We are all aware of how women traveling alone are facing some incredible dangers all across the planet! Every single year, we are shocked by news of sexual assaults on females traveling solo. It is not only the physical attacks that scare us. In most places, people on a solo travel are cheated and taken advantage of. This might be in terms of looting money from them, hotel room thefts, or even pick-pocketing on the streets.
Most of the places are therefore not solo travel-friendly, especially when the traveler happens to be a woman. You need to consider all aspects of a trip, apart from exploring a new land and having a relaxing holiday. Will you be walking to your hotel room alone at night? Will you opt for a tour guide or stick to your own company? Do you have some family member or at least an acquaintance in the city who might be of help if and when required? Quite a hassle, eh?!
Suggested read: 14 vital tips every woman MUST keep in mind when traveling alone
We have created a list of 10 cities in different parts of the world where women feel perfectly safe even if traveling alone. To choose these cities, we went through various statistics varying from crimes against women to rights & wages of the women in the countries. Here are our 10 picks!
1. Copenhagen in Denmark
Copenhagen, Denmark
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The capital of Denmark and the largest city in the country with around 2 million people in the metropolitan area, had to be number 1 on our list of places a woman can safely visit when traveling alone. This bustling city flaunts awe-inspiring architecture and is also famous for its shopping centres! Double high-five, eh?! When traveling alone to Copenhagen, please do not miss to see the Goddess Gefjun fountain. The speciality of this magnificent fountain is that it recites the fabled story of how Denmark was created. Stop over at dusk because that’s when the fountain beams up with an azure glow, making an allusion of the mystery in the Norse holy history.
2. Ottawa in Canada
Ottawa, Canada
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Another capital city! Ottawa in Canada, the Land of Maple, is located in Ontario but borders Québec. When traveling alone through this multi-cultural city, your ears are sure to receive both French and English being spoken swap-ably. I have a mention for your ‘to see and experience’ list! Be sure as fire to check in to the ByWard Market. This souk is one of the most ancient in Canada and embraces over 50K visitors every weekend! If you are a foodie, you can shop for local produce and also artisan breads and cheeses. If the fashionista in you wants to up her fashion trend with some indigenous Canadian clothing and jewelry, you will find them all in this market. Also be sure to drop by the Peace Tower, a very impressive clock tower in Ottawa! The Rideau Canal, is another tourist attraction that you cannot afford to miss. The canal connects Ottawa to the city of Kingston, Ontario, another city in Canada.
3. Auckland in New Zealand
Auckland, New Zealand
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Being the largest city in New Zealand, Auckland hosts 1.4 million residents! It is popularly dubbed as the “City of Sails” as it harbors a great number of yachts in its port. A woman traveling alone in Auckland should, without a shred of a doubt, splurge on her love for the sea! Check out all the beautiful beaches if you can squeeze in the time! Just lazing around along the coast and watching the ships sailing, is a feeling that cannot be described in words! You can have the pleasure of relishing 3 km of virgin white beaches in the town of Orewa. After a sunshiny day, we suggest you loosen up in the natural thermal springs available at the Waiwera Thermal Resort!
4. Helsinki in Finland
Helsinki, Finland
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The capital and also the largest city in Finland hosts over 1,300,000 people in the metropolitan area. Traveling alone to Helsinki is particularly enjoyable for those who delight in good architecture. You will find scores of Art Nouveau style buildings throughout the city! In case you were unaware, this city was chosen as the World Design Capital for the year 2012 by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design. You could opt for a tour by foot around the city to view the art galleries in its full glory. This pulsating city also has Nordic style clothing in store for you. Let the shopper Goddess in you breathe a little bit of Helsinki!
5. Hilo in Hawaii
Hilo, Hawaii
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There are a number of cities in the US, perfectly safe for women traveling alone. But when it comes to a vacation, none can beat Hawaii! Hilo is a place on the island of Hawaii and is also called the “Big Island.” This helps in avoiding any confusion that may occur because of the other name. Hilo is the biggest settlement on Hawaii and nests 40K people on it. USP: The Akaka Falls State Park is a must! The Park has a stunning 400-foot high waterfall that’s sure to astonish you. The place is also home to a nut corporation company called the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation. You can snack on these nuts, which are deliciously covered with chocolate! A treat that you cannot miss!
Suggested read: I traveled alone… and it depressed me
6. Perth in Australia
Perth, Australia
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The seashores in Perth can rival any from across the globe and triumph over them hands down! Perth is also the capital of West Australia and is home to around 1.8 million people from all around the globe. Places that you must drop by include Kings Park, which is the biggest inner city park in the whole world. More than 6 million people come to the park every year! We cannot neglect the R and R in Perth because, as we said, the beaches are transcendent! Go for a sun tan session at the Cottesloe Beach, or may be try your hand at surfing at the Scarborough Beach. No matter what you do, Perth won’t disappoint your adrenaline!
7. Oslo in Norway
Oslo, Norway
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Almost each year, one of the Scandinavian countries shows up on the top 10 list of countries where women are treated equal to men! I guess that’s hint enough about the safety!
Norway is a gorgeous country with Oslo as its capital and also its largest city. Take an amazing art trip to Vigeland Sculpture Park when traveling alone in Oslo. This thought-provoking and picturesque art park attracts around 1 million visitors every year. This sculpture park was built by Gustav Vigeland and is named after him. It houses 200 pieces of iron, granite, and also bronze art. After you spend a day or two soaking in the culture, finish your trip with a stopover at some of the humming nightclubs in the city!
8. Setubal in Portugal
Setubal, Portugal
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All a girl wants is a private, comforting, and a very safe vacation while traveling alone! If your wishes are in sync to what I just said, Setubal in warm Portugal is your best bet! This is a small city compared to other cities on the list. It accommodates under 800,000 people only. You can explore the city while enjoying the freshly caught seafood and gulping down bottles of exquisite wine. If you want to make it even more exclusive and run away from the city life altogether, we suggest you take a trip to Serra da Arrabida, which is a national park. Here, the forest bumps into the sea! The most popular beach in this part of the world is called Portinho da Arrabida because the water is almost flawlessly still with no waves! A photographer’s delight?!
9. Malmö in Sweden
Malmo, Sweden
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Sweden is adored by the world for its beautiful people and of course its superb culture. Malmö comes number three on the list of the largest cities in Sweden. It is set at the southern tip of the country. Malmö is a brilliant tourist location for someone traveling alone and looking for an active holiday. Have a great time seeing the natural landscape either by hiking or by boarding a ferry. The city also displays some amazing golf courses. If you wish to halt in the city, experience the superb shopping centres that Sweden has to offer. Malmö also presents a lavish choice of eco-friendly shopping picks, from environmentally-friendly clothing to restaurant choices.
10. Marseille in France
Marseille, France
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Though any and everywhere in France would make for a marvellous vacation, you must check out Marseille first. This historic city is not only a heritage hotspot but also has some prime beaches. Marseille is the second largest city in France with a population of almost 3 million people in the metropolitan area. It rests on the Mediterranean coast, which blesses it with gorgeous seashores and scrumptious seafood meals. Hop on a bus or taxi to hit the beaches, as there you might have no luck parking your rental vehicle. Bustling, you see?! When traveling alone, boat rides to nearby islands can be a unique experience. Do watch out for the underwater leftovers of the téléscaphe, that is, the underwater cars that carried tourists through the striking water in the 1960s.
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We have a special mention for those looking at the Southern hemisphere!
Bhutan
Thimphu, Bhutan
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Nestled in the Himalayas, this small country is waiting to be explored! With emerald green forests, vibrant prayer flags, and extremely amiable locals, the country is a must-visit for a woman traveling alone! Spending a day to visit the chorten, Trashi Chhoe Dzong in Thimphu will be something you’ll be grateful for all your life! You must also check out the Tiger’s Nest in Paro! 
Bon voyage!
Featured image source: Pixabay, under Creative Commons License
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