somewhere more traditional with plenty of shopping, check out Surfers Paradise. For luxury living in close proximity to nature reserves and parks, we recommend looking into accommodation in Benowa or Paradise Point.
Checkout the booking.com map to see what is available and book a hotel from there!
Sydney, Australia
Sydney is the largest city in Australia and one of the prettiest places to visit. It’s a very safe place for solo travelers, with lovely locals and plenty of things to do! It is a vibrant and fast-paced city that doesn’t stop for anyone but don’t let that intimidate you! There are countless pubs, restaurants, viewpoints, and activities that you won’t ever be left without something to do. As well as, it is safe city which makes Sydney a great city for solo traveling.
The best months to travel to Sydney are September through November and March to May, as these offer visitors comfortable temperatures and manageable tourist crowds. If you are looking for shopping in the middle of everything, the CBD is the best place to stay. Other areas for solo travelers to stay are Potts Point or the Rocks. If you’re looking for a beach stay, Bondi beach is where you need to head. If you’re looking for a remote feel but not too far from the city, stay in Manly or head to Paddington and Surry Hills if you’re a food and looking for more of a local experience.
Checkout the booking.com map to see what is available and book a hotel from there!
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is a safe and popular destination for solo travelers, and it’s one of the easiest places to navigate around. It’s been called “The Island of the Gods,” but it is not uncommon for you to feel lost in all its tourist attractions. That being said, there are many beautiful sights, from beaches to rice terraces and majestic temples. The island is now a mecca for the spiritual and digital nomads alike, with the Balinese being very welcoming.
Denpasar is the capital and this is where you will find monuments from the Dutch colonial period and bustling street markets with cultural Kecak fire dance performances. Sanur is east of the capital and more of a relaxed vibe with amazing beach views and a promenade that houses restaurants and shops. If you are more of a partier Kuta is where to go (you will find lots of restaurants, bars, pubs and clubs) and is also the closest destination to the airport and Kuta beach is also one of the surfing destinations.
If high-end is your thing, Seminyak is nearby and north of Kuta; this is where your will find the stylish beach resorts, luxury hotels and villas with beach front clubs, bars, and spas. If you head a little farther north, you will find Canggu with a hipster vibe, yogi studios, and the Tanah Lot which is one of the island’s most famous temples. Lastly, Ubud which is where you can go if you want more activities as there is whitewater rafting or spend the day riding a bike to explore all of the culture; a little north of Ubud is Tegalaland Rice Terrace which are the emerald-colored fields you most likely have seen pictures of.
Checkout the booking.com map to see what is available and book a hotel from there!
Portugal
Portugal is no different from other European countries when it comes to being a safe place for solo travelers. Portugal has mild winters and hot summers, so you don’t need to worry about freezing cold or boiling hot weather on your trip. The food, the culture, the welcoming people, the heritage sites, the architecture, and the wine (to name a few) make Portugal and incredible place for solo travelers and travelers alike.
There are many great areas to stay in, and depending on what you want, that of course will make your decision. If you want sunshine, seafood, and amazing beaches head to The Algarve. If you are looking for unique, historical, and authentic, head to Monsanto which is in the Northeast of Portugal. Lisbon is the fast-paced and endlessly-fun Capital with Sintra not being too far if you are looking for medieval and peaceful.
If you’re a surfer, you definitely want to head to Peniche and if you’re a wine lover, definitely head to the Alentejo Region. The other wine city is Porto, which is also know as Portugal’s second city; it is similar to Lisbon but smaller and easier to navigate. If nature is your thing, head to the Azores which is an island chain off the country’s west coast.
Checkout the booking.com map to see what is available and book a hotel from there!
Spain
Spain is a uniquely vibrant country, with solo travel being relatively easy. The country as a whole has a good transportation system, as well as, you will never feel alone as Spaniards are generally very friendly and laid-back. Between the hours of 2 P.M. and 5 P.M., it is siesta time and everything except the big supermarkets and shopping malls close; you should also be prepared to take everything at a much slower pack than you are used to. Spain is also known for its festivals, endless tapas, delicious wine, incredible food, and beautiful beaches.
If you are a backpacker, head to the big cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, as well as the southern region of Andalucia. If you are looking for some of the best beaches and nightlife, head to the Balearic islands (think Ibiza) or the northern cities. If you are looking for luxury, style, and entertainment, certainly head to Madrid as it is the capital as well.
If you are a foodie, head to San Sebastian as it has more Michelin stars per square meters than anywhere else in the world; lets not forget it has amazing beaches too. If you want a hidden gem and old-world charm, head to Valencia, which is also the home of the famous rice dish paella. Another underrated city that is full of culture is Seville as well as Granada; both of these cities are full of sights you will not want to miss.
Checkout the booking.com map to see what is available and book a hotel from there!
Seoul, South Korea
For the solo traveler, South Korea’s capital offers a variety of safety, cultural and travel enhancements. Seoul is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities for travelers in the world. It boasts a high-quality public transportation system with English-speaking staff, who are happy to help you get to your destination. Crime is low, so you can travel alone knowing that you’re in good hands.
It’s especially safe for women traveling alone—many places have separate subway cars available just for women during rush hours, when crowds can be overwhelming or intimidating. If you’re planning a trip to Seoul, consider staying in one of these areas: Gangnam-gu, Jung-gu or Dongdaemun-gu—all central and easy to navigate by subway or taxis. While there are plenty of affordable lodging options located close to all of these areas, here are some more luxurious hotels if you want to treat yourself!
Checkout the booking.com map to see what is available and book a hotel from there!
Budapest, Hungary
Europe has always been an attractive destination for travelers, especially those who have a sweet tooth. The Hungarian capital city of Budapest, situated in the region of Central Europe, is no exception. It’s one of the most picturesque cities in Europe and an absolute must-see destination for anyone looking to experience European culture on a budget. If you’re hoping to spend some quality time walking around this historic city, we recommend doing it during early morning hours when everything is still waking up or chancing on evening hours when the temperature drops, making it perfect for taking long strolls through the streets.
Budapest’s public transportation has its perks! Not only does it take you across all parts of town quickly, but by purchasing a ticket beforehand (available at many stations) you can avoid any trouble with pickpockets when going through Hungary’s airports or train stations. In addition if there are any lines that have been closed down due to weather conditions or power outages (such as metros), they will usually either reopen once repairs are completed or continue running until new passengers force them closed again!
That way if you only want to make some visits to certain areas of Budapest, such as Pest side where most locals reside and where tourist attractions like Fisherman’s Bastion are located then using public transportation will be much more manageable than having multiple travel plans that get derailed due to inclement weather conditions etc.
Checkout the booking.com map to see what is available and book a hotel from there!
Reykjavik, Iceland
The country is small and therefore each of its 330-odd towns and cities can be explored in a single weekend. The people are friendly and welcoming, the landscape is stunning and varied, the food is incredible and convenient to get your hands on (this might sound unusual but it is true), the country’s capital city of Reykjavik is easily navigated on foot, it’s easy to get around without a car or other means of transport.
Best of all, from a safety perspective, this destination offers all the protection you need: police stations, 24-hour surveillance cameras at major attractions such as hotels and museums; remote-controlled CCTV cameras placed at major intersections for crimes that occur after dark; and advanced driver identification tools that can be used to prevent crimes against your person from happening. Reykjavik is continuously on the top of the world safest destinations. Did you know that “catcalling” is not in their culture and women can generally walk down the street without a threat of unwanted attention.
If you want to stay in the beating heart of the city, then you want to stay in 101 Reykjavik (Downtown / Center). If you don’t want the nightlife but want to be close to downtown, stay in 105 Reykjavik. If you want a seaside small town, head to Seltarnarnes or 170 Reykjavik which is just outside of Reykjavik; if you head here during winter, this is where you want to be as it is one of the best places to see the northern lights.
Checkout the booking.com map to see what is available and book a hotel from there!
Ireland
Ireland has a low crime rate, the people are welcoming and friendly, and regardless of your thoughts on Irish food, the restaurant scene is quite remarkable. The pub scene here is a must for anyone traveling in Ireland, and the country’s transportation is well-connected. If you’re looking to spend time with locals and make some friends, this is the place to do so. The cities are small so getting around on foot to all of the major attractions is doable, as well as, if you are looking for day trips from Dublin, that is easy to do as well.
Checkout the booking.com map to see what is available and book a hotel from there!
Singapore
Singapore is a very safe city, even for women traveling alone. It’s clean, efficient and easy to get around. The transport system is fast and cheap so you don’t have to worry about getting lost either. For solo travelers who like a bit of luxury, this is one of the safest places in the world to travel alone!
The city-state also attracts a lot of solo travelers looking to meet other people on their journey, making it easy for you to match up with new friends as soon as you arrive!
You can stay anywhere in Singapore. But if you want to get the most out of your trip and meet other tourists, then stay at Marina Bay or Orchard Road. These are two popular tourist hotspots where most of the hotels are located. If that’s too expensive for your budget then check out Chinatown instead.
Checkout the booking.com map to see what is available and book a hotel from there!
While traveling, solo especially, it is important to travel to places that make us feel safe and secure while exploring everything the location has to offer.
After all, isn’t that why we travel so we can see, explore, and fall in love with another country? I am an avid solo traveler, while I do understand that there is a stigma and a fear of traveling alone, I truly believe that everyone needs to take trips by themselves to truly find out who they are, what they like, what they don’t like, etc.
Now that you know where to go, check out my post on “11 Solo Traveler Safety Tips” to make sure you’re staying safe when you’re traveling solo!
Which one of the ‘Top 10 Safest Places for Solo Travelers in 2022’ are you going to first?
