Travel buzz for 2026 is already humming, but let’s cut to the chase: nobody wants their vacation hijacked by worry. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection just dropped their fresh rankings, built from real stories of 1,800+ American road warriors plus hard numbers on crime, health, weather, and how welcome everyone feels. The result? A shortlist of places where the scariest thing might be missing your train or eating too much chocolate. Here are the top 10 safest countries to visit in 2026.
1. Netherlands
Topping the charts for 2026, the Netherlands flips the script on what “danger” looks like abroad. Forget the myths of sketchy back alleys—this land of tulips and tolerance earns its crown through rock-solid healthcare, inclusive vibes for every traveler type, and a society that’s all about harmony. Sure, the real adventure hazard? Zipping bikes whizzing by in Amsterdam’s bustling streets. Otherwise, this flat wonderland runs on trust: wallets left on café tables, kids biking solo to school, healthcare that rivals your hometown doc. Remember to pedal to the Rijksmuseum before the crowds, then maybe drift south to Maastricht’s limestone caves for underground wine tastings. Spring tulip fields or winter ice-skating on frozen canals—pick your season.
2. Australia
Second place feels like a victory lap for the land of barbecues and barrier reefs. Terrorism stats are microscopic, hospitals world-class, and rangers keep the wildlife drama on TV, not your trail. Fly into Perth for lesser-known beaches, train-hop to Adelaide’s wine valleys, then cap it in Cairns with a mask and fins—coral still pops neon even if parts are healing. Pack reef-safe sunscreen and a sense of humor; Aussies roast strangers like family.
3. Austria
New to the podium and loving the spotlight. Vienna’s tram system is so punctual you set your watch to it, and mountain villages still greet hikers with schnapps at the door. Spend mornings in Mozart’s cafés, afternoons hiking the Dachstein glaciers, evenings at a heuriger table under grapevines. Theft? Practically folklore. Just don’t overcommit to apfelstrudel portions. Pro tip: Vienna may be the “Big Apple” of Austria, but the real charm lies in the country’s smaller main cities like Graz and Salzburg.
4. Iceland
Iceland slipped to number 4 (from the top spot last year) yet kept the “most peaceful country” crown—take that, volcanoes. The Ring Road occasionally gets a lava haircut, but road crews treat it like a manicure. Base in Reykjavík (safest city on the planet, per the data), day-trip to geysers that shoot on schedule, soak in secret lagoons the color of a Tiffany box. Midnight sun in summer, aurora in winter—nature’s light show, zero admission fee.
5. Canada
Big, polite, and prepared. From Vancouver’s seawall sushi runs to Banff’s bear-aware trails, the vibe is “we’ve got this.” Drive the Icefields Parkway with a thermos of Tim Hortons, stop for poutine in Québec City’s old town, whale-watch in Tadoussac where the St. Lawrence meets the sea. Moose on the highway? Slow down, snap the pic, keep rolling.
6. New Zealand
Think epic backdrops with Kiwi common sense. Earthquakes happen, buildings bounce back tougher. Hike Tongariro before sunrise for that Mordor glow, kayak Abel Tasman’s turquoise bays, taste pinot in Central Otago cellars that feel like hobbit holes for grown-ups. Locals call you “mate” by the second sentence—safety in slang.
7. United Arab Emirates
Dubai’s skyline looks CGI, but the safety stats are real. Women wander souks solo at midnight, malls have prayer rooms and play zones, desert camps serve cardamom coffee under star fields thick as glitter. Abu Dhabi’s Louvre outpost alone justifies the flight. Sandstorm? Grab a shawl and keep shopping.
8. Switzerland
Trains glide, fondue pots bubble, avalanches get avalanche nets. Zurich’s lake swims feel like a postcard you’re living inside. Ride the Glacier Express for panoramic therapy, hike the Eiger Trail if your knees agree, buy chocolate at the factory door in Broc. Precision isn’t a stereotype—it’s your itinerary.
9. Japan
Bow, slurp, repeat. Tokyo’s rush hour is a silent ballet; Kyoto’s back alleys hide temples older than nations. Yet Japan’s cities are among the cleanest in the world. Onsen etiquette is simple: scrub, soak, sigh. Bullet trains deliver you to Hiroshima’s peace cranes or Hokkaido’s powder snow with zero drama. Typhoon season? Apps ping you before the first raindrop.
10. Ireland
Emerald hills, darker stout, friendlier banter. Dublin’s Temple Bar sings till sunrise, the Wild Atlantic Way delivers cliff-hanger views without the cliff-hanger nerves. Kiss the Blarney Stone if you dare, cycle the Ring of Kerry with sheep as traffic. Rain is just liquid sunshine—pack layers, not paranoia.
Final Checklist Before You Book
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection didn’t just rank—they reminded. Sign up for STEP alerts, download offline maps, buy insurance that actually answers the phone. Then go make memories that outlive the selfies. Looking for something tropical and closer to home? Check out the five safest Caribbean islands to visit.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.