The pandemic has left people deprived of the luxury to travel. With lockdowns, quarantine requirements, and other strict safety protocols, it is not the best time to go around the world. But fortunately, things are a little better now than yesterday. So, people can travel again without much fear of contracting the virus.
Aside from following the usual protocols to avoid contracting the virus, people discovered new solutions that made traveling safer. For example, since the early days of the pandemic, the private aviation industry saw an increase in flights. It only makes sense since, by default, private jet travel promotes social distancing.
But having a safe way to travel is useless if the destination is not as safe. Therefore, travelers must still be aware of the present circumstances in the countries they wish to visit. Fortunately, the world has Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection. Every year since the pandemic has started, it lists the safest countries to go to. The researchers base it on the company’s own historical data. On top of that, they factor in data collected from entities like the OECD, Pew Research Center, Our World in Data, and YouGov.
Without further ado, here are the Top 10 safest countries to visit in 2021.
Canada
Ranked as the safest destination in 2021 is Canada. It was not on the list in the past years, but now it went all the way to the top. The survey showed how much the people liked how the country handled the pandemic. Thus, it ranked first among all the countries in the world.
Unfortunately, Americans are not allowed to enter the country, at least for now. You could relate it to the United States still being the country with the most COVID-19 cases. Well, if you are the safest country in the world, you would like to preserve that no matter what it takes. Do note, however, that those who have dual citizenship can go if they please.
For those who are allowed to enter, it may be worthwhile to visit the places mentioned hereafter. Two of the world’s most beautiful cities – namely Vancouver and Montreal – are located in Canada. Likewise, Jasper and Banff are two of the world’s most beautiful national parks.
New Zealand
From number 3 last year, New Zealand now ranks as the second safest travel destination. The country gets a lot of praise for how it handles the pandemic. In fact, New Zealand is one of the first countries to be COVID-19 free. However, the virus still found its way into the country. Though, it is not of much concern. At the time of this writing, there are only 46 active cases. In total, it had only 2,876 cases compared to the millions the other countries have and had. Furthermore, only 26 of those died. The rest had recovered except for the 46 mentioned above.
Like Canada, the country has closed its doors to travelers from the US.
Australia
Not because Australia dropped from being at the top last year means that it got more dangerous down there. Like New Zealand, it shows consistency and excellence in controlling the pandemic.
With that said, you would likely consider it as your next travel destination. However, like the previous two, Americans are not allowed to enter yet.
It goes without saying that visitors of Australia get to see its diverse wildlife, which it is most known for. But other than that, tourists can go to the beautiful cities Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne.
Iceland
The safest of the many European countries on this list is Iceland. It ranked 7th last year. People love the “Land of Ice and Fire” because of the wonders found within and how great its COVID response is. Moreover, the Global Peace Index lists Iceland as the world’s most peaceful country.
Sadly, as you would expect by now, Americans currently cannot enter the country.
Switzerland
Switzerland moved up by one on the ranking – from 6th place, it is now in 5th place. That only shows how effective its measures are at handling the pandemic. Only a few countries managed to outdo it.
Americans can visit Switzerland but not for tourism. Still, that is better than the situation in the previous ones.
Germany
This is the biggest improvement here if we are to set Canada aside. Last year, Germany ranked 24th, meaning it leaped 18 places. While it has always received high grades in BHTP surveys, it has traditionally not scored well in other measures. Obviously, that changed this year.
Americans who have dual citizenship of a country on Germany’s allowlist can enter the country.
Tourists can feast their eyes on castles, avant-garde art, and the beauty of Berlin.
Sweden
From being 2nd last year, Sweden has fallen to 7th place. But, despite its novel approach to handling the pandemic, it still shows an above-average performance.
American students and “certain travelers” can visit Sweden. If you meet the criteria, you can go ahead and book your private jet flight to the country.
Italy
Italy went in the headlines when it had a crisis with the coronavirus. So you might be surprised at its inclusion here. But Italy has recovered fairly well since then after that. It even ranked fourth last year. Hopefully, the US can do this too.
Some Americans can enter Italy. It includes students, businesspersons, EU residents, and relatives of Italian citizens.
Ireland
The last European country on this top 10 list is Ireland. Ireland handles the pandemic moderately well. Furthermore, Ireland is also in the top 10 of the Global Peace Index.
Out of the ten countries on this list, Ireland is probably one of the best destinations for American travelers. At least for those who have time in their hands. They can enter the country as long as they are willing to self-isolate for two weeks.
Japan
Japan, the only Asian country on this list, ranked 10th last year and the same this year. The country is known for its well-disciplined citizens, and it shows in how well they managed the pandemic.
As per the US Embassy in Tokyo, “US citizens with student or resident status” can enter and re-enter the country.
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