The American dream has turned into a nightmare — for travelers. With the holiday travel season approaching, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has released its list of the safest nations in the world for 2026, with the Netherlands taking the top spot for tourist security.
Despite the decline in crime nationwide, the US did not make it onto the list. The study, which surveyed 1,800 American travelers, combined their rankings with data from sources like the Global Peace Index and Numbeo to determine the overall safety of each country.
Safety in this context was not just about crime rates but also considered factors like healthcare access, climate stability, and inclusivity. Interestingly, a recent survey found that Americans have anxiety about international travel due to concerns about safety.
The Netherlands claimed the top spot, with travelers praising its health measures and safety for various demographics. However, the main danger cited was fast-moving bikes, which have their own lanes in Dutch cities.
Australia came in second, receiving high marks for health measures and terrorism safety. Austria took third place, while last year’s winner, Iceland, slipped to fourth place.
Canada rounded out the top five, with the US ranking as the seventh safest nation for respondents with a household income exceeding $350,000 per year.
To ensure safety while traveling abroad, Berkshire Hathaway recommended registering for the US State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and assistance during emergencies.
Here are the top 15 safest countries in the world according to the survey:
1. Netherlands
2. Australia
3. Austria
4. Iceland
5. Canada
6. New Zealand
7. United Arab Emirates
8. Switzerland
9. Japan
10. Ireland
11. Belgium
12. Portugal
13. France
14. United Kingdom
15. Denmark
Overall, the study provides valuable insights for travelers looking to prioritize safety during their international adventures.
