Top 10 Safe and Popular Destinations for Solo Female Travel in 2023
What is GAFFL?

GAFFL connects solo travelers with similar itineraries to explore destinations together. Whether you are backpacking in Asia, road tripping in Australia, or exploring national parks in the US, simply type the destination you are traveling to, find travelers who are going there at the same time as you, connect with them, plan trips, meet, and travel together.

GAFFL
25th Apr | 8 min read

Table of Contents

    Ladies, are you ready to embark on a solo travel adventure? According to travel and hospitality experts at Accor, female solo travel trips are predicted to be a popular trend in 2023, with Google searches for 'best places to solo travel as a woman' already skyrocketing by +5,000% in the last month. To help you discover popular hotspots for solo female travelers, Accor has analyzed global Google search volume to reveal the top 10 most popular destinations for those planning a solo getaway.

    In this post, we will provide a more detailed breakdown of the top 10 popular destinations for solo female travel. We will explore the rankings for each destination based on their Peace Index, Crime Rate, and Safety Perceptions Index to offer a deeper understanding of the safety of these countries. Wondering what these rankings are?


    Join The GAFFL Newsletter

    Join our subscriber list to receive the best tips on solo travel, helpful travel guides, inspirational travel stories, and more. You can unsubscribe anytime with just one click.

    SUBSCRIBE

    1. Global Peace Index: The Global Peace Index (GPI) ranks countries based on their levels of peace and security, using indicators such as ongoing conflict, societal safety, and militarization. It is a comprehensive measure of peace and stability that is widely used by researchers and policymakers.

    2. Crime rates: Crime rates, such as homicide, theft, and assault, are a common way to measure safety in a country. These rates can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the effectiveness of law enforcement and social and economic conditions.

    3. Perception surveys: The Safety Perceptions Index (SPI) assesses five essential risk areas: food and water safety, violent crime, severe weather, mental health, and workplace safety. This report delves into two key aspects for each of these domains: levels of concern and actual experiences of significant harm. The scores for each domain are combined and averaged to produce a composite score for each country.

    Iceland

    Iceland is the most sought-after destination for solo female travel with 2,740,000 average monthly searches. The country is celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty, outdoor adventures like hiking, and the chance to witness the Northern Lights. Impressively, Iceland has consecutively ranked first out of 163 countries on the Global Peace Index, confirming its position as one of the safest destinations in the world.

    Here's how Iceland ranks in terms of safety:

    • 2022 Global Peace Ranking: 1st out of 163 countries, with a score of 1.107.

    • 2022 Crime Rate Ranking: 124th out of 136 countries, with a score of 23.75.

    • 2023 Safety Perceptions Index: 7th out of 121 countries, with a score of 0.109


      Italy

      Coming in at number two on the list with 1,898,000 average monthly searches, Italy is an enchanting country with a rich cultural history, ancient landmarks, and picturesque countryside. With cities such as Milan, Venice, and Rome, Italy offers a diverse range of experiences for solo female travelers. It also boasts more UNESCO sites than any other country in the world. Italy is generally considered safe for solo female travelers, and there is a well-connected transport system throughout the country.

      Here's how Italy ranks in terms of safety:

      • 2022 Global Peace Ranking: 32nd out of 163 countries, with a score of 1.643.

      • 2022 Crime Rate Ranking: 69th out of 136 countries, with a score of 44.85.

      • 2023  Safety Perceptions Index: 77th out of 121 countries, with a score of 0.258.


        Japan

        Japan ranks third with 1,830,000 average monthly searches. Japan is a unique destination, with a fascinating mix of ancient traditions and modern innovations. Popular tourist destinations include Tokyo, Nikko, and Hakone, and the country has a strong transport system that makes it easy for solo female travelers to get around. Japan is also considered one of the safest countries in the world, with low crime rates and friendly locals.

        Here's how Japan ranks in terms of safety:

        • 2022 Global Peace Ranking: 10th out of 163 countries, with a score of 1.336.

        • 2022 Crime Rate Ranking: 129th out of 136 countries, with a score of 22.19.

        • 2023 Safety Perceptions Index: 22nd out of 121 countries, with a score of 0.145.


          United Kingdom

          The United Kingdom ranks fourth on the list, with 1,220,000 average monthly searches. The UK is an excellent destination for solo female travelers who love history, culture, and iconic landmarks. London is a must-visit city, but other destinations such as Bath, Edinburgh, and the Lake District also offer unique experiences. The UK is generally considered a safe destination, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings.

          Here's how The United Kingdom ranks in terms of safety:

          • 2022 Global Peace Ranking: 34th out of 163 countries, with a score of 1.667.

          • 2022 Crime Rate Ranking: 64th out of 136 countries, with a score of 46.07.

          • 2023 Safety Perceptions Index: 24th out of 121 countries, with a score of 0.148.


            Singapore

            With 1,000,000 average monthly searches,  Singapore ranks fifth on the list. This city-state is a blend of modernity and tradition, with world-class shopping, dining, and attractions. Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world, with a low crime rate and strict laws. It's also easy to get around, with an efficient public transport system.

            Here's how Singapore ranks in terms of safety:

            • 2022 Global Peace Ranking: 9th out of 163 countries, with a score of 1.326.

            • 2022 Crime Rate Ranking: 113th out of 136 countries, with a score of 27.96.

            • 2023 Safety Perceptions Index: 6th out of 121 countries, with a score of 0.101.


              Spain

              Spain comes in at sixth place with 829,000 average monthly searches. With a +233% increase in searches YoY, Spain is emerging as an up-and-coming hotspot for solo female travelers. Spain offers a diverse range of experiences, from beach holidays to city breaks, and has around 8,000 kilometers of coastline. Spain is generally considered a safe destination, but as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions.

              Here's how Spain ranks in terms of safety:

              • 2022 Global Peace Ranking: 29th out of 163 countries, with a score of 1.603.

              • 2022 Crime Rate Ranking: 102nd out of 136 countries, with a score of 33.32.

              • 2023 Safety Perceptions Index: 70th out of 121 countries, with a score of 0.240.


                New Zealand

                New Zealand ranks seventh with 825,100 average monthly searches. New Zealand is known for its stunning natural landscapes, outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing, and friendly locals. It's generally considered a safe destination for solo female travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming culture. New Zealand also has a well-connected transport system, making it easy to get around.

                Here's how New Zealand ranks in terms of safety:

                • 2022 Global Peace Ranking: 2nd out of 163 countries, with a score of 1.269.

                • 2022 Crime Rate Ranking: 77th out of 136 countries, with a score of 42.88.

                • 2023 Safety Perceptions Index: 34th out of 121 countries, with a score of 0.164.


                  Thailand

                  Thailand comes in at number eight on the list, with 823,000 average monthly searches. Thailand is a popular destination for solo female travelers, with its beautiful beaches, ancient temples, and delicious food. The country is generally considered safe, but it's important to be aware of scams and take necessary precautions. Thailand has a well-connected transport system, making it easy to get around.

                  Here's how Thailand ranks in terms of safety:

                  • 2022 Global Peace Ranking: 103rd out of 163 countries, with a score of 2.098.

                  • 2022 Crime Rate Ranking: 89th out of 136 countries, with a score of 39.35.

                  • 2023 Safety Perceptions Index: 38th out of 121 countries, with a score of 0.174.


                    Indonesia 

                    Indonesia ranks ninth with 673,200 average monthly searches. Indonesia is a vast and diverse country, with over 17,000 islands and a rich cultural heritage. Popular destinations include Bali, Jakarta, and Yogyakarta. Bali, in particular, is a favorite among solo female travelers, with its stunning beaches, yoga retreats, and wellness activities. Indonesia is generally considered safe, but it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions. The country has a well-connected transport system, but some areas may be more challenging to navigate.

                    Here's how Indonesia ranks in terms of safety:

                    • 2022 Global Peace Ranking: 47th out of 163 countries, with a score of 1.8.

                    • 2022 Crime Rate Ranking: 65th out of 136 countries, with a score of 45.93.

                    • 2023 Safety Perceptions Index: 82nd out of 121 countries, with a score of 0.270.


                      Australia

                      Australia rounds out the list with 74,000 average monthly searches. Australia is a popular destination for solo female travelers, with its iconic landmarks such as the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru, and its laid-back culture. Australia is generally considered safe, with low crime rates, but it's important to be aware of the risks associated with the country's unique wildlife. Australia has a well-connected transport system, making it easy to get around.

                      Here's how Australia ranks in terms of safety:

                      1. 2022 Global Peace Ranking: 27th out of 163 countries, with a score of 1.565.

                      2. 2022 Crime Rate Ranking: 75th out of 136 countries, with a score of 43.03.

                      3. 2023 Safety Perceptions Index: 29th out of 121 countries, with a score of 0.159.


                      Overall, these destinations offer a mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and friendly locals. They also generally have low crime rates and well-connected transport systems, making them safe and easy to navigate for solo female travelers. It's important to always do your research and take necessary precautions, but these destinations are excellent options for those seeking adventure and independence.

                      Join The GAFFL Newsletter

                      Join our subscriber list to receive the best tips on solo travel, helpful travel guides, inspirational travel stories, and more. You can unsubscribe anytime with just one click.

                      SUBSCRIBE