The best places for solo female travelers

There is nothing I love more than traveling alone. You can wake up as early – or as late – as you want, potter around the museum without being pressured to go to the next room, and eat whenever, and whatever you like (girl food, always).

Traveling alone is certainly not for everyone – while I have friends who have traveled across South East Asia alone, I have others who would be terrified to take a train to another part of the UK.

The biggest obstacle is safety, which is very difficult to measure. As the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) points out on its advice pages, “no travel can be guaranteed to be safe”.

But by looking at the latest Index of Georgetown University’s Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and Global Peace Index, BBC Travel tried to crunch the numbers and come up with the best places for solo female travelers.

The former ranks countries around the world based on factors including education, employment, legal discrimination and violence against women, while the latter looks at ongoing domestic and international conflicts, public safety and security, and the military.

Looking at both, the broadcaster reached five countries for female solo travelers to visit in 2026 – two of which are in Europe.

Estonia

The Baltic country of Estonia made the list after being ranked 11th in the WPS Index, and 24th in the World Peace Index.

Having visited the country on my own in July last year, I would have to wholeheartedly agree with its inclusion on the list.

The capital Tallinn is perfect for a long weekend as you can easily walk around the UNESCO-listed Old Town without getting lost.

While I was in town for the Song and Dance Festival (held every five years), I spent most of my time at the Song Festival Grounds, but I also recommended visiting the Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedoms to learn about the history of the country under Soviet rule.

Outside of the capital, an obvious choice for solo female travelers to visit would be Kihnu Island. Most of the year, the men don’t work at sea, so the women work as everything from farmers to priests, and you’ll be able to chat with locals like Mare Mätas about the island’s people and history.

Norway

It should come as no surprise that a Scandinavian country – namely Norway – also made the list. The country was third in the WPS Index, tied with Sweden, and ranked 32nd in the Global Peace Index.

Well known for its amazing landscapes, you can use the country’s right to roam for hiking or walking. Outside of peak season, you’re unlikely to meet many other hikers, but since the trails are well-marked, you shouldn’t have any problems exploring.

Norwegian cities such as Oslo, Bergen and Tromsø are close together, which also makes it easy to travel alone.

Costa Rica

Entering 54th in the Global Peace Index – above countries such as the USA (128th) and France (74th) – Costa Rica made the list after jumping from 60th to 34th in the WPS Index.

The country’s unofficial motto is “pura vida”, or the simple life, and you will certainly hear this on any trip. You can embrace the lifestyle of relaxing on one of the country’s beaches – since Costa Rica has beaches along the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, there are many things to choose from.

A real bucket list item for wildlife lovers, you can also sign up for guided tours with other travelers around the country’s many national parks, including Corcovado, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, and Manuel Antonio.

Vietnam

Vietnam has long been an important part of the solo traveler’s route through Southeast Asia, and for good reason.

The country ranks 38th in the Global Peace Index, and while it ranks 73rd in the WPS Index, it is higher than many neighboring countries such as the Philippines, Laos, Cambodia and Indonesia.

Since most travelers will be taking the tried and tested routes, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find travel contacts.

Plus, if you’re feeling lonely and missing out on a home-cooked meal, many of the country’s homestays give you the chance to chat with the locals (and eat really well).

Uruguay

Finally, Uruguay, the second most peaceful country in South America according to the Global Peace Index, made the BBC Travel ranking after jumping from 59th to 35th in the WPS Index.

Compared to the bustling cities of the rest of the continent like Buenos Aires or Lima, Montevideo is a small and quiet place to visit. Alternatively, you can visit Colonia del Sacramento for its UNESCO-listed Old Town.

Outside of the big cities, Punta del Este is a popular resort town for those looking to stretch a book on the beach on their solo trips.