Travel isn’t inflation-proof, but that’s not stifling Americans’ wanderlust. As U.S. households’ 2024 travel spending eclipses similar splurges pre-pandemic, a Berkshire Hathaway report identifies the 15 safest countries for travelers.
The survey factors insights from American travelers’ experiences and real-world data from the Global Peace Index, Numbeo, and GeoSure Global scores. The rankings highlight countries with low crime rates, natural disaster preparedness, and quality healthcare.
While no destination is entirely risk-free, these nations offer travelers safety and peace of mind.
Iceland
Iceland leads global safety rankings, jumping to first from ninth last year, thanks to its excellent emergency preparedness and low crime rate of 25.74.
Accidents and travel-related injuries are rare due to the lack of high-speed traffic. Still, travelers have access to an excellent healthcare system that ranks 8th globally, according to Statista. Though volcanic eruptions are a threat, the country’s advanced monitoring systems warn its citizens and tourists ahead of eruptions.
Australia
Australia ranks second thanks to its low crime rate of 46.7, excellent healthcare, and well-maintained roads. While outdoor enthusiasts may encounter wildlife risks, such as sharks, snakes, crocodiles, and poisonous insects, the right precautions and adherence to local safety advice mitigate most concerns.
Canada
Canada’s third place stems from its few natural disasters, low crime rates, and strong healthcare infrastructure, which ranks 32nd among all nations. Travelers can safely explore urban hubs like Toronto or natural landscapes. Even in its big cities, crime rates remain low, which sets Canada apart as the safest travel destination in North America.
Ireland
Ireland’s low crime rate of 46.1, good roads, and excellent healthcare system earn it the fourth spot on the list. Cities like Dublin are among the safest in Europe, and the country has had minimal natural disasters.
Visitors often remark on its friendly people, who go out of their way to help tourists have a positive experience. “Last summer, we took a family vacation road-tripping Ireland without safety concerns. No matter what city or part of the country we were in, we felt not just safe but very welcomed. From walking back to our Airbnb after the Taylor Swift concert in Dublin late at night to bringing our young kids to multiple pubs in Galway, we felt at ease no matter what part of Ireland we were in,” said Monica Fish, travel writer and mom of two.
Switzerland
Switzerland secures fifth place with its low crime rates, efficient emergency services, and well-maintained infrastructure.
Urban spaces like Zurich and Geneva consistently rank among Europe’s safest cities. With few natural disasters and an advanced healthcare system that ranks 10th worldwide, Switzerland is an ideal destination for travelers seeking safety.
New Zealand
New Zealand ranks sixth for safety due to its low crime rate and well-maintained roads. Cities such as Aukland are particularly secure, with very low chances of becoming a victim of crime.
While earthquakes are a concern, local authorities are well-prepared for emergencies, and the country’s building codes minimize risks. The country’s excellent healthcare system ranks 25th in the world.
Germany
Germany ranks seventh thanks to its low crime rate of 38.0 and the absence of major natural disasters. Metropolitan areas such as Berlin and Munich have low crime rates, while the chances of negative interactions are even lower in the countryside. Additionally, Germany’s healthcare system is among the most efficient in the world.
Journalist Melanie Allen of Partners in Fire shares her perspective on travel and safety: “I’ve been to Germany as a solo woman. I also have experience with the US’s ‘roughest’ cities, as I grew up in Chicago and lived in LA for 10 years. I never felt unsafe in any of the cities, even when by myself. But, I knew where to avoid in the US cities. I didn’t feel I had to avoid much in Germany. I was also never accosted by unwell, unhoused people during my travels to Europe, while it’s a regular occurrence in the US.”
Norway
Norway earns its spot with its well-maintained roads, excellent healthcare, low crime rate, and rare natural disasters.
Cities such as Oslo have small populations and little petty crime. Visitors can explore Norway’s cities and countryside with minimal concerns beyond the occasional cold weather.
Japan
Despite its dense population, Japan ranks ninth for safety with little petty crime and the 12th-lowest murder rate.
The country’s advanced healthcare system and emergency preparedness protocols are exemplary, but natural disasters remain challenging. The country is one of the most tectonically active regions on the planet, and earthquakes are common. It also lies in the path of powerful tropical storms, so residents must keep up with local weather warnings.
Alexandra Caspero, Travel Writer at Delish Knowledge, reflects on her experience: “I just got back from a solo trip to Japan and felt incredibly safe the entire time. Especially compared to the States, the first thing you notice is how clean the cities are. Litter is virtually non-existent on the streets and on public transportation. Even in the big cities of Osaka and Tokyo, I walked by myself at night and felt safe the entire time. I live in St. Louis, often in the top 10 most dangerous cities in America, and I wouldn’t walk through many parts of the city after dark here.”
Denmark
Denmark ranks tenth overall, with a Numbeo rating of 26.6. Thanks to low crime rates and a lack of natural disasters, Danes enjoy a safe and relaxed travel environment.
The country boasts well-maintained roads and an accessible advanced healthcare system.
Portugal
Portugal ranks 11th among the safest countries globally. The coastal nation with the gorgeous beaches enjoys low crime, safe cities, and efficient healthcare and emergency services.
While natural disasters like earthquakes and forest fires occur, advanced warning systems and emergency response systems help travelers remain safe even during emergencies.
Spain
Spain’s well-developed tourism infrastructure, secure cities, and even safer countryside earn it the 12th spot on the list. Like most European cities, Spanish cities like Madrid and Barcelona are safe to explore, even at night.
In addition to its excellent healthcare, many people speak English and can help travelers if needed. However, remote places have less developed roads. If visitors travel to remote areas, carry all necessary supplies.
“I visited Spain at the end of September after peak season. Before our visit, we had safety concerns after hearing about tourism protests in the country,” shares Alexandrea Sumuel Groves, travel journalist at Wander With Alex. She adds:
“We started on the southeastern coast of the island of Mallorca, which was mostly beaches, rolling hills, and a super laid back atmosphere. Of all the small towns we visited, including the lively Cala d’Or, not once did I feel unsafe.
The second part of our journey took us to the coastal city of Málaga. We stayed in the middle of the historic center and walked the streets late at night without any concern for our safety.
Compared to other popular resort towns and large cities I’ve visited in the United States, these two destinations in Spain were cleaner and more tourist-friendly.
I have absolute no recollection of ever feeling unsafe during our visit to Spain.”
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom earns the 13th spot thanks to its low crime rate of 46.9, advanced healthcare system, and few natural disasters.
The nation is well-connected to major roads, though travelers should remain conscious of road traffic. Accidents are among the leading dangers of U.K. travel. Crime is uncommon, even in major cities such as London, and the country’s rural areas are even safer. However, petty crime in the capital is rising; Londoners reported around 248 phone thefts in 2022.
Jessy Hamel, Travel Writer at Tartan and Teacups, shares her varied experience regarding safety in the United Kingdom, saying, “I feel completely safe in Scotland, but London, specifically, has gotten really bad with cell phone theft and pickpocketing. Two of my friends, on separate occasions, had their phones stolen. I’m heading there on Monday and I’m concerned. As far as the US goes, there are a lot of places I wouldn’t go and I’ve found myself being very on edge at large events/shopping areas because of all the mass shootings.”
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a great destination for travelers who prioritize safety. Amsterdam boasts low crime rates and world-class hospital and emergency services, ranking 11th globally. Flooding remains a potential concern, but the country’s advanced infrastructure keeps risks under control.
Abby Price, a journalist at Summit Skier, shares her thoughts on traveling to the Netherlands: “My husband and I walked and biked everywhere we went in Amsterdam, even at night, and never felt unsafe. We’ve been to 49 states in the U.S. and there’s many places I wouldn’t feel comfortable walking or biking around here..”
Sweden
Sweden is the 15th-safest country with a low crime rate of 48.0 and outstanding healthcare. Cities such as Stockholm provide a stress-free travel experience, even at night.
However, travelers visiting rural areas should be cautious, as some remote places may be far from hospitals or emergency services.
