If you pay even the tiniest bit of attention to news stories from around the world today, there’s one thing you’re bound to notice: safety is a worldwide issue. From political instability to terrorist activities, there’s a lot of insecurity issues currently plaguing the world today.
It is therefore not a surprise that travelers are extra cautious when choosing a traveling destination. Luckily, there are still a good number of countries where issues of insecurity are relatively low.
Every year, the Institute for Economics and Peace releases a Global Peace Index that ranks the safest countries in the world. According to the rankings for 2018, the following five countries are the safest places to travel to in the coming year.
- Denmark:
Denmark has been regularly ranked amongst the safest countries in the world for quite sometime now. With a low crime rate and a low threat from terrorism, you can breath easy whenever you visit. The Scandinavian country is considered to be amongst the world’s happiest countries, thus cementing its place on the safety list. These days, the only worry travelers visiting Denmark are faced with is whether the sunshine is a lot better in Copenhagen or in Aarhus.
- Portugal:
Until recently, Portugal was not always at the top of the list of preferred travel destinations for many travelers. However, there has been a recent upturn in the number of people currently visiting the Southern European Country. This is due in no small measure to the country’s status as one of the safest places in the world. While Portugal is famous for being home to numerous ancient castles and exquisite wine flavours, it is always a good thing to know you’ll enjoy all the amazing goodies it has to offer with peace of mind
- Austria:
Austria is another country that has regularly been ranked amongst the world’s safest countries. Low crime rate, a stable political system with peaceful elections and a low weapon importation, Austria is one country you can be sure to enjoy a good time without much to fear. Although, It does help that the Central European country which is famous for its mountain villages shares borders with Czech Republic and Germany. Two countries that are also considered to be safe.
- New Zealand:
An island located in the Pacific Ocean with an estimated population of around 4.5 million people, New Zealand was ranked the second safest country in 2018 according to the Global Peace Index. The country’s healthcare system is one of the best in the world, with a low number of endemic diseases. Crime rate is also relatively low while you are more likely to worry about your choice of the most stunning spots to take a perfect selfie than a terrorism threat.
- Iceland:
More than the beauty of immersing yourself in a thermal bath, Iceland provides you with the safest place to visit on earth. It has been an entire decade since Iceland was first ranked as the safest country in the world according to the Global Peace Index. Despite the gory tales of its Viking history, It has since been undisputed ever since. The country has one of the lowest crime rates in the world including low number of prison inmates and a low threat from terrorism. If safety is at the very top of your priority while choosing a travel destination, then you might want to consider visiting the Scandinavian island.
Safety is always a big factor to consider while choosing a travel destination. Although, It is impossible to find a place on earth that is 100% free from crime and other regular security issues. However, many countries are relatively safe and the above five are at the very top of the list of safe zones you can explore if you’re planning to travel in 2019.
