Sex attacks, muggings and harassment

For most, it is an entirely safe and liberating adventure that they will never forget - for all the right reasons.

But while wolf whistles, cat calls and belligerent taxi drivers may be an annoyance for some solo travellers, there are some countries where women may be exposed to misogyny, pestering and, in some extreme cases, danger.

Horrific crimes against women have become worryingly commonplace in countries such as India, but there are a number of popular holiday hotspots, such as Turkey and Morocco, that may not be as female-friendly as you think, according to experts.

Julie Kreutzer, co-owner of website the International Women's Travel Center, has written extensively on the issue of women's safety abroad, and believes that honesty is the best policy when it comes to discussing the dangers that solo female travellers face.

She said: 'I'm truly appalled at how unsafe and how unfriendly some places are. You can't even enter some countries if you're a woman, yet most travel websites just skirt around the issue and prefer to focus on what lipstick a woman should wear.

'We're absolutely in favour of women being adventurous and having a great time, but let's not delude ourselves and say that women are welcome everywhere. 

'There's a big different from going to Brazil versus Denmark as a female traveller, at least let's be honest about what the dangers are.'

London-based American blogger Stephanie Yodel has travelled extensively and says she's always felt relatively safe on her travels, and stresses the importance separating the reality from the hype.

'I've been very fortunate. I honestly don't feel like I've been anywhere particularly dangerous, but I was definitely more on edge in South America than anywhere else.

'Crime rates are higher there and tourists can be targets for muggings, so I was careful never to carry many valuables and not to be out alone after dark.' 

Expat traveller Ali Garland now lives in Berlin and agrees that women have a few extra challenges to deal with than men while travelling, although she says it's no reason to stay at home.

'There certainly are places where women are sort of second class citizens, and that can be frustrating. But I just try to remember that most people are genuinely nice, and I do my best to dress appropriately so I don't attract unwanted attention.'

And if you do travel to danger hot-spots, social media consultant and explorer Liz Borod Wright advises against being too forthcoming on when sharing your experiences.

'Be wary of posting real-time updates on social media about where are you in case someone is paying a little too close attention.

It's safer to post that awesome photo to Instagram when you're on to the next destination, especially if you plan to geo-tag it.

'And while the instinct is to live-tweet your trip, it may be best to rave (or rant) about your accommodations after you have checked out.'

Intrepid traveller and blogger Amanda Williams advises female travellers to use their common sense. 

'I would say to women just be smart and listen to your gut. Don't do anything you wouldn't do at home - don't drink too much alone, don't go wandering alone at night, don't go home with strangers, and read up on common scams.'

MailOnline Travel has rounded up a number of popular destinations that solo female travellers should visit with caution.

(dailymail.co.uk)