Introduction
With the world becoming increasingly interconnected, travel abroad has never been more accessible. However, decisions about where to travel internationally involve considering factors like safety, security, and political stability. In a complex world with constant changes, it can be difficult to determine the safest destinations. This post aims to help readers make informed choices by exploring some of the statistically and comparatively safest countries for travelers. Through extensive research and analysis of metrics like crime rates, terrorism risks, and overall peacefulness, several destinations stand out as relatively low risk while still offering rich experiences and cultures to discover.
Methodology
To determine the safest places to travel internationally, multiple factors and data sources were analyzed. Statistics on overall peacefulness, violent crime rates, terrorism risks, political stability, and infrastructure quality provided quantitative comparisons between countries. The primary data sources included:
- Global Peace Index by the Institute for Economics and Peace – Provides comparative metrics on domestic/international conflict, societal safety/security, and militarization for 163 countries.
- UN Office on Drugs and Crime International Homicide Statistics – Compiles intentional homicide rates per 100,000 inhabitants.
- Global Terrorism Index by the Institute for Economics and Peace – Ranks countries based on deaths, injuries and property damage from terrorism.
- Fragile States Index by the Fund for Peace – Assesses pressures like demographic pressures, refugees/IDPs, groups grievances, human flight/brain drain.
- World Economic Forum Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Reports – Analyzes countries’ infrastructure, health/hygiene factors, eco-sustainability, prioritization of leisure/tourism industries.
Additionally, travelers’ first-hand safety experiences helped contextualize hard data with real world insights. Overall, a mixed methodology paints the fullest picture of low-risk travel environments across socio-economic, infrastructure and statistical indicators.
Western Europe
As one of the most visited regions globally, Western Europe consistently ranks among the safest areas for travel. Countries like:
Switzerland
Consistently topping lists as the most peaceful country, Switzerland has incredibly low crime rates. With a population of just under 9 million, Switzerland reported only 47 homicides in 2018. Extremely stable politically and economically, Switzerland has a well-trained police force and advanced infrastructure. Swiss cities like Zurich, Geneva and Basel are modern metropolitan hubs with excellent public transportation connecting the scenic countryside and mountains. Diverse activities from skiing the Alps to visiting world-class art museums make Switzerland a top choice for safe family travel.
Iceland
As an island nation in the North Atlantic with a small population of just over 300,000, Iceland boasts a very low crime rate. Violent crimes are rare with an intentional homicide rate around 1 per 100,000. Political stability and a strong welfare system contribute to Iceland’s 6th place ranking on the Global Peace Index. The natural wonders of boiling lava fields, thundering waterfalls, rugged coastlines and the northern lights create countless breathtaking landscapes just waiting to be explored in a secure environment. Reykjavík is a walkable capital ideal for exploring on foot with distinctive Nordic architecture.
Germany
Germany’s combination of advanced infrastructure, social stability and effective law enforcement have earned it a reputation as one of the safest and most organized European countries for travel. With a G20 economy and population over 80 million, Germany can easily accommodate large volumes of visitors across diverse regions. While larger cities like Berlin, Munich and Cologne draw big crowds with iconic sites, vibrant culture and public transit, the picturesque Bavarian Alps, Black Forest and Rhine Valley offer quieter escapes surrounded by natural beauty. Overall, Germany’s moderate climate, varied cultural experiences and low crime rates make it an ideal year-round family-friendly destination.
Denmark
One of the happiest countries globally, Denmark has a highly developed society and ranks 5th on the Global Peace Index. With a population around 5.8 million, Denmark reported only 39 homicides nationwide in 2018. Crime rates remain very low and you can walk safely even late at night in the charming capital Copenhagen. Beyond Copenhagen’s canal-side cafes and Tivoli Gardens amusement park, the Danish coastline stretches eastward along the Baltic Sea. Remote islands like Bornholm and dramatic cliffs like those at Møns Klint offer solitary beach walking where you may have the sand to yourself. Throughout, Denmark’s mix of accessible cities, natural scenery and Nordic “hygge” or coziness create a soothingly safe atmosphere.
Netherlands
Famed for its iconic tulip fields, windmills and cycling culture, the Netherlands has prospered as one of Europe’s most stable and wealthy nations. As the 123rd largest country by area but 181st by population density, the Netherlands feels very safe even in busier cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht where infrastructure is designed with bicycles and pedestrians in mind. Dutch directness and logic contribute to a transparent society with minimal corruption. The official homicide rate was just 1 per 100,000 in 2018. Rivers, dunes and bulb fields stretch between history-rich destinations like wooden-shoed Volendam village, 16th century Delft and the walled city of Leiden for a mix of charm among modern comforts.
Canada
Consistently ranking in the top 5 most peaceful nations globally, Canada has maintained the practical tranquility and stability that makes it a highly desirable safe travel option in the Americas. Canadian major cities allow a close urban experience without concerns over violence or instability that can prevail elsewhere.
Toronto
As Canada’s most diverse metropolis, Toronto embraces over 100 ethnic neighborhoods with top-class culture, attractions and dining. Despite a population closing on 3 million in the greater area, violent crime remains low at just 2.2 homicides per 100,000 residents annually. Toronto hosts world-class experiences like the Hockey Hall of Fame, CN Tower and Royal Ontario Museum comfortably amid clean streets, accessible public transit and cordial, polite residents – not to mention balmy summer temperatures. Toronto’s wealth of high rise living, green spaces and ethnic enclaves create abundant exploration possibilities.
Vancouver
Frequently listed among the world’s most livable cities, Vancouver nestles against majestic mountains and waterfronts on Canada’s west coast. With a metro population around 2.5 million, intentional homicides numbered just 1.7 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2018. Nature lovers appreciate Vancouver Island’s rugged coastlines, Capilano Suspension Bridge and mountain biking trails like those around Whistler ski resort within driving distance. Meanwhile, Vancouver’s downtown Historic Gastown district and waterfront Stanley Park immerse visitors in a safe urban core surrounded by scenic natural beauty. Mild weather year-round makes Vancouver welcoming and appealing as a longer stay location.
Montreal
Bustling Montreal typifies a European energy with cafes, bistros and public squares alongside the iconic Notre Dame Basilica. More than 4 million visitors are drawn to Montreal annually yet the lowest homicide rate among major North American cities persists below 2 per 100,000 people. Pedestrian-friendly Old Montreal, Mt. Royal Park and Quartier Latin invite relaxed wandering past Baroque, Gothic and Victorian architecture without worry. Meanwhile festivals like Just For Laughs comedy showcase the lively culture. Both English and French languages are comfortably spoken across the safe, walkable metropolitan area and surrounding vineyards.
New Zealand
Remotely situated islands in the South Pacific, New Zealand has cultivated one of the most peaceful societies worldwide with extremely low population densities across varied terrain.
Queenstown
As an adventure hub nested between mountains and Lake Wakatipu in South Island, Queenstown feels remarkably safe considering internationally accessible recreation opportunities. Options span bungee jumping at Kawarau Bridge, jet boating on Dart River and hiking the Remarkables Mountain Range yet violent crime remains exceptionally rare. Queenstown’s population swells seasonally to over 30,000 yet streets feel tranquil with hospitality and help a local priority. Excellent infrastructure supports this tourism hotspot as a secure family or solo female traveler destination with activities to suit every thrill-seeking level.
Auckland
New Zealand’s most populated metropolitan area of around 1.7 million, Auckland remains safe with just 24 homicides across the region annually. Auckland Waterfront promenades, volcanic cones, vineyards and native wildlife reserves make for laidback exploring without a care. Downtown high rises, heritage buildings and bustling Pacific Island communities give Auckland a cultural mix alongside bayside beaches and regional wineries within an hour’s drive. Average temperatures hover around 20°C year-round, enabling comfortable outdoor activities safely across every season and late sunsets near 10pm.
Christchurch
As New Zealand’s largest city on the South Island’s east coast, Christchurch’s relaxed pace contrasts global city stresses. Rebuilding continues since 2011 earthquakes yet the flat landscape encourages walking or cycling between neighborhoods and along serene Avon River. Overall population nears 400,000 yet Christchurch still maintains one of the lowest crime rates in New Zealand around 4 homicides annually. Art galleries, botanical gardens and al fresco dining nestle among Edwardian and mid-century architecture demonstrating the laidback charm underneath ongoing regeneration. Nearby Akaroa’s scenic harbor cruises and penguin spotting provide a soothing small town escape from any urban bustle.
Scandinavia
Continental Europe’s northern region consistently tops global quality of life and peacefulness rankings thanks to stable democracies, equitable societies and natural beauty.
Norway
Norway’s combination of rugged coastlines laced with fjords and vast interior highlands create a spectacular yet serenely remote travel environment. Norway’s oil wealth has built modern infrastructure across sparse land yet homicide rates remain below 1 per 100,000 people and terrorism threat levels stay very low. Oslo invites safe exploration on foot or via excellent public transport connections to historical sites like the Viking Ships Museum and scenic pursuits like hiking Norway’s beautiful Jotunheimen and Lyngen Alps. Further north, the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard gives adventurous access to polar bears and the northern lights safely under regulated tourism frameworks.
Sweden
Sweden impressively balances progressive, open-minded social policies with protection of individual freedoms and security. A population pushing 10 million disperses across varied terrain yet Sweden reported just 1 homicide per 100,000 inhabitants in 2018. World heritage cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg easily navigate on foot or by clean metro lines safely past medieval Old Towns and sparkling waterways. Sweden’s vast wilderness and calm temperament encourage rejuvenation through activities from fishing wild northern lakes to cross-country skiing through birch forests. Local Swedes’ friendliness and respect for personal space add to a stress-free travel environment.
Denmark
Beyond Copenhagen, remote Danish islands provide a soothing escape among white sand and blue waters. Bornholm, for instance, mixes rocky coastlines with farming villages, medieval castles, lush pine forests and fields of heather since Viking times in peaceful solitude. Throughout Denmark, bucolic farmland patches and thatched-roof fishing hamlets interrupt shifting dunes or forest glades silently watched over by restored round churches. Distinct from neighboring regions yet familiar enough for easy exploration, tranquil Danish destinations immerse travelers comfortably in Scandinavia’s most developed society.
Greenland
Part of the Kingdom of Denmark with localized self-governance, remote Greenland offers adventuresome travelers a safe environment to witness vast natural phenomena with only sparse local populations outside Nuuk, the capital.
Ilulissat
On Greenland’s west coast amid the Arctic Circle, UNESCO Heritage-listed Ilulissat drawsthose seeking dramatic vistas of icebergs calving from the active Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier into Disko Bay on summer sailing excursions. With less than 5,000 residents total across this region, travelers have opportunities to spot whales, Arctic foxes and musk ox roaming pristine coastlines devoid of crowds. Accommodations range from stays with local families integrating visitors into community life to small hotels catering to intrepid souls willing to brave northern latitudes for immense beauty and wildlife viewing without security concerns.
Kangerlussuaq
Kangerlussuaq’s international airport provides easy year-round access to East Greenland’s stark coastlines and fjords at their wildest and emptiest. From here, specialized hiking groups venture into vast wilderness territories along rushing rivers and beneath soaring mountain peaks encountering only reindeer herds or occasional Inuit families. Limited tourism infrastructure complements the near-solitude amid the world’s largest national park and remotest regions unconstrained by issues found in mass tourism zones elsewhere globally. Greenland’s welcoming isolation rewards those seeking vast natural thrills without the stresses that plague over-visited areas.