A new year means new destinations.
When considering a destination, travelers consider the usual factors such as weather, cost, and available activities. Safety is also a top priority this year, as more people want to travel alone to remote locations.
To help with this, travel insurance provider Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has released its 9th Annual Travel Insurance Report, which includes the world’s safest countries for travelers.
“The definition of a safe destination is evolving,” Carol Mueller, vice president of Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, told USA TODAY in an email. There is no discrimination or harassment. ”
To determine this list, the travel insurance company surveyed 1,702 people about their travel experiences in a variety of countries and analyzed safety issues such as terrorism, weather emergencies, health measures, and the safety of underrepresented groups. We also extracted data from third-party resources that assess concerns. This includes the World Peace Index and the State Department’s own Travel Safety Ratings.
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Although these countries are considered to be overall safe for people to visit, the company said this report does not mean that all areas of the country are safe and that natural disasters He pointed out that it does not even take into account the possibility of As always, don’t let your guard down when it comes to petty theft against tourists.
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Read below to learn about the 15 countries determined to be the safest for all travelers.
1. Canada
The Great White North topped this year’s list of the world’s safest countries for travelers due to low violent crime and strict gun laws. The country, known for its high standard of living and political stability, came in sixth place on the list last year.
2. Switzerland
Known for its safety and low crime rate, Switzerland was ranked the second safest country to visit. The country is known for its high quality of life and natural beauty such as Lake Geneva and Lake Zurich.
3. Norway
Norway not only offers the best views of the dancing Northern Lights, but it is also one of the safest places in terms of crime rates, terrorist activity, and violent protests. The report said Norway’s capital, Oslo, was the safest region in the country.
4. Ireland
If you’re looking to see Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher or drink some Guinness, you can plan your trip with confidence. The country had fewer homicides in 2022 than 16 U.S. cities, according to the report.
5. Netherlands
Last year, the Netherlands took the top spot as the safest destination to visit, but this year it came in fifth place. Survey respondents repeatedly said they felt safe in the country and the capital, Amsterdam. Watch out for tourist tax hikes as the city continues to crack down on reckless partying.
6. United Kingdom
With beautiful countryside and cities with low rates of murder and theft, Britain is a safe country for travelers. Unfortunately, the country will soon introduce fees for entering its borders.
7. Portugal
There’s a reason why digital nomads flock to this sunny coastal country. It’s not just delicious seafood and wine. Portugal’s cities are safe and orderly, and the countryside is peaceful. In 2022, this country was determined to be one of the best places for solo female travelers.
8. Denmark
Last year, Denmark was the second safest country in the world for travelers, and its low crime rate continues to make it a safe country for travelers. This Nordic country usually puts the spotlight on its happy residents and its politics.
9. Iceland
Like its Scandinavian neighbor Denmark, Iceland is the most gender-equal country in the world and is considered the safest country in the world when it comes to crime. To further fascinate travelers, the country boasts an otherworldly landscape of glaciers, geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, and volcanic formations.
10. Australia
Australia’s rugged wilderness and cosmopolitan cities make it an attractive destination for solo travelers, especially women traveling in the Land Down Under, where homicide rates are low. According to the report, 377 murders were recorded in 2022, which is about half of all homicides in Chicago.
11. New Zealand
Although expensive, New Zealand is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore the coastline, mountains, fjords and more, as well as big Lord of the Rings fans. With a low crime rate, the country is also considered very peaceful and perfect for solo female travelers.
12. Japan
In addition to having a low crime rate, Japan offers travelers a blend of ancient tradition and cutting-edge modernity. Imagine a robot server in a restaurant surrounded by ancient shrines. Japanese culture also values politeness and order, making it a safe place for travelers, whether traveling alone or not. However, the report does not take into account natural disasters such as the earthquake that recently shook the western part of the island nation.
13. France
Home to the City of Lights, France has stood the test of time as one of the world’s most popular destinations. Fortunately for travelers, the report says, the country has relatively safe transport options (apart from minor theft, which is common on the subway) and is safe from disease outbreaks. However, due to violent demonstrations, travelers should exercise caution and check local media for updates.
14. Spain
Another popular destination in Europe, Spain is known for petty theft such as pickpocketing. Overall, the report said, the Mediterranean country has a low crime rate despite its large tourist population. As always, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection urges people to be especially careful about passport theft and to travel with caution.
15. Brazil
This year, Brazil was included in the list of safe countries to visit. Survey respondents who identified as women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ felt particularly safe in the South American country known for its beautiful beaches. However, Brazil’s borders are particularly dangerous for criminal activity.
Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can contact her at kwong@usatoday.com.
