Traveling solo as a woman is an empowering experience that can broaden your horizons. However, not all destinations are created equal.
Having traversed through more than 30 countries on my own, I’ve had my fair share of memorable experiences, both good and bad.
Based on my experiences, there are certain places I would advise fellow female solo travelers to avoid. Here are the top seven places that didn’t quite make my “must-visit” list.
1) El Salvador
El Salvador is known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history. However, it also holds the unfortunate title of having one of the highest crime rates in the world.
As a solo female traveler, safety is a primary concern. And while I believe in not letting fear dictate my travel choices, it’s also crucial to be realistic.
During my visit to El Salvador, I encountered several uncomfortable situations that made me question my safety.
From catcalling on the streets to warnings about potential dangers from locals, it was an experience that left me on edge.
While there’s no denying the beauty of this country, the high crime rate and the frequent safety warnings create an environment that’s not ideal for solo female travelers. Therefore, El Salvador lands on my list of places to avoid.
2) India
India – a country of diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisines. Yet, despite its allure, I had a less-than-stellar experience here as a solo female traveler.
During my visit to Agra to see the iconic Taj Mahal, I experienced an encounter that I won’t easily forget. While navigating through the bustling market streets, a group of men started following me persistently.
Despite my efforts to shake them off, they continued to make unsolicited remarks and invade my personal space.
The constant need for vigilance drained me emotionally and made it difficult for me to fully enjoy the beauty of this diverse nation.
While my experience may not be the norm for every solo female traveler, it was significant enough for me to advise caution when considering India as a destination.
3) Honduras
Honduras is a country renowned for its magnificent coral reefs and ancient Mayan ruins. However, there’s another side to this Central American country that’s less appealing.
Honduras has one of the highest rates of femicide worldwide. This harsh reality is a clear indication of the challenges women face in this country, and it raises significant concerns for female travelers.
With such alarming statistics, I believe it’s wise for solo female travelers to consider other destinations that offer similar attractions but with a much safer environment.
4) Egypt
Egypt, home to the majestic pyramids and the mysterious Sphinx, is undoubtedly a bucket-list destination for many. However, my experience as a solo female traveler was less than desirable.
Despite its historical allure, Egypt is notorious for its street harassment. From persistent hawkers to unwanted advances, navigating the busy streets alone can be a daunting task.
While it’s possible to mitigate these issues with precautions like hiring a reputable guide, the constant need for heightened awareness can dampen the overall travel experience.
Thus, Egypt is another destination I would advise solo female travelers to approach with caution.
5) South Africa
South Africa is a country of stunning landscapes, wildlife, and cultural diversity.
It was a place I was incredibly excited to explore. However, my journey here was marked by an incident that I still find difficult to talk about.
One evening, while returning to my hotel in Johannesburg, I was mugged and had my belongings taken. The incident left me shaken and upset, casting a dark cloud over the rest of my trip.
Even though crime can happen anywhere, the frequency of such incidents in South Africa is notably high. This unfortunate reality lands South Africa on my list of places to reconsider for solo female travel.
6) Morocco
Morocco, known for its vibrant souks, historic medinas, and beautiful landscapes, can be quite a challenging destination for solo female travelers.
During my visit, I found myself constantly having to fend off aggressive vendors and unwanted attention.
This, coupled with the cultural norms that required me to dress conservatively, made it difficult for me to feel comfortable and at ease.
While Morocco boasts many beautiful places to explore, these challenges make it a destination that I would advise fellow solo female travelers to approach with caution.
7) Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea, with its unique tribal cultures and stunning biodiversity, is an off-the-beaten-path destination.
However, it’s crucial to note that this country has one of the highest rates of violence against women in the world.
This alarming statistic is a stark reminder of the potential dangers women can face here. As such, Papua New Guinea is a destination I would strongly advise fellow solo female travelers to avoid.
Final thoughts
Traveling solo as a woman is an empowering journey of self-discovery, exploration, and growth. It’s an experience that has the potential to transform you in ways you never imagined.
However, it’s essential to remember that not all destinations are equally welcoming or safe. As a solo female traveler, it’s your responsibility to ensure your safety and wellbeing.
These seven countries aren’t inherently bad or off-limits.
Many women have traveled to these places and had positive experiences. However, given my personal experiences and the safety concerns often associated with these countries, I feel it’s necessary to approach them with caution.
The world is vast and beautiful with countless destinations waiting to be explored. As solo female travelers, we should strive for adventure but not at the expense of our safety.
So pack your bags, plan your trip, and embark on your journey. But always remember: your safety should be the priority in every adventure you undertake.
