Top safe destinations for solo travellers

A growing number of adventurers are taking the fun and meaningful challenge of travelling solo. From 2023 to 2024, there was a 42% increase in bookings by solo travellers, with Millennials, Gen Z and women leading the trend.

Travelling solo is thrilling. You see the world at your own pace and do only what you want to do. But it’s important to learn how to stay safe and keep track of the latest updates on crime, political stability and health care access in your destination.

You don’t have to be afraid to explore alone if you make solid travel plans. Here are frequently asked questions and helpful tips on how to keep track of the latest travel advisories, the safest countries to visit and precautions you should take. Happy solo travels!

What should I know about solo travel and safety rankings?

Factors such as crime, health care availability, natural disasters and other environmental risks, transportation and road safety, and political unrest impact travel safety rankings for destinations.

Keep in mind that rankings can change quickly or slowly over time.
You should also pay attention to regional safety updates within your travel destination. Your potential host city may be a hotspot for unrest, while other parts of the nation are considered safer.

Where can I find up to date and accurate information on travel safety rankings?

The Government of Canada routinely updates travel safety advisories for nations and regions across the globe. It’s important that you know the difference between each travel advisory level that is issued by The Government of Canada.

Advisory levels are as follows:

Green Level 1: Take normal safety precautions.
Yellow Level 2: Exercise a high degree of caution.
Orange Level 3: Avoid all non-essential travel.
Red Level 4: Avoid all travel.

Travel advisories may change at any time for your destination, including during your trip. Before you book your trip, consider signing up for email updates from the Government of Canada for up-to-date information on travel advisories for your destination.

The Global Peace Index also provides in-depth data on country safety metrics related to crime, conflict and political unrest. The index is great for researching overall trends.

Are there places where I should be more cautious?

Some popular travel destinations are considered riskier for solo travellers than others. Be cautious if you are visiting these top destinations for 2026:

The U.S.: Safety varies widely across states and cities in the U.S. A 2025 study reported by the New York Post lists the most dangerous states for solo travellers and largely focuses on crime, and access to cell service and emergency transport.

New Mexico, known by nature lovers for its high desert landscapes, ranked low for solo travel safety due to lack of cell service and gas stations in rural areas, and high rates of violence and property crime.

In Tennessee, the cities of Nashville and Memphis, both tourist hot spots, also received low marks due to the risk of violence and property crime.

New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Minnesota and New Jersey were some of the highest ranked states for solo traveller safety. “ The Empire State [New York] is the fourth safest state for solo travel in America, buoyed by its emergency access and transport infrastructure,” writes New York Post.
Mexico: The Azure waters and white sand beaches of Mexico are huge draws for Canadians heading south for warmer climes. But tourists should be vigilant and pay attention to regional travel warnings issued by the Government of Canada.

Within popular tourist areas, travellers are advised to “ exercise a high degree of caution due to high levels of criminal activity and kidnapping.”
The Bahamas: One of the top cruise destinations in the world, The Bahamas is a popular choice for Canadians, particularly in the winter. But you should be highly vigilant while visiting.

The Government of Canada advises travellers to “ exercise a high degree of caution in The Bahamas due to high rates of crime, especially in Nassau and Freeport.”

What are some ideal destinations for solo travellers?

United Kingdom: Many Canadian first-time solo travellers choose the UK for ease of travel due to shared language and robust transit systems. However, the Government of Canada advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution due to the threat of terrorism in Europe.
Japan: Japan also boasts an incredible transit system and a high level of public safety. The Government of Canada advises travellers to take normal security precautions in Japan.
Thailand: Known for as for its incredible cuisine, culture and scenery, Thailand is an excellent option for solo travellers on a budget. However, the Government of Canada advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution due to recent political demonstrations.

How can I stay safe while travelling solo?

Staying connected is one of the top rules for staying safe while travelling solo. Be sure to sign up for email alerts on travel warnings from the Government of Canada. Also, stay in touch with friends and family back in Canada and let them know your travel plans.

To stay connected, consider free messaging apps, such as WhatsApp, and video calling through services such as FaceTime and Zoom. Consider sharing your location with trusted friends and family with apps such as Life360.

Schedule consistent check-ins. Never post your location in real time on social media, especially hotels and other lodging. Consider using a VPN on public Wi-Fi.

Research cultural norms and practices observed in your destination. If you are a woman, dress modestly, if it is custom, to avoid unwanted attention.

Do not leave food and drinks unattended in public. Avoid public protests and demonstrations. And always keep both digital and paper copies of essential travel documents.

What should I know about group tours?

Group tours can be a great choice for solo travellers headed to destinations that may present safety risks. The principle of safety in numbers applies. Local guides and experts can help solo travellers navigate language and cultural barriers. And having a planned itinerary reduces decision fatigue.

Some solo travellers may feel that joining a tour group takes away the thrill and freedom of exploring alone. If you’re in that camp, try looking for tours that offer some down time to sightsee safer areas on your own time.

Do I need travel insurance?

You should know that your provincial or territorial health insurance plan may not fully protect you if you experience a medical emergency while travelling outside of your home province or territory, let alone abroad.

An Allianz Global Assistance Travel Insurance plan with emergency medical benefits may help fill coverage gaps if you have a medical emergency during your trip.

We also offer trip cancellation benefits that reimburse certain non-refundable expenses if your trip is cancelled or interrupted midway due to a covered reason.

Get a quote travel insurance today to learn how we can help you travel with peace of mind.

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, financial, or other professional advice. Allianz Global Assistance is not responsible for the use of external websites or applications, or the content or accuracy of external information or technologies.