I prefer the A380 when it's available but I'd take 787 over a 777 or A330/340 any day - it's quieter for a start .
Safety? As long as you stay with major airlines you're as safe as you can be. Problems arise with small airlines in the sticks - but then there often is no other choice. And even in PNG or C Africa you're far safer in the aircraft than you are on the roads or on a boat - probably an even greater comparative advantage than in say W Europe.