By Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse
Safe and Sound in the New Year
Safety should always be a top priority when traveling the world and the good news is that there's no shortage of safe and secure destinations worth visiting in the New Year. Here are 30 to consider for 2019.
Zambia
Japan
Slovenia
Iceland
New Zealand
Norway
Chile
Chile is among the safest places to visit in South America in 2019. It receives a level 1 advisory (exercise normal precautions) from the U.S. Department of State so visitors should just be careful to avoid potential scams or crimes of opportunity such as pickpocketing in crowded places.
Seeking a peaceful destination in mainland Europe? Consider Austria. Only Iceland and New Zealand ranked better on the Global Peace Index last year. Like other popular places around the world, your biggest concern if any here is likely non-violent thieves.
Despite the recent murder of an American tourist, Costa Rica possesses one of the lowest homicide rates in Latin America and the Caribbean and is widely regarded to be one of if not the safest in Central America. It's also the happiest country in the world, according to the Happy Planet Index.
With a Global Peace Index value of 1.32, Portugal is the fourth-most peaceful nation on the planet. You'll want to watch for pickpockets in crowded tourist areas in places like Lisbon but that's good practice no matter where you are.
Singapore is the most peaceful destination in Asia, according to the Global Peace Index. On top of that, The Economist named it the second-safest city in the world behind Tokyo.
The safest country in North America, Canada offers a variety of exciting destinations to visit in the New Year, including beautiful Quebec City, the closest Americans will get to Europe without venturing overseas.
Known for its numerous spa and wellness resorts, Scottsdale ranks among America's safest cities, according to WalletHub's most recent research, checking in at 15th among the 180 cities analyzed.
Austria
Costa Rica
Portugal
Singapore
Canada
Scottsdale, Arizona
Portland, Maine
Boise, Idaho
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Denmark
Switzerland
Finland
Sweden
Germany
Netherlands
Ireland
Malta
Australia
Australia is well known for its natural beauty and friendly locals but you can also add safety to that list. It should come as little surprise that the continent/country ranked inside the top 15 of the Global Peace Index for 2018.
One of the most peaceful and safest countries in Asia, Bhutan is a breathtaking destination located between China and India on the Himalayas' eastern edge. This predominantly Buddhist nation measures prosperity based on citizens' happiness levels.
Bhutan
Mauritius
Cayman Islands
Hungary
Hungary was among the many European countries to rank inside the top 20 of the Global Peace Index in 2018, receiving a value of 1.53. That's just behind Germany but ahead of more popular European destinations like France, Spain, Italy and the U.K.
Guadeloupe is one of the safest places in the Caribbean. Plus, few destinations are as rewarding and getting there is easier than you might think.