12 Safest Countries to Add to Your 2025 Bucket List, According to the Global Peace Index

New year, new travel plans. As you start to think about your future travels, safety is probably at the top of your mind. If you’re looking to escape the chaos of your work life and explore with your guard down, these are the 12 safest countries to visit in 2025, according to the Global Peace Index (GPI) of 2024.

Every year, the Institute of Economics and Peace ranks countries based on their levels of security and safety. This comprehensive index evaluates factors like crime rates, political stability, and even the presence of violence.

From all around the globe, these destinations promise new sceneries and adventure but also peace of mind.

1. Iceland

Safety Score: 1.112

Looking at the Global Peace Index score, Iceland is about as safe as it gets. It usually ranks at the top every year with its ultra-low crime rates and famously welcoming locals. Known for its wild landscapes, the Martian landscapes across Iceland offer jaw-dropping adventures.

Road trip the full Ring Road or at least the Golden Circle, which includes Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss waterfall. With more sheep than people, traffic’s usually light.

The Northern Lights make frequent appearances, especially between September and March. For those looking to hike, trek through Þórsmörk, a valley between glaciers that feels like another planet, or in the winter, you can enter through the bluest ice caves.

2. Ireland

Safety Score: 1.303

The Irish are friendly, and the landscapes are nothing short of legendary. Dublin’s energy is infectious, especially if you find yourself in Temple Bar, where pubs are packed with laughter and unintelligible Irish accents.

Outside the city, Ireland’s destinations like the Cliffs of Moher attract over a million visitors annually. For castles, Kilkenny Castle and Bunratty Castle stand proud, with centuries of history to explore. Hike the Wicklow Mountains for an outdoor gem just a short drive from Dublin, and don’t miss the Dingle Peninsula for gorgeous coastal roads and hidden beaches, as long as it’s not raining.

3. Austria

Safety Score: 1.313

I honestly think Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but the Austrian Alps is what steals my heart. Ski towns like St. Anton and Kitzbühel draw tens of thousands around the world, while summer turns the mountains into a haven for hiking and climbing.

I lived in Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city charms visitors with its baroque architecture and the iconic Hohensalzburg Fortress. Safety is top-notch here, and public transportation is clean, efficient, and easy to navigate.

4. New Zealand

Safety Score: 1.323

New Zealand combines unbeatable scenery with adrenaline adventure. In the North Island, Rotorua’s geothermal landscapes bubble with natural hot springs, while Hobbiton brings “The Lord of the Rings” to life.

Down south, Queenstown is the adrenaline capital, with options like bungee jumping off the Kawarau Bridge and jet-boating across the Shotover River. Even the capital, Wellington, is packed with life, especially around Cuba Street, lined with eclectic cafes and shops.

5. Singapore

Safety Score: 1.339

Singapore’s streets are so clean that I broke a flipflop and walked back barefoot for a mile without returning to dirt-covered feet. Strict laws have kept crime low and public spaces spotless.

Beyond that, you may have seen the futuristic Gardens by the Bay and dreamt of the infinity pool of Marina Bay Sands, which dominates the skyline. Sentosa Island is the local getaway, complete with Universal Studios Singapore.

For food lovers, Singapore’s hawker centers serve Michelin-starred eats that won’t break the bank. Transport here is top-tier, making it easy to hop from neighborhood to neighborhood in minutes.

6. Switzerland

Safety Score: 1.35

In Switzerland, safety is a given, and so are the views. Zurich may be the financial hub, but it’s also where you’ll find a bustling Old Town and access to Lake Zurich for paddleboarding. The Alps are a hiker’s dream, with Zermatt drawing in skiers and climbers from around the world.

Although the country may be one of the most expensive to visit, its public transportation is as reliable as its famous Swiss watches, making it easy to get around.

7. Portugal

Safety Score: 1.372

If you’re not going for Boom Festival, go to Portugal for the laid-back neighborhoods and famously delicious food. Walk down Lisbon’s cobbled streets and iconic yellow trams while Algarve is prime beach territory. Sintra’s palaces and castles are a fairy-tale landscape just outside of Lisbon.

Often referred to as the “Pearl of the Atlantic,” Madeira is Portugal’s sun-kissed archipelago of verdant levadas, which guide you up mountainsides and through delicate laurisilva forests, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

8. Denmark

Safety Score: 1.382

Denmark may be expensive, but you can expect bike-friendly streets and hygge-filled cafes. Copenhagen’s Nyhavn area has canals lined with colorful buildings and restaurants buzzing with activity.

Tivoli Gardens is a must-see, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, entertaining crowds for over a century. Outside the city, Kronborg Castle is a UNESCO site with Shakespearean ties. For beachgoers, Skagen in northern Denmark provides unique views where the Baltic and North Seas meet.

9. Slovenia

Safety Score: 1.395

Slovenia may be small, but it’s surprisingly beautiful. Lake Bled draws visitors year-round with its island church and cliffside castle. Ljubljana, the capital, has a walkable city center with a castle offering panoramic views.

The country is also home to the Julian Alps, attracting hikers and skiers to places like Triglav National Park.

10. Malaysia

Safety Score: 1.427

Malaysia’s mix of Indian, Chinese, and Malay cultures makes it a melting pot of flavors and traditions. Kuala Lumpur’s Petronas Towers are an iconic sight, while the Cameron Highlands provide a break from the city with tea plantations and hiking.

Down south, Penang’s Georgetown is a UNESCO World Heritage site with street art and amazing food stalls. For a bucket list experience, hop over to Borneo to Sipadan for the best place I’ve ever been for diving.

11. Canada

Safety Score: 1.449

Canada is safe and scenic, with a reputation for friendly locals and epic natural landscapes. Canada’s vast wilderness means you’re never far from an adventure. Banff National Park in Alberta is a highlight, with its insta-worthy glacial lakes and mountain views.

Vancouver mixes urban vibes with outdoor activities, and Toronto has cultural landmarks like the CN Tower. Quebec City feels like a trip to Europe with its historic architecture.

12. Czechia

Safety Score: 1.459

Czechia combines history with modern comforts, and it’s among the safest places to visit. Prague’s Old Town Square, with its astronomical clock, draws in millions each year.

Český Krumlov is another gem that’s impressive to walk through, with a fairy-tale castle looking down from the hill. Czechia’s forests and rolling hills have ample outdoor activities, and you won’t need to go far to get great beer.

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