Peace of mind will be high on many travelers’ wish lists in the new year amid ongoing geopolitical conflicts and inevitable travel hiccups prompted by Mother Nature and tech failures.
Fortunately, travelers don’t have to compromise when it comes to safety, as there are plenty of exciting destinations with stellar records when it comes to visitor security.
Here are the safest places you can travel to in 2026.
Australia
Despite a recent terrorist attack at famed Bondi Beach, Australia remains one of the safest places you can travel to in 2026.
Consider that the continent ranks second on Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection’s (BHTP) list of the safest countries for 2026 and climbed one spot to 18th on the Global Peace Index in 2025. Additionally, Australia receives a Level 1 travel advisory from the U.S. State Department heading into the new year.
BHTP’s rankings are comprehensive and based on a survey of American travelers who have experienced select countries in the past five years, augmenting that data with other indices and information, including the Global Peace Index, data from Numbeo, and an average of the GeoSure Global scores of the major cities in each country. Those results are then blended with outside sources.
Mozart statue in Vienna, Austria (Photo Credit: AmaWaterways)
Austria
In Europe, Austria soared up BTHP’s rankings of the safest countries for 2026, reaching number three. Austria also continues to rank inside the top five on the Global Peace Index (fourth) and receives an encouraging Level 1 travel advisory from U.S. State Department officials.
While the holidays may be winding down, Austria is poised to remain a popular destination for skiers, snowboarders and others eyeing a charming winter escape.
Canada
The United States’ neighbor to the north remains one of the safest countries on the planet for 2026. After all, Canada continues to rank inside the top 15 on the Global Peace Index (tied for 14th) and comes in at number five on BHTP’s list of the safest countries for 2026, down only two spots from a year ago.
What’s more, the State Department’s most recent travel guidance—issued in June 2025—lists the country at Level 1, meaning visitors can exercise normal precautions north of the border.
Denmark
The historic waterfront district of Nyhavn in Copenhagen, Denmark. (Photo Credit: Tauck)
A safe and secure destination that’s becoming more accessible to U.S. travelers, Denmark ranks inside of the top 10 on the Global Peace Index (eighth) and made BHTP’s top 15 list of the safest countries to travel to in 2026.
If there’s any hangup for concerned travelers its likely the threat of terrorism, which extends to much of the continent and the world for that matter.
Iceland
Iceland has dominated the Global Peace Index since its inception nearly two decades ago and also ranks inside the top five of BHTP’s list of the safest countries for 2026, sitting at fourth after topping the list in 2025.
Plus, its capital, Reykjavik, ranks as BHTP’s safest city for 2026.
In addition to peace, visitors can look forward to a slew of new hotels, tours and wellness experiences when exploring the European island country in the new year.
Ireland
A perennial contender for the title of world’s safest country, Ireland has held steady at number two on the Global Peace Index and ranks 10th on BHTP’s list of the safest countries in 2026. The Emerald Isle is embracing its appeal with a new tourism campaign on the heels of reporting that overseas visitor spend grew by more than 10 percent in 2024.
Toji Temple in Kyoto, Japan during sakura season. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/coward_lion)
Japan
For travelers eyeing a getaway to Asia with safety top of mind, Japan is a standout destination these days.
The alluring island country maintained its ninth-place ranking on BHTP’s list of the safest places for 2026 and climbed three spots on the Global Peace Index in 2025 to reach 12th.
Japan also receives an encouraging Level 1 travel advisory from the State Department this winter.
Netherlands
The Netherlands ranks number one on BHTP’s list of the safest countries to visit in 2026. Home to dramatic landscapes and fascinating history, this European country is also tied for 14th on the Global Peace Index.
What’s more, Amsterdam ranks as the world’s fourth-safest city for 2026, according to BHTP.
New Zealand
Runner in New Zealand. (Photo Credit: Maridav/Adobe)
Australia’s neighbor Down Under, New Zealand, climbed two spots to number three on the Global Peace Index in 2025 and is BHTP’s sixth-safest country for 2026. The island country also receives a Level 1 travel advisory from the U.S. State Department.
Switzerland
Another European destination with an emphasis on safety, Switzerland ranks fifth on the Global Peace Index and eighth on BHTP’s list of the safest countries for 2026.
Whether experiencing Switzerland via its world-class snow-covered slopes or a scenic rail journey, travelers should have little reservation about making plans in the new year.
United Arab Emirates
Travelers hoping to cross burgeoning destinations such as Dubai or Abu Dhabi off of their bucket list in 2026 will be pleased to learn that the United Arab Emirates is one of the world’s safest countries, ranking seventh on BHTP’s comprehensive list this year.
The UAE also boasts a high state of peace, according to the 2025 Global Peace Index.
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