Tourists can find the greatest sense of security in Iceland's capital city, Reykjavik, according to recent statistics.
Venture Out with Confidence: Top Safe Spots for Travellers
The city that sets the bar high for tourists' safety is none other than the vibrant Reykjavík, Iceland. Based on data collected by the Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection Insurance Company, this Nordic gem outshines other cities worldwide.
Strolling through the cobblestone streets of Copenhagen, Denmark, or exploring Montreal, Canada isn't far behind. These two contenders, along with 26 other cities, are also considered safe for tourists. The comprehensive list takes into account multiple sources, including the Economist's Safe Cities Index, GeoSure Global's indicator, Numbeo's Crime Index, and the wisdom of travellers themselves.
Carol Mueller, president of Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection Insurance, emphasized that even in these safe cities, unexpected mishaps can occur, ranging from flight delays and lost luggage to illness. But hardly a cause for concern, she said.
When it comes to domestic travel, the Netherlands tops the list, followed closely by Denmark and Iceland. In fact, the Land of Fire and Ice has consistently held the crown for travel safety in recent years.
Here's the lowdown on the top cities when it comes to safety:
- Reykjavík
- Copenhagen
- Montreal
- Amsterdam
- Seoul
- Singapore
- Tokyo
- Berlin
- London
- Sydney
- Barcelona
- Honolulu
- Rome
- Dubai
- Paris
And the cream of the crop for countries:
- Netherlands
- Denmark
- Iceland
- Australia
- Norway
- Canada
- Germany
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- New Zealand
- Spain
- Ireland
- United Arab Emirates
- UK
- Belgium
Factors contributing to a city's or country's safety rating include:- Political Stability: Destinations with stable governments and low risk of political unrest or civil disturbance are considered safer for tourists.- Low Crime Rates: Cities with minimal violent crime, theft, and pickpocketing contribute to higher safety rankings.- Health Standards: High-quality healthcare infrastructure and effective health standards play a significant role in ensuring tourists can access medical care if needed and reducing the risk of contagious diseases impacting visitors.- Quality of Transportation Infrastructure: Reliable, safe, and efficient public transportation systems help reduce accidents, ensuring tourists can move around securely.- Weather and Natural Disaster Preparedness: Destinations with low risk of natural disasters (such as earthquakes, hurricanes, or extreme weather events) and strong emergency preparedness protocols are rated more highly.- Protection from Discrimination and Harassment: Places where travelers can move about freely without fear of discrimination or harassment—especially those from underrepresented groups—are increasingly prioritized by modern safety assessments.
Other additional considerations include ease of travel and convenience for domestic travelers, and a comprehensive picture based on traveler experiences, third-party safety ratings, and official government travel advisories.
Traveling to Reykjavík, Iceland, Copenhagen, Denmark, or Montreal, Canada offers a blend of safety and lifestyle, making them excellent choices for a worry-free voyage. The vibrant cities, along with others on the comprehensive safety list, provide a conducive environment for tourists, considering factors like low crime rates, quality healthcare, and reliable transportation.
