Lisa O
Attention ladies! If you want to travel alone to distant and lonely places, you’d better understand the risks. Although traveling alone can be a great experience, there are certain places where women travelers are in very serious danger. From whistling and catcalls to actual sexual assault, the threats are very real. But don’t let this stop you from traveling! Let’s explore the 20 most dangerous places for female travelers.
South Africa
Beautiful Cape Town, what a place to visit! Unfortunately, South Africa has a very violent culture towards women. Statistics show that it has the highest assault rates in the world, and only 25% of women felt safe walking alone during the night. Sometimes, even the most beautiful destinations are the most dangerous for solo female travelers.
Brazil
Rio’s streets, the beaches, the wonderful nature, and the Amazon rainforest. But this beautiful country is also dangerous for female solo travelers. According to statistics, it has the third-highest rate of intentional homicide of women, and 36.9% of women have experienced intimate partner violence. Be careful, stay alert, and don’t be reckless in Brazil!
Russia
Countless tourists visit Russia yearly to view its historic architecture and scenic landscapes, but females should avoid traveling alone to this huge country. Ranking second in the rate of intentional homicide of women and the top ten for legal discrimination, Russia is proof that things can be pretty but still dangerous.
Mexico
Despite the beautiful beaches and historic ruins, Mexico is considered the fourth most dangerous country overall. 67% of women in Mexico do not feel safe walking alone at night, and the country ranks fourth in the rates of intentional female homicide and non-partner sexual violence. So unless you want to become a señorita prey, think twice before you visit.
Iran
From ornate mosques to vibrant bazaars, Iran is sure to satisfy any traveler’s appetite for beauty–but females should steer away from this Middle Eastern country. Iran ranks number one in the global gender gap, which means that women suffer relatively large disparities in many respects. With the third lowest score for legal discrimination, Iran certainly has work to do in protecting and tolerating its female citizens.
Dominican Republic
Imagine yourself on a white sandy Caribbean beach, sipping a cold piña colada under the palm trees. Unfortunately, this all-inclusive dream is also a very dangerous place for women to visit. Only 33% of women felt safe walking alone during the night, and the country is in the top five countries in the world where women are killed by an intentional homicide.
Egypt
Pyramids, the Nile, home to some of the earliest monuments in the world. Egypt is a beautiful and interesting country to visit, but not for female solo travelers. This country is in the top six worldwide in gender inequality and the top six for legal discrimination against women through laws that restrict women’s participation in society. Also, only 47% of women felt safe walking alone during the night.
Morocco
From the alleys of Marrakech to the beaches of Essaouira, Morocco is a very interesting and colorful country to visit. But this beautiful place hides some severe risks for solo female travelers. An astonishing 45% of women have experienced physical or sexual violence from their partner (the highest rate in this list!), and this country is in the top ten for legal discrimination against women. Be careful and keep your eyes open.
India
India is a land of beautiful colors, spices, and yoga, but it is also a land of risks for female travelers. Out of the 50 countries analyzed by the study, India has the highest gender inequality index ranking. From sexual harassment to deeply rooted cultural beliefs, India is definitely not an easy place to visit for solo female travelers. You should always be vigilant and never be caught off guard.
Thailand
Imagine yourself on a white sandy beach in Thailand, holding a fresh coconut, trying to cool down the hot tropical sun. Unfortunately, this paradise is also very dangerous for women to visit. 61% of women think that violence is sometimes or always justified against women–the highest rate of the 50 countries studied. Thailand is beautiful, but its people certainly do not appreciate women.
Malaysia
This multi-ethnic country offers a rich culture and history, delicious food, and beautiful nature and beaches. Unfortunately, it is also very dangerous for women to visit. Malaysia has a very high gender inequality index score (it ranks 173rd out of 142 countries analyzed), and only 46.1% of women feel safe walking alone at night.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is rich in tradition and culture, and the landscape is beautiful, filled with oases in the deserts, but women’s rights don’t exist here. Saudi Arabia is the worst in the world for legal discrimination against women, and it’s in second place for the global gender gap. There are huge restrictions on women’s freedoms, and this conservative country is definitely not very safe for solo female travelers.
Turkey
Turkey is a beautiful country with an interesting mix of ancient and modern, located on the border between East and West. But unfortunately, this bridge between cultures hides some serious dangers for solo female travelers. Turkey has the fourth worst rating for violence against women, and only a small number of women feel safe on the streets. From the bazaars to the beautiful ruins, be careful and aware of the risks that this country hides.
Argentina
The tango halls and Patagonian mountains of Argentina will leave you in awe – but solo female travelers should prepare for the pitfalls of this country. Argentina is ranked third worst in the world for street safety, with only 31% of women safe when walking alone after dark. It is also ranked 10th worst in the world for intentional homicide of women and for intimate partner violence.
Chile
Chile’s impressive mountains and colorful cities attract many adventurers – but solo female travelers should be careful. Chile is ranked seventh worst in the world for street safety. A shocking 85% of women reported suffering some form of harassment during their lifetime. While you may leave Chile with memories of its natural beauty, its treatment of women will leave much to be desired.
Cambodia
This country is rich in culture and history, the landscapes are beautiful, and people are smiling. However, this country is also very dangerous for women to visit. It has the third-worst rating regarding the attitudes to violence against women and a very high gender inequality index. This makes Cambodia a wonderful and mysterious destination for any traveler and a very dangerous place for women.
Bahrain
From its modern cities to its ancient fort, Bahrain’s rich history is apparent to all visitors. However, solo female travelers should prepare for the pitfalls of this country – Bahrain is ranked fourth worst in the world for legal discrimination against women. It is also ranked sixth worst in the world for the global gender gap, which means that women are significantly hindered from participating fully in society. It’s also unsafe to walk alone at night in Bahrain.
Tunisia
Tunisia, the Jasmine Revolution’s country, is a beautiful destination to visit. From the beaches of the Mediterranean Sea to the ancient Punic and Roman ruins, Tunisia is definitely a country to visit in Africa. But unfortunately, this beautiful place is quite dangerous for women to visit. Tunisia is in the top nine countries regarding the global gender gap, and it’s also poor in the ranking of safety in the streets, legal discrimination against women, and gender inequality.
United States
As a global superpower and the world’s foremost democracy, this country is the fourth largest in the world in terms of both area and population. And it’s the land of the free, right? Well, maybe not always. The United States is in the third position in the number of homicides of women aged 20-24. From the busy New York City to the vast American West, women should be very careful and aware of the risks when traveling alone in this huge and developed country.
Ukraine
Situated between the European Union and Russia, Ukraine has a rich heritage, beautiful architecture, and friendly locals. But this nation caught between two continents poses serious dangers for solo female travelers and visitors in general, considering the war. Ukraine is ranked 6th worst in street safety in Europe and scores poorly in both the global gender gap index and the gender inequality index.