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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at DCU chapter.

No country is 100% safe and travelling alone as a woman may unfortunately expose you to criminal acts or discrimination, regardless of what country you travel to so it’s important to be alert whilst waking alone, particularly at night.

According to Industry Global News 24, women continue to travel solo more than men. 47% of travellers with Overseas Adventure Travel are registered as ‘solo’ and 85% of these are women. So, it’s definitely not uncommon to go at it alone if you’re struggling to find a partner in crime and sometimes solo travel opens you up to more diverse experiences.

Here are five countries worth a visit if you’re thinking about going solo on your next trip.

 

Finland

Finland is ranked number one in terms of safety by the World Economic Forum in their Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report and it also ranked third in The National Geographic’s’ ‘Women, Peace and Security Index’ last year. Not only can you have peace of mind in regards to safety but there is plenty to do in Finland.

There’s Lemmenjoki National Park, the largest wooded reserve in Europe and other wild areas to visit, including the region with the greatest number of lakes in Europe. During Winter, Finland is a great spot to catch the Northern Lights. Visitfinland.com recommends that the best way to experience Finland is by sleeping in a glass igloo under the stars.

Finland is not the only Nordic country that makes the list as one of the safest countries for solo female travellers. Denmark, Norway, Iceland and Sweden are all great spots for any solo traveller and are all considered safe for women internationally. All of these countries offer a bustling nightlife scene where you’re sure to meet other solo travellers and locals.

 

Canada

Of all the countries in North and South America, Canada is considered one of the safest destinations for solo female travellers. It is also home to a wide range of landscapes including forests, snowy mountains and lakes, making it one of the most breath-taking countries in the world. Not only is the Canadian countryside worth a visit but its cities also have a special charm.

Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal, just to name a few, have some of the friendliest people you will come across on your travels and just like most cities, a bustling nightlife and food scene.

 

Switzerland

From meadows, picturesque mountain views of the Swiss Alps all set to the backdrop of the River Rhone, Switzerland should be on any adventure driven travellers list of countries to visit.

Bern hosts some of the best architecture and is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Along with Bern, Geneva is a stunning city with access to the lakeshore, Parc de la Grange and more, it’s a perfect place to immerse yourself in swiss culture. Like most other countries on this list, there are plenty of ways to meet locals and other travellers giving you the best experience you can hope for from any trip.

 

Australia

The prospect of visiting such a large country alone may seem scary and, in some parts, impossible. However, Australia is a warm and welcoming country full of some of the most diverse wildlife and landscapes in the world. From the Outback and Uluru to the Great barrier reef, you could spend months exploring the Australian countryside.

If that’s not enough to entice you, cities such as Melbourne, Sydney and the Gold Coast are all amazing places to visit both to immerse yourself in Australian culture and meet new people.

You will without a doubt meet fellow travellers and make new friends on a trip to Australia whether you go at it alone or not.

 

The Netherlands

Known around the world for its liberal and chilled out vibes, (mainly due to Amsterdam) the Netherlands is a great place to hang out on your own.

Amsterdam is one of the most relaxed places on earth. The canals, unique culture and nightlife are all reasons why you should visit. In most Dutch cities, bikes are pivotal in getting around so it is definitely worth renting one and experiencing life as a local.

Apart from Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and the colourful museums at Zaanse Schans are must visits.

 

There are of course things you need to be mindful of when travelling alone such as pickpockets, which you will find in most major cities, but if you’re careful and well-prepared then there’s nothing to be worried about.

This list is quite minimal and there are so many more options for travelling alone. You can visit solotravelerworld.com for more suggestions on where to go and how to get the most out of your solo travel experience.

Campus Correspondent for HC DCU. Just a Dublin girl with a passion for writing, books, sport and bad teen tv shows.