The Safest Countries to Visit This Holiday Season

Traveling in the time of COVID-19 brings an added level of uncertainty but peace of mind isn't as hard to come by as it may seem. Taking into account the latest guidance from the U.S. State Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as looking at the most recent Global Peace Index, it's clear that travelers have plenty of options. Here are some of the safest and most worthwhile places travelers can visit for the holidays in 2021.

For the latest insight on travel around the world, check out this interactive guide.

The African country of Zambia, famous for its safari opportunities and the spectacular Victoria Falls, is one of only 10 countries to receive the State Department's lowest travel advisory as of November 12. The Level 1 advisory recommends that travelers exercise normal precautions in Zambia and reflects the Level 1 Travel Health Notice issued by the CDC. "Make sure you are fully vaccinated before traveling to Zambia," the agency advises.

The United Arab Emirates is one of fewer than 30 destinations in the world to receive a Level 2 travel advisory or lower from the State Department this November. The latest warning, which encourages travelers to exercise increased caution while visiting places like Dubai and Abu Dhabi due to COVID-19, mirrors that of the CDC, which reports a moderate level of COVID-19 in the UAE.

Denmark ranks second on the 2021 Global Peace Index, which examines the level of societal safety and security, the extent of ongoing domestic and international conflict and the degree of militarization. Nonetheless, the European destination joins a long and growing list of Level 3 destinations this fall, with the State Department recommending Americans reconsider travel due to COVID-19 and the CDC warning of a high level of coronavirus in the country. Still, Denmark is open to U.S. tourists who have been fully vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers with a "worthy purpose" for entry.

Ranking 12th on the Global Peace Index in 2021 and among the 10 countries Americans feel safest about visiting, according to new data from travel insurance comparison site InsureMyTrip, Canada is one of the closest international destinations for Americans and continues to avoid a crippling Level 4 travel advisory from the State Department, which currently advises travelers to reconsider their trip plans due to COVID-19.

Another Level 3 country due to COVID-19 as of mid-November, the Dominican Republic continues to be one of the easiest countries to visit as travelers will not require proof of vaccination, pre-departure testing or quarantine upon arrival. A big part of what makes the Dominican Republic a safe holiday destination is the tourism infrastructure in place and the wide range of all-inclusive resorts available in destinations like Punta Cana, Puerto Plata and La Romana. Guests can experience a great vacation on-site and even take advantage of complimentary COVID-19 testing ahead of their return flight back to the U.S.

Home to the bucket-list-worthy ruins of Machu Picchu, Peru is currently listed at a Level 2 by both the State Department and CDC, with the former encouraging travelers to exercise increased caution due to COVID-19, crime and terrorism. Meanwhile, the CDC warns of a moderate level of COVID-19 in Peru, advising visitors to be fully vaccinated and recommending that unvaccinated travelers who are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 avoid non-essential travel.

Jamaica receives a Level 3 travel advisory from the State Department and CDC due to COVID-19 this fall and earns roughly the same score as the Dominican Republic on the 2021 Global Peace Index, ranking a remarkable 30 spots higher than the U.S. Jamaica was among the world's first destinations to receive the World Travel & Tourism Council's (WTTC) Safe Travels Stamp and introduced "Resilient Corridors" establishing strict health and safety protocols designed to protect both tourists and locals in the island's most popular destinations.

A top 15 country on the Global Peace Index, 13th-ranked Portugal receives a Level 3 travel advisory from both the State Department and CDC due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19. However, the coveted European country is open to tourists with proof of vaccination or a negative test taken within 72 hours of departure. Visitors will also have a plethora of sites and attractions to explore while social distancing outdoors, from Lisbon to the Algarve.