Reykjavik Ranked as the Most Secure Destination for Travelers
In a recent study, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection Insurance Company has identified the safest cities for tourists and domestic travelers. The company based its findings on responses from travelers, as well as data from the Economist's list of Safe Cities, GeoSure Global's indicator, and Numbeo's Crime Index.
Leading the list as the safest city for tourists is Reykjavik, Iceland. Copenhagen, Denmark, and Montreal, Canada, follow closely as some of the next safest cities for tourists.
Berkshire Hathaway assesses the safety of cities and countries by examining factors such as crime rates, terrorism risk, political stability, the safety of infrastructure and medical facilities, and the incidence of natural disasters or situations that could impact traveler security. For instance, in October 2024, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection named Switzerland the fifth-safest country to travel to, demonstrating their focus on overall safety and threat levels in destinations.
While the exact methodology used by Berkshire Hathaway is not disclosed, their approach aligns with general travel safety assessments conducted by travel insurance providers and agencies when selecting safe destinations.
Berkshire Hathaway's safe cities list for domestic travel includes London, United Kingdom; Sydney, Australia; Singapore; Tokyo, Japan; Berlin, Germany; Amsterdam, in the Netherlands; Barcelona, Spain; and Seoul, South Korea. Last year, Iceland was considered the safest city for domestic travel. The company also notes that while these cities are generally safe, problems such as flight delays, lost bags, and illnesses can still occur during travel.
Traveling within the Netherlands, Denmark, and Iceland is currently the safest for domestic travel, according to the study. This finding underscores the importance of considering safety when planning trips, whether domestic or international.
Carol Mueller, the president of Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection Insurance Company, emphasises the need for travellers to remain vigilant and prepared, despite the safety of the destinations. "While these cities are safe," she says, "problems can still occur during travel."
As the world continues to open up for travel, understanding the safety of various destinations is crucial for both tourists and domestic travellers. Berkshire Hathaway's study provides valuable insights into the safest cities to visit, ensuring a more enjoyable and worry-free travel experience.
Travelers and domestic travelers might find Reykjavik, Iceland, Copenhagen, Denmark, and Montreal, Canada, among the safest cities to visit due to Berkshire Hathaway's findings, which consider factors such as crime rates, infrastructure safety, and political stability. Despite the overall safety of these destinations, travelers should remain vigilant and prepared, as issues like flight delays, lost bags, and illnesses can still occur during travel.