In search of safety and serenity, a growing number of American families are taking advantage of remote work and the global reach of online education to relocate to countries where the biggest worry at school is whether it’ll rain during recess. This shift isn’t just about dodging the distressing headlines; it’s about providing children with a nurturing environment where the focus is on growth and learning, not lockdown drills. Here are 18 countries offering a combination of safety, quality of life, and education—where English is spoken widely or where affordable, quality English-speaking schools are readily available.
1. Canada
![18 Family-Friendly Destinations Free from Gun Violence 1 shutterstock 514306777](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/shutterstock_514306777.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Vadim.Petrov
Our neighbor to the north is not just about maple syrup and hockey; it’s known for its high safety standards, excellent public schools, and a welcoming attitude towards expats.
2. New Zealand
![18 Family-Friendly Destinations Free from Gun Violence 2 shutterstock 1714921009 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/shutterstock_1714921009-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / kavram
With its breathtaking landscapes and a strong emphasis on work-life balance, New Zealand offers an education system that supports holistic development.
3. Finland
![18 Family-Friendly Destinations Free from Gun Violence 3 shutterstock 1460415167](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/shutterstock_1460415167.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Janice pama
Ranked among the best in the world for education, Finland is a haven for families seeking both quality schooling and a safe environment.
4. Denmark
![18 Family-Friendly Destinations Free from Gun Violence 4 shutterstock 1476195866 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_1476195866-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nick N A
Denmark, the land of hygge, is not just cozy; it’s safe. The Danish education system is renowned for fostering creativity and critical thinking.
5. Sweden
![18 Family-Friendly Destinations Free from Gun Violence 5 pexels lars h knudsen 12454586 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/pexels-lars-h-knudsen-12454586-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Pexels / Lars H Knudsen
Sweden’s emphasis on child welfare and education makes it a top choice for families, with an added bonus of stunning natural beauty.
6. Norway
![18 Family-Friendly Destinations Free from Gun Violence 6 shutterstock 2140249891](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/shutterstock_2140249891.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Daniela Baumann
Norway offers spectacular landscapes and a strong sense of community, alongside an education system that focuses on individual student needs.
7. Iceland
![18 Family-Friendly Destinations Free from Gun Violence 7 shutterstock 398496772 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/shutterstock_398496772-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Boyloso
Known as one of the safest countries in the world, Iceland also prides itself on an innovative education system and a close-knit society.
8. Switzerland
![18 Family-Friendly Destinations Free from Gun Violence 8 shutterstock 1801320700 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/shutterstock_1801320700-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / 4kclips
Switzerland’s multilingual education system and its focus on high-quality life make it an attractive option for expat families.
9. Austria
![18 Family-Friendly Destinations Free from Gun Violence 9 shutterstock 170972054 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_170972054-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / canadastock
Austria combines cultural richness with safety and excellent public services, including a strong educational system with various international schools.
10. Singapore
![18 Family-Friendly Destinations Free from Gun Violence 10 shutterstock 350484137 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/shutterstock_350484137-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Vichy Deal
This city-state is not just a hub for business; it’s also known for its strict laws ensuring safety and its elite English-speaking schools.
11. Japan
![18 Family-Friendly Destinations Free from Gun Violence 11 shutterstock 715868512 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/shutterstock_715868512-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Fotos593
Japan offers a unique blend of tradition and technology, with a high emphasis on education and safety, making it a fascinating place for families to relocate.
12. Netherlands
![18 Family-Friendly Destinations Free from Gun Violence 12 shutterstock 278852369](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/shutterstock_278852369.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / photo.ua
With a friendly expat community and a plethora of international schools, the Netherlands is both welcoming and safe.
13. Australia
![18 Family-Friendly Destinations Free from Gun Violence 13 shutterstock 251154571](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/shutterstock_251154571.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Aleksandar Todorovic
Australia’s laid-back lifestyle, combined with its focus on outdoor activities and excellent education, makes it a great place for kids to grow up.
14. Germany
![18 Family-Friendly Destinations Free from Gun Violence 14 shutterstock 2292905807 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/shutterstock_2292905807-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / DaLiu
Germany offers a high standard of living, a robust education system, and a rich cultural heritage, all within a safe environment.
15. Costa Rica
![18 Family-Friendly Destinations Free from Gun Violence 15 Costa Rica 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Costa-Rica-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Alexey Stiop
Known for its “pura vida” lifestyle, Costa Rica is not only breathtakingly beautiful but also offers affordable international schooling options.
16. Portugal
![18 Family-Friendly Destinations Free from Gun Violence 16 shutterstock 1172490304 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/shutterstock_1172490304-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Angelina Dobreva
Portugal stands out for its warm climate, friendly locals, and a growing number of international schools catering to English-speaking families.
17. Ireland
![18 Family-Friendly Destinations Free from Gun Violence 17 shutterstock 297741854 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_297741854-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / POM POM
With its rich history and culture, Ireland offers a safe environment and a strong education system, with many schools offering programs in English.
18. Spain
![18 Family-Friendly Destinations Free from Gun Violence 18 shutterstock 111640076 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/shutterstock_111640076-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Matej Kastelic
Spain combines a warm climate with a friendly atmosphere, affordable living costs, and a variety of bilingual schools, making it a great choice for families.
A World of Opportunities
![18 Family-Friendly Destinations Free from Gun Violence 19 shutterstock 1674720652 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/shutterstock_1674720652-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / eldar nurkovic
For families looking to escape the shadow of gun violence and seeking a better quality of life, these 18 countries offer not just safety and excellent educational opportunities but also the chance for children to grow up in a nurturing and culturally rich environment. With the rise of remote work and the availability of quality online or international schooling, making the leap to a new country is more feasible than ever. It’s a big world out there, filled with places where the biggest concerns are about living life to the fullest, not just getting by.
Unveiling the 21 Places Single Women Should Avoid at All Costs
![18 Family-Friendly Destinations Free from Gun Violence 20 shutterstock 2346225623 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/shutterstock_2346225623-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Carles Iturbe
Traveling solo as a woman? It’s an adventure with its own set of challenges. From street safety to discrimination, some spots are riskier than others. We’ve used the Women’s Danger Index and other resources to craft a guide that helps you choose your destinations wisely. Unveiling the 21 Places Single Women Should Avoid at All Costs
Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops
![18 Family-Friendly Destinations Free from Gun Violence 21 shutterstock 144997492 1 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_144997492-1-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / donvictorio
Discover chilling tales from the America’s spookiest roads complete with ghostly figures and eerie phenomena in this thrilling guide to paranormal hotspots—perfect for adventure seekers and ghost enthusiasts. Ready for a supernatural road trip? Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops
18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid
![18 Family-Friendly Destinations Free from Gun Violence 22 pexels adrian newell 14177239 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/pexels-adrian-newell-14177239-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Pexels / Adrian Newell
American cities dazzle with culture and history, yet rising crime rates demand cautious exploration. This guide ensures you stay informed and safe. 18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid
20 Things That Americans Tolerate That Canadians Would Never Accept
![18 Family-Friendly Destinations Free from Gun Violence 23 shutterstock 2270504427 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_2270504427-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nicoleta Ionescu
Canadians often find American customs ranging from amusing to astonishing. From the quirky to the confounding, let’s explore the U.S. through a Canadian lens—maple syrup and poutine in hand. Get ready for a journey that’s both odd and insightful, seen from the Great White North. 20 Things That Americans Tolerate That Canadians Would Never Accept
22 of America’s Most Charming Towns
![18 Family-Friendly Destinations Free from Gun Violence 24 shutterstock 284980904 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_284980904-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nejdet Duzen
Hit the road and discover America’s coziest towns, real-life versions of those quaint settings from your favorite novels. Explore charming streets where every storefront tells a story and locals greet everyone with a hello. Ready to dive into the charm? 22 of America’s Most Charming Towns
The post Escaping Gun Violence: 18 Safe Havens for Families republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / StoryTime Studio.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
Tips for Trip Success
Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.
Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.
You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations.Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Trip
PassingThru is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
To view PassingThru’s privacy policy, click here.