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In a world that often feels unpredictable, knowing you’re heading somewhere safe can make all the difference when planning a trip. Here at Travel Off Path, we believe that peace of mind is the ultimate travel luxury. While no destination is entirely without risk, understanding which countries consistently rank highest for safety can help you choose your next adventure with confidence.
For nearly a decade, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) has been asking travelers a crucial question: What makes a country feel safe? Their annual report, blending real traveler experiences with hard data like the Global Peace Index, has become a go-to resource. The results for 2026 are in, and while many familiar names top the list, there are some surprising shifts.
To help you navigate these top-tier safe havens, we’ve created a brand-new interactive quiz designed to match your personal travel style with the safest destination that’s perfect for you.
What Makes a Country “Safest”?
BHTP’s methodology is unique because it doesn’t just rely on statistics; it heavily weighs the perceptions of American travelers who have actually visited these countries within the last five years. This is then balanced with data on peace, crime rates, and city-specific safety scores.
The countries that consistently rise to the top often share traits like political stability, low crime rates, effective healthcare, and strong infrastructure. This year, the list sees the Netherlands jump to the number one spot, praised for its peacefulness and high marks for safety across diverse traveler groups. Longtime favorites like Australia, Canada, and New Zealand remain firmly in the top tier, recognized for their stability and stunning natural landscapes.
Iceland, the perennial #1 for peacefulness, stays high, while Austria makes a strong debut in the top 3.
The 6 Safest Countries For Travelers in 2026
While the full BHTP list ranks 15 countries, these top 6 represent the pinnacle of perceived and statistical safety for travelers right now:
- The Netherlands: Taking the crown this year! It’s highly rated for overall peace, city safety (especially The Hague and Eindhoven), and specifically for female, LGBTQIA+, and travelers of color. Perfect for charming city breaks and exploring by bike – just watch out for those cycle paths!
- Australia: A consistent performer, scoring highest for health measures and safety from terrorism. Its stable political system and strict laws contribute to its safe reputation, offering a mix of vibrant cities and vast coastlines.
- Austria: New to the survey’s top rankings but a powerhouse in peace. Globally ranked #4 for peacefulness, it offers sophisticated cities like Vienna set against a backdrop of stunning Alpine scenery.
- Iceland: Still the world’s most peaceful country according to the Global Peace Index, even if it slipped slightly in traveler perception this year. Its otherworldly volcanic landscapes offer a unique, remote escape, though recent volcanic activity is something travelers need to monitor.
- Canada: The top North American country for peacefulness, Canada scores high for its low crime rate, multicultural cities, and vast, majestic wilderness perfect for epic road trips.
- New Zealand: Another global leader in peace (#3 on the GPI), New Zealand is beloved for its incredibly safe cities and dramatic landscapes, ideal for adventure seekers and those wanting a remote escape.
Safe Doesn’t Mean The Same: Find Your Fit
Knowing these countries are safe is reassuring, but it doesn’t tell you which one fits your travel style. The cycling culture and charming canals of the Netherlands offer a vastly different trip than the remote volcanic wilderness of Iceland. The sophisticated urban culture of Austria contrasts sharply with the vast coastlines and unique wildlife of Australia.
That’s where our quiz comes in. We’ve designed it to help you match your preferences to the right safe destination. In just 30 seconds, you’ll tell us:
- What kind of landscape defines your ideal safe escape? (Canals, Coasts, Volcanoes, or Mountains?)
- Which specific aspect of safety matters most to you? (Health, Peacefulness, Diverse Traveler Safety, or Stability?)
- What’s your preferred travel style? (Urban Culture, Road Trips, City/Nature Mix, or Remote Escape?)
Based on your answers, we’ll give you a personalized recommendation from the top 6 safest countries. Remember, even in the safest places, it’s wise to take precautions like getting travel insurance and staying aware of your surroundings – basic safety tips apply everywhere.
Ready to find your perfect, peaceful getaway? Take our quick quiz below!
What kind of landscape defines your ideal safe escape?
Charming Canals & Cities
Historic European cities, cycling culture, and a liberal vibe.
️
Vast Coastlines & Unique Wildlife
Expansive beaches, vibrant cities, and one-of-a-kind animals.
Dramatic Volcanoes & Glaciers
Otherworldly landscapes of fire and ice, geysers, and waterfalls.
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Majestic Mountains & Wilderness
Alpine peaks, pristine lakes, glaciers, and vast natural beauty.
Which specific aspect of “safety” matters most to you?
🩺
Health Measures & Biosecurity
Confidence in healthcare and strict biosecurity standards.
️
Overall Peacefulness
A country globally recognized for low conflict and high peace scores.
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Safety for Diverse Travelers
Highly rated for safety specifically for women, LGBTQIA+, and travelers of color.
️
Political Stability & Low Crime
A proven track record of low crime rates and stable governance.
What’s your preferred travel style?
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Urban Culture & Sophistication
Exploring museums, enjoying café culture, and sophisticated city life.
Epic Road Trips & Adventure
Driving through vast landscapes and seeking outdoor thrills.
Mix of City & Nature
I want easy access to both vibrant cities and stunning nature.
🤫
Remote Wilderness Escape
Getting away from it all in truly pristine, quiet natural settings.
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It scores highly for peace, city safety, and safety for diverse travelers. Perfect for exploring charming cities and canals by bike.", why: "You prioritize safety for diverse travelers and love exploring charming, liberal cities by bike." }, 'Australia': { description: "Consistently ranked among the safest, Australia gets top marks for health measures and safety from terrorism, alongside its vast coastlines, unique wildlife, and vibrant cities.", why: "You prioritize top-notch health and biosecurity, and love a mix of vibrant cities and coastal road trips." }, 'Austria': { description: "A new high-ranking entry, Austria is globally recognized for its peacefulness and stability. It offers sophisticated cities like Vienna alongside stunning Alpine scenery.", why: "You value overall peacefulness and political stability, and enjoy sophisticated urban culture in a mountain setting." }, 'Iceland': { description: "The world's most peaceful country according to the Global Peace Index, Iceland offers otherworldly volcanic landscapes and is perfect for remote wilderness escapes.", why: "You prioritize world-leading peacefulness and seek a remote wilderness escape in a dramatic volcanic landscape." }, 'Canada': { description: "Highly rated for its low crime, multicultural cities, and vast natural beauty, Canada is ideal for epic road trips through majestic mountains and pristine wilderness.", why: "You value stability and a liberal culture, seeking epic road trips through mountain wilderness." }, 'New Zealand': { description: "Ranked #3 for peacefulness globally, New Zealand's cities are super-safe, and its landscapes are legendary. It's perfect for remote adventures and road trips.", why: "You value overall peacefulness and stability, seeking a remote escape for outdoor adventure." } }; var destinationLogic = { 'canals-health-urban_culture': 'Netherlands', 'canals-health-road_trip': 'Netherlands', 'canals-health-city_nature_mix': 'Netherlands', 'canals-health-remote_escape': 'Netherlands', 'canals-peace-urban_culture': 'Netherlands', 'canals-peace-road_trip': 'Netherlands', 'canals-peace-city_nature_mix': 'Netherlands', 'canals-peace-remote_escape': 'Netherlands', 'canals-diverse_safe-urban_culture': 'Netherlands', 'canals-diverse_safe-road_trip': 'Netherlands', 'canals-diverse_safe-city_nature_mix': 'Netherlands', 'canals-diverse_safe-remote_escape': 'Netherlands', 'canals-stability-urban_culture': 'Netherlands', 'canals-stability-road_trip': 'Netherlands', 'canals-stability-city_nature_mix': 'Netherlands', 'canals-stability-remote_escape': 'Netherlands', 'coasts-health-urban_culture': 'Australia', 'coasts-health-road_trip': 'Australia', 'coasts-health-city_nature_mix': 'Australia', 'coasts-health-remote_escape': 'Australia', 'coasts-peace-urban_culture': 'Australia', 'coasts-peace-road_trip': 'Australia', 'coasts-peace-city_nature_mix': 'Australia', 'coasts-peace-remote_escape': 'New Zealand', 'coasts-diverse_safe-urban_culture': 'Australia', 'coasts-diverse_safe-road_trip': 'Australia', 'coasts-diverse_safe-city_nature_mix': 'Australia', 'coasts-diverse_safe-remote_escape': 'Australia', 'coasts-stability-urban_culture': 'Australia', 'coasts-stability-road_trip': 'Australia', 'coasts-stability-city_nature_mix': 'Australia', 'coasts-stability-remote_escape': 'Australia', 'volcanic-health-urban_culture': 'Iceland', 'volcanic-health-road_trip': 'Iceland', 'volcanic-health-city_nature_mix': 'Iceland', 'volcanic-health-remote_escape': 'Iceland', 'volcanic-peace-urban_culture': 'Iceland', 'volcanic-peace-road_trip': 'Iceland', 'volcanic-peace-city_nature_mix': 'Iceland', 'volcanic-peace-remote_escape': 'Iceland', 'volcanic-diverse_safe-urban_culture': 'Iceland', 'volcanic-diverse_safe-road_trip': 'Iceland', 'volcanic-diverse_safe-city_nature_mix': 'Iceland', 'volcanic-diverse_safe-remote_escape': 'Iceland', 'volcanic-stability-urban_culture': 'Iceland', 'volcanic-stability-road_trip': 'Iceland', 'volcanic-stability-city_nature_mix': 'Iceland', 'volcanic-stability-remote_escape': 'Iceland', 'mountains-health-urban_culture': 'Austria', 'mountains-health-road_trip': 'Canada', 'mountains-health-city_nature_mix': 'Canada', 'mountains-health-remote_escape': 'New Zealand', 'mountains-peace-urban_culture': 'Austria', 'mountains-peace-road_trip': 'New Zealand', 'mountains-peace-city_nature_mix': 'Austria', 'mountains-peace-remote_escape': 'New Zealand', 'mountains-diverse_safe-urban_culture': 'Canada', 'mountains-diverse_safe-road_trip': 'Canada', 'mountains-diverse_safe-city_nature_mix': 'Canada', 'mountains-diverse_safe-remote_escape': 'Canada', 'mountains-stability-urban_culture': 'Austria', 'mountains-stability-road_trip': 'Canada', 'mountains-stability-city_nature_mix': 'New Zealand', 'mountains-stability-remote_escape': 'New Zealand' }; function showResult() { var key = quizState.landscape + '-' + quizState.safety_focus + '-' + quizState.style; var resultDestination = destinationLogic[key]; if (!resultDestination) return; var data = destinationData[resultDestination]; resultCard.innerHTML = ''; var title = document.createElement('h4'); title.textContent = 'Your Safest Destination Match is...'; var destination = document.createElement('h2'); destination.textContent = resultDestination; var description = document.createElement('p'); description.textContent = data.description; var whySection = document.createElement('div'); whySection.className = 'safest-countries-why-matched'; whySection.innerHTML = 'Why We Matched You: ' + data.why; resultCard.appendChild(title); resultCard.appendChild(destination); resultCard.appendChild(description); resultCard.appendChild(whySection); var startOverButton = document.createElement('button'); startOverButton.className = 'safest-countries-start-over'; startOverButton.textContent = 'Or, Start Over'; startOverButton.addEventListener('click', function(){ resetQuiz(); scrollToToolTop(); // interaction-based scroll }); resultCard.appendChild(startOverButton); quizArea.style.display = 'none'; resultCard.classList.add('show'); scrollToToolTop(); // interaction-based scroll } function resetQuiz() { quizState = { landscape: null, safety_focus: null, style: null }; choices.forEach(function(c){ c.classList.remove('selected'); }); resultCard.classList.remove('show'); resultCard.innerHTML = ''; quizArea.style.display = 'block'; steps.forEach(function(s){ s.classList.remove('active'); }); matcherContainer.querySelector('#step1-safest-countries').classList.add('active'); } choices.forEach(function(choice){ choice.addEventListener('click', function(){ var step = parseInt(this.dataset.step, 10); var value = this.dataset.value; if (step === 1) quizState.landscape = value; else if (step === 2) quizState.safety_focus = value; else if (step === 3) quizState.style = value; // mark selection this.parentElement.querySelectorAll('.safest-countries-emoji-card').forEach(function(c){ c.classList.remove('selected'); }); this.classList.add('selected'); // next step var nextStepElem = matcherContainer.querySelector('#step' + (step + 1) + '-safest-countries'); setTimeout(function(){ if (nextStepElem) { steps.forEach(function(s){ s.classList.remove('active'); }); nextStepElem.classList.add('active'); scrollToToolTop(); // interaction-based scroll on step advance } else { // no next step -> show result showResult(); } }, 250); }); }); }); ]]>
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