Safe & Sound: Part 2—Understanding Europe’s Lower-Tier Rankings
- Barry Branaugh
- Jul 7
- 2 min read
Thinking about a European getaway? As a specialist in European travel, it remains my absolute favorite destination. But as we discussed in Part 1 of our 2026 safety series, different countries offer different levels of long-term stability. In this second installment, we are looking at the "Lower Tier" of our report—the countries ranked 26th through 30th in Europe.
Before we look at the names, let's clear up the biggest misconception: every single one of these countries is safe for day-to-day vacationing. Their lower ranking has nothing to do with vacation danger; instead, it reflects long-term economic resilience or political shifts behind the scenes.
Here is the unfiltered breakdown of what lands these popular destinations in the lower tier:
The Economic Factor: Croatia (#26) and Bulgaria (#29)
These two coastal and cultural gems are incredibly popular, but face tighter economic outlooks compared to Western Europe.
Croatia: Known for exceptionally low crime rates and highly secure, welcoming tourist zones. It's a dream to visit, even if its broader economic growth is slower.
Bulgaria: Has made massive strides in long-term political and economic stability, heavily anchored by its membership in the European Union.
The Political Factor: Hungary (#27), Romania (#28), and Serbia (#30)
For these three destinations, day-to-day safety for travelers is excellent. The lower scores come from institutional and regional governance.
Hungary: Remains highly secure for tourists, but scores lower on global indexes due to predictable internal political friction and governance styles.
Romania: A beautiful destination where the primary headwind is simply a less predictable central government.
Serbia: Excellent hospitality for visitors, though regional political tensions in the broader Balkans slightly suppress its long-term stability score.
The Bottom Line
If you have a trip booked to the stunning coast of Croatia or the historic streets of Budapest, do not unpack your bags! These countries are fantastic, secure options for travelers. They simply navigate unique economic and political landscapes that cap their long-term institutional growth.
Stay tuned for Part 3, where we move up the ladder into the Middle Tier!
My name is Barry Branaugh and I am a retired high school history teacher from Redmond, Oregon, who became a travel advisor in 2023.
I have a passion for travel, but also get great fulfillment out of helping others achieve their travel dreams! In North America I have traveled to 45 of the 50 US states, Canada, Mexico, and Belize.
In Europe I have traveled to Ireland, all four countries withing the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Portugal, and Spain.Reach out to Barry to get started planning your European adventure!
Phone: 541-480-3889
Email: BBranaugh@travelcnc.com
Instagram: cnc_barry_branaugh
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