This New Ski-In Ski-Out Resort

At well over a mile deep, Arizona's Grand Canyon is a painter's palette of color, with sedimentary rock layers dating back hundreds of millions of years. In fact, along the South Rim, the Trail of Time is an easy, 2.83-mile hike that doubles as a geologic timeline, where every meter (about 3.2 feet) you walk represents a mind-boggling one million years. The oldest rock in the Grand Canyon is well over a billion years old. Plus, its dramatic changes in elevation means that the canyon even creates its own weather! Luckily, visiting is easy, thanks to the National Park Service.

You're probably no stranger to the Seven Wonders of the World, even if, in a pinch, it's hard to name them all. Granted, it's a little tricky because there are actually a few "seven wonders" lists — with the original dating back more than 2,000 years ago! Worse yet, the original list's ancient monuments, except for the Pyramids of Giza, have mostly gone the way of the dodo. But a "New Seven Wonders" list, compiled in 2000 by a private foundation, highlights destinations that still exist — like Petra, the Colosseum, and Machu Picchu.

Landing in second place on the Global Peace Index, Ireland is a very safe country to visit and perfect for solo travelers. The country's level of violent crime is low, and it is generally considered a politically stable nation. Dublin, the nation's largest city, sees an elevated rate of thefts and other crimes compared to smaller communities and more rural areas, as one would expect. Travelers should remember to stay alert and keep their belongings secure at all times. Per the US State Department, thieves often target rental vehicles, so if you're road tripping around the Emerald Isle — and especially if you're parked in a city center — make sure any valuables are completely out of sight and the doors are locked. Even better, remove any company insignia like stickers that identify the vehicle as a rental.

Consistently one of the safest countries in the world despite its incredibly dense population, Japan is a unique fusion of deeply rooted traditions and contemporary cultural and technological influences. Japan ranked 12th on the Global Peace Index for 2025, making it among the safest in Asia. It boasts a very low violent crime rate, strict laws, and strong social norms related to respect, order, and harmony. That said, there are a few safety considerations to keep in mind. For example, one thing tourists should be aware of are street promoters, also known as "touts," who often roam popular nightlife areas trying to entice tourists into tucked-away bars or clubs with the promise of drink deals or other perks. Unfortunately, these establishments often end up being overpriced and, in some cases, could put visitors at risk of theft. Touting is illegal in Japan, and if a stranger approaches you and insists you follow them, ignore them and keep walking.

While there are some mistakes to avoid on a trip to Switzerland, there's little you need to be concerned about when it comes to safety in this mountainous, historic country. Ranked fifth on the Global Peace Index, Switzerland is home to cultural hubs like Zurich, Basel, Geneva, Lausanne, and many more, nestled among towering Alpine peaks and postcard-worthy lakes. Aside from the typical precautions visitors should take in large cities and tourist hubs, where pickpockets and bag-snatchers are more likely to target unsuspecting visitors, most of what you'll encounter in the risk department has to do with Switzerland's rugged outdoors.

In 2025, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) landed in 18th place on BHTP's list of the safest countries worldwide. This year, the UAE has risen in the ranks to seventh place globally. While the UAE is located in the Middle East, where travel warnings are often issued by the US for possible terrorism and acts of war, the UAE itself is generally quite safe. This is in no small part because the nation takes crime and other violations seriously, which travelers should certainly be aware of while visiting. At the time of writing, the Numbeo crime index puts five major cities in the United Arab Emirates — Dubai, Sharjah, Ras al-Khaimah, Ajman, and Abu Dhabi — in the "very low" category for crime, and "very high" for overall safety.

Holding strong in sixth place on the Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection report for 2026, New Zealand is undoubtedly one of the safest countries in the world. It ranks third out of 163 countries on the Global Peace Index. Generally speaking, New Zealand residents — affectionally known as "Kiwis" — are very friendly and welcoming towards travelers. However, like anywhere else in the world, your experience may be quite different depending on which part of the country you visit.

Canada is the safest North American country on the Global Peace Index, landing in 14th place. It's an expansive nation at more than 3.8 million square miles in size, although most of its population resides in the southern regions where it's warmer. Canada topped the BHTP list in 2024, fell to third place in 2025, and now sits in fifth place for 2026. Canada's many claims to fame include its universal healthcare system, and the crime rates in many parts of the country are considered low. Crime rates spike in larger cities, but destinations like Halifax, Montreal, Calgary, and Ottawa, and

Iceland regularly tops the list of the world's safest countries, including Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection's report for 2025. However, in 2026, Iceland has dropped down to fourth place on the list, largely due to its geological makeup. Its volcanic nature has the potential to disrupt travel because lava flows can block the island's main road. On the other hand, it's this very phenomenon, along with the northern lights and its stunning black-sand beaches, that attracts many visitors here to begin with. Photographers and tourists alike arrive in droves to see lava flows and Iceland's otherworldly landscapes. It is possible to safely visit Iceland's volcanoes by booking a hiking tour with a knowledgeable guide, but it's important to be prepared for changes in volcanic activity.

Vienna, which is Austria's capital and its largest city, is also the location of national embassies. Occasionally, the United States issues travel alerts due to demonstrations taking place in the vicinity. Keep an eye on the local news about demonstrations or protests in the area, but these events are typically not disruptive to tourism. As you would in other European cities, watch for pickpockets in crowded places and on public transportation. The US Department of State advises American travelers to keep valuable documents, such as passports, locked in the hotel safe or secure place. If you think you may need to provide documentation, such as to purchase alcohol, carry a photocopy of your passport and another form of ID. In touristic hubs like Vienna and Salzburg, it's important to keep your valuables secure.