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- The Netherlands leads Berkshire Hathaway’s 2026 Global Safety Index.
- Australia and Austria complete the top three.
- Iceland remains a peaceful outlier despite natural risks.
- Canada closes the top five for its stability and kindness.
- The ranking reflects travelers’ focus on healthcare, inclusion and climate stability.
When travelers plan a trip, they look for more than a beautiful view. They want to feel safe, cared for and respected.
According to the 2026 Global Safety Index published by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection and based on feedback from over 1,800 American travelers, the definition of safety has evolved. It’s no longer limited to crime or political risk but includes healthcare access, environmental stability and social openness.
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In a world that’s still learning to travel confidently again, this shift feels natural. Safety today means comfort, predictability and empathy. The Netherlands’ rise from 14th place in 2024 to the top in 2026 shows how travelers reward places that combine structure and sincerity.
These rankings don’t just measure statistics; they capture a growing desire for destinations that make people feel welcome, understood and free to explore without worry.
The Netherlands: calm, confident and inclusive
Few countries balance efficiency and friendliness as effortlessly as the Netherlands. In cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht and Rotterdam, everything seems to flow in harmony. Public transport runs on time, streets are spotless, and locals are famously open-minded.
The Netherlands earned top marks for healthcare quality, safety for women and LGBTQIA+ travelers, and inclusivity. Even solo visitors say they feel at ease — helped, if needed, by locals who will happily switch to English to offer directions.
The biggest “danger” is the swarm of bicycles crossing narrow bridges, a symbol of how the country moves: fast, organized and considerate. Beneath its modern systems lies a sense of collective respect that makes visitors feel part of the rhythm rather than outsiders.
Here, safety feels natural, not enforced.
Australia: space, warmth and confidence
Australia, ranked second, is proof that vastness and safety can go hand in hand. From the urban pulse of Sydney to the quiet shores of Tasmania, the country combines strong infrastructure with human warmth.
Travelers often mention the friendly straightforwardness of Australians — an easy smile, a practical tip, a sense of humor that puts people at ease. Emergency services are reliable, healthcare standards are high and violent crime remains rare.
Out in the countryside, preparedness is a way of life. Locals know their environment, respect its extremes and help visitors do the same. In that sense, Australia’s space is its safety, wide, free and open, yet quietly protective.
Austria: balance, beauty and precision
Austria enters the top three for the first time, celebrated for its orderly charm and calm atmosphere. Vienna stands out for its cleanliness, efficiency and cultural richness, while smaller towns offer a more tranquil version of the same philosophy: things simply work.
Public transport is punctual, healthcare is accessible and the social climate feels balanced. In alpine regions, travelers find well-marked trails, hospitable inns and landscapes that invite peace rather than adrenaline.
What makes Austria special is its ability to combine discipline and warmth. There’s comfort in knowing that every detail, from the train schedule to the coffee service, runs with quiet precision. It’s a country where travelers can relax completely — not because it’s exciting, but because it’s dependable.
Iceland: nature’s peace, people’s strength
Iceland, last year’s leader, remains a model of peaceful resilience. It still ranks as the world’s most peaceful nation according to the Global Peace Index, yet its environment adds a touch of unpredictability.
Volcanic activity occasionally disrupts routes, but Icelanders handle it with remarkable calm. This sense of collective composure defines the country’s character.
Travelers often describe a shared trust: strangers chatting at bus stops, locals leaving doors unlocked, a feeling of safety even in the remotest corners. In Iceland, security comes from community as much as from stability.
It’s a land where wildness and serenity coexist, where nature’s power inspires confidence rather than fear.
Canada: stability, kindness and space
Canada completes the top five with its mix of modern structure and quiet empathy. From Vancouver’s cosmopolitan energy to Quebec’s historical charm, it’s a country that makes visitors feel immediately comfortable.
Infrastructure is solid, healthcare is strong and diversity is genuinely celebrated. Canadians have built a culture where politeness and respect are second nature. Travelers often note the small gestures, doors held open, smiles shared in the cold, helpful advice at every turn.
This is a place where security doesn’t come from strict rules but from human connection. Canada proves that kindness is one of the most powerful safety measures in the world.
Traveler’s note: staying safe abroad
Even in the safest places, awareness remains your best companion. Keep digital copies of your documents, learn local emergency numbers and respect local customs.
Avoid unnecessary risks, especially at night, and trust your instincts. True safety is not about avoiding others, but about moving through the world with awareness and confidence.
The 2026 Global Safety Index tells a story about more than low crime rates, it reflects a change in how people experience the world. Safety now means feeling included, informed and valued.
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In the Netherlands, Australia, Austria, Iceland and Canada, peace of mind is not a luxury, it’s part of the landscape. These destinations show that safety, at its best, is not about isolation but about connection and understanding.Travel, at its best, is a dialogue between trust and discovery.
Curious to explore more safe destinations? The world feels closer than ever.
Sources:
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection – Global Safest Destinations Index 2026 (survey of 1,800+ U.S. travelers)
Global Peace Index 2025 – Institute for Economics & Peace
World Health Organization (WHO) – Global Health Security Data 2024
