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What the New Rankings Mean for You If “safe, easy, and inspiring” is your 2026 brief, the newest data lands with good news. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) just released its annual Safest Places for Travelers research—and there are some notable shifts. Headline: The Netherlands takes the top spot for countries, and Reykjavík, Copenhagen, and Zürich lead the city list. Safest countries (top 10): Netherlands Australia Austria Iceland Canada New Zealand UAE Switzerland Japan Ireland. Safest cities (top tier): Reykjavík, Copenhagen, Zürich (with long-time stalwarts like Tokyo and Singapore still ranking strongly). How BHTP builds the rankings (and why they matter) BHTP blends traveler survey data (how safe people actually felt on the ground) with external safety indices (infrastructure, health care access, risk metrics, etc.). That combination makes the list especially useful for families, first-timers, and anyone who wants solid logistics with low friction. What changed for 2026 The Netherlands jumps to #1. Think immaculate rail links, bike-first cities, and traveler-friendly English—plus cultural depth beyond the big hitters. UAE breaks into the top 10 at #7, reflecting years of investment in safety and visitor infrastructure. Northern Europe still dominates cities : Reykjavík and Copenhagen remain gold standards for walkability, transit, and low petty-crime rates.

Rick Steves is great for DIY basics. See when a premium, concierge itinerary saves time, skips lines, and upgrades hotels, guides, and dining.

New to cruising? This guide eases top worries and covers cabins, itineraries, excursions & ship differences—so you can relax with an expert-planned voyage.

Let's start with a pop-quiz: Which country has the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites? It's Italy, with a whopping 58 UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to its rich history as the center of the Roman Empire and the heart of the Renaissance. But as of 2025, there are 1,199 UNESCO World Heritage Sites spread across 167 countries, with 900 categorized as cultural, 218 as natural, and 39 as mixed properties. Here are a few of my favorites: From sweeping natural landscapes to ancient cultural treasures, these UNESCO-designated wonders offer unforgettable travel experiences. 1. The Galápagos Islands, Ecuador This famed archipelago is celebrated as the birthplace of Charles Darwin’s evolutionary insight. Rich with endemic wildlife—giant tortoises, blue‑footed boobies, Galápagos penguins, and marine iguanas—it is a living sanctuary that embodies nature's adaptability and beauty. 2. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania A timeless symbol of Africa’s wild heart, Serengeti National Park delivers one of the planet’s greatest natural spectacles—the Great Migration. Each year, over a million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras thunder across its vast plains in search of water and fresh grazing. Spanning more than 14,750 square kilometers, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a haven for wildlife and a bucket-list safari destination. 3. Iguazú National Park, Argentina/Brazil Home to more than 275 waterfalls stretching nearly two miles across tropical rainforest, Iguazú is a captivating UNESCO site with breathtaking views, cascading cascades, and abundant wildlife. Popular features include the vantage points at Devil’s Throat and the Salto Tres Mosqueteros. 4. Mont Saint‑Michel, France A rocky tidal island crowned by a majestic Gothic abbey, Mont Saint‑Michel emerges from the sea with a fairytale aura. Medieval ramparts, narrow staircases, and sweeping views of vast tidal flats create a timeless environment that’s both spiritual and architectural.

13 smart travel hacks to save time, money, and stress—like skipping lines, booking private tours, and leaving room for spontaneous magic.

Get the facts on travel insurance—why it matters, who needs it, and what it covers. Learn how to protect your trip and travel with peace of mind.

In April, I took a group of longtime friends on a custom-designed trip through Morocco. What unfolded over nine days was one of the most memorable, immersive journeys I’ve taken in a while. Morocco has a way of getting under your skin—in the best way. Here’s how it went.

Every now and then, a trip comes along that’s not just beautiful—but meaningful. This transformational itinerary blends the energy of Mexico City with the natural wonder of the Monarch butterfly migration in the mountains of Michoacán. It’s ideal for travelers who want more than just a vacation—they want an experience that inspires reflection, awe, and connection. Here’s a sample outline of how I’d design this journey for a client (or for you!).

Welcome, Europe Traveler! One of the great joys of traveling in Europe is discovering the subtle—and not-so-subtle—differences from life back home. Hotel star ratings are a prime example. While U.S. travelers may associate stars with subjective quality assessments, in Europe, a 4- or 5-star designation typically reflects a specific checklist of objective criteria.