With a dramatic volcanic landscape of geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, and glaciers-- plus a burgeoning nightlife and restuarant scene-- Iceland is becoming a popular tourist destination for travelers all over the world. According to the Global Peace Index, it's also the safest country to visit. (iStock)
In an increasingly volatile world, travelling abroad can be a nervy experience for some vacationers.
Some countries may be best avoided altogether, but there are some destinations where security is almost guaranteed-- and these countries stand out as ideal destinations for your next trip.
Every year, the Global Peace Index ranks countries based on how dangerous they are, in an attempt to reveal which nations are the safest, and which countries you should definitely steer clear of.
This year’s report, published on June 8 by the Institute for Economics and Peace, assessed 163 nations to rank them in order of how safe they are.
The report uses 23 individual indicators which can be grouped into three categories: the level of safety and security in society, domestic and international conflict, and militarization.
Each country’s overall danger rating comes as a score out of five, with lower scores indicating more peaceful countries.
Overall, the index found that the world has become less peaceful since 2015, although 81 nations have become slightly more peaceful since the last assessment.
However, the 79 countries which became less peaceful this year have deteriorated at a more substantial rate, due to the threat of global terrorism and political instability.
Among the safest vacation spots are many European countries, including Austria, Denmark, Switzerland and Portugal, with Iceland taking the top spot.
Meanwhile, a strong showing from Canada marks it out as a perfect destination, and travellers looking to head east need to look no further than Japan or New Zealand.
Before you even think about packing your bags, be sure to check out this list of the safest places to jet off to.
The top ten safest vacation destinations in the world:
1. Iceland – 1.192
2. Denmark – 1.246
3. Austria – 1.278
4. New Zealand – 1.287
5. Portugal – 1.356
6. Czech Republic – 1.36
7. Switzerland – 1.37
8. Canada – 1.388
9. Japan – 1.395
10. Slovenia – 1.408
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