Is It Safe to Travel Right Now?
The honest answer is nuanced. Most places are safe for prepared travelers — but safety varies significantly by destination, neighborhood, and time of year. Here's what the data actually shows.
Asking "is it safe to travel" is a bit like asking "is it safe to drive." The answer depends entirely on where, when, and how you're doing it.
What we can tell you — based on thousands of documented scam reports across 540+ destinations — is this: the most targeted travelers are usually the least prepared ones. Not the most adventurous. Not the ones going to the "riskiest" places. The ones who didn't know what to watch for.
Below is a region-by-region breakdown of current travel safety, the scams most commonly reported in each area, and direct links to the specific destination guides that matter most.
Safety by Region — Current Conditions
Europe
Scam Risk: Low–MediumGenerally very safe with strong tourist infrastructure. Peak season (June–September) brings elevated pickpocketing risk in major cities — Barcelona, Rome, Paris, Prague. Spring is ideal.
Common scams
- —Pickpocketing in metro systems
- —Restaurant tourist traps
- —Fake charity collectors
Safety assessments
Southeast Asia
Scam Risk: MediumVery popular with travelers and generally safe, but scam activity is high in major tourist hubs. Taxi fraud, tour scams, and gem shop schemes are widespread. Easy to navigate safely with preparation.
Common scams
- —Tuk-tuk gem shop loops
- —Taxi meter fraud
- —Closed attraction scams
Safety assessments
Latin America
Scam Risk: Medium–HighVaries widely by country and city. Tourist zones in Mexico (Cancún, Playa del Carmen) are well-patrolled. Major cities in Colombia, Peru, and Argentina require more caution. Avoid traveling alone at night in unfamiliar areas.
Common scams
- —Distraction theft
- —Fake police officers
- —ATM skimming
Safety assessments
North Africa & Middle East
Scam Risk: MediumMedinas and souks in Morocco (Marrakech, Fez) are high-activity scam zones — fake guides, shop pressure, inflated prices. Most other tourist areas are manageable with awareness.
Common scams
- —Unsolicited guide scams
- —Souk overcharging
- —Henna or photo demands
Safety assessments
East Asia
Scam Risk: Low–MediumJapan and South Korea have very low scam rates. China's tourist cities (Beijing, Shanghai) have some well-known scams targeting foreign visitors — tea house scams, art student approaches. Generally manageable.
Common scams
- —Tea house scams
- —Art student gallery overcharging
- —Taxi overcharging
Safety assessments
North America & Oceania
Scam Risk: LowAmong the safest regions for tourists globally. Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and most of the US have organized tourist infrastructure and low scam rates. Standard urban precautions apply.
Common scams
- —Online booking fraud
- —Accommodation scams
- —Rental car hidden fees
Safety assessments
Lowest-Risk Destinations for Tourists
These destinations consistently show the fewest scam reports relative to tourist volume. Strong rule of law, organized tourist infrastructure, and low petty crime rates.
The Bottom Line
Travel is safe right now — for travelers who prepare. The risk isn't the destination itself. It's arriving without knowing what the common scams are, what the fair taxi fare should be, or which neighborhoods to avoid after dark.
The difference between getting scammed and not usually comes down to 15 minutes of destination-specific research before you land.