7 Safest Countries for Solo Travelers

Safety is one of the major concerns that people have when they travel. Being a victim of a crime can ruin any trip, and you’ll surely feel more comfortable and be more willing to explore new places when you feel safer. Although no place is 100% safe, here are some of the safest countries that should be on your bucket list.

 

1. Iceland

Iceland is incredibly safe and is usually on lists for the safest countries in the world. The international homicide rate never went beyond 1.0  in Iceland between 1995 and 2010 per 100,000 people, according to the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime’s 2011 study on homicide. However, the rate in the United States was between 4.6 and 8.3 per 100,000 as reported to the UNO by the National Police. Just to give you an idea of how the perceived safety is in Iceland, people leave their young children outside in Iceland without fear of danger from crime or predators.

 

2. Singapore

Singapore is considered to be one of the cleanest countries in the world, and it is also a relatively safe place to visit. Compared to laws in the U.S., Singapore’s laws are strict. A drug trafficking charge for 500 or more grams of cannabis (marijuana) in Singapore is penalized with death. In the U.S., jail time and/or fines are typical penalties for distribution of 500 grams or more of marijuana.

 

3. New Zealand

New Zealand is considered to be one of the safest countries to visit. Bask in the sun on the beaches. Shop, experience live entertainment, or go sight-seeing in Auckland or visit Matamata where the Hobbit Trilogy and Lord of the Rings were filmed.

 

4. Canada

Canada’s low divisional lines between wealthy and poor helps make it one of the safer countries to visit. Vancouver is an optimal spot for visits to the mountains and the beach.

 

5. Norway

Although Norway is deemed safer than the U.S., there are some petty crimes, like pick-pocketing in some of the metro areas. The 2014 Norway Crime and Safety Report tells tourists that they should be aware of pickpocket crimes in places where tourist hang out, like hotel lobbies and transit areas in Oslo.

 

6. Finland

Finland is one of the safest places for travelers in the world. Helinsiki is an archipelago, a group of islands, with a small town feel. Helinsiki is also the capital of Finland. Tourists should also visit Suomenlinna, an UNESCO World Heritage site, and the island can be reached from Helinsiki in 15 minutes by ferry.

 

7. Japan

Travelers to Kyoto will find that this city is relatively safer than others. This city is steeped in tradition, yet it still has a modern flair. Expect to see geishas, temples and hip clubs, yet the city is safe enough to for the solo traveler to feel comfortable.