Safest Travel Destinations for 2017

Happy trails! Summer is here and it’s time to hit the road or fly the friendly skies. Since safety and security are what we do best, we thought it made sense to put together a guide to the safest travel destinations in the world and throughout the United States. (We couldn’t resist including a few “no-fly” zones as well.) Read on to discover your next vacation!

7 of the Safest Places to Travel in 2017

Iceland

For a decade, Iceland has topped the global safety index. This Nordic nation has a low homicide and violent crime rate, few people are in jail, and they enjoy a minimal risk for terror attacks. Plus, for such a cold country, it’s a tourist hotspot! Pack a suit and some summer shades and get ready to jump into one of Iceland’s storied thermal baths or explore the Westfjords!

Portugal

In 2016, Lisbon was ranked by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the most underrated cities in Europe. That, combined with its incredible Global Peace Index, affordability, and jaw-dropping scenery make it a traveler’s must-see in 2017.

Austria

Travel experts at Condé Nast Traveler also recommend Austria for its peaceful elections, low weapons imports, and kindly neighbors: “Robert Frost wrote that ‘good fences make good neighbors,’ and that's true of Austria, whose neighbors (including Germany and the Czech Republic) also scored high on the [safety] index.”

Japan

Breaking into the top 10 on the Global Peace Index, Japan’s high-speed and soon-to-be-debuted invisible trains make it a great destination for power travelers.

Costa Rica

EscapeHere gives a big shout out to Costa Rica, noting: “This Latin American gem is perhaps one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Central America, so thankfully for travelers there is little threat of terror at this time. The green country famously abolished their army in 1949 becoming one of only a few nations without a standing army. It’s a perfect retreat for beach seekers, eco-travelers, and adventure types looking for their next big thrill.”

Slovenia

UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office recommends this nation in south central Europe for safety-minded travelers. Its negligible terror activity and higher-than-average police presence make visitors feel safe and sound. While you’re there, be sure to explore the Soča River Valley.

Madagascar

If eco-tourism is your thing, then Madagascar is where you will want to go. The threat of terrorism is low, although travelers should be mindful of the mercurial political environment.

5 of the Safest Places to Travel in the United States

If international travel is a little out of reach, there’s no time like the present to see the USA in your Chevrolet (or a Tennessee-built Nissan).

Oak Ridge, Tennessee

If you’re looking to keep things super local and super safe this summer, Oak Ridge is where it’s at. Just 2 ½ hours east of Nashville off of I-40, Oak Ridge is safer than 98% of American cities (NeighborhoodScout) and experienced just seven reported crimes last year. While you’re in town, be sure to visit the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the American Museum of Science and Energy.

Boulder, Colorado

RoughGuides sings Boulder’s praises, “Calling all solo adventurists: Boulder is the perfect spot to park your hiking boots. Sitting in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, this is an outdoor town with plenty of year-round activities that you can take on solo, from skiing to cycling. After dark, the fun continues, with a buzzing nightlife―check out the brew pubs of Pearl Street―and a diverse array of cheap international restaurants, where you can comfortably (and inexpensively) wine and dine alone.”

Key West, Florida

If feeling the sand between your toes is your kind of fun, you can’t do better than Key West. Besides, it’s as close to international travel as you can get without leaving the States. As the southernmost tip of the US, Key West dances to its own beat.

6 Places to Avoid This Summer

While there are plenty of wonderful, safe travel destinations in this beautiful world, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention a few points on the globe you should be avoiding this summer.

The US Department of State recently issued travel warnings for Algeria, Colombia, Iraq, Ethiopia, and Burkina Faso. Threats include kidnapping, terrorist violence, civil unrest, arbitrary detention, and domestic insurgency.

The Department of State isn’t letting Europe off the hook entirely, either. We know that we gave a shout out to Austria and Portugal, but here’s what the Feds have to say in a current travel alert about some of their European neighbors: “Recent, widely-reported incidents in France, Russia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom demonstrate that the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS or Da’esh), al-Qa’ida, and their affiliates have the ability to plan and execute terrorist attacks in Europe. While local governments continue counterterrorism operations, the Department nevertheless remains concerned about the potential for future terrorist attacks. U.S. citizens should always be alert to the possibility that terrorist sympathizers or self-radicalized extremists may conduct attacks with little or no warning.”

We wish you safe and happy travels this summer. Contact NCA Alarms to learn more about keeping your home safe while you’re away.