These are the safest countries to travel to around the world in 2025
Australia appears in the second position on the list.
Australia is the second-safest country in the world to travel to in 2025 after Iceland, according to the latest report by one of the US's top-rated travel insurance companies, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection. Iceland was previously ranked ninth and Australia 10th, so it's a significant jump for both the countries in the safety stakes.
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Other nations in the top-15 list include Canada, Ireland, Switzerland, New Zealand, Germany, Norway, Japan, Denmark, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom, Netherlands and Sweden. Interestingly, the US doesn't appear on the list, even though the report is based on a survey of US residents, combined with data from sources such as the Global Peace Index as well as safety and security intelligence platform, GeoSure Global. The reasons for Australia being the second-safest destination are simple: remote location and low crime rates. "Australia remains a very safe country for travellers, though like virtually every destination on the planet, it requires some planning, vigilance and intelligence from travellers," says the report.
All eyes on Millthorpe
Easter is a good seven months away but this holiday is worth booking now. Handa Opera at Millthorpe - a three-day festival of concerts, recitals and creative discussions (April 18-20) - will take place in the small NSW town of Millthorpe over the Easter Long Weekend. Handa Opera is renowned for its open-air shows on Sydney Harbour and its regional debut is bound to attract big crowds, so get organised now. The Mercure and Quest hotels in Orange - which is just 25 minutes from Millthorpe - are great accommodation options. And don't forget to book a table at Tonic. One of regional Australia's finest restaurants, it often books out even when there are no special events in sight. So you can only imagine how covetable it's going to be during this weekend. operaatmillthorpe.com.au
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Going solo
Solo travel is on the rise and tour operator G Adventures is responding to the growing trend with the launch of Solo-ish Adventures - group tours in faraway countries that are specifically created for those who want to do it on their own. Join the 12-day Solo-ish India tour, which starts and ends in Delhi, and visits cities such as Jaipur and Agra (the home of the Taj Mahal). Or sign up for the 10-day Solo-ish South Africa tour, which kicks off in Cape Town, visits Kruger National Park for wildlife safaris, before winding up in Johannesburg. Meanwhile, Explore Worldwide has released its list of new destinations for 2025, with exciting tours from a magical winter escape to Finland to an action-packed journey through Chile. gadventures.com; exploreworldwide.com.au
In search of the sculptures
Thirteen years in the making, the Sculpture Down the Lachlan outdoor art trail is finally complete with the installation of Brett Garling's Brumbies Run. Following the Lachlan River along the Lachlan Valley Way, the trail runs for about 100 kilometres from the town of Forbes to Condobolin in Central NSW. Twenty-five installations are part of the trail, including Glen Star's 12-metre-long steel goanna, Varanus, just outside of Forbes; and Utes in the Paddock - a collection of 20 Holden Utes by different artists - in Condobolin. sculpturedownthelachlan.com
Akash is the Deputy Travel Editor for Australian Community Media. He has lived and worked in four cities around the world – Sydney, London, New Delhi and New York – and, at last count, travelled to 42 countries.
My all-time favourite destination is ... New York. You can drop a pin anywhere in Manhattan and start walking in any direction, and the sights and sounds of the city that never stops will begin to stimulate all your senses in an instant.
Next on my bucket list is … Scandinavia - at the peak of summer, when the sun almost never sets.
My top travel tip is … If you’re flying to Sydney from anywhere in the world, pick a window seat far from the wing on the left-hand-side of the aeroplane. If the weather gods and flight path align, you’ll have the most incredible views of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House.
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