Top safest places to travel alone
Travelling solo can be incredibly rewarding, offering freedom and flexibility.
Here are some of the safest destinations to explore, broken down by region.
Safest Places to Travel Alone
Going abroad alone? Here’s where you’ll feel safe and supported
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Why safety matters when travelling alone
Solo travel is on the rise, with more people choosing to explore the world independently. For first-time travellers and solo female travellers, safety is often the top concern. Whether you're visiting a busy city or a remote paradise, feeling safe on your journey allows you to fully embrace the adventure.
In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the safest destinations worldwide - places where solo travellers can relax, explore and connect with new cultures without worry.
From low crime rates to welcoming locals and reliable healthcare, we’ll share practical tips on how to choose the safest spots and travel with confidence.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear idea of where to go and how to stay safe while enjoying the freedom of solo travel!
What makes a destination "safe" for solo travellers?
When it comes to solo travel, safety means more than just low crime rates. A safe destination is one where you feel at ease and comfortable exploring on your own. Key factors include:
- Low crime: Cities and towns with low crime rates provide peace of mind for solo travellers.
- Walkability: Easy-to-navigate areas, especially for walking, reduce the stress of getting lost or feeling unsafe.
- Friendly locals: Destinations with warm, welcoming communities make solo travellers feel supported.
- Good healthcare: Access to reliable medical care can be crucial if anything goes wrong.
- Ease of communication: Destinations where locals speak your language or offer good translation services help you navigate unfamiliar environments smoothly.
While no destination is entirely risk-free, many are known for being especially safe, offering you the chance to enjoy your journey without constant worry. Ultimately, your personal comfort and intuition should guide you in making the right choice for your solo adventure.
Safest places to travel alone in Europe
Iceland ✨
- Why it's safe: Iceland has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, with a friendly, tight-knit community that makes solo travellers feel welcome.
- Safest cities: Reykjavík, Akureyri
- Best for: Adventure seekers and nature photographers who want to explore dramatic landscapes, from volcanoes to glaciers, with complete peace of mind in one of the world's safest countries.
Switzerland ✨
- Why it's safe: Switzerland’s excellent public transport, low crime and efficient healthcare make it a top choice for solo travellers.
- Safest cities: Zurich, Lucerne, Geneva
- Best for: First-time solo travellers and wellness enthusiasts who appreciate clean, well-organised cities surrounded by stunning Alpine scenery, perfect for building confidence while exploring.
Netherlands ✨
- Why it's safe: Known for its open-minded attitude and low crime rates, the Netherlands is perfect for solo adventurers.
- Safest cities: Amsterdam, Groningen, Utrecht
- Best for: Cultural explorers and cycling enthusiasts who love friendly locals and want to experience everything from Amsterdam's canals to smaller Dutch cities in a relaxed, safe atmosphere.
Safest places to travel alone in Asia
Japan ✨
- Why it's safe: Japan has one of the lowest crime rates globally, making it an ideal destination for solo travellers who want peace of mind.
- Safest cities: Kyoto, Tokyo, Osaka
- Best for: Solo travellers seeking spiritual experiences and food lovers who want to discover ancient temples, busy city streets and peaceful gardens in a country that values respect and safety.
Singapore ✨
- Why it's safe: With strict laws, clean streets and a well-regulated society, Singapore ranks high in safety for solo travellers.
- Safest cities: Singapore City (the entire country is a city-state)
- Best for: Business travellers and urban explorers who want to experience beautiful gardens, impressive architecture and cultural diversity in a city that's incredibly easy to navigate and enjoy.
South Korea ✨
- Why it's safe: South Korea has very low crime rates, an excellent transport system and a strong safety culture. Locals are often eager to help, especially in bigger cities.
- Safest cities: Seoul, Busan, Jeju City
- Best for: First-time solo travellers and culture lovers who want to explore buzzing city life, peaceful temples and stunning countryside, all in a country that makes travelling solo feel easy and safe.
Safest places to travel alone in the Middle East
Qatar ✨
- Why it's safe: Qatar is one of the world's safest country with extraordinarily low crime rates and a Level 1 travel advisory - the only Middle Eastern nation with this top safety rating.
- Safest cities: Doha, Lusail
- Best for: Cultural explorers and luxury travellers who want world-class museums and fine dining with complete peace of mind.
United Arab Emirates ✨
- Why it's safe: The UAE performs exceptionally well in global safety rankings, with Abu Dhabi consistently rated as one of the world's safest cities. Crime rates are very low across all emirates, and there's excellent infrastructure for tourists.
- Safest cities: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah
- Best for: First-time Middle East visitors and business travellers who appreciate international standards and diverse experiences.
Oman ✨
- Why it's safe: Oman scores 0 on the Global Terrorism Index with locals regularly leaving homes unlocked due to minimal crime.
- Safest cities: Muscat, Nizwa, Salalah
- Best for: Adventure seekers and solo female travellers who want authentic Arab culture with genuine hospitality and respect.
Safest places to travel alone in Africa
Botswana ✨
- Why it's safe: Botswana has a stable political environment, low crime rates and a welcoming attitude towards travellers.
- Safest cities: Gaborone, Maun
- Best for: Wildlife photographers and safari enthusiasts who want to explore the Okavango Delta and enjoy incredible animal encounters in one of Africa's most secure countries.
Morocco ✨
- Why it's safe: Morocco remains relatively safe for solo travellers, especially in tourist areas, with a bit of caution in busy spots.
- Safest cities: Marrakech, Essaouira, Fes
- Best for: History and market lovers who want to wander through medinas, visit historical sites and take in the welcoming atmosphere, particularly in smaller, quieter towns.
Rwanda ✨
- Why it's safe: Rwanda is known for its extremely low crime rates and rapid development in tourism.
- Safest cities: Kigali, Musanze
- Best for: Conservation-minded travellers and primate enthusiasts who want to discover Rwanda's incredible nature, including gorilla trekking, in one of Africa's safest and most beautiful destinations.
Safest places to travel alone in the Americas
Canada ✨
- Why it's safe: Canada consistently ranks among the world's safest countries with genuinely low crime rates and locals who'll go out of their way to help you.
- Safest cities: Vancouver, Ottawa, Montreal
- Best for: Nature lovers and adventure seekers who want spectacular landscapes with friendly, welcoming people who make you feel at home.
Costa Rica ✨
- Why it's safe: Costa Rica maintains low crime rates in tourist areas and lives up to its "Pura Vida" reputation with a genuinely relaxed atmosphere.
- Safest cities: San José, La Fortuna, Tamarindo
- Best for: Solo travellers wanting a proper break with incredible rainforests, amazing wildlife and gorgeous beaches without the stress.
Argentina ✨
- Why it's safe: Argentina offers good safety for solo travellers, particularly in popular tourist areas where there's always plenty going on.
- Safest cities: Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Bariloche
- Best for: Wine enthusiasts and culture lovers who want fantastic food, world-class wines and stunning scenery in a welcoming environment.
Safest places to travel alone in Oceania
New Zealand ✨
- Why it's safe: New Zealand has genuinely low crime rates and locals who'll go out of their way to help, creating the perfect environment where solo travellers can explore with complete confidence.
- Safest cities: Auckland, Queenstown, Wellington
- Highlights: Adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts who want everything from Queenstown's adrenaline sports to Auckland and Wellington's natural beauty, all with total peace of mind.
Australia ✨
- Why it's safe: Australia combines well-regulated cities with low crime rates, making it an excellent choice for solo travellers wanting both city life and natural experiences.
- Safest cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart
- Highlights: City explorers and culture seekers who want to see Sydney's famous landmarks, Melbourne's arts scene, or Tasmania's character in Hobart, all in a safe and welcoming environment.
Fiji ✨
- Why it's safe: Fiji has very low crime rates and a famously relaxed atmosphere, perfect for solo travellers wanting a peaceful getaway.
- Safest cities: Nadi, Suva
- Highlights: Beach lovers and relaxation seekers who want gorgeous coastlines and warm Fijian hospitality in a calm, secure setting for the perfect tropical escape.
Up-and-coming safe destinations for solo travellers
- Estonia is quickly becoming a favourite among solo travellers, especially in Tallinn. The country has low crime rates and excellent digital infrastructure, making it perfect for remote workers exploring Europe.
- Slovenia offers incredible natural beauty with Lake Bled and Ljubljana providing safe, walkable experiences. Locals are helpful and the country consistently ranks well for safety.
- Portugal continues growing in popularity with solo female travellers particularly loving Lisbon and Porto. The relaxed atmosphere, affordable prices and welcoming locals create an ideal environment for independent exploration.
- Georgia (the country) is gaining attention for its incredible hospitality culture and very low crime rates. Tbilisi offers lots of history and amazing food, while the countryside provides safe hiking opportunities.
- El Salvador rounds out our list with San Salvador becoming a growing choice for solo travellers. With improving safety, friendly locals and a rising reputation for surf and nature, it’s an appealing Central American alternative to the more tourist-heavy spots.
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Solo travel essentials
Travelling solo means thinking ahead - a little planning can make a huge difference. Here are some key things to pack (and prepare) before you fly.
Get covered before you go 🛡️
Travel insurance isn’t just for the big stuff. It gives peace of mind for the everyday things too, like lost bags, delayed flights or getting help if you fall ill. At Alternative Airlines, you can add travel insurance and flight protection right at checkout, so it’s one less thing to worry about.
Stay connected (even offline) 🛜
Download offline maps for your destination. Apps like Google Maps let you navigate without Wi-Fi, which is a lifesaver if you’re somewhere unfamiliar. It’s also smart to save key addresses, like your hotel or the nearest embassy, just in case.
💡Tip: Keep a portable charger handy so your phone stays alive when you need it most.
Keep your safety net close 📞
Save emergency contacts in your phone and on paper - family, friends, accommodation and local emergency services. Also, make sure someone at home knows your travel plan and checks in with you regularly.
Nervous about your solo trip?
Solo travel starts with mindset. Feeling confident doesn’t mean knowing everything - it means trusting yourself enough to take the first step. And when things feel uncertain, it helps to know you’ve got support behind you.
At Alternative Airlines, we take the stress out of booking so you can focus on the fun part - the travel.
- Need to spread the cost? We’ve got over 40 ways to pay, including pay later options.
- Want backup if plans change? Add flight protection for extra peace of mind.
Our instant confirmation and expert Customer Service team mean you’re never truly travelling alone.
So, wherever you're heading and whatever’s ahead, you’ve got the tools, the support and the freedom to go with confidence.
FAQs
Got questions about travelling solo? You’re not the only one.
Here are some of the most common things people ask before taking off on their own, and how we can help make it all a bit easier.
What’s the safest country for solo female travellers?
Iceland is often considered the safest country in the world for solo female travellers. With incredibly low crime rates, a strong sense of community and a culture that values respect and equality, it’s a top pick for peace of mind.
Locals are friendly, English is widely spoken and the landscapes are unreal - picture glaciers, waterfalls and hot springs. So if you're exploring Reykjavík or road-tripping the Ring Road, Iceland makes solo travel feel exciting, not intimidating.
How do I stay safe when travelling alone?
- Stay aware of your surroundings, trust your gut and keep your phone charged.
- Share your travel plan with someone you trust and check in regularly.
- Stick to well-lit, busy areas, especially at night, and avoid flashing valuables.
- It’s smart to download offline maps and save emergency contacts, just in case.
- Booking with flight protection through Alternative Airlines adds an extra layer of support if things don’t go to plan.
Is it safe to travel solo for the first time?
Yes, it’s safe to travel solo for the first time, especially if you choose the right destination and plan ahead. Places like Japan, Iceland and New Zealand are perfect for beginners, with low crime and friendly locals.
It’s normal to feel nervous at first, but confidence builds fast once you're out there. At Alternative Airlines, we help make the process easier with flexible payment options, flight protection and expert support. So even if you’re travelling solo, you’re never on your own when booking with us.
What’s the best way to book flights as a solo traveller?
The best way to book flights as a solo traveller is to keep things flexible and stress-free. At Alternative Airlines, you can search over 600 airlines, compare routes easily, and choose from 40+ ways to pay, including pay later options.
Add flight protection at checkout for extra peace of mind and get instant booking confirmation so you know everything’s sorted. Whether it’s a last-minute trip or something you’ve been planning for months, we make booking simple, safe and solo-friendly.
Do I need travel insurance if I’m going alone?
Yes - travel insurance is especially important when you're flying solo. Without a travel buddy to help if things go wrong, having cover gives you peace of mind. It can protect you against trip delays, cancellations, lost bags or unexpected medical costs.
What if something goes wrong while I’m travelling?
Things don’t always go to plan, and that’s OK. If your flight’s delayed, cancelled or changed, we’re here to help - just reach out to our Customer Service team. It’s also smart to keep local emergency numbers saved, along with your accommodation details and embassy info.
Trust your instincts, stay calm and ask for help when you need it. With a few safety nets in place, you can handle the bumps and keep your trip on track.
Written by Alternative Airlines
Last updated: 1 August 2025
At Alternative Airlines, we believe booking flights shouldn’t feel overwhelming. That’s why we combine smart tech, flexible payment options and a dedicated Customer Service team to make booking easier, and more human.
We know that travel isn’t just about getting from A to B. Behind every booking is a reason - a reunion, a business trip, a family holiday or something totally unexpected.
That’s why we write guides like this: to give you clear, honest advice you can trust. So you can focus on the journey, not the stress of planning it.
Wherever you’re going next, we’re here to help you get there, with confidence.