Some of the top solo travel destinations for solo female backpackers are Japan, Portugal, New Zealand, Iceland, Thailand, Canada, and Slovenia.
These places are known for safety, friendly locals, good public transportation, affordable stays, and easy backpacking routes—making them great for women traveling alone.
A simple, safe, and empowering guide
Traveling alone as a woman can be one of the most exciting experiences in life. You get to explore the world at your own pace, make new friends, and learn just how strong and capable you are.
But choosing the right destination matters. You want a place that feels safe, is easy to navigate, and has a strong backpacker community.
We’re sharing the Top Solo Travel Destinations For Solo Female Backpackers.
Why Solo Female Backpacking Is Growing:
Every year, more women choose to travel alone. According to global travel studies from groups like the Adventure Travel Trade Association and Booking Industry Reports, solo female travel has grown steadily due to:
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Better travel safety tools
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More hostels with female-only dorms
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Stronger online communities
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Improved public transportation
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More women seeking independence and adventure
Backpacking also makes travel cheaper and more flexible, letting women explore more places without spending a lot.
7 Top Solo Travel Destinations For Solo Female Backpackers:
Below are some of the safest, friendliest, and easiest destinations for solo female travelers. Each place has good hostels, simple transportation, and a community of backpackers from around the world.
1. Japan
Entities: Tokyo, Kyoto, Japanese culture, Japan safety index, public transportation Japan
Japan is often ranked as one of the safest countries in the world, which makes it perfect for solo female travelers.
Why It’s Amazing for Solo Women
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Extremely low crime rates
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Clean and reliable public transportation
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Helpful locals
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Quiet, respectful culture
Backpacker-Friendly Cities
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Tokyo – Mix of modern and traditional
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Kyoto – Temples, shrines, and calm spaces
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Osaka – Great food and fun neighborhoods
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Hokkaido – Nature, hiking, and hot springs
Japan’s order, safety, and kindness make it one of the easiest countries to explore alone.
2. Portugal
Entities: Lisbon, Porto, Algarve, Portugal tourism, Europe backpacking routes
Portugal is a favorite among backpackers because it’s sunny, relaxed, and affordable compared to other Western European countries.
Why Female Backpackers Love It
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Friendly locals
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Low travel costs
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Lots of hostels
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Warm weather
Top Places to Visit
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Lisbon – Colorful streets, trams, and viewpoints
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Porto – Riverside charm and history
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Algarve – Beaches and coastal hikes
Portugal is also known for being safe for women walking alone, especially in tourist areas.
3. New Zealand
Entities: New Zealand safety ranking, backpacking routes, Auckland, Queenstown, hiking New Zealand
New Zealand is a nature lover’s dream. It’s full of mountains, lakes, forests, and friendly people.
Why It’s Perfect for Solo Female Backpackers
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Extremely safe
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Strong backpacker culture
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Great hostels and bus routes
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Stunning hiking trails
Must-Visit Spots
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Auckland – The biggest city
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Queenstown – Adventure sports capital
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Rotorua – Volcanoes and hot springs
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Milford Sound – Nature at its best
Many solo travelers say New Zealand is one of the easiest countries to visit alone.
Read Other: 7 Best Solo Travel Destinations For Road Trips
4. Iceland
Entities: Reykjavik, Ring Road Iceland, Iceland safety index, Northern Lights, geothermal pools
Iceland often ranks in the top three safest countries in global safety reports. With friendly locals and peaceful towns, it’s a top pick for women traveling solo.
Why It’s a Great Solo Destination
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Very low crime
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English widely spoken
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Easy to navigate
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Beautiful landscapes
Top Experiences
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Blue Lagoon
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Golden Circle Route
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Waterfalls and glaciers
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Northern Lights in winter
Iceland feels calm and magical—perfect for peaceful adventures.
5. Thailand
Entities: Bangkok backpacking, Chiang Mai, Thai islands, Southeast Asia travel, budget backpacking Thailand
Thailand is famous for welcoming backpackers from all over the world. It’s affordable, warm, and full of beautiful places.
Why Solo Female Travelers Enjoy It
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Very cheap hostels and food
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Big backpacker community
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Helpful locals
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Night markets and cultural sites
Best Destinations
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Bangkok – Busy but fun
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Chiang Mai – Temples and nature
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Pai – Peaceful mountain town
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Phuket & Krabi – Beaches and islands
Thailand is perfect for beginners and long-term backpackers.
6. Canada
Entities: Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Banff National Park, Canadian safety ratings
Canada is a clean, peaceful, and friendly country—ideal for women traveling alone.
What Makes It Great
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Very safe cities
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Reliable transportation
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Kind locals
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Beautiful nature
Best Cities for Solo Women
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Vancouver – Mountains and beaches
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Toronto – Diverse and lively
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Montreal – European-style charm
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Banff – Hiking and nature
Canada is known for its politeness and welcoming culture.
7. Slovenia
Entities: Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Slovenia tourism, Balkan travel safety, Europe solo travel
Slovenia is one of Europe’s hidden gems. It’s small, safe, and incredibly beautiful.
Why Women Love It
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One of the safest countries in Europe
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Great bus and train systems
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Very clean and peaceful
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Good mix of nature and city life
Must-See Places
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Ljubljana – Small, friendly capital
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Lake Bled – Famous lake with a church on an island
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Triglav National Park – Mountains for hiking
If you want something calm and simple, Slovenia is perfect.
Evidence & High-Authority Style References:
Below are research-style references that support safety and tourism claims:
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Global Peace Index Reports (Institute for Economics & Peace) – Ranking of world’s safest countries.
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Adventure Travel Trade Association – Solo Traveler Trends Report 2024 – Growth of solo female travel.
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UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Travel Insights – Visitor patterns and safety statistics.
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OECD Tourism Data – Japan, Portugal, New Zealand – Public transportation and safety metrics.
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Canadian Tourism Commission Annual Report – Visitor experiences and city safety.
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Tourism Authority of Thailand – Backpacker Travel Data – Budget travel patterns and hostel usage.
These are citation-style references, not direct links.
Safety Tips for Solo Female Backpackers:
Even the safest destinations require smart planning. Here are easy safety tips:
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Share your itinerary with a friend or family member
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Choose hostels with female-only dorms
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Arrive at new cities during daylight
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Avoid flashing expensive items
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Trust your instincts
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Keep emergency numbers saved
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Use well-rated transportation
Simple precautions make your adventure even safer.
Final Thoughts: The World Is Ready for You:
Traveling alone as a woman can change your life. Whether you choose Japan’s calm cities, Portugal’s sunny beaches, Iceland’s peaceful landscapes, or Thailand’s lively backpacker scene, each destination offers freedom, empowerment, and unforgettable memories.
You don’t have to be brave to start—traveling is what helps you become brave.
