The 15 Safest Luxury Destinations for 2026, and Why They Belong on Your Itinerary – updated

Travel with Confidence: The World’s Safest Destinations for 2026

The Netherlands jumped from 14th place to first. Austria appeared on the list for the very first time. And travelers everywhere are making one thing beautifully clear: safety isn’t a compromise; it’s the foundation that allows every other part of a journey to unfold.

We’ve always believed at The Evolved Traveler that when you feel secure in your surroundings, something shifts. You slow down. You notice more. You’re open to the kind of authentic, meaningful experiences that stay with you long after you’ve returned home.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection’s 11th annual State of Travel Insurance Safest Destinations report confirms what we see firsthand with our guests: the destinations where you feel most at ease are the same places where you travel most deeply. The report draws on surveys of American travelers who have actually visited these countries, layered with data from the Global Peace Index, GeoSure Global, Numbeo, and the U.S. State Department.

Here are 14 of the 15 safest countries for luxury travel in 2026, what makes each one worth your time, and how to experience them with purpose and intention. (One country on the original BHTP list — the United Arab Emirates — has been removed from our recommendations due to the active regional conflict and current U.S. State Department Level 3 travel advisory. See the FAQ below for details.)

The Complete 2026 Safest Countries Ranking

It’s worth noting that five countries have averaged a top-ten position every single year since BHTP began its rankings in 2018: Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Switzerland. The report calls them the Safe Travel Hall of Fame, and their consistency speaks to something deeper than a single year’s survey results. These are places where safety is woven into the culture.

The 2026 Safest Cities Ranking

Reykjavik held the top spot for the second year running, and GeoSure Global found something remarkable: every single neighborhood in the Icelandic capital scored as exceptionally safe. Copenhagen, a city that embodies the Danish concept of hygge in its very design, took second place again.

The Netherlands, From 14th to 1st

The biggest story in this year’s rankings is the Netherlands’ extraordinary rise. The Global Peace Index rates it highly across all measured dimensions, and Numbeo lists two Dutch cities, The Hague and Eindhoven, among the world’s 12 safest.

But what makes the Netherlands so special for us, and for our guests, goes beyond statistics. This is a place where everyday life reflects a kind of harmony that you can feel the moment you arrive. Bike-friendly infrastructure makes every city walkable and human-scaled. Creative energy runs through Rotterdam’s architecture, The Hague’s galleries, and Amsterdam’s canal-side design studios. And the countryside, with its windmill-dotted villages and spring tulip fields, offers a quality of calm that Amsterdam alone doesn’t capture.

For travelers who want to experience the Netherlands alongside Belgium’s equally underrated charm, including Brussels’ art nouveau architecture, Bruges’ medieval waterways, and Antwerp’s diamond district, our Holland & Belgium journey pairs both countries into one thoughtfully curated itinerary.

Australia, Vast, Stable, and Endlessly Surprising

Australia has held the runner-up position for two consecutive years, and the reasons run far deeper than its postcard landscapes. The country ranks 18th on the Global Peace Index, receives a Level 1 advisory from the U.S. State Department (the safest category), and offers healthcare infrastructure that rivals anywhere in the developed world.

For our guests, Australia rewards the kind of slow, intentional travel we most believe in. The Barossa Valley’s cellar doors, Tasmania’s wilderness lodges, and the Kimberley’s remote gorges offer dramatically different experiences connected by excellent domestic flight networks and a hospitality culture that feels warm without being performative.

What many travelers overlook is Australia’s Indigenous cultural tourism, and it’s something we feel passionately about. Multi-day walking experiences at Uluru, guided by Anangu people, combine storytelling and landscape in a way that transforms how you understand the continent. It’s the kind of experience that embodies what we mean by traveling as a citizen of the world, not just a consumer of it.

Austria, The Elegant Newcomer

Austria’s debut at #3 is a breakout moment, though anyone who has visited Vienna, Salzburg, or the Tyrolean Alps wouldn’t be surprised. The country ranks fourth on the Global Peace Index and maintains some of the lowest crime rates in Europe. Its rail system is punctual and extensive. Its healthcare is world-class.

What sets Austria apart for the evolved traveler is something harder to measure: a culture that values quality of life as an art form. Vienna’s coffeehouses invite you to linger over a melange and a newspaper for hours, not because there’s nothing else to do, but because that is the thing to do. Salzburg balances its storybook Old Town with a contemporary food scene. And the alpine villages, including Lech, Kitzbühel, and Hallstatt, offer ski lodges, summer hiking, and lake swimming in settings where peace of mind feels like a natural extension of the landscape itself.

Iceland, Still Among the Safest, With a Caveat

Iceland held the #1 spot last year and dropped only slightly, largely due to ongoing volcanic activity that can disrupt the island’s single ring road. The country remains the most peaceful on earth according to the Global Peace Index.

For travelers comfortable with a bit of geological unpredictability, and many of our guests actively seek that kind of awe, Iceland’s black-sand beaches, glacier hikes, and geothermal hot springs remain unmatched. It’s also one of the most welcoming countries in the world for LGBTQ+ travelers, something that matters deeply to our community and to us.

If you’re drawn to the Nordic landscape, our Lapland journey through Finland offers a complementary experience, including northern lights, glass igloos, and husky sledding, in another country that consistently ranks among the world’s safest.

Canada, The Reliable Neighbor

Canada has been a fixture in the top five since BHTP began ranking destinations. It sits 14th on the Global Peace Index, carries a U.S. State Department Level 1 advisory, and offers infrastructure that feels familiar while still delivering distinctly international experiences.

The luxury layer in Canada runs deeper than most people realize. British Columbia’s remote wilderness lodges, Québec’s culinary scene, the Maritimes’ understated coastal charm, and the Rocky Mountain rail journeys all offer genuinely world-class experiences. And Canada’s progressive values around inclusivity and environmental stewardship align naturally with what our guests care about most.

New Zealand, Consistent Safety, Extraordinary Landscapes

New Zealand has maintained a top-ten position since BHTP began its rankings in 2018, earning its place in the Safe Travel Hall of Fame. Low crime, high social trust, and a culture that genuinely welcomes visitors contribute to a travel experience that feels both effortless and deeply rewarding.

For luxury travelers, New Zealand’s appeal is its remarkable range, from Queenstown’s adrenaline offerings to Hawke’s Bay’s wine country, from Milford Sound’s fjords to the North Island’s geothermal landscapes. Well-marked trails and carefully managed parks mean even adventurous itineraries feel safe and accessible. New Zealand’s deep commitment to environmental conservation also makes it a natural fit for travelers who want to tread lightly on the places they love.

Switzerland, The Perennial Benchmark

If there’s a country synonymous with safety and luxury, it’s Switzerland, and a member of the Safe Travel Hall of Fame for good reason. Private chalets in Zermatt, lakeside estates in Lucerne, and five-star properties in Zurich operate within a culture that values precision, privacy, and environmental stewardship.

Switzerland also boasts one of the world’s most advanced alpine rescue networks, making it exceptionally well-prepared for the kind of adventure-luxury crossover that defines modern high-end travel; heli-skiing, multi-day treks, and glacier excursions all backed by infrastructure you can trust completely.

Zurich was named the third-safest city in the world for 2026.

Japan, Cultural Precision Meets Traveler-Friendly Design

Japan’s consistent presence in the top ten reflects something deeper than low crime statistics. The entire country is engineered around the visitor experience in ways both visible (the shinkansen network, bilingual signage, impeccable hospitality) and invisible (cultural norms around public behavior, cleanliness, and mutual respect).

For our guests, Japan offers a density of meaningful experiences that’s hard to match anywhere else in the world: kaiseki dining in Kyoto, onsen retreats in Hakone, contemporary art on Naoshima, and Tokyo’s layered neighborhoods, each with its own character and soul. Tokyo also ranked among the safest cities in the 2026 report.

Explore our Japan, China & Mongolia journeys for curated itineraries that balance Japan’s cultural depth with Mongolia’s vast, humbling open landscapes.

Ireland, Belgium, Portugal, France, the United Kingdom, and Denmark

The remaining six countries on the 2026 list share a common thread: mature tourism infrastructure, strong rule of law, advanced healthcare, and a depth of cultural experience that rewards repeat visits and unhurried exploration.

Ireland (ranked 10th) offers political stability, low violent crime, and luxury castle stays alongside increasingly sophisticated food and drink scenes. Its countryside is best experienced slowly, with winding coastal roads, whiskey distilleries, and village pubs where conversations happen at their own pace. Dublin ranked among the safest cities for 2026.

Belgium (ranked 11th) made one of the year’s largest jumps, climbing from 20th. Brussels, Bruges, and Antwerp each deliver distinct experiences, from art nouveau architecture and medieval waterways to world-class chocolate and beer, all within a compact, train-connected geography. Pair it with the Netherlands on our Holland & Belgium itinerary.

Portugal (ranked 12th) has become one of Europe’s most compelling luxury destinations, with Lisbon’s revitalized neighborhoods, the Algarve’s clifftop retreats, and the Douro Valley’s terraced vineyards. Lisbon ranked among the safest cities for 2026. Combine it with Spain’s rich culture on our Portugal & Spain journey.

France (ranked 13th) needs little introduction, but its safety ranking reinforces that travelers can explore confidently well beyond Paris, into Provence’s lavender fields, Bordeaux’s wine country, and the French Riviera’s coastal villages. For travelers who want to experience France actively, our cycling adventure through Provence and our Provence hike-and-bike journey pair safety with deep immersion in one of the world’s most beautiful regions.

The United Kingdom (ranked 14th) benefits from a strict rule of law, advanced healthcare, and one of the world’s most mature luxury travel markets. London, the Scottish Highlands, and the Cotswolds each offer distinct experiences backed by reliable infrastructure.

Denmark (ranked 15th) is home to Copenhagen, the second-safest city in the world for 2026. The city’s blend of design, gastronomy, and cycling culture makes it a natural fit for travelers who value intentional, sustainable, community-minded travel.

Safety for Every Traveler: Women, LGBTQ+, and Travelers of Color

One of the things we appreciate most about the Berkshire Hathaway report is that it doesn’t treat safety as a single dimension. The ranking specifically evaluates how safe destinations are for women, LGBTQ+ travelers, and travelers of color, because safety is not experienced equally by everyone, and acknowledging that matters.

At The Evolved Traveler, championing the LGBTQ+ community is a core part of who we are. We believe every journey with us should be not just safe but warmly welcoming, and we choose destination partners who share that value.

The 2026 report found that the Netherlands, Iceland, and Canada consistently score at the top across all demographic categories. These are places where inclusivity is structural, not performative, reflected in laws, social norms, and the day-to-day experience of being a visitor. An interesting finding in this year’s data: South Korea, while not traditionally considered a destination for LGBTQ+ travelers, received positive safety ratings from LGBTQ+ respondents who had actually visited, suggesting that on-the-ground experiences can differ meaningfully from perceptions.

For solo female travelers, Iceland, the Netherlands, Austria, and New Zealand all ranked exceptionally high, with strong public transportation, well-lit cities, and cultures of mutual respect that contribute to a genuine sense of personal safety.

What This Ranking Measures, and Why It Matters

The Berkshire Hathaway report isn’t a simple crime-rate list. It synthesizes traveler surveys with data from six independent sources: the U.S. State Department, the Global Peace Index, GeoSure Global, Numbeo, Global Finance, and The Economist. The result accounts for terrorism risk, healthcare quality, weather emergencies, and safety across gender, orientation, and race.

For the kind of traveler we serve, this matters because safety isn’t just about avoiding harm; it’s about the freedom to be fully present. When you’re not scanning for risk, you’re noticing architecture. When infrastructure works seamlessly, you’re spending energy on connection instead of logistics. When you know your identity is respected, you can truly be yourself. Safety is the invisible foundation that allows every other part of a journey to come alive.

Practical Tips for Traveling Safely in 2026

Even in the world’s safest destinations, a little preparation goes a long way. These are the practices we recommend to all our guests:

Before you go, register with the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which provides safety alerts and makes it easier for the embassy to assist you in an emergency. Check the State Department’s Country Information sheets for any active advisories, and confirm your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.

Travel insurance is essential, not optional. We recommend comprehensive coverage that includes medical evacuation, trip interruption, and 24-hour worldwide assistance. The Berkshire Hathaway report itself serves as a reminder that even the safest destinations face weather events, volcanic eruptions, and unforeseen disruptions.

While traveling, share your itinerary with someone you trust at home, keep digital copies of important documents accessible from your phone, and familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers upon arrival. In Europe, 112 works across the entire EU and Schengen Area. In Japan, it’s 110 for police and 119 for medical emergencies.

Plan Your Journey to the World’s Safest Destinations

At The Evolved Traveler, we design curated journeys to many of the destinations on this list, and safety is woven into every itinerary we build. But more than that, we believe travel should be purposeful, enriching, and leave both you and the communities you visit a little better than before.

Whether you’re drawn to the Netherlands’ creative energy, Japan’s cultural depth, or France’s lavender-scented countryside, we’ll craft an experience that feels both effortless and deeply personal. Because the best journeys don’t just take you somewhere new; they bring something new out in you.

Browse our full collection of journeys or reach out about a custom itinerary designed around the destinations that speak to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the safest countries for luxury travel in 2026?

According to Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection’s 2026 report, the 15 safest countries are the Netherlands, Australia, Austria, Iceland, Canada, New Zealand, Switzerland, Japan, Ireland, Belgium, Portugal, France, the United Kingdom, Denmark, and South Korea. Note: The United Arab Emirates appeared on this list, but the U.S. State Department has since issued a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” advisory for the UAE due to the ongoing regional conflict. We recommend checking the latest government advisories before planning any travel to the region. The rankings combine traveler surveys with data from the Global Peace Index, GeoSure Global, Numbeo, and the U.S. State Department.

What is the safest city in the world for travelers in 2026?

Reykjavik, Iceland, was named the safest city for the second consecutive year, with GeoSure Global rating every neighborhood in the capital as exceptionally safe. Copenhagen, Zurich, Amsterdam, and Honolulu round out the top five.

Why did the Netherlands jump to #1 on the safest destinations list?

The Netherlands climbed from 14th to 1st, the largest single-year jump in the report’s history. High marks from the Global Peace Index, top-tier safety ratings for its cities on Numbeo, and strong scores for safety across gender, orientation, and race all contributed to the rise.

Is it currently safe to travel to Dubai or the UAE?

No. While the UAE appeared on the original 2026 BHTP safest destinations list, the situation has changed significantly since then. As of March 2026, the U.S. State Department has issued a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” advisory for the UAE, ordered non-emergency U.S. government personnel to depart, and closed both the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai. Multiple governments — including the U.S., Australia, Canada, and the UK — are advising against travel to the region due to the threat of armed conflict, drone and missile attacks, and major aviation disruptions. We strongly recommend checking the U.S. State Department’s travel advisories at travel.state.gov before making any plans involving the UAE or the broader Middle East.

Which destinations are safest for LGBTQ+ travelers?

The Netherlands, Iceland, and Canada consistently score at the top for LGBTQ+ traveler safety in the BHTP report. These countries have strong legal protections, inclusive social norms, and welcoming travel cultures.

Which countries are safest for solo female travelers in 2026?

Iceland, the Netherlands, Austria, and New Zealand all ranked exceptionally high for female traveler safety. Strong public transportation, well-lit urban areas, and cultures of mutual respect contribute to a genuine sense of personal security.

How does Berkshire Hathaway determine its safest destinations ranking?

The annual report, now in its 11th year, surveys American travelers who have visited specific countries within the past five years. Those survey results are combined with data from the U.S. State Department, the Global Peace Index, GeoSure Global, Numbeo, Global Finance, and The Economist. The ranking accounts for terrorism risk, health measures, weather emergencies, and safety for underrepresented groups.

Does The Evolved Traveler offer journeys to these destinations?

Yes. The Evolved Traveler offers curated luxury journeys to many countries on the 2026 safest destinations list, including the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Portugal, Spain, Japan, and Finland. Custom itineraries are also available for destinations not in our standard collection.