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This North American country tops the list of the safest countries for travelers

A new year means new destinations.

When looking at where to go, travelers will consider the usual factors such as weather, cost and available activities. This year, safety is also top of mind as more people want to go off the beaten path and take solo trips.

To help, travel insurance provider Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection just released its ninth annual State of Travel Insurance report, which includes the safest countries in the world for travelers.

"The definition of safe destination has evolved,” Carol Mueller, vice president at Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, told USA TODAY in an email. "In our most recent survey, travelers lean in on countries they believe as safe destinations they can move about freely without discrimination or harassment."

To determine the list, the travel insurance provider surveyed 1,702 people on their own travel experiences in different countries and also pulled data from third-party resources that evaluate safety concerns such as terrorism, weather emergencies, health measures and the safety of underrepresented groups. This included the  Global Peace Index  and the State Department’s own  travel safety ratings .

Learn more: Best travel insurance

While these countries are considered to be overall safe for people to visit, the company noted the report doesn't mean every part of the country is safe nor account for the possibility of natural disasters. And as always, don't let your guard down when it comes to petty theft against tourists.

'It's like your local bestie': This startup helps make solo travel as a woman feel safer

Read below to see the 15 countries determined to be the safest for all travelers.

The Great White North tops this year's list of safest countries in the world for travelers, thanks to its low violent crime and strict gun laws. Last year, the country, known for its high standard of living and political stability, made sixth on the list.

2. Switzerland

Known for its security and low crime rates, Switzerland made second place for the safest nations to visit. The country is known for its high quality of living and beautiful nature, such as Lake Geneva and Lake Zurich.

Besides having some of the best views of the dancing northern lights , Norway is also one of the safest places when it comes to crime rates, terrorist activity and violent demonstrations. According to the report, Oslo, the capital of Norway, was the country's safest area.

Those wanting to see Ireland's Cliffs of Moher or sip on some Guinness can rest assured in going through with those travel plans. The country had fewer homicides in 2022 than 16 U.S. cities, according to the report.

5. Netherlands

Last year, the Netherlands took the top spot for safest destinations to visit, and this year, it made fifth. Survey respondents repeatedly said they felt safe in the country and its capital Amsterdam. Just beware of the tourist tax increase as the city continues to crack down on reckless partiers.

6. United Kingdom

With a beautiful countryside and cities with low murder and theft rates, the United Kingdom is a safe bet for travelers. Unfortunately, the country is soon going to implement a fee to enter its borders .

7. Portugal

There's a reason digital nomads flock to this sunny coastal country, and it's not just the delicious seafood and wine. Portugal's cities are secure and orderly, and the rural areas are peaceful. In 2022, the country was determined to be one of the best places for solo female travelers too.

Last year, Denmark was the second safest country in the world for travelers, and its low crime rates continue to help it be a safe choice for travelers. The northern European country typically steals the spotlight for its happy residents and its politics.

Like its Nordic neighbor Denmark, Iceland is often regarded as the world's most gender-equal country and the safest country in the world when it comes to crime. To entice travelers even more, the country is home to otherworldly landscapes featuring glaciers, geysers, hot springs, waterfalls and volcanic terrain.

10. Australia

Rugged wilderness and cosmopolitan cities make Australia a desirable country for travelers, especially female solo travelers since the Land Down Under also has low homicide rates. In 2022, there were 377 recorded homicides, about half of what Chicago experienced, according to the report.

11. New Zealand

Although expensive, New Zealand is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore its coastlines, mountains, fjords and more, or for those who are big "Lord of the Rings" fans. With low crime rates, the country is also considered to be quite peaceful and great for female solo travelers.

Along with low crime rates, Japan offers travelers a blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity. Think robot servers in restaurants amongst ancient shrines. In Japanese culture, politeness and orderliness are also highly valued, making it a safe place for travelers, solo or not. However, the report doesn't consider natural disasters, such as the earthquakes that recently shook the western part of the island nation.

Home to the City of Light, France has stood the test of time as one of the world's most popular destinations. Thankfully, for travelers, the country has relatively safe transportation (well, minus petty theft, which is common on the metro) and safety from disease epidemics, according to the report. However, violent demonstrations mean travelers should be cautious and check local media for updates.

Another popular European destination, Spain is known for petty theft like pickpocketing. Overall, the Mediterranean country has a low crime rating for how heavily touristed it is, the report said. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection recommends people especially watch out for passport thefts, so as always, travel cautiously.

This year, Brazil made the list of safe countries to visit. The survey respondents who identified as women, people of color and LGBTQ+ especially felt safe in the South American country, known for its beautiful beaches. However, Brazil's borders are notably dangerous for crime activity.

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

Global Travel Risk Map

Daily updated risk assessment for all countries.

• World Overview

The 50 Most (& Least) Deadly Travel Destinations

Published on December 1, 2022 by Matthew H. Nash

One crucial factor when planning an international trip is safety. From homicide rates to natural disaster risk, some countries pose a greater threat to safety than others. Our research team crunched numbers on seven safety risk factors for 50 of the most-visited countries to create our “Travel Safety Index” .

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Ranking Factors

The 50 countries included in our study were selected based on how popular they are among tourists. To determine the deadliest places in the world for tourists, we looked at the following ranking factors:

Please note: Due to ongoing conflicts in the region, Russia and Ukraine were omitted from the study.

1. Homicide Rate (0-100 points) – The number of intentional homicides per 100,000 people.

Source: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

2. Road Traffic Death Rate (0-100 points) – The estimated road traffic death rate per 100,000 people.

Source: World Health Organization

3. Poisoning Death Rate (0-100 points) –  The mortality rate attributed to unintentional poisonings per 100,000 people.

4. Unsanitary Conditions Mortality Rate (0-100 points) – The mortality rate that is attributed to unsafe sanitation, unsafe water, and a lack of proper hygiene per 100,000 people.

Source: World Bank

5. Life Years Lost Due to Communicable Diseases (0-100 points) – The number of life years lost due to infectious diseases (adjusted for disabilities) per 100,000 people.

Source: Our World in Data

6. Life Years Lost Due to Injury (0-100 points) – Age-standardized and disability-adjusted life years lost due to injuries (including conflict, violence, and self-harm) per 100,000 people.

7. Natural Disaster Risk (0-50 points) – An index created by the German non-profit Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft in partnership with the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security, the World Risk Report scores countries based on the risk of a natural disaster such as earthquakes, floods, or cyclones as well as the ability of the country to handle a disaster should it occur.

Source: WorldRiskReport

Study Limitations

An individual’s exposure to risk while traveling largely depends on the type of travel they choose and which areas of a country they visit. For example, going to a destination and staying in an all-inclusive luxury resort will often carry significantly less risk of bodily harm than staying in an area known for high crime, injury, or natural disasters. It’s impossible to account for every variable that a traveler may experience when analyzing countries as a whole. This study attempts to aggregate data taking into account a variety of factors to determine a nations overall risk profile.

Where Are the Most Dangerous Places to Travel?

Below are the 20 deadliest travel destinations:

• South Africa
• Dominican Republic
• Philippines
• Saudi Arabia
• United States

#1 Most Deadly Country: South Africa

South Africa is a beautiful and exceptionally biodiverse country that attract millions of international tourist each year. However, it also tops the list of the most deadly countries for tourists. Out of the 50 countries studied, South Africa has the highest homicide rate (36.40 per 100,000 people) and the highest number of life years lost due to communicable diseases (23,778 years per 100,000 people). The country also has the sixth-highest road traffic death rate (22.22 per 100,000 people).

South Africa scored an F in six of the seven factors used in our research study. The U.S. Department of State indicates:

“Violent crime, such as armed robbery, rape, carjacking, mugging, and ‘smash-and-grab’ attacks on vehicles, is common. There is a higher risk of violent crime in the central business districts of major cities after dark.

Demonstrations, protests, and strikes occur frequently. These can develop quickly without prior notification, often interrupting traffic, transportation, and other services; such events have the potential to turn violent.”

Why is South Africa so unsafe?

Approximately 68 people are murdered in South Africa every day. Why this occurs is a complicated question to answer, but many believe it boils down to the following reasons:

• Poverty and income inequality
• High amounts of gang violence and organized crime
• Weak, slow judicial system

Other factors like the prevalence of easy access to firearms, alcohol abuse, unemployment, and corruption have also been cited as causes for the extremely dangerous crime and hazardous living conditions within South Africa.

#2 Most Deadly Country: India

India is second on the list of most deadly countries for tourists. While the country has a relatively low homicide rate and poisoning death rate, they are the top country for deaths from poor hygiene conditions, at 18.6 per 100,000 people.

Not only is India extremely populated, but it is also has extreme income inequality, with a massive gap between the country’s richest and poorest citizens. This wealth gap means that many of India’s over 1.3 billion people live in poverty and dangerous living conditions, with an estimated 60% of its citizens surviving on little over $3 a day.

Shoddy infrastructure, substandard health, and sanitation conditions are just some of the issues that Indians face on a daily basis, with the lowest classes being forced to navigate the worst of it.

Most and least deadly by category

South Africa has the most documented incidents of homicide by a relatively large margin, with 36.4 homicides per 100,000. Mexico, the country with the second highest homicide rate, has 29.1 homicides per 100,000, and Brazil has 27.4 homicides per 100,000. The homicide rate drops significantly from there, with the remaining countries reporting 10.00 or fewer per 100,000. Notably, the US has the 7th highest rate of homicide when compared to these 50 countries.

The countries with the highest homicide death rates are:

Road Deaths

Vehicle transportation is unavoidable for most travelers, and unsafe road conditions can provide a considerable safety hazard in many countries. According to the CDC , 1.35 million people globally are killed in motor vehicle accidents every year, making this a real danger and a serious consideration when traveling to countries with more lax driving laws and poorly maintained infrastructure.

The Dominican Republic has a road death every two hours, which accounts for a significant portion of Dominican Republic deaths per year. Reasons for the dangerous road conditions are attributed to “a lethal mix of alcohol, speed and blatant disregard for traffic laws,” according to The San Diego Union-Tribune.

The countries with the highest road traffic death rates are:

Poisoning Deaths

Romania, China, and South Africa are all outliers when it comes to poisoning deaths. According one study by the NIH , China had 16,179 unintentional poisoning deaths in 2016 which made up 31% of the world’s total of 52,077 poisoning deaths that year. The details and causes of poisoning incidents in China is scattered which suggests these numbers may be underreported.

The countries with the highest poisoning death rates are:

Mortality Rate from Unsanitary Conditions

Anyone who has had traveler’s diarrhea or another food-borne illness will know how vital sanitation is when it comes to a vacation. There are ways to prevent illness from unsanitary conditions, but it’s not entirely possible to eradicate the threat of sickness in all regions.

While India is a developing country and is modernizing quickly, there’s still much progress to be made in terms of general hygiene. An estimated one in ten deaths in India is attributed to poor hygiene conditions. Similarly, South Africa is having significant issues with clean water access and available sanitation services for its citizens, though this does appear to be improving.

The countries with the highest death rates from poor hygiene:

• South Korea

Communicable Disease Deaths

Covid-19 has shown us that infectious diseases are extremely serious, but many other diseases around the world also have devastating impacts and cause countless deaths every year. These include diseases like dengue fever, malaria, measles, cholera, typhoid, yellow fever, and more. It’s always a good idea to check with your medical provider before traveling to a new region because they will have data available to ensure you are immunized against local diseases as much as possible and can take other preventative measures such as wearing insect repellant.

South Africa has over double the number of life years lost due to communicable diseases as India. Some of the diseases affecting South Africans include HIV, tuberculosis, respiratory infections, and more, according to the CDC.

The countries with the highest number of years lost from communicable diseases:

Life Years Lost to Injury

Injury in life is inevitable. You can’t prevent a broken arm or a sprained ankle anywhere in the world, but some regions are more prone to accidents or injury. This can be for various reasons, including infrastructure problems, inaccessible walkways, poorly maintained hiking paths, and much more.

South Africa has the highest years of life lost due to injuries, with many of those injuries coming from interpersonal violence and road traffic incidents. Saudi Arabia likewise reports many injuries, with most reported injuries affecting young males. These injuries were largely traffic-related.

The countries with the highest number of life years lost to injury are:

• United Arab Emirates

World Risk Index

Natural disasters are increasingly becoming a regular part of our modern life due to the impacts of climate change , and it would be unwise to fail to consider the likelihood of natural disasters when picking a travel destination. Not only should the location be factored in, but also the season. For example, many counties have significant and deadly monsoon and hurricane seasons, which can threaten tourists and locals alike.

The most dangerous country when it comes to natural disaster risk and readiness response is the Philippines, according to the annual World Risk Index. The Philippines garnered a score of 46.8. The second and third most dangerous countries are India and Indonesia, followed by Mexico and China. Notably the US and Australia ranked 7th and 8th respectively.

The countries with the highest natural disaster risk:

What Are the Safest Countries for Tourists to Visit?

Based on data for 50 of the most-visited countries in the world, these are the fifteen safest countries for tourists and their Travel Safety Index scores:

• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• Czech Republic

#1 Safest Country: Singapore

According to our index, Singapore is the least deadly country for tourists. With a very low homicide rate, road death rate, and natural disaster risk, Singapore is an excellent choice for travelers in terms of safety.

What makes Singapore so safe? Well, crime does not pay in Singapore. The consequences for committing crimes in Singapore are incredibly high, even for “smaller” crimes. This, combined with high surveillance and police presence, makes Singapore the world’s safest country for travel.

This, of course, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still take universal safety precautions, even in Singapore. For some top travel safety tips, see the end of the article.

#2 Safest Country: Denmark

Denmark’s high safety ranking likely won’t come as a surprise to those familiar with Denmark’s reputation. The low crime rate is often attributed to strong social safety nets that keep its citizens out of poverty, which decreases petty crimes like theft and pickpocketing. Denmark also has a robust police presence, a (relatively) transparent government, and high-quality technological surveillance, which makes Denmark an uncommonly safe place to live and travel.

This level of safety and community trust made Denmark go viral recently when people on social media discovered footage of Danish mothers and fathers leaving their newborns outside to sleep in their strollers while the parents go into shops and cafés. This is a common practice and is often believed to help babies and infants sleep comfortably and develop better immune systems. The idea of trusting the general public with an infant seems like madness in many other parts of the world. This goes to show the level of safety and transparency within Denmark.

Tips for staying safe while traveling, no matter the destination

• Never travel without doing your research – Each destination, from the most to the least deadly, will have its share of challenges and hurdles. Looking up common scams in your destination city or country will help you stay sharp and mindful of dangerous tactics.
• Check the natural disaster risk for your region – Many places around the world, from Louisiana to Mumbai, are more prone to natural disasters at certain times of the year. Knowing if your destination is experiencing monsoon season, hurricane season, extreme heat or cold, and other potentially dangerous natural disasters will keep you and your family stay safe and help you avoid potentially high-risk areas.
• Practice universal safety precautions – Just because you might be in a “safe” country, don’t let your guard down. Crime, unsanitary conditions, and injuries can happen anywhere, and tourists are often targeted everywhere in the world.
• Invest in high-quality safety travel gear – Things like RFID neck wallets, money belts, and sturdy luggage locks will help keep you and your family’s items safe around pickpockets.
• Register your trip with your local embassy – Your government having a way to find you and help remove you from a dangerous situation is incredibly important. If you plan to travel internationally, see if your country has a way to report your trip before embarking on your adventure. The United States has STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program), Canada has Registration of Canadians Abroad, and other countries have equivalent programs for their citizens.
• Save your embassy’s information – Speaking of embassies, know your country’s embassy information before traveling internationally. Whether you write down the embassy phone number and address on a piece of paper or add it to your phone’s cloud service, having a way to access your country’s representative embassy while traveling abroad could be lifesaving in the event of an emergency.
• Travel with a friend or family member – Solo travel can be a fun, freeing activity. But it can also open you up to more potential risks. Traveling with friends and family is often a safer alternative to solo travel.
• Don’t keep all of your cash in one place – Having all your funds in a central location could be disastrous should an emergency arise. If you get robbed, your wallet goes missing, or you get separated from the rest of your group, it’s essential to have emergency money to fall back on. Keeping extra cash in your phone case, in your shoe, or somewhere else inconspicuous may seem silly, but it could bail you out in a pinch.
• Be careful where you eat – Not all countries enforce strict sanitation standards regarding food and beverages. Check reviews, go to restaurants suggested by friends and family, and practice precautions when eating out (particularly when it comes to street food).
• Know the risks of your destination and travel accordingly – If, for example, you do some research and find that your destination may not have the safest water, you can bring a Grayl or filter bottle. Knowing what to expect by planning ahead can save money (and discomfort) during the trip.
• Have your medical information (securely) available – Nobody wants to think about the possibility of hospitalization or injury while on vacation, but it can and does happen. Memorizing your blood type, having a list of your medications and dosages, as well as any allergies and other pertinent medical info available for medical professionals to review is critical should an emergency arise.
• Hire a guide – While guides can’t reasonably protect you from all danger, they can use their local knowledge of the country to keep you safe. Many guides will provide translation services, ensure you eat in safe restaurants, and can help you avoid dangerous neighborhoods.
• Keep a family member or friend aware of your travel plans – Having a friend or family member back home know your travel itinerary could be incredibly helpful if something goes wrong.
• Listen to your intuition – If something doesn’t feel safe, seems too good to be true, or otherwise sets off “alarm bells” while traveling, trust your instincts and remove yourself if it is safe to do so.
• Always travel with insurance – You never know what can happen while traveling. Whether you’re traveling domestically or across the world, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Travel insurance is often fairly inexpensive ( often costing less than $100 for a two-week trip ) and can save thousands in emergency expenses. See some of our guides here: Antartica , Belize , Costa Rica , Cruise , Dubai , and Europe .
• United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
• World Health Organization
• Our World in Data
• WorldRiskReport
• CNN: Seeing the new India through the eyes of an invisible woman
• Business Tech: New data shows shocking rise in violent crime in South Africa
• CNET: India spent $30 billion to fix its broken sanitation. It ended up with more problems
• The Economist: Why it is so hard to fix India’s sanitation
• Borgen Project: 10 Facts about Sanitation in South Africa
• National Library of Medicine: The high burden of injuries in South Africa
• National Library of Medicine: Burden of traumatic injuries in Saudi Arabia

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The world's safest countries to travel to: top 13 destinations

Travelling should be enjoyable, relaxing and fun, not scary. That's why I'm going to tell you about some of the safest countries to travel to around the world.

Lauren Worldpackers Community

Apr 25, 2024

Travelling and exploring the world is one of the best feelings ever but hey, it can be intimidating! If you're a solo traveller (especially travelling alone as a woman ) or someone more vulnerable, you may have a few doubts about going on a trip which is understandable. 

However, travelling should be enjoyable for everyone and should be relaxing and fun, not scary. That's why I'm going to tell you about some of the safest countries to travel for a worry-free trip.

This doesn't mean these are the only places you can travel safely , but they may be a good place to start to find your feet and then you can venture out a bit more. 

So let's get into it. Here are 13 of the top safest countries to vist.

Safest countries to travel in the world

• Switzerland
• New Zealand 
• Rural UK 

Ranked as the world's  safest countries to travel to , Iceland is a top tier destination for a stress-free trip. 

With it's gorgeous mountainous hills, interesting  Nordic culture and friendly people, it truly is a travellers paradise and should definitely be on your bucket list. 

One of the best things to do in Iceland includes trying to see the Northern Lights. Due to the countries' low light pollution, the night sky comes alive with stars and the lights take centre stage with their mesmerising dance of green and blue colours, magical!

 Another must-do is going to a hot spring to take a dip in naturally heated water, whilst being surrounded by ice! 

Make sure to check out Worldpackers work exchange and volunteer programs in Iceland  like this position to volunteer in a beautiful Guest House with all meals included. 

2. Switzerland

Home to a great quality of living, cleanliness and great chocolate, Switzerland is a great choice for those looking to find a peaceful trip away. 

It's ranked as one of the safest countries to visit in Europe , especially for female solo travellers. If you're a fan of snow sports or hiking, you must make sure to visit the Swiss Alps - they're so beautiful you'll be speechless! 

Make sure to check out Worldpackers work exchange and volunteer programs in Switzerland  like this one to be a volunteer in an amazing mountain hostel  helping out with reception and housekeeping.

The Danes are said to be the happiest people on Earth, and with the great country they live in, it's easy to see why. The capital city of Denmark, Copenhagen, is probably one of the best places to visit as a solo traveller . 

Of course it has its more risky places like Norrebo, but as long as you stay vigilant, you're guaranteed to have a great time. 

One of the best things about Denmark is how cycle-friendly it is, meaning you can explore the country at your own pace and feel safe whilst doing so. 

Denmark is famously known for it's love of 'Hygge' (pronounced hoo-gah) which essentially sums up that cosy feeling you get when you sit by the fire with a warm drink, surrounded by good company. Wonderful. 

Make sure to check out Worldpackers work exchange and volunteer programs in Denmark  like this awesome Camping accepting volunteers to prepare and serve food in exchange of accommodation, meals and many other amenities!

Before travelling to Denmark, you should read Copenhagen on a budget: a backpacker's travel guide .

4. New Zealand 

New Zealand has to be one of the most beautiful places on earth with the most luscious greenery, inviting coastal beaches and the kindest people. It's known as one of the most peaceful countries in the world, and also one of the least corrupt. 

Unlike its neighbour Australia, New Zealand only has a very small number of dangerous animals and insects in the country so you don't have to check your shoes every time you put them on! A great place for those who love the outdoors and a bit of adventure - bungee jumping anyone? 

Fun fact: Did you know about the ceremonial Haka dance of New Zealand's Māori people? If you didn't, it's a must-see. A performance of pure heart and soul.

Make sure to check out Worldpackers work exchange and volunteer programs in New Zealand  like this one to help an Eco Village with gardening where you can stay and explore nature for at least one week.

I'm sure it's no surprise that Canada is on this list. After all, it's well known for it's super friendly people, eh! 

I've heard Canada described as almost a wonderland that barely feels real, that's probably partly due to being one of the safest countries to travel to . 

The people there are very respectful of both native and travellers, so you can make yourself right at home. Full of incredible nature and beautiful wildlife, Canada is best for outdoor-lovers and adventure-seekers.

Make sure to check out Worldpackers work exchange and volunteer programs in Canada  like this experience in the mountains where the hosts only need 12 hours per week of help and offer such good amenities to the volunteer.

Home to great food, warm weather and wonderful people, Spain is one of Europe's most loved tourist destinations. 

Spaniards are all about helping their community and being there for one another and in general, are very kind people. They love to have a good time and certainly know how to dance! So if you're looking for a fun-filled trip, Spain is a great idea. 

The country has a great variety of bustling cities, wonderful mountains and coastlines, but be cautious when visiting the busier cities like Barcelona as pit-pockets are quite common in some areas. Try traditional Spanish tapas, wash it down with some sangria and take a walk along the beach - bliss!

Make sure to check out Worldpackers work exchange and volunteer programs in Spain  like this retreat needing help with web programming .

7. Portugal

For somewhere much cheaper, but just as amazing, Portugal is a great destination. With beautiful coastlines, fun cities and warm weather, it has become a very popular tourist destination but yet remains one of the safest countries to travel to. 

A good tip is to travel here outside of peak times to enjoy a quieter experience. Be sure to try the delicious Portuguese cuisine , relax on the beach or walk the streets of the cities like Lisbon and Porto. 

Portugal is a great place for younger travellers who want an enjoyable, safe trip but without the high price tag. 

Make sure to check out Worldpackers work exchange and volunteer programs in Portugal  to have amazing experiences while helping with content and social media  in a hostel in Lisbon, for example.

Ireland is a fantastic country to visit with some of the friendliest people with plenty of good craic (banter) to keep you entertained. 

Visit the rugged coastlines and be taken aback by the scenery, walk the Giants Causeway in Belfast (Northern Ireland is in the UK, but for this blog's sake, we're keeping them together!) or find a good local pub in the heart of Dublin. It may not always have the best weather, but it has some great accents, beautiful views and a good spirit.

Top tip: whether you're in Northern or Southern Ireland, it's best not to bring up the other side of the country because of history. Most will be fine with it, but you don't want to get on the wrong side of somebody.

Make sure to check out Worldpackers work exchange and volunteer programs in Ireland  to seer one of the most beautiful scenery in Europe while helping. This Guest House by the beach is looking for recepcionit, cleaners and housekeepers.

Japan is one of the safest Asian countries to travel to with it's highly respectful community and very low crime rates. 

It's fairy-tale-like gardens and futuristic high-tech cities make this country one of the most interesting to visit. 

It is important when visiting Japan that you respect their culture and abide by any rules when in public places, as they can be quite particular about this. Other than that, it is an incredible country to visit and is a must on your bucket list. 

Make sure to check out Worldpackers work exchange and volunteer programs in Japan . There are available positions for every kind of taste. This one makes you experience country life while volunteer in a farm .

Discover Japan off the beaten path: 6 unique non-touristy destinations . 

10. Finland

A small, but wonderful country that has an amazing range of activities for all the adventurers out there. The Finnish people are also incredibly kind and welcoming, making the country one of the best places to travel alone . 

Another great thing about Finland and other Scandinavian countries is that they are role models in sustainability and eco-friendly living so if you're trying to be greener and learn more about how to help the planet then you won't be disappointed with a trip here. 

Make sure to check out Worldpackers work exchange and volunteer programs in Finland . This host needs childcare, homecare and animal care and offers accommodation with all meals included.

11. Austria

Austria is not only very solo-traveller friendly and safe, but has some of the most beautiful scenery from vibrant forests, clear waters and snowy mountains that are truly mesmerising. 

The perfect place for anyone who likes to ski, hike or even just sight-see with its stunning architecture and art. Austria is also famously known for it's beautiful bodies of water so if you're a fan of wild swims, then this is the perfect location for you. 

Make sure to check out Worldpackers work exchange and volunteer programs in Austria . This position in a camp  is great for people who love children and nature.

And don't miss out The best Austrian mountains to visit and how to get there .

12. Sri Lanka 

With a large majority of the countries' culture being Buddhist, this makes it a pretty safe place to travel as their mannerisms tend to be calm and welcoming. 

Sigiriya  is a must-visit when travelling Sri Lanka - an enigmatic summit with remains of an ancient palace at the top? Who wouldn't want to see that! 

Overall, there are some incredible top-destinations in Sri Lanka , but it's recommended to go off the beaten path and discover it for yourself.

Make sure to check out Worldpackers work exchange and volunteer programs in Sri Lanka . If you have sports skills this Yoga Studio  host is ideal for you. 

13. Rural UK

The UK is quite divided and whilst the bigger cities like London, Glasgow and Cardiff are a lot busier and potentially less safe, the more rural areas are a great alternative and often get swept under the rug! 

Take a road trip round to the North Coast 500   of Scotland and discover some of the most beautiful mountains and coastlines. 

Go surfing and get your relaxation on somewhere like Devon in South West England or visit Pembrokeshire in Wales and be surrounded by nature whilst trying something new like coasteering!

Make sure to check out Worldpackers work exchange and volunteer programs in the United Kingdom  like this hostel on the banks of Loch Ness that only requires 18h a week of working.

Keep reading: How to travel with autism in an independent and safe way

Safety tips for solo travellers

• Transport - some countries will have better connections and modes of transport which is great, but others won't and may require you to wait around between connections (such as buses from airports). Keep this in mind when booking modes of transport and be sure to stick to public places if you have to wait, such as at a café. 
• Act like a local - being very loud about the fact you're a tourist isn't the best idea as it may attract the wrong crowd. A top tip if you're using something like google maps is to wear earphones and listen to the directions, rather than drawing attention to the fact you're looking at maps. 
• Despite how safe a place might be, it's always good to stay vigilant, especially during the evening. If you do go out at night, be sure to tell someone at your accommodation where you're going, or even better, go with someone you trust. 
• One thing to note about safer countries is that they do tend to be more expensive. It makes sense, the less money a country has, the poorer the life quality and then usually, the less safe it is. However, as long as you stay vigilant and sensible, you'll be fine!

Remember staying vigilant and being a little cautious is never a bad idea.

Travelling is super fun and exciting but for some, a little daunting. Check out this blog on  15 simple travel safety tips everyone should know to help get you started on your travel journey! 

And if you're looking for some awesome places to see, check the Top 35 iconic places in the world: famous landmarks worth visiting.

Which country are you eager to go to? Let me know in the comments!

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Lauren Mclachlan

Worldpackers Community

Hey I’m Lauren! I’m from a small town in sunny (I wish) Scotland and took on my first solo travelling trip after graduating in 2019 My experience was way better than I could’ve imagined – meeting wonderful people, seeing amazing things, great experiences and even teaching weekly yoga! I couldn’t have done all this without Worldpackers, I’m so grateful I came across the website. I think everyone should get to experience travelling at some point in their lives – wherever and whatever it may be! My advice if you’re thinking about it is – don’t think too much! Just do, you won’t regret it. Also, if you want 10% off your Worldpackers memberships you can use the code LAUREN10

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Write here your questions and greetings to the author

Feb 24, 2022

Either you are Crazy or you are a Great Stupid. You mentioned portugal is the safest country and in number 7! are you portuguese??? I visited and stayed more 11 Eu countries. portugal is the country where a female faces domestic violence and even often they are beated on the road by men! portuguese are very rude and also they are poor and dirty appearance.

Lauren (Author)

Feb 25, 2022

Hi, I'm sorry you feel this way. The countries are not ranked in any order and I did not state that it was the safest. If you read my bio you will see I am Scottish! I am against any type of violence but unfortunately this happens in pretty much all countries, it is sad but reality.

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The 8 Safest Places in Mexico for Travelers

Ed Hewitt started traveling with his family at the age of 10 and has since visited dozens of countries on six continents. He wrote for IndependentTraveler.com for more than 20 years, producing hundreds of columns on travel and offering his expertise on radio and television. He is now a regular contributor to SmarterTravel.

An avid surfer and rower, Ed has written about and photographed rowing competitions around the world, including the last five Olympic Games.

He's passing his love of travel on to the next generation; his 10-year-old son has flown some 200,000 miles already.

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“Is my destination safe?” It’s a question many American travelers have asked themselves as they pour over the State Department’s travel advisories and color-coded maps .

Mexico is a vast country, with heaps of beautiful and interesting places to see, and some 28 million Americans safely travel there each year. To help you plan your own trip, I’ve gathered some of the safest places to visit in Mexico, complete with information on why you should go and where to stay.

The Safest Places in Mexico

Keep in mind that incidents can happen even in the safest places in Mexico, and destinations that don’t appear on this list could still be great spots for a vacation. No matter where you go while traveling abroad, you’ll want to follow common-sense rules such as drinking only in moderation, getting a cab instead of wandering around after dark, and leaving your valuables at home.

Mexico City

Despite a longstanding reputation as a dangerous city to visit, Mexico City only has an advisory to exercise increased caution, and for good reason; the downtown core in particular is considered quite safe, and the city has numerous attractions for visitors—including street art, colorful markets, and more than 150 museums.

Where to Stay: The small, beautifully decorated Nima Local House Hotel is one of the best luxury hotel options in the city. For a more affordable option, consider the Chillout Flat Bed & Breakfast , which earns plaudits for friendly service and homemade granola.

Nima Local House

Chillout Flat B&B

The 5 Best Things to Do in Mexico City

As Playa del Carmen has been the site of some troubling violence in the past, the coastal town of Tulum to the south may be a safer alternative. It is also less touristy than other resort towns on the Yucatan Peninsula, offering well-preserved ruins of the former Mayan city walls and other historic structures right in town. The State Department has explicitly stated there are no restrictions on travel to Tulum or to Chichen Itza, the magnificent archaeological site just an hour up the road.

Where to Stay: Guests appreciate the clean, comfortable rooms and fast Wi-Fi at the centrally located Posada Luna del Sur .

A beach town located in Oaxaca to the southwest of Puerto Escondido, Huatulco offers tons of water activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving, some nearby surf spots, and tours of coffee farms to boot. Huatulco is considered one of the safest places in Mexico.

Where to Stay: For an indulgent resort experience you can’t do much better than Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa , where amenities include multiple swimming pools and tennis courts, yoga classes, watersports, and nine restaurants.

Merida and Valladolid

Gerardo Tanaka Pacheco, Senior Account Executive for MSL Group, the public relations firm for VisitMexico.com , recommends these two towns as great alternatives to other nearby tourist hot spots. “A lot of people go to Playa del Carmen and Tulum, but on the Yucatan Peninsula there are these two beautiful colonial cities that are so welcoming, colorful, and full of traditions that travelers won’t regret visiting them,” he says.

Merida is a walking-friendly town that is connected to Chichen Itza by a toll road, which is considered the safest way to travel in Mexico if you are driving. The Mayan influence remains strong here, and the area has its own style of cuisine that diverges considerably from what you will find in other parts of Mexico.

Midway between Merida and Cancun is Valladolid, a colorful and friendly city that’s within easy driving distance of several beautiful cenotes.

Where to Stay: In Merida, consider snagging a poolside room at the Luz En Yucatan . In Valladolid, you can’t go wrong at the centrally located Hotel Posada San Juan .

Luz En Yucatan

Hotel Posada San Juan

10 Travel Safety Mishaps and How to Avoid Them

Pacheco says that Bacalar, also on the Yucatan Peninsula, is “an amazing place, kind of unknown and definitely uncrowded. This is one of my favorite secrets spots in Mexico; the lagoon there is unbelievable.”

Called the Lake of Seven Colors, the lagoon stretches for 42 kilometers and is fed by underground rivers. Like Todos Santos mentioned below, Bacalar holds the official designation as a “Pueblo Magico,” or Magical Town, due in large part to the lagoon. In addition to being one of the safest places in Mexico, Bacalar is also very affordable.

Where to Stay: At the Bacalar Lagoon Resort , you can get a view of the lake right from your cabana.

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the western coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Campeche is a walled Spanish colonial city that has been superbly restored. The walled center is somewhat of a museum piece, but the life of the town surrounding it might even be the main attraction. There are also significant Mayan ruins in the state of Campeche, of which the city is the capital; these aren’t as well known as the famous ruins to the east, and as such they’re less crowded.

Where to Stay: Try for a balcony room or suite at the modestly priced Hotel Socaire .

Queretaro’s streets are a wondrous mix of old and very old, as grid-like Spanish streets connect to the pre-Hispanic winding lanes from the time of the Otomi. From rock climbing and art galleries to architecture sightseeing, there is a ton to do in this central Mexican city.

Where to Stay: La Casa del Atrio , across from the Museo de Arte , is both popular and affordable.

Is Cabo San Lucas Safe? Swimming Dangers, Drinking Water, and More

Todos Santos

This surf town in Baja California Sur features world-class waves and lots of natural beauty—and it’s just far enough north of touristy Cabo San Lucas to offer respite from the crowds. Todos Santos is slowly becoming more popular, but its stone streets and uncrowded beaches have earned it the official Pueblo Magico designation.

Where to Stay: La Poza Boutique Hotel & Spa has a fantastic oceanfront location at very reasonable rates.

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Safe Destinations

The safest and most peaceful places for travel and vacations

Rankings of Safest Countries For Travel

The safest countries for tourism and travel have been rated out of 10. These rankings are based on crime/homicide rates and drugs and crime, likelihood of terrorism and terrorism casualties, police force effectiveness, costs of security within the country on business, reliability of protection services, rates of property crime and violence.

Global Safe Rankings of Countries. Updated 2024

Peace is a concept that is much like a mandala or a web with a central point radiating outwards. If peace is the central star of our mandala the supporting pillars would be: a well-functioning and honest government, acceptance of the rights of others, equitable distribution of resources, high levels of human capital, etc. etc.

The list and ranking of peaceful countries is separate from the list and ranking of safe destinations for travel as tourism often showcases the best side of a country. Highly secure tourist areas, resorts, hotels, parks, beaches and tourist attractions can be very safe even when they are in a country that is not considered as being very peaceful according to this list. It does however, help a traveler analyze the potential location for a safe holiday.

Like an intrinsic cycle, peace, like conflict, can be both virtuous or vicious. Conflict and war can work as a process where negative feedback is reinforced and vicious cycles of violence can be spawned or perpetuated. Alternatively, as we seek peace, positive feedback loops are where more positive and virtuous cycles are created and perpetuated.

Dangers can lurk in any city, park or town and being a safe vacationer means paying attention and keeping yourself out of harms way. Crimes and violence can happen in the lowest rated country just as crimes and violence could happen in the safest rated country so these figures should only be used as a guide to help compare a safe travel destination.

Always use caution when exploring unknown places and when meeting unknown people and use your inner instinct and listen to your gut whenever you travel.

Safest Countries in Oceania & Asia

Safest Countries in The Americas & Caribbean

Safest Countries in the Middle East & Africa

Safest Countries in Europe

Today’s travelers and tourists are more and more wanting to visit the natural beauty and remote regions of a country in order to discover more than just the big cities and commonly advertised attractions so now, more than ever, the safety and security of any particular destination is a key deciding factor of a the safety rating a country receives. These rankings presented here are based on the reliability of the police and legal protective system in a country as well as the rates of criminal activity and the potential for terrorism.

Safest Countries in Europe Safest Countries in The Americas & Caribbean Safest Countries in Oceania & Asia Safest Countries in the Middle East & Africa

• Burundi Travel Advisory On January 12, 2024
• Ranking Peace Of The Countries Of The World

14 Safest Destinations To Travel To Right Now (In The Midst Of The Coronavirus)

The quick spread of coronavirus can partly be attributed to air travel, so a list of the safest destinations to travel to is pertinent right now.

Coronavirus AKA COVID-19 came from Wuhan in China and has since spread to almost every corner of the world. The biggest hotspots are currently in China, South Korea, Italy, and Iran – definitely not the places you should be visiting right now. The quick spread of the virus can partially be attributed to air travel, which leaves us wondering what that means for our upcoming travel plans.

While there are numerous sites on the internet that show just how far the new coronavirus has reached, there is not much information available on which countries (still) stand essentially unaffected by it. If you are looking for travel inspiration, you might want to consider one of the countries we have presented below. And remember: it is now more important than ever to be mindful of safety measures, so make sure you travel with disinfectant and wash your hands regularly.

14 Run Away From Crowds On Lofoten Islands, Norway

Not many make it as far north as visitors of the Lofoten Islands do. Thanks to their insanely picturesque setting, the islands are a huge Instagram star and they might become a must-visit destination on every Norway travel itinerary. Pack your warmest clothes and see it before everyone else decides to do the same.

13 Adventure Awaits In South Africa

South Africa is located right at the tip of the continent and you will definitely feel that when you will gaze into the ocean south of Cape Town. Far away from all the virus’s hotspots, you should feel safe in South Africa. Don’t miss out on visiting the famous Kruger National Park.

12 Now Is The Perfect Time To Visit Hungary

While Italy is closing down entire towns and the virus is slowly creeping towards Central Europe, Budapest in Hungary has reported no cases of coronavirus so far. The city of Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Its unique charm and aesthetic will definitely leave a great impression.

11 New Zealand: Tucked Away At The Edge Of The World

Usually a downside to traveling to New Zealand, its remoteness is what makes it a compellingly safe vacation spot in times of a global health crisis. After seeing the natural beauty of the country and the laid-back lifestyle of its local people, you will most likely never want to leave.

10 You Can Feel Safe In Orderly Switzerland

Switzerland is the political haven in Europe, but it could be a healthy one as well. If coronavirus were to sneak within the Swiss borders, this country would be on top of it. The photo above shows incredible views at the Alpine village of Lauterbrunnen.

9 Canada Has More Living Space Per Capita Than Most Other Countries

While it is a fact that Canada has been reporting cases of coronavirus, you have to keep in mind that the country has infinite amounts of space. Now is the time to see what Canada is all about besides cities such as Toronto , Montreal, and Vancouver.

8 Azores, Portugal: Breath-Taking Islands In The Middle Of The Atlantic

No one, not even a dangerous virus, will find you in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The Azores is comprised of nine absolutely stunning islands and if you are one to hike and see natural wonders, these Portuguese hidden gems are the go-to place for you to visit.

7 Poland Has Had No Confirmed Coronavirus Cases So Far

Poland is a huge Eastern European country with so many picturesque cities you could easily tour the country for a few weeks before seeing it all. Krakow’s well-preserved architecture will send you time traveling, while the country’s capital Warsaw is one of the best history teachers in Europe.

6 Paradise On Earth Now More Than Ever: Hop On One Of The Small Caribbean Islands

Visit one of the smaller islands in the Caribbean, such as Aruba or St Lucia. Islands such as these do not see insane amounts of arrivals and departures. Huge airports where thousands of people transfer on a daily basis are the riskiest in terms of health right now.

5 Consider Argentina: South America Has The Least Cases Of Coronavirus

First contact with Argentina will most likely be the bustling city of Buenos Aires, a city with more cultural and architectural heritage than you can possibly learn about in just a few days. The country is so big you will never struggle with running into impossibly large groups of tourists.

Related: A Travel Guide To Argentina: Tourists Should Plan Their Trip Around These 11 Things

4 A True Cultural Gem, Chile Is A Great Country To Visit Right Now

Chile is one of the smaller countries in South America, but that doesn’t mean it is not absolutely amazing. In fact, its landscapes are incredibly versatile, ranging from dry deserts to some of the most beautiful glaciers in the world. Some lucky travelers even make it to Easter Island.

3 A Safe And Relaxing Vacation In Malta

Another island country, Malta is right at the top of Mediterranean destinations right now. Not only is it safe and small, but it is also not packed with tourists all year round. While you can’t swim in the winter, the temperature is nonetheless warm – warmer than most other European destinations, at least.

2 Costa Rica: Go Where It's Warm

Embrace the tranquil lifestyle waiting for you in Costa Rica. This is where it’s incredibly easy to relax, notice what is most important in life and let go of all the rest. The authorities are closely monitoring any incoming flights from virus hotspot countries and so far, the country is completely safe.

Related: 15 Unreal Jungle Photos Captured By Tourists In Costa Rica

1 We Are Loving Iceland's Isolated Location Right Now

If you were ever planning on visiting this famous Nordic island, now is the time. You won’t encounter such dramatic landscapes anywhere else. While Iceland reported one case of the virus, the patient is in isolation, so you should consider yourself safe when you step foot on Icelandic soil.

Next: The Safest (And Most Dangerous) Destinations In Europe

🇲🇽 30 Safest Cities in Mexico for Travelers & Expats in 2024

Looking for the safest places in Mexico to travel?

You’re in the right place! I’ve lived in Mexico since 2018 , and have traveled to more than half the states in the country (most as a solo female traveler) — and I’m about to share my knowledge of the safest cities in Mexico with you.

Mexico is a big country, with an even bigger reputation. While many mislabel the entire country as unsafe, you’re about to discover that that’s simply untrue.

In fact, there are A LOT of safe places in Mexico — and this article will highlight the Top 10 safest cities in Mexico, and Top 20 safest beaches in Mexico, and the #1 safest city in Mexico.

Ready to discover the safest places to travel in Mexico? Let’s get to it!

After you see the Mexico safest cities list, don’t miss the Mexico Travel Safety FAQ at the end of the article where we do a deep dive into questions like Is it safe to travel to Mexico?

The 30 Safest Cities in Mexico to Visit 2024

1. merida — safest city in mexico & latin america.

Located in the Yucatan Peninsula , one of the safest parts of Mexico, Merida consistently ranks as the safest place to travel in Mexico.

In fact, Merida is considered the safest place in Mexico to vacation in the entire peninsula.

It is the capital of Yucatán state, which is one of the Mexico states that seems to never have U.S. State Department travel warnings .

Further still, many say Merida is definitively the safest place to live in Mexico (or one of the safe places to live in Mexico).

As someone who lived in Merida for many years , I know this to be true first-hand.

For years, Merida flew under the tourist radar. However, thanks to great press like what you see below, more travelers began to discover Merida.

• In 2019, CEOWorld Magazine declared it the second safest city on the entire Americas Continent.
• In 2021, CEOWorld Magazine readers also voted Merida #3 on their Best Small Cities in the World list.
• In 2022, Merida was named the #4 Best City in the World by Conde Nast Traveller Magazine readers.

Now, this colorful colonial city is fast becoming a top Mexico travel destination.

There are so many amazing things to do in Merida , which is a great city to explore Mexico’s rich Mayan history and traditions.

⚠️ What are the Crime Rates in Merida Mexico?

Wondering, What city in Mexico is considered safest with the lowest crime rate? It’s Merida, hands down.

Merida is known as many things, including the Cultural Capital of Yucatan , and the safest Mexican city.

It consistently ranks as both the safest city to visit in Mexico, and safest place for expats to live in Mexico.

As you can see in the infographic above, there’s not much crime in Merida, though of course, crimes of opportunity can happen.

You’ll want to be mindful of your belongings at all times, just as you would anywhere else.

✈️ Ready to book your Merida trip?

Here are some helpful tips and guides to the safest town in Mexico:

• Book the Best Merida Hotels here
• Find the Best Merida Tours here
• For more info, check out Is Merida Mexico Safe for Travelers?

2. Puerto Vallarta — Safest Mexico Beach City

Puerto Vallarta is considered one of the safest resort towns in Mexico, and safest beach towns in Mexico.

While it has these amazing Puerto Vallarta all inclusive resorts , you can of course stay-off resort and best just as safe.

Though it’s one of the best Mexican resort towns , many prefer the colorful homes and local charm in the Puerto Vallarta Zona Romantica, where the locals live.

In fact, when I visit Puerto Vallarta I stay here because it’s so charming 😍

Puerto Vallarta is famous for its beautiful, sandy beaches, and of course, most of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta involve the beach, the Pacific Ocean, or Banderas Bay.

When planning your Puerto Vallarta itinerary , schedule plenty of beach time.

To catch all the beachy highlights, you can go parasailing , jet skiing, horseback riding on the beach and snorkeling around Los Arcos and get a massage on the beach .

You can spend a good deal of time walking on the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta, like Playa los Muertos, and the famous Malecon (Boardwalk) — but don’t miss the best tacos in Puerto Vallarta at Pancho’s Takos .

⚠️ What are the Crime Rates in Puerto Vallarta Mexico?

Overall, Puerto Vallarta has very little crime. Of course, this is still a tourist town, so remain vigilant of your belongings at all times.

For such a big city in Mexico though, you have a very low probability of a crime happening to you here.

✈️ Ready to book your Puerto Vallarta trip?

Here are some helpful tips and guides to one of the safest beaches Mexico has:

• Book the Best Puerto Vallarta Hotels here
• Find the Best Puerto Vallarta Tours here
• For more info, check out Renting a Car in Puerto Vallarta: Everything You Need to Know

3. La Paz — Safest Mexico Beach Town

Wondering, What is the safest beach in Mexico ? The up-and-coming town of La Paz Mexico just may be it.

This small town has virtually no violent crime, and isn’t a hub for criminal organizations like the drug cartels.

This a fun little city is in the beautiful state of Baja California Sur, located on Mexico’s west coast. In general, the entire Baja Peninsula is among the safest parts of Mexico; La Paz included.

While the city itself is fairly flat, it’s surrounded by the Sierra de la Laguna mountain range.

Located on the Gulf of California, La Paz is one of the best coastal cities in Mexico, with stunning views from both the beaches and the parts in the mountains at a higher elevation.

Hands down, the best thing to do is to check out one of the best beaches near La Paz .

Balandra Beach is the most popular by far, and in fact, is known as one of the best beaches in Mexico because of its calm, blue waters and photogenic appeal.

However, Tecolote Beach, located a few miles down the road, gives Playa Balandra a run for its money.

Similarly, so does Isla Espiritu Santo Island , which is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

⚠️ What are the crime rates in La Paz Mexico?

As one of the safest places in Mexico to vacation, La Paz has a low crime rate, and the town and beaches are regularly patrolled by police.

Visitors generally only have to worry about petty theft, which is common in any tourist city.

What makes La Paz special compared to other Mexico beaches in Baja, like Cabo San Lucas , Los Cabos, Todos Santos and San Jose del Cabo , is that it has retained an authentic Mexican cultural feel.

While La Paz is known to be exceptionally safe, in general, Baja California is one of the safest states to visit in Mexico (and best places to live).

✈️ Ready to book your La Paz trip?

Here are some helpful tips and guides to one of the safe beaches in Mexico:

• Book the Best La Paz Hotels here
• Find the Best La Paz Tours here
• For more info, check out Renting a Car in La Paz: What You Need to Know

4. Sayulita

The small town of Sayulita is located in Nayarit state on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. It is just one hour north of Puerto Vallarta by rental car or bus.

Over the years, the beach town of Sayulita transitioned from a sleepy fishing village to a small town beloved by artists, yogis, hippies and surfers.

Today, the Sayulita pueblo magico (magic town) thrives as a trendy hotspot where tourists, surfers and expats all get to enjoy one of the most beautiful Mexican beach towns.

For those lucky enough to call Sayulita home, it is considered one of the safest places in Mexico to live.

The overall vibe is young and laid-back, and the town is colorful and welcoming with its festive papel picado flags hanging from one side of the street to the other.

Sayulita’s quaint streets are full of bars, restaurants, boutique shops and outdoor mercados (markets), creating a fun atmosphere.

Of course, the best things to do in Sayulita involve being on the beach or in the ocean. For surfing in Sayulita, there are waves in all sizes, perfect for all levels.

If you’ve never surfed before, there are plenty of surf lessons in Sayulita , most located on the town’s main beach, Playa Sayulita.

Spiritual travelers, nature lovers and adventure seekers can enjoy beachfront yoga sessions , jungle hikes (like the famous Monkey Mountain hike), horseback rides, zip lines, in addition to the epic surf in Sayulita.

✈️ Ready to book your Sayulita trip?

Here are some helpful tips and guides to one of the friendliest cities in Mexico:

• Book the Best Sayulita Hotels here
• Find the Best Sayulita Tours here
• For more info, check out Is Sayulita Safe for Travelers?

5. San Miguel de Allende

Located in Central Mexico, San Miguel de Allende is a charming city with colorful buildings and cobblestone streets that usually makes any “Best in Mexico” list.

In the last few decades, this Mexico UNESCO World Heritage Site in Guanajuato State has become extremely popular with American retirees.

Those who live there are known to say it’s the safest place to retire in Mexico.

Foodies also flock to San Miguel de Allende, and Top Chef filed there during Season 12.

Among the best restaurants in San Miguel de Allende, don’t miss Aperi led by Omar Henriquez, one of the best Mexican chefs .

With a large population of expats, and English widely spoken, it’s one of the easiest places in Mexico for beginner travelers since you can get by without speaking Spanish.

However, don’t pass up the chance to immerse yourself in Mexican culture, visiting local markets, shopping for handmade crafts and exploring the colorful back streets and alleyways.

Beautiful San Miguel is one of the prettiest cities in Mexico, so make sure your phone camera (or regular camera ) is fully charged!

The best way to experience it all is to just take some leisurely strolls around town.

While walking, don’t miss the Biblioteca Pública (San Miguel de Allende Library), Mercado de Artesanias (Artisan Market), and Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel , which is the famous San Miguel de Allende church.

There is no airport in San Miguel de Allende, and most people will travel there via Mexico City.

It is easy to get to San Miguel de Allende from Mexico City by rental car or bus, as it’s only about a four hour drive.

You can also arrive by bus from other cities in Mexico, or fly into Guanajuato International Airport (code: BJX).

BJX Guanajuato Airport is the closest airport to San Miguel de Allende. It is located near Guanajuato City , and about 1.5 hours from San Miguel de Allende by car.

✈️ Ready to book your San Miguel de Allende trip?

Here are some helpful tips and guides to one of the safest Mexico destinations:

• Book the Best San Miguel de Allende Hotels here
• Find the Best San Miguel de Allende Tours here

6. Huatulco

Bahías de Huatulco , which means Bays of Huatulco, is located in the state of Oaxaca on the southern coast of Mexico. It sits on the Pacific Ocean.

Usually just called Huatulco, the town is known as one of the best beach cities in Mexico . It has an astounding nine bays and 36 beaches to explore.

The best things to do in Huatulco involve being in and around the water.

Popular activities at the beaches include swimming, snorkeling and diving, as well as just laying around and watching the area’s epic sunsets at the many beaches in Huatulco .

Those looking for a little adventure can book a rafting trip on the Copalita River or swim in the Copalitilla Waterfalls, which is one of the most popular Huatulco tours .

Huatulco National Park is also a popular place to visit.

One of the largest protected areas in Mexico, Huatulco National Park spans 29,400 acres (11,890 hectares) of land and water space.

The park is located just a few minutes west of La Crucecita (AKA Downtown Huatulco), and is the perfect place for hiking, nature walks, snorkeling, and to rent a bike or ATV.

Wondering, Is Huatulco Mexico safe? or even, What are the safest cities in Mexico for American expats? Huatulco certainly ranks high atop that list.

Not only is it safe, but there’s great weather and plenty of Huatulco things to do , especially for beach lovers and scuba divers.

It has a large expat population from the United States and Canada, and many who come to Huatulco for the winter to escape the cold.

In fact, winter is the Huatulco busy season, and prices increase A LOT — so plan accordingly.

As it’s very safe with great infrastructure and gorgeous beaches, many consider Huatulco one of the best cities in Mexico to live. 

With its small town feel, travelers will find Huatulco to be a very safe and welcoming place to visit.

✈️ Want to check it out?

There are a lot of nice Huatulco resorts and hotels that aren’t very expensive, and you can fly directly into the city at Bahías de Huatulco International Airport (code: HUX).

✈️ Ready to book your Huatulco trip

Here are some helpful tips and guides to one of the safe places in Mexico to vacation:

• Book the Best Huatulco Hotels here
• Find the Best Huatulco Tours here
• For more info, check out Oaxaca to Huatulco: 4 Best Transportation Options

7. Puebla de Zaragoza (Puebla City)

Though it’s one of the biggest cities in Mexico — the fifth largest by population, in fact — Puebla City is among the safest vacation spots in Mexico.

Puebla City is the capital of Puebla State , and a Mexico UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Puebla is one of those great travel destinations, with lots of history, colorful colonial architecture and amazing cuisine. It also has Mexico’s largest Cinco de Mayo celebration.

Just two hours drive from Mexico City, Puebla has a completely different vibe worth exploring.

Though it’s the lesser-visited of the two cities, Puebla is a gorgeous colonial town that you’ll want to add to your Mexico itinerary — even if only as a weekend or day trip from Mexico City . 

Start your exploration in the beautiful Zocalo (Main Square), where you’ll spot the impressive Puebla Cathedral.

Another church to visit is Iglesia Santo Domingo; though there are beautiful churches all over Puebla, and in fact, this city is known for its abundance of churches.

Beyond sightseeing, one of the best things to do in Puebla is eat — as it’s one of Mexico’s culinary capitals.

Puebla’s local Poblano cuisine is revered throughout Mexico, and there are plenty of local specialties to try like cemitas (giant sandwiches), tacos arabes, mole poblano , and chile en nogada .

While you might not have heard of it, chile en nogada is the national dish of Mexico!

This unique dish consists of a stuffed poblano pepper that’s smothered in a walnut cream sauce (white), and topped with pomegranate seeds (red) and parsley (green).

The colors in this patriotic dish mimic the colors in the Mexican flag 🇲🇽 and it’s typically only made around Mexican Independence Day on September 16th.

When in Puebla City, don’t miss seeing the neighboring towns of Atlixco Puebla, and Cholula pueblo magico (magic town) — two of the best cities in Puebla, Mexico.

Cholula is not only colorful, historic and charming, it’s also home to the largest pyramid on Earth by volume, the Great Pyramid of Cholula.

✈️ Ready to book your Puebla trip?

Here are some helpful tips and guides to one of the safe vacation places in Mexico:

• Book the Best Puebla Hotels here
• Find the Best Puebla Tours here

8. Isla Holbox Island

Isla Holbox (pronounced hole-bosh) is located a few hours from Cancun, but feels like it’s a world away from all its hustle and bustle.

Holbox is a Mexican Caribbean island, and a beautiful place to visit for all types of travelers, especially beach and nature lovers, and those looking for serenity. 

The laid-back Mexico island is definitely worth a visit.

With its semi-remote, off the beaten path location, it’s not uncommon for Holbox to be labeled as the safest destination in Mexico.

Wondering how to get to Holbox Island? It is only accessible by a ferry boat in Chiquila Mexico, located two hours west of Cancun. Head to this Ultimate Cancun to Holbox Mexico guide for more info.

The island’s roads are “paved” in beach sand, and the best way to get around is by bike or golf cart. In fact, there are no cars allowed on the island.

If you’re traveling by rental car , you will have to leave it overnight in one of the paid lots next to the Chiquila ferry dock .

The lots have security guards, and cost about $7 USD per day per car.

Holbox Island has a small town feel, but also a bit of a lively side at night with a few restaurants and bars that stay open late into the evening.

However, this is not the place to come for all night parties and the same nightlife you’d expect in nearby Cancun , Playa del Carmen or Tulum .

Isla Holbox is among the safest beach cities in Mexico, with a close-knit local community. People in Holbox are helpful and friendly, and you’ll always feel welcomed.

It is a much less touristy place than islands like Cozumel or Isla Mujeres , so safety is basically never an issue in this sleepy town with virtually nonexistent levels of crime.

Holbox is known for its incredible underwater world, and near-virgin beaches.

Among the best things to do in Holbox Island is swim with whale sharks (from June to September), take a boat tour to go snorkeling to see the turtles and manta rays, or just lay in a hammock in the Caribbean Sea.

There’s also a nightly market in the center of town with lots of delicious things to try. Here, you can try all the best Mexican food specialities , like esquites and marquesitas.

If you prefer, you can also dine in the restaurants near the center of town. 🍕 Pro Tip: Be on the lookout for restaurants serving the famous Holbox lobster pizza.

✈️ Ready to book your Holbox Island trip?

Here are some helpful tips and guides to one of the safest places to vacation in Mexico:

• Book the Best Holbox Hotels here
• Find the Best Holbox Tours here
• For more info, check out 27 Best Things to Do in Holbox Island Mexico

9. Mexico City

When speaking of the world’s major cities, Mexico City has to be included in every conversation.

However, for many it wouldn’t be the first place you think of when discussing the safest city in Mexico to travel — which is unfortunate!

⚠️ Is Mexico City safe to travel to?

The answer is yes ; for the vast majority of travelers, it is perfectly safe to visit CDMX.

I lived there for one year as a solo woman, and even Mexico City solo travel felt quite safe.

This is a vibrant, cultural wonderland with many amazing things to do in Mexico City , delicious restaurants , plenty of fun day trips , and more.

As with any big city, you do have to be aware of your surroundings and belongings (especially in Mexico City after dark).

👩‍🎨 Best Mexico City Museums

If it’s culture you’re after, then you could spend weeks just visiting the 150 or so museums in Mexico City .

Of the highlights, don’t miss the National Anthropology Museum — widely considered the best Mexico City museum of them all.

It has artifacts from all of the indigenous cultures and civilizations of Mexico, including the magnificent Aztec Sun Stone and a replica of Moctezuma’s headdress.

Located in Bosque de Chapultepec Park , there are other nearby museums to see located near the Anthropology Museum as well. I personally love the Museo Tamayo.

Art lovers will want to check out the Frida Kahlo Museum, located in the vibrant and historic Coyoacan neighborhood .

This is one of the oldest and one of the safest areas in Mexico City, and popular with families, bohemians and college students alike.

Coyoacan is not far from Reforma, arguably the safest place to stay in Mexico City, with plenty of great Mexico City hotels to choose from.

If it’s luxury hotels in Mexico City you’re after, they’re all here along Avenida Reforma.

🇲🇽 Centro Historico: Downtown Mexico City

There are plenty of amazing things to do in Centro Historico , including a visit to the Templo Mayor, the main Aztec temple in Mexico.

Foodies will love the city too, and the street food here is among the best on Earth.

It’s hard to eat a bad meal here, as Mexico City tacos are famous for good reason, but the Mexico City restaurants are also amazing.

There are numerous food tours of different neighborhoods, taco tours , market tours, mezcal tastings , and cooking classes too.

Located about one hour outside of the city, don’t miss the famous Teotihuacan Ruins , a Mexico UNESCO Heritage Site.

For a truly unique experience, book one of these Teotihuacan hot air balloon tours to see this ancient site from above.

As some of the closest Mexico City ruins, this is a giant site, and the best way to see it is from above.

✈️ Ready to book your Mexico City trip?

Here are some helpful tips and guides to one of the safest tourist spots in Mexico:

• Book the Best Mexico City Hotels here
• Find the Best Mexico City Tours here
• For more info, check out Altitude Sickness in Mexico City: How to Prevent & Treat It

10. Cozumel Island

Often called the safest place to visit in Mexico on the Caribbean side, some refer to Cozumel as the Oahu of the Caribbean Sea.

One of the best islands and safest places to go in Mexico, it has a mellow, tropical vibe, the water is always warm, the snorkeling is fantastic, and everyone is so friendly.

Although it’s only a short ferry ride away from Playa del Carmen , it feels like a world away. It’s no wonder why Cozumel is one of the best day trips from Playa del Carmen.

One of the best things to do in Cozumel is snorkel. Part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, it actually has some of the best snorkeling spots in the Caribbean.

The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (AKA Great Mayan Reef) is also the second biggest reef in the world, after the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia.

You can stop at any beach club and snorkel for free, which isn’t usually the case in popular tourist destinations.

For a beginner-friendly place, head to Money Bar to see the colorful fish, marine life and healthy coral just off-shore.

While visiting Cozumel, make sure to stop at some of the eco parks like Chankanaab Park (located inside the Cozumel National Reef Marine Park) and Punta Sur.

Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, located on the southern part of the island, is a favorite thanks to its lagoons, wildflowers, white sandy beaches, and an enormous lighthouse.

There’s also the San Gervasio Mayan Ruins site to explore. These are some of the coolest ruins in the Mexican Caribbean, and the only ruins in Cozumel Mexico.

With so much to see and do, and such a gorgeous location, it’s no wonder Cozumel is one of the best places to visit in Mexico .

✈️ Ready to book your Cozumel trip?

Here are some helpful tips and guides for traveling to Cozumel Mexico:

• Book the Best Cozumel Hotels here
• Find the Best Cozumel Tours here
• For more info, check out Cancun to Cozumel: How to Get to Cozumel Island

Cancun is among the best vacation cities in Mexico for good reason.

As one of the Top 3 major cities of Mexico for travelers, there’s no shortage of amazing things to see in Cancun.

It also has some of the safest all inclusive resorts in Mexico , which keep visitors returning year after year.

The Cancun Hotel Zone, or Zona Hotelera, is a long strip of land along the Caribbean Sea. It’s easy to navigate, as there’s just one main road that runs from north to south.

Here in the main tourist zone, you’ll find the pristine white-sand Cancun beaches the area is known for.

The Hotel Zone in Cancun is only about 15 minutes from Cancun international Airport.

There’s even an inexpensive bus that offers 24-hour service between the airport and the Hotel Zone.

In general, it’s very safe to get around the city by public transportation or taxi. There is also Uber in Cancun , and other ride-share apps, like DiDi.

As you might have guessed, the best things to do in Cancun involve the beach.

From water sports, diving, snorkeling, relaxing, sunbathing, and even dining and nightlife, it all happens on Cancun beach — and sometimes under its waters, as with the Cancun Underwater Museum (MUSA).

However, there’s other Cancun sites besides the beach, like the Museo Maya de Cancun (Cancun Mayan Museum) and a small Mayan archeological site, El Rey, right in the city.

To see some larger Mayan ruins near Cancun, rent a car or join a group tour to visit Chichen Itza and the Tulum Ruins .

As one of the top Mexico travel destinations and best beach towns in Mexico , Cancun has welcomed visitors for decades.

It has a well-developed travel infrastructure and plenty of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, shops and attractions to suit visitors of all budgets and travel styles.

✈️ Ready to book your Cancun trip?

Here are some helpful tips and guides to one of the top tourist cities in Mexico:

• Book the Best Cancun Hotels here
• Find the Best Cancun Tours here
• For more info, check out Is Cancun Safe to Travel to Right Now?

12. Guadalajara

Guadalajara is located in the state of Jalisco, and that state’s capital. It is also Mexico’s second largest city — but you wouldn’t know it by visiting .

This city has a much smaller feel compared to Mexico City, with its colonial historic center and quaint neighborhoods.

The locals are some of the kindest people you will meet, and you can pretty much always expect beautiful sunny days in Guadalajara.

As one of the top cities to visit in Mexico, and the second biggest city in the country, there’s no shortage of things to do in Guadalajara Mexico .

You can easily spend a couple of days visiting Guadalajara . It is a walkable city, and all the main sights are within a short distance of Plaza Guadalajara (Main Plaza).

Take a day to explore Centro Historico (Historic Downtown), including the famous Guadalajara Cathedral and Hospicio Cabanas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After exploring, spend some time shopping for artesanias (artisanal products) in the huge San Juan de Dios Market, or the nearby Tlaquepaque pueblo magico .

🚗 Best Day Trips from Guadalajara

There are so many great things to do near Guadalajara as well, starting with the picturesque suburb of Tlaquepaque (pronounced tlah-kay-pah-kay).

This is one of the Mexico pueblos magicos (magic towns), and located only about 30 minutes from downtown Guadalajara.

Don’t miss out on the amazing food options, and of course, trying some authentic tequila from the nearby town of Tequila, Mexico .

Also among the top cities in Mexico for expats, head to nearby Ajijic pueblo magico (magic town), on the shores of Lake Chapala .

The largest lake in Mexico, there are a few other towns to check out on the lake, like Chapala and Mezcala.

Wherever you go, you’ll notice that both Guadalajara and the towns near Guadalajara have a great relaxed pace, and feel very safe.

✈️ Ready to book your Guadalajara trip?

Here are some helpful tips and guides to one of the best cities in Mexico to visit:

• Book the Best Guadalajara Hotels here
• Find the Best Guadalajara Tours here
• For more info, check out Renting a Car in Guadalajara: What You Need to Know

13. Mazatlan

When looking for the safest tourist destinations in Mexico, Mazatlan may not appear at the top of your list — but you have nothing to fear.

However, there are many gorgeous Mazatlan beaches, and in fact, it’s one of the 30 Best Mexican Beach Towns .

Despite the reputation of the state of Sinaloa, where Mazatlan is located, you’ll encounter a safe haven in this city.

If in doubt, stay within the Zona Dorada, or Golden Zone. This is one of the main tourist areas in town.

The Golden Zone is home to some of the best hotels in Mazatlan , as well as great restaurants with live entertainment.

When you arrive in the coastal city of Mazatlan, you’ll meet friendly locals and street vendors who defy Mexican stereotypes .

Mazatlan is unique as far as Mexico beach cities go because you can still experience Mexican culture and Mexico’s uniqueness — whereas some beaches just feel touristy.

Although somewhat off the beaten path for Mexico travel, there are many amazing things to do in Mazatlan.

Start off by exploring Plaza Machado to soak in the historic colonial architecture and beautiful city views. It is located not far from the Golden Zone and Downtown.

During the evening, head to the Mazatlan Malecon (Boardwalk) that overlooks the Pacific Ocean, and take in the sunset.

Thrill-seekers will enjoy everything from zip lining in Mazatlan to doing an ATV tour in the Sierra Madre mountains, and even snorkeling on Deer Island .

Though many might shy away from it because it is in Sinaloa state, Mazatlan is one of the safest cities in Mexico to visit, with beautiful beaches and a unique feel.

✈️ Ready to book your Mazatlan trip?

Here are some helpful tips and guides for Mazatlan, to one of the safest vacation places in Mexico:

• Book the Best Mazatlan Hotels here
• Find the Best Mazatlan Tours here

14. Ensenada

Ensenada, in the state of Baja California, is well known for its beautiful beaches, cruise port, and as the birthplace of Mexico’s beloved fish tacos .

Located less than two hours by car from the U.S. border, many head down to Ensenada from California for a weekend getaway in this Mexico beach town.

Besides Tijuana and Rosarito, it is one of the closest cities in Mexico to get to from the U.S., and one of the safest towns in Mexico.

As Ensenada has remained immune to cartel and drug activity, and is considered safe, remain aware of your surroundings and take standard travel precautions.

If you plan on driving into Mexico from the U.S. when you visit Ensenada, check out the linked article for all the info you need.

The landscape in Ensenada is perfect for wineries, and you’ll be spoiled for choice trying the local wines from nearby Valle de Guadalupe .

This area is known as the “Napa Valley of Mexico.” Besides wine tasting , one of the best things to do in Ensenada is see La Bufadora .

La Bufadora translates to “the blowhole,” and this just so happens to be one of the world’s largest blowholes.

The seafood here is among the freshest you’ll find, so don’t miss the local markets to buy some.

In addition to Baja fish tacos , try some smoked clams — and since you’re in Mexico, wash them down with authentic tequila.

Ensenada is also one of the best places for whale watching in Mexico. This is a treat for visitors who come during the December to May migration season.

Though known as one of the best Mexico beaches , there’s also beautiful nature on land, with lots of nature walks and hikes.

✈️ Ready to book your Ensenada trip?

Here are some helpful tips and guides for where to stay and what to do in Ensenada, Mexico:

• Book the Best Ensenada Hotels here
• Find the Best Ensenada Tours here

15. Bacalar Lake

Laguna Bacalar is often mistaken as a Mexico beach — it even has some of the best overwater bungalows in Mexico — though it is, in fact, a lake.

Located in Quintana Roo state, the Bacalar pueblo magico (magic town) is home to the second largest freshwater lake in Mexico, Laguna Bacalar Lagoon.

Gorgeous Lake Bacalar is a Mexico hidden gem located in the Yucatan Peninsula about three hours south of Tulum, and five hours south of Cancun.

In recent years, Bacalar has gained popularity thanks to Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and social media, with influencers flocking to swim in its bright blue waters.

Nicknamed the Maldives of Mexico, the Mayans native to this part of Mexico refer to Bacalar as the Lagoon of Seven Colors.

They say you can see seven shades of blues in the lake. ♻️ Note: Please practice responsible tourism in Mexico and only use reef-safe sunscreen to help keep it blue.

While the lake is the main star in town, Downtown Bacalar is also worth checking out for a bit. There’s historic forts, once used to fend off pirates, and great restaurants.

As one of the best small cities in Mexico, you can rest assured you’ll be safe in Bacalar — both day and night.

It has a true small town feel, where everybody knows everybody, and visitors are welcomed.

The locals are incredibly friendly, and since most operate their own small businesses, hospitality is the name of the game.

For now, there are no big name corporate hotels or chain restaurants in Bacalar, only small businesses. You won’t find the typical tourist T-shirt shops either.

As it’s a bit remote in one of the southernmost parts of Mexico, and takes a few hours to get to, many (sadly) don’t make it down to Bacalar.

I’ve been twice, so I can assure you that Bacalar Lagoon Mexico is both safe and worth visiting.

✈️ Ready to book your Bacalar trip?

Here are some helpful tips and guides for traveling to Bacalar, Mexico:

• Book the Best Bacalar Hotels here
• Find the Best Bacalar Tours here
• For more info, check out Cancun to Bacalar: Best Ways to Get to Bacalar Mexico

16. Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido is a fishing village turned beach destination on the Pacific coast of Mexico. It is south of Acapulco, and north of Huatulco in Oaxaca State .

Thanks to “Mexican Pipeline,” a famous surf break that draws surfers from around the world, this is a top Mexico surfing destination.

However, natural attractions, tropical beauty and culture, there’s more beyond the beaches in Puerto Escondido — one of the best vacation cities in Mexico!

Though, you’ll of course want to spend some time on the best beaches in Puerto Escondido Mexico — Playa Carrizalillo (great for surfing), Playa Zicatela, Playa Bacocho, Puerto Angelito and Playa Marinero.

It is also a popular Mexico digital nomad destination for those who want to live and surf remotely .

While known as a Mexico surf town, many of the top things to do in Puerto Escondido don’t include surfing.

There’s also seeing the bioluminescence at Manialtepec Lagoon, participating in the baby sea turtle release programs, and trying authentic Oaxaca food at the fantastic Puerto Escondido restaurants.

I’ve lived in and traveled to Puerto Escondido solo for more than a decade, and have always felt very safe.

In fact, many solo female travelers in Mexico find Puerto Escondido to be safe for both travel and living.

While safe, use common sense travel safety precautions like not swimming alone or on beaches with red flags (meaning a strong current).

You can’t swim at all at Playa Zicatela, which has giant waves like the famous Mexican Pipeline.

Also, stay off the streets late at night, don’t drink the water , and use eco-friendly insect repellent to avoid illness from bites.

✈️ Ready to book your Puerto Escondido trip?

Here are some helpful tips and guides for traveling to Puerto Escondido, Mexico:

• Book the Best Puerto Escondido Hotels here
• Find the Best Puerto Escondido Tours here
• For more info, check out Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido: 5 Best Transport Options

17. Isla Mujeres Island

Just 15-20 minutes from the coast of Cancun, and located in the Caribbean Sea, sits the lovely island of Isla Mujeres.

With a small population of friendly, laid-back locals, it just may be the safest place to go in Mexico’s Caribbean.

Isla Mujeres translates to “Island of Women,” as it was a Mayan pilgrimage site where women went to worship Ixchel.

Nowadays, visitors flock to this Mexican Caribbean island because it’s one of the best beach cities Mexico has to offer.

As about 12,000 people live there, you have plenty of restaurants, bars, services and more — and once the daytime crowds leave back to Cancun, you also get tranquility!

Whether you’re traveling on a budget or looking for luxury accommodations, there are great Isla Mujeres resorts and hotels , hostels and guest houses for backpackers doing budget travel in Mexico.

The island itself is only four miles long (6.5 km) and 0.5 miles wide (1 km).

The easiest way to get around is by golf cart, scooter or bicycle. However, the main parts of the island are walkable and there are taxis and a public bus.

Even late at night, activity is thriving, and walking to and from local restaurants and bars is safe and easy.

There are so many great things to do in Isla Mujeres, like snorkeling , fishing, shopping, exploring Mayan temples, or just relaxing at the beaches.

From about May to September, you can take a tour to swim with the whale sharks in Isla Mujeres. 🐋 Check out this video of my Mexico whale shark swim.

Whale sharks are the largest fish in the sea, and this activity can only be done in a few parts of the world.

When visiting, don’t pass up the chance to explore the Ruins of Ixchel . Ixchel was the Mayan goddess of the moon, childbirth and fertility, and the ruins’ namesake.

This is the Mayan archeological site on Isla Mujers at Punta Sur EcoPark, located on the southern tip of the island.

✈️ Ready to book your Isla Mujeres trip?

Here are some helpful tips and guides for traveling to Isla Mujeres, Mexico:

• Book the Best Isla Mujeres Hotels here
• Find the Best Isla Mujeres Tours here
• For more info, check out Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres: Best Whale Shark Tour

Loreto is a pretty town on the west coast in Baja California Sur state.

It is located right on the Sea of Cortez, and has been designated as one of the Mexico pueblos magicos (magic towns), for its charm and historical importance.

The best time of the year to visit Loreto is in winter, because you’ll be able to see the blue whales that migrate to Loreto Bay from about December to March.

Among all the Loreto whale watching tours you can take, the blue whale tour was the highlight of my trip.

In fact, not only did we see gigantic whales multiple times, but our boat was surrounded by a pod of about 100 dolphins flipping and jumping around us. 🐬 It was a magical experience.

Besides whale watching in Loreto, there’s more things to see in Loreto, Mexico.

You can walk around town and enjoy the colonial feel, hike to La Giganta and go scuba diving.

Don’t miss the historic San Javier Mission and the Museo de las Misiones de Baja California (Baja California Missions Museum), and other top Loreto sites.

As Loreto, Mexico is one of the safest places to live in Mexico, you’ll find a large community of both expats and locals who live in harmony.

It is obvious everyone does their part to maintain safety, and that they strive to keep the town clean and safe.

When I visited, I felt safe while walking around and traveling on my own, and it’s definitely one of the best cities in Mexico for solo travel .

In fact, I liked it so much that I’ve traveled to Loreto twice, and the second time I stayed for one full week to enjoy all these best things to do in Loreto .

✈️ Ready to book your Loreto trip?

Here are some helpful tips and guides for traveling to Loreto, Mexico:

• Book the Best Loreto Hotels here
• Find the Best Loreto Tours here
• For more info, check out Renting a Car in Loreto: What You Need to Know

Akumal is located about 30 minutes north of the popular town of Tulum , and about two hours south of Cancun .

Here’s a comprehensive guide on Cancun to Akumal travel showcasing the Best Ways to Get to Akumal Mexico .

It is much more up-and-coming than places like Tulum and Cancun, and has a charming pueblo (small town) feel.

One of the safest small towns in Mexico, you’ll feel secure walking around here, day and night.

A must see attraction is to swim with the turtles in Akumal Bay .

For many Yucatan Peninsula visitors in the Mexico beach town of Akumal, this is what they visit Akumal for.

In recent years, Akumal residents have had to limit the number of visitors to protect the rare sea turtles and the marine life of the area, so now you must book a tour to go.

🐢 Note: I have done the turtle swim, and it was amazing!

Besides the turtles, one of the best things to do in Akumal is visit nearby Yal Ku Lagoon .

This is a protected lagoon where freshwater meets the saltwater of the Caribbean Sea, and the snorkeling is incredible.

The Akumal hotels and resorts , known as some of the safest all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, are in a gated area patrolled by security.

Akumal is a small town, and when combined with this added security measure, you get some of the safest beach resorts in Mexico on your Akumal vacation .

The entire area around Akumal Beach is a pleasant place to shop, dine and sightsee.

It’s easy and safe to ride bicycles or walk the road along the sand to get to different Akumal beaches. In fact, it’s just easy to have a safe trip to Akumal Mexico.

✈️ Ready to book your Akumal trip?

Here are some helpful tips and guides for traveling to Akumal, Mexico:

• Book the Best Akumal Hotels here
• Find the Best Akumal Tours here
• For more info, check out Is Akumal Safe to Travel to Right Now?

20. Oaxaca de Juarez (Oaxaca City)

Oaxaca City , the capital of Oaxaca state, is a must-visit in Mexico and all North America.

The vibrant and bustling city is known for its Spanish colonial churches and architecture, lush mountains, mezcal production, and one of the best Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico .

Besides all that, there are many things to do in Oaxaca and sites to see.

In Centro Historico (City Center), don’t miss the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzman, Oaxaca Botanical Garden, Oaxaca Cathedral in the Zocalo (Main Square), and the boutique shops, like Rocinante and Juana La Vintage.

Head just outside of Centro Historico to Monte Alban Ruins , a Oaxaca UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see some of the best ruins in Oaxaca .

Hierve el Agua , a petrified waterfall, is among the most beautiful places in Oaxaca State.

This, and the Oaxaca pueblo magico (magic town) of Milta , are two of the best Oaxaca day trips for those renting a car in Oaxaca .

😋 Must Try: Traditional Oaxaca Foods

One added bonus for visitors is the amazing food in Oaxaca . In fact, this city is considered the Foodie Capital of Mexico!

Don’t miss Oaxaca’s delicious moles (pronounced moe-lays), memelas , tamales oaxaqueños (Oaxacan tamales), quesillo (queso Oaxaca cheese), tejate, and more.

There are numerous markets in Oaxaca to visit, but don’t miss Mercado Benito Juarez and Mercado 20 de Noviembre.

Here, you can try all the quintessential Oaxacan foods and drinks, like mole (pronounced moe-lay), tlayuda (tuh-lie-you-dah) and tejate (tay-ha-tay).

In the main Oaxaca mercado, Central de Abastos, you can try the famous memelas made by Doña Vale .

These are very well-known, and have been seen on the Oaxaca episode of the Netflix shows, Street Food: Latin America and Somebody Feed Phil.

✈️ Ready to book your Oaxaca trip?

Here are some helpful tips and guides for traveling to Oaxaca, Mexico:

• Book the Best Oaxaca Hotels here
• Find the Best Oaxaca Tours here
• For more info, check out Is Oaxaca Safe to Travel to Right Now?

21. Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is one of the best Mexico travel destinations and best resort towns in Mexico.

Not only are there so many things to do in Cabo San Lucas , but it’s easy to get there (you’ll fly into Los Cabos Airport) — and also one of the safest places to visit in Mexico.

Whether you’re going with a group, a partner, or doing solo travel in Cabo , it’s easy to spend a week or a weekend in Cabo.

A year-round destination, Cabo sees an astounding 300 days of sunshine annually*, so there’s no official best time to visit Cabo, because it has sunny days all year.

*Some sources say Cabo has 350 days of sunshine ☀️ Regardless of the actual number, know that a trip to Cabo means sun and fun.

At the end of the day, Cabo San Lucas and Los Cabos Mexico are so popular because they have a lot to offer visitors.

Whether you want to snorkel, do a Cabo boat cruise, go fishing in Cabo , ride ATVs in the desert, play golf in Cabo , or just relax on the beach and eat some fresh fish tacos .

✈️ Ready to book your Cabo San Lucas trip?

Here are some helpful tips and guides for traveling to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico:

• Book the Best Cabo San Lucas Hotels here
• Find the Best Cabo San Lucas Tours here
• For more info, check out Is Cabo San Lucas Safe? Top Cabo Travel Safety Tips

22. Playa del Carmen

Wondering, Where are the safest places in Mexico to live?

For the throngs of Mexico digital nomads and Mexico expats who live there, many would add Playa del Carmen to the top of that list.

In recent years, Playa (as the locals call it) has become a hot spot for remote workers and retirees thanks to its great infrastructure, fast WiFi, and relatively low cost of living.

If you want to network with other digital nomads in Playa del Carmen, this Facebook group is where you can get updated info on what it’s like to live in Playa del Carmen Mexico.

For those unfamiliar, Playa is located about one hour south of Cancun, within Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

It’s easy to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen , and very cheap if you take the ADO bus. There’s no airport in Playa, so you’ll have to fly into Cancun Airport.

✈️ Ready to book your Playa del Carmen trip?

Here are some helpful tips and guides for traveling to Playa del Carmen, Mexico:

• Book the Best Playa del Carmen Hotels here
• Find the Best Playa del Carmen Tours here
• For more info, check out Is Playa del Carmen Safe for Tourists?

23. Riviera Maya

Wondering, What’s the safest place in Mexico to vacation with family?

The Riviera Maya is certainly a strong contender for the title, thanks to the family-friendly all-inclusive resorts and countless things to do.

The Riviera Maya is a long stretch of Caribbean coastline on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, located in-between Playa del Carmen and Tulum .

It’s not a city per se, but it is one of the safest Mexico vacation destinations.

You won’t find many Mexico travel guides that don’t describe this area as one of the nicest places in Mexico for a relaxing vacation on the beach.

This relaxing area is centrally-located, so you’re near A LOT of sites. When you arrive you’ll soon see why Riviera Maya is one of the best beach towns Mexico has.

It is home to many of the best resorts in Yucatan — and in fact, many visitors don’t even leave their resorts because they’re so beautiful.

A standout is the Grand Velas Riviera Maya All Inclusive , a 5 Diamond Mexico hotel that’s known as the safest resort in Mexico.

✈️ Ready to book your Riviera Maya trip?

Here are some helpful tips and guides for traveling to Riviera Maya, Mexico:

• Book the Best Riviera Maya Hotels here
• Find the Best Riviera Maya Tours here
• For more info, check out Renting a Car in Riviera Maya: What You Need to Know

24. San Cristobal de las Casas

San Cristóbal de las Casas (often just called San Cristóbal) is a beautiful colonial city and pueblo magico in Chiapas State .

It has amazing architecture, culture, stunning nature, and a history where Spanish conquistadors meet indigenous communities.

It is located in southeastern Mexico, right next to Oaxaca State — two Mexican states known to provide a true cultural experience in one of the safest areas of Mexico.

Chiapas is the epicenter of the Zapatista movement and surrounded by indigenous communities that culturally-minded travelers will want to check out.

These include San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan, who’s artisans who regularly travel to San Cristobal to sell their handicrafts at the markets.

In decades past, Chiapas had a reputation of being an unsafe region in Mexico.

However, as is often the case with reputations, they are based on a few events only and do not represent the whole story.

For those who have visited, Chiapas State has some of the nicest cities in Mexico.

As with anywhere in the world, you’ll want to avoid traveling in Chiapas at night and follow general travel safety measures.

However, as a solo female traveler in Mexico , I never felt unsafe in San Cristobal or anywhere in Chiapas. 

Some of the best things to do in San Cristobal de las Casas include exploring the local markets, joining the free walking tour, and admiring the colonial architecture in downtown.

There’s some beautiful nature surrounding the city, like Canyon del Sumidero , and one of the best Mayan ruins in Mexico, Palenque , about four hours away.

The Templo de San Juan in the pueblo of San Juan de Chamula is one of the most fascinating examples indigenous religion blended with Catholicism.

This unique place truly is a must see San Cristobal experience, and has a fascinating religious ceremony that visitors come from all over the country (and the world) to see.

✈️ Ready to book your San Cristobal de las Casas trip?

Here are some helpful tips and guides for traveling to San Cristobal, Mexico:

• Book the Best San Cristobal de las Casas Hotels here
• Find the Best San Cristobal de las Casas Tours here

25. Valladolid

Wondering, Where is the cheapest and safest place to live in Mexico? If you like small towns, Valladolid is a great contender

As one of the least inexpensive of all safe cities in Mexico, petty crime and criminal activity are virtually nonexistent in this safe city.

The charming Valladolid pueblo magico (magic town) , one of the prettiest colonial cities in Mexico, is located in Yucatan State in the Yucatan Peninsula.

It is about two hours from Merida, Mexico, by rental car or bus, and makes for one of the best day trips from Merida .

When visiting, you’ll notice the Old World meets New World feel in Valladolid which has made the town a Mexico must see destination in the Yucatan Peninsula.

As you walk around the city, you’ll fall in love with the colonial style buildings, haciendas that are now home to funky cafes, open air restaurants, and boutique shops offering one-of-a-kind pieces.

Downtown Valladolid boasts numerous things to see, whether you’re a lover of art, history, nature and food.

In fact, you’ll find all the best local mercados (markets) are here, and the best Valladolid restaurants, like La Casona de Valladolid.

One of the safest places to drive in Mexico, you’ll love road trippin’ around the area just as much as staying in town.

Among the best things to see in Valladolid and best things to do near Valladolid, don’t miss these:

✅ Chichen Itza Ruins : One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, these famous Mayan Ruins are located about 30 minutes from Valladolid.

✅ Valladolid Cenotes : Some of the best cenotes in Yucatan are in or near Valladolid, like Cenote Zaci, just a 10 minute walk from downtown, and Cenote Ik Kil , about 10 minutes by car from Chichen Itza .

✅ Calzada de los Frailes : Considered the most beautiful street in Valladolid, the Calle de los Frailes is a great place for photos, shopping and a casual bite to eat.

✅ Casa de los Venados : This private home showcases the country’s largest collection of Mexican folk art, including handcrafted pottery, paintings, colorful textiles and even artistic pieces of furniture.

✈️ Ready to book your Valladolid trip?

Here are some helpful tips and guides for traveling to Valladolid, Mexico:

• Book the Best Valladolid Hotels here
• Find the Best Valladolid Tours here
• For more info, check out Valladolid Mexico: Ultimate Travel Guide for First Timers

26. Monterrey

Wondering, What part of Mexico is safe in the north part of the country?

While there are more places than you might think, one of the obvious answers is Monterrey.

Though big cities in Mexico that border the U.S. in Northern Mexico have a reputation for being unsafe, Monterrey proves otherwise.

If you’re thinking, Is Monterrey Mexico safe? — for the majority of visitors, yes, it is.

It is located in the northern Mexico state of Nuevo Leon, less than three hours by car from the Texas-Mexico border.

🚙 Driving to Mexico? Check out the linked guide for more info.

Monterrey is one of the largest cities in Mexico, but it is also surrounded by breathtaking mountain ranges and natural parks.

Because of this, Monterrey offers a nice blend of big city amenities and tranquil natural areas.

Although not on the traditional Mexico tourism radar for international travelers, Monterrey is popular with national tourism.

It’s a wonderful city to visit for the best of both worlds — beautiful nature and modern infrastructure.

There are so many great things to do in Monterrey , and most of them involve being out in nature.

In fact, one of the most-visited places in Monterrey is Parque Ecologico Chipinque .

The stunning viewpoint from this park overlooks the entire city, and if you’re lucky, you’ll even see black bears, coati, and many different bird species while up there.

There are also beautiful limestone mountains to see in the Parque La Huasteca , which many go to for biking, hiking, and even rappelling.

Also in this park, don’t miss the Grutas de Garcia , a cave with unique stalagmite and stalactite rock formations, which you have to access by cable car.

✈️ Ready to book your Monterrey trip?

Here are some helpful tips and guides to one of the safest Mexican cities in North Mexico:

• Book the Best Monterrey Hotels here
• Find the Best Monterrey Tours here

27. Santiago de Queretaro (Queretaro City)

Santiago de Queretaro (usually just called Queretaro) is one of my favorite cities in Mexico.

Though you might not have heard of it, Queretaro is brimming with art and history museums, beautiful colonial buildings and an eclectic culinary scene.

It is also one of the Mexico UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the 22nd largest city in the country. As with any big city, there are unsafe areas in Queretaro, for sure.

However, if you stick to Centro Historico (Historic Downtown area), which is the most charming part of town anyway and don’t walk alone at night — Queretaro is one of the safest places to travel in Mexico.

One of the best things to do in Queretaro is join a city tour on a historic bus.

On these tours, a knowledgeable guide will tell you all the incredible stories and legends about the city and show you the highlights of Queretaro .

Queretaro City is the capital of Queretaro State, and though it’s the main draw, there’s more to see.

There are also great Queretaro day trips to explore the nearby pueblos magicos (magic towns) of Tequisquiapan and Bernal .

If you have time, explore the spectacular Sierra Gorda , a region renowned for its incredible biodiversity.

There are also the five Franciscan Missions of the Sierra Gorda, one of the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Queretaro State .

For me, Queretaro has been one of the safest states in Mexico to visit.

✈️ Ready to book your Queretaro trip?

Here are some helpful tips and guides for traveling to Queretaro, Mexico:

• Book the Best Queretaro Hotels here
• Find the Best Queretaro Tours here

With swaying palm trees leaning over white-sand beaches and azure seas lapping the shore, Tulum is a bohemian beach paradise.

Located on the Caribbean Sea in Quintana Roo state, Tulum is one of the safest beach destinations in Mexico, and a must visit Yucatan pueblo magico (magic town).

Once little more than a small fishing village, in the last decade, Tulum has become one of the most popular cities in Mexico.

This is because Tulum has a lot to offer its visitors, and there are a ton of amazing things to do in Tulum .

There’s everything from oceanfront Tulum beach houses and eco chic Tulum glamping to Tulum treehouse hotels — and restaurant options ranging from Thai to Turkish to tacos , and even fine dining at places like Arca .

🤔 Is Tulum Worth Visiting?

As one of the top places to visit in Mexico , Tulum is worth checking out for those who like fun, food and sun.

It is also considered among the best party cities in Mexico, so the bars are just as impressive as the restaurants.

As you might imagine, there are A LOT of great things to do in Tulum at night .

During the day, even the Tulum beach clubs have a lively atmosphere, with endless cocktails, top quality service, and amazing esthetic designs.

If lazing on the beach gets too hedonistic for you, visit the Tulum Ruins , one of the most spectacular Mayan Ruins in Mexico .

As the last Mayan city to be built, these ancient ruins offer an unmissable experience in Mexico, and will give you a chance to get a glimpse into authentic Mayan culture .

🪅 Tulum Off the Beaten Path

While the beach is the main draw, Tulum visitors will also want to check out the Tulum cenotes , and Tulum Town neighborhood (AKA Downtown Tulum or Tulum Pueblo).

Though it’s not the Tulum you’ve seen on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube, downtown comes alive in the evenings.

Here, you have amazing street food taco shops and awesome bars with live music, like Batey Bar. This fun bar is home to the best mojitos in Tulum!

While Tulum has certainly grown with an influx of tourists eager to enjoy the beautiful beaches, this has also made it one of the safest places to visit in Mexico.

There’s a relaxed, non-threatening vibe and a friendly, busy atmosphere at night, so you never feel alone or secluded — even if you’re doing Tulum solo travel .

With the Tulum Airport now open, it’s easier than ever to visit.

✈️ Ready to book your Tulum trip?

Here are some helpful tips and guides for traveling to Tulum, Mexico:

• Book the Best Tulum Hotels here
• Find the Best Tulum Tours here
• For more info, check out Is Tulum Safe? The Ultimate Guide to Tulum Travel Safety

29. San Jose del Cabo

San José del Cabo is a fantastic little beach town in Mexico, perfect for those who appreciate culture, art and art galleries, sightseeing and of course, beaches.

There are plenty of things to do in San Jose del Cabo, and this little town should be high on your Mexico bucket list.

San Jose, as it’s known by the locals, is easy to get to because the Los Cabo International Airport (code: SJD) is right in town.

You can easily rent a car in Cabo Airport and explore the whole area.

Though it’s overshadowed by nearby Cabo San Lucas, the most famous of all Los Cabos in Mexico — the amazing  San Jose del Cabo resorts and the town itself have a completely different vibe.

While Cabo San Lucas is more popular, many of the best resorts in Los Cabo are closer to San Jose del Cabo.

These include two of the best Mexico resorts, Grand Velas los Cabos All Inclusive and Las Ventanas al Paraiso .

✈️ Ready to book your San Jose del Cabo trip?

Here are some helpful tips and guides to one of the best coastal cities in Mexico:

• Book the Best San Jose del Cabo Hotels here
• Find the Best San Jose del Cabo Tours here
• For more info, check out Renting a Car in San Jose del Cabo: What You Need to Know

30. Punta Mita

Punta Mita is an exclusive area with posh resorts in an area called the Riviera Nayarit.

Located in Nayarit state, one of the Mexico Pacific States, what also makes Punta Mita popular is that it’s only about one hour from Puerto Vallarta .

While there are budget options, Punta Mita is all about luxury stays — so this is not really the place for Mexico budget travelers.

If this sounds like your kind of place, pack your bathing suit because Riviera Nayarit has many great beaches that feel private and exclusive.

The Riviera Nayarit beaches have something for everyone — whale watching in winter, calm beaches for swimming and great beaches for surfing.

With everything from inexpensive hostels to some of the best 5 Star resorts in Mexico, like Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit , and places in-between like the Marival Armony Luxury Resort , there’s a place for everyone.

When looking for the best luxury resort in Mexico, look no further than the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit , one of the AAA 5 Diamond resorts in Mexico.

Besides Grand Velas, there’s also the Four Seasons Punta Mita and St. Regis Punta Mita Resort .

✈️ Ready to book your Punta Mita trip?

Here are some helpful tips and guides to one of the safest resort cities in Mexico:

• Book the Best Punta Mita Hotels here
• Find the Best Punta Mita Tours here
• For more info, check out 25 Best Resort Towns in Mexico

Safest Cities in Mexico Map

Need a visual of all the safest places in Mexico? I got you!

The Mexico Map above shows you where all the safest cities to visit in Mexico are located.

Each city on it is featured in this article, and comes recommended by past visitors who have taken the time to vouch for the safety of that travel destination.

If you’re seeking out the safest cities in the country, these are them!

Safest Cities in Mexico FAQ Guide

What is the safest city in Mexico?

Merida is regarded as the safest Mexico city, and has been for some time.

It has low crime rates in all categories, including robberies, burglaries, vandalism, theft, assault, and drug-related crimes.

safest cities in mexico

Which state in mexico has the lowest crime rate.

Yucatan State and Campeche State — According to U.S. State Department statistics, both Campeche and Yucatan State have the lowest levels of crime.

These states are located next to one another in the Yucatan Peninsula. They’re both considered a Level 1 Zone , and neither have any travel advisories.

What is the safest part of Mexico for tourists?

Yucatan Peninsula — According to the U.S. State Department , much of the Yucatan is a Level 1 Zone with no travel warnings.

In a Level 1 Travel Zone, travelers need only exercise “normal precautions” while visiting this popular region of Mexico.

For some time now, Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula has been considered the safest area in Mexico.

BONUS: It also has some of the best cities in Mexico for travelers, like Merida, Tulum, Valladolid, Cancun, Isla Holbox, Laguna Bacalar, Playa del Carmen, Akumal, Puerto Morelos, and more.

What city in Mexico has the least crime?

Merida — Given the Merida population of about 1 million, it has the lowest crime rates in Mexico per capita of any major city in the country.

What is the safest place to vacation in Mexico?

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is always a great option.

This part of the country has some of the safest resort towns in Mexico , and so many great things to do.

Are Mexico all-inclusive resorts safer than hotels?

Not necessarily, but many people believe them to be so.

For this reason, you might hear people advise that you “don’t leave your resort in Mexico,” but that would be a shame.

However, if you’re following general travel safety guidelines, you should be just as safe on-resort as off-resort.

These include not walking alone at night, leaving your valuables at home, and staying aware of your surroundings.

There’s also Mexico resort safety considerations you should make to ensure safety.

These include leaving your valuables in the room safe, using good sunscreen , and not drinking too much if your resort has an open bar.

With so many amazing things to do in Mexico , I think it would be a shame to visit Mexico and not leave your resort.

However, you do need to make your own safety your highest priority.

What city in Mexico do most Americans retire to?

Some of the best places in Mexico for retirees include San Miguel de Allende , Puerto Vallarta, Merida , Puebla City and Ajijic on Lake Chapala.

The small town of Ajijic (pronounced ah-he-heek) might not be on everyone’s radar, but it is a great option.

The town sits on Lake Chapala in Jalisco State , and has peaceful vibes. The largest lake in Mexico, Chapala covers an area of 417 square miles (1,080 square km).

Where do most Americans live in Mexico?

There are a few places that are popular for American expats in Mexico, including Ajijic, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Merida, Playa del Carmen, San Miguel de Allende, and some parts of Mexico City.

What are the 3 safest neighborhoods in Mexico City?

The best neighborhoods in Mexico City for expats are located in the central areas of town, like Roma (including Roma Norte and Roma Sur), La Condesa and Polanco .

Of course, that list is not exhaustive. There are several more safe neighborhoods in Mexico City though.

These include Centro Historico, Coyoacan, Del Valle, Escandon, Reforma, Santa Maria la Ribera, and Zona Rosa, which is the best LGBTQ+ neighborhood in CDMX.

⚠️ Wondering about the unsafe parts of Mexico City?

These include Tepito (located on the border with Centro Historico) and Doctores (located on the border with Roma Norte).

What is the safest city in Mexico for Americans?

Merida — Known as the safest city in Mexico for both locals and visitors, Merida makes a great Mexico travel destination because of its low levels of crime.

Is Mexico safe to travel to right now?

For the vast majority of travelers, yes , it is perfectly safe to visit Mexico.

Of course, you will want to use the same “travel common sense” as you would anywhere else.

While many want a definitive yes/no answer to the question Is Mexico safe for travelers? , there just isn’t one.

That’s because this is a complex question, and the answer is really yes and no .

Yes, Mexico is safe for nearly all travelers; but no, it’s not always safe if you don’t make personal safety your top priority.

As one of the most visited countries in the world, most travelers are safe in Mexico, but you do need to follow common travel safety measures.

In truth, there’s no guarantee of safety anywhere on Earth, but this quote from Carlos Barron, a 25-year FBI veteran, offers some perspective.

Pay extra attention to the phrase: “the numbers game.”

Millions of Americans go to Mexico on vacation every year, so if we play the numbers game, the number of incidents is very small … —Carlos Barron (via Forbes )

There’s no denying bad things happen in Mexico; however, they are isolated incidents .

Though bad things happen every minute of everyday in the U.S. and most European countries, they are written off isolated incidents.

Most people would call it insane to label the entire country as unsafe because of an isolated incident — but this is often done with Mexico 🤷‍♀️ Why?

🤯 Mexico Saw 66 Million Visitors in 2022

Contrary to often-sensationalized media reports, Mexico gets a bad rap.

However, it’s not totally undeserved, as there are both safe parts of Mexico and unsafe parts of Mexico.

However, American and international travelers still flock to Mexico en masse.

In fact, Mexico is the 7th most visited country in the world, and according to Statista , Mexico was the top travel destination for international travelers in 2021.

So if Mexico was totally unsafe, as many claim, Wouldn’t people just stop going?

As you can see on SECTUR , the Mexican Secretary of Tourism’s site, they most certainly haven’t stopped going.

According to SECTUR, Mexico welcomed an astounding 66 million visitors in 2022 — up 19.3% from 2021.

With such a sinister reputation, and so many people convinced all of Mexico is unsafe for travel, it seems people would want to avoid Mexico at all costs.

However, the numbers show that the exact opposite is true, and that tourists love Mexico now more than ever.

🇲🇽 large numbers of americans are moving to mexico too

It’s not just international tourists who love Mexico that have contributed to the high number of visitors. American expats are also relocating to Mexico in droves .

According to statistics from Mexico’s Migration Policy Unit, the number of Americans who applied for or renewed residency visas in Mexico surged by an astounding 70% between 2019-2022.

What parts of Mexico are safe?

There are many safe places in Mexico, but the State of   Yucatán  has the lowest crime rate according to the U.S. State Department and  Mexico Peace Index .

Yucatan State is famous for  Chichen Itza , one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and the most famous of all Mexico archaeological sites .

There are also other fascinating historical sites, like Uxmal , Ek-Balam, and Mayapan.

Visitors can enjoy these best beaches in Yucatan on the Gulf of Mexico, like Puerto Progreso, and these stunning Yucatan cenotes (natural jungle pools).

No matter where you’re headed in Yucatan, you can enjoy the region without worry.

🇲🇽 Some Additional Safe Parts of Mexico

• Baja California Sur:  This southern part of the Baja Peninsula includes Los Cabos, La Paz, Loreto, and Todos Santos. It is known for laid-back vibes, desert landscapes, and whale-watching in winters.
• Mexico’s Pacific Coast:  Home to a rugged coastline, friendly locals, and delicious seafood, this area includes Puerto Vallarta, Huatulco and Sayulita.
• Mexico’s Central Highlands and Colonial cities:  Rich in history and brimming with colorful colonial architecture, you have San Miguel de Allende, Oaxaca City and Guadalajara.

What are the safest states in Mexico?

The safest Mexico states are Yucatan State and Campeche State , both located in the Yucatan Peninsula.

What are the most dangerous cities in Mexico to avoid?

These include some areas in the states of Colima , Sinaloa , Michoacan , Tamaulipas and Guerrero — though not all parts of each state are dangerous.

The states just mentioned are known to have high levels of drug-related violence, kidnappings and robberies.

If this is your first trip to Mexico, you may want to opt for one of these places to visit in Mexico that are known for safety.

The (sad) reality with travel safety in Mexico is this: There are two Mexicos. As a general rule though, Mexico tourist cities are safe to visit.

One Mexico is a welcoming country with friendly people, world-class beaches , tacos so good you’ll cry, rich history, swimmable cenotes , amazing festivals like Day of the Dead .

The other Mexico is quite frankly, unsafe — and there are some dangerous parts of Mexico with high crime rates that travelers should avoid.

However, if you’re wondering What are dangerous places to avoid traveling in Mexico? , check the U.S. State Department site for any current Mexico travel warnings.

When I’m asked if Mexico is a safe place to go travel on vacation, my response is yes . —Carlos Barron, 25-year FBI veteran (via Forbes )

Just as you’d avoid the unsafe areas in your own city, state or country, so too should you avoid the non-safe places to travel in Mexico.

If you stick to the safe areas of Mexico, you’ll lessen the need for safety concerns.

As tourism is the #1 driving force in Mexico’s economy, the top Mexico travel destinations are safe for visitors.

The Mexican government is invested in keeping them this way, so visitors return year after year.

What are the safest cities in Mexico?

Some of the safest Mexico cities include Merida , Puebla City , Puerto Vallarta and Isla Mujeres .

However, there are MANY more. As a general rule, if you’ve heard of the city, it’s usually safe for visitors.

is it safe to travel to mexico right now?

For a guide on which places are safe at this exact moment, which places to avoid in Mexico, and the most dangerous cities in Mexico — consult the U.S. State Department site for all of the most current Mexico travel advisory info.

Their guide offers up-to-date information, Mexico travel warnings, safety alerts and advisories so it’s a good idea to have a look at their site before making travel plans.

However, keep in mind they evaluate state by state, not city by city, makes more sense for travelers since you’ll likely visit just one small area within a much larger state.

For example, Sinaloa is often considered one of the least safe states in Mexico.

However, the city of Mazatlan in Sinaloa is one of the most-visited and best beaches in Mexico .

This particular city is known as one of the safest places for tourists in Mexico, though it’s located in an “unsafe” state.

What are the safest border crossings in Mexico ?

When driving to Mexico , there are 48 U.S.-Mexico border crossings. The best one to use depends on where you’re coming from, and where you’re traveling to.

The two most-used are the San Ysidro Crossing  (California) and El Paso Crossing (Texas). These are considered the safest since they’re so heavily patrolled.

🚙 Coming from California

There are six border crossings in California. The most-used is the  San Ysidro Crossing  (El Chaparral), but there’s also  Otay Mesa Crossing not far away.

Otay Mesa often has shorter lines, but they’re both considered safe to use.

🚙 Coming from Texas

There are more than 20 locations when coming by car from Texas to Mexico, including the  El Paso Crossing , one of the busiest border crossings in the world.

• El Paso, Texas : Considered one of the safest and most efficient U.S. to Mexico border crossings, and though the lines can get long, they usually move fast.
• Laredo, Texas : This one is widely-used as well, but considered one of the safest crossings due thanks to heavy police presence.

🚙 Coming from Arizona

There are six border crossings in Arizona. The most-used is the Nogales Crossing , which is always well-patrolled by border officials.

When driving to Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point), use the Lukeville Crossing . Known as “Arizona’s Beach,” this Mexico beach town is the closest beach to Arizona.

5 Quick Safety Tips for Traveling to Mexico

Before we conclude, I wanted to offer some Mexico safety tips. As I have lived in Mexico since 2018, and traveled all over the country, these are the tips I use myself.

No matter where you’re staying in Mexico, please keep these safety precautions front of mind to do your part to protect yourself and your belongings:

• Use Travel Common Sense:  First and foremost, don’t take unnecessary risks. Second, trust your instincts and intuition; when someone or something seems sketchy, assume it is.
• Leave Your Valuable at Home: Don’t flaunt your wealth by wearing expensive jewelry and brand-name items, and don’t carry large amounts of cash. These things make you an obvious target for theft.
• If You Must Travel With Them — Keep Your Valuables Secure:  Store your passport, money, wedding ring, jewelry and other valuables in your hotel safe or another secure location. You don’t need jewelry to climb Mayan Ruins !
• Research Where You’re Going : Some areas of Mexico are more dangerous than others (like Guerrero, Tamaulipas and many U.S. border towns with high levels of organized crime), so know which areas you need to avoid.
• Stay Aware of Your Surroundings:  For your safety, be alert to what’s happening around you, and pay attention for potential dangers.

Final Thoughts: Safest Cities in Mexico to Visit

If you began reading this article wondering What cities are safe in Mexico? or, Is Mexico safe to visit? — hopefully you now see there are plenty of options for safe Mexico destinations, from coast to coast.

In fact, even trying to narrow down the safest part of Mexico, safest city to visit in Mexico, or safest city in Mexico to live in, is impossible because there are many of each.

There is a safe, popular destination in all specific areas of Mexico, as you can see on this map . Need some additional suggestions? Here they are:

• Valle de Guadalupe : The “Napa Valley of Mexico,” and one of the best places in Mexico for travelers who love foodies and wine.
• Mazunte : A popular destination for expats in Southern Mexico, and a gorgeous beach town on the Oaxaca coast.
• Ajijic : One of Mexico’s safest cities in Jalisco state, and located about an hour from Guadalajara
• Valle de Bravo : Widely considered the safest place in Mexico to travel in Estado de Mexico (Mexico State).
• Bucerias : This place consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in Mexico for expats.
• Campeche City : In general, Campeche state is one of the safest states in Mexico, and it’s capital city is the best place to visit in it.
• Morelia : A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Morelia is the top destination in Michoacan state, and considered its safest place.

Given the negative perception of Mexico as a whole, I wanted to compile this article with the voices of other travelers who have personally been to the cities they wrote about.

Hopefully this will help clear up some of what I feel is unwarranted sentiment towards the amazing parts of the country.

Now, there are dangerous parts of Mexico and dangerous places in Mexico; but those are small parts of a big country.

I hope hearing stories from actual travelers helps paint a more real picture because I have found most people who say Mexico is dangerous — have never even been to Mexico 🤷‍♀️ Go figure!

Mexico Safety Tips: Register for the STEP Program

If you’re from the U.S., make sure you enroll in the FREE STEP Program  before your trip. (🇨🇦 Canadians can check out Registration of Canadians Abroad here for a similar program).

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP, allows U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico to document your trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

After you’ve registered, the U.S. Embassy or Consulate nearest you can contact you in the event of an emergency, including natural disasters, civil unrest, etc.

STEP can also put you in touch with your family and friends back home, in the event of an emergency while abroad.

They can also shed light on general Mexico travel safety tips, if you’re still in doubt.

Mexico Travel Planning Guide

Should i buy mexico travel insurance.

YES — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Travel Insurance Master , one of the biggest names in travel insurance. ( Read more )

Can you drink the water in Mexico?

No — You’ll want to buy this Water-To-Go Bottle , which filters your drinking water so you don’t get sick from drinking water in Mexico.

Also, it helps keep you hydrated while traveling Mexico. ( Read more )

Is it safe to rent a car in Mexico?

Yes — Renting a car in Mexico is one of the best ways to see the country! I always rent with Discover Cars , which checks international companies and local Mexican companies, so you get the best rates. ( Read more )

Will my phone work in Mexico?

Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free Mexico service, buy a Telcel SIM Card . As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. ( Read more )

What’s the best way to book my Mexico accommodations?

For Mexico hotels, Booking.com is the best site , but for hostels, use Hostel World . If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to check VRBO , which is often cheaper than Airbnb.

What do I pack for Mexico?

Head to the Ultimate Mexico Packing List + FREE Checklist Download to get all the info you need on packing for Mexico.

What’s the best site to buy Mexico flights?

For finding cheap Mexico flights, I recommend using Skyscanner .

Do I need a visa for Mexico?

Likely Not — U.S., Canadian and European Passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico; but check here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa. Most travelers will get a 180-Day FMM Tourist Visa passport stamp a upon arrival.

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Travel Safe - Abroad: Find the Safest Places for Your Travel

Before traveling abroad it’s important to know what are the dangers in that area.

Travel safely and enjoy your holidays!

Click on the name of the country/city you’re traveling to:

Afghanistan

• Buenos Aires
• Puerto Iguazu
• Puerto Madryn
• San Miguel de Tucuman
• Belize City

Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Belo Horizonte
• Florianopolis
• Porto Alegre
• Rio de Janeiro

British Virgin Islands

Burkina faso.

• Mississauga
• Niagara Falls
• Quebec City
• Thunder Bay

Cayman Islands

Central african republic.

• Punta Arenas
• Santiago de Chile
• Barranquilla
• Bucaramanga
• Santa Marta
• Manuel Antonio
• Puerto Viejo
• Santa Teresa

Czech Republic

Democratic republic of the congo, dominican republic.

• Las Terrenas
• Playa Rincon
• Santo Domingo
• Sharm el Sheikh

El Salvador

• San Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

• Addis Ababa
• Montpellier

French Polynesia

• Thessaloniki
• Guatemala City

Guinea-Bissau

• Port-au-Prince
• San Pedro Sula
• Tegucigalpa
• Navi Mumbai
• Thiruvananthapuram
• Sulaymaniyah
• Golan Heights
• Vatican City

Ivory Coast

• Montego Bay
• Spanish Town
• Kuwait City

Kyrgyz Republic

Liechtenstein.

• Johor Bahru
• Kuala Lumpur
• Petaling Jaya
• Aguascalientes
• Cabo San Lucas
• Chichen Itza
• Guadalajara
• Isla Holbox
• Isla Mujeres
• Mexico City
• Nuevo Laredo
• Piedras Negras
• Playa del Carmen
• Puerto Morelos
• Puerto Vallarta
• Queretaro City
• San Luis Potosi
• San Miguel de Allende
• Zihuatanejo
• Ulaanbaatar
• Bazaruto Archipelago
• Quirimbas Archipelago

Netherlands

New zealand.

• Christchurch

North Korea

• Kristiansand
• Panama City

Papua New Guinea

• Port Moresby

Philippines

• Quezon City

Puerto Rico

Republic of the congo.

• Cluj-Napoca
• Nizhny Novgorod
• Novosibirsk
• Saint Petersburg
• Yekaterinburg

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint lucia, saudi arabia, sierra leone, south africa.

• Bloemfontein
• Johannesburg
• Pietermaritzburg
• Port Elizabeth

South Korea

South sudan.

• Andorra la Vella
• Canary Islands
• Palma de Mallorca
• San Sebastian

Switzerland

• Dar es Salaam

The Bahamas

• Grand Bahama
• Harbour Island

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and tobago.

• Port of Spain

Turkmenistan

United arab emirates, united kingdom.

• Newcastle upon Tyne
• Northern Ireland
• Peterborough
• Southampton

United States

• Gulf Shores
• Muscle Shoals
• Phenix City
• Casa Grande
• Lake Havasu City
• Sierra Vista
• Arkadelphia
• Bentonville
• Eureka Springs
• Fayetteville
• Hot Springs
• Little Rock
• Mountain Home
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• West Memphis
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• Huntington Beach
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• Mission Viejo
• Moreno Valley
• Mountain View
• Newport Beach
• Palm Springs
• Rancho Cucamonga
• Redondo Beach
• Redwood City
• San Bernardino
• San Francisco
• San Leandro
• San Luis Obispo
• Santa Barbara
• Santa Clara
• Santa Clarita
• Santa Monica
• Simi Valley
• Thousand Oaks
• Victorville
• West Covina
• Breckenridge
• Colorado Springs
• Fort Collins
• Grand Junction

Connecticut

• East Hartford
• Glastonbury
• Old Saybrook
• Southington
• West Hartford
• Wethersfield
• Windsor Locks
• Bethany Beach
• Delaware City
• Fenwick Island
• Greater Wilmington
• Rehoboth Beach
• Amelia Island
• Boynton Beach
• Cocoa Beach
• Coral Springs
• Daytona Beach
• Deerfield Beach
• Delray Beach
• Everglades City
• Fort Lauderdale
• Fort Pierce
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• Gainesville
• Jacksonville
• Lake Buena Vista
• Lake Worth Beach
• Marco Island
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• Miami Gardens
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• Palm Beach Gardens
• Palm Harbor
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• Pembroke Pines
• Pompano Beach
• Port St. Lucie
• Punta Gorda
• St. Augustine
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• Tallahassee
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• Winter Park
• Cartersville
• East Columbus
• Johns Creek
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• Peachtree City
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• Stockbridge
• Tybee Island
• Warner Robins
• Kailua-Kona
• Princeville
• Coeur d'Alene
• Idaho Falls
• Arlington Heights
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• Crystal Lake
• Des Plaines
• East St Louis
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• Granite City
• Mount Prospect
• Rock Island
• Tinley Park
• Crown Point
• Huntingburg
• Indianapolis
• Jeffersonville
• Martinsville
• Michigan City
• Noblesville
• Santa Claus
• Terre Haute
• Winona Lake
• Arnolds Park
• Bentonsport
• Cedar Falls
• Cedar Rapids
• Council Bluffs
• Estherville
• Fort Madison
• Marshalltown
• North Liberty
• Pleasant Hill
• Spirit Lake
• The Amana Colonies
• West Des Moines
• Coffeyville
• Cottonwood Falls
• Council Grove
• Garden City
• Junction City
• Leavenworth
• Overland Park
• Prairie Village
• Bowling Green
• Cumberland Falls
• Elizabethtown
• Harlan Tri-Cities
• Hodgenville
• Hopkinsville
• Jeffersontown
• Madisonville
• Nicholasville
• Shelbyville
• St. Matthews
• Baton Rouge
• Bossier City
• Farmerville
• Franklinton
• Lake Charles
• Natchitoches
• New Orleans
• Ponchatoula
• Prairieville
• Carrabassett Valley
• Kennebunkport
• Lewiston/Auburn
• Presque Isle/Caribou
• South Portland
• Ellicott City
• Germantown & Gaithersburg
• Silver Spring

Massachusetts

• Martha's Vineyard
• New Bedford
• Provincetown
• Williamstown
• Battle Creek
• Farmington Hills
• Frankenmuth
• Grand Rapids
• Mackinac Island
• Mackinaw City
• Sault Ste. Marie
• Sterling Heights
• Traverse City
• Brooklyn Park
• Detroit Lakes
• Fergus Falls
• Grand Marais
• Grand Portage
• International Falls
• Maple Grove
• Minneapolis
• Two Harbors

Mississippi

• Hattiesburg
• Holly Springs
• Pass Christian
• Blue Springs
• Cape Girardeau
• Chesterfield
• Creve Coeur
• Independence
• Jefferson City
• Kansas City
• Lee's Summit
• Maryland Heights
• Poplar Bluff
• Springfield
• St. Charles
• Ste. Genevieve
• Great Falls
• West Yellowstone
• Grand Island
• Nebraska City
• North Platte
• Scottsbluff
• South Sioux City
• Battle Mountain
• Blue Diamond
• Boulder City
• Burning Man in Black Rock City
• Carson City
• Incline Village
• Moapa Valley
• Mount Charleston
• North Las Vegas
• Searchlight
• Virginia City
• West Wendover

New Hampshire

• Hampton Beach
• North Conway
• Piscataquog
• West Lebanon
• Asbury Park
• Atlantic City
• East Orange
• Hamilton Township
• Jersey City
• Lambertville
• Long Beach Island
• Mountain Lakes
• New Brunswick
• Seaside Heights
• Upper Township & Ocean City
• West Orange
• Albuquerque
• Elephant Butte
• Silver City
• Truth or Consequences
• Cooperstown
• Greenport Village
• Lake George
• Lake Placid
• Long Island
• New Rochelle
• New York City
• Poughkeepsie
• Saranac Lake
• Saratoga Springs
• Schenectady
• Seneca Falls
• Shelter Island
• Sleepy Hollow
• Watkins Glen
• White Plains

North Carolina

• Chapel Hill
• Elizabeth City
• Kill Devil Hills
• Mooresville
• Morehead City
• Rocky Mount
• Statesville
• Winston-Salem

North Dakota

• Devils Lake
• Fort Ransom
• Grand Forks
• Valley City
• Cuyahoga Falls
• Port Clinton
• Westerville
• Yellow Springs
• Bartlesville
• Broken Arrow
• Midwest City
• Oklahoma City
• Weatherford
• Klamath Falls
• Lincoln City
• Pennsylvania
• Kennett Square
• Philadelphia
• Stroudsburg

Rhode Island

• Burrillville
• Little Compton
• Narragansett
• North Kingstown

South Carolina

• Folly Beach
• Hilton Head Island
• Isle of Palms
• Mount Pleasant
• Myrtle Beach
• North Augusta
• Pawleys Island
• Spartanburg
• St. Helena Island
• Sullivan's Island
• Summerville
• Travelers Rest
• West Columbia

South Dakota

• North Sioux City
• Sioux Falls
• Chattanooga
• Clarksville
• Murfreesboro
• Pigeon Forge
• Sevierville
• Wears Valley
• Corpus Christi
• San Antonio
• Salt Lake City
• West Jordan
• West Valley City
• Newport News
• Virginia Beach

West Virginia

Washington dc.

• Ho Chi Minh City
• Victoria Falls

Safety Index

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Popular US States

Government Advice on Where in the Middle East is Safe to Travel to This Summer

T raveling to Israel has become harder since the re-start of the conflict in the Gaza Strip. Now, with the recent strike launched by Iran into Israeli territory, many people are rethinking their travel plans to any country in the area. In the last few days, multiple airlines have canceled flights to Tel Aviv. This will make getting a commercial flight into Israeli territory increasingly difficult.

Israel is, of course, not the only country in the line of fire. Amidst the recent hostilities, the UK government was among the first to warn its citizens against traveling to certain countries. They quickly listed Iran, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen as countries that they advise people not to travel to. Regarding Israel, the UK’s foreign office uses a heat map to warn travelers against reaching certain parts of the country. Any trip that takes people within 3 miles of the Gaza Strip falls in the red zone. These areas are places where people are told to stay out of. When it comes to the Holy City of Jerusalem, it’s technically within the yellow zone.

The yellow spots on the map indicate areas that should only be reached if travel is essential. Overall, tourists are being told to avoid the country altogether. With the recent hostilities, there’s no telling which part of the country may or may not be attacked next. Also, as mentioned, many airlines are canceling their flights. Therefore, logistically, it will become more complex and more expensive to travel there this summer.

Egypt and Turkey are two other countries reasonably close to the conflict that travelers frequent. In Turkey, there are no travel restrictions. However, some countries advise people to stay away from the area that borders Syria. Despite this, most popular tourist destinations within the country will be accessible to tourists this summer. There could be an issue with flights from certain parts of the world. However, this remains to be seen. There hasn’t been a massive cancellation of flights to Turkey, as there have been flights to Israel.

When it comes to Egypt, things are operating as usual. The UK foreign office mentions that all of the popular tourist attractions within the region are “generally safe.” This doesn’t mean that travelers shouldn’t be on the lookout for some of the usual dangers in the area. In Egypt, fraud and theft are two uncomfortable issues that tourists have been known to be victims of for years. At this point, however, it doesn’t seem likely that they’ll end up in the middle of a war zone if they travel to the country. All popular resorts that run along the Nile River are set to continue operating as usual. As mentioned earlier, some air travel routes could change to reach these destinations. That’s something that tourists should be aware of.

19 Safest Vacation Spots in the U.S. You’ll Love

By: Author Amanda OBrien

Posted on Last updated: 16/02/2024

Safety is something that’s often not thought about when visiting the United States. This is understandable, considering you’ll be traveling to the “land of the free, home of the brave”. But crime exists anywhere, especially in tourist havens. 

So what are the safest vacation spots in the U.S.? This guide breaks down the 19 safest travel destinations in America, what you can do there, and when is the best time to visit. 

But before we dive in, make sure you’re informed about the most dangerous cities in the U.S. to avoid bumping into any trouble.

How Safety is Determined

The guidelines used to determine the safest places to go on holiday in the U.S. were sourced from the FBI Crime Data Explorer dataset and a recent analysis by MoneyGeek. 

The research examined the cost of crime in each city: the opportunity cost of time lost to criminal acts, incarceration, crime prevention, and recovery after victimization. This analysis by MoneyGeek only looked at U.S. cities with 100,000 or more inhabitants.

Note: This guide specifically looks at vacation spots and tourist hubs in the United States, so this list may not include all of the safest cities in the U.S.

Essentials for Staying Safe While Traveling If you’re keen to feel safer when you travel try out some of the devices we swear by to make us feel more comfortable. 🔐 Personal Safety: 1. Portable Hotel Safety Lock 2. Personal Safety Alarm 🧳 Baggage Safety: 1. Luggage Locks 2 . Bluetooth Luggage Tracker ✈️ Most of all, don’t leave home without decent travel insurance , so if anything goes wrong, you will be covered.

19 Safest Holiday Destinations in the U.S.

So a city is declared safe when it uses the integration of technology to reduce all kinds of crime, congestion, urban sprawl, and any other antisocial behavior. 

These 19 cities have proven to have great crime prevention mechanisms and hence feature on this list of the safest U.S. cities. These are great options if you’re looking to go on vacation or relocate to a new city. 

1. Honolulu, Hawaii

Aloha, and welcome to Hawaii’s bustling commercial and cultural hub. Honolulu is one of the best sunny places to visit in the U.S., and it’s easy to see why. This metropolis on the island of Oahu is known for its famous crescent beach, dotted with palms and high-rise buildings.

Honolulu is also one of the safest holiday destinations in the U.S. In 2020, the city’s violent crime rate was lower than the national average. That means people living in Honolulu were less likely to fall victim to violent crimes than the entire population on the mainland.

There are tons of great things you can do while visiting Honolulu. From attending a traditional Hawaiian luau to snorkeling in the great blue sea or enjoying a romantic sunset cruise, you’re sure to have an epic experience. And this is all without having to worry about your safety.

2. Virginia Beach, Virginia

Photo by Marshall Williams on Unsplash

Virginia Beach is an oceanfront destination packed with a vibrant art and entertainment scene. You’ll also find a growing local dining scene, rich maritime history, and many tourist attractions. The city’s three-mile boardwalk is the epicenter of it all, boasting restaurants, shops, and plenty of attractions.

In addition to having a lower property crime rate than the national average, Virginia Beach also has a lower burglary rate, motor vehicle theft, and robbery rate. Thus making the oceanfront city one of the safest places to visit in America.

While you’re in Virginia Beach, take some time to explore its top attractions. Strolling along the promenade is a must-do. But you can also enjoy a sunset kayak and dolphin-watching tour or visit the city’s Vibe District for an exciting display of street art and murals.

3. San Diego, California

Photo by Clayton Cardinalli on Unsplash

Well-known for its year-round perfect weather, pristine beaches, and world-class attractions, San Diego is one of the best cities to visit in the USA. The city is also home to some of the most beautiful sunsets in California . 

Considering its size, San Diego is one of the safest cities in America. The city has a low crime rate, its beaches are safe, and you’re not likely to run into any trouble at major attractions. However, it’s essential to remember that cities this size are prone to petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and other forms of thieving. 

Spend your time in this coastal city beach hopping, cruising the sea, or chasing after the best San Diego sunsets . You can also go on a hop-on hop-off tour of the city’s attractions or spend time bonding with some critters at San Diego Zoo.

4. Henderson, Nevada

Located about a 30-minute drive from glistening Las Vegas, Henderson is a gorgeous desert oasis just waiting to be explored. In recent years the city has seen an increasing number of shopping malls, restaurants, and casino resorts. 

This makes Henderson a great place to discover some of the best things to do in Vegas without having to live within the city. Henderson’s crime rate statistics have led to the city being the second and third safest city in the U.S. in recent years.   

You can do lots of things in Henderson without having to go all the way to Vegas. Head to the Clark County Museum to immerse yourself in the history of the region and see a collection of restored vintage houses. Enjoy a traditional Chuckwagon dinner show , or make a 30-mile journey to the colourful Seven Magic Mountains for Instagram-worthy snaps.

Check out my posts on Las Vegas in May , Visiting Las Vegas in June and things to do in Vegas in December.

5. El Paso, Texas

Photo by Raul Miranda on Unsplash

Straddling the edge of the U.S.-Mexico border, El Paso is a West Texas town famous for its blend of Native American, Spanish, Western, and Mexican cultures. The city boasts plenty of history and art museums, Spanish missions, and stunning backdrops of the Franklin Mountains.

Although the city’s crime rate has increased, it still falls lower than the national average. El Paso is generally a safe place for solo travelers and families. But it’s crucial to note that the city is less than 10 miles away from Juárez, Mexico, notorious for cartels, drug trafficking, and intense violence. In short, avoid going close to the border.

Simply dubbed “Sun City”, El Paso experiences an average of 320 days of sunshine annually. That means you’ll have lots of fun in the sun, no matter the season. You can visit the zoo and botanical gardens in El Paso and watch a show at The Plaza Theatre.

6. New York City, New York

Image by Jo Wiggijo from Pixabay

New York City needs no introduction. This bustling city is one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in the world, and it’s easy to see why. Its towering skyscrapers, red-brick boroughs, Times Square, and Statue of Liberty are some of the best historical places in New York to visit.

The enormity of New York makes it prone to tourist traps where travelers could easily be targeted by pickpockets or duped into buying something at exorbitant prices. But the Big Apple has a vigilant and friendly police force constantly protecting the city and its citizens. That’s why New York remains one of the safest cities in the world for tourists. 

While visiting the Big Apple, tick off the most beautiful places in New York and famous landmarks like Broadway and Central Park. You can also fly over Manhattan on a scenic helicopter ride or take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty. And there are loads to do if you’re traveling solo in NYC.

Honestly, there’s just too much to do in New York. I can’t possibly mention it all here. But if you’re looking for a less touristy way to discover the Big Apple, read my guide on New York’s off-beaten path attractions that will blow your mind.

7. Manchester, New Hampshire

Photo by Wikimedia Commons

Manchester is the largest city in New Hampshire in terms of population size. The city boasts an intriguing array of art galleries, museums, and historical sites. Manchester sits along the Merrimack River and is famous for its iconic mills.

When it comes to safety, Manchester is a relatively safe city. According to Neighborhood Scout, the chances of being a victim of violent crime in Manchester is 1 in 37. But remember, safety is always relative. 

On the flip side, Manchester has a higher crime rate than other cities in New Hampshire. However, the city’s crime rate still falls under the national average, making it one of the best places to visit on America’s East Coast. 

Despite often being overshadowed by its popular neighbors, Boston and Portland, Manchester offers tons to do. History buffs will love visiting the Manchester Millyard Museum, while art lovers will have a blast at the elegant Currier Museum of Art.

8. Mesa, Arizona

Photo by Gautier Salles on Unsplash

If you’re looking for a modern-day desert escape, look no further than Mesa. It’s the third largest city in Arizona and jam-packed with exciting attractions. From desert hiking and biking trails to epic basketball games and interesting museums, Mesa has something for everyone.

Mesa’s crime statistics were on a steady decline between 2016 and 2020 and continue to do so, according to data from the Mesa Police Department . This lowering crime rate makes Mesa an ideal and tranquil suburban escape from neighboring Phoenix. 

Mesa is less than a 30-minute drive from Phoenix and about two hours from Sedona , so you’ll have plenty of things to do depending on how much time you have to explore. You can visit famous Arizona landmarks , from stunning red canyons to meteor craters and sandstone buttes.

9. Charlotte, North Carolina

Image by David from Pixabay

If you’re a sports enthusiast, you’ll love visiting Charlotte. In fact, you might think it’s the best place to visit in America. Why? This North Carolina city is home to the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, the Carolina Panthers from the NFL, and the incredible NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Charlotte has a moderate level of crime that requires one to be cautious when exploring attractions with lots of tourist traffic. The city center, or Uptown Charlotte, is a modern central business district where you’ll find plenty of museums, stadiums, arenas, and theatres. You should always be vigilant when exploring Uptown and try to avoid walking alone.

Exploring the city in a group, either with friends or through a historical walking tour , would be an excellent way to see the Queen City and stay safe. Notable attractions in Uptown Charlotte you should check out are the Hall of Fame, Mint Museum, and the lively Optimist Hall.

10. San Jose, California

Image by Bella Mannaro from Pixabay

Surrounded by the rolling hills of Silicon Valley, San Jose is a picturesque city dotted with palms, Italianate-style Oddfellows, and Spanish Colonial Revival buildings all over its old town. San Jose is often overlooked for neighboring cities like San Francisco , but this Bay Area city is home to some of the best landmarks in California .

San Jose’s crime level is moderate and has steadily increased in the past three years. However, the chances of being physically attacked because of your skin colour, ethnic origin, or religion are very low, which is quite reassuring for tourists.

The city’s fun and friendly atmosphere is as welcoming as San Jose’s weather. You can spend your days experiencing San Jose by taking a party-bike tour around the city. Other things to do include an app-led scavenger hunt and visiting the famous Winchester Mystery House .  

11. Boston, Massachusetts

Image by David Mark from Pixabay

Like many of the best places to visit in the U.S., Boston is known for its richness in history, culture, sports, and entertainment. Boston is the capital of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and home to one of the most visited places in the U.S. — the Faneuil Hall Marketplace.

Boston is quite a safe city, especially for its commercial significance in the New England region. The city has a relatively low to moderate crime rate. So you won’t have to worry about muggings. Downton is considered safe, but you should avoid Park Street and Downtown Crossing.

Catching a Red Sox match at Fenway Park is a classic way to spend time in Boston, but you can also get a guided walking tour of the baseball park. Take a hop-on hop-off bus tour through the Old Town or opt for a Boston Duck tour so you can discover the city from the water.

12. Raleigh, North Carolina

Photo by Reba Spike on Unsplash

Raleigh is an exemplary university town and also the capital of North Carolina. It is famous for its free museums, universities, and astute technological institutions. Raleigh gives you that “big city meets Southern Charm” feel with its blend of historic landmarks and modern architecture. 

The city has a moderate crime rate, and although it has been increasing in the last few years, the chances of you getting robbed, mugged, insulted, or assaulted are still low. As with any major city, you should always stay cautious.

Raleigh also has a vibrant restaurant scene making it one of the best places in America to visit for hearty Southern cuisine. Visit the lively Morgan Street Food Hall or North Carolina State Farmers Public Market for a gastronomic adventure. Other things you can do include taking the Raleigh trolley pub public tour and strolling through Pullen Park.

13. Arlington, Texas

Image by sandler482 from Pixabay

Not to be confused with the North Carolina county, Arlington, Texas, is home to world-class stadiums, arenas, lakes, theme and water parks, and unique museums. Arlington is located just a 25-minute drive west of Dallas, making it one of the best holiday destinations in the USA close to a major commercial and cultural hub.

When it comes to safety, Arlington’s overall crime rate is relatively high. But as you’ll know, stats don’t always give the full picture. The level of safety people feel when walking around during the day and at night are high and moderate. Meaning many Arlington residents feel comfortable in their city’s streets. That’s not to say, though, that you should be any less cautious when visiting.

There are plenty of fun and inclusive things to do in Arlington. If you’re a sports fanatic, you’ll love catching a Dallas Cowboys match or a tour at the AT&T Stadium . Adrenaline seekers will appreciate visiting Six Flags Over Texas for exhilarating fun.

14. Santa Ana, California

Photo by Simon Maage on Unsplash

Santa Ana is located in Orange County, one of the best places in California to visit. The city is famous for its abundance of golden-sand beaches, cultural museums, the impressive Santa Ana Zoo, and a vibrant historic downtown district.

Santa Ana may not be the safest city in the USA, but it does offer a great alternative to nearby cities like Long Beach, which can get quite crowded. The city has a moderate crime rate that’s been rising in the last few years. But the chances of being assaulted are still fairly low.

You can do quite a lot in Santa Ana. From visiting the historic Bowers Museum to meeting critters at the zoo or taking a day trip to one of the best lakes in Southern California , Lake Elsinore, you’re sure to find something fun.

15. Omaha, Nebraska

Photo by John Matychuk on Unsplash

As the largest city in Nebraska, Omaha is best known for its diverse population and culture. The city boasts an array of art galleries, museums, and theatres. It is also home to one of the best zoos in the world – Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.

In recent years Omaha’s crime rate has been moderate. And although crimes like property theft and vandalism still prevail, the city has low levels of robbery, muggings, and violent crimes. But even though you’re unlikely to be at risk of these crimes, practice caution at all times.

Spend your time in Omaha learning more about the city’s history and culture at its museums. The Durham Museum is a restored 1931 train station that takes you back in time, and if you love art, head over to the Joslyn Art Museum or Bemis Center For Contemporary Arts.

16. Austin, Texas

Image by Kim Broomhall from Pixabay

Famous for its eclectic live music scene across popular genres like country, rock, and the blues, Austin is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World”. Whether that’s self-proclaimed or not, Austin offers more than just song and dance. The city boasts many intriguing attractions, including the white-washed Governor’s Mansion — one of the best landmarks in Texas .

Austin’s crime rate is slightly less or on par with the national average. And although the statistics say the city has a moderate level of crime, the chances of getting mugged, robbed, or assaulted in Austin are very low.

Take some time to explore this lively Texan capital. From pedicab sightseeing tours to the historic Texas Capitol and lush Zilker Metropolitan Park, Austin has lots to offer. Another must-do is taking a Live Music Crawl , where you’ll experience Austin’s music scene firsthand.   

You might enjoy reading my article on the safest cities to visit in Europe.

17. Tampa, Florida

Photo by Itai Aarons on Unsplash

Tampa is arguably the best place to visit in America for relaxation under ideal weather and affordable prices all the way around. The city boasts several attractions like museums, a zoo, aquariums, and theme parks that will leave you awestruck. You’ll also enjoy some unique things to do in Florida , like strolling through the Bok Tower Gardens.

Tampa has a low crime rate compared to other major cities. The city’s newest data shows that Tampa ranked as one of the lowest in violent crimes, specifically in large metropolitans. That means you can enjoy some of the best landmarks in Florida , such as the African-themed Busch Gardens Tampa Bay theme park , without any worry.

18. Portland, Maine

Photo by Mercedes Mehling on Unsplash

Portland is an idyllic coastal city sitting on the Casco Bay peninsula. This is the most populous city in Maine and hence the state’s vibrant cultural hub. Portland’s laid-back atmosphere resonates with beachcombers, artists, and foodies. 

The crime rate in Portland is quite low, and although it has been rising, the chances of you being robbed, mugged, attacked, or even scammed are very low. That’s why Portland is one of the safest cities in America to visit and live in.

The city’s main attractions, like the Museum of Art, Fort Allen Park, and Duckfat – a popular sandwich shop are worth visiting. You can also head out to the Portland Headlight, which is one of the best things to do in Maine . 

19. Long Beach, California

Image by Lisa Larsen from Pixabay

Long Beach is one of the most beautiful places to visit in America. The Southern California city boasts an incredible blend of urban architecture, a thriving art scene, sun-filled beaches, and a rich maritime heritage. 

When it comes to safety, Long Beach is among the safest places to go on holiday in the States. The city has a crime rate that’s lower than the national average. But caution must always be exercised. Long Beach is a tourist haven that’s likely to attract acts of criminality.

Long Beach is a great place to sunbathe, swim, and enjoy a range of water sports. But you can also enjoy an immersive experience at the Shoreline Aquatic Park . Or try off-the-beaten-path adventures like exploring The Queen Mary – a historic lodging you’ll find nowhere else.

Safest Vacation Spots in the U.S. | FAQs

Here are a few most commonly asked questions about the safest vacation spots in the U.S.

Where Is the Safest Place To Travel Right Now in the United States?

Honolulu, Hawaii, is the safest vacation destination in America. This island city has all you could ever need, from beautiful beaches to lush scenery, delicious food, and lots of cultural attractions. Additionally, there are many other safe places to visit, such as the cities listed above.

Is America Safe For Tourists?

Yes! The United States is one of the safest countries to visit in the world, but some places in the U.S. are safer than others, so exercise caution. 

How Can We Stay Safe in America?

Always prepare ahead of time. Do research on the places you want to visit, check out crime statistics on official sites, and avoid dodgy areas on the city outskirts. If you can, bring a travel companion

Safest Places in the U.S. for a Holiday | Wrapped Up

The safest states in America are home to popular cities and attractions that are usually flooded by tourists. These tourist traps often attract acts of criminality, like pickpocketing and scamming. 

And while it’s possible to avoid these areas, you’ll be missing out on famous U.S. landmarks that made the country what it is today.

That’s why this list of the safest vacation spots in the U.S. comes in handy. Pick a place that has the best weather, attractions, and historical landmarks for you, and get exploring.

Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.

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Middle East: Is it safe to travel to holiday destinations as tension escalates?

Are you going to Turkey, Egypt or Israel on holiday? The Foreign Office has warned travellers to several countries to monitor advice after an Iranian attack on Israel pushed tension in the Middle East up another notch.

Thursday 18 April 2024 08:13, UK

Tension in the Middle East has ratcheted up again after Iran's attack on Israel, as the world waits to see how Benjamin Netanyahu's government will respond. 

With the threat of widening conflict, people due to travel through or over the Middle East may be asking if their plans may be impacted.

On Saturday, flight data showed dozens of journeys that would have travelled over the Middle East turned back after Iran fired more than 300 drones and missiles into Israel .

Here is what airlines are saying and the latest safety advice to travellers.

EasyJet scraps Tel Aviv flights

EasyJet has suspended all flights to Tel Aviv over safety concerns.

The budget airline told Sky News it has grounded its flights until 27 October at the earliest "as a result of the continued evolving situation" in the region.

Wizz Air customers could see schedule changes

Wizz Air cancelled flights to Tel Aviv on Sunday 14 and Monday 15 April before resuming its schedule.

But it said customers could experience schedule changes as it closely monitors the situation.

British Airways operating as normal

British Airways - which operates four daily return flights per week between Heathrow and Tel Aviv - said its flights were continuing to operate as planned, but it too was monitoring the situation.

Is it safe to travel to Turkey?

Turkey is a popular holiday destination for people from the UK with the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism saying that last year 3.16 million Britons made the journey there, according to Travel Weekly.

Yet, it borders a number of countries that the Foreign Office advises against travel to.

The vast majority of the country is considered generally safe for tourists, with some exceptions.

The Foreign Office advises against all travel within 10km of the border with Syria , and all but essential travel to the Sirnak and Hakkari provinces.

Is it safe to travel to Israel?

Some parts of Israel are considered "red zones" by the Foreign Office, with the government advising against all travel there.

For the rest of the country - including East Jerusalem and Tel Aviv - the advice is to travel only if it is essential.

Tourist Israel says around 220,000 Britons usually go to the country every year and the Foreign Office is advising against travel close to the border with Gaza, within 5km of the border with Lebanon and within 500m of the border with Syria.

You can see the full updated list of "red zones" on the Foreign Office advice pages.

Occupied Palestinian territories

The Foreign Office advises against all travel to Gaza and the West Bank.

Don't travel to Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon or Syria - Foreign Office

The Foreign Office advises against all travel to Iran, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen.

It advises against all travel to Iraq except to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), where it advises against all but "essential travel".

Can I safely go on holiday in Egypt?

The main tourist areas in Egypt are generally considered safe, including the capital Cairo, cities along the Nile and Red Sea resorts.

Over 1.5 million British Nationals visit Egypt every year, according to analysts Gitnux, and the areas the Foreign Office warns not to travel to include the Governorate of North Sinai, where the Rafah crossing to Gaza is located, and within 20km of the border with Libya.

Read more: Are we heading for World War Three? Experts give their verdicts What are Iran's military capabilities - and where could it strike?

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Check advice on other Middle East states before you travel

Following Iran's attack on Israel, the Foreign Office issued a warning relating to several countries in the surrounding area, telling travellers to check for the latest information.

Included in this are popular destinations like Dubai (visited by more than a million Britons last year according to Travel Weekly) and Marrakech.

"On 13 April 2024 Iran carried out military action against Israel. Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast," the FCDO said in a statement.

The countries covered by the warning include Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Bahrain, Kuwait, Libya, Jordan and Oman.

Anywhere else of concern?

Cyprus is near the region and has a large UK airbase but, as yet, there is no change in travel advice to the popular country.

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Safe to travel in 2 persons - Moscow Forum

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May I know is it safe to travel alone on free & easy in these two cities.

What are the safety matters I need to be alert !

Thank you in advance for all replies.

"any time I have approached them for help (directions, etc) they have always been helpful"

- I too always come to police when I need help about directions in the city - we pay taxes, don't we?

And yesterday on my way back from vacation I had customs officers in the airport put my suitcase from the trolley into their X-ray machine, then back onto the trolley - they cannot just sit there and watch a lady handling 20kg of weight, that would be utterly bad form.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Brooks BBQ and Chicken announces decision to close Electric Works location, focus on food truck and travel catering

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) - One of the first tenants of Fort Wayne’s Electric Works announced Saturday that it has made the decision to focus on its food truck and travel catering business rather than its brick-and-mortar location in Electric Works.

On Saturday, April 27, Brooks BBQ and Chicken shared the following announcement on its Facebook page:

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Copyright 2024 WPTA. All rights reserved.

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Outback helicopter rescue prompts travel warning from authorities ahead of remote dry season tourism

Travellers set to explore one of northern Australia's most renowned tourist destinations are being urged to properly prepare for remote travel as the Kimberley region welcomes visitors for the dry season. 

On Sunday, Kununurra police rescued a tourist and his passenger by helicopter after they became stranded for two days in a remote area of the East Kimberley.

John Small's vehicle broke down after travelling through floodwater on the Duncan Highway, where he managed to contact authorities through the SOS mode on his phone.

Mr Small said he packed enough food and water to last 10 days and, after his experience, urged other visitors to check road conditions ahead of travel. 

"I would go and check with the local police to see what was open and what was closed … always carry extra water and always carry some tucker," he said. 

Kununurra Acting Officer In Charge Gerard Gibson said Mr Small was stuck in an area where no other vehicles were passing through.

He said the Kimberley landscape was unlike anywhere else in the country and required extra precautions.

"People may underestimate the conditions, temperatures, vastness. So we ask people to do as much research as they can about where they're travelling," Senior Sergeant Gibson said.

Travellers urged to stock supplies

Sergeant Cameron Willis is a Kimberley police officer and also works as a search mission controller in land search operations.

As tourists descend upon the region, Sergeant Willis said it was important for travellers' vehicles and communication systems to be prepared ahead of their journey.

"Carry enough water and supplies, always let someone know where you're going and. if you can, carry a personal locator beacon, which activates a GPS signal that goes off to AMSA, which is the Australian Maritime Safety Agency," he said.

A majority of the West Kimberley's national parks reopened for the season this week  after major closures last year due to a one-in-100-year flood event.

Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions parks and visitor services regional leader Sarah Mullineux said people venturing on hikes needed to take extra care as well as being croc-wise.

"For most of them you're walking through riverbeds sometimes, uneven surfaces, even clambering over rocks to go through a trail and experience an amazing sight," she said.

"So just being really prepared, sun smart, and considering the heat risk."

Beautiful but remote

Sergeant Willis said while the Kimberley was a beautiful part of the world to explore, the remoteness and lack of knowledge were often how people ran into trouble.

"Sometimes it's hundreds and hundreds of kilometres between certain towns and if you get off the beaten track from where people normally go, then you're by yourself and you can get stuck," he said.

As someone who enjoys maps and searching vast landscapes, the role is an enjoyable line of work for Sergeant Willis. But he said nothing was more rewarding than locating a person who had become lost.

"Finding someone who's lost and in distress and getting them back to their families is a really big thing," he said.

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Travel safety alert: Cruise line cancels more visits to Caribbean destination

• Published: Apr. 25, 2024, 7:20 a.m.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line has canceled more stops at one of its most popular destinations due to safety concerns.

• Leada Gore | [email protected]

RoyalCaribbeanblog.com, a website that tracks the line, reported guests booked in the summer and early fall are receiving notification their visits to Labadee, Haiti have been canceled. Labadee is a private resort operated by Royal Caribbean.

The line had previously canceled visits to Labadee through the end of May. The stop was replaced with visits to other destinations or a day at sea.

The cancellations affect several Royal Caribbean ships, including Adventure of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, and Symphony of the Seas, the website reported.

Royal Caribbean announced in March it was suspending calls to the resort on the northern coast of Haiti after the U.S. State Department issued an alert advising people not to visit the country. Haiti is at a Level Four travel advisory, alongside countries such as Russia, Syria and Burkina Faso, due to issues with “kidnapping, crime, civil unrest and poor healthcare infrastructure,” U.S. officials said.

Haiti is located on the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic sharing the island to the east. The Dominican Republic is under a level 2 advisory with visitors urged to exercise increased caution.

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