We’ve talked about all the things women can do to insure a safe hassle free trip.  No matter how safe the city or country is considered to be, a woman always must be vigilant about her safety. That said, there are countries you can visit that welcome solo women travelers and have a reputation for being safe for them.

Before deciding on a destination, besides crime considerations, it is important to learn about cultural attitudes towards women, political stability, ease of transportation and health care access.

So what are some of the countries a senior woman can travel to and feel safe being there alone?

Here are five of the safest countries to consider:

Japan

This is one country where a woman traveling along can feel safe almost anywhere nearly any time of the day or night.

You will see young children unattended in large Japanese cities walking home from school or riding their bikes alone.   I’ve been there several times and have seen women sleeping on the subway with their bags overhead, men with their wallets sticking out of their back pocket in crowded places, bicycles left unlocked in parks, computers left unattended in coffee shops, and women walking alone late at night. 

Japanese society is deeply respectful and cordial to others.  What is more, Japanese culture holds older people in high esteem.  Don’t be intimidated by the language or signs.  Japanese people will go out of their way to help you. 

 Transportation is easy. On certain routes there are women-only subway car and some hotels are for women only.  
Women frequently dine alone.

The streets are clean, the food is extraordinary.  The parks and museums are lovely.

Iceland

Iceland has a well developed and welcoming tourism industry.  It has a reputation for gender equality. In 2022, Iceland was ranked #1 by the World Economic Forum in closing its gender gap in Educational Attainment.

 Crime rates are considered low in Iceland and the country enjoys political stability.

In Iceland, you can enjoy fjords, glaciers, and waterfalls.  Most of the residents speak English.

Finland 

Finland is another country where solo women travelers can feel safe. The northern lights and midnight sun are experiences not to be missed.   There is excellent public transportation.

The people are friendly and want you to enjoy their country.

The midnight sun is a fun and unique experience. It is a natural phenomena occurring during the summer months. It never really gets dark and you can see the sun even at midnight.

Norway

Norway is another Scandinavian country that women can enjoy independently.   If you love the outdoors, this is a country definitely for you.   Depending on the time of year you visit, you can enjoy the Northern Lights, kayak, take a sled ride, stay in an ice hotel, just to name a few of the many activities available. 

Norway is consistently ranked highly on the Women, Security and Peace Index in areas of women’s safety, absence of discrimination, and financial inclusion and gender inclusion. 

Norway has a reputation for tolerance and is known to welcome travelers of all types and persuasions.

Canada

Canada is a vast country with many dramatic landscapes and beautiful cities.  

The country is known to have no legal bias towards women and few if any discriminatory norms pointed towards women. 

There’s lots to see and do in Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto, Victoria, British Columbia and in every province, not to mention the many gorgeous national parks.

New Zealand

If you love adventure, beautiful scenery and just being outdoors, New Zealand can be a wonderful solo experience.

People are friendly.  

The tourism industry is welcoming and very well regulated.

There are so many things you can do from visiting a Mitai Maori Village in Rotorua, cruising the Milford Sound, take guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set.  You will find the Green Dragon Inn, The Mille and be able to visit the home of Bilbo Baggins from “The Hobbit” and “Lord of the Rings.”

Auckland is a beautiful city to visit. Lots of great restaurants and a fun opportunity to sail on a tall ship.

Oh, yes, if you love mussels, you will be in shell heaven in New Zealand.

New Zealand is a country that has repeated score very well on the UL Safety Index as well as the Global Peace Index.

If you are going to travel all the way there, it’s best to take is slow and spend a few weeks where the kiwis grow.   

You’re all set, now let’s go travel!