Traveling is an activity almost every human enjoys. We all love going to new places, meeting new people, seeing new things, etc. Traveling itself might be a great way to refresh the mind.
The term ‘wanderlust’ refers to a strong desire to travel and we’ve all had that from time to time
However, there’s no denying the inherent risks involved when you travel to a new place. Traveling in groups is one thing, but traveling alone is a serious undertaking. Female travelers especially must have an awareness of the risks and dangers found in almost any destination. They should know about countries with historically high crime rates and avoid them when planning their next trip.
To help spread awareness about safety when traveling, we’ve put together a list of the safest countries in the world for female travelers. This information is made available through the Institute for Economics & Peace’s Global Peace Index or GPI.
GPI analyses a country’s political stability, personal safety, social stability, public health, security, and economic strength. You can find out more about what they’re doing here. Through the information provided by GPI, we’ve put together a list of the safest countries in the world for female travelers. Do note that while this information is accurate, it is not perfect. It is always good practice to do further research on a country before deciding to take a trip there.
With that done, let’s look at the list now.
Iceland
Located in the North Atlantic Ocean, Iceland is the favorite destination for many Europeans with good reason. The capital city of Reykjavik is a popular tourist hot spot and has plenty of sites to look at. The people are welcoming, friendly, and easy-going making it ideal for women looking at safety when traveling.
Visitors here can visit the world-famous Blue Lagoon geothermic spa. They can also go on one of the many hiking trails available. Aside from that are the northern lights, which are a popular attraction for stargazers, photographers, and adventurers. Finally, the country itself has a rich cultural history and frequently hosts concerts and festivals.
New Zealand
New Zealand is widely regarded for its strong economy, growing population, and high living standard. Personal safety is a high priority in the country. Many people feel safe in urban areas. Many travelers and travel groups site New Zealand as one of their favorite places to visit in the world.
The government in New Zealand is focused on the citizen’s rights and is committed to their betterment. Several steps are being taken to improve the country’s infrastructure. Additionally, there are also measures in place to curb instances of terrorism or acts of terror. Ultimately, New Zealand gives us plenty of reasons to include it on the list of safest countries in the world for women travelers.
Ireland
Ireland’s history dates back to the early Christian era and it plays a major role in western civilization. The country has a stable democracy and a high ranking on the Global Peace Index.
Some of the notable sites to visit include the Cliffs of Moher, Rock of Cashel, and Killarney National Park. Travelers who enjoy adventuring can hike in the Wicklow Mountains or take a trip to the Gardens of Ireland. Here, they can see more than one thousand plant species in one location.
The friendly people and communities are great for musicians and artists looking for inspiration. Also, the country has a low crime rate for anyone looking for safety when traveling.
Portugal
Portugal is a small country compared to others on this list. However, it is a good choice for anyone looking to save some money during their travel. The country has a diverse history dating back to the Ice Age.
Portugal has low levels of corruption and low crime rates. The main tourist attractions here include the cosmopolitan city of Lisbon and a UNESCO world heritage site built by northern civilizations. Many travelers attest to how safe they feel traveling in urban areas. The country is famous for its religious tolerance. All these reasons are why many blogs consider Portugal as one of the safest countries in the world for female travelers.
Switzerland
Switzerland is renowned for its high living standards, wealth, and safety. Anyone traveling to this country can visit famous sites like the Swiss Alps, the capital city of Bern, the Golden Pass Line, and more.
It is a wonderful place to visit for any female traveler. The modern cities and vast landscapes capture your attention and stay with you long afterward. Aside from this, the people are considered easygoing, open-minded, and friendly.
Canada
Canada is world-famous for its large and beautiful national parks, picturesque landscapes, and active cosmopolitan life. The majority of Canada is very safe. There are very few reports of violent crimes against women or street harassment. Consequently, any woman facing trouble can rely on the police as they are very trustworthy.
Beyond that, the people are very nice and some of the friendliest in the world. Canadians love to talk and share their knowledge about the country. Any female traveler going there will benefit from the experience.
How to ensure safety when traveling
Here are a few things to consider before you start traveling
- Research the location
- Understand local norms and customs
- Stay aware of your surroundings
- Be mindful of public transport
- Make a note of prohibited items
Beyond that, you can always consider downloading a women safety app. There are many available for download, the most notable being I’m Safe. It is a women safety app dedicated to making women feel safe and secure wherever they go. The app aims to reduce the instance of violence against women and other acts like rape, domestic violence, sexual harassment, and more.