18 Places Women Should Consider Avoiding for Safety Reasons

Exploring the world is every solo traveler’s dream, but sometimes, specific destinations can disappoint us. Solo travelers must rely on their safety tools to protect themselves and avoid places that can signal danger. Here are some destinations that might not be the best for solo travelers and why you might want to skip them. Of course, everyone’s experience is different—what doesn’t work for some might still be a great trip for others.

Ibiza, Sapin

Ibiza’s active nightlife and bustling beaches attract thousands of tourists every year, but this crowd can be dangerous for solo travelers. You may be more vulnerable to pickpockets and unwarranted physical contact, so most solo travelers should stick to a tour group or skip it altogether.

South Africa

Although South Africa is a beautiful destination, it’s unsafe for solo travelers. The country currently has a high crime rate index of 75.4 but has always had a problem with petty crimes and dangerous incidents that risk tourists’ safety. If you still want to visit, be mindful of your surroundings.

Turkey

Turkey is generally considered safe and has many attractive destinations, but female travelers might have to be alert while traveling to some areas. Crowded destinations like Istanbul attract many pickpockets and street harassers, which can impact their traveling experience.

Brazil

Rio de Janeiro consistently battles a high crime rate, including but not limited to petty crimes like theft and burglary. Pickpocketing is a common crime in other parts of Brazil, and female travelers also risk being groped in public. This risk of crime makes it less safe for solo travelers.

Nigeria

Although the people of Nigeria are super friendly and welcoming, the country ranks second on the organized crime index. Nigeria has a high human trafficking and financial crime rate, so it’s not suitable for solo travelers to visit the country they are traveling with a friend or a group.

Morocco

Pickpocketing, purse snatching, panhandling, and other modes of petty theft are incredibly common in Morocco, so it’s not suitable for solo travelers. Despite its popularity, Marrakech ranks as one of the worst cities for these crimes, so most travelers heading there often leave disappointed.

Egypt

Egypt is considered one of the worst places to visit as a female solo traveler. Women travelers are often followed by men and risk being harassed, creating an uncomfortable environment. The country also has some of the highest tourist scams, with vendors pushing them to buy items.

Rome, Italy

Although Rome is generally safe, it can be pretty unpleasant for foreigners, especially those traveling solo. It’s hard to find non-touristy places where you can enjoy some time alone away from crowds. Another difficulty for solo travelers is being constantly followed by people trying to get you to buy things or eat at their restaurants.

Angola

Solo travelers should seek a destination that’s easy to reach and safe to travel around, but unfortunately, Angola is not. Getting through customs is a hassle enough, and the country is insanely expensive. The crime rate in Angola is also high, putting tourists and locals at risk.

Kazakhstan

Unfortunately, Kazakhstan is also on the list of countries solo travelers should avoid. Tourists encounter language barriers, safety issues, and general negative experiences in Kazakhstan. Parts of the country can be unsafe for female travelers, and since the distance from one place to another is long, traveling around alone can be a hassle.

India

India might be an excellent destination for group tours, but it’s unsafe for solo travelers, especially women. Sexual crimes are pretty rampant, and the citizens have a habit of eyeing down foreigners and surrounding them for photos, which can be highly uncomfortable for some.

Belize

Although this is a popular Central American destination offering a lot to visitors, it is not recommended for solo travelers. The beaches of Belize are incredibly crowded, especially during the peak season, and solo travelers risk being targeted for petty crimes, which are only increasing day by day.

Venezuela

Venezuela’s beautiful scenery, like the breathtaking Angel Falls and the picturesque Caribbean coast, is affected by economic and political issues. Traveling solo here might bring safety concerns due to petty and violent crimes. It’s best to avoid traveling alone or travel in groups.

El Salvador

El Salvador represents a vibrant cultural history and stunning natural beauty, yet it suffers from petty crimes. If you’re traveling solo, it’s essential to be cautious, particularly in cities and less populated areas, especially at night. If you are not sure, then it’s best to travel with the groups.

Guatemala

Guatemala’s ancient ruins draw many visitors every year, but the country experiences high levels of violent crime, such as armed robbery, carjacking, and narcotics trafficking. To stay safe while traveling solo, stick to well-known tourist areas and remain cautious, especially at night.

Paris, France

Paris, the City of Light, is a dream destination for many travelers. However, solo travelers should be cautious of pickpockets or scams, especially in tourist hotspots. Despite these concerns, Paris offers a magical experience to everyone visiting. Just keep an eye on your belongings and avoid lonely areas at night to ensure your safety.

Colombia

Colombia has gotten safer for tourists, but some places are still risky, especially if you’re traveling alone. Due to civil unrest, terrorism, and kidnapping, visitors are advised to exercise extreme caution. To stay safe, stick to popular tourist spots and consider joining a guided tour if you’re traveling solo.

Iran

Iran has some incredible landscapes and a rich history, but it’s important to be cautious if you’re considering traveling there alone. The risk of terrorism, civil unrest, and strict regulations can make it a challenging destination for solo travelers. Navigating cultural norms and restrictions requires careful planning. Always stay updated on travel advisories and ensure you have a reliable plan for your safety.

More For You

The world hides many stunning places that most of us don’t know about. Certain countries have untouched beauty so remarkable, every American should make the effort to see it at least once.

This article was inspired by discussions on Reddit and first appeared on Rbitaliablog.