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
Whatabout Australia, it’s 100 times safer than most of the Top 10. Or the South Pacific islands- much safer than the Caribbean?
I am a 72 year old female traveller. All of the above destinations should be safe. They are some of the most expensive on earth. I lived in Switzerland and Germany and loved both. In Basel I overheard a young couple discussing the security of their belongings. The girl was holding her pack tightly to her body. The young man said, “You don’t have to worry about getting mugged. All of these people have got more money than you’ll ever have!” I have been to Canada (Quebec), Norway, Singapore and hiking in Iceland. Again all wonderful. But then again I have felt perfectly safe hitching in Thailand, travelling around Russia, South America, Montenegro, Slovenia and Cuba. In June I leave to spend some months in Transylvania, Albania, North Macedonia and Thessaloniki. Again completely on my own, no tour groups, just me, and I will take normal precautions and expect that I will feel completely safe and meet lots of wonderful people.
Japan was my favorite I visited with my… Traveled from north to south.. Trains are great mode of transportation… Norway I will forever remember…. Never seen sky fully covered with stars in the mountains in my life… Costa Rica and Germany are great too
Most of the countries listed are from the countries which are also tpo in hapiness index.
I traveled in Australia and had a wonderful experience. Why wasn’t it on the list.
Hi Leona,
Happy to hear you had a wonderful experience in Australia. It’s on my bucket list. :)
Australia ranks very high as a safe and welcoming country for women traveling solo. The only reason it’s not on the list is that I had to curate the list to 10 countries.