Article Highlights:

• Safety concerns influence 86% of solo travelers when choosing destinations, with Mexico, Egypt, Turkey and China topping the avoid list.
• 65% of travelers say they usually feel safe traveling alone. Top countries for solo travel include Japan, Portugal, New Zealand, Iceland and Canada.
• Dressing modestly, situational awareness and lodging security rank highest among solo traveler safety strategies.
• Public transport, local laws, health infrastructure and political stability are key factors in choosing solo travel destinations.
• The Global Rescue Spring 2025 Survey strongly links traveler confidence and visible safety infrastructure.

Solo travel has emerged as one of the most rewarding and empowering ways to explore the world. But it’s not without cost. According to the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey, safety is now the most influential factor in solo traveler behavior. Nearly 40% said they’ve avoided countries – like Mexico, Egypt, Turkey and China – entirely due to perceived safety risks.

While safety concerns loom large, the allure of solo travel endures. Sixty-five percent of travelers say they usually feel safe while traveling alone, especially when they implement personal safety strategies, including remaining aware of their surroundings, dressing modestly to align with cultural norms and hiring reputable transportation.

Best Solo Travel Destinations

According to the survey, the safest and most welcoming destinations for solo travelers share common traits: cultural openness, political stability, access to healthcare and a visible emphasis on traveler security. Countries topping the list include:

• Japan
• Portugal
• New Zealand
• Iceland
• Canada

Solo Travel in Japan

Japan is often considered one of the safest countries in the world for solo travelers, especially women. The culture is rooted in respect, harmony and etiquette, making interactions polite and predictable. While Japanese society is conservative, there is a high tolerance for foreign visitors who make an effort to follow local customs, such as removing shoes before entering homes or certain traditional restaurants. Dress codes are generally modest, particularly in temples and rural areas, but there’s flexibility in urban centers like Tokyo. Laws are strictly enforced—jaywalking, for example, is frowned upon and possessing even small quantities of certain medications banned in Japan can lead to legal trouble. Solo travelers appreciate the low crime rates, high political stability and the widespread social courtesy that makes asking for help safe and easy.

Japan offers an extraordinary blend of ancient tradition and futuristic innovation. Solo travelers can find tranquility in Kyoto’s centuries-old temples, take in the contemporary art scene on Naoshima Island, or experience Tokyo’s vibrant pop culture, street fashion and live music in neighborhoods like Shibuya and Shimokitazawa.

The food culture is world-renowned: sushi, ramen, okonomiyaki and matcha desserts are must-tries. Tap water is safe to drink, and hygiene standards are among the highest globally. Japan’s natural beauty includes cherry blossoms in spring, colorful foliage in autumn and ski resorts in Hokkaido during winter.

The country boasts an extensive, reliable public transportation system with English signage, including the Shinkansen bullet trains. Healthcare is excellent and emergency services are swift and efficient. Political stability, limited terrorism risk and almost nonexistent violent crime make Japan one of the most appealing destinations for solo travel.

Traveling Alone in Portugal

Portugal is increasingly recognized as a top-tier destination for solo travelers due to its welcoming culture, laid-back lifestyle and robust safety record. The Portuguese people are known for their hospitality and patience with non-Portuguese speakers. Cultural norms are relaxed, but modest dress is appreciated in churches and smaller towns. Solo women generally report feeling safe, particularly in Lisbon and Porto, where police presence is visible and social norms discourage harassment. There are few legal surprises for Western travelers, though some rural areas may still be more traditional in expectations around public behavior and attire. Violent crime is rare, and the country has maintained strong political stability for decades, with little risk from protests or civil unrest.

Portugal’s beauty lies in its variety: historic architecture, coastal escapes and a lively arts and music scene. Lisbon is a hub for contemporary galleries and tiled facades, while Porto draws wine lovers and history buffs. Fado music, local street art and charming neighborhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto create a unique blend of cultural depth and modern vitality.

The food is rich in seafoo: grilled sardines, bacalhau and pastel de nata are staples. Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country. Portugal’s Mediterranean climate offers long, sunny summers and mild winters, making spring and fall ideal for visits. Public transportation is efficient, with metro systems in major cities, widespread buses and easy access to affordable taxis and ride-sharing services. Medical care is high quality and accessible, with emergency services reliable in both urban and rural regions.

New Zealand and the Solo Traveler

New Zealand is a dream destination for solo travelers who value nature, adventure and safety. Culturally, the country is laid-back and progressive, with strong values of fairness and inclusiveness rooted in both Māori tradition and European heritage. Travelers are expected to show respect for Māori customs, which may include removing shoes before entering marae (meeting grounds) and using respectful language when discussing sacred sites. Dress codes are casual across the country, though weather-appropriate layers are essential due to fast-changing climates. There are no unusual legal restrictions that tend to surprise Western visitors and English-speaking locals make navigation easy and social interactions warm and inviting.

For solo adventurers, New Zealand offers everything from skydiving and glacier hikes to coastal kayaking and vibrant city culture. Queenstown is the adventure capital, while Wellington’s arts and café scene rivals much larger cities. Auckland offers diverse cultural experiences, including Polynesian festivals and contemporary art.

The cuisine is fresh and often farm-to-table, with specialties like green-lipped mussels and lamb; tap water is clean and drinkable throughout the islands. New Zealand enjoys a temperate climate—mild summers (December to February) and cooler but not harsh winters. Public transportation is functional in cities, but many travelers rent cars to explore remote areas. The country is politically stable, with very low crime rates and negligible terrorism risk. Healthcare is excellent and emergency medical services are well-coordinated, even in rural locations, making it a secure and comfortable place to travel alone.

Traveling Alone in Iceland

Iceland consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world, making it especially appealing for solo travelers seeking dramatic landscapes and a stress-free environment. The Icelandic culture is egalitarian, strongly emphasizing gender equality, making solo female travelers feel particularly welcome. Dress codes are casual but practical, as weather conditions often dictate clothing more than social norms. No restrictive laws affect foreign visitors, though respecting nature is deeply ingrained—harming moss or off-roading outside designated areas can incur fines. The country is politically stable, and violent crime is virtually nonexistent. Solo travelers benefit from a strong social support system and a local population that often speaks near-fluent English.

Reykjavík’s capital offers a thriving music and art scene with frequent festivals, galleries and public art installations. Outside the city, natural wonders dominate—solo travelers can easily explore geysers, glaciers, volcanoes and black sand beaches. The Blue Lagoon and Golden Circle are iconic, but less crowded destinations like the Westfjords offer solitude and awe. Icelandic cuisine is rooted in seafood and dairy, with specialties like skyr and lamb stew; tap water is among the purest in the world.

The climate is subarctic, with mild summers and cold, dark winters—making June through August the best time for outdoor travel. Transportation in Reykjavík is easy via buses and taxis, though most travelers rent cars to access remote areas. Healthcare is world-class and emergency services are responsive and well-prepared for both urban and wilderness emergencies, offering solo travelers peace of mind in every setting.

Canadian Solo Travel

Canada offers a diverse and multicultural environment that makes solo travel easy and enriching. Cultural expectations are familiar to most Western travelers: courtesy, queuing and modest public behavior are the norms. English and French are official languages and while cultural customs may vary by region, solo travelers will find Canadians friendly and helpful. No unusual laws are likely to surprise international visitors, but certain provinces may have strict alcohol or cannabis regulations. The country has a low crime rate, minimal civil unrest and high political stability, making it a consistently secure choice for solo exploration.

From Banff’s rugged peaks to Montreal’s cosmopolitan streets, Canada provides both natural beauty and urban sophistication. Toronto is a cultural melting pot with an exceptional food scene, live theater and vibrant nightlife. Montreal adds a European flair with its historic old town, contemporary galleries and world-class jazz. Nature lovers will find endless hiking, kayaking and wildlife opportunities in Vancouver Island and the Yukon.

Canadian cuisine varies by region, with highlights including poutine, smoked meats and Atlantic seafood; tap water is safe to drink across the country. Canada experiences four distinct seasons: winters can be harsh, while summers (June to September) are ideal for solo travel. Public transportation is reliable in cities and ride-sharing services are widely available. The healthcare system is advanced, and emergency services are fast and efficient, reinforcing Canada’s position as one of the most reliable countries for traveling alone.

The Global Rescue Connection

Travel alone, but not unprepared. That’s the new mantra of solo adventurers in 2025. As solo travel continues its upward trend, destinations looking to attract this segment must go beyond marketing and invest in real safety infrastructure: visible law enforcement, multilingual support, trustworthy transportation networks and reliable emergency services. Likewise, travelers should include a Global Rescue membership for protection, including field rescue, medical evacuation, medical advisory, destination reports and real-time event alerts.