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12 Safer Travel Picks That Break The Fear-Based Narrative
Feeling a bit paranoid about leaving your comfort zone? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Modern travel often feels like prepping for a battle scene where you just don’t know what to expect. Will your snacks get confiscated?
Is there a secret handshake to make it through airport security unscathed? Maybe you’ve Googled your destination so much that it now autocorrects to “is it safe there?” But, spoiler alert, the world isn’t out to get you (well, except maybe those seagulls eyeing your fries).
Turns out, travel can be as safe as the inside of your couch cushions in some places. And we are here to give you a few suggestions so you can get out there with confidence.
Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto)
Imagine a place where you could (almost) forget to lock your front door without the universe enacting swift karmic justice. That’s Japan for you. Tokyo dazzles with neon lights and an efficiency that makes the rest of the world look like it’s moving in molasses, while Kyoto hums with serene temples and whispering bamboo forests.
Crime here? Practically mythical – petty theft is about as common as UFO sightings. The secret? A culture so rooted in respect and politeness that even jaywalking feels taboo. Plus, you get to enjoy the life-altering sushi that you’ll daydream about until the end of time.
Iceland
Welcome to Iceland, where the crime stats are lower than a snake’s belly. With a population so small, everyone knows everyone (or at least knows someone who knows you, so good luck trying to get away with anything shady).
Reykjavik’s quirky charm comes complete with colorful rooftops, streets that smell vaguely of fresh bread, and an air that feels like crisp Arctic magic. Violent crime? Nonexistent. Most drama involves someone forgetting to return a library book. Honestly, it’s not even fair how safe this place is; other countries should be required to take notes.
United Arab Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi)
You’d think a region often mischaracterized in the global imagination would be dodgy, but Dubai and Abu Dhabi are flipping the script. These cities are the definition of luxury wrapped in a security blanket.
Fancy strolling through a gold market in flip-flops or leaving your wallet unattended while you marvel at Burj Khalifa’s sparkle? Go for it; you’re good here. The authorities are so on top of their game that crime barely stands a chance. Add in year-round sunshine and malls the size of small countries, and voilà – you’ve got a destination as dazzling as it is safe. And Dubai in particular has been at the top of the safest cities to travel for solo women for years.
Portugal
Portugal feels like that calm, collected friend who always has their life together. Ranked as one of Europe’s safest countries, it charms visitors with sun-drenched coasts, the faint aroma of grilled sardines wafting through Lisbon’s alleyways, and a pace of life so relaxed it’s practically horizontal.
Violent crime? Unthinkably rare. Sitting in a cafe, sipping wine, and debating life’s mysteries? Practically mandatory. It’s all low-key, low-drama, and high on the “just stick around forever” scale. If safety and soul-stirring beauty were a contest, Portugal would take home gold; effortlessly, of course.
Slovenia
Slovenia is that underdog you didn’t see coming – the one that quietly aces every test while everyone else is making a scene. Situated between the Alps and the Adriatic, this country is refreshingly chill, with equal doses of pristine nature and urban charm.
Ljubljana, its capital, is a green wonderland where strolling along the river feels like a personal spa day for your brain. Crime? Almost nil. The biggest danger here might be falling head over heels for the country’s fairy-tale atmosphere. It’s so peaceful you’ll half-expect woodland creatures to keep you company.
Switzerland
Switzerland is the land where everything seems engineered for perfection, from its flawless chocolate bars to its crime stats that are so low they’re practically subterranean. This politically neutral haven boasts cities so clean you could probably take your reflection selfies off the sidewalks (but, for the love of all that’s good, don’t).
And public transport runs with a punctuality that makes the rest of the world look wildly slothful by comparison. Whether you’re sipping a steaming cup of cocoa in the Alps or marveling at the efficiency of Zurich’s urban life, safety here feels as natural as breathing.
Czech Republic (Prague)
Prague, a city where Gothic spires pierce the skyline like some medieval fever dream, is surprisingly safe… even for those stumbling their way through the labyrinthine streets after one too many Pilsners. And despite its nightlife being as lively as a rock concert at full blast, the crime rate remains impressively low.
This former Bohemian capital has seen it all: invading armies, royal dramas, and, somehow, hordes of tourists. Yet, stroll across the Charles Bridge at sunrise, and you’ll feel as though the universe pressed pause just for you. Pure magic, no pickpockets included.
Poland (Krakow, Gdansk)
Poland’s cities are the unsung heroes of European travel. Krakow enchants with its Old Town, where cobblestone streets whisper stories from over a thousand years ago. And Gdansk? It’s like Krakow’s artsy cousin with a seafaring edge, perched on the Baltic coast, offering hints of amber and salt in the air.
Crime is so low, even the pigeons in Krakow’s market square seem trustworthy. Plus, who can resist the pierogi? Low-key, Poland’s blend of charm, history, and safety might just make it Europe’s safest dark horse (if dark horses could bake bread, obviously).
Georgia (Tbilisi)
Few places can balance old-world charm and new-world hipness like Tbilisi. Located in the Caucasus Mountains, this city is a funky fusion of Persian, Russian, and European influence – with a sprinkle of gorgeous chaos.
Surprisingly low crime means you can focus on sampling khachapuri (cheesy bread that could solve global conflicts) and wandering through streets adorned with pastel houses and wooden balconies. Not to mention the ancient sulfur baths you can soak in. Because, of course, a city this cool needs its spa moment. Tbilisi is your next great love affair. Take that, Paris.
Bhutan
Tourism in Bhutan is like gaining exclusive backstage access to happiness itself. This tiny Himalayan kingdom doesn’t just maintain its low-crime status by accident; it enforces sustainable tourism so strictly you’ll feel honored just entering.
Expect monasteries perched on cliffs (Tiger’s Nest, anyone?) and people who genuinely seem happy to be alive. Crime? Pretty much non-existent. And the only thing higher than Bhutan’s peaks is its Gross National Happiness score, a statistic it treats more seriously than most governments handle GDP. If paradise had a zip code, Bhutan might hold the deed.
Croatia
Croatia may be shorthand for postcard-perfect coastlines and Game of Thrones fanatics, but it’s also one of the safest Balkan destinations. Stroll through the fortified walls of Dubrovnik’s Old Town or kayak in crystalline waters, and you’ll see what the hype is about.
Even inland, places like Plitvice Lakes National Park make you wonder if someone was secretly Photoshopping nature. While the occasional stray tourist may struggle with the language, you won’t struggle to feel safe wandering its cobblestone streets. Croatia? A Balkan superstar wrapped in sun-bleached serenity.
Taiwan
Taiwan is what happens when safety meets efficiency… with a side of bubble tea. This island nation is so safe, you’re more likely to lose track of time exploring night markets than worry about crime. Locals? Beyond friendly, they practically adopt you the second you ask for directions.
The public transit is a Swiss-watch level of reliable, making every scooter-filled alley and ornate temple feel within reach. And the food? Spicy hotpots, crispy scallion pancakes, and the legendary soup dumplings could bring a tear to your eye. There’s really nothing left to say but that this is the ultimate comfort zone. You’re welcome.
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