The Safest Places to Travel

Iceland

Iceland has topped the Global Peace Index for 17 consecutive years, which tells you everything you need to know. In fact, the country's biggest threat is volcanic activity, not crime. Between the Northern Lights, dramatic waterfalls, and geothermal hot springs, you'll have plenty to see without constantly looking over your shoulder.

Portugal

The port wine, stunning beaches, and exceptional seafood are reason enough to visit—the low crime rate just means you can actually enjoy them. Portugal climbed from 18th place in 2014 to 7th in recent rankings, proof that more police and fewer unemployed people makes for safer streets.

Austria

Austria has a fetish for keeping things orderly and clean, which extends to crime rates. That's how you vault into third place after not even making the top list previously. World-class skiing in the Alps, Mozart's birthplace, and Vienna's coffee house scene give you plenty of reasons to linger without worrying about your wallet.

Denmark

Copenhagen's design scene, Tivoli Gardens, and restaurants that punch well above their weight make the city worth the trip. The fact that children walk alone at night in Denmark without anyone batting an eye is just confirmation you picked the right destination. Copenhageners stay too busy riding bicycles and generating endorphins to bother with petty crime.

Canada

The Rocky Mountains, Vancouver's food scene, and national parks that rival anything in the U.S. are the draw. Canada's status as a member of Berkshire Hathaway’s “Safe Travel Hall of Fame" means you won't worry about your rental car getting broken into. Yes, you need to respect the wildlife, but the moose are almost as polite as the average citizen.

Costa Rica

Zip-lining through cloud forests, surfing both coasts, and spotting sloths means your adrenaline rush comes from activities, not sketchy situations. As the happiest and most peaceful country in Latin America, Costa Rica lives up to its pura vida reputation—though you should still watch for pickpockets in tourist-heavy areas and be cautious in certain sections of San Jose and Limón.

Singapore

Criminals must feel like unicorns here because Singapore's crime rate ranks first globally in societal safety, even surpassing Iceland. Strict enforcement means everything from littering to spitting on the sidewalk gets you caned. Hawker centers serve some of Asia's best food at rock-bottom prices, and Gardens by the Bay delivers Instagram gold. You can actually leave your bag unattended at the food court, though we don't recommend testing that theory.

Japan

Ancient temples, bullet trains, and a food culture ranging from $3 conveyor belt sushi to $300 kaiseki meals means you can geek out on basically anything without watching your back. Japan's safety reputation comes from a cultural aversion to causing anyone inconvenience, which apparently includes crime. Even Tokyo's packed subway cars remain orderly, running with Swiss watch precision.

New Zealand

New Zealand ranks fourth on the Global Peace Index as Asia-Pacific's most peaceful country. Which is what happens when the sheep outnumber the people. Focus on the Middle Earth scenery, world-class hiking, and tasting wines that rival instead of your belongings. Violent crime is rare, but watch yourself when taking selfies along the cliffs. Getting that 'gram worthy shot is not worth a serious tumble.

Australia

The Great Barrier Reef, coastal drives, and legitimately world-class beaches give you plenty to do beyond worrying about pickpockets. Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane maintain low crime rates with well-developed tourist infrastructure, earning Australia second place in Berkshire Hathaway's 2025 rankings. Just be mindful of the wildlife because everything in Australia is trying to kill you.

Mauritius

Picture-perfect beaches, luxury resorts, and fusion cuisine reflecting Indian, French, and African influences make this Indian Ocean island worth the flight. The entire economy depends on keeping visitors happy, which is why Mauritius consistently ranks as Africa's safest country for tourists. Your biggest risk is sunburn, not pickpockets.

Rwanda

Mountain gorilla trekking is one of travel's most profound experiences—and you'll feel safer around 400-pound primates than you do in some major cities back home. Kigali earned a Safety Index score of 75.65, Africa's highest in 2025, thanks to rigorous law enforcement and taking cleanliness seriously (plastic bags are banned). Rwanda transformed into one of Africa's safest destinations, period.

Botswana

The Okavango Delta delivers premium safari experiences with smaller crowds than East Africa and wildlife densities that rival anywhere. Botswana's consistent, stable government ranks it third among Africa's safest countries. Safari operators work with authorities to keep you safe from the animals, not other humans.

United Arab Emirates

Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai earned high safety marks through ultra-strict law enforcement. Understandably, crime rates are extremely low and public spaces are meticulously monitored. So well monitored you can leave your laptop on a café table. Shopping malls with indoor skiing, over-the-top architecture, and desert safaris make Dubai worth experiencing at least once.

• Global Peace Index : Tracks 163 countries on violent crime rates, political stability, and domestic conflict
  
• Numbeo Safety Index : Measures resident and traveler perceptions of safety
  
• Traveler reviews : Real feedback from people who've actually been there recently
  
• U.S. State Department advisories : Current travel warnings and safety assessments

No country is entirely risk-free, and Mother Nature doesn't consult Global Peace Index rankings. The safest approach combines destination research with current events awareness. Check the U.S. State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for real-time updates before booking any trip.