10 Safest Countries in the World to Visit
As a woman who often travels solo, the safety of the countries I visit is always a priority. Feeling secure about a destination lets me fully immerse myself in the culture rather than spend the whole trip on edge.
If you want a worry-free yet exciting holiday, you’re in luck. I’ve ranked these 10 destinations using the 2026 Global Peace Index, the most authoritative and up-to-date measure of national safety, so you can be confident this list reflects where things actually stand right now, not where they stood a few years ago.
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At a glance: the safest countries by region
🇪🇺 Safest in Europe: Iceland, Switzerland, Slovenia, Ireland, Austria, Portugal, Finland
🌏 Safest in Asia-Pacific: New Zealand, Singapore, Japan
🚺 Especially good for solo female travellers: Iceland, Japan, Slovenia, New Zealand
1. Iceland
According to the 2026 Global Peace Index, Iceland has held the number one spot for 19 consecutive years, with a score of 1.161. It’s an almost complete outlier in the data, helped by having no standing army and exceptionally low crime.
I recommend Iceland for solo travellers because of its friendly population and breathtaking natural beauty.
Here you’ll find the northern lights, relaxing hot springs, beautiful glaciers, and stunning landscapes – the main thing to bear in mind is Iceland’s active volcanoes, which do occasionally cause travel disruption.
🇮🇸 Top attractions
I’d recommend spending a day relaxing and unwinding at the Blue Lagoon. Also check out Iceland’s black sand beaches and the incredible landscapes of the Golden Circle.
For lovers of fine architecture, I suggest stopping by the beautiful Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and the nearby Hallgrímskirkja church.
2. New Zealand
New Zealand has climbed to second place on the 2026 Global Peace Index, with a score of 1.343 – it now records the lowest ongoing conflict score of any country in the Asia-Pacific region.
It’s a striking country that has inspired Hollywood films like The Lord of the Rings, full of mystical mountains, fjords and lakes unlike anywhere else.
First-time travellers can feel completely at ease as they explore, whether alone or otherwise.
🇳🇿 Top attractions
One of the top attractions is the Hobbiton Movie Set, perfect for film lovers. If you want to see more of the country’s natural beauty, I recommend the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and Milford Sound.
3. Switzerland
Switzerland ranks third on the 2026 Global Peace Index with a score of 1.363, reinforcing what most travellers already assume: this is one of the most stable and secure countries in the world.
It’s one of my all-time favourite countries to explore, with grand mountains, glaciers and lakes wherever you look.
🇨🇭 Top attractions
Zurich is a stunning mediaeval town with plenty to keep travellers busy. From here, you can tour the home of Lindt chocolate, then book a day trip to the Swiss Alps.
Or discover more fairytale towns in Switzerland, such as Spiez, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald and Interlaken.
👉 For more Swiss inspiration, have a read of my guides before planning a trip:
- 15 incredible spa hotels in Switzerland
- 10 amazing ski resorts in Switzerland
- 12 most scenic train rides in Switzerland
4. Slovenia
Slovenia has climbed two places to fourth on the 2026 Global Peace Index, with a score of 1.369, making it one of the most underrated countries on this list.
Those who visit should expect turquoise rivers, snow-capped mountains and a low-key, unhurried pace of travel.
🇸🇮 Top attractions
The Vršič Mountain Pass is a popular attraction, and you can take in its full magnificence if you stay at one of the upscale alpine resorts nearby. Lake Bled is another breathtaking spot, and one you’ve probably seen all over Instagram.
👉 Discover more of the most beautiful lakes in Europe.
5. Ireland
Ireland sits fifth on the 2026 Global Peace Index, with a score of 1.371, remaining a peaceful and friendly place for tourists.
It may be a small island, but it packs a strong punch, with a plethora of prehistoric sites, panoramic coasts and breathtaking cliffs.
🇮🇪 Top attractions
Dublin is the best place to start your Irish adventure. You can book a tour of its main attractions, like Dublin Castle and the Kilmainham Gaol Museum.
6. Austria
Austria ranks sixth on the 2026 Global Peace Index with a score of 1.421. Beyond a few petty crimes like pickpocketing in busy tourist spots, it’s a very safe country to visit.
For me, the highlights of Austria are its towering mountains and rolling meadows – it’s the real-life location for The Sound of Music.
🇦🇹 Top attractions
Austria is home to the World Heritage City of Salzburg, a beautiful base for exploring the Mirabell Gardens, Hellbrunn Palace and Leopoldskron Lake. Personally, I love Austria for its skiing and snow sports in the winter months.
👉 Have a read of my Austria ski guides if you’re thinking of booking a trip:
- 6 highest ski resorts in Austria for a snow-sure trip
- 5 brilliant ski resorts in Austria for beginners
7. Portugal
Portugal ranks seventh on the 2026 Global Peace Index with a score of 1.427, and has one of the most stable political climates in the world.
Crime rates are low by international standards, though it’s still worth keeping an eye on your belongings in busier cities like Lisbon.
🇵🇹 Top attractions
Portugal is a bustling country with cosmopolitan cities, elegant gardens and beautiful beaches. One of my favourite attractions is the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, a show-stopping monastery straight out of a fairytale.
8. Singapore
Singapore ranks eighth on the 2026 Global Peace Index with a score of 1.435, and its reputation for safety extends well beyond the numbers. Strong infrastructure and high digital security make it a great introductory stop for those exploring Southeast Asia.
It’s a hub of modernity, innovation and jaw-dropping architecture, and one of my favourite travel destinations in Asia.
🇸🇬 Top attractions
Be mesmerised by Gardens by the Bay, a futuristic garden with elevated walkways and lush greenery. Stop by the Cloud Forest, which houses an indoor forest and waterfall.
👉 Discover more of the best things to do in Singapore.
9. Finland
New to the top 10 this year, Finland ranks ninth on the 2026 Global Peace Index with a score of 1.478. Violent crime is rare, locals are famously helpful, and Helsinki is widely regarded as one of the safest capital cities in the world for women travelling alone.
Beyond the capital, Finland is best known for Lapland, one of the best places on earth to see the northern lights between September and April.
🇫🇮 Top attractions
In Helsinki, don’t miss the Suomenlinna sea fortress, the Uspenski Cathedral and the Design District. Further north, Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, makes a brilliant base for dog sledding, snowmobiling and chasing the aurora across Lapland.
For something uniquely Finnish, seek out a traditional sauna – Tampere is known as the sauna capital of the world.
10. Japan
Rounding out the top 10, Japan ranks tenth on the 2026 Global Peace Index with a score of 1.489. It’s a culturally rich, technologically advanced country – a hodgepodge of centuries-old traditions and modern life.
You can shop at Shibuya and Shinjuku for the best Japanese fashion brands, then hop on a train and visit the massive Sensoji temple, all within a day.
🇯🇵 Top attractions
Perhaps the most famous attraction in Japan is Mount Fuji. You can book a tour of Hakone Lake, where you get incredible views of the iconic mountain.
Afterwards, unwind with a soak at Gora Kadan, a luxury hot spring ryokan built on the former grounds of an imperial family summer villa in Hakone.
FAQs
What is the safest country in the world?
Iceland, according to the Global Peace Index, which has ranked it first for 19 consecutive years running. It has no standing army and consistently low crime rates.
What happened to Denmark? It used to be on this list.
Denmark is still one of the safest countries in the world, but it’s fallen two places on the 2026 Global Peace Index and now sits just outside the top 10, at 11th. It remains an excellent, very safe choice if you’re planning a trip.
What does the Global Peace Index actually measure?
It’s an annual ranking published by the Institute for Economics and Peace, scoring 163 countries on factors like crime levels, political stability, militarisation and ongoing conflict. A lower score means a more peaceful country.
Are these countries safe for solo female travellers?
Yes, all 10 are considered strong choices for solo female travel, with Iceland, Japan, Slovenia and New Zealand standing out in particular for their low crime rates and generally welcoming attitude towards travellers on their own.
Where safety meets adventure
None of this means you should let your guard down entirely. No destination is completely risk-free, and sensible precautions are always worth taking wherever you travel.
But choosing one of these countries takes a significant layer of worry off the table, which is exactly what lets you fully immerse yourself in the culture rather than spend the whole trip looking over your shoulder.
These are also particularly great places to start if you’re new to solo travel, since the infrastructure and general local attitude tend to make things that bit easier.
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