Top 10 Safest Places to Travel According to BHTP Report

Safest Places to Travel According to BHTP:

Before traveling, must research whether your destination is safe for traveling or not.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP), is a company that provides travel insurance, shared its ninth yearly report on the State of Travel Insurance in September 2023. They asked lots of people questions and looked at the Global Peace Index and the State Department’s safety ratings for travel. From all this information, BHTP calculated a score that shows how safe a country is overall.

Here are the countries that the BHTP report says are the safest to visit in 2024.

1. Canada:

Canada has been named the safest place to travel in the world in 2024, according to the Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) report. This is the first time Canada has topped the list, which is based on a survey of American travelers’ attitudes towards travel safety.

1.1. What Makes Canada Safe?

Several factors contribute to Canada’s ranking as the safest place to travel:

• Canada has a low rate of violent crime, property crime, and terrorism.
• Canada is a democratic state with a stable political system.
• Canada has a universal healthcare system that provides quality medical care to all residents and visitors.
• Canadians are known for being friendly and welcoming to visitors.
• Canada is home to stunning natural scenery, including mountains, forests, lakes, and rivers.

1.2. BHTP report:

The BHTP report also ranked the safest cities in the world to travel to. Montreal, Canada, was ranked second, behind only Honolulu, Hawaii. Other Canadian cities that made the top 15 safest cities list include Toronto (6th), Vancouver (7th), and Calgary (14th).

According to U.S. News & World Report, Banff National Park, known for its glacier-fed lake, is among the top destinations in Canada.

2. Switzerland:

BHTP 2024 Safest Places for Travel report ranked Switzerland as the 2nd safest destination, after Canada.

2.1. What Makes Switzerland Safe:

• Reliable transportation networks, clean water, and an advanced healthcare system.
• Located in a geographically stable region with minimal risk of major natural disasters.

• One of the lowest in the world, with petty theft being the most common concern.
• Strong democratic tradition and stable government.

3. Norway:

Norway ranks as the 3rd safest place to travel according to the 2024 BHTP report:

3.1. Safety factors contributing to the ranking:

• Norway boasts some of the lowest crime rates globally, including property crime and violent crime. Also, the capital city recorded a particularly low crime rate of 39 per 1,000 residents in 2021.
• The country enjoys a peaceful and stable political system, leading to a safe and secure environment for visitors.
• Norway has a universally accessible and high-quality healthcare system, ensuring medical care is readily available in case of emergencies.
• While Norway’s landscapes can be rugged and require caution, the infrastructure and emergency response systems are well-developed to manage potential risks.

Norwegian Travel states that Tromsø in Norway is considered one of the best spots to observe the Northern Lights. The higher north you go, given there’s solar activity, the better your chances of experiencing this phenomenon.

4. Ireland:

Ireland ranks as the 4^th Safest place to travel according to the 2024 BHTP report:

4.1. Ireland’s Strengths:

• Ireland consistently ranks highly in terms of personal safety and property crime.
• The country enjoys a stable democratic government.
• Ireland boasts a developed infrastructure and healthcare system.
• Irish people are known for their hospitality and friendliness towards visitors.

5. Netherlands:

The Netherlands is ranked as one of the safest places to travel in the 2024 BHTP report. It currently occupies the 5th position, making it a highly desirable destination for travelers seeking security and peace of mind.

5.1. Reasons why the BHTP report considers the Netherlands safe:

• Low crime rates: The Netherlands boasts low crime rates compared to many other countries. Violent crime is uncommon, and petty theft, while present, can be mitigated by taking basic precautions.
• The Netherlands enjoys a stable political climate, contributing to a sense of security and order.
• The country has a robust healthcare system, ensuring access to quality medical care in case of emergencies.
• The Netherlands is known for its excellent infrastructure, including transportation, communication, and emergency services.
• The country is known for its progressive social environment and acceptance of diversity, creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

6. United Kingdom:

BHTP report doesn’t specifically rank UK locations individually, it does place the United Kingdom as the 6th safest country to travel to in 2024. This ranking takes into account various factors like:

• Surveys from travelers: BHTP surveyed travelers on their experiences in different countries, considering factors like safety, health, and discrimination.
• Data analysis: They analyze data on various aspects like crime rates, political stability, and natural disasters.
• Expert assessments: They consider insights from travel security experts and health organizations.

It’s important to note that safety can vary depending on specific destinations within the UK and your individual travel plans. However, here are some reasons why the report identifies the UK as a generally safe travel destination:

• Compared to many other countries, the UK generally has lower crime rates, particularly for violent crimes.
• The UK enjoys a stable political system and democracy.
• The National Health Service (NHS) provides free healthcare to residents and covers emergency care for visitors.
• The UK boasts good infrastructure, transportation networks, and emergency services.
• British culture is known for its politeness and hospitality, making visitors feel comfortable.

7. Portugal:

Portugal is widely considered one of the safest countries in the world, making it a fantastic choice for travelers seeking a secure and relaxed vacation.

7.1. Overall Safety:

• Global Peace Index: Ranked 7th, making it one of the safest in Europe and globally.
• Crime Rates are low overall, with petty theft being the most common concern.
• Generally considered very safe, even for solo female travelers.

7.2. Safest Places in Portugal:

• Madeira
• Azores
• Funchal (Madeira)
•  Porto
• Lisbon

8. Denmark:

Denmark rank as a 8^th Safest place to travel according to the 2024 BHTP report Here’s what you should know:

8.1. Denmark’s Strengths:

• Violent crime is uncommon, and petty theft, while possible, is less frequent than in many other countries.
• Denmark boasts a strong social safety net, contributing to a peaceful and orderly environment.
• Many Danish cities prioritize pedestrian infrastructure, making it easy to navigate safely.
• Danes are generally known for their friendliness and helpfulness towards tourists.

9. Iceland:

Iceland consistently ranks among the safest places to travel in the world, and for good reason. Iceland ranks as the 9^th safest place according to the BHTP report. Here’s why:

• Iceland boasts one of the lowest crime rates globally. Violent crime is incredibly rare, and petty theft is uncommon. You can feel safe exploring the country without worry.
• Icelanders are known for their friendly and welcoming nature. The country has a strong sense of community and enjoys political stability.
• Iceland’s landscapes are otherworldly, with glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, and geothermal springs. It’s a nature lover’s paradise.
• Transportation, communication, and healthcare systems in Iceland are all top-notch, ensuring a smooth and comfortable travel experience.
• Icelanders take safety seriously. From clear road signs to well-maintained hiking trails, the country prioritizes visitor safety.

10. Australia:

According to the 2024 Safest Places for Travel report by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP), Australia does rank highly in terms of safety for travelers, securing the 10th position out of 15 countries. While Canada took the top spot, Australia remains a popular and generally safe destination for various reasons:

10.1 Factors Contributing to Australia’s Safety:

• Compared to many other countries, Australia boasts relatively low crime rates, including violent crimes like homicides. For instance, in 2022, Australia recorded 377 homicides, while a city like Chicago had 692 in the same year.
• Australia enjoys a stable political environment, contributing to a sense of security for visitors.
• The country has a well-developed infrastructure, including transportation systems, healthcare facilities, and communication networks, ensuring accessibility and assistance in case of emergencies.
• Australia’s strict gun control laws have significantly reduced gun violence, enhancing public safety.
• Australia’s diverse and stunning natural landscapes, from beaches and rainforests to deserts and mountains, attract many tourists but are generally considered safe for exploration with proper precautions.

However, it’s important to remember that no destination is entirely risk-free.