Everyone loves to travel. Whether it’s a trip to the countryside or dinner at an acclaimed restaurant, visiting new places develops people’s perspectives. Countless studies detail the benefits of traveling on people’s mental health, relationships, and ability to work. However, overdramatic and unrealistic news stories tend to damper most people’s plans to explore the world. Break free from old routines and see the world for yourself, starting with this article. Here are the safest countries to travel to alone.
What Should You Consider Before Traveling to a Country Alone?
Even if you are visiting a safe country, you must still be prepared. Countries have unique customs, health systems, and laws that even impede some of the most experienced travelers. So, make sure you do your research ahead of time.
Make sure you have your passport and potentially a visa in order, way in advance, before visiting a country. Knowing how to hide your passport on you or lock it in a bag is also important. Theft and identity fraud can leave you stranded in a country. Unfortunate chains of events can spiral into serious situations, isolating you, which is why safety needs to be emphasized and prioritized.
Travel is meant to be fun, so get all the stressful stuff done before you arrive. Plan where you visit, book room accommodations and make contingency plans. If you will go to a country without a large English-speaking population, develop a language-learning routine a few months before leaving. Similarly, if you plan on walking a lot, especially outdoors, bring a portable water filtration system and plenty of sunscreens. Lastly, do not pack too much because you’ll want to bring back some souvenirs.
The Safest Countries to Travel to Alone
While it is crucial to plan, it is impossible without figuring out where you want to travel first. Many countries have a lot of different things to offer, so it is hard to whittle down a list. However, the countries listed below are specifically chosen for their ease of travel and safety for individual visitors.
Spain
If you ask anyone where they want to travel abroad, they’ll say Spain. With historical buildings, quaint towns, fantastic food, perfect beaches, and awe-inspiring landscapes, there is no wonder why.
Most people choose to plan their Spanish vacations centered around one of Spain’s major cities or beach resorts. Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Bilbao, Majorca, and Ibiza are especially popular. Majorca and Ibiza have some of the most impressive beaches, with crystal-clear water to boot. The other four cities have remarkable museums, like the Museo Nacional del Prado, and top Michelin-star restaurants.
Spain has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe. According to the Women’s Danger Index, Spain is the safest place for women to travel alone. This is despite Spain having a vibrant nightlife scene.
Note: All countries listed below rank highly in terms of safety, according to the Women’s Danger Index!
Norway
Many people believe that the Scandinavian countries – Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark – are all interchangeable, but tourists say otherwise. Norway has wonderful natural features that are fully traversable through cross-country skiing or by boat. Nothing beats crossing a fjord in person. Not to mention, Norway’s allemannsrett law allows anyone to set up a camp in the wilderness without a license.
If you visit Norway during the Summer, expect extremely long days because you are far north above the meridian line. Nothing beats Norway in the Summer. Live music, warmer weather, festivals, and more accessible hiking paths can’t be experienced in Norway in the Winter.
That being said, if you decide to visit closer to the Winter, don’t miss out on seeing the Northern Lights. Norway also has one of the most impressive rail systems, which lends itself to spontaneous adventures. An additional bonus is that the majority of Norwegians speak English, so there’ll be no awkward moments in the sauna.
Singapore
Singapore may be one of the smallest countries in the world; however, there is no shortage of things to do there. As a financial and cultural center of the world, made up of British, Chinese, Indian, and Malay people, expect a diverse experience. While Singapore may be technically considered a country, it is only 3.5 times larger than Washington D.C. Singapore is essentially one big urban metropolis, and most of its tourism is centered around this.
Food, biking, boat, and walking tours are the best way to start any trip in Singapore. From there, most tourists recommend visiting one of Singapore’s many botanical gardens. Cloud Forest, National Orchid Garden, and Gardens by the Bay will amaze you with their colorful arrays of flowers.
Singapore also has a fantastic street food culture with many hubs throughout the city. You’d be remiss if you didn’t travel to Chinatown, Little India, Joo Chiat, and Kampong Gelam while there.
Lastly, enjoy shopping at one of Singapore’s many luxury brand shops. Update your wardrobe for dealing with new clients or pick up a snazzy outfit to wear at a Michelin-star restaurant. Singapore has some of the strictest laws in the world, and locals respect the Singaporean police a great deal. So, be proactive and brush up on the Singaporean legal system before traveling there.
Canada
If you are looking for a safe place to travel close to the United States, there is no other alternative but Canada. Of course, that isn’t a bad thing by any means.
Canadian cities like Ottawa, Ontario, and Vancouver offer an impressive mix of nightlife and cultural exhibitions. Canada appeals to a diverse crowd with seemingly weekly festivals, events, and rotating exhibits. Like NYC, Vancouver is a melting pot, meaning it has one of the best food scenes with traditional and fusion restaurants.
If you want to get out of city life for a change, take a trip to the Canadian Rockies. If you plan your trip at the right time, you may also be able to see the Aurora Borealis. Whale watching is another fun outdoor activity, along with winter sports. Like Norwegians and Singaporeans, essentially all Canadians speak English. However, it’s important to note that places in Quebec speak French more so than English.
Ireland
While Ireland is one of the safest countries to travel to in Europe, don’t think that is all it has to offer. For a very long time, Ireland has drawn individuals, especially creative types and politicians, to stay and travel alone.
The picturesque Cliffs of Moher in the province of Munster is one of the most well-known postcard images. Similarly, the Ring of Kerry offers an equally impressive view with many additional activities to do in the area. Many historical forts, each over a thousand years old, surround these two places due to their proximity to the coast.
Dublin is considered to be one of the safest cities in Europe. Not to mention, there is a lot to do there. Tourists often find themselves in love with the shops, cafés, and street performers on Grafton Street. Dublin is also the perfect hub city because most tourist spots are within a couple of hours from there. Don’t forget to stop by an authentic Irish pub on your last day in Ireland!
The Value of Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly worthwhile, especially if you plan to leave the country alone. If you are looking to safeguard yourself and your possessions while abroad, it is an essential purchase.
While not all travel insurance companies offer the same benefits, general policies cover medical and room costs. That being said, most policies have more comprehensive benefits, especially in safer countries. After all, travel insurance is still a business based on risk. You’ll be at less risk in one of the safest countries to travel to.
Travel insurance policies typically do the following:
- Ensure that you don’t have to wait for medical assistance if you do not have a direct line to money
- Directly gives you health insurance in some places
- Covers the cost of lost luggage
- Secures room accommodations, so you lose no money if you change plans
- Reimburse various travel expenses
You should consider where you are traveling before purchasing travel insurance. Trips do not always have set plans, even if you visit one of the safest countries to travel to. A day trip over the border of one country may leave you unprotected in another through travel insurance. Places that are experiencing war or that are unsafe may not be coverable without paying a high premium.
Keep in mind that insurance contracts are pedantic, filled with many clauses and hidden scenarios. Personal injury, pre-existing medical conditions, and customs damage will not likely be covered.
Protect Your Home While You Are Away
Traveling to a new place takes decisive action, introspection, and spontaneity. While you are gone, you want to ensure that your home is safe and secure. At ONIT Home, we keep that spirit alive by protecting your home while you are gone. Our customizable smart security systems operate 24/7, so you can relax while abroad. Whether you are in France or Japan, check out any room of your home with our mobile app.
Call us at 1-833-433-0331 to customize your home security package!