Are you craving a little more kindness in the world? Do you want to increase your odds of meeting nice people on vacation? You’re in luck because the world is friendlier than you think.
The news may be 24/7 doom and gloom, but traveling evokes a different vibe. You can experience a country through a unique cultural lens, not the media lens you see on TV. You’ll soon discover that warmness and kindness aren’t as rare as you thought.
So, which are the friendliest countries for new travelers?
Travelers are quick to spill their secrets, and many have found some countries to be friendlier than others. This depends on several factors, including geography, weather, travel expenses, tourist industries, and local residents’ attitude toward travelers.
Learn more about the kindest destinations in the world in this latest travel guide!
Survey Says?
Not every experience is alike, so what really defines a “friendly country?” Researchers from an ex-pat organization set out to learn just that. The group surveyed travelers from over 180 countries to find patterns in their experiences.
The study concluded with a list of the top 65 friendliest destinations in the world. Let’s take a closer look at the top 10 winners.
1. Portugal
Portugal tops the list as the #1 friendliest country on the planet. This European country offers rich cultural traditions, relaxing coastal experiences, and gorgeous weather. It’s also known as a traveler-friendly country.
What makes Portugal so unique?
Surveyed travelers note that Portuguese locals go above and beyond with hospitality and neighborliness. Visitors get a profound sense that the community looks after one another. This is the type of energy you want on vacation.
2. Taiwan
Taiwan, an island in East Asia, comes in at #2 on the list. While not formally recognized by many countries as sovereign, Taiwan sees itself as independent, and it’s developed an impressive tourism industry of its own.
Surveyed travelers note how open and friendly Taiwanese locals are to tourists, especially in the capital city of Taipei. There’s also the gorgeous Taroko National Park, Sun Moon Lake, and the infamous 101 skyscraper building in Taipei.
Tourists come for the sites but stay for the warm welcome.
3. Mexico
Mexico remains one of the most popular destinations in the world. It’s also the third friendliest country according to travel surveys.
Mexico is known for its spectacular beaches, culture, history, cuisine, and weather, which makes for an ideal vacation. But it’s the friendly attitude toward newcomers that really have travelers buzzing.
4. Cambodia
Fourth on the list is Cambodia. This friendly country has a low cost of living, which makes traveling a breeze on a budget. Thrifty travelers can pack in a lot of experiences for less.
Next to affordability is the warm, welcoming attitude travelers receive in Cambodia. Traversing through Cambodia can take a bit of time, but surveyed travelers found that locals were always happy to help.
5. Bahrain
Number five on the list is Bahrain. This Middle Eastern country is made up of 30 different islands, making for unique and relaxing coastal experience in the Middle East.
Surveyed travelers note that Bahrain is the friendliest country in the Arabian Gulf. It’s also culturally diverse and known for accommodating travelers who don’t speak Arabic.
6. Costa Rica
Grab your surfboard and sunscreen because Costa Rica comes in at a cool #6 on this list. Founded in 1821, this Central American country is one of the most popular destinations in the world, and also one of the friendliest.
Costa Rica is known for its Instagram-perfect beaches, biodiversity, historical sites, resort experiences, and ideal weather. It’s also home to some of the friendliest locals and tourism professionals in the world.
7. Oman
Oman is one of the least-known destinations on this list. However, it’s quickly becoming a top destination for travelers because of its friendliness. Surveyed ex-pats and travelers overwhelmingly agree that Oman locals are warm and welcoming to new visitors.
Like Bahrain, Oman also provides a coastal experience in the Middle East. It’s located 14 hours away from Bahrain on the Arabian Peninsula. Oman is a beautiful country with breathtaking mosques, sand dunes, museums, and candy-colored sunsets.
8. Colombia
Do you start your day with a warm cup of Colombian coffee? As it turns out, the Colombian coffee city of Cartagena is one of the friendliest destinations, according to surveys.
Travelers flock to Cartagena for its folk music traditions, art, history, and world-famous coffee of course. Surveyed travelers describe locals as helpful and happy to share stories with visitors.
9. Vietnam
While on your trip to Cambodia, consider stopping by another friendly country nearby. Vietnam is listed at the ninth friendliest country in the world, and it’s only a 1-hour flight from Cambodia.
Surveyed travelers found Vietnam to be one of the safest countries to visit in the Southeast Asian Peninsula. Ho Chi Minh City is known as a popular tourist destination with friendly locals.
10. Canada
The 10th friendliest country is Canada. This popular North American destination has been in the top 10 for a while. It’s historically known as one of the kindest places in the world.
Surveyed travelers note how easy it is to make friends with Locals in Canada. Many tourists have observed the open-mindedness of Canada, which attracts people from all over the world.
Honorable Mentions
There are too many friendly countries to list, but don’t forget to consider these honorable mentions.
The Philippines just barely missed the top 10, coming in at 11 on the list. Spain, a popular tourist destination, is listed at 17. Learn about Thai people as you plan your trip to Thailand, which rounds out the top 20.
Experience the Friendliest Countries in the World
Why settle for rudeness when kindness is just a plane flight away? Remember the friendliest countries as you plan your next trip. Create a travel itinerary that radiates joy!
Traveling is one way to enhance the quality of your life. Do you have all your travel essentials? Check back often for the latest lifestyle hacks to swear by.
Source: blog.timesunion.com / Lifestyle / February 9, 2020 / Contributor: Elissa Capelle Vaughn