Safest countries for travel have been revealed and the ranking might surprise you

The top destinations for travelers around the world have been revealed for 2026 with some surprising results.

Whether you're a frequent flier, backpacker, cruiser or casual holidaymaker, there's a lot to consider when picking your next vacation abroad - like safety and crime rates.

Though there already is a robust 'no travel' advisory list for US passengers, due to things like high crime, civil unrest, war, terrorism or risks such as natural disaster, kidnapping and hostage taking, it can still be difficult to choose which country to visit next beyond this list of obvious no-goes, like Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Gaza, Russia and North Korea, among many more.

Fortunately, the Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has been documenting the safest countries on Earth for almost a decade, ranking the best safe spaces and bumping up the frequent hot-hitters in a 'Hall of Fame' list.

It can be pretty stressful (Getty Stock Images)

Now, the list for 2026 has just dropped, featuring 15 different wildly different countries where you're most likely to be able to adventure, rest and soak up a different culture with peace of mind that your physical safety isn't in jeopardy.

However, it certainly makes for a surprising list, with one country shooting to the top, others being booted off the list entirely (Germany, Norway, Spain and Sweden) and four shiny new entrants.

Netherlands

The Netherlands has soared to the top spot, coming in first place after sitting at the 14th mark on the 2025 list for its 'peace-loving' attitude.

According to the site, the Northwestern European country is rated highly by the Global Peace Index, as well as participants who gave it almost full marks for health and safety, including for women, people of color and LGBTQ+ travelers.

The only thing you really have to worry about is bicycles, especially in its capital city Amsterdam.

Australia

Sitting comfortably in its second spot for two years on the bounce, life Down Under is pretty safe.

Smart Move Australia adds it's safe due to its 'stable political system, low crime rate and strict biosecurity and gun laws'.

With little mention of its dangerous wilderness and animals that roam the Oz, the travel insurance company says tourists need to watch out for its strict customs authorities.

The site just warns to watch out for cyclists in the Netherlands (Getty Stock Images)

Austria

Entering the ring for the first time is Austria, and coming in at third place is pretty impressive.

It's earned the spot for being the fourth 'most-peaceable country in the world' on the World Peace Index.

The company said demonstrations in Vienna might be worth considering, as well as pickpockets lurking on public transport in the Austrian capital as well as on routes to neighboring countries, namely Budapest, in Hungary, Prague in the Czech Republic and Rome, Italy.

Iceland

This year, the Nordic island nation dropped from number one to four.

Despite being considered the world's most peaceful country in the eyes of the Global Peace Index, while famous for its breathtaking scenery, Iceland is also renowned for its volcanic eruptions where lava has been known to literally flood the streets.

Australia is doing well in terms of safety for tourists (Getty Stock Images)

Canada

Canada takes the prize as being the top-rated North American country in the Global Peace Index, but has slumped down from third place to fifth this year.

Still, it's praised for its low crime rates, counterterrorism measures, diversity, healthcare offers, economic stability and safe transport, where the US doesn't even come close.

Other safe countries

The full list of 15 are as follows:

1. Netherlands
2. Australia
3. Austria
4. Iceland
5. Canada
6. New Zealand
7. United Arab Emirates
8. Switzerland
9. Japan
10. Ireland
11. Belgium
12. Portugal
13. France
14. United Kingdom
15. Denmark

The travel company says there's been a lot of movement this year across its list, tipping its hat to the United Arab Emirates for its hard work at building on its reputation, catapulting from 18th place to seventh.

Belgium also emerged on the list after sitting in 20th position last year, as well as other first-timers like France.

Across other categories, Japan was also named the safest place from violent crime.