Women travellers
Travelling as a woman: what's really different
Most advice for women travellers is either vague ('be careful!') or alarming. The useful version is specific: which taxi to take from which airport, what to wear in which city, and what the local police will and won't do if something happens.
This hub explains how we rate countries for women on the Waymark map, then goes destination by destination. We use the UK government's FCDO advice and focus on the practical stuff that makes the most difference.
What helps most, wherever you go
- Plan the first and last journeys. Late-night airport arrivals and taxis home after a night out are when most trouble starts. Pre-book them.
- Look out for drink spiking. The FCDO mentions it for almost every holiday destination, including Spain, Türkiye, Thailand and Mexico. Buy your own drinks and keep them with you.
- Be wary of people you've just met. In Egypt, Türkiye and Jamaica, the FCDO says many reported assaults involved someone the victim met that day, often hotel, spa or excursion staff.
- Share your location with someone at home when travelling alone.
- Dress to the local norm where it matters. It won't stop harassment, but it does reduce attention.
How we rate countries
Our women travellers filter is based on what the FCDO reports about harassment and sexual assault against visitors, plus legal issues like dress codes. It rates conditions for visitors, not for women who live there.
Women travelling alone report few problems beyond what you would expect at home. Usual nightlife sense applies.
Generally fine for women, with specific hotspots (certain nightlife areas, late taxis, crowded trains) worth knowing about.
Street harassment is common and the FCDO flags sexual assault risks. Plenty of women travel here happily, but planning transport and dress makes a real difference.
Legal restrictions or serious, frequent assaults on visitors. Specialist advice and organised travel are strongly recommended.
Women-only transport worth knowing about
Several big cities run women-only options. They aren't a fix, but they are useful at rush hour or late at night.
- Dubai: taxis for women and children, with pink roofs, that you can hail or book.
- Tokyo and Osaka: women-only carriages at rush hour on many lines.
- Delhi Metro: a women-only coach on every train.
- Mexico City: women-only carriages and platform areas on the Metro and Metrobús.
- Cairo Metro: women-only carriages on every line.
Destination guides
Popular places where women travellers' experiences differ the most from home. Several are very rewarding trips with the right preparation.
Harassment is common, according to the FCDO, and serious assaults have been reported. Careful transport planning changes the trip completely.
Read the guide →Most reported assaults happened in Red Sea resorts, often involving staff. Harassment is common in Cairo.
Read the guide →Unwanted attention is common, especially alone. Loose, covering clothes and a calm, firm 'no' go a long way.
Read the guide →Low risk overall, but the FCDO says many reported assaults involved hotel or spa staff, or someone met that day.
Read the guide →The FCDO reports assaults in tourist areas, sometimes by hotel staff or taxi drivers. Women-only Metro carriages help in Mexico City.
Read the guide →Very low crime, with two specific issues: groping on packed trains, and drink spiking in Tokyo nightlife districts.
Read the guide →Low street crime and women-only taxis, but dress codes apply in malls, and assault cases carry a high burden of proof.
Read the guide →A popular solo trip. The main risk is drugging via drinks, cigarettes or dating-app meetings.
Read the guide →Low crime and a strong record on gender equality. Weather, volcanoes and the sea are the real risks.
Read the guide →Before you go
- Read the FCDO page's sections on sexual assault and public transport for your destination.
- Pre-book your airport transfer, especially if you land after dark.
- Save the local emergency number and the British embassy number.
- Pack one outfit that covers your shoulders and knees for religious sites.
- Find out how to report an assault locally. In some countries, evidence has to be collected before you fly home.