The 10 Safest Countries to Travel as a Woman Over 50
Do you have the travel itch? Are you considering traveling solo to a new country? I have been traveling alone for several decades, and I don’t intend to stop exploring this world even as I get older. If you’re like me, you are well aware that you have to consider your safety while traveling alone as an older woman. I, of course, do my research before deciding where to go.
- Switzerland – With its low crime rate and excellent infrastructure, Switzerland is often considered one of the safest countries in the world.
- Japan – Japan is known for its low crime rate and strict social norms, which make it a safe destination for solo women travelers.
- Iceland – With its small population and low crime rate, Iceland is a safe destination. It is also a popular destination for outdoor activities, such as hiking and camping.
- New Zealand – With its low crime rate and focus on outdoor recreation, New Zealand is a safe and popular destination for solo female travelers.
- Canada – Canada is known for its friendly people and low crime rate, making it a safe destination.
- Finland – With its low crime rate and focus on outdoor recreation, Finland is a safe and popular destination for solo older women travelers.
- Germany – Germany is known for its strong economy, low crime rate, and welcoming culture, making it a popular and safe destination.
- Singapore – With its strict laws and low crime rate, Singapore is often considered one of the safest countries in the world.
- Norway – With its low crime rate, focus on outdoor recreation, and welcoming culture, Norway is a secure and popular destination.
- Costa Rica – This Central American country is known for its natural beauty, eco-friendly tourism, and friendly locals. It’s also considered one of the safest countries in Latin America.
Some countries are considered safer than others to travel as solo female travelers. Of course, it’s obvious that it’s not a good idea to travel to a war-torn country or where civil unrest exists, but there are also other underlying factors to consider before traveling abroad.
How to Do Your Research Before Traveling
Here are a few things I do before deciding on a country to visit.
Check Travel Advisories
Check the official travel advisories from several governments, including the US Department of State, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and the Canadian Government’s travel advisory website, to determine which countries they consider safe for travel at your moment of planning. They typically have a general sense of what is happening in the world and forward advisories if there is conflict or violence in certain countries.
Verify Safety Rankings
Check the rankings and reports from organizations such as the Global Peace Index and the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report to identify countries with low crime rates, stable political situations, and strong tourism infrastructure.
Read Expert Recommendations
Look at recommendations from travel experts and bloggers who specialize in senior travel to identify destinations that are safe and comfortable for senior women travelers. The AARP travel section and the Never Stop Traveling website are good sources of information.
Analyze User Reviews
Analyze user reviews from popular travel websites and forums such as TripAdvisor and Lonely Planet to see which destinations are recommended by other travelers.
A Few Extra Things to Consider
- Look for countries that have low crime rates and are considered safe for tourists.
- Check the healthcare system and infrastructure. This is particularly important if you have any medical conditions that may require attention.
- Look for countries that are known for being welcoming to tourists. Some countries have a reputation for being particularly friendly to women traveling alone.
- Research the local customs and culture before you go. Understanding the local customs and norms can help you avoid any misunderstandings or uncomfortable situations.
Remember, the perception of safety can vary greatly from person to person, but some countries are generally considered to be safer for solo women travelers than others.
10 Safe Countries to Travel to as a Solo Woman Over 50
Based on these sources, I compiled a list of countries that are generally considered safe for senior women to travel to, but please note that no destination is completely risk-free.
It’s important to exercise caution and follow basic safety precautions while traveling, such as keeping your valuables secure, staying aware of your surroundings, and avoiding any unsafe situations.
Switzerland
Switzerland is a beautiful and diverse country with a rich cultural heritage, strong economy, and high standard of living. Its stunning alpine scenery, world-class museums and galleries, and focus on quality and precision make it a popular destination.
It is a safe and comfortable destination for older women travelers because of its well-developed infrastructure, low crime rates, and welcoming culture.
Japan
Japan is a captivating and exquisite country with a rich cultural heritage, advanced technology, and a high standard of living. Its unique blend of ancient traditions and modern technology, along with its polite and hospitable culture, make it a popular destination for travelers from around the world.
Japan’s low crime rates, efficient public transportation, excellent healthcare system, polite and respectful culture, and senior-friendly facilities make it a safe and comfortable destination for senior women travelers.
Iceland
Iceland is a mesmerizing and stunning country with a distinctive culture and breathtaking natural beauty. Its geothermal activity, glaciers, waterfalls, and other natural attractions make it a popular destination for tourists from around the world, while its vibrant arts and culture scene and rich history make it a fascinating place to explore.
Iceland’s low crime rates, well-developed infrastructure, accessible nature, high-quality healthcare system, and English-speaking population make it a safe and comfortable destination for women over 60.
New Zealand
New Zealand is a captivating and welcoming country with a unique culture and stunning untouched beauty. Its mountains, lakes, beaches, and other natural attractions make it a popular destination and fascinating place to discover.
New Zealand’s low crime rates, friendly culture, high-quality healthcare, well-developed tourism infrastructure, natural beauty, and English-speaking population make it a safe and comfortable destination for older women to travel to.
Canada
Canada is a diverse and welcoming country with a strong economy, rich culture, and stunning natural beauty. Its multicultural population, strong arts and culture scene, and range of outdoor activities make it an appealing destination for travelers from around the world.
Canada’s low crime rates, friendly culture, high-quality healthcare, well-developed tourism infrastructure, natural beauty, and English-speaking population make it a secure destination for older women travelers.
Finland
Finland is a country with a unique culture, stunning natural beauty, and a strong emphasis on equality and education. Its technology and innovation industries, outdoor activities, and unique attractions make it an appealing destination for travelers from around the world.
Finland is generally considered a very safe country for travelers, including solo older women. The country has a low crime rate, and the Finnish people are known for being very friendly and helpful to visitors. Finland also has good infrastructure, with a reliable public transportation system and plenty of English-speaking locals.
Germany
Germany is a captivating and eclectic country with much to offer visitors of all ages. Its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful landscapes make it a favored destination for visitors from around the world.
Germany is generally considered a safe country for tourists, including older women. The crime rate in Germany is relatively low, and violent crime is rare. German cities are generally well-lit and have good public transportation options, making it easy to navigate and stay safe.
Singapore
Singapore is a modern, cosmopolitan country with a unique blend of cultures and attractions. With its vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning attractions, Singapore has much to offer.
Its advanced infrastructure, efficient transportation system, and low crime rate make it a safe and convenient country for travelers of all ages and a great destination for solo senior women travelers.
Norway
Norway is a Scandinavian country located in Northern Europe. It is a lovely and welcoming country with a wealthy cultural heritage and plenty to offer visitors. Its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and friendly people make it a popular destination for travelers seeking adventure and exploration.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a Central American country known for its tropical climate, rainforests, and beaches. The official language is Spanish, and the economy is stable with a focus on tourism, agriculture, and technology exports. The country has a rich culture influenced by Spanish colonial heritage and indigenous and Afro-Caribbean populations and has a history of political stability and social progress.
Costa Rica is a popular tourist destination with attractions such as beaches, volcanoes, and national parks.
It’s important to note that while these countries may be considered safe, it’s always essential to research your specific destinations and take appropriate safety precautions.
Read BEST DESTINATIONS TO TRAVEL TO IN 2023.
Also read SOLO TRAVEL OFF THE BEATEN PATH AFTER 60 – 6 ESSENTIAL THINGS TO KNOW.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Have you been to any of these countries? Are you planning a trip to some of these countries? What is the best country you have ever been to? Tell us about it in the comments below.
Tags Solo Travel
Switzerland is my favorite! Has been since a child. Perhaps I’m still a child at heart (at 77). Have had the extra good fortune to visit this unique, magical country three times and felt respected and safe. (Certainly much safer than in the crazed USA) Was even told that I looked “Swiss-Swiss”! So when COVID has calmed and I’ve saved up enough from Art sales, intend to return and maybe even stay. Teach Art to children at Zentrum de Paul Klee in Bern. If the Cosmic Smile is upon me!
Switzerland is magical! I know people who chose to move there and they love it.
I think it is bizarre that the USA didnt make the list. I feel perfectly safe here as long as you arent going out alone at night in certain cities. Shrug.
Hi Sharon,
There are definitely beautiful cities and areas to travel to in the USA that are safe. Check for an upcoming article about the safest cities to travel to and there is a US city on that list. :)
As I mentioned in the article, the list came about by researching the rankings from the Global Peace Index and the statistics from the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report. These organizations analyze and identify the countries with the overall lowest crime rates, the most stable political situations, and that offer strong tourism infrastructures. That doesn’t mean that the USA is not safe or welcoming, it simply means that it ranks lower compared to the countries mentioned on the list.
I have only been to Canada off the list. I was not traveling alone but it is a beautiful place to go.
I have traveled alone in the US and I am not always comfortable. I’m handicapped as well, sometimes in the company of a small grandson. We’ve had some minor adventures.
For example we were towing a trailer for the first time from Detroit to Dallas. I pulled in to the only hotel in a small place along the highway. It turned out to not be a loop and I was going to have to back out. I tried. Repeatedly. No luck. Then a group of young men who were going from farm to farm with a threshing machine tried to give me suggestions. Eventually they gave up and asked me if I wanted to get out and let them do it. They did
Parked it and helped with the luggage and my grandson. Heros. You never know what you will run into
Love how we can always find friendly people to lend a helping hand while traveling. Thanks for sharing your story, Gwen. :)
Beautiful! Thanks for this helpful post
Thanks, Gaili! Glad you enjoyed it. :)
Going to Grand Cayman this week. Spoke to many people extremely safe for solo traveler, so is the Turks and Caicos‘s. Some people can’t get to Europe, too expensive but us in the US can get to the Caribbean easier and still feel safe.
Yes, Stephanie, you are right that the Caribbean is more accessible for USA citizens.
Enjoy your time in Grand Cayman!! :)