If you are hiking or planning on being outside, make sure you bring the proper equipment. If youre looking for some top-notch hotels in Reykjavik, make sure to check out the downtown area- the closer you are to the main street Laugavegur, the better! The Solo Female Traveler's Guide to Iceland The Blonde Abroad Reykjavk is generally safe for solo female travellers. Theyre the only way (except walking or taxis) to get around the city. Iceland Solo Travel Female - Pine Knoll Lodge & Cabins Its the safest country in the world! Socket type: C / F. Guide to socket types. Whilst it is true that people subsisted on whatever they could get their hands on,the Icelandic diet has moved away from just fish and lamb. Making sure that youre not just travelling around like a lone wolf is a good way to go, too. A growing opioid crisis in Iceland has led to an increase in the number of overdoses. Perhaps you've always wanted to try solo travel, but never found the time, nor the budget to make it a reality? Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland (official) 62%, Roman Catholic 4%, Independent Congregation of Reykjavik 3%, Independent Congregation of Hafnarfjordur 2%, pagan worship 1%, Icelandic Ethical Humanist Association 1%, other (includes Zuist and Pentecostal) or unspecified 19%, none 8%. Most safety issues are caused by nature, such as freezing winters and snowstorms. What is it like for a solo female traveller in Iceland? 5. Is there anything you would recommend, or any disadvantages you found during your time here? Iceland Wellness and Wilderness Autumn - Solo Female Travelers Tours If you are someone who hasn't travelled solo yet, you can start with the safest destination in the world Iceland. Naturally, its a super popular place to visit and tourism is increasing. Twenty-nine years after Iceland elected the first female president in the world, the Icelandic legislature selected the first openly LGBTQ+ head of state. There are two big companies for taxis on the island. Just follow the rules of common sense such as avoiding deserted and poorly lit streets and areas, and your trip should go smoothly. Solo female travel destination in the North: Reykjavik, Iceland. Children are left outside sleeping in their prams whilst mothers enjoy the luxury of socialising inside. Learn what to pack for Iceland, whether youre planning to stay in Reykjavik, travel the entire Ring Road, or hike remote areas of the Highlands. This page is brought to you by Solo Female Travelers Tours, our curated small group trips for women, by women. Plus the buses even havewi-fi! Travelling alone sure is rewarding, but that's not to say there are sizable challenges to face. Sign up to our portal and leave your reviews NOW. Japan. American travel blogger Kiersten lists Iceland as the safest destination for solo female travellers on her blog TheBlondeAbroad.com. According to the Global Peace Index 2016, Iceland is the safest country in the world. Make sure you come prepared for the cold weather and youll have a blast. Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! Roads in Iceland tend to be a bit underdeveloped in places, and most people rely on cars to get from A to B. On a visit to Iceland, you won't need to worry about things like being overcharged by taxi drivers or ordering from the menu. Contact I Privacy I Disclaimer I Values I Tours T&C, *Womxn is a term we use in the spirit of inclusion, to welcome all women, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, beliefs, sexuality, or other minority. See? Yes, Iceland is generally considered to be a safe destination for solo female travelers. Iceland is not only one of the safest countries in the world, but it is the safest country in the world and has been every year from 2008 through 2020, according to the Global Peace Index. Petty crime like pickpocketing and robbery is rare, and violent crime is almost non-existent. Let Someone Know Where You're Going. Here are some quick answers to common questions about safety in Iceland. The Solo Female Travel Safety Score is used by the Overseas Security Advisory Council for including safety concerns for women travelers in their country security reports; OSAC is a partnership between the U.S. Department of State and private-sector security community. In general, female travelers will be perfectly safe, although that doesnt mean they shouldnt take the regular precautions that come with traveling solo. Even though you don't have to worry much about the people when you're in Iceland, the country does experience extreme weather. I loved reading your blog post on Iceland! I firmly believe that solo travel for women is one of the best ways to learn about yourself and the world. Between the pandemic, ever-worsening cultural division, and a click-hungry media, it can be hard to maintain what is truth and what is sensationalism. 14 of the best destinations for solo female travellers There are approximately 335,000 Icelandic speakers in the country, and pockets of Icelandic speakers in other countries such as Denmark, Canada, Brazil and the United States. Like the outsiders, they too are aware of their language's questionable relevance on the world stage, but it is that exact novelty, how tight-knit it is, that makes it all the more special. You wont have to worry about getting scammed or negotiating prices. Discover the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. Makes sense: this is where the bars and restaurants are. Geothermal watermay smell like sulphur,but the cold stuff is going to be fine. If you have a week or longer, I HIGHLY recommend renting a camper van and drivingthe Ring Road all around the island. (Insider Tips). Iceland entry details and exceptions. Watch out for a sign that saysMalbik Endar that means the road will soon change to gravel and you should slow down so that you dont skid. Unpredictable with very cold Arctic winters and cool summers. By Sharael Kolberg | Jan. 24, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.. Hvar er klsetti? The flight is five hours from the East Coast and there's only a four-hour time difference. They look like taxis. Check your email to confirm your subscription now ! Basically, Iceland is a really good place to go as a solo traveller. Most of Iceland is pretty rural, so I always recommend solo travellers let a loved one back home know what their plans are for the day. And Reykjavikhas city buses, which are yellow. There also are volcanoes, too. And thats always a bonus. Choose your Icelandhotel,hostelorAirbnbahead of time so youre not last-minute booking a less-secure place. That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch. Storms can cause flooding, blizzards, landslides, and avalanches, so be wary when you're traveling about the country, especially through the sparsely populated interior. And its so safe that its probably a good place to go for your first-time solo travelling adventure. Not only are such messaging services as Facebook, Whatsapp and SnapChat easily accessible, they also provide a truly deep, somewhat tangible connection to those left behind. The language is, intrinsically, a part of the national character, indistinguishable from it almost. Trending travel: Iceland named the most popular destination for solo Also openonlyin the summer months are roads to theHighlands of Iceland. A strong will, courage, and the financial means to keep afloat all have little to do with age (in fact, these traits might even be more characteristic of the older traveller). Regardless of when you plan to travel (summer, winte Guide to Iceland | The Story of the Leading Travel Agency of Iceland, The Complete Guide to the Midnight Sun in Iceland, Top 20 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Iceland, The Best 5-Star & Luxury Hotels in Iceland, How To Travel in Iceland | The Top 5 Do's and Don'ts, How To Move to Iceland | The Ultimate Guide. cities in Iceland are also considered fine to explore at night - busy nightlife may be a little intimidating for solo female travellers, but streets and venues are full of people so there's always someone to call on should you need to. The most rowdiness youre ever going to find is inReykjavikwhen people are getting drunk in bars. The best destinations for solo female travelers will be where locals are particularly friendly and welcoming, or it's social due to a shared interest like surfing or diving, and even though it might be off the beaten path a bit, it's not so remote that you'll be the only one there. To save on the bucks, shop at grocery stores and prepare food in your accommodations kitchen, if one is available. 14 Best Destinations for First-Time Solo Female Travelers We do our best to keep this information updated and accurate, but things change. Official country name: Republic of Iceland. Most buses stop at the biggest destinations along theRing Road. Iceland is the perfect destination for women considering solo travel because of a combination of low crime statistics and high regard for gender equality. If you use our guide, do your own research, and practise common sense, you will have a safe trip to Iceland. Its one of the safest if not the safestcountry in the world. Since Iceland is one of the safest countries worldwide, its also incredibly safe for female solo travelllers. Is Iceland Safe for Travel? (Insider Tips) - The Broke Backpacker Answer (1 of 3): Throwing my two cents in, I was stationed at Keflavik Naval Air Station as a Senior Airman, or E-4 (as Air Force, and Security Police, now Security Forces) in the now deactivated 85th Security Forces Squadron from 1997 to 1999. If you're traveling alone around the island, it's best to do with a clear itinerary. Even so, here are our tips for solo female travellers! But like we said nature is the thing you should be concerned about when youre visiting Iceland. The thought of being away from friends, family and familiar surroundings canbe a daunting one. Avoid these things in Iceland to stay safe: Dont underestimate the weather Dont rely on walk-ins when it comes to booking an accommodation Dont go too close to cliff edges and hot springs Dont go off-trail on hikes. The homicide rate is ultra-low. Now, with that being said, weve overlooked one of the greatest advantages when it comes to solo travel around the country; 99% of Icelanders speak fluent English. . With the recent influx of visitors over the last decade or so, a quiet and unrelenting fear has once again been inflamed in the Icelandic psyche, that their language might, one day, die. However, Iceland is also one of the most insular places on Earth and cultural diversity is a relatively recent development in the country. We wanted to do something about it, so we built these country-specific pages where you can find reviews and scores for 7 key variables affecting the safety of women traveling solo. November 12, 2019. But to help you have the best time ever, here are some tips for solo travellers in Iceland. The country has a low crime rate and a strong sense of community, making it a great place for solo female travelers to explore. Iceland is a land of fire and iceand its the natural sights that will leave you breathless. It wont be down to the wire cutting edge info on the most current events, but it is layered in the expertise of veteran travellers. The Places Travelers Should Avoid, Is Thailand Safe for Solo Women Travelers? Iceland might be one of the best first-time solo female travel destinations on the planet. By enlarge, they areoften more than happy to try and breakdown elements of their lexicon to interested parties. Iceland ismost definitely safe to travel for families. When you arrive at Keflavik International Airport, approximately 45 minutes away from Reykjavik, the simplest way to the city center is the Flybus. Follow Kiersten on her adventures! Make sure to leave your thoughts and queries in the Facebook Comments box. Topping the list of the world's safest countries to visit is Iceland. Iceland is one of the safer destinations I have traveled solo, and that is why I highly recommend it to solo female travelers, and especially travelers taking theirfirst solo trip! Its freezing and theres no sunshine. Some people fear solo travel due only to the fear that they will not be understood, or not be able to make others understand their intention. "Iceland International Travel Information." How safe is Iceland for women? - Marina Travel You can NEVER overstate just how useful having all your most important valuables right around your waist is. Popular travel and lifestyle blog featuring travel tips, fashion, food and photography from around the world. Shorter tours will normally focus on specific regions of the country, such as the famed Golden Circle sightseeing route, whilst longer tours cover a much greater stretch of the country or the whole circle. Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. In Reykjavik, you can find a thriving nightlife and experience the local lifestyle, as well as the local music. No, you, free as a bird and hungry for discovery, act as your own master, unshackled of the burdens of home, of the responsibility of others chase the horizon! Icelanders nurture a sense of community, of checking up on one another and ensuring that people are happy and content, meaning that such concepts as civil obedience, agreeability and reputation take on a whole new level of meaning. Reykjavk is a very walkable city, and most areas are well-lit and safe to explore. Most of the countryside is private land, so theres always a farm nearby if you need help. Malta came in as the overall second-best country for solo travelers, followed by Slovenia. You get to hike in some incredible nature anytime you want. We strive to provide the most relevant travel information on the web and always appreciate input from our readers (nicely, please!). All rights reserved. Thanks to the miracle of modern technology, there are a number of ways to counteract homesickness, however. But to help you eat like a pro in Iceland, here are some foodie tips. You can challenge yourself without embarking on some foolhardy hike thats way out of your comfort zone, and youll reap the rewards. Im Kiki, a California native, who left my career in corporate finance to become a world traveler. Visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland The Blonde Abroad Basically, walking out into nature withoutany clueof where youre going, what areas are dangerous, or any knowledge of potentially bad weather is a good way to get into big trouble. Hazards for travel in Iceland: steaming geysers, frozen glaciers, volcanoes and lava fields. In 2016 there was 1 murder in the whole country. There are countless reasons as to why one might choose to travel solo. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Why Iceland is Perfect for First-Time Solo Female Travelers 16 Tips for Solo Female Travellers: How to Stay Safe While Exploring the World https://buff.ly/3JJPFnS . Fortunately, Iceland is one of the safest and best places for solo female travel. Ranked at the top of the WPS index for Central and Eastern Europe, Slovenia has made big strides in the perception of women's safety in recent years, with 85% of women feeling safe here . Self Drive tours can range from 2 days to 14 days. . "Global Peace Index." Read our. Solo Female Travel in Iceland - Meet with Locals and Travelers - Travel An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! Theres a strong case for driving in Iceland. 5 Safety Tips. Glacier Paradise View, Zermatt, Switzerland. Still, the "threat of the outsider" exists in the form of drunken or disrespectful tourists, especially those who consider Iceland's relaxed approach to everyday living as a license to misbehave. That's not to say Iceland is perfect and crimes against women do not happen, but considering Iceland has also been voted the most peaceful place on earth, a woman travelling alone can feel quite safe. Malaysia: 527.64 What attractions you see, what time you wake up, which direction youll move and which activities you partake in all of these are entirely up to you, and you alone set the pace of your holiday. Everythings just fine! Whether you've traveled solo around the world or it's your first trip alone, Iceland is an ideal destination. He eventually settled on the island, but not before he saw how it greened up in the summer and that it was, in fact, habitable. Iceland is a land of fire and iceand its the natural sights that will leave you breathless. If you visit Iceland in winter, all the roads can be frosty dark. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. No more boring hotels you deserve WAY BETTER. A good schedule and plenty of snacks for your kids are what youll have to plan for in Iceland. After all, it is expansive enough for them to experience the isolation they so crave, yet boasts a close and welcoming community of locals and visitors, thus easily remedying boredom or pangs of loneliness. Currency: Icelandic Krona (ISK)1 USD = 120 - 140 ISK1 EUR = 135 - 155 ISK. What are the advantages and disadvantages of solo travel in Iceland, and how do travellers make friends during their trip? Before the 19th century, even grain was hard to come by. If you want to plan your journeyand not get lost en route, head to theStraeto.issite for their handy journey planner. That said, itssafe to drive in Iceland. Please note that not all content is translated or available to residents of all countries. And children under 10 years old often get to stay for free at hotels. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. By Ali Pantony 4 January 2022 Matteo Colombo Female solo travel has become one of the fastest growing markets for the travel industry over the past few years. They also make the choices when it comes down to their accommodation and vehicle, choosing from various models that range from Super Budget to Luxury. As a solo female traveller, it's good to be vigilant and pay attention to what's going on around you and Iceland is no exception when it comes to common sense. Though it is high quality, youll have to pay in full if you need any sort of medical treatment. Its all good. Theres virtually no crime thats going to be affecting visitors anytime soon. Buses exist, trains dont. Iceland is one of the safest countries in Europe and worldwide. In cities, it's common for bathrooms to be single-stall and gender-neutral, but if the restrooms are separated by males and females, you are allowed to use the bathroom that corresponds with your gender identity. And volcanoes erupting can (obviously) be an issue. Iceland is filled with interesting rock sculptures, lava form Should one be asked to name the very best surfing destinations on the planet, places like Southern California, Hawaii, and Australia would probably be the first to come to mind. Copyright 2023 The Blonde Abroad | All Rights Reserved, With only 300,000 people, Iceland has the atmosphere of a small town everywhere you go. Icelandic is counted among the Nordic branch of the Germanic languages, having originated from Norway, Denmark and Sweden. While visiting Iceland alone for one week I never felt scared or unsafe, however I didn't interact with anyone either. And you can casually go see theNorthern Lightsor take a dip in theBlue Lagoonwhenever. The 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajkullliterally grounded hundreds of flights all across Europe. Five countries that are safer for women - BBC Travel As you travel around the country, many travelers might worry about getting lost or stranded. Iceland is perfect for first time solo female travelers Even if its a cup of coffee, you might not be let on! Hva kostar etta? Restaurants also serve child portions. Nature, especially during the winter months can be absolutely brutal and dangerous. Being unprepared, or not knowing what youre doing, is really going to cause problems when youre in the midst of it all. You can also get things for young children, like nappies and formula, in most places. With their existence of mobile language applications, those interested in pursuing as much of the language as they can while here should have no problem doing so. Here are some tips for solo female travelers in Iceland. "Global Gender Gap World Report 2020." In fact, some of the best fun youll ever have can be a solitary affair, made all the more special by the fact that it was undertaken, experienced and held in the memory of that one certain, adventurous individual. I just returned from Iceland on a 6 day journey and I see we did a lot of what you recommend! . Taking a solo trip is a fantastic way to grow. It's safe to say that visiting the Blue Lagoon in . The Global Peace Index has ranked Iceland as the world's most peaceful country for over ten years! Check out the links below to learn more: Solo Female Travel Stats: Results from the the largest, most comprehensive and only global research study on solo female travel trends, preferences and behaviors published. In terms of danger, Iceland is just as safe for BIPOC travelers as it is for everyone else and the locals are welcoming to all. Hanging out in huge hot springs, hiking through fantasy landscapes to cascading waterfalls, seeing the actualNorthern Lights, and even the chance to get a glimpse of some whales Iceland is so many shades of awesome. But, make no mistake about it, it's 'safety . And these are only open in the summer months anyway. Floods and avalanches are a threat -, especially in the Highlands. With a few earthquakes. Denmark granted limited home rule in 1874 and complete independence in 1944. For other travel restrictions, please check the guidance from your local authorities. Travelling alone presents a fantastic opportunity to start getting stuck into an entirely new language; in this case, the ancient, isolated, but incredibly beautiful Icelandic lexicon. Renting a car is the easiest and most efficient way to explore outside of the city, so if you are able to, do it! Travel Solo Travel for Women: The 18 Best Destinations (Plus Tips) Plan an independent getaway to suit your own personal travel style. Lifestyle The best solo travel destinations for women in 2022 (and what to do while you're there) Whether you want a backpacking adventure or chill beach days in the sun. But its next level expensive. In Reykjavik, there are plenty of top-notch, tasty restaurantsjust be aware that these come at a price! That said, solo travel is just awesome anyway. And vehicle hire can besuper expensive. So trust your gut and use your common sense. Definitely. Located in Northern Europe, Iceland is . The safety scores range from 1 to 4 with 1 being the safest and 4 being the most dangerous for solo female travelers. This surprised us because before the recent string of events we'd never heard of problems for tourists going to the Dominican Republic. Dubai in the UAE also earned the top rank in the index of safest cities prepared by Insure my Trip, a travel insurance firm, for women travelling solo. Iceland Solo Female Travel Safety Tips and Advice Japan is among the top 10 safest nations in the world, according to the Global Peace Index. Share your experience with other solo female travelers and help us empower more women through travel. In general, its easy to access medical services in Reykjavik, and the service is pretty quick: you wont have to wait much. But youll still have to check with Icelandic Road Administration. Thanks for the great read! Mainly we like this one because of how simple it is. Wherever you stay in Iceland its awesome! The land of ice and fire, Iceland is truly safe for women. It happens. Although you cant really get lost on the Ring Road around Icelandits the countrys only highway, after allmaps can reveal distances, road quality, and where to find the next gas station. Exposure to extreme cold can meanhypothermia. Women are respected in the community, and Iceland remains at the top of the World Economic Forums Global Gender Gap Report. Check out the Lake Myvatn and the bubbling mud pits in the north, or the stunning waterfalls and glacier lagoon of the south. Instead, buy an eSIM! Icelandic is relatively unchanged from the Old Norse language that precedes; today, modern Icelanders can still read the medieval sagas, as written by the forebears, understanding their lesson and allowing to continue moulding the national character. Violent crimes are few and far between in Iceland the country averages one murder per year and events that shock the nation get widespread news coverage. The country also has very low crime rate and witnesses few violent incidents. Where is a safe place for a woman to travel alone? Solo Female Travelers Documentary - we interviewed 27 women from 18 different countries to create a mini documentary with raw, candid, and inspiring footage that gives a behind the scenes look into the world of solo travel as a woman. Its safe to live in Iceland, but it can be isolating. There are over 1,100 world heritage sites spread across more than 165 countries. Languages spoken: Icelandic, English, Nordic languages, German. That's a closer flight from Boston than Las Vegas. Iceland is mad safe. Here are the five safest countries for solo women travellers Crime rates in Iceland are incredibly low. Sexual harassment in Iceland is really not common. Safety for solo travelers and women travelers in Iceland, Top 6 Scams to Look Out for When Traveling in Cambodia, Is The Philippines Safe? Its a wild world out there. For full information, please see ourdisclaimer here and our Privacy Policy here. The question of Is Iceland Safe? will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on the parties involved. It can be a challenging place to live, to say the least. Is your phone eSIM ready? Etymology: Floki Vilgerdarson, an early explorer of the island (9th century), applied the name "Land of Ice" after spotting a fjord full of drift ice to the north and spending a bitter winter on the island. We recognize that there are many different ways to be a womxn, and we welcome everyone . Travelers should alwayssubmit a travel plan with the Icelandic Search and Rescue so it can react if something goes wrong. Be My Travel Muse. Id like to meet other people but stay in a safe location. Besides, this country imprisons its corrupt bankers, rather than bailing them out. Best Solo Travel Destinations For Women 2022: Thailand, Sri Lanka We have compiled a few data points below that can help you better understand Iceland and have more context when thinking about travel safety. This can be down to a pickpocket of course, but it could also just down to you being forgetful. Today, the British, Americans and a wealth of other nationalities, continue to invade, though only for a couple of weeks at a time, and armed with little more than a selfie stick. WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : LOW. But the fact that most whale meat in Iceland is sold to tourist restaurantsdoesnt make sense to usat all. You may get ill just looking at some of it though. Travelling smart doesnt just mean eating at clean-looking, recommended restaurants: it also means not supporting stuff like this. Climate: Unpredictable with very cold Arctic winters and cool summers. Freezing conditions and unpredictable weather make everything from hiking to driving pretty dangerous. Another beautiful area to explore is the West Fjords, in the northernmost part of the countrygreen valleys and snow-capped peaks make this a truly beautiful region. Is Norway safe for solo female travelers? - Visiting Scandinavia Another beautiful area to explore is the West Fjords, in the northernmost part of the countrygreen valleys and snow-capped peaks make this a truly beautiful region. As long as you arent heading off-road, you shouldnt have too much trouble at all. Thats more than six times the population of Iceland! To help you do this, grab yourself a slandskort barnanna a map of all the family-friendly stuff you can get up to in Iceland. Slovenia. 8 of the safest destinations for first-time solo female travellers - KAYAK Terri Mapes specializes in giving first-time Scandinavia visitors practical tips for their travels. Tuesday March 7 2023, 17:39pm Long gone are the days when solo adventures were the domain of men. Seriously, youre really not likely at all to run into any trouble as a woman in Iceland. Especially if you head out into that nature. Women solo travelers will find Iceland a wonderful destination. Visitors are often taken aback by the directness of Icelanders and even think of them as rude, but once you get to know the culture, you'll feel welcomed into their tight-knit community.