8 countries that are safe for women – Travel safe as a woman is what you do in these countries!

Countries that are safe for women. Research shows that women spend a lot of time researching the safety of a country to travel as women. There is a big demand for clarity, where are we safe to travel as women? There are always countries that are safer for women travelling alone than some other countries. Therefore, I am happy to share with you 8 countries that are overall safe for women.

Did you know that as many as 59% of people who booked with booking would travel alone in 2024?

Unfortunately, the survey does not show the percentage of women but I suspect it is around half. In fact, in most surveys / polls it does not differ that much. Also, for example, on pilgrimages, it appears that even more women walked the camino de Santiago than men in 2023.

Travel safe as a woman is what you do in these countries!

Of course, it is also natural for women to search on the safety aspect, you go to a foreign country and wonder if you should do it. Generally, your surroundings warn you about the big bad world. But know that this is almost never the case. There are pretty few countries where you cannot travel well as a woman alone.

Let me put it this way, I haven’t experienced it yet. I have sometimes felt uncomfortable but that was ultimately more down to me than to the country or its people. Indeed, I could have dressed differently so that I attracted a little less attention from men.

We women of the Western world can dress however we want without generally being bothered by it. At most, you get some attention, often in a flattering way too. But in mostly Middle Eastern countries, which are predominantly Muslim, they don’t know this. There, they never/not often see skin, they often only see a woman’s face and hands.

I often compare it to the fact that people in India are not surprised by a bare belly, they see it daily under the saris but when they see shoulders their thoughts run away with them. Because you have to make choices in lists, I did not include India but I can still highly recommend going there, even as a woman alone.

Yes, I know the extremely nasty stories of India but if you behave ‘normally’ as a tourist then India really is a super country to travel. (Also read these tips)

But so to go on holiday without having to worry about your safety, the following countries are a super choice.

Inspiration for 8 countries that are safe for women

The countries that are safe for women are my personal choice and made based on my experiences, research and wish list.

Travel safe as a woman – Go to Jordan

Jordan, like Oman, are great countries in the middle east to go to. Both countries are distinguished by their peacefulness. They are the Switzerland of the Middle East. In 2021 I travelled around Jordan alone for a month and in 2024 I stayed in the Wadi Rum for a month. What a wonderful country. In terms of food, there could be a bit more vegetarian options but I still like the bread with the hummus The best!

In predominantly Muslim countries, it is a must that you adapt a little in terms of clothing, no bare shoulders and clothes over the knees. If you as a woman stick to this, you will be treated very respectfully.

Read more about Jordan

Travel safe as a woman – Go to Portugal

I also find Portugal in lists of the world’s safest countries. Again, Portugal is high on the list for 2025, based on surveys of men and women in America. I have walked along the coast there a few times now and loved it!

Even in the cities of Porto and Lisbon, I never felt unsafe at any time as a woman alone. So Portugal really is a fine and therefore safe destination to travel to safely as a woman.

Read more about Portugal

Travel safe as a woman – Go to Bali – Indonesia

Always a fine destination, the lovely Hindu island of Bali. From hip coffee shops to the most local eateries. Of course, it gets very crowded in Sanur, Denpasar or Ubud. And so opt for the more unknown places like Canggu or Munduk. Here you can still feel a bit like an explorer, visiting places where not everyone has been yet.

Take a nice snorkelling trip in the beautiful waters near Bali or go diving or take the PADI diving course in Bali. Delight in hiking over the beautiful rice terraces and of course feast after a fun cooking course.

It has been far too long since I was here for me and am really going to try to go to Bali again and explore the surrounding islands more.

Travel safe as a woman – Go to Taiwan

Taiwan has been on my list to visit for some time now. Taiwan is a very safe country to travel around for women and men. The island is diverse with beaches of course but also beautiful nature and hip cities like Tapei.

What I am most looking forward to though is the authentic culture, the architectural style of houses and food culture. I will definitely book this trip to the northeast coast of Taiwan once I get there. Beautiful nature, Old Street in Shifen with the night market as the end point. That doesn’t sound wrong right?

Travel safe as a woman – Go to Thailand

The land of smiles: Thailand. It remains a wonderful country and super safe country to travel around as a woman alone. I have been to Thailand several times and travelled around on my own. Thailand is very touristy and I find that a bit unfortunate in some places but it remains a beautiful country. Its advantage is that you can travel around very easily and everything is well organised for the tourist.

As soon as you get away from the busy city and go slightly off the beaten track, the real Thailand appears. The ancient culture, the lovely people, the delicious food and the impressive nature! The country has it all. Enjoy the many islands with beautiful white beaches or head inland and discover the authentic Thailand.

Read more about Thailand

Travel safe as a woman – Go to Namibia

This is perhaps a country you wouldn’t expect so much in this list. I travelled around Namibia for 10 weeks and found it really super. I felt super safe there during my long solo tour.

Namibia a super safe country and the people there are super hospitable. I had nothing but great conversations and visited beautiful places. I drove a 4WD with rooftop tent there and camped 75% of the time and the rest I was in hotels.

The versatility of Namibia is really surprising, several deserts and the Etosha NP and then the long impressive coastline. Highly recommended!

I will also tell you that my purse was snatched from my car in the town of Otjiwarongo … but I snatched it back! Otjiwarongo is not a town where tourists go, I was there to do some shopping. Take to heart the advice that applies everywhere … In cities, always be extra wary.

Read more about Namibië

Travel safe as a woman – Go to Nepal

Nepal is a wonderfully chaotic country to go to. It is safe for women to travel there. People generally treat each other very respectfully in Asia and as a woman/tourist you are in a good position. I did a lovely 8-day hike in the Himalayas there which I would love to do again.

Also go on a foodwalk in Kathmandu, which I really enjoyed doing. It takes you to different streets and local restaurants than you might do on your own.

Nepal also offers chances to spot the Indian rhinoceros in Chitwan National Park but also elephants, tigers and leopards hear! Book your tour Chitwan NP

Travel safe as a woman – Go to Peru

Peru is also mentioned in many lists as a woman-friendly country. I believe it right too because many women I know have been there. They have had wonderful trips there and felt safe. You can be good in the cities but the nature is also beautiful.

How about the world-famous Machu Pichu? You simply must have seen this, right? It is therefore still high on my travel wish list. But discovering the Maya culture is also amazing!

There are nasty stories about every country and everything, that is NEVER a yardstick to put your ruler along if you ask me because then you wouldn’t be able to feel safe anywhere.

Are you planning to travel alone? I love it and it is on those trips that I got to know myself the most and also became a better person in the most beautiful ways. I just bought another ticket to India, alone… and I am super looking forward to it again!

Looking for more tips on women and solo travel?

Solo travel and 40+? Go stay in hostels too

Tips for women – Safe travel in India

Solo hiking and Navigating – How do I do that?

How lonely are you when you travel alone?