Is United States Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

The United States generally offers a safe environment for solo female travelers. Smaller towns and rural areas are typically safe and you'll often find people help you if you're in trouble. Major cities are also generally safe, but just like in any large cities around the world, you should take usual precautions and avoid less crowded areas late at night. Public transportation and taxi systems are overall reliable and safe.

Safety rating

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How safe is United States?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

The safety of walking alone at night in the United States largely depends on the location. Urban, well-lit areas, and places with high foot traffic are generally safer than isolated or poorly lit areas. However, even in relatively safe cities, the level of safety can vary from neighborhood to neighborhood. It's also important to be aware of your surroundings, avoid distractions such as your mobile phone, and note the locations of nearby businesses or authorities should you need them. A considerable number of cities have designated safe areas for women and emergency call boxes. Nonetheless, use measures of caution when walking alone at night.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in the United States is generally safe, with systems like buses, subways, and trams well-maintained and monitored for security. However, like anywhere, safety can vary depending on the location and time of day. It's always wise to stay aware of your surroundings, especially during off-peak times. In major cities, public transport is frequently used by a broad cross-section of residents, which also tends to improve safety.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Moderate

Street harassment in the United States can vary greatly depending on the city or region you're in. In larger cities or more populated areas, harassment may occur more frequently. It can range from verbal comments to more aggressive behavior. However, it's important to note that there are also many areas where instances of street harassment are rare and authorities are often quick to respond to such matters. Awareness and education about street harassment and women's safety are rising, contributing to a decrease in occurrences.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Moderate

While safety varies greatly across different regions and cities in the United States, the overall risk of petty crime, including pickpocketing and theft, is moderate. Popular tourist destinations may see higher rates of these crimes, particularly in crowded areas or at major events. Always be aware of your surroundings, avoid flashing valuable items, and secure your belongings to minimize the risk.

Is United States worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 332 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.4/5

Food

4.3/5

Budget-friendly

3.7/5

Seattle, Solo travel

I absolutely love Seattle and visit often. If you're in the area do not feel like you need to only visit Seattle. Tacoma is a great place to see as well. They have Ruston and Owens beach, both places are amazing.

Posted: December 19, 2024Experienced: December, 2024
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Denver, Solo travel

I mainly went to Arapaho National Forest to summit my first 14er! It was definitely a risk so for anyone looking to summit a 14er, I highly recommend later in the summer as the weather won't be as volatile. Otherwise, Denver as a city was a blast if you love beer and nature! Fun breweries are all throughout the city, as well as since pretty neat coffee shops!

Posted: December 1, 2024Experienced: June, 2024
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Ren

Ren

United States

Boston, Solo travel

Visited in the summer, the T (trains) were pretty regular and not as delayed as NYC trains (max 15 min delay one time in my 3 month internship). Harvard yard, Boston Commons, all the trails are lovely. I traveled around at most hours of the day and it was relatively quiet/calm the entire time. If I had extra time I'd love to check out Salem!

Posted: November 27, 2024Experienced: April, 2018
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Honolulu, Solo travel

Honolulu was a really busy place, it as pretty expensive and a bit lonely for a solo trip. I think being on my own wasn’t maybe the best as a lot of men would come up to me on the street and ask me out. At first it seemed ok but it really wasn’t and I realised that the American culture is kinda superficial so everyone seems really nice at first but it was not very safe. During the day it felt very safe but at night it was not great walking alone, I found it hard to make friends with other women here but very easy to find men who wanted to date, it was honestly a bit much sometimes and I often felt like it was unsafe to say no. An a non-American it took me a bit of time to realise what the culture was around this, I didn’t love it.

Posted: November 25, 2024
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Makaila

Makaila

United States

West Palm Beach, Family travel

I stayed at a hotel a street away from Juno Beach, located in West Palm Beach. I’d have to say it’s a beautiful walk to see the sunrise. The sunset is beautiful as well, but the sunrise is to die for.

Posted: November 21, 2024Experienced: May, 2023
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May

May

United States

Maui, Couple travel

My husband and I visit Maui, and stayed at 3 different Airbnbs in different areas of Maui. I felt extremely safe in all the neighborhood! The food is just amazing, from food truck to high end restaurants, they really know how to make the food right. I don’t think you can go wrong with any restaurant to be honest. The hotel or Airbnbs are generally pretty pricey, ranging from 400-600 for some modest stay. But the overall experience is pretty magical, Maui got rain forest and dry side, so it leads to many different types of activities like hiking, snorkeling etc, I have to say that if you plan to go to Hana, the highway is pretty challenging given that it a 3 hours drive by the cliff, and sometimes you have to wait bc the road becomes single lane. It was our honeymoon, so we had a little budget to play with. If you go solo, I would definitely recommend it!

Posted: November 17, 2024
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New York, Solo travel

I treated my dad to an immersive experience for his birthday and it was great. I rode on the subway for the first time which was also an exciting experience. We spent 2 days together then he left and stayed behind on my own for a few days more where I went on a self-guided walking tour of DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights on my own which was so memorable but would have been better with company.

Posted: October 18, 2024Experienced: August, 2024
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Aurora

Aurora

United States

Juneau, Solo travel

Did a three day trip, and it was amazing! I did a solo hike part way up Mt. McGinnis to see Mendenhall Glacier! It's very easy to navigate the bus system, and local are friendly. The hostel is also right downtown!

Posted: October 13, 2024Experienced: October, 2024
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Hannah

Hannah

United Kingdom

Alaska, Solo travel

Female solo traveller visiting Alaska from the UK. Stayed in mainly hostels to save money on excursions as they are quite expensive. I felt safe and everyone was very friendly, welcoming and helpful. Hired a car using TURO for the first few days of my trip, 1st time I’ve done this and couldn’t fault it and was much cheaper than normal car hire companies. Itinerary Anchorage Girdwood Whittier Seward Eagle River / Hatcher Pass Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Talkeetna Alaska Railroad from Talkeetna to Fairbanks. I highly recommend the Gold Star service. Excursions Blackstone Bay Jetski Tour (from Whittier) Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise 7.5hr Real Alaska Tour (Seaveys Ididaride) Northern Lights Tour (Fairbanks)

Posted: October 7, 2024
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Los Angeles, Solo travel

LA is expensive and big. I stayed in a hostel in Santa Monica, it is cool being so close to the water and also fairly closer to The Getty and Hammer museum which are both free. The Getty gives you a beautiful view of the city and is nice to be there when the sun sets. LA seems like an interesting lace and too many different neighbours to determine safety. I felt safe in the places I was in and felt safe alone travelling on public transit.

Posted: September 29, 2024
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Is United States safe for women?

Safety index

3.9 /5

Based on 755 local experiences

Crime index

2.3 /5

Based on 755 local experiences

Chicago

Chicago is a mixed bag but overall safe if you stick to the right areas. Just keep north in Chicago and avoid the red line too late after dark (if you do have to use it go to the front near the conductors.).

Posted: December 20, 2024
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Hannah

Hannah

Nashville

It depends on the area of the city. As long as you stay away from the clearly bad parts, you will not have any issue. Being on Broadway, it’s helpful to stay vigil for drunk men and wandering hands, but the sheer amount of people in the city help prevent any unsavory behavior.

Posted: December 20, 2024
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Safety in United States