Are you wondering if your first-of-its-kind international trip would be safe enough for your family? Are the on-and-off swindles across the world making you change your decision to plan a vacation abroad? Keep your worries aside. Enjoy a stress-free holiday at any of these ‘low crime, very safe, tourist-friendly’ countries thatSkyscanner has shortlisted for you.

1. South Korea

Want a week’s break from your routine life? Plan a trip to the land that presents to you its cultural heritage and old world charm, along with a vibrant urban life flooded with technological marvel. Street crime being uncommon, you can travel the length and breadth of the country without worrying about muggings or random skirmishes. First, guns are illegal in South Korea, so violence is at a minimum. Petty crimes such as theft and robbery are almost non-existent. It’s safe for women travelling alone as well. The possibility of you getting mugged in a street or in a public transport is generally unheard of. So let’s focus on what all you can do in South Korea.
seoul-korea

Things to do:

  • Spend some hours at Jeju-do, the scenic island with the Hallasan mountain. Check out the lovely corals as you snorkel in the clear blue water at the union of South China Sea, Korea Strait and the Yellow Sea.
  • Do you love sea food and fish? Noryangjin fish market in Seoul is one place you ought to go to, just to see the uniqueness of the largest fish market in Korea. It offers a wide variety of fresh sea food and fish including crabs, prawns, octopuses, and snappers.
  • For all you party lovers, you have too many options in Itaewon and Hongdae. It is absolutely safe to get into any of the pubs at 10:00 pm at night. You’ll find yourself amidst a fun-loving crowd while you enjoy your drink and music till the early hours of the morning.
  • Back from Korea without a single electronic gadget? Kid us not! Yongsan Electronics Market is waiting for you with its wide range of MP3 players, DVDs, hard disks, cell phones, and many other devices.
  • Do feast on the local cuisine of Korea. Ddeokbokki, a spicy rice cake, from Cheong-Nyun Tteokbokki, and Gogigui which is a Korean barbeque from Migal Maeki-sal are some of the delicacies you must try. For vegetarians, though the spread is less, you must try the Bibimbap, which consists of rice accompanied with authentic side dishes and an optional fried egg.

Where to stay:

Myeongdong is one of the most popular areas among tourists who love to stay in the heart of the city, indulge in street food or do some souvenir shopping. The subway station and frequency of trains help you travel to any part of the city without any hassle. There are a number of good hotels in this area such as the Hotel Ibis Ambassador and The Grand Hotel.
Insadong is yet another place, where contrary to Myeongdong, life is a bit slower. You will enjoy the traditional Korean culture and art in this part of the city. Fraser Suites and Hotel Ibis Ambassador are some of the good options for booking your accommodation.

Visa application procedure:

You can apply for your visa through any authorised visa application centre. A tourist visa to South Korea is valid for a stay of upto 90 days. Refer to http://www.vfsglobal.com/korea/india/ for an updated list of visa requirements.

2. Singapore

If you are yearning to spend your next anniversary at a posh club, with some light background music and wine, but aren’t able to zero in on a destination, land in Singapore to experience the liveliest form of life among a blend of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian culture. Singapore is very safe, especially for first-time travellers. The Singapore Government remains committed to maintaining Singapore as one of the safest countries in the world.
singapore-night

Things to do:

  • Quayside Isle situated in Sentosa Cove, a mini-town, will mesmerise you with its wide variety of cafeterias and dining options, as well as the branded retail stores. You must try the mouth-watering grilled chicken at Grillado, pistachio gelato at Note di Sicilia, and pork ribs with a hint of honey at Picotin Express.
  • Splurge at the Marina Bay Sands, the five-star resort, which houses a shopping mall, a casino, museums, theatres and a skating rink.
  • Plan a trip to the Night Safari, an open-air zoo, to have a rendezvous with the nocturnal animals. You can either walk on the trails or hop on to a tram and explore the place. Getting back to the hotel after the trip won’t be a problem as you will have easy access to cabs. And it’s safe as well. It’s a mandate for cab drivers to be above 30 years of age and without any criminal records.
  • Be sure to spend a few hours at the Universal Studios, a theme park on Sentosa Island. Enjoy the roller coaster and water rides. Witness each of the seven themed zones including the Sci-fi City, Hollywood, and Madagascar to name a few.
  • Shopping at Mustafa Centre may take up most of your time. This place has just about anything you wish to buy, ranging from fabrics to jewellery and dry fruits.
  • Flea markets in Singapore have always been a crowd puller, and you shouldn’t be missing on these either. Fleawhere, the most popular among college-goers, has second-hand goods at low rates, including accessories and apparels.
  • Indulge in the yummy local cuisines including dimsums and nasi lemak at Lau Pa Sat or at the Maxwell Road. Also try and get a taste of the egg yolk crab!
  • For all those with a sweet tooth, do try some local Singaporean desserts such as ondeh ondeh (sweet dumpling rolled on shredded coconut), and tau huay (a sweet soyabean pudding).

Where to stay:

If you wish to visit Singapore, but still want to take a part of India with you, you must look for hotel accommodation close to Little India. Park Royal on Kitchener Road and Santa Grand Hotel are some preferred options for staying in this area.
Chinatown is also a hot pick among most tourists. A perfect blend of old and new, this area has some good places to stay such as Hotel 1929 and the New Majestic Hotel.

Visa application procedure:

You can apply for your visa online or through any authorised visa application centre. A tourist visa to Singapore is a multiple-entry visa, valid for a minimum stay of 30 days to a maximum of 2 years. Get an an updated list of visa requirements here.

3. Qatar

This oil and gas producing nation is not just in the limelight for its contributions to the global economy, but is also considered a very safe tourist destination. To get a first-hand experience of driving on the sand dunes and enjoying the lovely beaches in the Middle East, plan your trip to Qatar soon. Considerable police presence ensures that you can be safe from petty crimes. In addition, if you are aware of the local laws and customs, and respect them while you are there, no one will bother you.
doha-qatar-skyline

Things to do:

  • Cherish traditional artworks at the Museum of Islamic Art, which has a treasured collection of Islamic jewellery, coins, ceramic items, textiles, and manuscripts.
  • Enjoy a desert safari at Khor Al Udeid or the Inland Sea, which is an hour and a half’s drive from Doha and witness the other drivers gushing through the sand dunes.
  • Walk around the alleys of Souq Waqif in Doha to get the feel of an old-styled market filled with outlets selling souvenirs and Arabic perfume. Make sure you bargain well to get a good deal on any product you wish to buy.
  • Take an evening stroll along the Doha Corniche, and enjoy the greenery of the lawns, contemporary architecture of the city, well-maintained parks and a beautiful view of the skyline.
  • You can’t leave Qatar without tasting their culinary delights. Try the Machbous, a fish or lamb stew made with rice, at Jabri Sweets and Restaurant in Doha. Also have Ghuzi, a roast lamb dish with nuts and rice.
  • Do visit the City Centre mall, even if it is just for window shopping. Its huge set up with more than 300 shops, the eye-catching architecture, bowling alleys, and loads of eateries that serve the Arabian flat bread called Khobz, and the Egyptian olives, are sure to leave you awestruck.

Where to stay:

Accommodations around Souq Waqif are more budget friendly in comparison to the ones near the West Bay Area. Check the amenities and prices at Movenpick Hotel, Zubarah Hotel, and Banana Island Resort, all in Doha, to have a relaxed vacation.

Visa application procedure:

You can apply online for your visa or through any authorised visa application centre. Refer to https://www.moi.gov.qa/site/english/channel/Visitors/index.html for an updated list of visa requirements. Please note that the fees for visas vary according to the stay duration in Qatar.

4. Japan

Pack your bags for a peaceful yet adventurous trip to the land of Sushi. Explore the picturesque gardens, feel the thrill at Mt. Fuji, or just saunter around Lake Kawaguchi, relaxing in the midst of nature. It’s an amazing country that opens up to tourists warmly. As long as you are cautious, as you would be in any new country you are travelling to, there’s nothing to worry about.
temple-garden-kyoto-japan

Things to do:

  • Enjoy an exclusive sushi meal at Sushikatsu in Tokyo. This hotel claims that the chef himself buys the fish and other raw materials required for the dish. Another added advantage of this place is you get to interact with English speaking staff, unlike most other places.
  • Visit the vermilion-hued Great Torii situated on Miyajami island. Thanks to the safety factor here, you can even plan a cruise at night underneath the Great Torii when this standalone 6-pillared gate is lit up.
  • Visit the renowned Ryoanji garden in Kyoto. Built with white sand, stone and individual rocks, it is a quaint place to be in.
  • Take your kids to the Jigokudani Monkey park at Nagano and rest assured that they’ll love watching the antiques of the Japanese snow monkeys.
  • Pick up some exquisite lacquered cups, chopsticks, and souvenirs from Zōhiko in Kyoto. Get some vintage style gifts for your friends from Tokyo Hotarudo. Ladies, do shop for some pretty kimonos at the Oriental Bazaar.
  • Similar to Goa or Pondicherry, you have the option of renting a bike from the front desk of your hotel (most hotels help you with it), and go on a self-guided tour of the city. Yes, it’s perfectly safe to be on your own in Japan!

Where to stay:

Before planning your trip to Japan, do keep aside some funds for a comfortable and safe accommodation because prices of even a low budget hotel here are similar to that of a luxury hotel in Thailand!
If you love experimenting with different cuisines, Hotel New Otani at Osaka may be the right place for you. For a stylish stay, opt for Hoshinoya at Kyoto, a hotel with a scenic beauty that keeps you far away from the fast-paced city life.

Visa application procedure:

You can apply for your visa through any authorised visa application centre. A tourist visa to Japan is valid for a stay not exceeding 90 days. You can find the updated requirements here.

5. Taiwan

Do you wish you could take the place of “Pi” in the movie “Life of Pi” and experience the exhilarating voyage, staying with animals amidst forests and water (minus the drama!)? Dream no more. Take some time off for a trip to Taiwan, and witness this and more at the Kenting National Park or the Taipei City Zoo. With a low overall crime rate and safe public transport like buses, subway and cabs, there is nothing stopping you from heading to Taiwan.
Safe travels to Taiwan

Things to do:

  • Visit Hsiao Yeliu, a coastal park near Taitung, an interesting formation of rock, to appreciate the nuances of nature, and enjoy a fun stroll.
  • To know the loud city market, drop by at Jiufen Old Street in the north-eastern part of Taiwan. You will be unable to resist a temptation of momos, some yam preparations, and a cup of really good green tea. A must try is the egg pudding, where you dig in straight into the eggshell. And while you relish all this, fret not about petty pick pocketing or bag snatching, as these are rare here.
  • Walk around the Huashan 1914 creative park, pick up knick-knacks from the shops there, enjoy some live music, and while you do all this, keep munching on the Taiwanese delicacies from the cafeterias around.
  • Hike along the Zhuilu track along the Old Hehuan Mountain Road. Don’t forget to carry your camera; there are a number of striking spots in this area. Keep in mind to make an advance booking to enjoy the adventure at Zhuilu.
  • See a wide variety of birds at the 3-decade old Taroko National Park. Swinhoe’s pheasant and the fire-breasted flower pecker are some of the exclusive birds at Taiwan. Apart from that, you will also witness a number of reptiles, butterflies and amphibians in this park. Feel at ease while you be one with nature.
  • Surrounded by mountains on three sides, the county of Yilan is a must-visit. Binge on some snacks such as an oyster omelette and Chinese mutton soup at the Yilan Night Market. Enjoy watching the dolphins jump out from the water at the Guishan Island, or just spend some ‘me time’ in this tranquil county.

Where to stay:

Taiwan has a shelter for everyone! If you are looking for a simple, economical place to stay, you have a number of choices such as Sunworld Dynasty Hotel in Taipei, and the Cosmos Hotel in Taipei. If luxury is what your criteria is, go for the Chateau Beach Resort in Kenting, the Grand Hotel at Taipei or the Sunset Beach Resort & Spa at Kaohsiung.

Visa application procedure:

You can apply for your visa online or through any authorised visa application centre. A tourist visa to Taiwan is valid for a stay not exceeding six months. Get visa details here.

6. Hong Kong

Treated as the international transport hub, and revered by the rest of the world as one of the prominent trading centres, this city amazes you with its mind-blowing cuisines, the wide range of choices for shopping, fascinating monuments and waterfronts.
Add to this the safety parameter! Hong Kong is an incredibly safe city to travel to. This is enforced by police patrolling at all times. You can walk the streets alone, even at night, or use any of the local transports including subway, trains, buses and taxis. One note of caution, as you would do anywhere in this world, just be careful about your belongings, and you will enjoy a hassle-free tour.
hongkong-night-market

Things to do:

  • Get a panoramic view of Hong Kong from Victoria Peak. Try to make it happen just before sunset so that you are right on time to experience the multi-hued city lights coming in from all directions. Don’t worry about reaching back to your hotel late in the evening; the helpful police officers around the city ensure safety for one and all.
  • Make a plan to go to the Temple Street night market in Man Ming Lane. You will find a whole lot of inexpensive stuff here including pirated CDs, fake branded clothes, and footwear. Also, you ought to try the street food, even if it is just a bowl of fried noodles!
  • To know about the prevalence of Buddhism, you must visit the 10,000 Buddhas monastery near Sha Tin station. Believe it or not, this place has more than 10,000 statues of Buddha, each depicting a different form. Also you ought to see the 112-feet tall bronze idol of the Big Buddha or the Tian Tan Buddha at Lantau Island.
  • To go slightly offbeat, keep one of your Wednesday evenings free for a trip to the racecourse at Happy Valley. This century old place has people madly cheering for the horses, while having a hearty drink with their friends.
  • Your journey to Hong Kong can’t be over until you’ve been to the Disneyland! Explore the fairy land meeting Disney characters, and enjoy the variety of adventurous water rides, spins, stage shows and fireworks.

Where to stay:

Select a hotel in Hong Kong Island and you will find yourself in the middle of abundant shopping, good restaurants, and convenient public transport. Staying at T Hotel or Hotel Jen is one-of-a-kind experience, which you shouldn’t miss!
You can also consider checking the feasibility of booking a room in a hotel at Kowloon, another popular area among tourists. The Salisbury YMCA hotel and Hotel Madera are some worth-the-money Four-star hotels there.

Visa application procedure:

Some good news for you here! You can enjoy your trip to Hong Kong and be back within a span of 14 days without a visa!

7. UAE

Venture out into the country full of high-rises and beach resorts, navigate through the winding roads along the Hajar Mountains and cherish the beautiful past of Dubai at the Bastakia quarter.
As a tourist, you would be interacting mostly with people from other countries, who know that one single instance of crime, or a complaint will get them deported. This plays a huge factor in making UAE a very safe travel destination. At the same time, we would recommend that you respect the local culture, follow the law, and you will end up having a memorable tour of the Middle East.
abu-dhabi-desert

Things to do:

  • Whether you wish to or not, you just can’t miss Burj Khalifa, the primary landmark of Dubai, and the tallest building in the world. Go to its observation deck and get a bird’s eye view of Dubai.
  • A boat ride in Dubai Creek is too difficult to resist. Take a cruise during sunset and adore the beautiful city with its lit up buildings.
  • Enjoy a camel ride on the Jumeirah beach, but beware! You will be expected to pay a handsome sum to be perched on top of this “ship of the desert”.
  • If you are a first-timer to Dubai, you should go to Madina Zayed Shopping & Gold Centre at least once. Here all that glitters is “definitely” gold. Have a look at the wide range of gold bangles, rings, necklaces, and prized stones.
  • Are you back home without a packet of baklava, the famous multi-layered pastry stuffed with chopped nuts, and garnished with honey? Just not right! Drop by at the Wafi Gourmet at Al-Qataiyat Road in Dubai, and grab your choice of cheese, dry fruits, olives, and of course, baklava!

Where to stay:

If you plan to set base at Abu Dhabi, choose a Four-star hotel at the artificial Yas Island such as the Crowne Plaza or Yas Island Rotana. The other area you may consider is the Corniche, where Oryx Hotel and Sofitel Abu Dhabi Hotel are worth a try.
If Dubai is your favourite, Jumeirah Beach may be a hot pick, where you have plenty of chic hotels such as Ramada Jumeirah Hotel and Beach Hotel Apartment.

Visa application procedure:

You can apply for your visa through any authorised visa application centre. A tourist visa to UAE is valid for a maximum period of 14 days. [Refer to the updated list of visa requirements here.](http://www.uae-embassy.org/services-resources/visas-passports-travel-uae](http://www.uae-embassy.org/services-resources/visas-passports-travel-uae)

8. Denmark

One of the most livable nations now, this Scandinavian neighbour of Germany and Sweden, is a marvel to behold. Chalk out a plan to enjoy the rides at Tivoli Gardens or to appreciate the design of Utzon Centre, an architectural masterpiece at Aalborg. And better still, land here, talk to the friendly locals, and get suggestions from them to better explore their country. Denmark has always been in the list of safe destinations, so you can safely pack your bags putting all your anxieties away. Cabs are safe to hail, and the cab drivers are honest and ready to help at all times, to the extent that if they go off the decided route, they stop the meter till they return to the specified one. Just be careful about your belongings and enjoy your trip to this friendly country.
copenhagen-denmark

Things to do:

  • Just like Disneyland, Legoland in Jutland is one of the main attractions for young and old alike. Tiny models made out of Lego blocks will leave you stunned. And yes, you have an Indian piece there as well, apparently the biggest of all - a model of the Sitting Bull built out of 1.4 million Lego bricks.
  • Visit the iconic Tivoli Gardens at Copenhagen. You kids are sure to enjoy the puppet theatre shows, and you will be spellbound watching the fireworks glowing at night. Do not worry even if it is late at night as the place is full of tourists and is completely safe. Also heading back to the hotel is equally convenient, thanks to the honest cab drivers who are more than willing to help out the tourists.
  • Take a bird’s eye view of the city from the Round Tower, a 36-metre high observatory.
  • Have you seen antelopes of late? No? Just go over to the Knuthenborg Safari Park, which houses a variety of wild animals, including free-roaming tigers, zebras, and rhinoceroses, to name a few.
  • Experience the Lyngby open-air museum on the outskirts of Copenhagen. Spread across 35 hectares, it has lush green farmhouses. You can also enjoy a ride on horse-drawn carriages inside the area.
  • Try the smørrebrød or open sandwich (choose between potato and chicken salad) at Café Dyrehaven. Also take a bite of the uber-delicious snegl, which is a Danish pastry, at Lagkagehuset.

Where to stay:

Stay at a hotel in the City Centre, the heart of Copenhagen, and enjoy the daily life of the city, filled with cafes, shops, and churches. Book yourself a room at Andersen Boutique Hotel or at the Bertrams Guldsmeden to avail great service and hospitality.
If you like old-city charm, try getting a room in a hotel at Christianshavn. Scandic Front and 71Nyhavn Hotel are some of the good options here.

Visa application procedure:

You can apply for your visa through any authorised visa application centre. A tourist visa to Denmark is valid for a period not exceeding 90 days. Latest visa details are available here.
*The list of the safest destinations across the world has been determined based on the Crime Index Report for 2016 published by Numbeo.