Orizn

Women's Guide

Guide for Women Travellers

Practical, honest, and empowering. This guide is made by and for women who travel — without dramatising, without minimising.

Confidence

Safest destinations for women

These countries stand out for their low crime rates, advanced gender equality, and positive feedback from solo female travellers.

🇮🇸

Iceland

Among the highest gender equality in the world, virtually zero crime, immersive nature.

🇳🇿

New Zealand

Warm welcome, reliable infrastructure, safe trails, active female traveller community.

🇵🇹

Portugal

Affordable, safe, English-speaking in cities, well-developed public transport.

🇯🇵

Japan

Remarkable nighttime safety, deep cultural respect, impeccable transport.

🇨🇦

Canada

Inclusive culture, wide open spaces, cosmopolitan and welcoming cities.

🇳🇴

Norway

Exemplary equality, spectacular fjords, modern infrastructure.

🇮🇪

Ireland

Legendary hospitality, friendly pubs, soothing and safe countryside.

🇸🇬

Singapore

Ultra-safe, clean, efficient, and multicultural city.

🇨🇷

Costa Rica

Lush nature, welcoming people, good network of eco-lodges.

🇸🇮

Slovenia

Hidden gem, green and calm Ljubljana, accessible alpine hikes.

🇦🇹

Austria

Vienna regularly ranked among the safest cities in the world.

🇨🇭

Switzerland

Perfect transport, high safety, well-marked hiking trails with mountain huts.

🇹🇭

Thailand

Huge backpacker community, low costs, genuine Thai smile — be cautious in party islands.

🇺🇾

Uruguay

Progressive, peaceful, deserted beaches, and welcoming gaucho culture.

🇹🇼

Taiwan

Exemplary safety, reliable transport, world-class street food, and caring locals.

Caution

Destinations requiring extra care

These destinations aren't to be avoided — they simply require extra preparation and a few adjustments. Thousands of women visit them happily every year.

Parts of Northern India

Travel with a group or local guide in rural areas. Women-only train compartments available. Major cities (Delhi, Mumbai) are well connected but require vigilance in the evening.

Egypt (outside resorts)

Street harassment is common. Dress conservatively, avoid isolated alleys at night. Organised tours offer a good alternative.

Parts of North Africa

Respect local dress codes. Prefer riads and accommodation recommended by other female travellers. Morocco remains very visitable with a few simple precautions.

Central America (isolated rural areas)

Avoid overnight trips on unofficial buses. Choose recommended tourist shuttles. Colonial towns and tourist coasts are generally safe.

Culture

Dress code by country

Adapting to local dress codes isn't giving up your freedom — it's opening doors that standard tourism keeps closed.

Southeast Asia

Casual wear accepted in tourist areas. Cover shoulders and knees to visit temples. A sarong in your bag is a versatile essential.

Muslim countries

Prefer loose clothing covering arms and legs. A light scarf for mosques and some public places. It's not a constraint — it's a passport to richer exchanges.

India & Nepal

Avoid tight and low-cut outfits outside major cities. Local clothing (salwar kameez) is comfortable, elegant, and shows cultural respect.

Europe & Americas

Few dress restrictions. Watch out for places of worship (basilicas, cathedrals) which often require covered shoulders and knees.

Sub-Saharan Africa

Varies enormously by country. Local fabrics (wax, kanga) are often appreciated by the local population and make beautiful souvenirs.

Practical

Transport and accommodation

Transport

  • Prefer official taxis or apps (Grab, Bolt, Uber) over unidentified vehicles.
  • Note the licence plate number and share it with someone before a long journey.
  • On overnight trains, choose women-only compartments where they exist (India, Japan, Egypt).
  • Avoid overnight road trips in countries with poor road safety.
  • Keep a portable charger and your earphones — they discourage unwanted conversations.

Accommodation

  • Female-only dorms in hostels offer a good balance of socialising and safety.
  • Read recent reviews from other female travellers, not just the overall rating.
  • Check that your room door locks properly before settling in.
  • Homestays (Couchsurfing) can be wonderful — check references and prefer female hosts or couples at first.
  • Always let someone know your accommodation address in each city.

Wellbeing

Women's health while travelling

Hygiene products

Pads are available almost everywhere. Tampons are rarer in Southeast Asia and Africa — bring your own supply. The menstrual cup is the ultimate ally: reusable, lightweight, zero waste. Also consider period underwear for long journeys.

Contraception

Bring enough supply for the entire trip. Emergency contraception is available in pharmacies in most European countries and Southeast Asia, but not everywhere. Research local legislation before departure.

Gynaecological consultation abroad

Major cities generally offer international clinics with English-speaking staff. Travel insurance often covers consultations. Keep a digital copy of your prescriptions and medical history.

Urinary infections & traveller's diarrhoea

Drink plenty of water (especially in the tropics), bring oral rehydration sachets, and a prescribed antibiotic treatment from your doctor before departure for emergencies.

Protection

Street harassment

We're not going to pretend it doesn't exist. But you can prepare for it without letting it stop you from travelling.

How to react

  • Firmly ignore and keep walking — in most cases, no reaction ends the situation.
  • If it persists, raise your voice clearly (a firm 'No' is understood in every language).
  • Enter a shop, cafe, or hotel if you feel followed.
  • Pretend to make a phone call — or actually call someone.
  • Trust your instinct: if it tells you to leave, leave.

Useful numbers and resources

  • 112 — universal European emergency number.
  • Your country's embassy/consulate — save the local number upon arrival.
  • Government travel advisory registration — free sign-up for security alerts.
  • Local emergency app — check on arrival (e.g. 191 in Thailand, 110 in Japan).

Tools

Useful apps

Orizn

See travellers around you, start a live, and never be isolated.

Real-time location sharing

Share your location with a loved one via WhatsApp, Google Maps, or Apple Maps — simple and reassuring.

Emergency contacts

Set up ICE (In Case of Emergency) contacts on your phone and make sure they're accessible from the lock screen.

Safety apps

bSafe, Noonlight, or TripWhistle: SOS alerts, fake incoming calls, and automatic location sharing in case of danger.

Offline translation

Google Translate or DeepL with downloaded language packs — essential for communicating in tricky situations.

Stories

Women travellers' stories

Real experiences shared by women who took the leap.

S

Sofia

Vietnam, 3 months solo

“I was scared before leaving. Three weeks later, I was wondering why I'd waited so long. Meeting other female travellers on the road carried me through.”

L

Lea

Colombia, 6 weeks solo

“Street harassment exists, that's true. But with good habits and a bit of confidence, it never ruined my trip. Colombia gave me unforgettable moments.”

A

Amina

Japan, 2 weeks solo

“The most comfortable country I've visited alone. I felt safe every single moment, even at 3 am on the streets of Tokyo.”

Have an experience to share? Write to us on social media or via the Orizn app.

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