When it comes to travelling to a new country, what are some of the factors you consider Ease of accessibility, cost of accommodation, popular spots, etc. are some of the key things, However, even before these, you check whether the country is safe for tourists. To help with this concern of yours, many think tanks and travel companies come out with a roundup every year that includes the safest countries for travellers.
The Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP), a US travel insurance company, came out with the 15 safest countries in the world, 11 of which are in Europe. Here's a look at the top 5 among them.
Netherlands
The Netherlands, ranked first on the BHTP's list of safest nations and twenty-first on the Global Peace Index (GPI), is a destination where you may travel without worrying. American tourists who were a part of the survey praised Amsterdam as one of the world's safest cities. Additionally, the 2022 World's Safest Country index places it as the world's 21st safest nation. However, pickpocketing is what you should be most worried about as a tourist, especially in Amsterdam.
Denmark
Denmark is among the safest nations in the world, ranking second according to BHTP. This means that visitors shouldn't worry too much about crime, as they have to in some other nations. It's simple to get around whether you are staying in Copenhagen, the country's capital, or travelling outside. Ask a bystander for assistance if you get lost or need help the inhabitants are kind, and many speak at least a basic level of English, if not better.
Iceland
Iceland consistently ranks first on the Global Peace Index, has one of the lowest rates of crime in the world, and has no known harmful animal predators for humans. Therefore, it doesn't seem particularly hazardous, but the difficulties are elsewhere. Being in the centre of the Atlantic Ocean and the Arctic Circle, unpredictable weather outbreaks and swift temperature fluctuations are typical.
Norway
Norway is no exception to the reputation of Scandinavian nations as having the world's highest levels of stability. Take time to contemplate the peace of the glaciers or allow the northern lights to take your breath away. However, the biggest dangers to tourists in Norway are those posed by the environment. Many tourists are injured or even killed each year when travelling through the mountains or on the seas, mainly due to failing to heed instructions or warning signs posted along the way.
Germany
Germany, a superb location, is a country of castles, beer, and sausages. It ranks 16th on the GPI and 7th on the BHTP list. So you won't have to worry for your safety while visiting Berlin's magnificent baroque mansions or while visiting modern art galleries and well-known historical monuments like the Brandenburg Gate.
In addition to these five, the other countries on the list include Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, Ireland, the UK and Belgium.
Factors That Contributed To The Rankings
The Global Peace Index, recent travel advice from the US State Department, a survey from tourists who have visited the locations, and GeoSure Global scores (which combine crime, health, and travel alerts for major cities), are some of the factors that go into the rankings.