For summer 2026, the question is no longer just where to go, but how to travel more safely. With widespread geopolitical crises and rising energy and fuel prices, choosing a destination has become a more considered decision.
In this context, Money.it launched a survey to understand which destinations readers perceive as safest. Six recurring options emerged, each with specific reasons why they are considered reliable.
What the Money.it survey asks
The Money.it questionnaire, designed as a multiple-choice survey for informational purposes, presents six options: Northern Europe, Central Europe, the Mediterranean, destinations outside Europe, staying in Italy, or giving up a holiday altogether.
Top 6 safest destinations for a holiday in 2026
Northern Europe: the reliability of systems
Iceland, Denmark and Finland represent the idea of structural security. Below-average crime rates, efficient institutions and well-organised emergency networks are central to their appeal.
Political stability, trust in government and high standards in healthcare and infrastructure strengthen the perception of these countries as resistant to unexpected events. They tend to attract travellers who value order and predictability, particularly during uncertain geopolitical periods.
Central Europe: order, services and cohesion
Switzerland, Slovenia and Austria are widely regarded as safe thanks to a combination of low crime rates, institutional continuity, high-quality public services and well-managed urban environments. Strong social cohesion further supports this perception.
Together, these factors make the travel experience more stress-free and easier to plan. Their proximity to Italy is also seen as an advantage, reducing travel times and limiting logistical complexity.
Mediterranean: tourism perceived as safe
Spain and Greece, despite the broader uncertainties often associated with the Mediterranean region, continue to maintain a solid reputation for overall safety.
Well-established tourism systems, a visible security presence in key cities and coastal areas, and consolidated infrastructure contribute to this perception.
Beyond Europe: travelling far with reassurance
Japan, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are associated with high levels of public safety and strong political stability. Efficient healthcare systems, advanced tourism infrastructure and proven emergency response capacity reinforce the image of reliability.
Major cities and tourist areas in these countries generally report low crime rates, an element that weighs heavily in decisions involving long-distance travel.
Staying in Italy: the reassurance of proximity
Italy remains widely perceived as a safe country and one of the Mediterranean’s most popular destinations. The widespread presence of tourism infrastructure and the management of high-traffic areas encourage those who prefer to remain within national borders.
Its high positions in international rankings for personal safety and tourism further support this confidence, while proximity helps reduce uncertainty, travel time and organisational complexity.
Not leaving: when it becomes an alternative
Among the possible responses is the choice to forgo a holiday entirely. The main driver is economic: rising living costs and everyday expenses are prompting some to scale back travel plans.
Personal and professional commitments also play a part, making it more difficult to plan ahead.
What “safe” means for travellers today
The overall picture highlights several recurring themes.
- Low crime and political stability remain central to the idea of safety.
- Trust in institutions and strong healthcare systems.
- Efficient transport networks and the capacity to respond to emergencies are equally important.
The management of urban order, particularly in densely visited tourist areas, also emerges as a decisive factor in shaping perceptions.
Budget and reality: the weight of energy and fuel
The broader economic climate is reshaping travel choices. Rising energy and fuel costs are influencing where and how people travel.
As a result, distances are being recalibrated, alternative travel periods are under consideration, and the quality and reliability of infrastructure are increasingly weighed alongside price.
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