If you think times are tough for travel and work right now, imagine being a travel blogger! I’ve still managed to travel quite a bit (15 countries last year on 6 continents), I just now do it a lot more cautiously and safely.
By the way, I’m talking mostly about virus-safety for once. But I’ve added in the regular safety aspect as well when choosing these safe destinations to travel to in 2022. Some people may not agree based on “what you’ve heard”, but please do your research and read my safety blog posts (if I have them) first.
Anyway, my main concern when looking for safe destinations to travel to in 2022, is how strict the travel restrictions are, what the current rate of infection is, and if the vax is available to locals. I want to make sure it’s not so high that I’ll probably catch it, but also that I don’t spread it to people who don’t have the privilege of the vax.
So, from my travels last year, and research on destinations this year, I have chosen 22 safe countries to travel to in 2022!
Disclaimer: ALWAYS be sure to check current travel restrictions in the country you want to go to, and practice safe and responsible health protocols. Check Out: How to Find Travel Restrictions By Country
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Tanzania
Tanzania is one of my favorite places to travel to because it really has it all! Safari in the Serengeti, the stunning Mount Kilimanjaro (that I’ve climbed!), and the beautiful island of Zanzibar!
If you want to join my group trip here in June, we still have some spots available!
Mexico
I know people may have mixed feelings about Mexico being safe. But as someone who has lived there for almost a year, I can say that certain cities definitely are. Sayulita is a tiny town on the west coast that I absolutely loved and felt extremely safe in.
For 6 months I lived in Playa del Carmen, and personally loved it, but you do need to be careful there with crime. Check out my important safety post about it. Tulum is also a growing hot spot that’s relatively safe, but you still need to be careful, moreso with the crowds!
Egypt
Egypt is another place that people think of as dangerous, but that was due to issues several years ago. I recently spent 3 months there, mostly solo, and never felt unsafe.
It is a bit difficult with the hagglers though. If you want to avoid that, sign up for my group trip (waitlist for 2022), or check out the tour company I use and recommend there.
Colombia
One of the most underrated cities I have been to in South America, was Cartagena! Although Colombia has a stereotypically unsafe name, it makes my list of safe destinations to travel to in 2022 because of how impressed I was with Cartagena.
It’s a beautiful, vibrant, and even a bit posh city! With fabulous rooftop pools and bars, stunning architecture, and friendly people! You can also easily do a tour or roadtrip to the famous “Pink Sea”
Croatia
Croatia has been notorious these last few years as one of the countries that has constantly remained open. It also has been trying to attract digital nomads with some generous visa incentives.
I’ve been twice to Croatia, and definitely am in love with it. From it’s adorable sea-side towns, to the stunning Plitvica Lakes, and of course, the island hopping!
Romania
If you’ve never considered Romania, let me put it on your radar! I went to Bucharest for a travel conference and ended up having one heck of a good time! They really know how to have fun here!
Plus you can take a road trip to see stunning castles, including the one that the Dracula story was created after!
Spain
You’d think that after going through the world’s strictest lockdown, that I would not include Spain as one of the safe destinations to travel to in 2022, but hear me out!
While major cities like Barcelona and Madrid do have a problem with virus numbers, there is SO much more to the country to see! I’ve road tripped the entire south of the country, where it’s very safe!
I’ve also gone to Ibiza and Formentera, where things are still calm, and even calmer, the Canary Islands, which I’d definitely recomment!
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is full of nature and outdoor activities, which is why I listed it as one of the safe destinations to travel to in 2022.
It’s also welcoming guests, and could definitely use the tourism to help boost this small country’s economy! If you need tips, I have an entire Sri Lanka itinerary!
El Salvador
Yes, yet another country that most people think is dangerous. However, El Salvador has had a new president for the last few years, whose main goal has been revamping the country, it’s former dangerous issues, and it’s name.
In the past there was a big problem with gangs. Now, all gang members have been put in jail, and anyone suspected of being in one, goes to jail. So the country has become drastically safer. Almost everyone is vaccinated there as well.
Here’s some awesome and fun things to do in El Salvador.
Argentina
Recently I was back in Argentina for my Patagonia and Antarctica group trips, and I found it very safe. Buenos Aires was just opening back up, but if you’re worried about being in a city, there’s SO much nature you can go see.
Patagonia is a short flight from Buenos Aires, and so is Iguazu Falls! We’ll be going back to Patagonia (and Antarctica) this year again, if you’re interested in coming!
Peru
Peru is such an enchanting country! You can just feel the energy there, especially in Cusco and around Machu Picchu.
I would highly recommend doing the 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tour. It’s 100% safe, and you’ll be outdoors the entire time!
Cyprus
Recently I also went to Cyprus, which was on my bucketlist for a while! I mostly wanted to go diving to see a new underwater museum, and I was not disappointed!
Aside from the amazing diving, there is also stunning blue waters in Cyprus, along with many fascinating historical aspects! Like the beach where Aphrodite was “created”.
You can also cross the “UN buffer zone” into the northern area that’s occupied by Turkey. It was VERY interesting. Especially the abandoned resort town that I need to still write my blog post about.
Iceland
Iceland is on almost every “safe destinations to travel to” list, so I have to give it a spot here. They have been very careful about travel restrictions and health protocols, and therefore have had very low rates.
It’s also notoriously known for being safe from crime. Plus the entire island is like one big outdoor amusement park! If you’re limited on time, my favorite route is the South Coast.
Hungary
Hungary is open and welcoming travelers, and has a buckelist city many want to visit; Budapest! While I probably wouldn’t recommend the famous, typically-crowded public bath shown above right now, there’s plenty of other things to see and do there!
Oh, just don’t bring your drone. They definitely tried to take mine away at the airport.
Turkey
Yet another place I was recently in that felt very safe in all aspects, Turkey! I stayed in Istanbul solo for two weeks, always walked alone, and still felt very safe.
There’s more to see in the country though, and most of it is outdoors without crowds! The famous Cappadocia (pictured above) is one of them, alone with Ephesus and Pammukale.
Check out our Turkey group trip for 2022!
Jordan
For a bucketlist adventure as well as a relaxing escape, consider heading to Jordan! You can go check out Petra and all of its glory, and then head to the Dead Sea for some R and R.
Portugal
Portugal is a fabulous safe destination to travel to in 2022! You can wander around the cobblestone streets of Lisbon, or head up to the port capital of Porto!
If you want more outdoor activities, there’s a huge wine region near Porto called the Douro Valley that wasn’t crowded at all recently!
Kenya
Another safe country in Africa, especially if you desire a safari, is Kenya! You can visit the northern part of the Serengeti, called Masaai Mara, and likely see the Big 5 in one day!
Kenya also has some really beautiful beaches!
Brazil
Brazil is another place that has been notoriously open for travelers for a while now. And while places like Rio may not have the best reputation for general safety, don’t forget that it’s a MASSIVE country, with several bucketlist destinations!
My favorites are Manau; a small city with access to the Amazon Jungle. And of course, one of my favorite places in the world; Iguazu Falls!
Costa Rica
There’s a reason why the slogan for Costa Rica is “la pura vida”. Known globally for its popularity with foreign expats who go there to live and retire, Costa Rica has been dubbed a safe spot for travel for quite a while now.
Belize
Belize is one of my favorite “outdoor amusement park” countries. You can explore jungles, ancient ruins, and also beautiful beaches and islands!
It’s also another destination that’s popular for catering to foreign travelers and expats, and has a lot of eco-friendly accommodation options!
Antarctica
There’s no crime or viruses in places where there’s no people, right? Ok so technically this is only somewhat true, and Antarctica actually still can be a dangerous place to go to. And I’m not talking about because you have to cross one of the roughest sea passages to get there.
We all know that viruses easily spread on cruise ships, so let’s just get that fact out of the way. HOWEVER! The safety protocols on Antarctica expedition ships right now is intense, which ensures a spread won’t happen. Being vaccinated is mandatory, as is a test to board, de-board, and a test during the trip.
My expedition was very lucky that not a single person got the virus, but we did hear of a couple other ships where people ended up getting it, and they had to quarantine on board!
Do you have any countries you’d add to this list, or questions about the ones above? Drop a comment below and I’ll answer them!
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xx, Alyssa
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