One of the most important questions for any girl traveling alone is “is it safe”. When traveling alone, safety must absolutely be considered when choosing your destinations. There are places that are not safe even when traveling in companionship and then there are those where solo women are easy prey. Research is vital. Here’s a head start with some of the best countries for solo travel:

## 1. Costa Rica

One of the world's most eco-friendly, and certainly most beautiful countries, Costa Rica is also one of the best countries for solo travel. The country's serene beaches, amazing wildlife, numerous eco-projects and yoga retreats, canopy zip lining adventure parks, stunning ocean and volcano views won't just nourish your tan but also your inner child. Visit coffee plantations where co-operatives produce some of the finest coffee beans in the world...and you'll be in heaven!

## 2. Iceland

Listening to Bjork's music while eating salt-cod is, naturally, optional, but everything else, the vibrant music scene and nightlife in Reykjavik, the dramatic landscapes, black sand beaches, the Northern Lights, whale-watching, the Blue Lagoon and geysers, they are a must.

## 3. New Zealand

Sticking with the theme of dramatic landscapes: you don't have to be a lonely hobbit or solo ork to enjoy a visit to New Zealand, the place where Peter Jackson filmed J R R Tolkien's Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Stunningly beautiful mountain and coastline scenery provide amazing photo opportunities that will enhance your travel blog and Pinterest pages for years.

## 4. Scandinavia

Start in the home of Tivoli Amusement Park and Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid, the Danish capital Copenhagen. Then take a ferry to Sweden and hire a boat for a tour of thousands of little islands, before travelling onwards to Norway's stunning fjords. Rent a log cabin with glacier views or go hiking in a vast national park and stay free in wooden huts with other hikers. Watch out for bears!

## 5. Slovenia

Tucked away between Croatia, Italy, Austria and Hungary, Slovenia is not overrun with tourists, making it a hidden treasure within Europe. It's simply brimming with romantic medieval towns and villages, gorgeous market squares and safe cobbled streets with lovely cafes.

## 6. Germany

Instead of going for the usual haunts like Berlin or Munich, head north and east to Dresden, Leipzig and Chemnitz, university towns with a vibrant nightlife and stunning 18th century architecture, not to mention amazing art collections, zoos and museums. If you've got the time, hop on a train and visit Goerlitz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

## 7. Thailand

White sandy beaches, some of the tastiest food on Earth, a fabulous culture with friendly locals and budget as well as luxury accommodation to die for - what's not to like? Even Thailand's 5-star resorts are affordable and as for party-beaches...there's no other country like it!

## 8. Japan