When planning your next vacation abroad, safety should be one of your top concerns. After all, no one wants their dream trip ruined by getting mugged or caught up in a violent protest. Luckily, there are several countries around the world that pride themselves on low crime rates, political stability, and top-notch emergency services. Keep reading to discover the safest countries to visit for smooth sailing on your next adventure.
Iceland
Iceland tops the list as the safest countries to visit in the world. This Nordic island nation enjoys an extremely low crime rate, welcoming locals, modern infrastructure, and prompt emergency response services. You’re more likely to get lost on a hike in the rugged volcanic landscape than become the victim of a crime in one of Iceland’s charming cities.
The only real safety concerns for travelers are Iceland’s extreme weather and terrain. Make sure to check weather reports frequently and stick to marked trails when venturing out into Iceland’s wilderness. As long as you come prepared, Iceland offers travelers an incredibly secure and scenic getaway.
New Zealand
Consistently ranking high on lists of the world’s most peaceful countries, New Zealand is a wonderful choice for travelers looking to avoid safety concerns. Violent crimes are extremely rare, especially against tourists. And New Zealanders are some of the friendliest people you’ll encounter in your travels.
Like Iceland, New Zealand’s most hazardous scenarios involve thrill-seeking activities like skiing, surfing, hiking, and rafting. As long as you keep your wits about you, stick to designated adventure tourism operators, and know your limitations, you’re unlikely to face incidents of violent crime or theft during your New Zealand travels.
Singapore
Do you dream of exploring futuristic cityscapes where you can walk alone at night without fear? Then a visit to Singapore should be high on your travel bucket list! This modern metropolis is admired worldwide for its ultra-low crime rates, making it one of the safest places to visit on Earth.
Violent crimes are extremely rare and unlikely to target tourists. Just use common sense as you would when visiting any major city, like avoiding poorly lit areas at night. Given its reputation for public order, strict laws, and severe punishments, Singapore offers visitors nearly unparalleled safety and security during their travels.
Switzerland
Known for its politically neutral stance and absence of war, Switzerland sets itself apart as one of Europe’s safest travel destinations. Violent crime is rarely an issue, even in major metropolises like Zurich and Geneva. The Swiss are also famous for running an orderly, efficient society. So travelers can rest assured that emergency services will respond promptly in the rare case of an incident.
As with the other safest countries we’ve covered, Switzerland’s terrain poses more of a safety hazard than crime. Make sure to stick to marked hiking paths and ski runs when enjoying Switzerland’s iconic mountain landscapes. Beyond its postcard-worthy vistas, Switzerland’s low crime and strict emergency preparedness make it an incredibly safe choice for overseas visitors.
Safest Places in Europe
Austria
Austria enjoys a very high standard of living, strict gun laws, and efficient emergency services. Violent crimes are infrequent, and tourists are unlikely to be targeted. Austria’s stunning Alpine villages provide plenty of natural hazards though. Heed warning signs, stick to trails, and check avalanche reports when hitting the famous Austrian slopes.
Norway
Norway is repeatedly ranked as one of the most peaceful, safest countries for travelers year after year. Its friendly, welcoming citizens help visitors feel secure wandering Norway’s charming coastal villages and exploring its vast Arctic expanses. As with Iceland and New Zealand, Norway’s remote northern reaches can pose weather and terrain challenges. But violent crime is rarely an issue.
Denmark
Denmark is admired worldwide for its universal healthcare, free higher education, and extremely high happiness ratings. Unsurprisingly, the Danish also place a high priority on public safety. Violent crime and gun violence are very uncommon, thanks to Denmark’s social support systems and lack of economic disparity. Denmark is also relatively small and easy to navigate for visitors. Making it a wonderfully secure choice for new travelers and solo journeys.
Safest Places in Asia
Japan
Japan has one of the lowest rates of violent crime in the world, especially incidents involving guns or drugs. Its reputation for safety and orderliness makes Japan a top destination for solo female travelers.
Beyond Japan’s ultra-modern cities, its extensive rail network also provides a very safe way for visitors to travel between destinations. One tip: watch your belongings on crowded commuter trains, as pickpocketing occasionally occurs. Otherwise, travelers are unlikely to encounter safety issues or violent crime while visiting Japan.
Taiwan
While not yet a major tourist destination, Taiwan is rapidly emerging as one of the safest places to travel in Asia. Violent crime rates are extremely low, especially towards foreign visitors. Emergency services and infrastructure are top-notch after decades of public investment. And Taiwan’s cities are renowned for their extensive night markets where solo travelers will feel entirely secure (if overwhelmed by delicious food options!). Add in scenic hiking trails, gorgeous beaches, and Taiwanese hospitality, and Taiwan makes for fabulously safe island-hopping.
Malaysia
Malaysia is a favorite stop for round-the-world travelers thanks to its diversity, affordability, and culinary excellence. This multicultural hotspot also provides visitors with reliable emergency services, modern amenities, and rare violent crime occurrences. Cyber crime has been an issue in recent years. So travelers should take precautions against device hacking or online fraud. But Malaysia’s charming fusion of Eastern and Western cultures otherwise offers a secure atmosphere for overseas journeys.
Safest Places in Africa
Mauritius
The gorgeous island nation of Mauritius maintains one of Africa’s lowest crime rates and strongest emergency response systems. Violent crimes targeting tourists are extremely rare outside of a handful of isolated incidents. Visitors can immerse themselves in Mauritius’ paradise landscapes knowing medical care and infrastructure meet Western standards. Just don’t underestimate the currents if swimming off Mauritius’ iconic white sand beaches.
Rwanda
While political stability is still rebuilding after the early 1990s genocide, Rwanda has emerged as one of Africa’s safest travel destinations in recent years. The government’s strong security measures keep violent crime extremely low, especially in popular areas like Volcanoes National Park. Just avoid hiking alone in remote areas and keep up with local developments when visiting rural villages. Otherwise, Rwanda offers an incredibly secure East African experience.
Botswana
Botswana compares favorably to Europe and North America on measurements of corruption, press freedom, and socioeconomic development. This stable middle-income democracy deters most crime through fair governance and equitable living standards. Travelers can safely navigate between Botswana’s diamond mines, wildlife reserves, indigenous villages, and the iconic Okavango Delta with minimal safety concerns. Just stick to guided tours in unfenced wilderness areas that shelter Africa’s Big Five game animals.
Tips for Staying Safe
- Purchase travel insurance covering emergency medical care, evacuation services, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and any adventurous activities you have planned. Travel insurance provides vital peace of mind no matter how safe your destination.
- Register with your embassy or consulate abroad. This allows them to notify and assist you in case of natural disasters, civil unrest, or family emergencies while overseas. Many countries even text safety alerts to registered citizens.
- Observe the same common sense precautions you would at home. Don’tventure out alone after dark, display expensive gear or jewelry, or lose sight of your drink at bars. Avoid sketchy neighborhoods and dimly lit parks. And learn a few emergency phrases in your destination’s language just in case.
Following these tips allows you to benefit from these countries’ low crime rates while still exercising sound judgment. Stay alert, make smart decisions, and don’t take unnecessary risks. Now get out there and have the adventure of a lifetime exploring Earth’s safest destinations!
Conclusion
Iceland, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, Japan, and Botswana are just a sampling of the safest places in the world for travelers to visit in 2023. These nations provide low crime rates, political stability, reliable emergency services, and welcoming locals to set travelers’ minds at ease.
Observing basic precautions allows you to capitalize on their peaceful environments. Seek travel insurance, register with your embassy, and use good judgment while enjoying once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Avoiding sketchy situations means you can immerse yourself fully in these incredible cultures without safety concerns interfering.
So check out visiting one of the safest countries to visit your bucket list! Embark on a journey of extravagance and adventure as you uncover the unforgettable charms of the Florida keys and key west, where every moment is an opportunity to reward yourself with the peace of mind to soak up your surroundings instead of worrying about becoming a crime statistic—now’s the time to venture safely abroad and make unforgettable memories with minimal risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which country is the absolute safest for travelers?
A1: According to various global safety indexes and crime statistics, Iceland maintains the world’s lowest violent crime rates against locals and travelers alike. Its isolated location, small population, high standard of living, and lack of economic inequality contribute to extraordinarily high safety.
Q2: Are the Nordic countries safe to visit?
A2: Yes, Nordic countries like Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden are very safe thanks to low crime and poverty rates amplified by strong social welfare programs. However, their Arctic climates pose certain weather hazards to unprepared visitors.
Q3: Is New Zealand safe for solo female travelers?
A3: With low violent crime, top-notch infrastructure, and welcoming citizens, New Zealand is an incredibly safe option for solo female adventurers. Exercise normal precautions, stick to public areas, and consider hiring guides for remote treks or activities.
Q4: What are Singapore’s laws around drugs and crime?
A4: Singapore maintains stringent penalties for drug offenses and various misdemeanors. Traffic fines, vandalism, and petty theft may result in caning and harsh jail sentences. Singapore’s legal system helps deter crime, but know the rules to avoid frightening punishments.
Q5: Should I worry about wildlife dangers in Africa’s safest countries?
A5: When visiting Botswana’s parks and reserves, stick close to guides, rangers, and marked trails. Do not exit your vehicle except in designated safe zones. Obey all rules imposed for your safety, and wildlife confrontations are extremely unlikely even in Africa.
