These Are the Safest Countries and Cities in the World for Travelers

If you want peace of mind during your travels, head north.

Photo by Aditya Chinchure/Unsplash

Destinations throughout Europe dominate the rankings. But the world’s No. 1 safest country is not across the pond.

With the start of a new year comes a fresh list of places to add to the travel wish list. Narrowing the options down, however, can be a bit challenging. Safety is often one of the top qualifications for desirable travel destinations, especially for solo travelers—which are gaining in numbers. According to a travel survey released by Booking.com, 59 percent of travelers would like to take a solo trip in 2024.

For those plotting their 2024 getaways, whether you plan to go alone or with a group, travel insurance provider Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection this week released its ninth annual “State of Travel Insurance Safest Destination” report, revealing the world’s safest countries and cities. These super-safe destinations may lend you some confidence and inspire a decision on where to go in 2024.

To determine the rankings, Berkshire Hathaway analyzed the responses of 1,702 travelers who were polled between August 24 and September 13, 2023, along with third-party data sources to evaluate concerns such as terrorism, weather emergencies, health measures, and the safety of underrepresented groups. The Berkshire Hathaway rankings also take into account data and information sourced from the U.S. State Department, The Economist, and Global Finance magazine, among other sources.

What is the No. 1 country for safety?

In 2024, Canada, our neighbor to the north, is the No. 1 country for safety. Ranked as the 11th most peaceful country in the world by the 2023 Global Peace Index, Canada has a reputation for its diversity, inclusivity, and low crime rate. This only enhances its legendary travel offerings, from fabulous multicultural cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver to remarkable natural beauty in national parks like Jasper, Banff, and Prince Edward Island.

What is the No. 1 city in the world for safety?

Hawai’i’s beachfront capital city, Honolulu, secured the No. 1 spot for safest cities in the world. Surrounded by mountains and hiking trails and bordered by some of the best beaches on the planet, Honolulu doesn’t exactly need a boost when it comes to tourism, but having the highest safety rating certainly doesn’t hurt. The city attributes its safety to low crime and a high quality of life.
* Written by Meagan Drillinger, a travel writer and Mexico expert who lives on the road full-time.

* Source: AFAR is the award-winning travel media brand