16 Worst Places for Female Solo Travel

For women, traveling solo can be rewarding… or traumatic, depending on the experience. As a female, I had always been afraid of solo travel, but I took my first solo trip in Spain and had a great time. It was a small town called Mondariz in northern Spain where I could relax, enjoy the hot springs, and feel safe.

It was the perfect low-key spot for my first trip alone. But I’ve also been in situations where the area felt unsafe, and I wished I had done better research before ending up there. 

More women are traveling alone than ever before. It’s an incredible journey of self-discovery, packed with unexpected lessons. But let’s be honest, not every place is a paradise for women by themselves.

Unwanted attention, scams targeted towards solo females, even activities that feel awkward when flying solo in a super couple-oriented destination—sometimes a picture-perfect vacation can quickly become a solo traveler’s nightmare.

If you’re a woman traveling alone, be wary of these destinations that may not be the most carefree spots for gals.

Thailand

Thailand’s stunning beaches, vibrant cities, and rich culture make it a top travel spot. But this paradise has a dark side. Thailand has a surprisingly high rate of violence against women; around 44% of women reported experiencing domestic violence. T

here’s also a concerning attitude—over 60% of women believe a husband/partner can be justified in violence sometimes.  For solo travelers, particularly women, keep an eye on your drinks to avoid the risk of drink spiking.

Paris, France

The name alone makes you think of enchantment, delicious food, and strolling hand-in-hand along the Seine. But what if you’re a female traveler flying solo? The City of Love might not be the fairytale you imagined.

It’s such a romantic city, with people openly expressing love and affection for their partners, that some solo travelers feel awkward without a loved one to keep them company. Apart from that, catcalling and unwanted advances are unfortunately common, which can feel unsafe and uncomfortable for women on their own. 

Argentina

Argentina’s got a lot going for it. From the bustling capital, Buenos Aires, with its colorful architecture and world-class cafes, to the awe-inspiring natural beauty of Patagonia, with its dramatic mountains and glistening glaciers. But you should be extra vigilant here if you’re a female solo traveler.

Petty theft and bag snatching are quite common, even during the day. Walking alone at night, especially in deserted areas, is generally not recommended, with reports of violence against women, including harassment and assault. Getting your purse snatched and feeling unsafe walking back to your hotel after dark isn’t exactly a relaxing vacation. 

South Africa

South Africa’s breathtaking scenery and thrilling adventures make it a top destination, but it’s the worst for female solo travel. Only 25% of South African women feel safe walking alone at night, and that statistic is even lower for tourists. South Africa has a high rate of sexual violence, with estimates saying over 40% of women will experience it in their lifetime.

It also ranked worst for violence against women. Imagine getting excited to explore a new city at night, only to feel unsafe and constantly on guard. That dream safari could be overshadowed by worrying about your belongings or safety.

India

India has vibrant cultures, historical wonders like the Taj Mahal, and delicious food. Yet, safety remains a major concern, particularly highlighted by incidents like recent assaults against women, reigniting worries about safety for locals and tourists.

India’s challenges include a low gender equality score and high rates of violence against women, encompassing harassment from staring to verbal comments. Plus, navigating traditional gender roles can be a cultural adjustment for Western travelers.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic sounds like a dream vacation with sun-drenched beaches, delicious food, and colorful culture. But before you book your solo trip, there are a few things to consider, especially for female travelers. It has a high rate of violence against women, ranking very poorly in terms of intentional homicide against women.

And gender inequality is a concern, which can sometimes translate into feeling less safe as a woman traveling alone. While many trips go smoothly, there have been some mysterious tourist deaths that have made headlines. This doesn’t necessarily mean you’re guaranteed trouble, but it is a cause for caution.

Brazil

Brazil is a large, breathtakingly beautiful country, so naturally, it attracts many tourists. But this place can be a tough nut to crack for solo female travelers. High crime rates, including muggings and assaults, are common, with 72% of women reporting feeling unsafe at night.

You could be strolling down a picturesque street, feeling the sun on your skin, when suddenly someone snatches your purse. Or worse, you decide to explore a trendy bar, only to have someone slip something into your drink. Unfortunately, both of these scenarios can be common. 

Iran

With ancient palaces, breathtaking mosques, and lush gardens, Iran is a land of history and culture. But solo female travelers, beware: because of the current political climate, Iran has stricter social codes and legal discrimination that make it a challenging destination for women. Many women feel unsafe walking alone at night, and Iran ranks extremely low on the global gender gap index. 

Morocco

Dazzling displays of spices, handcrafted goods, and local produce—who can resist the allure of lively markets in Morocco? However, some of the religious and social norms in the country make it less than ideal for women to travel alone.

Some female travelers have complained about getting unwanted attention, harassment, getting catcalled, and being followed by men. Be wary of people offering help, especially in the old town areas. They might lead you astray or expect money.

Maldives

The Maldives is picture-perfect— turquoise waters, sugar-white sand beaches, and luxurious overwater bungalows. No wonder it’s a top honeymoon destination! But for a solo female traveler, you might want to change your destination while you can.

Everything in the Maldives is a paradise for lovebirds. Candlelit dinners on the beach, massages for couples, and those heart-shaped pools you see on Instagram? From resort activities to restaurant menus, most things are designed for two. You might feel like a bit of a third wheel.

Somalia

Somalia is a beautiful country with pristine beaches and clear blue water, but solo female travelers should be extra cautious. There’s ongoing conflict, political instability, and high crime rates, all within a heavily patriarchal society. You might experience uncomfortable attention and harassment, even if you’re dressed modestly.

On top of that, public transportation is a gamble. Unrest and unreliable infrastructure make it a breeding ground for crime. Imagine catching a bus and ending up on an unexpected detour to “Fort Nowhere.” Not ideal.

Egypt

Home to the awe-inspiring pyramids, sprawling deserts, and bustling bazaars, no wonder many of us want to visit Egypt once in our lifetime. But some visit once and swear never to return again.

Pushy vendors and scams can be a major turn-off. Ranked seventh on the caution list for solo female travelers, Egypt’s gender gap and safety issues mean not everyone feels comfortable exploring alone, especially after dark.

Russia

Russia is a land of extremes—from the glittering palaces of St. Petersburg to the vast, wild Siberian expanse. However, solo female visitors should be cautious: high rates of violence against women, restrictive laws, and common pickpocketing can dampen the experience. 

imagine being super excited to snap a picture of a cool building, only to get questioned by authorities because it might be “sensitive.” On top of that, you constantly have to be extra cautious about your belongings and avoid uncomfortable situations. 

Cuba

A fascinating island rich with culture, classic cars cruising along cobblestone streets, and a vibrant nightlife that keeps things hopping. Sounds perfect for a trip, right? For solo female travelers, Cuba might not be all sunshine and salsa. Cubans are known for their openness, but it can feel overwhelming for solo females.

Expect aggressive catcalling and flirtatious comments, even from strangers. Plus, personal space on the dance floor? Forget about it! It doesn’t end there; be prepared for long lines, slow Wi-Fi, and occasional shortages of basic things like food and water. 

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is indeed a land of contrasts. It offers stunning ancient ruins and rich cultural heritage but comes with strict, conservative laws, especially for women. Unlike some Islamic countries, Saudi Arabia doesn’t require tourists to wear a full abaya, but you are expected to dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees.

This might not be a dealbreaker, but it’s something to consider, especially if you’re used to more relaxed styles. It ranks worst for legal discrimination and second worst for the global gender gap, with poor street safety. Many women leave the country in search of freedom and to escape abuse.

Malaysia

From Kuala Lumpur’s majestic skyline to glittering beaches and delicious street food, Malaysia promises a one-of-a-kind trip. But safety concerns loom large for women, with many reporting feeling unsafe walking alone after dark. The country also struggles with legal discrimination and attitudes towards violence against women. Consider traveling with a friend or doing extra research before you go.

Have you visited any of these places as a female solo traveler?

Tell us about your experience in the comments!

Sources: World Population Review, Business Insider