Discover the Safest Travel Destinations for a Stress-Free Trip
Are you looking for a safe destination for your next international journey? The team at International Travel Insurance Group has compiled a list of some of the safest travel destinations.
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What Makes a Destination “Safe”?
Before diving into the list, it’s important to understand what makes a destination safe. Several factors contribute to a city’s safety profile, such as:
- Crime levels: Particularly crimes targeting tourists, including petty theft and scams.
- Ease of communication: Language barriers and access to assistance in case of emergencies.
- Local culture: Friendliness, helpfulness, and social norms that make visitors feel welcome.
- Navigability: How easy it is to get around safely, whether on foot, public transport, or by car.
- Essential services: The availability of healthcare, law enforcement, and emergency support.
While some risks can be minimized before you even leave, such as purchasing travel insurance, other risks require vigilance during your trip. Understanding the local environment and planning ahead can significantly contribute to a stress-free experience.
The 12 Safest Cities Around the World
Travelers seeking peace of mind often look for destinations that combine cultural richness, ease of navigation, and low crime rates.
The following cities have earned a reputation for being safe and visitor-friendly. Beyond safety, they also offer incredible experiences, from historic landmarks to vibrant local life, that make them unforgettable.
1. Helsinki, Finland
In a recent study conducted secretly in large central squares around Helsinki, virtually all wallets “dropped” by travelers were returned to them almost immediately with their contents untouched.
The overall safety of Finland is strengthened by a high standard of living and great care for social harmony. Finns see themselves as regional leaders and work hard to act the part.
2. Adelaide, Australia
Australia is a good choice for U.S. travelers who only speak English, as they’ll never have to worry about a language barrier.
Adelaide, in particular, is a great choice thanks to the extremely low rates of both violent and property crimes, coupled with a laid-back attitude and natural friendly streak.
The locals are sure to endear themselves to you, and social norms are very familiar.
3. Calgary, Canada
Canada has long been known for its low crime rates and the natural helpfulness of its people.
Calgary consistently attracts a high proportion of the country’s visiting students from abroad, so the locals here are used to welcoming visitors.
Outside of March and April, the weather tends to be more forgiving than in many other areas of Canada, which reduces accidents.
4. Toronto, Canada
Toronto is widely reputed as the most diverse city in Canada and one of the most diverse in North America.
Although you might run into occasional issues here with unlicensed taxis, it remains one of the safest cities of its size worldwide; more than five and a half million people live in the greater Toronto area. Safe, clean, well-lit public transportation is also a plus here.
5. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is a picture of efficiency, and it has reported lower levels of crime in multiple categories over the past three years.
The only area of criminal behavior that has seen notable growth in that time is cybercrime, such as phishing.
Travelers from a variety of backgrounds report feeling a high level of safety, both during the day and while walking in central areas at night.
6. Tokyo, Japan
The people of Japan impressed the world during the 2011 tsunami when it was widely reported that wallets and other belongings valued at millions of dollars were gathered and returned to residents, even those who had been displaced by the disaster.
Although Tokyo is crowded and can be challenging to navigate, petty theft and property crimes are all but unknown here.
7. Singapore
Singapore has one of the lowest rates of violent crime in the world, and it was reported just this February that overall crime rates had reached a 30-year low.
Tourists need to be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas, but the high police presence means even common tourist scams are relatively rare. However, note that you can be fined heavily for littering and jaywalking.
8. Berlin, Germany
Berlin is another city with an extremely low crime rate, combined with a moderate police presence and relatively low language barriers.
Many Germans study English throughout their middle and high school years and will be glad to help you if you need it. Most areas of Berlin are very easy to navigate, so getting lost is not usually a concern.
9. San Jose, Costa Rica
Any list of the safest cities for travelers needs to include San Jose for one very important reason: The people of Costa Rica are consistently recognized as some of the happiest, friendliest, most optimistic, and most outgoing.
This means that it can be very easy to meet and get to know people in Costa Rica, which, as long as you practice basic safety, can be very helpful.
10. Vientiane, Laos
The capital of Laos, Vientiane, is one of the most modern cities in Southeast Asia. It has also been recognized by the U.N. for its historic sites.
Though the language barrier can be formidable, the city is very safe for tourists and locals alike. The low cost of living and a hospitable atmosphere make it attractive for solo travelers, including backpackers and women visiting alone.
11. Stockholm, Sweden
Sweden is a country that places a high priority on the community. Some factors that can contribute to crime, such as unemployment, are notoriously low here.
Plus, Swedes universally study English as part of their public education system now, so you will be able to get assistance from anyone who is approximately age 30 or younger. Be aware, though, that this city is expensive!
12. Amsterdam, Netherlands
The people of Amsterdam take a relaxed, laissez-faire approach to life. Crime here is consistently low, with Amsterdam ranking high on lists of the world’s safest cities for decades now.
Women traveling alone make up a large proportion of its guests, and tourists have no problems. Visitors should, however, be cautious of tram crossings and bike paths.
Protect Your Trip with Travel Insurance
Traveling internationally can be one of life’s most rewarding experiences, and choosing a safe destination helps make your journey both enjoyable and stress-free.
The 12 cities listed above combine safety, accessibility, and cultural richness, making them excellent choices for travelers of all kinds.
However, even in the safest cities, no trip is entirely risk-free. Unforeseen events, such as medical emergencies, lost belongings, or travel disruptions, can occur anywhere. That’s why investing in comprehensive travel insurance is always a wise decision.
Coupled with basic precautions, such as securing your belongings and staying vigilant about your surroundings, a travel plan provides you with peace of mind and the freedom to focus on exploration, adventure, and creating lasting memories.
Find the Best International Travel Insurance
- Compare top-rated travel insurance providers
- Get quotes for Travel Medical, Trip Cancellation, and more
- Choose the best plan for your trip and budget
Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
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