Traveling in the recent years has been made possible and easier because of friendlier travel requirements, affordable transportation rates, and a wide-array of accommodation options. If you own one of the world’s most powerful passports, then you are at the front row of every travel destination. Despite fewer travel restrictions, whether it is a short or longer vacation, there are still several factors you will have to consider in order to have a peaceful and worry-free holiday excursion with your family and kids.
Preparing for that anticipated overseas vacation can be stressful for traveling parents and families if you do not plan your itineraries ahead. Even experienced travelers may still find it challenging to arrange hotel transfers, book flights, and arranging accommodations, so it is important to make sure that everything is ironed out before stepping out of the house. Because of these factors, it is definitely vital to ensure that the place or places you will be visiting is exciting and safe at the same time.
What constitutes a safe country to visit can be subjective, but I made it easier for you to decide where to take your kids during 2018. As a reference, we will use the ranking released by The Global Peace Index (GPI).
1. Iceland
It comes with no surprise that Iceland came in on top of the list of the safest countries to visit every year since 2008. For the tenth year in a row, this Nordic country has claimed the number one spot on the Global Peace Index because of the low crime rates, the number of people in jail, and other factors. So, a family getaway in Iceland, the land of ice and fire, is always exciting and interesting. The kids will love to explore its capital city of Reykjavikor experience the beauty of its Golden Trio. The list of the attractions and activities to do in Iceland is limitless. Surely, your kids won’t mind the long-haul transatlantic flight just to get to see the Blue Lagoon.
2. New Zealand
Placing next to Iceland on GPI is New Zealand. This country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean consisting of two main islands, which are occupied by the Kiwis is proud of how peaceful and blessed their nation is. Adventure seekers call NZ the “adventure capital of the world” because there is no other place in the world where your family can enjoy the world’s first commercial bungee jump and get awestruck by the fascinating view as you paraglide around the site. If your family loves extreme sports, then sky diving is for you. It is also the best place to enjoy the subtropical, volcanic, and glacial landscapes that you won’t find anywhere else on the planet.
3. Portugal
Located in the southeastern part of Europe and sitting next to Spain, Portugal has long been a popular tourist destination for traveling families. This country that places third on GPI is so welcoming and child-friendly, it has something to offer for all ages. Thanks to its location on the Atlantic Ocean, your family can safely walk on the shores and leave your stress at home. It also has a variety of landscapes and opportunities to suit all your family’s needs. With pleasant weather and warm temperature, it is definitely a perfect summer or spring time destination for the family. If the beaches do not appeal to your taste, there are other things to discover such as cultural tourism, and Portugal’s 14 UNESCO Worlds Heritage Sites, which include castles and forts.
4. Austria
Another European country that made it to the list of safest countries to visit is Austria. Located in Central Europe, this country is home to some of the best mountain villages and spectacular baroque architectures. With places dedicated for the young and young-at-heart such as zoos, museums, gardens, and parks, Austria is definitely a must-visit place. Its capital city that lies within the banks of the famous Danube river is home to some of the world’s biggest and most beautiful palaces, such as the Schönbrunn and Hofburg. Adventurers and nature lovers will also love the Alpine Terrain and rugged hillside and vineyard in the countryside.
5. Denmark
Aside from making it to list of the safest places on Earth, the Kingdom of Denmark is also considered one of the happiest places in the world, which makes it an interesting place to take your kids for a vacation. This Scandinavian country has so much to offer from Tivoli gardens, a 19th-century amusement park that offers live entertainment and extreme rides,to Nyhavn, a picturesque and Instagram-worthy 17th century waterfront, to the world-renowned “The Little Mermaid,” an iconic bronze sculpture. This peaceful country is also home to royal complexes, gardens, a palace, and castles that any tourist will love to see. Compehagen, its capital city, is also a popular destination for anyone traveling to Europe as well. You can visit the Round Tower, an observatory that provides a panoramic view of the city or the Frederiks staden, an 18th-century rococo district that is home to the royal family’s Amalienborg Palace.
6. Czech Republic
The Czech Republic, a country in Central Europe with rich culture a peaceful atmosphere, lands at number six. The country and its capital city of Prague are both popular for their long history, parks, and centuries old architecture. The city’s medieval old town, a popular tourist destination,speaks with so much volume of its long, rich, and colorful past. Among the best attractions and places to take the kids in Prague are the Prague Castle, Grevin Praha, Charles Bridge,Petrin Hill, and the John Lennon Wall. Prague is certainly a favored European city among traveling families who want to expose their kids to culture and fun adventure.
7. Slovenia
This country in Eastern Europe lands at number seven of the safest places to take the kids in 2018 because of some obvious reasons. First, this country is gifted with fascinating views and jaw-dropping and wallpaper-worthy landscapes. Second, it has low crime rate. That is why this place is an easy choice for anyone who loves to have an exciting time in Europe. Traveling families drive out of Austria or Hungry to cross the border and enjoy the scenic view of Slovenia. The list of family-friendly things to do and attractions to see includes visiting caves, adoring castles, and enjoying the summer sun. Kids can also have fun biking and hiking along the established and safe trails. If you love adventure, you can also opt for mountain trekking or river paddling. But the top choice for me when we talk about Slovenia will always be Lake Bled. Aside from the dramatic view of the region, the lake is also home to the Castle Bled that is sitting at the top of the hill. It is surrounded by the Julian Alps, which gives the place a more amazing feel.
8. Canada
Famous for mostly untouched nature and amazing view, Canada, is on our list because it is not only safe but also beautiful. Being the largest country in North America, there is so much room for the family and the kids to explore in this country. Those who love to enjoy nature and explore the natural wonders of the world will certainly love the peaceful atmosphere of the mountain ranges, the lakes, and the national parks. Its vast wilderness also entices travelers who want to witness and enjoy the Gatorade-like water of the lakes in the Banff National Park. In the eastern part of the country also lies the massive Niagara Falls, a natural border between Canada and the U.S. Kids who love the metropolises will also enjoy Toronto and Canada’s megacity, Vancouver.
9. Switzerland
Back to Europe, Switzerland may be one of the most expensive countries to take the kids, but surely it is also one of the safest countries for your vacation. The country has so much to offer anyone who wanders this part of Europe – from the most beautiful city in the world that is Lucerne, to the most photographed peaks in the world that is Matterhorn, to the Swiss summer capital city of Lugano, to Zurich, and to Geneva. All these amazing places can be found in a country so blessed with majestic, jaw-dropping views, and heavenly sceneries.
10. Ireland
This list doesn’t want you to miss Europe’s Emerald Isle, Ireland. Safe and beautiful, Ireland provides an exciting mix of the old and new, the quiet of the countryside and the liveliness of the city, glorious castles, and picturesque landscape. The country’s capital city of Dublin is where you and your family can kickstart your Irish adventure. From there, the road will take you to amazing natural wonders and attractions such as Newgrange in the Valley Meath, and Ireland’s plethora of castles such as the Blarney Castle, and the Cliffs of Moher.
11. Japan
Aside from New Zealand, Canada, and Australia, Japan is the only non-European country that made it to this list. This proud nation represents that Asian community as it stands out among others as one of the safest places to take the kids. Traveling around the country is safe and convenient for parents and for the little ones. The country, with its world-famous high-speed and bullet trains, makes it easier for everyone to get around. Japan offers a number of attractions for the family that includes imperial palaces, shrines, scenic cityscape, famous Hokkaido ski sites, and its annual cherry blossom forecast also attracts visitors.
12. Australia
The Land Down Under is a country and a continent famous among travelers and tourists for its Sydney Opera House, wilderness, wildlife like the kangaroos and koalas, and the Great Barrie Reef. Australia is such a perfect family destination because of its endless adventure offerings. The family can safely spend the day at the surfer-filled beaches of Surfer’s Paradis and Bondi.
This article is part of our popular series, Place To Go With Kids!
