 The
World's Safest Travel Destinations
A
note about our travels : In our world touring that we do we are often
asked by fellow travellers about what we consider to be the safest places for
a vacation and really there is no definative answer. When we travel in groups
during our organized tours we often get an unrealistic feel for the country we
are visiting because all of us are moving about the attractions together in a
large group and often with a guide. On
the other hand when we are doing backpacking or more rustic camping or eco-trekking
we are often alone or travelling in small groups with our possessions and supplies
on our backs and we can feel a bit more vulnerable. Also, as a woman, when I am
alone and travelling I often am up against a different perception from the natives
of the country I am visiting and must sometimes be extra careful when travelling
alone. There are definately some countries that are not safe for women travelling
alone but mostly a single female vacationing must have a certain level of confidence.
As a solo-traveller
by nature I have spent years off the beaten path and staying in the best hotels
all around the world and have seen my share of the good, the bad and the ugly
as far as tour operators and even travel companions. Not all places I have visited
have opened their arms to me as a voyager but after twenty years of wandering
this lonely planet I can say that more often than not I have met some incredible
people and seen some of the most breathtaking sights in the world and by all means
have tasted the finest international foods and done some of the most phisically
demanding and spiritually challenging things ever! Safest
Countries For Travel
The choices for travellers
in 2009 is huge and there are full package holiday vacations available for every
budget. While I often prefer to pack the car and just start my trip with an adventure
filled drive to the nearest airport and then decide upon arrival where my heart
guides me there are times when planning ahead can be the smartest move. I have
been on the move for many years and my list of the top vacation countries in the
world is here presented in no particular order. My consern, as a single women,
is finding the safest vacations and the safest places to travel in the world.
Below I have compiled the list of what I consider to be the best destinations
especially for a single woman or for anyone concerned about having a safe vacation.
The
Safest Vacations & Safest Places to Travel
Hawaii
Safest
Travel Vacations in Hawaii
My vacation to Hawaii was simply incredible for so many reasons! While I have
travelled safely all over the world I found that my visit to the Hawaiin islands
was idyllic due to the friendly residents and simplicity of the accomodations.
While I arrived in my vaction to the six isalnds including Maui and Kauia which
is the oldest and northernmost island in the Island chain which is graced with
dramatic, natural beauty including volcanoes and lava caves and incredible scuba
sites. I was literally floored by the outdoor adventures and romantic escapades
that flourish on the island of Kauai.
Glistening, tumbling waterfalls
and unmatched grennery have made my vacation in Hawaii one of the best trips I
have ever been on. If you enjoy natural beauty combined with the soft white beaches
and shadow filled forests of lush greenery then this is the place for you. Island
mountains rise like turtle baks above the warm Pacfic waves and when I camped
among the lanai I always felt safe and found the value of a Hawaiian vacation
to be one of the best destinations in the world. As a Canadian I am sometimes
wary to travel to the USA but the islands are like a supreme paradise with the
Volcano caves and Art centre as well as Kona historical tours make this one trip
that is surely to be memorable.
My night trip to the Hawaii volcanoes
national park was an extremely beautiful trip I will never forget. The people
of the islands are super friendly and a visit to Maui on Hawaii Airlines is such
a dramtic flight over the islands you can't help but be transformed. One of the
safest and most incredible vacation trips I have ever been on. Perfect for solo
travellers and families on a budget looking for the ultimate in wild vacations.
See pictures
and read one woman's story from a Vacation in Hawaii
Iceland
 Safest
Travel Vacations in Iceland
My travels to Iceland were one of my fondest travel memories. The idea of visiting
Iceland had always appealed to me and since it was a country I'd often heard about
how safe it was to visit especially for a single woman travelling alone. Iceland
has the history of the Vikings still pulsing in the hearts of the residents. I
was instantly mesmerized by the raw energy literally billowing from the earth
even in the nightclubs of Reykjavík which I visited on my first night in Iceland.
Visiting Reykjavík means you will see a village friendly town full of striking
contrasts where eccentric tiny corrugated iron houses cuddle in the arms of futuristic
glass and steel buildings. Modern state-of-the-art ammenities are only minutes
away from the rugged black volcanic terrain! Walking on the glacial floes is awesome
and the solitude you can experience in central Iceland is undeniably blissfull!
Travelling alone in Europe can often be stressfull but my vacation in
iceland was completely free from worry. I trekked into the Westfjords which are
are Iceland´s least populated region besides the highlands. Here I fwelt as if
it could have been three hundred years ago surrounded by seabirds on rugged cliffs,
Arctic foxes scurrying from hiding spot to hiding spot. I strolled quietely in
small fishing villages that have been huddled against the sheer mountains here,
where for centuries, people have battled with the forces of nature to harvest
the ocean´s riches. Ísafjörður is the main town and I found the social scene and
people extremely cordial and was recommended to visit Vatnajökull Glacier which
is Europe's largest glacier which is a must-see! The hot springs, geysers of hot
steaming clear water and craggy waterfalls slowly tumbling over high cliffs were
magical and surreal. In face the American astronauts practiced for their moon
walk in Iceland due to the insane terrain! The bizarre lava landscapes like "Trolls'
Cathedral" simply left me stunned. The incredible birds of Iceland combined with
the midnight sun of summer made Iceland one place I have placed on my list of
places I must revisit soon.
Australia
 Safest
Travel Vacations in Australia
I always plan to stay at least three full weeks when I go
down under to Australia. My most memorable was when I stayed for 6 months and
worked in Queensland and I suggest that if you want to really immerse your spirit
deeply into this magnificent country then you have to plan to stay as long as
possible. Travel in Australia definately has it all from warm sandy beaches, arid
huge collosal desserts and the dramatic Australlian National Parks with their
awesome and often unbelievable collections of birds, flowers and exotic animals
like the ever present kangaroos, the dearl koalas and an amazing array of birds.
Singapore
 Safest
Travel Vacations in Singapore
Although Singapore is definately one very safe and very
clean don't let the small size or urban development of the country dissuade you
from visiting this South East Asian jewel of a country. The strict nature of the
society is feeling some pressure to relax a bit the laws that have given Singapore
a reputation as a very prosperous but antiseptic and almost repressive city. While
I am not a big fan of skyscrapers and Singapore is mainly urban areas there are
some wonderful zoos and the polite people of the country and their peaceful attitude
make it a place I may return to. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve houses the country's
primary rainforest within its boundaries. I enjoy more adventure and Sungei Buluh
Nature Park is one of the better spots I found for trekking.
Ireland
 Safest
Travel Vacations in Ireland
Because of my love for literature and beer I have always
loved visiting Ireland and found it to be safe and friendly. The small siaze of
the green island is perfect for a caravan travel or a biking tour of Ireland and
I've done them both. The country is rich with history and folklore and while it
may not be the warmest spot I've ever camped in the evenings with the locals around
the fire will always be remebered. I prefer to go in the warmest months of Summer
when I travel to Ireland.
Austria
 Safest
Travel Vacations in Austria
I have to admit that when I am going to Austria, no
matter what time of year, I've even spent my winter vacation in snowy Austria
and there is not many places that can match the beauty of this place. Definately
a safe place to visit, Austria has bi far some of the most incredulous and sometimes
over-blown architecture anywhere in Europe, it is royal and almost over the top!
The awe inspring Alps are perfect for my ski trips and when I'm visiting in summer
I can't help see a fioeld of flowers against a backdrop of snow covered mountains
and want to sing The Sound of Music. The rich heritage of music including Mozart
is literally breathing in the streets of Vienna and the heritage of buildings
mized with the friendly people make this one of my favorite travel destinations.
Canada
 Safest
Travel Vacations in Canada
Because I am actually born and raised in Canada I have
a certain love of the country. Having travelled throughout the North-West Territories,
British Columbia, Newfoundland and Nunavut I have come to know and love the country
as one of the safest places to visit and live in the World. The natural beauty
of this huge country are unmatched with mountains, oceans, praries, huge forests
and some of the friendliest people anywhere. The rich multi-cultural heritage
means that the variety of festivals, events and opportunities to enjoy the natural
parks and camping and canoes in Canada are why it is one of the largest playgrounds
on Earth.
Sweden
 Safest
Travel Vacations in Sweden
My visit to Sweden was one of the most memorable European vacations
destinations I have ever shared. I was captivated by the west coast city of Gothenburg
with the haunting and intoxicating maritime sights and sounds and scrumptious
Michelin Star rated restaurants! Of an North American tourist I just had to do
a cosmopolitan activity like visit Sweden’s largest amusement park in Liseberg.
Stockholm, Sweden's capital and thoroughly magical city, is built on 14 islands
that are crisscrossed by a series of bridges. One bridge took me to the trendy
Södermalm island, with a rich live music scene and hip night clubs for the almost
too-trendy residents! But for those inclined on traditional and classical fare
Sweden has a rich mixture of medieval and modern architecture and because of the
Northern latitudes the summers are short and bright and the winters are crisp
and perfect for skiing. I particularly loved Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö with
their historical sites and lovely parklands.
Netherlands
 Safest
Travel Vacations in The Netherlands
The Netherlands are one of the safest places for a vacation and while
I had heard stories mainly revolving around some of the cliches of windmills and
Amsetrdam with her decadent lifestyle I stayed off the beaten track and found
a beautiful country of incredibly pristine sandy beaches, peaceful meandering
canals, windmills (naturally) and found that most of the country was relatively
untouched by the International tourism footprint! Amsterdam on the other hand
was overwhelming for me with this city being the major tourist destination with
curiosity seekers who come to savour the sin and sensuality of this cosmopolitan
city. The Netherlands is mainly flat land and was perfect for biking and trekking,
which are an integral part of the national spirit of the Netherlands. My favorite
cities in Holland were Den Haag, Utrecht and Limburg but I most enjoyed the camping
in the secluded wilderness of the backpackers paradise available in the Netherlands.
Czech
Republic
 Safest
Travel Vacations in in The Czech Republic
The oppulance of the Czech country is simply mesmerizing
and being one of the safest countries in Europe (and one of the least expensive)
makes me recommended this as a vacation destination. Beyond Prague the central
Bohemian landscape awaits and an incredibly large recreation tract fills the southern
region of Prague along the Vltava and Sázava rivers. As a backpacker in Czech
I found I wasn't alone and met other hikers and canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts.
In the Southern Bohemia region the castles, chateaux and crystal clear lakes took
me back through time and the nature of southern forests in Bohemia is extremely
diverse. Awesome peat-bogs surrounded with lush forests and rolling green meadows,lead
and run along the harsher mountain landscapes in this sweet region nearly untouched
by modern civilization. I loved Šumava, which is known as the “green roof“ of
Europe and features wooded mountain range along the south-western border of the
Czech Republic, Germany and Austria. Huge parts of this region, including the
peat-bogs, glacial lakes and the remnants of primeval forests, were proclaimed
the National park of Šumava.
Tahiti/Polnesia
 Safest
Travel Vacations in Tahiti & Polynesia
The beauty of the Tahitian Islands is unmatched
and I can still see the thatched-roof bungalows we slept in that were perched
above the deep turquoise lagoon waters. One of my safest travel destinations,
especially when I travelled alone exploring the deep lagoons filled with tropical
fish made this one of the best solo snorkling vacation trips I have ever gone
on. I have seen no better way to find a sense of everyday Tahitian life and experience
the culture of French Polynesia, than when I was passing through the small villages
on a circle-island tour of the region. My trip started with a flight from New
York and I flew to Tahiti to explore the incredible chain of five archipelagos
with 118 islands scattered like diamond jewels over an area the size of Europe.
I safely travelled five archipelagoes: - the Society Islands, - the
Tuamotu atolls - the Austral Islands, - the Marquesas Islands, and the Gambier
Islands. It is a natural delight for campers and explorers and I met many single
travellers who were seeking an adventure in the warm seas. Being a woman of culture
and knowing many languages I was nonplusses that the common language is French
in these Tahitian islands. Papeete was my first stop and is the capital of Tahiti,
the largest island, nicknamed 'the island of love'. It was my first arrival port
because of the international airport of Tahiti-Faa'a which is where my plane landed.
Moorea is the sister island, some 17kms north west of Papeete. Here the tranquil
waters of Cooks Bay and Opunohu Bay lap at its majestic volcanic peaks which thrust
into the sky.
Bora Bora is 240kms north west of Tahiti in the Society
Islands, as is Huahine Island, which comprises two islands joined by a narrow
isthmus and enclosed by a protective necklace of coral. This was one of my most
memorable vacations and the peacful demeanor of the residents and sheer openess
of the islands made me fee completely safe which is why it is listed as one of
my all time favorite tropical vacations and among the safest destinations I've
ever travelled.
Germany
 Safest
Travel Vacations in Germany
My first German
vacation was more as a journalist visting the fall of the Berlin Wall in '89 and
so that doesn't officially count as a single girl travelling in Germany. It was
in 2003 that I decided to return to Germany and while many friends in travel forums
talked about safety for a woman in Germany I decided that my training and self
confidence made it possible to take the train throughout the country with no distractions
and I really enjoyed the country on my vacation in Germany.I started my last travel
adventure in Hamburg which is Germany's second-largest city. Its superbe merchants'
houses and incredible promenades, international musicals, modern shopping malls
and St. Pauli district give Hamburg a truly cosmopolitan feel.
A whisp
of the exotic clings to the warehouse district and the city's trademark canals.
With its many glorious parks and gardens, Hamburg is also known as Germany's greenest
city. I spent many hourse enjoying the fine shops and restaurants and music halls
and was never far from a old fashioned beer hall where traditional costumes decorated
the delicious German nightlife. Hamburg has more than 50 museums offering an informative,
fun and educational experience, from the Museum of Art and Craft to special exhibitions
in the Bucerius Art Forum to the miniature railway wonderland in the warehouse
district. From Ernst Barlach House to the Hamburg Dungeon, there is no limit to
art in Hamburg.
My favorite memories are the rolling foothills of the
Alps in southwestern Germany near the Swiss Austrian border. Many of the old-school
border guards have disappeared due to the European Union and the greenery caused
swelling tears in my eyes as I recalled my visit to the state watching the downfall
of Communism. A safe and enjoyable country, Germany has captured my heart many
times since my first visit.
Coming
soon: Safe Travel in Japan | Safe Travel in Liechtenstein | Safe Travel in Monaco
| Safe Travel in Hungary | Safe Travel in New Zealand | Safe Travel in Norway
| Safe Travel in Finland | Safe Travel in Samoa | Safe Travel in Switzerland |
Safe Travel in Thailand
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