Image by VancityAllie via Flickr

Despite what many people say, women can and do travel the world alone in relative safety. No place on earth is perfectly safe, but if you are a woman traveling alone, choosing one of the following countries as your destination can help keep you as safe as you would be in any city in the United States.

• Australia. Home to both a thriving tourist trade and people who speak English, Australia is reknowned for having some of the most friendly locals in the world. Australian scenery, wildlife and also the beer are not to be missed!
• Nordic countries. Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Denmark and Norway have extremely low crime rates, beautiful natural scenery, and peaceful safe atmospheres.
• Ireland. Irish women are known for being “fiery” and outgoing, so many American women will blend right in! Go here if you like to party, because women and men alike have no problems with drinking a lot here.
• Vietnam. The Vietnamese are a welcoming and friendly people, and female travelers often make this country their destination. That means if you’re traveling alone, you can make lots of friends who are doing the same thing!
• India. India has a positive relationship with the United States, and many locals in popular areas for travelers speak English. The general attitude toward women is one of respect.
• Costa Rica. One of the safest Latin American countries for women to travel in alone, Costa Rica offers gorgeous scenery, friendly locals, and enough tourism that being a foreign woman traveling alone won’t single you out.

If you use common sense while traveling alone, you can see the world safely.