Ever heard of Moldova? No, it’s not a brand of wine or cheese. It’s an Eastern European country sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine that most travelers overlook.
As a solo female traveler, I had my doubts about going to Moldova. But after spending five days in September 2023 exploring the capital, Chisinau, let me tell you it should be at the top of every solo female traveler’s list of places to visit. The country has a lot to offer for adventuresome women traveling alone.
Arriving In Chisinau As A Solo Female Traveler
When I arrived at the Chisinau airport, there were very few other tourists. I don’t think I saw or heard any other tourists at all. As a solo female traveler, I felt incredibly safe from the moment I landed.
The airport was small so there weren’t many people around. Customs went quickly too. Best of all, no taxi drivers were bothering me trying to get my business.
When I left the airport, there were a few taxis. I asked one driver how much it would cost and he said 20 euros, which seemed really expensive to me. So I told him no thanks. The taxi drivers were chill about it when I said no, they didn’t try to bargain or hassle me to take the ride.
A few minutes later, the bus came. I hopped on and sat down. After a little while, the lady collecting fares came around. I paid and she gave me a ticket. Then I just relaxed and looked out the window as we drove. For some reason I felt really comfortable, like I was at home. No one stared at me or anything.
I was traveling with the local people with a big backpack but no one ever gave me weird looks or stared. Everyone was really friendly and minded their own business.
In Chisinau
Once you get to Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, you’ll find it has a nice charm. The architecture is interesting and the locals are friendly. I really like the architectural styles from Eastern Europe, especially the old Soviet concrete brutalism. There’s something about those designs that I find appealing.
I wandered the streets day and night alone as a solo traveler, and I never felt out of place or unwelcome. In fact, locals went out of their way to help this foreign visitor, even though most don’t speak English. The city gets so few tourists that people will greet you with a smile, happy to see a new face.
Chisinau deserves so much more attention from tourists. It’s budget-friendly, safe for solo female travelers, and overflowing with culture, food, and wine.
For any woman hesitant to travel solo, I urge you to visit Moldova. The kindness of strangers, rich history, and beautiful scenery will make you fall in love with this little-known gem. Add Moldova to your bucket list – you’ll be so glad you discovered this welcoming country, and your solo travels will open you up to unforgettable adventures.
Exploring The Safe Streets And Friendly Locals
When I first arrived in the capital city of Moldova, Chisinau, I was pleasantly surprised by how safe I felt exploring the streets alone. As a solo female traveler, safety is always a top concern, but the friendly locals and lack of harassment helped me feel at ease right away.
When I got there, I had a big backpack. But it was really different from other places I’ve been. Nobody was even looking at me or trying to sell me anything. Sometimes, it seemed like people were pretending I wasn’t there. I’ve visited 40 countries so far, and that’s really what it was like for me there. It was a unique experience compared to other places I’ve traveled.
The Atmosphere
Chisinau had a really chill vibe. Folks took their time doing everyday things, like enjoying long relaxing meals with friends and family at cafes on the sidewalks. As it started getting dark, I saw little kids playing by themselves in the parks while their parents talked and hung out. Teenagers were messing around on skateboards too. It was really nice seeing everyone so comfortable and how the community looked out for each other.
Friendly Locals
The locals were really friendly and welcoming. Even though we didn’t speak the same language, everyone I met was happy to help using gestures and the little English they knew. Their kindness and generosity were heartwarming.
I really appreciated how in Moldova, when someone says “no,” they really mean it. Street vendors offered me flowers and food, but when I said no thanks, they respected that. One time a young man sat next to me on a bench and started flirting. But as soon as I said no, he got up and walked away, no problem. I liked that people there listen when you say you’re not interested.
How Safe I Felt
Walking around at night in Chisinau felt safer than in some major cities. Places like Paris, Brussels, or Naples didn’t feel as safe. There was basically no violent crime, and petty theft almost never happened.
Just like everywhere else, though, you still had to be careful. Don’t put your wallet in the front pocket of your backpack. Also, don’t flash your cash around where everyone can see it. Other than that, it was pretty safe!
You’d see old ladies selling fruits, vegetables, and flowers from their homes. But they never asked you to buy anything. Every now and then, you’d see someone next to a cage with kittens or puppies collecting money. But they didn’t ask for money either.
Stray Dogs
When you’re in countries like Eastern Europe or the Balkans, you’ll often see stray dogs just wandering around town. They’ll be laying on sidewalks or running from place to place. The dogs usually don’t bother anyone. It’s still best not to feed them or try to pet them though. Just leave the stray dogs alone and go about your business. There’s no need to worry about getting attacked, but it’s safer not to interact with animals you don’t know.
I really love animals, but you have to be careful. If you start feeding the stray dogs, you might end up with more dogs around than you planned for. And that could cause some problems. The dogs may fight each other if there’s not enough food to go around. Also, the people who live nearby probably wouldn’t be too happy about it. They didn’t sign up for a bunch of stray animals hanging around! So, as much as I like animals, it’s usually best not to feed them unless you’re prepared for what might happen.
Beautiful Scenery
Moldova’s countryside is beautiful, with rolling hills, vineyards, monasteries, and cute towns. You should rent a car or bike to leave the capital city and experience the peaceful natural scenery. Historic places like Orheiul Vechi Monastery and Tipova Monastery show Moldova’s long and complex history.
While I like driving, I wouldn’t feel comfortable driving there. As someone used to different roads and driving styles in my home country, the roads in that area would take some getting used to. However, if you want an adventure, consider renting a car to explore the region. Just know that as a visitor to those local roads, it may take time to adjust. But someone who loves trying new things could have a great time seeing new sights from behind the wheel.
Delicious Food And Wine
Moldovan food has influences from Romania and Russia. You’ll find things like big stuffed dumplings, hearty stews, and fresh salads. But Moldova is really known for its wine. Some of the oldest vineyards in the world are there, making incredible reds and whites that are way cheaper than other places.
If you want an authentic experience on a budget in a country not many people visit, Moldova should be at the top of your list. The amazing things you can do there are so worth any small problems you may run into.
Is Moldova Safe For Tourists?
Yes, Moldova is generally a safe place for tourists, both female and male. However, it’s still a good idea to trust your instincts. Don’t go somewhere if your gut says it doesn’t feel right. Also, avoid stray dogs or conflicts with people. As a woman in her 20s who has visited 40 countries alone, Moldova has felt safe to me. But being cautious can’t hurt!
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia doesn’t seem to affect people in Moldova very much. If I didn’t watch the news, I wouldn’t even know something was happening over there. You don’t see many Ukrainian flags in the capital Chisinau. And the whole country feels safe to visit, even with the fighting between Ukraine and Russia going on. Life here continues as normal.
Moldova Should Be On Every Solo Female Traveler’s Bucket List
This country has a lot of charm and offers an authentic experience. You’ll experience the local culture through food, architecture and nature without lots of crowds. The people are really friendly and the prices are super affordable.
While tourism is growing some, it’s still not super popular yet. Ladies, you shouldn’t miss out on checking this place out. Pack your bags, book your flight, and get ready for an amazing adventure in Moldova. The memories you make will definitely stick with you forever. I’m really into Moldova – my trip there isn’t even over yet. Next up is Ukraine!
