11 Best Countries to Explore Alone as a Woman
Solo travel among Indian women is no longer a niche trend. From first-time international trips to long, reflective journeys, more women from India are choosing to explore the world on their own terms.
With this freedom also come real concerns: safety, visas, budgets, culture, and staying connected abroad. This list of the best countries for solo female travelers from India is curated with exactly these factors in mind.
It is based on widely reported safety data, visa ease for Indian passport holders, affordability, public transport quality, and common experiences shared by Indian women travelers. The focus is simple: destinations where you can feel safe, welcome, and confident while traveling alone.
Why These Countries Are Ideal for Indian Women Traveling Solo
Not every beautiful destination works well for solo travel, especially if you’re traveling alone for the first time. The countries on this list consistently stand out because they offer:
- Low crime rates and a strong safety perception
- Respectful local attitudes toward women
- Easy visas or visa-free access for Indians
- Affordable hostels, guesthouses, and small hotels
- Reliable public transport and walkable cities
- Good internet access for maps, bookings, and emergencies
Most Indian women find that when these basics are sorted, solo travel becomes far less intimidating and far more enjoyable.
11 Best Countries for Solo Female Travelers from India
1. Thailand
Thailand remains one of the most popular first-time solo international destinations for Indian women.
Why it feels safe: Well-developed tourism infrastructure, helpful locals, and a strong police presence in tourist areas.
Best places for solo women:
- Bangkok – modern, well-connected, and lively
- Chiang Mai – calm, spiritual, and budget-friendly
- Krabi & Phuket – beaches with excellent hostel culture
Budget: ₹3,000–₹5,000 per day
Stay options: Female dorms, boutique hotels, yoga and wellness retreats
Solo safety tip: Avoid unregistered taxis late at night and be cautious in party-heavy nightlife zones.
2. Vietnam
Vietnam is ideal for Indian women looking for great value without compromising on safety.
- Street safety: Very high, even in smaller towns
- Local attitude: Curious and welcoming toward Indian travelers
- Getting around: Affordable domestic flights, buses, trains, and Grab taxis
- Best cities: Hanoi, Hoi An, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam works especially well for slow, relaxed solo travel with minimal stress.
3. Indonesia (Bali)
Bali is more than just a holiday destination, it’s a global solo travel hub.
Why solo women love Bali:
- Strong community of female travelers
- Yoga, wellness, and creative spaces
Best areas:
- Ubud – wellness and spirituality
- Canggu – cafés, co-working spaces, and hostels
- Uluwatu – quieter beaches
The spiritual and cultural atmosphere often feels familiar to Indian travelers, making it easy to settle in.
4. Japan
Japan consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world.
Women-friendly features:
- Women-only train compartments
- Female-only capsule hotels
Solo culture: Eating out, traveling, and sightseeing alone is completely normal.
Cities to start with: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka
Tip for Indian travelers: Learn a few basic phrases and keep offline translation apps handy to manage the language barrier.
5. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka feels international yet culturally familiar for Indian women.
Why it works for solo travelers:
- Short flights from India
- Similar food habits and cultural values
Best experiences:
- Scenic train rides from Kandy to Ella
- Beach towns like Mirissa and Unawatuna
Family-run guesthouses are common, and locals are generally protective and helpful toward solo women.
6. Georgia
Georgia offers European charm without European-level costs.
- Visa: Visa-free for Indian passport holders
- Safety: Very safe cities and respectful nightlife culture
- Best base: Tbilisi, compact, walkable, and affordable
- Cost: Around 40–50% cheaper than Western Europe
Many Indian women are pleasantly surprised by how easy Georgia is to navigate alone.
7. Portugal
Portugal regularly ranks as one of Europe’s safest countries.
Why it’s ideal for solo women:
- Friendly locals and a strong expat community
- English widely spoken
Best cities: Lisbon and Porto
Budget: More affordable than France, Italy, or Switzerland
Portugal is a good starting point if Europe feels intimidating but still appealing.
8. New Zealand
New Zealand is best suited for women who are already comfortable with solo travel.
- Why it works: Clean infrastructure, clear travel systems, and helpful locals
- Travel style: Road trips, hostels, nature tours, and outdoor activities
- Safety: Very high, even in smaller towns
Perfect for women who enjoy nature, slow travel, and independence.
9. Canada
Canada feels familiar and welcoming for many Indian women.
- Safety: High, especially in major cities
- Best cities: Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal
- Ease of travel: Excellent public transport and accommodation options
Women of colour often report feeling comfortable and accepted while traveling solo here.
10. Iceland
Iceland frequently ranks as the safest country in the world.
- Why it stands out: Women feel safe even walking alone at night
- Travel style: Group day tours or self-drive itineraries
- Downside: Higher travel costs
Many solo women choose guided tours to balance safety, logistics, and expenses.
11. Nepal
Nepal remains one of the easiest and most accessible solo trips for Indian women.
- Culture & food: Very familiar
- Trekking: Safe when done with registered guides
- Tourism style: Community-based and supportive
Ideal for budget travelers and first-time solo explorers.
Visa Requirements for Indian Women Traveling Solo
- Visa-free / Visa on Arrival: Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Georgia
- Schengen & developed countries: Portugal, Iceland, Canada, New Zealand (online applications available)
Always carry: Passport copies, travel insurance, hotel bookings, and return tickets. When traveling alone, having documents well-organised makes immigration and check-ins smoother.
Safety Tips for Indian Women Traveling Alone Abroad
- Dress according to local culture
- Avoid late-night travel in unfamiliar areas
- Choose accommodations with strong reviews
- Share your itinerary with family or friends
- Save local emergency numbers
Preparedness goes a long way in building confidence while traveling solo.
Internet & Connectivity: A Must for Solo Female Travelers
When you’re traveling alone, staying connected is not optional.
Why connectivity matters:
- Maps and navigation
- Ride-hailing and transport apps
- Emergency calls and hotel coordination
- Translation and local assistance
Public Wi-Fi can be unreliable or unsafe. Many Indian travelers prefer arranging connectivity before departure.
To stay connected from the moment you land, many solo women travelers choose an international SIM or travel eSIM from Matrix. It offers strong coverage, easy activation, and dependable customer support from India, adding peace of mind when you’re on your own.
FAQs
Which is the safest country for Indian women traveling alone?
Japan and Iceland consistently rank among the safest globally.
What is the cheapest country to travel solo from India?
Vietnam and Thailand are among the most budget-friendly options.
Is Europe safe for solo female travelers from India?
Yes. Countries like Portugal and Georgia are especially solo-friendly.
How can Indian women stay safe while traveling alone abroad?
Good planning, cultural awareness, and reliable connectivity make the biggest difference.
Do solo female travelers need international SIM cards?
Yes. Staying connected is crucial for both safety and convenience.
Final Thoughts
Solo travel is not about being fearless, it’s about being prepared. With the right destination, thoughtful planning, and the right support systems, traveling alone as an Indian woman can be deeply empowering.
If you’re planning your first solo trip, start small, plan well, and trust yourself. The world is far more welcoming than it often seems.
