Unfortunately, there are many cases of people in foreign countries taking advantage of solo women travelers. While you shouldn’t feel paranoid about traveling solo, you should know all about your destination’s track record of women’s rights and safety. In this article, we’ll take a look at a few of the best places to travel alone as a woman. All of the locations listed below are some of the safest, cleanest, and most exciting cities for solo female travelers.
1. Seoul, South Korea
Whether you’re into the latest in hi-tech living, ancient Buddhist temples, high-end shopping, or spicy street food, you’re sure to find something to enjoy in Seoul. South Korea’s capital is officially split into 25 districts, each of which is almost a small city in its own right. History buffs will love exploring the northern Jongno district with its impressive temples and palaces.
For those looking to explore the glitzy 21st century Seoul, plan on staying in the southern Gangnam section of the city. Like many major cities in the Far East, Seoul has a high reputation when it comes to cleanliness, safety, and courtesy. Pickpocketing is minimal, and murder is almost non-existent. Also, since South Korean parents are so eager for their children to learn English, you’ll have a far easier time communicating with locals than in other Asian nations. Go ahead, it’s time for you to travel “Gangnam Style.”
2. Copenhagen, Denmark
Traveling to Europe for the first time? Overwhelmed by the size of London, Paris, or Rome? If you’ve answered “yes” to these two questions and you still want travel to a great European capital, why not try Copenhagen? This Danish capital is listed not only as one of the best places to travel alone as a woman, it’s also one of the happiest cities in the world.
Copenhagen has all the beautiful architecture and rich heritage you’d expect from a great European city, but it is small enough to feel incredibly intimate. Definitely take a boat ride on the iconic Nyhavn canal and stroll around the beautiful Tivoli Gardens. And, of course, take a few selfies by Hans Christian Andersen’s “Little Mermaid” statue.
3. Siem Reap, Cambodia
This city in northern Cambodia is best known for it’s easy access to the Angkor Archeological Park. In case you didn’t know, Angkor Wat and surrounding structures are ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples built between the 9th and 15th centuries.
This entire 400 square km park is located within an equally stunning forest and has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. No matter what your faith, you’re sure to feel a sense of awe as you stand before Angkor Wat’s divine statuary. While there are a few scammers around Angkor Archeological Park, reports of violent crime and sexual assault are extremely low. As long as you use a good dose of common sense, Siem Reap is yet another one of the best places to travel alone as a woman.
4. Kobe, Japan
Honestly, every major city in Japan could go on our list of the best places to travel alone as a woman. However, we’ve decided to choose the port city of Kobe. Why choose this city, you ask? Well, Kobe isn’t as well-known to Western tourists, so you’ll get a more authentic Japanese experience while you’re here.
Kobe is also one of the best places in Japan for food, drink, and nightlife. Along with its world-famous beef, Kobe is well-known for its numerous high-quality sake breweries. In addition to haut cuisine, Kobe has numerous historic shrines, museums, and scenic areas to visit. Try to book your trip during December to take part in Kobe’s moving Luminaire light festival in honor victims of the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.
5. Dublin, Ireland
What isn’t there to love about Dublin? The Irish capital is one of the most youthful and energetic of European cities. Nightlife lovers will absolutely love Dublin’s incredible pub culture and frothy pints of Guinness. Indeed, a visit to Dublin isn’t complete without a trip to the top of the grand Guinness Storehouse. A few other must-sees in Dublin include the Kilmainham Gaol, Christ Church Cathedral, and Trinity College’s Old Library.
Just be careful traveling around pub areas extremely late at night on the weekend. There are sometimes a few drunkards looking for trouble in these areas.
6. Guilin, China
If you’re a nature lover, consider taking a trip to Guilin in southern China. Although you might not have heard of this location, the Chinese certainly have. Guilin is actually one of the top tourist cities in Asia. The reason why Guilin attracts so many people year on year has to do with the unreal natural beauty of its limestone mountains.
There are also beautiful areas surrounding Guilin like the Longji rice terraces and the Lijiang River. Since Guilin is such a tourist hotspot, locals are used to foreign backpackers and the city center is incredibly clean. Guilin is certainly one of the best places to travel alone as a woman if you want to take plenty of scenic selfies.
7. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is one of the most romantic cities in Europe, and, luckily for you, it’s also one of the most affordable. You’ll feel as if you’re in a fairy tale as you explore the Old Town Square, walk across the Charles Bridge, tour Prague Castle, and marvel at the St. Vitus Cathedral. After exploring the many treasures of the city, it’s time to get your grub on at one of the many superb Czech bars.
Close out your perfect day with one of the many live classical music concerts that are always happening somewhere in Prague. The only thing you need to be worried about in Prague is pickpocketing. However, as long as you use common sense, you should have no problems exploring this enchanting city.
8. Taipei, Taiwan
We close out our list of the best places to travel alone as a woman with the Taiwanese capital Taipei. Despite Taipei’s ultra-modern skyscrapers and economic power, the city has retained a great deal of its unique heritage. Here you’ll find not only influences of local Taiwanese and traditional Chinese, but also a mix of Japanese and Western architecture.
A few must-dos on any trip to Taipei include riding one of the world’s fastest elevators to the top of Taipei 101, touring the Longshan Temple, and munching on the city’s legendary street food. Don’t forget to take a relaxing dip in one of the city’s many natural hot springs before you leave. Taipei is one of the world’s safest capital cities, and the only major crimes reported here are related to petty theft.
Summing Up
Any of the destinations listed above are best places to travel alone as a woman, especially if this is your first solo trip. All of these cities not only have great records in terms of gender equality, they also have plenty of experience dealing with tourists from around the world. Whether you’re a foodie, nature lover, shop-a-holic, or history enthusiast, you’re sure to find one city on this list to suit your needs. Just practice common sense, look up a few tips from professional solo female travelers, and get ready for a thrilling travel experience!