Travelling abroad can be exciting and educational, but it’s always important to have the right amount of preparation. Whether you’re travelling for business, pleasure or even discovering new insects with your scientific work, there are still some countries in Europe that are safer than others, and before you decide to take that road trip in Spain from Barcelona, it’s good to know where you’ll be heading. Here are five of the safest countries in Europe that you should consider visiting during your trip abroad this year.
5 of the Safest Countries in Europe to Visit
1) Hungary
Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe bordered by seven other countries: Austria, Croatia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Ukraine. The country is about the size of Indiana with a population of just over 9.8 million people. The capital city is Budapest. Hungary has been ranked as one of the top safest countries in Europe for international travellers by research analysts at World Atlas.
2) Norway
With a long coastline, towering peaks and pristine valleys, Norway is unsurprisingly one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Tourists flock here to take advantage of the country’s stunning scenery, but they also appreciate its low crime rate. In fact, Norway is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world. If you’re looking for a safe and beautiful European country to visit, Norway should be at the top of your list.
3) Spain
Spain is a renowned tourist destination for a plethora of reasons: its stunningly well-preserved architecture and historical landmarks, Mediterranean atmosphere, diverse landscape, tasty food, and passionate culture. But another big selling point is that it’s one of the safest countries in Europe. In fact, the Spanish National Police Force has set up an extensive network of law enforcement agencies that collaborate with other European police forces. Additionally, their government is dedicated to fighting terrorism through international cooperation and domestic surveillance efforts. For example, they work closely with Europol on investigations into drug trafficking gangs as well as human trafficking rings. While some may argue that terrorism in Madrid has created fear among locals (and foreigners), even those who were present during these attacks reported feeling safe during and after them because of how efficiently law enforcement handled them. While it’s always advisable to follow general safety guidelines when visiting any unfamiliar city or region, you can be confident in your safety if you visit Spain.
4) Ireland
Ireland is often thought of as a country with a lot of history and not much else, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Dublin is a bustling city full of life and culture, and there’s plenty to see and do in the countryside as well. But beyond that, Ireland is also one of the safest countries in Europe. Violent crime is relatively rare, and property crime rates are low. So if you’re looking for a safe place to visit, Ireland should definitely be on your list.
5) Poland
Situated in Central Europe, Poland is a country that has a lot to offer tourists. With a rich history and culture, as well as plenty of natural beauty, it’s no wonder that Poland is a popular destination for travellers. And, thanks to its low crime rate, it’s also one of the safest countries in Europe to visit. If you’re looking for an exciting and safe place to travel, Poland should definitely be on your list. There are so many things to do there – from exploring old towns and castles to outdoor activities like hiking or biking – and they all come with a reduced risk of anything bad happening. The low cost of living, friendly locals, and diverse landscape will make this trip worth it.
