Before booking a trip somewhere unfamiliar, it's wise to check how safe it is — but rumour and headlines aren't reliable. Here's how to assess destination safety using trustworthy sources.
Start With Official Advisories
Government travel advisories (such as those from the US State Department, the UK FCDO, or Australia's Smartraveller) are the most reliable starting point. They assign risk levels and explain specific concerns by region within a country.
Read Beyond the Headline Level
A country-wide advisory level can be misleading — risks are often concentrated in specific regions while tourist areas remain safe. Read the detail to understand where the concerns actually are.
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Cross-Check and Prepare
- Compare advisories from more than one country's government.
- Check recent, reputable news for current events.
- Read up on common local scams and petty crime.
- Buy travel insurance and register with your embassy where appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start with official government travel advisories (such as the US State Department, UK FCDO, or Australia's Smartraveller), which assign risk levels and explain concerns by region. Read beyond the headline level, cross-check multiple sources, and review recent reputable news.