Planning a trip in 2026? This country is now the world’s safest place to travel (and it’s stunning!)

The world’s safest country for 2026 is here — and it’s a dreamy blend of canals, calm, and pure travel confidence. Swipe to see who else made the top 10!

Have you ever stepped into a place where the very air feels calming—as if the country itself is giving you permission to slow down, breathe, and just be? For many travellers, that moment happens the first time they wander along Amsterdam’s canals at dusk, when the water turns to molten gold under soft streetlights.

And now, the world officially agrees.

In a year when safety has become the ultimate travel filter, the Netherlands has been crowned the safest country to travel in 2026 by the Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection Report. It’s a leap straight to No. 1—from a modest 14th place in 2024—and the win feels less like a ranking and more like a truth travellers have always sensed: this charming little nation knows how to make you feel held, welcomed, and wonderfully at ease.

The Netherlands: Where Safety Feels Like Part of the Scenery

Here, safety isn’t something you think about—it’s something you live. Whether you’re cycling through storybook neighbourhoods, wandering across Utrecht’s flower-draped bridges, or losing track of time in The Hague’s museums, the country wraps you in an unspoken assurance: you’re good here.

Public transport glides smoothly. Streets feel welcoming even late at night. Locals switch languages mid-sentence to help you out. Women travellers, solo travellers, LGBTQIA+ travellers, and travellers of colour consistently call the Netherlands a place where they can move freely and without hesitation.

Why the Netherlands Just Feels Right

Its rise to the top isn’t accidental. Everyday life is supported by:

• exceptionally organised infrastructure
• swift and reliable emergency services
• low violent crime
• a culture rooted in inclusivity and social trust
• an ease of navigation that makes even first-time visitors feel like locals

Travel here feels cinematic—slow, safe, and beautifully uncomplicated.

What to Explore in the Netherlands (Beyond the Obvious)

Yes, Amsterdam’s canals and museums are irresistible. But the country opens up in the most delightful ways when you explore a little deeper.

Must-visit places in the Netherlands:

1. Giethoorn – The fairytale “village with no roads,” best explored by boat.

2. Utrecht – A lively university city with medieval canals and café-lined wharfs.

3. Lisse & Keukenhof Gardens – The world-famous tulip carpets in spring.

4. Rotterdam – Bold architecture, a buzzing port, and some of Europe’s coolest modern art spaces.

5. Kinderdijk – Iconic 18th-century windmills rising out of quiet wetlands.

6. The Hague – Peace Palace, royal boulevards, and the serene Scheveningen beach.

7. Maastricht – Cobblestone lanes, Michelin-worthy food, and a dash of French charm.

8. Texel Island – Wide beaches, dunes, seals, and cycling routes that feel endless.

Each place reminds you why the Netherlands ranks No. 1: everything works, everything feels gentle, and everything invites you to explore without worry.

The Rest of the World’s Safest Countries in 2026

The top 10 list reveals a fascinating shift—nations that balance adventure, culture, innovation, and peace are becoming the world’s most trusted travel choices.

2. Australia: Adventure Without Anxiety

Australia remains one of the world’s most reliable travel destinations—wild at heart, safe in structure.

Strong public safety laws, quick emergency services, and a famously friendly culture make it a place where travellers feel supported whether they’re snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef or sipping lattes in Melbourne’s laneways.

3. Austria: Elegance, Order, and Effortless Calm

Austria’s charm lies in its discipline and grace.

Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck—each city offers exceptionally low crime, spotless streets, and healthcare systems that inspire global admiration. Even something as simple as lingering in a historic Viennese café carries a quiet serenity, born from a national culture rooted in harmony, respect, and courtesy.

4. Iceland: Still Magical, Still Peaceful

Last year’s safest country, Iceland, now sits at No. 4—but only because others rose, not because it faltered. It remains the world’s most peaceful country. The only “danger” comes from Mother Nature herself: the occasional volcanic eruption that Icelanders manage with enviable precision. Crime? Almost non-existent.

Whether you’re chasing auroras or soaking in geothermal pools, Iceland still feels like one of Earth’s calmest corners.

5–10: The Full Top 10 Safety Leaders for 2026

These countries round out the list with their own blend of stability, support, and traveller comfort:

5. Canada – Welcoming communities, low crime, and excellent healthcare.

6. New Zealand – A serene natural playground with an easy-going culture.

7. United Arab Emirates – Ultra-modern infrastructure and exceptional public safety.

8. Switzerland – Orderly cities, pristine landscapes, and world-class security.

9. Japan – Courtesy-driven culture, unmatched cleanliness, and near-zero violent crime.

10. Ireland – Friendly locals, safe streets, and a warm spirit that makes every traveller feel at home.

What These Rankings Mean for Travel in 2026

We’re travelling differently now. Not just for views—but for peace of mind. Travellers are seeking places where:

• you feel safe day and night
• healthcare and emergency systems are dependable
• inclusivity is a lived reality
• transport is predictable
• respect and comfort aren’t luxuries

The Berkshire Hathaway report blends hard data with real traveller experiences—creating a picture not just of where it’s safe, but where it feels safe.

The Bigger Travel Story

From the Netherlands’ tulip-lined calm to Iceland’s volcanic serenity, the world’s safest countries offer something deeper than scenery: ease. The kind that lets solo travellers roam freely, families relax, and women feel confident choosing adventure over caution.

As 2026 approaches, the safest countries aren’t just destinations—they’re reminders that travel, at its best, lets you breathe a little easier.