Securely Solo: The Safest Cities for Women Looking to Work Abroad

Female solo travel has been on the rise for some time now, with gap years an acceptable ‘break’ on LinkedIn profiles and resumes. However, with constant advances in global digital infrastructure and remote working now a steadfast feature in the world of employment, many women are looking to have their cake and eat it, too.

Traveling may be a passion, but women are now empowered with the choice as to whether they want to build their careers by hunting down their dream jobs while living abroad. The question is, which locations offer a safe and friendly environment for those going solo?

Madeira

Whether you’re just starting out in the world of work or are looking to further an established career, there’s a perfect place to live as an expat, no matter which stage of life you’re at, and it probably doesn’t get much more perfect than Madeira! As ExpressVPN reports, the quality of life in Madeira is highly favorable for remote workers, with its temperate climate and stunning landscapes making for a perfectly tranquil working environment.

Portugal is a particularly safe place for solo expats, with Madeira itself boasting a very low crime rate. It’s worth noting that Portugal is ranked sixth in the world for safety, further underscoring Madeira’s reputation as a safe environment for solo travelers.

Once you’ve managed to tear yourself away from the beautiful scenery, getting down to work is made far easier through notable enhancements in digital infrastructure, including the fastest internet speeds in Portugal.

Singapore

Singapore is considered to be one of the safest cities in the world, with a low crime rate, a well-developed law enforcement system, and a high police presence. Throw in a superior transport network with plenty of surveillance, and it’s easy to see why so many solo expats make Singapore their number-one choice. 

Due to its thriving professional network, Singapore is a great place to get ahead and make connections across a wide range of industries. Salaries are higher than average, and as Singapore is a meritocratic society, you’re less likely to be affected by the gender pay gap than you may be in other countries.

Stockholm

Sweden is renowned for being one of the safest countries in the world, with the overall crime rate at a constant low. A caveat does come with this, however, as the government has recently raised the national terror threat alert following a series of incidents. This is unlikely to be permanent and shouldn’t deter you if this is where you intend to travel. 

When you’re traveling solo, not being able to speak the language and be able to communicate if there’s an issue can be a concern. As a large majority of the Swedish population speak English, you can rest assured you’ll be able to get help or advice if needed.

There’s no point in being an expat if you’re working so hard you don’t have any spare time in which to enjoy your new environment. Fortunately, Sweden is known for promoting and supporting a healthy work-life balance, so you should find yourself with ample time to explore your new home.

Whether you stay close to home or plan on flying halfway across the world, there are many countries that offer a safe and welcoming place for solo female travelers if you’re feeling inspired to go it alone. So, if you’re tired of the commute or fed up with staring at the same office noticeboard every morning, then there’s no reason why you can’t make some major changes to your work environment. Get scrolling through those global recruitment sites!