Travel

Best Countries for Solo Female Travelers in 2025

In 2025, solo female travel is more empowering, accessible, and exciting than ever before. Whether you're heading out for a soulful reset or chasing new experiences, there are countries that welcome women traveling alone with open arms. These destinations offer the perfect blend of safety, culture, adventure, and ease of navigation.

Here are five of the best countries for solo female travelers in 2025, with everything you need to know before booking your ticket.

1. Japan – Where Solo Feels Effortless

Japan is consistently ranked among the safest countries in the world, and it shows. As a solo female traveler, you’ll feel an immediate sense of comfort the moment you land. From ultra-clean public spaces to the famously respectful culture, Japan makes traveling alone feel easy and dignified.

Wander through Kyoto’s serene temples, soak in an onsen in Hakone, or explore Tokyo’s dazzling neighborhoods like Shibuya and Ginza. The country is tailor-made for solo experiences—think capsule hotels, solo dining booths, women-only train cars, and impeccable transportation. Even if you don’t speak Japanese, signage in English and the hospitality of locals make navigating smooth.

Why it’s great for solo women: High safety, solo-friendly infrastructure, cultural richness, and respectful society.

Popular solo activities: Riding the bullet train, exploring Gion’s geisha district, hiking Mt. Fuji.

2. Portugal – Europe’s Most Underrated Gem

Portugal strikes the perfect balance between charm, affordability, and accessibility. It’s one of the best countries in Europe for solo female travel thanks to its walkable cities, warm locals, and laid-back vibe.

Lisbon invites you to wander through cobbled alleys and take in views from ancient miradouros (viewpoints). Porto offers riverside cafes and wine tasting in beautiful cellar towns. Down south, the Algarve coastline is filled with golden beaches, sea caves, and sleepy fishing villages.

Public transport is reliable, English is widely spoken, and solo female travelers often rave about how welcoming and non-intimidating the environment feels. Plus, Portugal has a growing community of digital nomads and solo adventurers, so it’s easy to find your tribe.

Why it’s great for solo women: Budget-friendly, easy to explore, low crime, friendly locals.

Popular solo activities: Exploring Sintra’s castles, attending a fado music night, surfing in Lagos.

3. New Zealand – Nature, Adventure & Safety

If you crave wide open spaces and outdoor adventures, New Zealand is your dream solo destination. It’s one of the most female-friendly countries in the world with its strong culture of equality, incredibly low crime rates, and a society that embraces independent lifestyles.

You can road trip across the North and South Islands, hike through fjords, kayak on crystal-clear lakes, or join a guided tour for adrenaline-pumping adventures like bungee jumping or skydiving. Cities like Wellington and Queenstown are compact and artsy, while small towns offer comfort and connection.

Kiwis (New Zealanders) are known for their friendliness and casual kindness, so don’t be surprised if strangers offer help or strike up friendly conversations.

Why it’s great for solo women: Extremely safe, female-friendly, full of nature and self-guided activities.

Popular solo activities: Solo campervan road trips, Hobbiton tours, geothermal spa visits.

4. Vietnam – Vibrant Culture on a Budget

Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s rising stars for solo female travel. It’s perfect if you’re on a budget and want to soak in culture, food, nature, and vibrant energy all in one trip. Despite its chaotic cities, Vietnam is surprisingly easy to travel solo, with countless hostels, guided tours, and night buses connecting the country.

Start in Hanoi with a street food tour, then cruise through the limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay. Head south to Hoi An for lantern-lit nights and peaceful beaches, and explore Ho Chi Minh City’s fast-paced charm. It’s a place where you can be anonymous yet never alone.

Vietnam is also home to many female-run travel groups and wellness retreats, giving solo travelers both community and freedom.

Why it’s great for solo women: Affordable, well-connected, culturally immersive, and growing backpacker scene.

Popular solo activities: Cooking classes, motorbike tours, island-hopping in Phu Quoc.

5. Iceland – Pure Magic, Total Safety

Iceland is often described as otherworldly—and for solo travelers, it can feel like you’ve landed on a peaceful alien planet. With dramatic landscapes, geothermal spas, and waterfalls around every corner, it’s a nature-lover’s dream that also happens to be one of the safest places on Earth.

Whether you join a small tour group to chase the Northern Lights or rent a car for your own Ring Road adventure, Iceland offers solitude in the best way possible. Reykjavik is cozy and artsy, but it’s the countryside that will steal your heart—volcanoes, glaciers, and black-sand beaches await.

There’s a strong solo travel community here, and women travelers often report feeling completely secure, even while hiking or driving solo.

Why it’s great for solo women: Top-ranked global safety, unique natural beauty, empowering solitude.

Popular solo activities: Blue Lagoon spa visit, Golden Circle tour, horseback riding on lava fields.

Solo female travel in 2025 is all about freedom—with support. These five countries offer the perfect balance of safety, culture, convenience, and inspiration. Whether you’re dipping your toes into solo travel for the first time or are a seasoned wanderer looking for your next soul-refreshing journey, these destinations welcome you with open arms and unforgettable experiences.

The world is yours—go explore it, solo and strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is solo female travel safe in 2025?
Yes, with the right research and precautions, solo female travel is safer than ever. Always stay aware, trust your instincts, and choose well-reviewed accommodations.

Q2. What’s the best country for a first-time solo trip?
Japan and Portugal are often recommended for first-time solo female travelers due to their safety and ease of navigation.

Q3. Are there travel communities for solo women?
Yes, platforms like Girls LOVE Travel, Solo Female Travelers, and Facebook groups provide tips, support, and even meetups.

Q4. How do I meet people while traveling solo?
Hostels, local tours, cooking classes, and co-working cafes are great places to connect with other travelers.