Safe Travel Destinations For Families

Travel Insurance and Resources

August 17, 2024

Traveling with young children means watching as your kids are exposed to new cultures, new foods, and new activities. These trips early on will no doubt have a positive effect on the rest of their lives.

Safety becomes the main concern when considering where to take your traveling tot. What are the safest travel destinations in the world? If a country is considered safe enough that you and your family can take normal travel precautions, are there things to do there with young kids?

According to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report (2017) and the Institute for Economics and Peace’s (IEP) Global Peace Index (2018), these are the world’s safest countries.

These rankings are supplemented by data from the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Advisories page and the “Crime and Criminal Justice” section of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) website to illustrate their suitability for tourists.

To top it off, we’ve added helpful resources to each country listing that will provide you with international travel safety tips and ideas for family-friendly activities to keep your youngsters entertained.

1. FINLAND

This Nordic country tops the “Safety and Security” index in the WEF Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report, and ranks 15^th in the IEP Global Peace Index. With bustling cities and vast countryside, you’ll only have to worry about how many experiences you can fit into a single trip! Your kids will definitely want to meet Santa Claus in the winter, but there are plenty of child-friendly activities to do in the summer as well.

2. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Although most people envision unstable governments when they think of the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates ranks #2 for “Safety and Security” on the WEF Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report. Heeding the U.S. Department of State’s cautions below, this destination promises a mix of architectural feats and rolling dunes guaranteed to amaze even the smallest of travelers.

“UAE is a very safe country. Wear modest clothing – although the UAE is a modern country, it is a Muslim country, and you must wear modest clothing (meaning shoulders covered, knee-length skirts, etc.). Book tours and guides from reliable companies. Don’t go off with people on tours if you are not 100% sure they are regulated tour guides.”

3. ICELAND

It’s no surprise that Iceland is at the top of this list. In this country “Icelanders feel safe letting their children roam free,” so you can rest assured that Iceland is one of the safest travel destinations, as well as a great destination for your kids. What’s more, this island (which also ranks 1^st on the Global Peace Index) is a nature lover’s dream, with natural sights and experiences to go around.

4. OMAN

Just like UAE, Oman is located on the Arabian Peninsula, which travelers often think of as unsafe given its neighboring countries (Yemen and Saudi Arabia). But, keeping in mind the U.S. Department of State’s notes on safety and security below, Oman is a family-friendly oasis on the Peninsula, with warm waters and sandy deserts that make for an adventure-filled family vacation.

5. HONG KONG

According to the WEF Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report, Hong Kong is the fifth safest country in the world. An international city generally popular with business travelers, Hong Kong has many kid-friendly attractions. With multiple amusement parks, including Hong Kong Disneyland, this Asian destination is sure to please both parents and kids.

6. SINGAPORE

Widely recognized as a clean, safe country, Singapore is a great destination for a family vacation. Singapore offers a unique mix of “concrete jungle and real jungle” and plenty of kid-friendly activities, like educational tours, science centers, and zoos. Want an added bit of assurance? It’s ranked 8th on the Global Peace Index.

7. NORWAY

Another Nordic country at the top for “Safety and Security” in the WEF Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report and the Global Peace Index is Norway. Norwegian tourism is centered on the assumption that domestic tourists are traveling as families, making it that much more family-friendly for international visitors.  With an abundance of beautiful Fjords and world-class museums, Norway is a perfect destination to expose your child to both nature and culture.

8. SWITZERLAND

Filled with gorgeous mountains and enchanting villages, Switzerland is one of the safest countries in Europe. It ranks in the top 10 for “Safety and Security,” according to the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report, and 12^th on the Global Peace Index. Cheap train travel for kids and close proximity to popular European destinations makes Switzerland a perfect stop for families of all ages.

9. RWANDA

Rwanda is often associated with genocide and instability. However, in the 20+ years since the Rwandan genocide, it has become a much safer destination, according to the WEF Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report.

Travel and Leisure magazine highlights that, although Rwanda doesn’t have the lowest terrorism index or rate of homicide, police response is reliable, the business cost of terrorism is low, and so are the business costs of crime and violence. Paying attention to the U.S. Department of State’s notes below, this African destination is a place you shouldn’t feel the need to shy away from, and it provides kids with once-in-a-lifetime experiences, like going on safari.

10. QATAR

Rounding out the top 10 on the “Safety and Security” index in the WEF Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report, Qatar is a Gulf nation that illustrates true Arabian hospitality. Acknowledging the U.S. Department of State’s safety suggestions below, this family-oriented country boasts a variety of cuisines, beaches, and adventures, making it an exhilarating destination for families of all ages.

11. PORTUGAL

Ranked 11^th for “Safety and Security” by the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report and 4th on the Global Peace Index, Portugal is one of the safest destinations, which makes it perfect for your next trip with the kids. Portugal has a range of sights and activities that will keep your kids entertained for days. Visit the Algarve for a bounty of beaches, zoos, and water parks, or Lisbon, which is home to castles that will inspire the imaginations of your traveling toddlers.

12. LUXEMBOURG

The tiny country of Luxembourg is considered extremely safe, as well as child friendly (Luxembourg has hundreds of specially conceived play areas just for kids). The Last Grand Duchy in the world, this tiny European country offers close proximity to other top European destinations, as well as a diverse cultural experience. Kids can enjoy castles, museums, and an impressive amount of playgrounds.

13. NEW ZEALAND

Coming in as the 13^th safest country, according to the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report, New Zealand is a dream for families. With a second-place ranking on the Global Peace Index, a moderate climate, and far fewer critters that can bite and sting compared to its neighbor, Australia, New Zealand is perfect for young travelers. This country is ripe with wildlife parks and nature-focused activities that will certainly introduce your kids to the wonders of the natural world.

14. AUSTRIA

This central European country is an ideal destination for safe international travel with kids. With its top-5 ranking on the Global Peace Index, pedestrian-friendly cities, and an abundance of kid-oriented activities, you’ll be singing Austria’s safety praises like the Von Trapp family in no time.

15. ESTONIA

Far beyond its involvement as a Soviet Socialist Republic, Estonia is now a member of the European Union. The country also ranks 15^th for “Safety and Security,” according to the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report. While this country’s unique history is a draw for older travelers, there are plenty of ways to keep your younger kids entertained on vacation to this Baltic State. Estonia is home to interactive museums, plenty of castles, and toddler-friendly beaches.

16. SWEDEN

This Scandinavian country is known for being safe and especially kid-friendly. Just like its neighbor Norway, Sweden’s domestic travel industry is curated around children’s interests. Most museums in Sweden are free for kids under 18, and activities are generally designed with kids in mind, making it particularly easy to explore with young kids.

17. SLOVENIA

This Central European country ranks 17^th for “Safety and Security” on the WEF Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report and 11^th on the Global Peace Index. But its friendly locals and breadth of kid-friendly attractions are what make Slovenia a great family destination. The country is home to plenty of outdoor activities, interactive museums, and both beaches and mountains dying to be explored.

18. SPAIN

Spain has a high “Safety and Security” ranking and a top 30 placement on the Global Peace Index. This European country has easily-accessible transportation and food that will satisfy all ages. Plus, it is filled with family-friendly activities, like beautiful beaches and museums that regularly offer free admission to children under 5.

Be warned – though this destination is generally family-friendly, dinner in Spain often takes place late at night. Make sure to give your little ones a nap during the day, and some snacks to tide them over until it’s time to eat.

19. NETHERLANDS

With a laidback family feel, the Netherlands is perfect for a family vacation. Ranking 19^th for “Safety and Security” in the WEF Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report and 23^rd on the Global Peace Index, the Netherlands offers kids of all ages a safe way to experience enchanting windmills, renowned museums, and a theme park specifically based on children’s fairytales.

20. MOROCCO

Rounding out our list of safe countries (and how to visit them as a family) is Morocco. Respecting the U.S. Department of State’s notes below, this northern African country prides itself on tolerance and openness, and children are always a welcome sight. Due to its combination of climates, Morocco offers unique experiences for families unlike any other country on this list, like walks through lush gardens, exciting camel treks, and relaxing afternoons on the Mediterranean coast.