Now more than ever, LGBTQ+ travelers want to feel safe. Whether these travelers are seeking a bit of escapism, a home away from home, or a relaxing place to spend their time with family and friends, feeling secure in these spaces makes a world of difference.
LGBTQ+ travelers already have a lot on their mind when choosing a place to visit. Recent anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, local sentiments toward queer couples, and general physical safety are common themes. So looking over hotlists for safe travel is key in planning.
There are many lists from different organizations around the world, boasting the world’s safest destinations. Berkshire Hathaway’s Travel Insurance branch recently tossed their hat into the ring with a list that may intrigue travelers planning for 2025. Here’s their list of the top 15 safest places in the world to travel.
- Iceland
- Australia
- Canada
- Ireland
- Switzerland
- New Zealand
- Germany
- Norway
- Japan
- Denmark
- Portugal
- Spain
- United Kingdom
- Netherlands
- Sweden
To render these results, Berkshire Hathaway surveyed a large group of American travelers on where they’ve traveled in the last five years and the degree of safety they felt in each location. Then they took these ratings and cross referenced them with other indices and safety rankings such as the Global Peace Index, GeoSure Global and Numbeo.
The same countries return year after year to Berkshire Hathaway’s list, though their standings will often shift. In 2023, Iceland was at number nine before making its way to the top spot this year; and Australia (ranking at two this year) was previously in the tenth spot.
Almost all the countries making the list attract many tourists each year. These destinations are accustomed to accommodating droves of travelers, and safety measures and levels of security are thoroughly maintained. However, Berkshire Hathaway’s list doesn’t account for sudden strikes of violence or natural disasters, both of which could affect a country’s safety level.
Though most of the ranked countries are safe, the insurance company warns that depending on where you travel, there are different safety hazards to be aware of. In Ireland, for example, narrow roads and inexperienced drivers can make for hazardous conditions. In places like Australia and Canada, varied wildlife species can pose a threat to those exploring the great outdoors. In the far stretches of Norway and more desolate countries, healthcare is not easy to access.
Click here for the complete report of Berkshire Hathaway’s “Safest Countries in the World.”
