Safety is a primary concern for most British holidaymakers, and without visiting a destination beforehand, it can be hard to judge how secure you will feel. Having travelled to more than 40 countries across Europe, Africa and Asia, travel expert Esther Marshall has shared the places where she felt safest.
Why some destinations surprise
Marshall noted that destinations can often take you by surprise. While certain places have a reputation as pickpocket hotspots, thieves can operate in virtually any major city. Her phone was stolen on two separate occasions while she was living in Stockholm, one of Europe's safest cities, yet she has never encountered trouble on Las Ramblas, Barcelona's notorious pickpocket strip.
Marseille frequently appears on lists of Europe's most dangerous cities, yet it remains one of her favourite destinations and is arguably France's finest spot for food lovers. With sensible precautions, she found that most destinations carry relatively little risk, provided they feature on the UK Government's safe-to-travel list.
Guidance can change at short notice, so it is essential to check for the latest updates before heading off. That said, there are a handful of places she visited that felt particularly safe and that she would happily recommend for a worry-free holiday.
North Macedonia's hidden gem
Although it ranks among Europe's least-visited destinations, North Macedonia is home to one of the continent's most breathtaking natural attractions. Lake Ohrid nestles within the mountains along the border of North Macedonia and Albania, and Marshall visited in July 2023.
Being a compact town, Ohrid is straightforward to navigate on foot, though visitors should be prepared for some hills. Marshall felt entirely at ease strolling around, and every local she encountered at restaurants or around town was incredibly welcoming and willing to share advice and recommendations. The lake always felt perfectly safe for a swim, with clearly designated beaches for families.
Seychelles and Singapore stand out
The Seychelles is home to the world's most photographed beach, giant tortoises and coral reefs, and it also ranks as an excellent choice for a secure holiday destination. Marshall explored three islands: Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. On La Digue, cycling is virtually the universal mode of transport, so getting around on two wheels felt completely stress-free. With most of the islands' beaches lined by palm trees, there are ample shaded spots to retreat from the sun. Much like Ohrid, Marshall found the locals tremendously warm and welcoming, and at no stage did she feel uneasy.
Singapore consistently appears on lists of the world's safest countries. Marshall found the city's public transport network to be spotless, secure and straightforward to navigate as a visitor. Ordering a taxi via Grab is simple if you would rather travel by car, though she also found it a highly walkable destination, provided you can cope with the humidity. She felt secure throughout her entire stay and would recommend it to anyone seeking a city to discover as a solo traveller.
