Safest travel destinations 2026, Netherlands leads
Key points
- Netherlands takes No. 1 after ranking 14th last year
- Reykjavík stays No. 1 safest city for a second year
- Austria debuts at No. 3 among safest countries
- U.S. representation includes Honolulu and San Francisco
- Method blends traveler surveys with risk and safety data
Impact
- Airports
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) gain visibility as their cities rank in the top 15.
- Flights
- Routes into the Netherlands, Iceland, and Austria may see demand bumps around peak seasons.
- Travelers
- Safety perceptions favor Western Europe, with strong scores for health, weather, and underrepresented group safety.
- Outlook
- Rankings guide 2026 planning, though local events can still disrupt otherwise safe destinations.
Europe continues to dominate global safety perceptions for travel. In Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection's latest State of Travel Insurance Safest Destinations report for 2026, the Netherlands rises to No. 1, followed by Australia, Austria, Iceland, and Canada. Reykjavík retains the top spot among cities, ahead of Copenhagen, Zürich, and Amsterdam. The report blends recent traveler ratings with risk indicators such as severe weather, health conditions, terrorism, and protections for underrepresented groups. For 2026 planners, the list signals where confidence is highest and why bookings may concentrate in these hubs.
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection's 2026 safety list
Analysts surveyed U.S. travelers who visited destinations in the last five years, then weighted those impressions with external data to form composite safety scores. Notably, the Netherlands surged from 14th to first, a sharp gain that underscores improvements across multiple measures. Austria debuts in the top tier at No. 3, while Ireland rounds out the top 10. Among cities, Reykjavík repeats at No. 1, with Amsterdam and Zürich again finishing near the top on health, transport, and low violent crime.
Honolulu's strong placement lifts awareness of Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), and San Francisco's showing spotlights San Francisco International Airport (SFO) for international arrivals. For travelers eyeing Iceland, recent hotel and air additions tighten the case for Reykjavík as a safe, convenient gateway, including new capacity and product on the ground and in the air. See our related coverage on IHG signs first Iceland hotel: Candlewood Suites Reykjavik and Alaska Airlines Europe flights: Seattle to London, Reykjavik.
Latest developments
BHTP's 2026 list adds new momentum to traveler demand patterns seen through 2025, with Western Europe consolidating share and Northern Europe's hubs benefitting from efficient airports, reliable public transport, and strong health systems. At the same time, localized events can temporarily affect operations even in high-ranking cities. Barcelona, a top-15 safest city, has periodically managed marches and airport ground-handling disruptions; planning extra time remains prudent. Review our on-the-ground context in Barcelona protests travel advisory: overnight clashes.
Analysis
Expect booking curves to lengthen for spring and summer 2026 across the Netherlands, Iceland, Austria, and Switzerland as safety-minded travelers lock air and hotel earlier. Carriers may adjust schedules around Dutch and Iceland gateways, while tour operators expand soft-adventure and city-break product that aligns with perceived safety. Do not treat rankings as guarantees. Check local advisories, weather patterns, and labor calendars. In otherwise safe cities, transit strikes, rallies, or storms can quickly reshape airport throughput and same-day connections. Build buffers, keep a carry-on-first strategy, and monitor airline alerts closely.
Final thoughts
For 2026, the safest travel destinations center on the Netherlands at the country level and Reykjavík among cities. The methodology blends traveler sentiment with tangible risk data, producing a practical compass for early planners. Use the rankings to shape routes and seasons, then layer in airport windows, event calendars, and cancellation terms. If safety is your north star, start with these safest travel destinations 2026 and book with margin.