Q COSTARICA — Costa Rica tops the list of the best countries for women traveling alone in 2026, according to a ranking published by the BBC.
The article analyzes Georgetown University’s Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Index, the Global Peace Index, and testimonials from female travelers about where they felt most comfortable.
The report examines safety, inclusion, and perceived well-being, along with the experiences of female travelers in various destinations around the world.
The country stands out for its progress in inclusion and safety, as well as its positioning as an attractive destination for remote workers.
“Costa Rica is one of the easiest places in the world to meet people as a woman traveling alone,” said Molly Gagnon, a travel agent specializing in solo travel, in the article written by Lindsey Galloway.
The article highlights places like Santa Teresa and Nosara, where surfers, entrepreneurs, and expats converge and for first-time visitors, recoommded is booking one or two structured activities early in the trip – like a surf lesson or a guided hike – to accelerate meeting people, and opting for boutique hotels or social guesthouses over isolated holiday rentals.
It also emphasizes that the local culture fosters independence for women traveling alone.
The ranking also includes countries that stand out for their safety, stability, and positive experiences for female travelers.
Featured countries in the 2026 ranking:
- Costa Rica
- Estonia
- Vietnam
- Uruguay
- Norway