 |
| Ⓒ Provided by TravelPulse |
By Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse
Safety and security are always atop the priority list when selecting a travel destination. Travelers want to experience something new but they want to do so without hesitation and concern for their well-being. Analyzing the latest data and insights from the travel space, including those of TravelPulse editors and writers, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection's (BHTP) annual list of the safety places to travel, Vision of Humanity's Global Peace Index (GPI) and the latest travel advisory updates from the U.S. State Department, we can pinpoint some of the countries around the world that offer visitors the most peace of mind in the year ahead. Here are a dozen places around the globe that promise a safe getaway this year.
Read More: 10 Best Destinations for Solo Travel in The World
Iceland
 |
| Ⓒ Provided by TravelPulse |
Despite dropping from first to third on BHTP's list of the safest places to travel this year, Iceland remains atop the GPI and continues to receive a Level 1 travel advisory from the U.S. State Department. Just a jaunt across the pond for Americans, this burgeoning destination remains an ideal locale for those prioritizing peace of mind this year.
New Zealand
 |
| Ⓒ Provided by TravelPulse |
Newly-reopened New Zealand also dropped on BHTP's list—falling from second to 10th worldwide—however, it still ranks second on the GPI and receives a Level 1 travel advisory from the State Department, with visitors only advised to exercise normal precautions at the moment.
Switzerland
 |
| Ⓒ Provided by TravelPulse |
Mother Nature and weather-related incidents are likely the biggest threat to visitors to Switzerland this year as the country continues to experience low crime rates and minimal threats to tourists. The GPI ranks this European country 11th and the State Department says that visitors can exercise normal precautions upon arrival.
Ireland
 |
| Ⓒ Provided by TravelPulse |
Although down four spots on BHTP's list this year, Ireland still ranks firmly in the top 15 and sits at a commendable third on the GPI. It also receives a Level 1 travel advisory from the U.S. State Department as we kick off the new year.
Denmark
 |
| Ⓒ Provided by TravelPulse |
Copenhagen remains among the world's safest cities and the same can be said about Denmark as a country. Aside from the potential for terrorism like just about any other country, the State Department has expressed zero concerns. What's more, it checks in at fourth on the GPI.
Japan
 |
| Ⓒ Provided by TravelPulse |
For those seeking a safe place to visit in Asia this year, Japan stands out. While it fell out of BHTP's top 15 this year after ranking fifth in 2022, it ranks 10th on the GPI and received a Level 1 travel advisory from the State Department in the latest update issued in October. It's also far more accessible than it was a year ago.
Netherlands
 |
| Ⓒ Provided by TravelPulse |
This year might be the perfect time to take that bucket list trip to Amsterdam as the Netherlands has been named the safest country to travel to in the new year, according to research from Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection. "Amsterdam is one of the world’s safest cities, according to the American travelers we surveyed. If Amsterdam is a super-safe city, it would make sense that it’s located in a really safe country," the travel insurance provider stated.
Read More: 16 Budget Friendly Vacations You Can Enjoy
Australia
 |
| Ⓒ Provided by TravelPulse |
Don't take our word for it. The experts at BHTP consider Australia to be the fourth-safest country in the world this year and the GPI reflects that with the destination ranking 27th worldwide. As of this fall, Americans can exercise normal precautions Down Under as the State Department doesn't identify any significant safety threats.
Sweden
 |
| Ⓒ Provided by TravelPulse |
In general, travelers can expect to feel safe when exploring Scandinavia this year. Sweden is no exception, ranking ninth on BHTP's list of the safest places to travel this year and 26th on the GPI. Meanwhile, the State Department reminds Americans that they can exercise normal precautions in the country.
Spain
 |
| Ⓒ Provided by TravelPulse |
Elsewhere in Europe, Spain remains steady at 11th on the list of the safest countries in the world, according to the experts at BHTP. Routinely ranking among the world's most-visited destinations, Spain also cracked the top 30 of the GPI. This winter, the State Department only asks Americans to exercise increased caution due to the potential threat of terrorism and civil unrest.
United Kingdom
 |
| Ⓒ Provided by TravelPulse |
The U.K. fell four spots on BHTP's list of the safest overseas destinations this year, coming in at 14th worldwide. But it still ranks well above the U.S. on the GPI at 34th compared to 129th and receives only a Level 2 travel advisory from the State Department due to the threat of terrorism.
Canada
 |
| Ⓒ Provided by TravelPulse |
For those unfazed by the cold, Canada remains a safe destination close to the U.S. BHTP ranks it as the sixth-safest place to visit this year, while the GPI places it 12th overall, well ahead of North American neighbors U.S. and Mexico. Additionally, the State Department expresses little to no concern for Americans venturing north of the border.
Read More: Travel Trends That Will Shape 2023
See more at TravelPulse
