THE SAFEST CITIES FOR WOMEN TO TRAVEL ALONE IN THE U.S

Put away your preconceptions, because traveling alone in the United States is actually quite easy and safe to do, even for solo female travelers. Although it’s always recommended that you keep your guard up whilst traveling alone, there are a few cities that are safer than others, where women can roam freely without much worry. From the hilly streets of San Francisco to the tree hugging city of Portland to the sunny city of Honolulu, these are the safest cities for women to travel alone in the U.S.

5. San Francisco, California

It is one of the most favorite cities to visit, whether you are a solo female traveler or not, but it has the added bonus of being extremely safe. Getting into the city is a breeze, one simply has to hop on the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) train that runs from the airport directly downtown, only a 35-minute ride or so. The city is also super easy to navigate without a car as there is a great combination of cable cars, streetcars and buses that are easy to use. Stay near Union Square which is the main area for hotels as well as big restaurants and stores as the area is well lit at night and it’s easy to get to other parts of the city via transit from here. Not to miss attractions include Fisherman’s Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, North Beach and more.

4. Portland, Oregon

Portland is an exciting city that not only offers a ton of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities as well as cultural events, but is extremely safe for sole women. One reason is because the people are just so genuinely friendly around this city, so if you get lost don’t hesitate to ask for directions as likely the first person you ask will be happy to help. The Portland International Hostel and Guest House is a great place for solo female travelers to stay as the staff and volunteers are excellent, plus they offer a bunch of freebies, walking tours and more. The Northwest district of Portland is loaded with cafes, unique stores and incredible coffee shops. Visit during the fall and experience Forest Park, which is loaded with hiking trails ranging from beginner to advanced. Getting to the city center is easy as one train will take you straight from the airport, and from there you can start your travels.

3. Honolulu, Hawaii

It can be intimidating to visit Hawaii as a single woman, not because it’s unsafe but because most people are expecting to see a lot of honeymooners and romance. We are here to tell you that the island is not just full of lovers, and the city of Honolulu is quite safe for solo females. Stay in the tourist area of Waikiki, where most of the hotels are and you will have access to the beach all the time. From here, you can do a variety of things including hike up Diamond Head, visit Pearl Harbor and relax on the beach. It is here where you can book tours to visit one of the islands beautiful waterfalls, take a whale watching tour or snorkel at Hanauma Bay. Having a car is definitely the easiest option when it comes to exploring the island but you can also get around by renting a moped. The best part about Honolulu is that everyone including locals and tourists alike, is just so darn happy to be there.

2. New York, New York

For those who are a little more adventurous and want to take on the big city of New York, you’re in luck, it is actually surprisingly safe to be a solo female traveler here. Getting to the city’s downtown core is a bit of a trek from one of the two airports but is actually made easy with public transit. Make sure to book your hotel room in advance and find out the fastest and easiest way to get there. Once you are all checked in, its into the city you go. Wandering the streets is easy once you get the hang of the grid system and the great thing about New York is that there are so many other people around and so many other tourists that you never feel out of place. Heck join a sightseeing tour, visit Central Park, pay tribute at the 9/11 memorial and window shop at all those expensive stores you can’t afford. Dine alone, at one of thousands of restaurants, drink wine while listening to jazz and do it all over the next day.

1. Seattle, Washington

An exciting urban city center surrounded by unmatched natural beauty awaits travelers in Seattle. Add in the bonus of it being one of the safest cities for solo female travelers and you’ve got automatic plans for your next vacation. Belltown is the most recommended place to be if you are a solo traveler here, full of awesome hip venues, cool cafes and unique boutiques. Don’t miss out on visiting Pike Place Market, where after you get past all the flying fish you will discover a ton of things to explore. Join in on a historical walking or food tour, wander through Olympic Sculpture Park or dine at one of many local restaurants. It is easy to get around the city and there are plenty of smiling people to greet you. If you want a really good cup of coffee, there is no better city in the US than Seattle.

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