18 Destinations Every Solo Female Traveler Should Avoid for Safety
Traveling solo can be an empowering and enriching experience for many women, allowing them to see and witness new places. Despite this, safety should be considered high on the list of decisions when selecting a travel destination.
There are so many unique places to visit worldwide, but you have to be on the ball and research before visiting. Female travelers can travel to these destinations with minimal impact on their adventures by being aware and prepared. Here are 18 dangerous destinations every solo female traveler should avoid.
Egypt
Traveling as a woman alone in Egypt will result in a heightened possibility of harassment and assault on the streets, on public transportation, and in popular tourist sites.
In an article by BBC, Cairo has been called the ‘most dangerous’ megacity for women. These reports are a massive reminder to those thinking about traveling to Egypt and being safe and constantly vigilant.
India
The main concerns regarding safety in India are in reports of harassment and violence against women and pervasive problems throughout the country.
An article on CNN cites a Thomson Reuters Foundation survey, saying that India is the most dangerous country for sexual harassment against women, as well as human trafficking for domestic work, forced work, and forced marriage alongside sexual slavery.
South Africa
For the most part, Johannesburg’s crime rate is high, particularly so in the neighborhoods of Hillbrow and Berea, both in terms of robbery and assault.
Travelers are also advised to know local conditions, use reputable transportation services, and avoid walking alone at night to reduce the odds of victimization.
Brazil
The country has struggled with very high crime rates, particularly in large cities where theft is common, as is assault and other violent crimes.
In 2020, with exceptionally high violent crimes, Brazil had the seventh highest crime rate in the world, according to the World Population Review. The rate of homicides in Brazil was 23.6 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, and this number even reached 30.8 in one of the previous years.
Russia
There are serious safety issues in traveling solo female to Russia. The main problems are a high level of gender-based violence and weak legal protection for women. Also, the Russia-Ukrainian war, which started on 24th February 2022, poses a great danger for women who are traveling alone.
The U.S. Department of State advises visitors to Russia to exercise increased caution regarding terrorism, civil unrest, and the arbitrary application of local law, which may affect female travelers more than others.
Iran
The country’s strict laws about women’s behavior and the dress code have been fashioned from a strong following of Islamic rules. At the beginning of October 2024, Iran entered the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict and fired up to 200 missiles at Israel. If it turns into a full-blown war, it is a threat to visitors – women included.
Legal consequences for minor infractions elsewhere can be severe in Iran. This is particularly true for unaccompanied female travelers and underlines the need to be extra careful when considering Iran as a travel destination.
Morocco
Crime, petty theft, and harassment are a moderate risk in crowded areas and tourist hot spots. Women traveling alone could get unwanted attention and harassment.
Dress modestly and choose your transportation and accommodations from respectable sources to minimize risk. At best, Morocco has much to offer the solo female traveler on the cultural front, but there is some danger in the unknown.
Mexico
Travelers are encouraged to stay apprised of current circumstances and local advisories regarding travel. They should also use hotel services for safe car transport and refrain from riding late or in uncharmed parts.
The U.S. State Department said that Mexico has been shown to have rates of violent crime, including homicide, kidnapping, and carjacking, that were higher in some areas.
Thailand
Although Thailand seems primarily a beautiful place with vibrant cities and white-sand beaches, it’s important to mention some serious safety issues that solo female travelers may encounter.
Since 2014, at least 11 Western tourists have died or vanished on Koh Tao under mysterious circumstances. According to an article from the Daily Mail, it has gained a darker reputation among some foreigners over the past ten years.
Saudi Arabia
In particular, traveling to Saudi Arabia as a solo female traveler is dangerous because of Saudi Arabia’s conservative Islamic interpretation, which sharply limits personal rights and freedoms. Under a strict interpretation of Islamic law, the Saudi legal system can prevent a woman from traveling without a male guardian.
On top of that, even in the recent age of women getting the freedom to drive, cultural norms can still fail to treat solo female travelers with anything other than scrutiny or worse.
Turkey
Turkey is a country with a rich history and cultural allure, but as a solo female traveler, you should be aware of the safety issues.
What’s in focus are the reports of harassment and rising crime rates. The U.S. Department of State puts the travel warning on Turkey at Level 2, advising travelers to exercise increased caution because of terrorism and arbitrary detentions.
Argentina
Gender-based violence and harassment are common, especially in big cities such as Buenos Aires and Rosario, and it is still a problem.
Moreover, street harassment is expected, making cultural norms of masculinity a reason for uncomfortable travel for women alone.
Chile
In past years, the country’s crime levels, particularly in cities like Santiago and Valparaíso, have skyrocketed, the result of widespread reports of pickpocketing, mugging, and sexual harassment.
The U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory for Chile reported crime, including carjackings, theft, and pickpocketing, in which tourists are sometimes targeted.
Cambodia
Petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching are rampant in urban areas, especially in crowded marketplaces and tourist areas.
The U.S. Department of State put Cambodia on its travel advisory, saying to exercise normal precautions, but some areas have high risks.
Ukraine
There’s a security risk to the ongoing conflict in the eastern regions, especially in Donetsk and Luhansk.
Cities such as Kyiv and Odesa also have high crime rates, with things like theft and harassment also being problems.
Malaysia
Urban areas like Kuala Lumpur are filled with petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching.
According to the US Department of State’s travel advisory, Malaysia is rated at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions, but an increased number of incidents directed against foreigners are noted.
Dominican Republic
Numerous advisories have been issued for increased crime rates, including theft, assault, and harassment, in the Dominican Republic.
The U.S. Department of State issues a Level 2 travel advisory to the Dominican Republic, advising visitors to exercise increased care due to crime.
Tunisia
Harassment and assault against women are frequent in the country and can be life-threatening for a woman traveling alone in a foreign country.
According to the U.S. Department of State, Tunisia is under a level 2 travel advisory, which means travelers should always be aware of increased risks of terrorism and civil unrest in that country.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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