Iceland

Iceland regularly tops the Global Peace Index as the safest country in the world. The entire Ring Road (Route 1) is 1,322 km of glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, and geothermal springs that you can drive in 7-10 days. Solo road-tripping Iceland is a rite of passage for first-timers because the infrastructure makes it nearly impossible to get lost or stranded. The Blue Lagoon, Gullfoss, and the Northern Lights (September-March) are iconic. Reykjavik is tiny enough (130,000 people) to feel village-safe while offering world-class restaurants and nightlife. Expensive ($120-160/day) but worth every krona.