The best countries for female solo travellers revealed - including a European destination with flights for £23
Solo travel is nothing new, with more and more people booking international trips alone, lured in by the promise of freedom and adventure.With 19 per cent of women around the world booking solo holidays to reset or recharge, according to research by Dragonpass, it's clear plenty of female solo travellers are seeking to explore the world.But solo travel can have its downfalls, especially when it comes to safety. Not all destinations offer the same sense of security.Five spots stand out in terms of safety for female solo travellers, according to the BBC and based on data from individual testimonies, the Georgetown University Women, Peace and Security Index (WPS) and the Global Peace Index.Here's the list of the top spots for you to peruse... Costa Rica Costa Rica tops the ranking of the best spots for female solo travellers to exploreCosta Rica, which has jumped from 60th to 34th place in the WPS, is a standout destination for women travelling alone.Located between Nicaragua and Panama, it ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world in 2023.Plus, it's a favourite among expats given it places tax exemptions on foreign income, and offers a Digital Nomad Visa to those earning at least $3,000 (£2,233) a month.For one, the abundance of beautiful beaches, swimmable waters, excellent hiking and mountains and waterfalls to visit make it an exceptional choice for fans of nature.Temperatures range between 12-27°C, meaning you'd be avoiding cloudy Britain for sunnier climes.That said, in Costa Rica, you should avoid walking alone in poorly lit or remote areas at night. And if you’re using a hire car, do not stop for strangers signalling for help – they could be carjackers. Vietnam Next up is Vietnam, a favourite among backpackers exploring this part of the worldVietnam ranks 38th on the Global Peace Index, and is one of the highest rated in the region of southeast Asia.Visitors rave about the welcoming ambience, abundance of small group tours and kind locals, making it feel embracing for anyone travelling alone.Caitlin Limmer, from Twickenham, took on a solo cycling adventure in the country in 2022. In Vietnam, Caitlin's days were filled with long hours of cycling - but with plenty of breaks, water stops, and cultural activities along the way. She said the solo trip in the region helped her reconnect with herself. As well as this, Reddit user 'NoBirthday4234' recommends Vietnam as the ideal spot for a solo jaunt. They describe it as 'super safe', 'stunning' and 'welcoming' adding that it's 'easy to get around' as there are so many tourists.'Baletta79' says the country is 'so peaceful', 'friendly' and 'well organised'.Estonia Estonia - and its beautiful capital Tallinn - is a great choice for women travelling aloneEstonia, which ranks 11th on the WPS Index, is widely considered to be a safe, stable country in Europe. Not only is it considered budget-friendly and welcoming to female solo travellers, but getting there won't break the bank either. Flights from London to Tallinn, Estonia's capital, start from as little as £23 with Wizz Air.Visitors have raved about the destination, with one Reddit user writing: 'I'm currently in Tallinn as a solo female traveller and I've had no issues.'Another added: 'Tallinn is extremely safe, street violence is pretty much non-existent. You can walk safely even at night. The only people who can cause trouble are drunk people, so avoid places with lots of bars in the evenings. Police aren't corrupt here, so if you do end up in sketchy situation you can always call them in and they will help you.'Uruguay Uruguay is added to the list of the best destinations for female solo travellersRising from 59th to 35th place in the WPS ranking this year, Urugauy's the next country to join the list.Plus, it's the second most peaceful country in South America after Argentina, according to the Global Peace Index.It's known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant capital city of Montevideo and excellent food. One Reddit user explained: 'Female speaking here. I think it's one of the safest countries in South America to travel as a solo female. 'We still have problems, yes, the same ones the first world countries have related to catcalling and such, but they are less common than they used to be.'Norway Finally, Norway is a great country to pick if you're planning a solo trip - especially if you're a nature loverNorway rounds out the list, ranked third on the WPS Index alongside Sweden.The country has long been considered a safe spot for travellers, as well as one of the destinations with the best quality of life.New research even recently found the Scandinavian country was the happiest spot for expats. There's much to see and do as well - especially if you're interested in nature. With soaring cliffs, tumbling waterfalls and serene, sapphire-blue waters, Norway's fjords are considered one of the world's most beautiful and unspoilt natural wonders.
