There were times when you prepared for a journey you booked a flight, figured out where you’d stash your passport, and (maybe) tossed a guidebook into your bag to do a little research on the plane.

These days, not only will you likely do a bunch of online travel research before you buy a plane ticket, you might even plug phrases like “is it safe to travel to Europe right now” or “is it safe to travel” into Google. You’re not alone. Searches for both of those phrases have gone up over the past few years.

Yet here you are, reading this article and perusing a travel planning website. And although you’re not going to let fear keep you from traveling, you still want to choose a safe destination in which to spend your hard-earned vacation time.

The Institute for Economics and Peace produces an annual report on the safety of countries around the world, called the Global Peace Index GPI. Of the top 25 countries listed on their latest report, 18 are in Europe. In other words, in spite of recent news reports to the contrary, traveling through much of Europe remains one of the safer options for tourists. As a point of reference, for instance, the United States comes in at 103rd on the Global Peace Index.

We’re highlighting here the top 10 safest European countries on the latest GPI – why they rank so highly, and why you might want to visit. Their actual Global Peace Index rank appears in parentheses.

Please keep in mind that in any unfamiliar environment, no matter how its safety is ranked, it’s important to obey local laws and social mores, stay aware of your surroundings, always keep an eye on your valuables, and do your best to avoid looking like an “easy target” for opportunistic thieves. Crime rates may be low, but they’re not non-existent. Travelers are often considered easy marks, so don’t mistake a good rating for an excuse to be cavalier about your own safety.

Here are the ten safest countries in Europe to travel right now.

1Iceland

The beautiful landscape of cliffs in Northern Ireland (Bigstock)

Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world. Crime rate is extremely low and medical care is excellent. However, it is necessary to take precaution when traveling in Iceland due to natural hazards caused by weather and nature, where conditions can change at a moments notice.

Reasons why you should visit Iceland

Safety isn’t the only reason to visit Iceland, of course. Whether it’s for a weekend stopover between Europe and the US or an extended adventure trip, here you will fing the awesome natural beauty, from lagoons and fjords to volcanoes with nearly-unpronounceable names. Go for the warmth of the people and a chance to nuzzle those adorable Icelandic horses. Just remember to keep an eye on the weather or go hiking with a guide.

Here are 10 reasons why Iceland should be on your travel destination list …

2Portugal

Portugal often seems forgotten sitting next to much-larger Spain. Spain comes in at #25 on the Global Peace Index, though, and Portugal is up at #5. Not only that, Portugal jumped from 11th place last year. Rates of violent crime are fairly low throughout the country, though petty thievery is not. Pick-pocketing is not uncommon in the bigger cities, particularly in tourist areas, so it’s a good idea to take the usual precautions with your valuables.

Why should you visit Portugal?

Proximity to popular Spain notwithstanding, Portugal still feels relatively under-appreciated by tourists. That’s a shame, given that its beaches on one side and verdant hills on the other, historic city centers and a world-famous wine industry. With Portugal, you get all the perks of a Mediterranean vacation plus a pretty safe place to visit.

3Austria

Austria rounds out the GPI’s top three, with one of the lowest crime rates in Europe. Popular tourist areas in Austria sometimes see instances of pick-pocketing or scams aimed at travelers, though these are almost never violent crimes. Exercising caution with valuables in busy areas is typically enough to avoid theft.

Reasons why you should visit Austria

Austria’s rich history and culture have drawn visitors for centuries. Immerse yourself in Mozart or “The Sound of Music.” Ascend to lofty heights in the Alps for hiking or skiing or just to soak in the views. Tuck into hearty traditional meals in pubs or raise a toast to fine Austrian wine. Austria has something for everyone, wrapped up in a neat little package.

4Denmark

Denmark currently holds the top spot on the UN’s World Happiness Report, so maybe it’s unsurprising that it’s also ranked as the second-safest country in the world. Violent crimes are quite rare, and even pick-pocketing isn’t a terribly common occurrence (though it’s more likely to happen in tourist areas). One of the main safety notes in Denmark is to abide by the no-photography rules in the autonomous area of Christiania in Copenhagen.

Reasons why you should visit Denmark

Head to Denmark to explore fairy-tale castles, snap a million photos of multi-colored houses, ride through pretty and bike-friendly Copenhagen with all the locals, and suddenly become an expert on furniture design. Depending on when you visit, you’ll either embrace the long summer nights or – perhaps – see the Northern Lights. In any event, you’re bound to find plenty of reasons why Danes are so happy.

5Slovenia

If Slovenia doesn’t pop into your head immediately when you think of “safe places to go in Europe,” you’re probably not alone. Part of the former Yugoslavia, Slovenia has come a long way in that regard since achieving independence. Violent crime is extremely rare – there were 15 murders in all of Slovenia in 2014 – and even pick-pocketing isn’t as common as it can be in other European countries. Slovenia cracks the Global Peace Index top ten this year, up from 15th place last year.

Reasons why you should visit Slovenia

Slovenia’s proximity to eternal favorite Italy and increasingly-popular Croatia should be all the information you need to book a trip. The country feels a bit like both of its neighbors, in the best possible ways. There are gorgeous mountains and lakes, historic cities, and exceptionally warm people – and far fewer tourists than in other nearby countries.

6Switzerland

Despite dropping two places on the Global Peace Index from 5th to 7th place, Switzerland is still an incredibly safe country to visit. The rate of violent crime is low (there were 41 murders in the whole country in 2014), and has even dropped recently in some cantons. Likewise, incidents of pick-pocketing are decreasing in some areas from an already low level.

Reasons why you should visit Switzerland

Little Switzerland packs a lot of punch into not a lot of space. Its landscapes are legendary, from Alpine peaks to sparkling lakes. This is a country where outdoors enthusiasts feel like they’ve found heaven on earth, and where a long hike is soon rewarded with some of the world’s best chocolate and cheese.

7Ireland

Don’t get a strange idea of Ireland if you think you need to be on a tour to be safe. You would be perfectly OK on your own, and would meet the locals a lot easier, but if you like tours, take one.

Just keep in mind, some commonsense is needed anywhere in the world, don’t get drunk and lie in the gutter, someone may tread on you.

The Republic of Ireland has held steady on the GPI list for several years at around 12 or 13, standing at #12 this year. Dublin has the highest rates of petty crimes like pick-pocketing and burglary, especially in tourist areas. As is the case with Iceland, the police in Ireland don’t carry guns. Not only that, most Irish police aren’t even trained to use weapons. And yet violent crime is rare in Ireland, with 52 murders total in 2014.

Reasons why you should visit Ireland

Ireland has long been one of the most beloved destinations for travelers, noted for its gregarious residents and convivial pubs. The country is dotted with castles, historic monuments, and dramatic seaside cliffs amid vast stretches of rural charm that await anyone who travels outside Dublin. One of the best reasons to go to Ireland is to be reminded just how many shades of green exist in the world.

8Norway

The Scandinavian country of Norway is known for its remote location, its incredible scenery and its surreal fjords. Although it borders Russia, Finland and Sweden, much of Norway’s coast is right alongside the Arctic Ocean, offering chilly but impressive views over the water. Norway boasts large historic cities, magnificent cathedrals, a progressive population and unending ways to stay active outdoors. If you’re eager to start planning a Scandinavian getaway, here are some of the top reasons to visit Norway.

Reasons why you should visit Ireland

9Hungary

From its cosmopolitan capital city to its charming countryside, there are plenty of reasons to put a trip to Hungary on your travel bucket list. The central European country offers something for everyone, from mouth-watering food to traditional folk culture.

Reasons why you should visit Hungary

10Germany

In Germany, the land of poets and thinkers, you are destined to outweigh your expectations and stereotypes bewildered by the diverse features that shape the everlasting foundations of the culture and its people. Whether you are interested in the historical past or the nowadays society and its mediums the answers lay in front of you, in the people, arts and musicals, castles, museums, restaurants and national libraries and most importantly in the preservation of national treasures concrete and environmental.

Planning the perfect journey is practically impossible no matter how disciplined and eager one might be; therefore leaving some room for unexpected disappointments or even pleasurable surprises might keep ones feet on the ground while making it more adventurous and appealing. Nevertheless, prior hints on surviving alone in the busy streets of a new giant of a city like Berlin are indispensable though it doesn’t mean they’re unheard of. Simply, as with many other things, everything is often inside your head so you just have to take some time and figure out where it’s hidden, while chasing a lead.

Reasons why you should visit Iceland

If you want to meet younger people I would suggest Munich, also Heidelberg, and Berlin.

Der Beitrag Is it Safe to Travel to Europe? The 10 best Countries to visit in 2018 erschien zuerst auf Fritzguide.