Summer is one of the most popular times for travel. The kids are out of school, the weather is warm, and everyone is eager to take a break and enjoy the sunshine. However, world events, health concerns, and even natural disasters can make some destinations riskier than others. When choosing where to go on your summer vacation, safety should be a top priority. What makes a safest places to travel? While no location is completely without risk, the safest places have minimal threats from crime, civil unrest, terrorism, and health epidemics. They also avoid regions prone to natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions during summer months. We took all of these factors into account as we researched the best destinations for safe summer getaways.
Western Europe Popular
European cities like London, Paris, and Rome will be packed in the summer, but provide generally safe urban destinations with so much culture, cuisine, and dazzling sights to behold. Lesser-known villages and countryside regions also overflow with Old World charm.
Benefits:
- Developed countries with good infrastructure
- Low violent crime rates
- No anti-American sentiment
- High counter-terrorism standards
- Modern healthcare systems
Downsides:
- Busy tourist seasons mean bigger crowds
- Risk of petty theft (pickpocketing)
- Recent terrorist attacks (but enhanced security measures now)
Ireland, Switzerland, Austria
With its endless emerald landscape, friendly people, and lively culture, Ireland is a joy to visit in the summer. Politically stable Switzerland and Austria boast towering alps, pristine lakes, and old-fashioned European charm without the overflowing tourists.
Canada As a neighbor to the U.S., Canada keeps very similar standards when it comes to safety, health, and infrastructure. Coupled with friendly locals, lower summer temperatures, and outdoor adventure, our northern neighbor makes for an easy, low-risk vacation spot.
Benefits:
- Developed nation right next door
- Low violent crime and gun rates
- Universal healthcare
- Rare natural disasters
Downsides:
- Bigger cities have some petty crime
Vancouver, Nova Scotia
Vancouver offers urban sites like Stanley Park and Granville Island Market alongside outdoor options like hiking and boating. The seafood and culture shines bright in historic Nova Scotia fishing villages dotted along the coastline.
Costa Rica With rainforests, volcanoes, beaches, waterfalls, and some of the world’s best wildlife viewing, Costa Rica dazzles visitors seeking tropical beauty and adventure. Safety has also long been a bragging right for this peaceful Central American destination.
Benefits:
- Long democratic history without military
- Low homicides and violent crimes
- Developed tourism infrastructure
Downsides:
- Active volcanoes could erupt
- Some petty theft targets tourists
Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest
The stunning beaches and rainforest trails in Manuel Antonio National Park let you bask in the natural beauty, while zip-lining above the tree canopy in Monteverde Cloud Forest takes adventure to new heights!
Australia Often viewed as a destination on the other side of the world, Australia ranks among the top 10 safest countries. With hip cities, gorgeous beaches, the famous Outback, and creatures found nowhere else on Earth, it promises an incredible escape for summer travelers who make the long trek.
Benefits:
- Politically stable for decades
- Low crime rates, no firearms issues
- Leading healthcare system
Downsides:
- Long flight to travel halfway around the world!
- Venomous snakes and deadly animals
Sidney, Great Barrier Reef
The vibrant city life and seaside charm of Sidney balances nicely with scuba diving and snorkeling along the Great Barrier Reef, which remains one of Earth’s natural wonders.
Japan From the dazzling neon streets of Tokyo to the peaceful temples of Kyoto, Japan presents a seemingly endless array of experiences for summer travelers. Safety concerns here focus more on natural disasters than crime or unrest issues.
Benefits:
- Nearly non-existent violent crime
- Top-notch healthcare system
- Rich cultural attractions
Downsides:
- Chance of earthquakes and tsunamis
Sapporo Summer Festival, Hakone Onsen Resort Towns
The month-long Sapporo Summer Festival highlights Japanese food, dance, and crafts against gorgeous countryside landscapes. Hot spring resort towns like Hakone offer stunning mountain views and relaxing spas to take the edge off summer’s heat.
Key Factors for Evaluating Summer Travel Safety
When researching destinations for your next summer vacation, keep these major factors in mind as you evaluate options to find the safest places:
Political Stability
Look at any recent or ongoing conflicts, terrorist threats, anti-government protests, and coup attempts. Countries with more political turmoil typically see higher crime rates and dangers for travelers.
Violent Crime Rates
Murder, assault, rape, and muggings put travelers most at risk. Be aware of both statistics and recent high-profile incidents when planning your visit.
Health Concerns
Get the latest reports on diseases, pandemics, infection rates, and availability of quality medical care. Also research water/food safety standards.
Natural Disasters
Hurricanes, floods, volcanoes and other weather events can directly threaten visitors as well as damage tourism infrastructure, making travel more challenging.
Infrastructure Issues
Well-funded transportation, modernized hotels/restaurants, and even cell/wifi connectivity improve both safety and quality of travel. Check for any known shortcomings or shortages.
Travel Safety Tips for Summer Vacations
While picking safer destinations goes a long way, following smart personal practices enhances security:
- Only book hotels/tour companies with glowing recent reviews
- Keep valuables locked up; don’t bring anything irreplaceable
- Carry limited cash; rely more on debit/credit cards
- Keep photocopies of all important documents in case they get lost/stolen
- Research if water is safe to drink or buy bottled instead
- Don’t venture out alone at night, especially to unfamiliar areas
- Always tell someone back home about detailed travel plans
- Get health insurance that covers medical treatment abroad
- Pack any needed medications or prescriptions well ahead of time
- Download an offline map/translator app before arriving
FAQs
What’s the safest region for summer vacations?
According to the Global Peace Index, Europe is statistically the safest region, though individual countries like Canada, Australia, and Japan compete as the absolute safest. Iceland and Denmark also rank very high for personal security.
Which U.S. city is safest for summer travelers?
No US cities crack the top of international safety rankings. However, NYC, LA, Chicago, and DC all have lower crime rates than in past decades. Practicing basic street smarts keeps risks low for urban explorers.
What should I do if mugged/robbed on vacation?
First, ensure you are in a safe location away from the perpetrator. Next, report the crime to local law enforcement right away. Finally contact your bank/credit card company to freeze accounts. Many travel insurances also cover lost funds from theft.
Is backpacking safe for solo summer travel?
While inherently riskier than group tours, even remote destinations like Central America and Southeast Asia have well-established “backpacker trails” with decent infrastructure. Do research ahead of time to choose safer regions. Also consider splurging on fancier eco-resorts.
What natural disasters threaten summer travelers?
Hurricanes menace Caribbean/Atlantic destinations from June-November. Monsoons drench parts of Asia from May-October. While the disasters themselves typically pass quickly, aftermath flooding can persist. Volcanic eruptions like in Hawaii can also occur but harder to predict.
Conclusion
Finding a safe destination lets you relax and soak up the best a new place offers without worrying about risks back home. Use this guide to educate yourself before choosing a safest places to travel. And don’t forget travel insurance as an extra safeguard in case plans go unexpectedly awry! Embarking on the exciting journey of family vacation planning, remember that with the right destination and some prudent precautions, you can minimize chances of safety issues abroad. So get out there and make some unforgettable summer memories with your loved ones!
