8 Safest Travel Destinations For Solo Female Travelers In 2023
Traveling solo as a woman can be a liberating and transformative experience. It allows you to discover new cultures, make new friends, and build your confidence…but it can also be nerve wracking. You don’t want to get kidnapped. Or go broke. Or be lonely. So, when choosing your travel destination, safety, budget-friendliness, adventure opportunities, and comfort are essential factors to consider. In 2023, here are the 10 best travel destinations for girls who want to explore the world while ensuring an incredible journey.
Table of Contents
Bali, Indonesia
I lived in Bali for nearly three years and I felt so safe. Bali is a paradise for solo female travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation. With its affordable accommodations and diverse landscapes, you can surf on the stunning beaches, trek through lush jungles, and immerse yourself in the island’s spiritual culture. Bali’s friendly locals make it easy to connect with fellow travelers.
Safe Place to Stay for Solo Female Travelers in Bali: Samanvaya Resort in Sidemen or Bisma Cottages in Ubud.
Safety Score: 8/10 (Bali is generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded tourist areas by keeping your purse zipped and phone secure).
An extra element that makes Bali extremely safe is my Girls in Bali Facebook Group where you instantly have an entire island community of women who have your back.
That group combined with The Solo Girl’s Travel Guide to Bali ensures an incredible experience in Bali.
Costa Rica
For the nature enthusiast, Costa Rica is a dream destination. It’s renowned for its eco-tourism, lush rainforests, and abundant wildlife. The country’s commitment to sustainability ensures a safe and eco-friendly adventure, whether you’re hiking through the jungle or relaxing on a pristine beach.
Safe Place to Stay for Solo Female Travelers in Costa Rica: Tabacon Thermal Hot Springs Resort and Spa
Safety Score: 9/10 (Costa Rica is known for its safety and eco-tourism focus).
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
This town is full of solo female travelers that are either here for vacation or who have packed it all up and moved here! For a North American adventure, consider Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. This coastal gem offers a blend of rich culture, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife. Mexico’s warm hospitality and affordability make it an ideal destination for solo female travelers. There is a community of women waiting to welcome you here in Girls in Puerto Vallarta Facebook Group.
Safe Place to Stay for Solo Female Travelers in Puerto Vallarta: Xinalani Retreat
Safety Score: 8/10 (Puerto Vallarta is safe, but exercise caution in nightlife areas).
I travel solo to Puerto Vallarta at least once a year. It’s my little mini solo getaway – over the years, I’ve written this best selling guide to Puerto Vallarta and Sayulita.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona combines art, culture, and seaside charm. Stroll through the historic streets of the Gothic Quarter, visit iconic landmarks like La Sagrada Familia, and indulge in tapas at local eateries. Spain’s extensive public transportation system makes it easy for solo travelers to explore the city.
Safe Travel Destinations for Solo Female Travelers to Stay in Barcelona: Hotel Font de la Canya
Safety Score: 8/10 (Barcelona is generally safe, but be cautious of pickpocketing).
And after my best friend, Emilia, moved to Spain – we started a Girls in Spain group for you too.
South Korea
Don’t let Squid Game scare you. I lived as a solo female traveler in South Korea for two years and I have never ever felt safer. You can walk at night, leave your purse on a table when you go to the bathroom, and trust that 90% of strangers have good intentions. The biggest challenge is the language. About 45% of Koreans speak English…but 65% don’t. Luckily, most signs are in English so public transport is easy.
Safe Travel Destinations for Solo Female Travelers to Stay in South Korea: Signiel Busan
Safety Score: 9/10 (Just don’t get too drunk at the bars – it’s easy to get carried away).
If you plan to travel to South Korea, follow my friend Antje on Instagram (@nextstopkorea). She is a wealth of knowledge.
And of course, since I lived there for two years, I have a South Korea guidebook for you (that Antje helps me write).
Taiwan
Surprise! Another place Travel Destinations where I lived for a year and felt so so safe. This place is so safe that you can hitchhike! Neighbors watch out for each other, strangers help each other, and if you’re lost, someone will give you directions even if they don’t speak English.
Safe Place for Solo Female Travelers to Stay in Taiwan: Star Hostel Taipei Main Station
Safety Score: 8.5/10 (Taiwan is generally safe, with low crime rates).
Vietnam
Here’s how you do it. You fly into Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi or Hoi An – and then you get an Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket which takes you up and down the coast to the safest cities full of travelers and locals excited to meet you. I have lived alone in Vietnam, traveled alone in Vietnam and agree that Vietnam is one of the safest places for solo female travelers in 2023.
Safe Place for Solo Female Travelers to Stay in Vietnam: Tam Coc Horizon Bungalow
Safety Score: 7/10 (Vietnam is relatively safe, but don’t leave your belongings unattended and be aware of traffic).
I recently when back to Vietnam in 2023 to update and rewrite my Vietnam travel guidebook. It’s one of the best books I’ve ever written.
Remember that no one in the world is 100% free of crime. You have to do your part, too. Here are my top 3 tips for staying safe while traveling…
- Follow the 3-Drink Limit (don’t drink more than three drinks when you go out – keep your wits about you).
- Carry a ShesBirdie Alarm for extra protection.
- Never ever walk home alone at night. Take a taxi even if it’s just two blocks!
Have more safety tips to add? Comment down below!
Ps. This is a photo of four women who moved to Bali solo and made a life for themselves. Traveling solo never means traveling alone!
The
One-Way
Ticket Plan
this book has magic powers
Find and Fund Your Purpose while Traveling the World
Want to contribute to the blog? I love to feature the perspective of other solo female travelers.
Application
Blog Contribution
I'm a bestselling author, hotel reviewer and pickleball player. I teach women how to travel the world solo without going broke or getting kidnapped.
In 2011, I left Seattle with just $200 in my pocket to travel the world solo. Today, I'm the founder and creator of The Solo Girl’s Travel Guide, the #1 travel guide book series for women - and the author of The One-Way Ticket Plan.
author of The One-Way Ticket Plan and CEO of The Solo Girl’s Travel Guide
Meet Alexa
Blog Contribution Application
Playlist
Free Things
Safety
Travel Paths
Destinations
Itinerary Plans
Hotel Reviews
Contact
Travel Shop
Book a Travel Consult
Glow Up Travel Trips
Plan Your Trip Services
Work With Me
Meet Alexa
The One-Way Ticket Club
The One Way Resources
The One-Way Ticket Plan
The Solo Girl's Travel Guide
buy me a coffee
@sologirlstravelguide
