solo experiences

50 SAFEST COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD

50 SAFEST COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD

50 SAFEST COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD

No country is 100% safe. With the continuous movement of people, many once-safe countries are now experiencing crimes or an increase in it. However, many have drastic laws and rigid enforcement to deter any would-be-criminal from breaking them, thus lowering the crime rate. As a solo traveller, I have never had any security issues in any country because most were fairly safe. I chose these 50 safest countries around the world from the 80-plus I visited, based on how secure I felt, and what I experienced during my stay.

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A view of the city from High Castle Hill and Gardens. Ukraine, the breadbasket of Europe

Ukraine the Breadbasket of Europe

UKRAINE, THE BREADBASKET OF EUROPE

UKRAINE, THE BREADBASKET OF EUROPE 

The Unitary, Semi-Presidential Republic of Ukraine is a democratic, Eastern European country. Ukraine/Ukraina pronounced Oo-krah-YEE-nah by the locals, unlike You-Crane in English) is the second largest European country after Russia, and borders Russia, Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, and the coastline of the Black Sea. The nation’s capital and largest city is Kyiv (Kiev). Ukraine is predominantly a Christian nation (approximately 88%) with a population of about 42 million. Its main export is agricultural products, including wheat, and as of 2022/2023 ranked fifth among the largest wheat exporters worldwide. Currently, Ukraine is most famous for its fight and resistance against the Russian invasion. Read on for more insights into my visit to Ukraine, the breadbasket of Europe, or precisely Lviv.

The Potocki Palace. Ukraine, the breadbasket of Europe
The Potocki Palace
The University of Life Safety in Lviv . Ukraine, the breadbasket of Europe
The University of Life Safety in Lviv

Minimum 15% savings available on new accommodation bookings at participating properties indicated by the “Late Escape Deals” badge on the search results and room selection pages. Bookings must be made before 9:59 am CET on 7 January 2025 for stays with check-in from 1 October 2024 and check-out on or before 7 January 2025. Discount applies to the cost of room only (excluding any additional fees or taxes). If you make any changes to your booking you may lose your discount and be liable for the full amount. Discounts cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion except Genius discounts. Room rates labelled “Partner Offer” are excluded from this promotion. This offer is provided by the participating property and is subject to availability.

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Slovakia a Beauty in the Heart of Europe

SLOVAKIA, A BEAUTY IN THE HEART OF EUROPE

SLOVAKIA, A BEAUTY IN THE HEART OF EUROPE 

The Republic of Slovakia/Slovak/Slovensko is a small, landlocked country in Central Europe. Consequently, five countries share borders with it, including Ukraine, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Austria (the closest one, at only 57 kilometers). Its capital is Bratislava. Slovakia is famous for its unique castles, caves, Celtic town (Havranok), architecture, the Podhajska geothermal pool (aka the Slovak Dead Sea), folk dancing, and much more. Slovakia is a developed country with a high-income economy. Moreover, it is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and has a population of almost 5.5 million. Additionally, services are the largest and primary sector of the economy, but mining, agriculture, and industry remain equally important. Please continue reading to see what it is like to travel to Slovakia, a beauty in the heart of Europe.

Minimum 15% savings available on new accommodation bookings at participating properties indicated by the “Late Escape Deals” badge on the search results and room selection pages. Bookings must be made before 9:59 am CET on 7 January 2025 for stays with check-in from 1 October 2024 and check-out on or before 7 January 2025. Discount applies to the cost of room only (excluding any additional fees or taxes). If you make any changes to your booking you may lose your discount and be liable for the full amount. Discounts cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion except Genius discounts. Room rates labelled “Partner Offer” are excluded from this promotion. This offer is provided by the participating property and is subject to availability.

The Grasssalkovich Palace - Presidential Palace

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The Arch of Charents - most gorgeous view of Mount Ararat. Armenia, the first country to accept Christianity

Armenia the First Country to Accept Christianity

ARMENIA THE FIRST COUNTRY TO ACCEPT CHRISTIANITY

ARMENIA THE FIRST COUNTRY TO ACCEPT CHRISTIANITY 

The Republic of Armenia (formerly Hayk) is a former Soviet Union country bordering Turkey, Georgia, Iran, and Azerbaijan, and its capital is Yerevan. Armenia is a transcontinental country (partly in Europe and most of its land in west Asia), and is one of the six countries in the Caucasus region. What is special about Armenia, the first country to accept Christianity worldwide in 301 A.D., is its unique UNESCO World Heritage Sites, unspoiled nature, tasty cuisine, and renowned brandy, and wines. Additionally, almost every item in Armenia bears the symbol of Mount Ararat (the land of the final resting place of the Ark of Noah. Historically, Mount Ararat was in the territory of the Armenian Highland (currently, it borders Armenia). However, in 1921/1923, a peace treaty (Treaty of Kars) drafted between Turkey and the Soviet Union gifted the land to Turkey.

Armenia is a Christian nation and has a population of about 2,777,976.00. It is rich in copper, zinc, iron, silver, lead, gold, and other valuable reserves of rare metals. Apart from that, whenever someone mentions Armenia, many people immediately think of the Armenian genocide, similar to the mention of Sarajevo, Bosnia Herzegovina. However. there is so much more to discover in this unique and beautiful country. Please continue reading to learn more about Armenia, the first country to accept Christianity as a state religion.

The Armenian Apostolic (Orthodox) Cathedral aka the Holy Etchmiadzin Cathedral .The oldest Cathedral on Earth (front and side view). Armenia, the first country to accept Christianity
The Armenian Apostolic (Orthodox) Cathedral aka the Holy Etchmiadzin Cathedral .The oldest Cathedral on Earth (front and side view)

Minimum 15% savings available on new accommodation bookings at participating properties indicated by the “Late Escape Deals” badge on the search results and room selection pages. Bookings must be made before 9:59 am CET on 7 January 2025 for stays with check-in from 1 October 2024 and check-out on or before 7 January 2025. Discount applies to the cost of room only (excluding any additional fees or taxes). If you make any changes to your booking you may lose your discount and be liable for the full amount. Discounts cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion except Genius discounts. Room rates labelled “Partner Offer” are excluded from this promotion. This offer is provided by the participating property and is subject to availability.

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Morocco, the Western Kingdom of Africa

Morocco, the Western Kingdom of Africa

MOROCCO, THE WESTERN KINGDOM OF AFRICA

MOROCCO, THE WESTERN KINGDOM OF AFRICA 

The Kingdom of Morocco (once known as the Kingdom of Marrakech) is a country in the Maghreb region of North Africa, and its capital is Rabat. Morocco’s largest city and main Atlantic Ocean port is Casablanca. Morocco borders Algeria to the east, Western Sahara to the south, the Mediterranean Sea to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. It is the only African country with exposure to both the Atlantic Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. Morocco (in Arabic means The Western Kingdom) is a highly elevated country (about 2,600 above sea level). Morocco experiences typical Mediterranean weather (hot, dry summers) with mild, wet winters. It is famous for its towering mountains, beaches and coasts, desert oasis, food, ancient cities, souks, medinas, and culture. Morocco’s largest city and main Atlantic Ocean port is Casablanca. Its primary resources are agriculture, fishing, forestry, mining, and tourism. It is an affordable destination with a population of over 37 million. Please continue reading to learn more about what it is like to visit Morocco, the Western Kingdom of Africa.

Morocco, the Western Kingdom of Africa
Moroccan flag everywhere

Minimum 15% savings available on new accommodation bookings at participating properties indicated by the “Late Escape Deals” badge on the search results and room selection pages. Bookings must be made before 9:59 am CET on 7 January 2025 for stays with check-in from 1 October 2024 and check-out on or before 7 January 2025. Discount applies to the cost of room only (excluding any additional fees or taxes). If you make any changes to your booking you may lose your discount and be liable for the full amount. Discounts cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion except Genius discounts. Room rates labelled “Partner Offer” are excluded from this promotion. This offer is provided by the participating property and is subject to availability.

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Solo traveller in Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina

SOLO TRAVELLER IN SARAJEVO, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

SOLO TRAVELLER IN SARAJEVO, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA 

The Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Bosna i Hercegovina), informally known as Bosnia, is located in the western Balkan Peninsula of Europe. It is a mountainous country, once part of the former Yugoslav Federation, and its capital is Sarajevo. Bosnia shares its borders with Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, and the Adriatic Sea. Most significantly, it is one country with three ethnic groups; the Bosniaks (Muslims), Serbs (Serbian Orthodox), and the Croats (Roman Catholics). Its population is under 3.5 million people, and, similar to Montenegro, it is an ethnically diverse and multi-religious country. Bosnia is famous for its gorgeous mountains, rivers and waterfalls, medieval ruins, unique towns, and the former host of the 1984 Winter Olympics. It is an inexpensive, safe, and developed country. Please continue reading for a vicarious trip with the solo traveller in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Minimum 15% savings available on new accommodation bookings at participating properties indicated by the “Late Escape Deals” badge on the search results and room selection pages. Bookings must be made before 9:59 am CET on 7 January 2025 for stays with check-in from 1 October 2024 and check-out on or before 7 January 2025. Discount applies to the cost of room only (excluding any additional fees or taxes). If you make any changes to your booking you may lose your discount and be liable for the full amount. Discounts cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion except Genius discounts. Room rates labelled “Partner Offer” are excluded from this promotion. This offer is provided by the participating property and is subject to availability.

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Scenic Tivat - Montenegro. Montenegro the land of the black mountains

Montenegro the land of the black mountains

MONTENEGRO THE LAND OF THE BLACK MOUNTAINS

The Republic of Montenegro is a small country along the central Mediterranean and within Southeastern Europe. It was once part of the former Yugoslav Federation. Montenegro borders Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, and the Adriatic Sea. Its capital is Podgorica, and has a  population of less than 700,000 people. Montenegro is a diverse and tolerant country because of its multi-ethnic, multilingual, and multi-religious composition. It is a country known for its spectacular mountains, gorgeous beaches and resorts, glacial lakes, and UNESCO World Heritage-listed city, Kotor. Montenegro is an inexpensive, safe, and clean country. Please continue reading to see what it is like to visit Montenegro, the land of the black mountains.

A Travel Guide to Tips, Tricks, and Hacks for Better Travels
Learn how to Save, Plan, and Travel Alone on a Budget

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Rantakasarmi Harbour Quarters - Suomenlinna . Finland is the happiest country on earth

Finland is the Happiest country on Earth

FINLAND IS THE HAPPIEST COUNTRY ON EARTH

FINLAND IS THE HAPPIEST COUNTRY ON EARTH

The Republic of Finland is the happiest country on earth (for six consecutive years). It is a Nordic country in Northern Europe and one of the northernmost countries in the world. Finland borders Sweden, Russia, and Norway and shares a maritime border with Estonia. Its capital is Helsinki, and its population is approximately 5.6 million. Finland’s land mass continues to grow by about 7 km yearly because of the post-glacial rebound effects of the ice age. Additionally, thick woodlands cover two-thirds of its land mass, thus making it the most densely forested country in Europe. Finland is a developed, safe, peaceful, picturesque, but expensive country. Read on to find out what it is like to travel to Finland, the happiest country on earth.

beautiful Sveaborg or Suomenlinna Island . Finland is the happiest country on earth
beautiful Sveaborg or Suomenlinna Island

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Nordiska Museet (Museum). Sweden is a cold and cashless society.

Sweden is a Cold and Cashless Society

SWEDEN IS A COLD AND CASHLESS SOCIETY

SWEDEN IS A COLD AND CASHLESS SOCIETY 

The Kingdom of Sweden is a constitutional monarchy and a Baltic country in Northern Europe and is one of the seven Nordic countries on the Scandinavian archipelago. It shares its borders with Denmark, Norway, and Finland, and Stockholm, its capital since 1523, is the biggest capital of all three Scandinavian countries. Sweden is a highly developed country and exports timber, hydropower, etc., and it is one of the top 16th wealthiest countries in the world according to its GDP per capita. Sweden’s population of over 10 million has a life expectancy and standard of living that ranks among the highest worldwide, so it is for this reason that so many immigrants flock to Sweden for work and a better standard of living. It is also one of the most expensive, cleanest, highly digital, and cashless countries I have visited. Please continue reading to learn about why Sweden is a cold and cashless society.

Stockholm City Hall and train crossing over the lake. Sweden is a cold and cashless society.
Stockholm City Hall and train crossing over the lake

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the Walking Woman statue @ Ekerbergparken (Ekerberg Park). Norway is home to the Midnight Sun and Polar Nights

Norway is home to the Midnight Sun and Polar Nights

NORWAY IS HOME TO THE MIDNIGHT SUN AND POLAR NIGHTS 

NORWAY IS HOME TO THE MIDNIGHT SUN AND POLAR NIGHTS 

The Kingdom of Norway is a Nordic country in northern Europe, and its capital is Oslo. Norway has a stable and robust economy, with one of the highest GDPs in Europe. It is the largest and most expensive of all Scandinavian countries, with almost 6 million people. Norway is famous for its languages, oil production, glaciers, coastal fjords, eco-friendly, and its Vikings history, similar to Denmark,  the land of the Vikings. Norway has a Constitutional Monarch (King Harald V) for ceremonial and representative duties. However, the legislative and executive powers lie with the Prime Minister, the head of the Government. Please continue reading to see why Norway is home to the Midnight Sun and Polar Nights and what else it offers travellers.

Frogner and Vigeland Park. Norway is home to the Midnight Sun and Polar Nights
Frogner and Vigeland Park

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