How We Rate Destination Safety

Every destination in our database carries one of four safety labels. Here is exactly what each one means and how we arrive at it.

Recommended

The destination has a strong overall safety record for American travelers. Crime against visitors is rare or limited to opportunistic theft, health infrastructure is reliable, and there is no elevated advisory from the US Department of State.

Use Caution

Travel is common and generally trouble-free, but a specific, documented risk deserves your attention — persistent pickpocketing, regional advisories, road safety issues, or seasonal health notices.

Review Before Booking

There is an elevated national or regional advisory. Many travelers still visit without incident, typically within resort corridors or organised tours, but the trip needs planning rather than improvisation.

Not Recommended

An active travel warning applies. We will not publish booking links for destinations at this level.

What feeds the rating

We combine US Department of State travel advisories, CDC destination health notices, and local reporting on tourist-area conditions. Each destination page shows a last-reviewed date so you can see how current the assessment is.

What this is not

Our ratings are guidance, not a guarantee. Conditions change quickly. Always check the official advisory linked on every destination page before you book and again before you fly.