From the wildlife wonders of Costa Rica to the charming old towns of Estonia, here’s where you should be headed.
There is nothing I love more than travelling solo. You can get up as early – or as late – as you want, potter around a museum without ever being pressured to move on to the next room, and eat whenever, and whatever, you fancy (girl dinner, always).
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A solo trip certainly isn’t for everyone – while I have some friends who have traversed south east Asia alone, I have others who would be nervous taking the train to another part of the UK.
The biggest barrier is safety, which is incredibly difficult to gauge. As the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) points out across its advice pages, “no travel can be guaranteed safe”.
But by looking at the latest Georgetown University Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Index and the Global Peace Index, BBC Travel has attempted to crunch the numbers and come up with the best destinations for solo female travellers.
The former ranks countries around the world based on factors including education, employment, legal discrimination and violence targeting women, while the latter looks at ongoing domestic and international conflicts, societal safety and security, and militarisation.
Looking at both, the broadcaster landed on five countries for solo female travellers to visit in 2026 – two of which are in Europe.
Estonia
The Baltic nation of Estonia made its way onto the list after coming 11th on the WPS Index, and 24th on the Global Peace Index.
Having visited the country solo in July last year, I’d have to agree with its inclusion on the list wholeheartedly.
The capital Tallinn is perfect for a long weekend as you can easily stroll around the UNESCO-listed Old Town without ever getting lost.
As I was in town for the Song and Dance Celebration (held every five years), much of my time was spent at the Song Festival Grounds, but I’d also recommend a visit to the Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom to learn about the country’s history under Soviet occupation.
Outside of the capital, an obvious choice for solo female travellers to visit would be Kihnu Island. For much of the year, men are away working at sea, so women work as everything from farmers to priests, and you’ll be able to chat to locals like Mare Mätas about society on the island and its history.
Norway
It should come as no surprise that a Scandinavian nation – namely Norway – also made it onto the list. The country was third on the WPS Index, tied with Sweden, and ranked 32nd on the Global Peace Index.
Best known for its dramatic landscapes, you can make the most of the country’s right to roam laws on hikes or walks. Outside of peak season, you’re unlikely to come across many other hikers, but as routes are well signposted, you should have no problems exploring.
Norway’s cities like Oslo, Bergen and Tromsø are compact, making them easy to navigate on your own, too.
Costa Rica
Coming in 54th on the Global Peace Index – which is above countries like the USA (128th) and France (74th) – Costa Rica made the list after it jumped from 60th to 34th on the WPS Index.
The country’s unofficial motto is “pura vida”, or simple life, and you’ll certainly feel this on any visit. You can embrace the laidback lifestyle on one of the country’s beaches – as Costa Rica has coastlines along both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, there are plenty to choose from.
A real bucket list destination for wildlife lovers, you can also book on for guided tours with other travellers around the country’s many national parks, including Corcovado, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, and Manuel Antonio.
Vietnam
Vietnam has long been a key part of the solo backpacker trail through south east Asia, and with good reason.
The country ranks 38th on the Global Peace Index, and while it ranks 73rd on the WPS Index, that is higher than many nearby countries like the Philippines, Laos, Cambodia and Indonesia.
As many travellers will be taking the same tried-and-tested routes, it shouldn’t be too hard to find people to join on excursions.
Plus, if you’re feeling lonely and missing the feeling of having a home-cooked meal, the country’s many homestays give you the opportunity to chat with locals (and eat incredibly well).
Uruguay
Last but not least, Uruguay, which is the second most peaceful country in South America according to the Global Peace Index, made BBC Travel’s ranking after it jumped from 59th to 35th on the WPS Index.
Compared to bustling capital cities on the rest of the continent like Buenos Aires or Lima, Montevideo is a much smaller and calmer place to visit. Alternatively, you can visit Colonia del Sacramento for its UNESCO-listed Old Town.
Outside of the main cities, Punta del Este is a well-known resort town for those who want to stretch out with a book on the beach on their solo travels.
