The Green Mountain State borders Canada and is well regarded as one of the safest travel destinations in the US.
The scenic state offers so many attractions, from quaint small towns to majestic mountains.
Located in one of the safest parts of the country, travelers can be assured that they will have a peaceful and enjoyable trip.
Learn more about where to travel in the state, and how safe it is to go there.
Warnings & Dangers in Vermont
OVERALL RISK: LOW
The overall risk of traveling in Vermont is low. This is dependent on the activities you choose and where you travel, but overall it is safe.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Transport risk in Vermont is low. The best way to see Vermont is by traveling its roads and highways. But if you're looking for an alternative, or want to save money on gas, then public transportation is a great option. Several bus systems serve different parts of the state, and Amtrak has several train routes that travel through Vermont.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
Overall, the pickpockets' risk of Vermont is low. Taking simple precautions will be enough to safeguard from pickpockets.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
Natural disasters risk in Vermont is low. Some of the most common natural disasters that occur in Vermont include floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes. It is important to be prepared for any type of disaster that may occur while you are traveling in this state.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Overall, the mugging risk in Vermont is low. It is generally a safe place with a relatively low population.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
The terrorism risk in Vermont is low.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
The scams risk in Vermont is medium. Scams are prevalent in many places in the world, and Vermont is not excluded from them.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Women travelers' risk for Vermont is low. Women are safe here and it is generally a low-risk place for women to travel to.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
The tap water risk in Vermont is low. It is generally some of the cleanest water available in the country.
Safest Places to Visit in Vermont
Lake Champlain
This lake has been called “America’s First Water.”
With over 150 miles of shoreline, there’s plenty of room for boating and fishing opportunities as well as beautiful views from many spots along its shores.
Middlebury College
Founded in 1800, Middlebury College is the oldest institution of higher education in Vermont.
The beautiful campus and its many buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Waterbury Center
This village has been a popular tourist attraction since the early 1800s when visitors came to see the natural wonders of the area.
Today, there are plenty of shops and restaurants for visitors to enjoy.
Middlebury Gap
In addition to its many ski resorts, Vermont is also home to the Middlebury Gap, a picturesque mountain pass that offers stunning views of the Green Mountains.
The area is popular for hiking, biking, and fishing, and is also known for its incredible fall foliage.
Bennington Battle Monument
Standing high atop Bennington Hill, the Bennington Battle Monument commemorates one of America’s earliest Revolutionary War battles.
Smugglers’ Notch Ski Resort
A popular ski resort on the border of VT and Canada, this area is also an excellent place for hiking during the summer months!
Here are some tips if you plan on visiting!
The Northeast Kingdom
This area of Vermont is full of natural beauty and stunning waterfalls!
This rural area is known for its stunning landscapes, pristine lakes, and quiet country roads.
There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, including hiking, fishing, kayaking, and mountain biking.
You can also explore the many charming small towns and villages in the region.
Places to Avoid in Vermont
While Barre has a relatively small population of 8,000, the crime rate in this location is notably higher.
The overall property crime rate is 12% higher than in the rest of the country.
There were a total of 3,122 crimes per 100k people.
This was 26.07% higher than the national average, and 7.950 out of 9.891 places ranked in the United States.
St. Albans is another city that ranks high for crime in Vermont.
It ranks the highest for violent crimes in the state, and it is the second-highest for property crimes.
In fact, the rate for property crimes is 1 in 33.
Also, the rate for violent crime is 4.51 out of 1000 and property crime is 31.85.
There were a total of 31 violent crimes and 219 property crimes.
So, its crime index is 8, making 92% of cities in the United States safer than St. Albans.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Vermont
- Drive carefully. Roads might be more narrow than expected. Be sure to know all the posted speed limits and local driving rules, especially if you are an international driver.
- Make copies of your travel itinerary. Copy all of your expected travel dates and times. Be sure to forward a copy to yourself in your email so you have the information throughout your entire trip. Also, give this information to a friend or relative so they know where you are and it will help you be safe for your trip.
- Take your time. Give yourself enough time to enjoy your trip. Be generous with the amount of time you give yourself if you are trying to get to certain destinations. Also, give yourself plenty of time to enjoy sightseeing, food, and travel. If you are arriving at an airport, give yourself at least two hours before the flight to get to the airport. By giving yourself enough time during your trip, you are eliminating the stressful factor of being in a hurry in an unfamiliar place.
- Talk to the locals. Ask the locals for any recommendations they have as well as advice on how to spend your time during your trip. This can help you to see Vermont through the eyes of someone who lives there. Also, you can make new friends! You also will be clued in for some events that only the locals know are happening and then you can enjoy it better.
- Be prepared for the weather. If you are spending time outdoors, check the weather report before you go. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather, including any necessary raincoats, boots, or jackets. Also, if it is winter, consider bringing gloves, a scarf, and extra socks. If it’s summer, bring a hat and a t-shirt.
- Make a schedule. Making a schedule and sticking to it gives you more freedom to enjoy your trip. Be sure to pay attention to close details like where you will eat or any potential shopping trips. Having an itinerary will make for an exciting adventure with something to look forward to each day.
- Be aware of scammers. Only book travel arrangements through trusted sources. Protect all of your personal identification information and credit card information when communicating. Safeguard all of your information.
- Be safe about what you post online. Don’t share your plans to travel with everyone on your friends’ list. Be smart and don’t let the whole world know that you are out of town. Also, don’t post where you are located. If you must share your location, it’s best to be safe about it, and only post about it after you leave.
- Put locks and tags on your luggage. Bring extra tags for your luggage so you can easily identify it and tag it. Also, put a lock on your suitcase so only you will have access to what is inside. A lockable suitcase gives you a lot more freedom and flexibility. You will also be a lot more secure with a locked suitcase as you know that only you will have access to your belongings inside.
- Purchase travel insurance. Travel insurance is a smart decision for every traveler! It helps provide medical care and costs in case of any kind of accident. When you are abroad in a different state or country, it’s a must-have to help to protect yourself in all circumstances. This type of medical coverage will be necessary and is something you must-do if you are going to be participating in any sports. It also helps to cover unforeseen travel costs. This includes potential evacuation to another country. Also, it will help to cover the flight costs if you need to change your flight or your flight gets canceled. It’s the safest decision you can make when you are traveling.
So... How Safe Is Vermont Really?
According to a study by WalletHub, Vermont is the safest place to live.
It looked at several factors including personal and residential safety, financial safety, road safety, workplace safety, and emergency preparedness.
It’s also recognized as one of the best states to live in by CNBC, majorly in part due to its safeness.
Nationally, its crime rates are much lower than in other parts of the country.
For example, there were 19.89 property incidents per 1,000 people.
This is much lower than the national rate of 27.11.
Overall, Vermont has some of the safest cities in the entire country.
There are a lot of small, quiet towns with low crime rates and high standards of living.
How Does Vermont Compare?
| State | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Vermont | 85 |
| Kansas | 81 |
| Iowa | 82 |
| Idaho | 85 |
| Illinois | 77 |
| Indiana | 61 |
| Alaska | 65 |
| Colorado | 82 |
| Florida | 70 |
Useful Information
Visas
To apply for one of these visas, you will have to apply along with supporting documents that prove the reason why you want to go there.
Currency
The official currency used in Vermont is USD. You can exchange it.
Weather
One of the biggest dangers when traveling in Vermont is the weather. Blizzards, ice storms, and extreme cold can make driving treacherous, especially if you are not used to it. Even a light snowfall can cause problems on the roads. Make sure you are prepared for winter weather before heading out, and always carry an emergency kit in your car. Using the right shoes that are safe for the weather will also be helpful, as well as necessary gloves, coats, and hand warmers.
Airports
The Burlington International Airport (BTV) offers flights around the nation and across Canada. Most people use this airport for travel within New England or down south along the coast; however, there are some international routes available as well that go into Europe.
Travel Insurance
There are many reasons to buy travel insurance, whether you are a leisure or business traveler. Some of the key benefits of travel insurance include protection in case of flight cancellations or delays, coverage for lost or damaged baggage, medical and emergency evacuation coverage, and emergency assistance services if you need help while traveling abroad.
Vermont Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | -2 | 0 | 5 | 13 | 20 | 25 | 28 | 27 | 24 | 15 | 8 | 1 |
| Low °C | -14 | -13 | -8 | 0 | 6 | 12 | 15 | 14 | 10 | 3 | -3 | -9 |
| High °F | 28 | 32 | 41 | 55 | 68 | 77 | 82 | 81 | 75 | 59 | 46 | 34 |
| Low °F | 7 | 9 | 18 | 32 | 43 | 54 | 59 | 57 | 50 | 37 | 27 | 16 |
MUST MOVE HERE IF YOU CAN