Things like budget and distance are usually factored in when it comes to choosing the perfect destination, as is safety.

In September, insurance company Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) released its list of the safest countries for Americans to visit in 2024.

So, what makes a country safe?

BHTP's study defined a "safe place" as a destination where travelers are unlikely to experience discrimination or harassment. The company's website also noted that epidemics and severe weather conditions were taken into account. BHTP told Business Insider in an email that the survey took into account 42 countries and 31 cities across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia in its survey.

The study was based on a survey of travelers who had visited specific countries in the last five years. BHTP told BI it surveyed 1,702 travelers. Data from the Global Peace Index and the US Department of State, along with information on major cities' safety from the security firm Geosure, were also factored in.

The Global Peace Index, an annual ranking of the world's safest countries by the Institute of Economics and Peace, included both Japan and Singapore on the 2023 list of top 10 safest countries — neither of the Asian countries made it onto BHTP's list of safest countries to travel.

Take a look at the 10 safest countries for American travelers in the coming year, per BHTP's study.

10. Australia

BHTP noted that Australia experiences a low level of violent crime, recording some 377 murders in 2022, per the Australian Bureau of Statistics. In comparison, New York State recorded more than double the number of murders, at 918, in the same year, per data collated by the National Center for Health Statistics. The population of New York State is 5 million people lower than that of Australia.

Travelers should be cautious of wildlife in Australia, per BHTP. Wild animals — including crocodiles, sharks, poisonous insects, and snakes — can be found throughout the country, per the US Department of State.

Australia has a safety index of 52.83, per Numbeo. Canberra, its safest city, has a safety index of 72.

9. Iceland

BHTP noted that Iceland was ranked the most peaceful country this year, per the Global Safety Index. While Iceland is relatively safe to visit, travelers should be careful when driving there, per BHTP.

BHTP added that only a third of Iceland's roads are paved. Due to the strong winds and frosty weather, it's not easy to drive in Iceland, especially from October to April, per BHTP.

Iceland has a safety index of 74.55, per Numbeo. The website notes that the country has a very low level of crime.

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