There’s a lot to keep track of any time you travel. If you’re flying, you need to make it to the airport with plenty of time to go through security and get to your gate (and possibly check your bag). If you’re driving, you need to check that your car is in good shape and that it can handle the road conditions at your destination.
You also have to keep track of your luggage and, if you have an itinerary, you need to make sure you’re sticking to it. All this is going on while you’re in an unfamiliar place, possibly surrounded by an unfamiliar language and navigating streets that you’ve never been on before.
While some of this foreignness is what makes travel so exciting, it’s also what makes travel stressful as well. So, to make traveling a little bit less challenging and a little bit more enjoyable, consider vacationing in one of the safest places in the world.
After all, on top of everything else you don’t want to have to worry about your personal safety while you’re walking down unfamiliar streets or your hotel room being burglarized while you’re out. Instead, take a look at these 5 international destinations and 5 destinations in the USA where you’ll have a safer travel experience.
International Destinations
International travel can be extremely stressful on its own. While many people speak English all over the world, that doesn’t mean that everyone you meet will be able to understand what you’re saying or help you find your way.
Make your international travel experience easier by choosing destinations that are known to be safe. According to the Institute for Peace and Economics, these were the five safest countries in the world in 2021. It’s important to know that a 1 is a perfect score!
Slovenia
Slovenia came in with a score of 1.315 on the Global Peace Index (GPI), making it the fifth-most peaceful country in the world. Head to this eastern European country for the mountains and extreme sports. Explore its caves and sample its delicious traditional foods, knowing that you’re in one of the safest countries in the world.
Portugal
With a GPI score of 1.267, this seaside country on the Iberian peninsula is a popular tourist destination. Visit Portugal for the tasty food and delicious wines, including port wine, which is only made in Portugal. Take your time in this sunny country and relax knowing that you’re in one of the safest countries for international travel!
Denmark
This Scandinavian country came in with a score of 1.256, making Denmark the third-safest country in the world in 2021. If you love history, Denmark has plenty of art museums and castles for you to explore (as long as you don’t mind the cold weather!).
New Zealand
Head south to New Zealand, which with a score of 1.253, is the second-safest country in the world. Gaze up at the stunning fjords from your kayak or boat, or take a guided walk on a glacier. This beautiful, super-safe country also has plenty of amazing wildlife spotting opportunities to offer.
Iceland
With a GPI score of 1.1, Iceland has consistently ranked as the safest country in the world. This northern country has geothermal baths where you can sit back and relax in warm water. Go whale-watching or visit during the winter months to get a chance to see the aurora borealis, a.k.a. the northern lights.
Read More: Seven Tips for International Travel
Safest Places in the USA
Crime is a problem all over the world, and the U.S.A. is no exception. The FBI releases statistics on a yearly basis about crime in the U.S.A. According to the FBI and U.S. News and World Report, here are the 5 safest states in the USA in 2019.
Connecticut
Connecticut has very little property crime and violent crime, making it the fifth-safest state in the USA. So head up north to enjoy everything Connecticut has to offer, from adventure parks to beaches, from antiques to art galleries, and everything in between.
New Jersey
You may be surprised to find out that New Jersey comes in as the fourth-safest state in the USA, but the numbers show that its violent crime and property crime rank equally low. If you love casinos, the Jersey Shore, or staying close to the Big Apple, this is great news!
Idaho
With a population of around 2 million, Idaho comes in as the third-safest state in the country. The property crime rank is very low, but violent crime ranks higher. Head to this beautiful state to enjoy all the nature it has to offer. Go stargazing, rock climbing, and chase some waterfalls in this safe state.
New Hampshire
The second-safest state in the nation is New Hampshire, which ranks equally low in violent crime and property crime. Check out the summer water sports, some of the largest trees in the world, or go mountain climbing.
Maine
Head north to Maine if you’re looking for the safest state in the nation. Maine has the lowest violent crime rate in the country and one of the lowest property crime rankings as well. Go snowboarding, explore the friendly city of Portland, and check out the lighthouses, knowing you’re in one of the safest places you could possibly be.
