Daniel is a copywriter who has well and truly been bitten alive by the 'travel bug'. After ticking off several North American National Parks and exploring Europe by train, his sights are now set on South East Asia. Usually with at least one camera locked and loaded, you'll find Daniel wherever there are mountains, lakes or beaches.
As we head into a new year, it’s time to start thinking about your 2024 vacations, and high on everyone’s list should be looking for safe travel destinations. Using data from Berkshire Hathaway and their travel research team, we’ve put together a list of the top safe vacation spots for 2024.
Canada
Our northern neighbors continue to be ranked among the safest countries to travel to each year, making it the number one spot for 2024. Thanks to its colder weather and low population density, Canada is considered a top safe vacation spot with lower violent and gun-related crime than America.
Switzerland
Having not been in an international war since 1815, it’s no surprise that Switzerland features highly on a list of the safest travel destinations for Americans. With some of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet, world-class skiing resorts, and the tastiest cheese and chocolate, make 2024 the year you travel to Switzerland!
Norway
Norway is known for its safety, in fact, the crime rate in Oslo, one of the most visited cities, was 39 per 1,000 residents in 2021, according to Statistics Norway. These are the kinds of numbers law enforcement departments can only dream of in most U.S. cities! Add in the soaring white mountains, stunning fjords, and emerald-green forests, and you have the perfect outdoor adventure vacation.
Ireland
If you’re looking for an abundance of green landscapes, friendly folk, and a taste of the best Guinness in the world, Ireland should be high on your bucket list. It also happens to be one of the safest travel destinations for Americans.
In the whole of 2022, the nation recorded 69 homicides, substantially less than many U.S. cities. Things can of course get a little rowdy after a few drinks at the pub but you can rest easy knowing the Emerald Isle is a safe vacation spot for 2024.
Netherlands
Although the entire country is beautiful and worth visiting, many Americans stick to Amsterdam when traveling to the Netherlands. This is for good reason, with the capital being one of the safest cities in the entire world, despite its reputation for ‘fun’. It is also located in an ideal spot to act as a launching pad for exploring more of Europe.
United Kingdom
A visit across the pond to visit our British brothers and sisters should be on any travel bucket list, and it just so happens that the UK is considered one of the safest travel destinations for Americans thanks to our two countries’ close ties. Crime outside of cities is constantly low, with the overall crime rate of the entire nation actually dropping 15% in 2022.
So when visiting, make sure to explore London but also look into exploring Britain’s other gems in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland!
Portugal
Fast becoming the new coolest destination, Portugal combines natural beauty with great food and high security, securing itself as one of the best safe vacation spots for 2024. Outside of the major cities and south coast, Portugal has many hidden gems that see low tourism and therefore very low crime rates. The Western European nation is definitely one to visit sooner rather than later!
Denmark
Since the creation of the World’s Happiness Report Denmark has never dropped out of the top three happiest nations. With such high rankings, it is safe to say security is strong in the Nordic nation. The Danes are known for their stable government, low levels of corruption, and easy access to good education and healthcare. Throw all of these factors together and you can be sure Denmark is one of the safest travel destinations for Americans in 2024.
Iceland
Much like its Nordic neighbor, Iceland has long been one of the top safe travel destinations in the world. Between 2013 and 2021 the nation only had 660 police officers across the country. That might sound alarming, but in that timeframe, just two homicides were recorded. The weather can make Iceland dangerous at certain times of the year, so make sure to travel with a guide who can better navigate the terrain.
Australia
As long as you keep an eye out for the wildlife, you should be right as rain when visiting Australia. In 2022, Australia recorded 377 total homicides, which compares to Chicago’s 692. So, if you lather up on sunscreen and respect the nation’s wildlife, you can breathe easy knowing Australia is one of the best safe vacation spots for 2024.
Japan
With a strong national morale compass and culture of order, Japan has consistently been one of the safest travel destinations for Americans. Even major city areas are considered mostly safe (although those with a penchant for the nightlife, be a little more wary), the more rural areas are thought to be very safe. It’s worth noting many behaviors we would consider normal are a no-go in Japan, so a bit of research is always worthwhile.
New Zealand
The poster child for the way they handled the COVID-19 pandemic and home to a homicide rate of just 0.7 per 100,000, New Zealand stands strong as one of the top safe vacation spots for any traveler. Unlike its neighbor, Australia, wildlife won’t be much of an issue here. In fact, the nation’s most abundant animal is the sheep, with about five times as many as humans!
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