As the new year begins, travelers are eager to embark on new adventures, and one crucial factor in their trip planning is safety. To help guide these decisions, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has released its annual Safest Destinations report, highlighting the top spots to visit in 2024 with safety in mind. This year's rankings reveal that the safest destination may be closer to home for U.S. travelers, with Canada claiming the top spot.

For the past nine years, Berkshire Hathaway has compiled its list of the world's safest nations by surveying travelers and analyzing data from the Global Peace Index, the U.S. State Department's travel safety ratings, and the average GeoSure Global scores of major cities in each country. Over the years, the criteria for what makes a destination "safe" have evolved.

"Originally, a safe place was defined as one largely free from terrorist activity," the company explained in its 2024 report. "Then it became a place safe from disease outbreaks. Now it's a place where all types of people can move about freely without discrimination or harassment. As the definition of safety has changed, so too have the destinations that top our list."

This year, Canada has climbed to the No. 1 position, up from sixth place in 2023. The report attributes Canada's success to its cold weather and low population density, which contribute to safe travels. Additionally, Canada ranks highly in transportation safety, low violent crime, and health measures. It is also recognized as the safest country for women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and BIPOC communities.

However, the report does caution travelers about the potential for natural disasters, particularly wildfires. "Canada's plethora of forests were seemingly all burning, which has reduced air quality in most major Canadian cities. This made travel to Canada difficult for people with respiratory conditions," the report notes.

Switzerland takes the second spot in the 2024 rankings, a significant leap from its ninth-place position in 2023. The country earned high marks for its low crime rates and overall safety. However, the report also warns of natural disasters in Switzerland, including avalanches and rockslides.

Norway, Ireland, and the Netherlands round out the top five safest countries for 2024. Norway secured third place, while Ireland came in fourth. The Netherlands, which held the No. 1 spot in 2023, fell to fifth place due to an increase in petty crime.

As travelers plan their 2024 adventures, this report serves as a valuable resource for choosing destinations where safety is paramount. Whether staying close to home in North America or venturing to Europe, these top-ranked countries offer peace of mind for those looking to explore the world in 2024.