Here are the destinations that solo female travelers should definitely avoid.
To determine the best and worst countries for solo female travelers, MoneyTransfers.com analyzed data on: Crime Index, Safety Index, Average Annual Temperature, Average Annual Amount of Precipitation, Travel Rating Gender Equality Index (GEI), average cost of a one-way transport ticket, number of group activities and visits per 100,000 people, average hotel price, number of hostels per 100,000 people. The data was collected in August 2023 and countries were then ranked from best destinations for solo female travelers to least recommended. Here are the countries that got the worst grades; This does not mean that women cannot go to these places alone, however, due to insecurity, experts advise that, as much as possible, they choose to visit these destinations in groups.
1. South Africa, AfricaAmong all the countries in our ranking, South Africa is the worst to visit for a solo female traveler. Although the country offers some of the best cuisine and wine in Africa, it does not score well on the essential criteria for women. With safety being crucial, South Africa has the highest crime rate at 75.7 and the lowest safety score at 24.5. The situation is made worse by a high Gender Equality Index score of 97.39, the 6th worst in the world.
2. Brazil, South AmericaBrazil is a country teeming with diverse animal species and having the largest rainforest in the world, the Amazon. Although from the outside it may seem like a beautiful place to visit, it is not suitable for solo female travelers. It has a low number of activities and visits, only 17 per 100,000 people, and 0.18 hostels per 100,000 people. Its main drawback is its high crime rate of 66.1, the 3rd worst in the world.
3. Peru, South America Known for Machu Picchu and its rich cultures, Peru attracts travelers from around the world to explore its vibrant landscapes. Although popular, it is not suitable for solo female travelers. Peru has the second highest crime rate, just behind South Africa, at 67.5. It also has a low safety score of 32.5, the second lowest of the countries analyzed.
4. Chile, South AmericaChile is the 4th least recommended country for solo female travelers in South America. Known for its exceptional wineries, expressive street art and natural wonders, this nation is superb to visit, except for single women. Chile has a crime index of 58.7 and a Gender Equality Index of 88.5, not favoring women’s rights and safety.
5. Argentina, South AmericaAlthough Argentina has generally low costs, such as $0.21 for a public transportation ticket, it does not perform well on the essential criteria for women. For example, its crime rate is the 4th highest in the study at 64, and its safety score is 36.
6. Dominican Republic, North AmericaThe Dominican Republic is the first of two North American countries ranked among the worst for solo female travelers. Despite its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, it is not the ideal place for them. It offers few activities and tours per 100,000 people, at 29, and only 0.15 hostels per 100,000 people, offering few opportunities to meet other travelers.
7. Malaysia, AsiaMalaysia is the first Asian country on our list in the top 10 worst for solo female travelers. The country’s popularity has increased recently, especially for digital nomads looking for a budget-friendly place to stay for a long time. However, it has the highest crime rate in Asia, at 51.6. It also has the second worst Gender Equality Index in the world at 99.54.
8. Colombia, South AmericaColombia is the 5th South American country in our study among the 10 worst for female travelers, ranking 8th overall. Less popular than its neighbors, Colombia is a haven for nature lovers. However, it has a high crime rate of 60.8 and a Gender Equality Index of 91.18, the 10th worst in the world.
9. Mexico, North AmericaMexico is a must-visit destination for Americans. With incredible gastronomy, superb beaches and nightlife to discover, it attracts. However, it has the fewest activities and visits per 100,000 people of any country, just two. Additionally, its safety score is only 45.9.
10. Indonesia, Asia Although Indonesia comprises hundreds of islands, including Bali which is popular with travelers, the country as a whole does not provide a safe and welcoming environment for women. Indonesia has the highest Gender Equality Index score in the world, at 99.65. It also has only eight activities and tours per 100,000 people and 0.16 hostels per 100,000 people.
