The top travel destinations for 2026 have been unveiled, with some unexpected results.
When planning a vacation, travelers must weigh several factors, such as safety and crime levels, whether they are seasoned travelers or occasional vacationers.
While there is a comprehensive ‘no travel’ advisory for US citizens due to reasons like crime, civil unrest, and natural disasters, it can still be challenging to select a safe destination beyond the obvious places to avoid, like Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Gaza, Russia, and North Korea, among others.
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has been identifying the safest places worldwide for nearly a decade, highlighting the top secure locations and maintaining a ‘Hall of Fame’ for consistently safe countries.
The 2026 list includes 15 diverse countries where travelers can enjoy exploring new cultures with the assurance of physical safety.
Some countries have seen changes in their rankings, with the Netherlands rising to the top from 14th place on the previous year’s list due to its ‘peace-loving’ reputation.
According to the Global Peace Index, the Netherlands is highly rated for safety, receiving almost top marks from participants for health and safety, including considerations for women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ travelers.
The main concern for visitors is the abundance of bicycles, particularly in Amsterdam.
Australia remains in second place for the second consecutive year, praised for its stable political environment, low crime rate, and strict biosecurity and gun regulations.
While Australia’s dangerous wildlife isn’t heavily emphasized, travelers should be aware of its stringent customs regulations.
Austria makes its first appearance on the list, securing the third position due to its ranking as the fourth ‘most-peaceable country’ according to the World Peace Index.
While Vienna may experience demonstrations, pickpocketing can be a concern on public transportation and routes to nearby countries like Budapest, Prague, and Rome.
Iceland, known for its stunning landscapes, dropped from first to fourth place despite being considered the most peaceful country by the Global Peace Index. The country’s volcanic activity and occasional lava flows are notable risks.
Canada, the top-rated North American country on the Global Peace Index, slipped from third to fifth place but continues to be praised for low crime rates, counterterrorism efforts, diversity, healthcare, economic stability, and safe transport.
The travel company noted significant changes in the rankings this year, highlighting the United Arab Emirates’ climb from 18th to seventh place due to its improved reputation.
Belgium and France also entered the list for the first time, with Japan recognized for having the lowest violent crime rates.