No one wants to dwell on the past. However, while we witnessed progress in terms of traveling last year, there were still some setbacks. With the emergence of the coronavirus variant, Omicron, and increasing concerns about crime and personal safety, it seemed only apropos to focus on some of the best options. 

This was assembled based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, U.S. State Department advisories, and info from the 2021 Global Peace Index (GPI)—which rates over 160 nations across the globe based on the amount of security, societal safety, ongoing international and domestic conflict and militarization, and crime-related data from the Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection List. Here then, are nine of the safest places to travel.

9 Of The Safest Places To Travel

1.  The United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates, or UAE, is situated at the eastern end of Western Asia’s Arabian Peninsula. Its capital is the scenic city of Abu Dhabi. Its most populous city is the coveted destination of Dubai which is also an international hub.

This is perhaps one of at least a dozen different nations to earn a Level 1 travel advisory in 2022. The CDC reports that there is a “low level of COVID-19” here. It’s slotted in at 26 on the GPI. Be on your best behavior as flogging is still a legal punishment here.

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The British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands, a.k.a. BVI or the Virgin Islands, are located in the Caribbean, northwest of Anguilla and east of the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. This British Overseas Territory also started the new year with a Level 1 travel advisory from both the CDC and the US State Department. Officials here have just eased entry protocols for all fully vaccinated travelers. Highlights here include the popular Baths National Park, Devil’s Bay Beach, and Spring Bay Beach. Need some privacy? Look into a stay on the privately-owned isle named Little Thatch.

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Jamaica

Jamaica is located in the Caribbean Sea just south of Cuba. This island nation kicks off 2022 with a Level 2 travel advisory from the CDC and the US State Department. Officials suggest that travelers be careful because of COVID and the amount of crime there. The CDC reports a moderate level of coronavirus present on the island. It is famous for its beach fun and seafood. It’s also a popular romantic getaway. Honeymooners not only enjoy strolling hand-in-hand along the sand. They also can enjoy the numerous pubs and beachfront nightclubs there.

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The Bahamas

If you crave fun in the sun, and glee in the sea then the Bahamas is the safe place to be. The islands scored a Level 2 travel advisory from both the CDC and the US State Department just last month. Local officials told the press that this is evidence that their official protocols and various protective measures to stave off COVID-19 there are working. As regular readers already know, favored activities there include a visit to Paradise Island, swimming with the pigs at Pig Beach, and horseback riding on Little San Salvador Island. 

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Fiji

This island nation is located in Melanesia, Oceania in the South Pacific, and is open although COVID-19 testing requirements are in place. The country is starting the new year with a Level 1 travel advisory from both the CDC and the US State Department. The CDC adds there is only a “low level” of the coronavirus present here.

Looking for recommendations? As previously reported elsewhere on the website, Dolphin Island is a great option here. This unique isle possesses what veteran visitors say is a certain “breathtaking beauty” that’s both “surreal” and nigh heavenly.  

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Grenada

The island nation of Grenada, found in the West Indies in the Caribbean was given a Level 2 Travel Health Notice due to a moderate level of the virus. The US State Department is currently advising all travelers to “exercise increased caution” as well. The popular Spice Isle is open to visitors with COVID-19 vaccinations and testing and quarantine protocols are in place.

Grenada has always been listed as being a good value to travelers because of its significantly lower guest-to-staff ratio. Highlights include beautiful beaches, colorful markets, jade-colored waterfalls, lovely lakes, and spice plantations. 

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Canada

Located in North America across the northern US border, Canada is the world’s second-largest country. It is often listed as one of the world’s safest countries too. Due to COVID, the country started the new year with a Level 3 travel advisory from both the CDC and the US State Department. Still, if you are not at risk, it’s good to know that Canada slots in at number 12 on last year’s GPI and at number three on the Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection List of “the safest places to travel to” this year.

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Iceland

While the US State Department and CDC are advising against travel to Iceland and most of the other nations around the world last month because COVID-19 remains a global issue, this breathtakingly gorgeous European island nation still tops the GPI list and the Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection’s list of “safest places to travel” this year. Also known as the land of Fire and Ice, Iceland offers visitors multiple travel experiences on a single platter, from the unexpectedly urban vibe of the capital city of Reykjavik to the isolated, castaway landscapes.

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New Zealand

The attractive island country of New Zealand in the southwestern Pacific Ocean pretty much posted “Off Limits” since the pandemic started in 2020. Indeed, the nation was known for some of the strictest pandemic regulations and border policies on the planet. As noted in a previous piece, many of us are hoping that they will soon be welcoming tourists again. After all, New Zealand took third place on last year’s GPI and second place on the Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection’s list of “the safest places to travel” this year. It’s a great place for hikers and movie buffs who want to see where The Lord of the Rings film franchise was shot.

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