There are some locations the place I felt very protected as a solo feminine traveler. Nonetheless, I ought to add that wherever you go on this planet, it is best to attempt to be accustomed to your environment and have security protocols in place. written intimately.)
Listed here are the locations I’ve felt most protected as a solo traveler.
Picture by Heather Markel
1. Kerikeri, New Zealand
New Zealand is mostly thought of a protected nation. I used to be stranded there for 2 years through the pandemic, which allowed me to discover the North and South Islands fairly extensively. I made a decision to stay there more often than not as a result of I felt prefer it. I discovered that every time I had even the slightest drawback, somebody was very happy to assist. It was as if their mission in life was to verify I obtained what I wanted.
That is the one nation I have been to the place I left my bag filled with valuables on the cafe desk whereas I went as much as the counter to order and all the time discovered every part intact after I sat down. rice discipline.
Professional tip: The South Island is nice, however check out the extra distant elements of the North Island that vacationers typically overlook. Much less-visited places similar to Whanganui, Whangarei and the west coast close to Omapere provide beautiful views and spectacular pure formations.

Picture by Heather Markel
2. Vietnam Hanoi and Hoi An
I communicate 6 languages, however Vietnamese shouldn’t be considered one of them. So I used to be apprehensive about how I might be capable to determine issues out alone within the streets of Hanoi or Hoi An. Loads of English spoken so no worries (though I attempted to choose up some Vietnamese throughout my journey). Vietnam is a stunningly stunning nation and one the place you possibly can really feel protected touring alone.
The scariest factor about Vietnam, not less than in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, is crossing the highway with all motorbikes. On my first day in Vietnam, a member of the resort workers got here outdoors with me to information me via the visitors! Finally, I discovered that issues have a rhythm, and located a second to leap off the curb and into the driveway, however nobody hit me. On the nook of a 10-lane highway, I obtained caught. Miraculously, a bike stopped subsequent to me and signaled me to cross the highway. I did not want phrases.
I took an in a single day bus or practice from Sapa to Ho Chi Minh Metropolis with stops alongside the way in which and by no means felt unsafe or apprehensive about my baggage. Sapa, Halong Bay, Hoi An and Ba Na Hills are my favourite It was the place.

Picture by Heather Markel
3. Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Thailand
After I visited Bangkok in October 2019, I wasn’t certain what to anticipate in Bangkok, however I cherished it, and was in a position to take pleasure in it on foot, on public transport, and even in probably the most touristy areas. Felt very protected. Different locations I have been have been involved about pickpockets because of the crowds. One in all my tour guides in Chiang Mai defined that a part of the rationale Chiang Mai is so protected is that Buddhist values such pretty much as good habits are essential to Thai folks. Get on board and go to all of the superb temples alongside the way in which. The floating market can be a must-do exercise.
In Chiang Mai it would be best to see elephants. Be sure you select an organization with a great fame. That is additionally an amazing place for cooking courses. Lastly, do not miss Chiang Rai’s White Temple.
Professional tip: There are trains between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, making this journey very simple.

Picture by Heather Markel
4. Edinburgh and Highlands, Scotland
Scotland is one other nation the place folks give method to assist. I traveled to Scotland for her 6 weeks in 2018 and this yr she returned for just a few weeks in October. On the practice, the workers are very pleasant and can enable you to put your baggage within the overhead bins!
What made me really feel protected was that strangers have been pleasant and even chatty.From immigration officers to chivalrous males to pleasant passers-by. Edinburgh additionally hosts nightly ghost excursions, so folks enterprise out into the town middle late at night time.
We traveled via the Highlands, hiked the Cairngorms, sampled scotch in Pitlochry, Aberfeldy and Dalwhinnie, and boated to islands like Mack, Skye and Isle of Arran. I extremely advocate climbing the Cairngorms, driving to Glencoe for beautiful views and visiting the Orkney Islands.

Picture credit score: Heather Markell
5. Reykjavik, Iceland
After I first visited Reykjavík in 2015, I discovered it troublesome to seek out the police all over the place as there’s little or no crime. Since then I’ve been again 3 extra occasions. Most lately he adopted in September. The individuals are pleasant and through the winter he has folks outdoors for two hours due to the Northern Lights so strolling late at night time makes it really feel even safer.
Iceland is a captivating nation and you have to a number of visits to see all of it. On this final journey, I went to Diamond Seaside and Glacier Lagoon. Its magnificence is astonishing, albeit tragic, because of the melting iceberg. Should-do actions are Reykjavík’s municipal heated pool (much less crowded and extra genuine than the Blue Lagoon), Vik’s black sand seaside, and chasing the Northern Lights.
Professional tip: Auroras will be seen anytime after darkish, not simply in winter. In Iceland, that is typically from late August to early April. Iceland’s location is nice for viewing the lights from above, however unpredictable climate can get in the way in which.

Picture by Heather Markel
6. El Calafate and Villa La Angostura, Argentina
I do know there are locations in Argentina, particularly Buenos Aires, which are thought of harmful, however I found one other aspect of the nation. Throughout my journey, I met a pair of Argentinian ladies touring collectively. Her one pair of mates made close to Bariloche have been in her Angostura city similtaneously me and took me to the place I used to be staying.
I met one other pair of girls in El Calafate. They’re from Buenos Aires and met once more after I went there. After I took a public bus to the seaside, the folks on the bus noticed that I used to be alone and invited me to sit down on the seaside with them.
El Calafate is the place you possibly can hike the Perito Moreno Glacier and take a glacier cruise. It is usually a cute city for vacationers, and I used to be in a position to eat whereas strolling alone with out fear. I like to recommend making an attempt the mate tea at Elba’r. The workers are beautiful and can train you how one can make and drink.
Professional tip: Out of all of the locations I have been in Argentina, El Calafate’s canines have been the friendliest I’ve ever come throughout. While you pet a pet, it should observe you for hours, anticipating love and affection.

Picture by Heather Markel
7. Easter Island, Chile
I had the pleasure of spending per week on Easter Island in 2019. That is the one place on this planet that I’ve been to. vacationer!
The scariest a part of the island was the darkish streets at night time which was scary as there have been enormous cockroaches and wild horses roaming the island.
One of the vital fascinating locations I’ve ever seen is the Rano Raraku quarry the place the long-lasting stone moai are made. I discovered all of the theories, together with aliens, about how they have been transported from their quarries to their present resting place. Not low-cost to go to, however always remember.
Professional tip: Be part of not less than one tour with a information. There’s a captivating historical past to study in regards to the island and its folks, which you will not hear if you happen to depend on a self-tour.

Picture by Heather Markel
8. Zagreb, Croatia
I spent per week in Zagreb this summer season. We arrived on the resort after 10pm and felt like we have been in the course of nowhere. Nothing was open, the road was quiet, and the concierge remained late to let me into my room. The following day we discovered ourselves in a residential space away from the vacationers and located it fully protected to stroll round at night time. We took the tram again to the resort.
If you happen to’re in search of enjoyable issues to do in Zagreb, you would possibly wish to learn extra about my expertise in Zagreb.
Professional tip: Dubrovnik and Break up are the locations most vacationers go to, so you will see that Zagreb to be much less touristy and cheaper.
Learn beneath for extra data on the locations talked about on this article.
+ There are no comments
Add yours