Picture this: you’ve finally saved enough for that big solo trip you’ve been dreaming about for years. Passport in hand, excitement buzzing. But then you stumble across a fresh global report on women’s safety and suddenly that dream destination doesn’t look quite so dreamy anymore. It’s a gut punch plenty of us have felt lately.
I’m not here to scare anyone off travel—far from it. I’ve backpacked alone through more than fifty countries myself. But knowledge is power, and the newest data on where women are genuinely safe (and where we’re statistically at much higher risk) deserves a serious conversation, especially for anyone swiping right on a guy abroad or planning a girls’ trip that feels a little adventurous.
What the Latest Global Safety Index Actually Measures
Every year, one of the most respected women, peace, and security indexes drops updated rankings. The 2025-2026 edition just landed, and it looks at far more than street crime or pickpocketing statistics—things a lot of general travel sites focus on.
Instead, researchers dig into three big pillars: inclusion (education, financial independence, phone access), justice (legal discrimination, bias in the system), and—most importantly for travelers—security. That last one includes intimate partner violence, organized violence against women, and something called “neighborhood safety”—basically, can you walk home at night without constantly looking over your shoulder?
The results are sobering. And honestly, a little infuriating in places.
The Countries Where Women Score Lowest Overall
Let’s not sugarcoat it. A handful of nations sit at the absolute bottom of the list, and they’re the usual suspects most frequent travelers already avoid: Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, South Sudan, Central African Republic. Conflict zones where, frankly, almost nobody should be traveling right now regardless of gender.
But here’s where it gets interesting—and useful—for the rest of us. The index doesn’t just highlight war zones. It flags countries that might look perfectly fine on Instagram but still score terribly on day-to-day safety for women.
- Haiti – gang violence has spiraled so badly that even locals warn against almost any travel
- Papua New Guinea – tribal areas remain extremely risky for outsiders, especially women
- Certain regions of Mexico, Colombia, Guatemala, and Honduras – yes, beautiful countries with incredible people, but specific areas continue to show high rates of gender-based violence
In parts of South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, the combination of legal discrimination and cultural acceptance of violence against women drags entire regions down. It’s not about “bashing” those places; it’s about acknowledging reality so we can make informed choices.
Europe Isn’t Automatically “Safe” Either
Before anyone rolls their eyes and says “well obviously those countries are risky,” the index throws a curveball at Europe. Most of Western Europe ranks in the global top twenty (Denmark actually took first place this year), but parts of the Balkans and some Eastern European countries score surprisingly low on women’s perceived safety.
Domestic violence reporting is still stigmatized in several nations, and “feeling safe walking alone at night” numbers are shockingly bad in cities that otherwise market themselves as romantic weekend getaways. Something to keep in mind when you’re thinking about meeting that charming guy from Tinder in a lesser-known European capital.
The Stand-Out Safe Havens (Yes, They Exist)
On the brighter side, a few countries keep proving that high scores are possible even in complicated regions. Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Slovenia, and Spain regularly fight for the top ten. What do they have in common? Strong legal protections, cultural rejection of gender violence, and—crucially—women who feel empowered to report issues without shame.
“When women have financial independence and trust in the justice system, everyday safety follows almost automatically.”
– Lead researcher on the index
It’s a reminder that safety isn’t just about police on the street. It’s about a society that actually has your back.
Why Financial Independence Matters More Than You Think
Here’s the part of the report I found most eye-opening. Countries where women have almost no access to bank accounts or paid employment outside the home score dramatically worse on violence metrics. It’s not coincidence.
When you’re financially trapped, leaving an abusive situation becomes nearly impossible. When you can’t own property or inherit money, predators know you have fewer options. I’ve seen this play out firsthand in conversations with local women in several “moderate-risk” destinations—beautiful places where tourists rarely notice the undercurrent of control.
As travelers, we often have the privilege of choice. Most local women don’t.
Practical Takeaways for Solo Female Travelers
None of this means you should cancel every trip outside Western Europe or North America. I’d never give that advice—I’d be a hypocrite. But it does mean planning differently.
- Cross-reference the index with your itinerary—especially if you’re going off the beaten path
- Read recent trip reports from other solo women (not just the highlight reels)
- Have a safety app that works offline and shares your location with trusted contacts
- Book accommodations with 24-hour reception and strong reviews from female travelers
- Trust your gut—if something feels “off,” it probably is
I’ve ignored that last one exactly once and regretted it for years. Never again.
The Bottom Line
Travel remains one of life’s greatest teachers, and for many of us, solo travel is non-negotiable. But pretending risk doesn’t exist helps no one—least of all the women who live in these places year-round.
The 2025 rankings aren’t here to shame countries or terrify travelers. They’re a tool. Use them the way you’d use weather forecasts or vaccination requirements: as one more piece of information before you make your choice.
Because the world is still big, still beautiful, and still worth seeing—just maybe with open eyes and a solid Plan B.
Where are you thinking of traveling next? Drop your destination in the comments—I’d love to share specific safety tips from my own trips or connect you with women on the ground who can give the real scoop.
