Iceland
After decades of solo travels around the world, these are the countries where I felt the safest. I’ve visited these places on the list several times except for Finland (which I had the pleasure of visiting once) and didn’t encounter any threatening incidences in any of them. I found instead the people were positively responsive when I approached them for directions or help with the language barrier. I especially remember my experiences in Ireland where I needed to find a plug adapter and a saleslady took time from her work to show me the store that carried it, in Japan where the non-English speaking train ticket agent painstakingly helped me with a smile despite the long line behind me or the restaurant chef who showed me how to order my meal using a strange machine, or in Finland where I met friendly people in church and whose friendship I’ve kept to this day as I have with my friends in the Netherlands and Romania. There are so many beautiful stories from my solo trips which may not have happened if I had been on a group tour or with a travel companion. The list below is in alphabetical order and I’ve included links for some of the stories and travel guides of my visits to these countries.
1 Austria
https://www.travelswithcharie.com/2021/08/vienna-revisited.html
2 Croatia
https://www.travelswithcharie.com/2022/06/aqua-therapy-in-cavtat.html
3 Finland
https://www.travelswithcharie.com/2018/07/helsinki.html
4 Iceland
https://www.travelswithcharie.com/2017/06/stunning-south-iceland.html
5 Japan
https://www.travelswithcharie.com/2017/08/osaka-city-of-kuidaore.html
6 Netherlands
https://www.travelswithcharie.com/2021/07/summer-2021-in-amsterdam.html
7 Republic of Ireland
https://www.travelswithcharie.com/2010/07/adare-irelands-prettiest-village.html
8 Singapore
https://www.travelswithcharie.com/2013/05/singapores-chinatown.html
9 Slovenia
https://www.travelswithcharie.com/2021/07/lake-bled-i-feel-slovenia.html
10 Switzerland
https://www.travelswithcharie.com/2018/12/iseltwald-brigadoon-by-sea.html
Finland
Austria, Iceland, Japan, Singapore, Slovenia and Switzerland are on the top 10 safest countries in the world in 2023 according to the Global Peace Index. Iceland topped the list. The study is based on crime, violence, corruption, internal and external conflict, political instability, militarization and other indicators. Finland and Croatia are ranked 13 and 14 respectively. Finland is also the happiest country in the world in 2023 according to The World Happiness Report. The Report includes Iceland, The Netherlands and Switzerland. The Netherlands is #16 on the Global Peace Index and while lower on the list, I have included it on my list based on the number of times I traveled to this country over the years and the good memories and great times of my visits there. I consider it my third home. For more stories about the countries on my list of 10 safest countries for female solo travelers, check this link: https://www.travelswithcharie.com/p/destinations.html Stay connected
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Images by TravelswithCharie
