Travel buzz for 2027 is already humming, but let’s cut to the chase: nobody wants their vacation hijacked by worry. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection just released its latest rankings on the safest countries to travel to in 2027, built on American travelers’ experiences plus Global Peace Index data. The result? A shortlist of places where the scariest thing you wll experience ranges from missing a train to eating too much chocolate.
Denmark and Portugal are new to the list, and the UAE and Switzerland have dropped out. Here are the top 10 safest countries to visit in 2027.
1. Canada
Topping the charts for 2027 is one you might not have expected. I guess that traditional Canadian politeness goes a long way toward safety though, eh? From Vancouver’s seawall sushi runs to Banff’s bear-aware trails, Canada is not only fun to visit, but comes with peace of mind, too. 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, and keep it rolling. Canada ranks No. 1 for many reasons, including safety for women, minority travelers, and LGBTQIA+ travelers. Just watch out for wildfires.
2. New Zealand
A four-spot climb from No. 6 puts New Zealand at No. 2 in this year’s ranking. Think epic backdrops with Kiwi common sense. Earthquakes happen, and the country plans for them. 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. Doesn’t that make you feel safe?
3. Australia
Slipping one spot to No. 3 still feels like a victory lap for the land of barbecues and barrier reefs. Australia’s wildlife is famous for a reason, so heed the ranger signs and keep the drama on TV, not your trail. Fly into Perth for lesser-known beaches, head east to Adelaide’s wine valleys, then cap it in Cairns with a mask and fins—parts of the reef are still recovering, but the coral can still wow. Pack reef-safe sunscreen and a sense of humor; Aussies roast strangers like they’re family. That’s how you know they’ll protect you.
4. Iceland
Iceland holds steady at No. 4 for a second straight year—not bad for a country that sits on a volcanic hot spot. Check road conditions before you drive, then base yourself in Reykjavík, a compact capital that’s easy to navigate. Day-trip to geysers that erupt every few minutes, soak in lagoons the color of a Tiffany box. Midnight sun in summer, aurora in winter—nature’s light show, zero admission fee. Don’t forget to eat one of the country’s famous lamb hot dogs, topped with crispy onions, mustard, and some other street food staples.
5. Japan
Japan leaps from No. 9 to No. 5, and the trains are still running on time. Tokyo’s rush hour is a silent ballet; Kyoto’s back alleys hide temples older than nations. Japan’s cities are famously tidy, and 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? Alerts are quick and plentiful—download one before you go. Don’t forget to slurp down a bowl of ramen while you’re there.
6. Austria
Austria slides from No. 3 to No. 6, but don’t tell the trams. Vienna’s trams are so punctual you can set your watch by them, 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. Just don’t overcommit to apfelstrudel portions. Pro tip: Vienna gets the spotlight, but Graz and Salzburg are worth the detour.
7. Ireland
A three-spot climb from No. 10 lands Ireland at No. 7. Emerald hills, creamy pints of Guinness, friendly banter. Dublin’s Temple Bar sings late into the night, and 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 a part of the deal—pack layers, but you can leave the rest of the travel paranoia at home.
8. Netherlands
Last year’s No. 1 slips to No. 8, but forget the myths of sketchy back alleys—this land of tulips and tolerance is still a top-10 pick, known for its healthcare, its inclusive vibe, and a society that’s all about harmony. The real adventure hazard? The bikes zipping through Amsterdam’s busy streets, so look both ways before you cross. Otherwise, this flat wonderland is easy to navigate and filled with things to do. Pedal to the Rijksmuseum before the crowds, then drift south to Maastricht and its limestone caves. Spring tulip fields or, if the canals freeze, winter skating. There’s something in the Netherlands for every season.
9. Denmark
New to the top 10, Denmark arrives with its own traffic lights for bikes and a national talent for making everything cozy. Copenhagen is a walkable, bikeable capital: wander Nyhavn’s painted townhouses, ride the wooden roller coaster at Tivoli Gardens, then take the train north to Humlebæk for the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, where the sculpture garden looks out over the Øresund. Save room for a smørrebrød lunch and a warm cinnamon pastry. Like any capital, Copenhagen has pickpockets in busy tourist spots, so keep your bag zipped. Other than that, you can travel with near-total peace of mind. In winter, pack layers and lean into hygge—a Danish word to describe pure cozy comfort.
10. Portugal
Rounding out the list, Portugal is new to the top 10 and proof that safe doesn’t have to mean sleepy. Lisbon runs on custard tarts and uphill streets, so grab a pastel de nata, ride Tram 28 through Alfama, and wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestones. Day-trip to the fairytale Pena Palace in Sintra, cross the Douro in Porto for port tastings in Vila Nova de Gaia, and ride the train through the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley. Finish on the Algarve’s golden cliffs, with a kayak or boat out to Benagil Cave. Or, park yourself on a waterfront Lisbon terrace with a cold glass of Vinho Verde and chow down on some of the city’s famous seafood preparations.
Final Checklist Before You Book
A top-10 ranking is a great place to start, but it’s not a guarantee. Before you book, check the U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for your destination, download offline maps, and keep digital copies of your passport. Consider travel insurance, too—and read the fine print on medical coverage and cancellations, so you know it will actually answer the phone when you need it. Happy travels.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.
