Travelling solo as a woman presents unique challenges and offers unparalleled opportunities for growth, adventure, and self-discovery. Based on a variety of factors, including street safety, violence against women, and legal discrimination, some countries may require additional precautions for female travellers. Here’s a list inspired by research and rankings, such as those found in the Women’s Danger Index, to guide solo female travellers in making informed decisions about their travel destinations.
1. South Africa
Considerations: Street safety, non-partner violence. Tips: Stay in well-populated areas at night, and consider group tours.
2. Brazil
Considerations: Street safety, intentional homicide against women. Tips: Avoid walking alone at night and be cautious of personal belongings.
3. Russia
Considerations: Non-partner sexual violence, legal discrimination. Tips: Research local laws affecting women, travel in groups when possible.
4. Mexico
Considerations: Street safety, non-partner sexual violence. Tips: Stick to tourist-friendly areas and stay aware of your surroundings.
5. Iran
Considerations: Global Gender Gap, legal discrimination. Tips: Dress conservatively and be aware of social customs.
6. Dominican Republic
Considerations: Street safety, recent mysterious incidents. Tips: Stay in reputable accommodations and use trusted transportation.
7. Egypt
Considerations: Global gender gap, street safety. Tips: Join group tours for sightseeing and respect local dress codes.
8. Morocco
Considerations: Intimate partner violence, street safety. Tips: Dress modestly and prefer organized group travel.
9. India
Considerations: Gender inequality, intimate partner violence. Tips: Use female-only transportation options where available, and avoid travelling alone at night.
10. Thailand
Considerations: Violence against women attitudes, intimate partner violence. Tips: Keep personal belongings secure, and choose accommodations wisely.
11. Malaysia
Considerations: Intimate partner violence, gender inequality. Tips: Research local customs and laws, and stay in well-reviewed accommodations.
12. Saudi Arabia
Considerations: Legal discrimination, global gender gap. Tips: Understand and comply with dress codes, and travel with a companion if possible.
13. Turkey
Considerations: Intimate partner violence, global gender gap. Tips: Stay aware of social and political climates, and consider cultural norms in behaviour.
14. Argentina
Considerations: Street safety, intentional homicide against women. Tips: Use reputable taxi services and avoid less-populated areas at night.
15. Chile
Considerations: Street safety, intimate partner violence. Tips: Be cautious with personal space and belongings, stay in groups during nightlife outings.
16. Cambodia
Considerations: Violence against women attitudes, global gender gap. Tips: Travel with companions, choose guided tours for exploration.
17. Bahrain
Considerations: Legal discrimination, global gender gap. Tips: Stay informed on rights and legal protections for women, and travel in groups.
18. Tunisia
Considerations: Global gender gap, street safety. Tips: Dress conservatively and be aware of local customs and social norms.
19. United States
Considerations: Street safety, non-partner sexual violence. Tips: Stay in well-lit, populated areas at night, and use apps to share your location with trusted contacts.
20. Ukraine
Considerations: Street safety, global gender gap. Tips: Be cautious when meeting new people, use trusted transportation services.
Travelling as a solo female offers a unique set of challenges, but with the right precautions and awareness, it can also be an incredibly rewarding experience. Always research your destination thoroughly, stay aware of your surroundings, and trust your instincts.
The post Red Flags: 21 Countries to Skip for Female Travelers first appeared on All Things Buzz.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jose Luis Stephens.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.