“It’s the Safest Country in the World” — Why That Phrase Can Be Misleading for Women Travelers

There’s a sentence we hear all the time in travel conversations: “Don’t worry — it’s one of the safest countries.”

And yet, some of the most uncomfortable travel stories I’ve heard — including one I shared in this episode — happened in places that market themselves that way.

Ninoshka had a refreshingly honest take on this. She pointed out that countries with strict laws around harassment often feel safer on paper, but that doesn’t mean uncomfortable or dangerous situations disappear. Sometimes, the confidence that “nothing bad happens here” actually lowers people’s guard.

Her advice? Don’t rely on one data source.

Government travel advisories are useful, but they’re not the full picture — especially for women traveling alone. Statistics don’t capture nuance. They don’t account for gender, race, queerness, or power dynamics in one-on-one situations.

Instead, Ninoshka recommends balancing official data with firsthand accounts from women who have actually traveled there solo. Talk to people. Ask uncomfortable questions. Seek out community forums and lived experiences — especially from people who share your identity.

Another point she emphasized: safety isn’t about avoiding “dangerous” countries. In fact, she’s often felt more on edge in places labeled extremely safe, precisely because she was expected to feel relaxed.

And then there’s the biggest lesson of all: trust your gut. If something feels off, you don’t owe politeness to anyone. Walking away, changing plans, or even offending someone is a reasonable trade-off for your safety.

Solo travel requires situational awareness, not paranoia. It’s knowing when to blend in and when to be loud. When to say yes — and when to walk back to the airport, like Ninoshka did in Vietnam, because something simply didn’t feel right.

Safety isn’t a destination trait. It’s a practice. And it looks different for everyone.

Listen to our full conversation: