Travelling by yourself can be an incredible opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth, but for a solo female traveller, it’s handy to know the best and safest destinations.
There are many issues for a woman to consider when travelling alone. Will it be safe at night? Will you be hassled when you’re out on your own? Where are safe places when you need them? Are the fellas handsome? Will I be able to make friends easily?
These seven cities, selected by EscapeHere, are ideal for women travelling on their own, and are based on women’s rights and wages in those countries, as well as statistics of crimes against them.
1. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is Denmark’s largest city, renowned for its wonderful shopping and gorgeous architecture. With around 2 million people in the metropolitan area, it’s a relatively small capital city with roughly the same population as Brisbane. It’s a safe city with a good quality of life, a vibrant art scene and loads of nice restaurants.
Heck, the even the deity associated with the creation of Denmark is the goddess Gefjun and, if you’re interested, you can visit Copenhagen’s harbour and see the Gefjun fountain to discover the whole mythological tale of how Denmark came to be.
2. Ottawa, Canada
The capital city of Canada, Ottawa is in Ontario, just on the border of Quebec. The residents speak both French and English, so if you’re hoping to hear a man whisper sweet nothings in French into your ear, then this is probably where you want to go. If that doesn’t interest you, then why not visit the ByWard Market – one of the oldest in Canada with around 50,000 visitors every weekend? Shopping abounds in Ottawa, with local produce, artisan breads and cheeses being the order of the day.
3. Auckland, New Zealand
Known as the ‘City of Sails’, Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city, boasting beautiful beaches and a picturesque harbour lifestyle. You can choose to laze away your days on a pristine white beach in Orewa, or take some time to unwind in the natural thermal springs at the Waiwera Thermal Resort.
But Auckland is also home to a plethora of popular retail areas, as well as the famous flea markets at Otara and Avondale – both must-visit marketsfor shopping on weekends. And if shopping is not your thing, then you’ll be happy to hear that NZ’s capital is home to a cache of cultural institutions, including museums, galleries, ballet, opera, and film and comedy festivals.
4. Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki is the design capital of the world, and a walk around this vibrant, Art Nouveau-inspired metropolis will quickly show you why. It’s the largest city in Finland with fantastic shopping opportunities, amazing architecture and fabulous food. There’s a higher proportion of men to women in Helsinki, so you can wander in good company and enjoy the array of art galleries, museums, restaurants, cafés and other cultural delights.
Helsinki has a cool, yet humid climate, and the best time of year to visit if you prefer warmer weather is between June and August, but you may find May and September a little less touristy.
5. Hilo, Hawaii
For tropical travel that’s a bit more on the quiet side, then why not head to Hilo, Hawaii? Known as ‘Big Island’, Hawaii Island is home to over 40,000 smiling Hawaiians (well, we can’t guarantee that they’re all smiling, but you get my meaning) who are eager to make you feel happy, relaxed, and a little bit like a Polynesian princess.
With striking natural scenery, including the volcanoes Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, spectacular waterfalls, and beaches that stretch on forever, the Big Island offers a visually stunning environment that will simply amaze and rejuvenate you.
6. Perth, Australia
Australian beaches are among the best in the world, but none are more sublime than many of those found in Perth. The capital of Western Australia is also home to Kings Park – the largest inner-city park in the world, containing more places of interest than you can poke a stick at. Sun yourself on Cottesloe Beach for a day of relaxation, or surf the waves of Scarborough Beach if you’re looking for a little more action.
And if you enjoy a tipple, there’s always Swan Valley – home to a variety of vineyards, microbreweries and distilleries, as well as markets, fresh food producers, restaurants, cafés, and roadside stalls that sell seasonal fruit all year round.
7. Oslo, Norway
Scandinavians are some of the most enlightened people in the world when it comes to women, with Denmark, Norway and Sweden regularly showing up in the top-10 lists for equal treatment of women, as well as being one of the world’s safest, greenest and most liveable areas. That aside, Norway is just a beautiful place to visit. Oslo is the capital and largest city of Norway, and features a remarkable art scene, proudly displayed throughout its world-renowned sculpture parks, myriad museums and galleries.
And once you’ve finished soaking up all that culture, you can head out to one of Oslo’s nightclubsto dance the night away.
Do you know of any cities that are ideal for safe solo travel? In which city did you most enjoy travelling? Why not share your experiences with our members?
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