- The Netherlands tops the 2026 list as the world's safest travel destination
- Australia ranks high due to low crime, strong healthcare, and public safety laws
- Europe dominates safety rankings with five countries in the top ten list
In a time when headlines about travel mishaps and safety alerts dominate feeds, true comfort begins long before the journey starts - it starts with knowing you will be safe when you land. Whether you are a woman backpacking across Europe, a solo traveller chasing stillness, or a family planning the next big escape, feeling secure is no longer a luxury. It is the foundation of travel itself. According to the latest Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection Report, 2026 is set to reshape the global safety map. The rankings highlight destinations where safety, community trust, and calm coexist beautifully - places where you can truly relax, not just recharge.
How The 2026 Safety Rankings Were Compiled?
The report blends solid data with lived experience. Using global benchmarks such as the Global Peace Index, Numbeo, and traveller feedback, Berkshire Hathaway ranks countries based on multiple safety factors, including crime rates and healthcare, as well as political stability and emergency response systems. It also considers how travellers feel in each place, giving the results a more human touch.
The outcome? A list that does not just reflect statistics, but captures where peace genuinely feels possible in 2026.
Also Read: Explore The World On A Budget: 10 Affordable Destinations From India
The World's 10 Safest Countries To Travel In 2026:
1. Netherlands
The Netherlands has taken the crown from Iceland as the world's safest country. From the organised chaos of Amsterdam's bike lanes to the still beauty of Lisse's tulip fields, it offers both charm and confidence.
- LGBTQ+ inclusive society
- Low crime rates
- English widely spoken
- Dependable public transport
- Safe for solo and women travellers
Travel vibe: In the Netherlands, safety feels effortless - like sipping coffee beside a canal, knowing the day ahead is yours to shape without worry.
Photo Credit: Pexels
2. Australia
Australia remains a traveller's favourite for balancing thrill with tranquillity. Its low crime rate, excellent healthcare, and easygoing culture make it a destination where safety feels natural.
- Secure cities like Sydney and Melbourne
- Stringent public safety laws
- Quick emergency services
- Friendly, inclusive environment
Travel vibe: Whether you are diving into the Great Barrier Reef or lounging in Byron Bay, Australia makes adventure feel easy and safe.
Photo Credit: Pexels
3. Austria
Austria is Europe's quiet achiever - beautiful, disciplined, and endlessly serene. Vienna and Salzburg are not only cultural hubs but also some of the world's cleanest and most orderly cities.
- Exceptionally low crime levels
- Reliable healthcare and transport
- Deep cultural respect and structure
Travel vibe: Imagine sipping coffee in a 19th-century café, the sound of a piano drifting through open windows - safety here feels like routine elegance.
Photo Credit: Pexels
4. Iceland
Though no longer number one, Iceland remains an unmatched model of safety. Violent crime is almost non-existent, and societal trust runs deep enough to make hitchhiking feel normal.
- Nearly zero violent crime
- Small, close-knit population
- Excellent natural hazard protocols
Travel vibe: Watch the Northern Lights dance above as you soak in a hot spring - Iceland's calm is as breathtaking as its landscapes.
Also Read: Where India Lands In The List Of The Best Countries In The World
Photo Credit: Pexels
5. Canada
If safety had a personality, it might sound Canadian. From the vast Rockies to Montréal's cobblestoned charm, the country's friendliness feels baked into daily life.
- Consistently low crime rates
- Strong public healthcare
- Warm, respectful locals
Travel vibe: A place where you can hike through wilderness one day and chat with strangers over poutine the next - safety here feels like belonging.
Also Read: New Report Reveals Top 10 Countries For Digital Nomads, Check India's Rank
Photo Credit: Pexels
6. New Zealand
New Zealand pairs thrilling adventure with quiet confidence. With clean cities, kind locals, and world-class safety systems, it is tailor-made for travellers seeking both heart-pounding and heartwarming experiences.
- Pristine natural surroundings
- Safe for solo and outdoor travellers
- Highly responsive emergency services
Travel vibe: Jump from a plane over Lake Taupo or just watch clouds move across Mount Cook - either way, you will feel protected by both nature and people.
Photo Credit: Pexels
7. United Arab Emirates
The UAE has risen steadily in safety rankings, combining cutting-edge infrastructure with cultural courtesy. For women travellers, it is one of the most secure destinations globally.
- Effective law enforcement
- Low crime rates
- Safe public spaces
- Luxury built on order and respect
Travel vibe: Shop, dine, and explore futuristic skylines knowing safety is as guaranteed as sunshine.
Also Read: Top 10 Countries With The Most Airports, And What Travellers Should Know About Them
Photo Credit: Pexels
8. Switzerland
Switzerland's efficiency extends beyond its trains - safety and order define everything here. From its pristine air to its political neutrality, it is a haven for mindful travellers.
- Highly disciplined society
- Politically stable and neutral
- Respectful, law-abiding citizens
Travel vibe: Lose yourself in the silence of alpine trails, the precision of a Swiss watch, and the unshakable sense that nothing can go wrong here.
Photo Credit: Pexels
9. Japan
Japan has long been a global model of safety, where social respect replaces policing. Crime is rare, punctuality is religion, and strangers look out for one another.
- Extremely low crime
- Polite, organised society
- Impeccable public transport
Travel vibe: Walk alone through neon Tokyo or Kyoto's quiet alleys at night - Japan redefines what feeling safe truly means.
Photo Credit: Pexels
10. Ireland
Ireland rounds off the list with its warmth and community spirit. Even in busy Dublin, conversations flow easily and kindness feels contagious.
- Low crime
- Friendly, approachable locals
- Safe across urban and rural areas
Travel vibe: Chat with strangers in a pub, drive through emerald countryside, and experience safety as hospitality.
Also Read: Delhi Named Among Top 10 Affordable Long-Haul Holiday Destinations In The World
Photo Credit: Pexels
Europe Still Dominates The Safety Map:
Five out of the top ten safest countries for 2026 are European - proof that the continent's focus on public systems, healthcare, and social trust continues to pay off. Countries like Austria, Switzerland, and Ireland show that peace and progress can go hand in hand.
Honourable Mentions: Still Worth A Safe Bet
These countries narrowly missed the top 10 but remain solid choices for travellers seeking calm, structured holidays.
- Belgium
- Portugal
- France
- United Kingdom
- Denmark
Each combines low crime with high quality of life - ideal for those seeking shorter, secure European breaks.
Also Read: Ranked: Top 10 Busiest International Airline Routes In August 2025
Best Destinations For Solo And Women Travellers:
Safety for women and solo explorers goes beyond numbers - it is about how confidently one can move. Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Canada consistently rank highest for gender safety, public transport, and respectful cultures. These countries allow freedom without fear, making them perfect for solo journeys in 2026.
Travel Smart: Safety Habits That Still Matter:
Even in the safest countries, awareness makes all the difference.
- Register with your embassy if travelling long-term
- Keep digital copies of key documents
- Use licensed taxis or verified transport
- Learn a few local phrases for emergencies
- Understand local customs before you go
Safety, after all, is a shared responsibility between destination and traveller.
Also Read: These Are The Top 10 Most Walkable Cities In The World (And The Bottom 10)
Safety Is The New Luxury:
As travel becomes more unpredictable, the definition of luxury is shifting. It is no longer about suites or champagne; it is about feeling at ease wherever you are. These countries, with their systems of trust and calm, prove that peace of mind might just be the most valuable travel currency of 2026.
So where would you go - the tulip-lined paths of the Netherlands, the cinematic landscapes of New Zealand, or the timeless cafés of Vienna? Whichever direction you choose, let 2026 be the year you travel freely and fearlessly.
