U.N. Sustainable Development Solutions Network has published the 2018 World Happiness Report – an annual study that examines the connections between happiness and development (while encouraging policymakers to place more of an emphasis on happiness, rather than the more easily quantifiable measures of development)
Featured among the Top 10 countries in this report are: the 5 Nordic countries (Finland, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden), 2 other European countries (Switzerland, Netherlands), 1 country from North America (Canada) & 2 from Oceania (New Zealand, Australia). There is no doubt that these countries are also the most tourism friendly also. Surprisingly, 70% of the outbound tourist traffic from India is concentrated on 5-6 regions: Bangkok-Pattaya, Singapore-Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Hong-Kong, Mauritius, & Swiss-Paris (in Europe)
Let us think out of box this year and plan our next holiday in 2019 to one or more of the happiest countries of the world. Here is a brief on each of the Top 10 happiest countries of the World:
- Finland
For the first time ever, Finland was named the happiest country on the planet, followed by last year’s winner, Norway. Finland’s 5.5 million residents enjoy more forest per square mile than any European country, extremely high environmental standards, and a very low threat level making it one of the most peaceful places on Earth. Finland is called The Land of Thousand Lakes, but the better slogan should be The Land of Hundred of Thousands of Lakes as there are 187,888 of lakes in Finland. The main tourist season in Finland lasts from the beginning of June until the end of August. During this period all the attractions are open, steamboats and ferries are sailing on the lakes and rivers and many festivals take place in the summer season. If you want to visit Laponia in the north, you can go in October or February/March and see the northern lights. Laponia is known as the official home of Santa Clause.
2.Norway
Last year’s winner has also been voted Europe’s most beautiful country. Norway is a Scandinavian country encompassing mountains, glaciers and deep coastal fjords. Oslo, the capital, is a city of green spaces and museums. Norway, often called ‘The land of midnight sun’, is a haven for holidaymakers who enjoy the outdoors, with numerous resorts for downhill skiing and snowboarding, as well as countless trails for hiking in the summer or dog sledding and cross-country skiing in the winter. Norway’s cities combine historical and modern architecture and feature a selection of museums, art galleries, and performance venues. Northern Norway has seven of the country’s national scenic routes. Undertake a trip along the fjords, coasts, mountains and waterfalls, where time stands still and the present and the past become as one.
3.Denmark
Denmark is consistently in the top three happiest countries in the world, taking the top spot on the United Nation’s World Happiness Report in 2013, 2014, and 2016.Copenhagen, its capital, is home to royal palaces and colorful Nyhavn harbor, plus the Tivoli amusement park and the iconic “Little Mermaid” statue.In Copenhagen, the bicycle takes precedence over the car and is arguably the best way to explore this compact, picturesque city. Billundalso known as ‘Capital of Children’ is home to the original ‘Legoland’. Denmark’s many charms have become apparent to a global audience, particularly in recent years. Scandinavia’s “European” wing boasts glorious beaches, beautiful fairy-tale castles, lush forests, a temperate climate, friendly citizens, and a joie de vivre (cheerful enjoyment of life) that’s infectious.
4.Iceland
The most equal, peaceful and fair country in the world has always danced around the top spot thanks to its low tax and free health care and education.Iceland, a Nordic island nation, is defined by its dramatic landscape with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs and lava fields. Massive glaciers are protected in Vatnajökull and Snæfellsjökull national parks. The 2 million tourists that visited Iceland last year outnumbered the locals by more than five to one. It is not hard to understand what draws so many visitors. Iceland has a surfeit of natural wonders, from mighty glaciers and geysers to no fewer than 10,000 waterfalls. Iceland’s biggest city, Reykjavik bears the distinction of being the world’s northernmost capital, and for virtually every Icelandic visitor it serves as a gateway, just to the city itself or to the rugged adventure options beyond.
5.Switzerland
Switzerland is a pretty cheerful place to call home. Take into account its favorable tax regime, booming economy, phenomenal infrastructure and education services and you can understand the secret to its success. That’s before you consider the Alpine picture postcard landscapes and the kind of clean air that’s sent the average life expectancy into the mid-eighties.For ravishing alpine scenery and quaint villages oozing storybook charm, it’s hard to beat Switzerland. The soaring snow-capped peaks of the Alps, glittering blue lakes, emerald valleys, glaciers, and picturesque lakeside hamlets imbue this landlocked nation with a fairytale beauty. Snuggled among the mountain valleys and lakes lie world-class international resorts with hiking, biking, climbing, paragliding, skiing, and tobogganing on their doorsteps.Travelers come here for jaw-dropping scenery but are charmed by the many cultural attractions.
6.Netherlands
Netherlands is world renowned for its liberal, laissez-faire approach to life. Do as the locals do and pedal a bike through its iconic tulip and windmill laden landscapes before rolling into Amsterdam and a taste of European culture at its finest.Enjoy 250 kilometres of gorgeous coasts with handsome dunes and dozens of sprawling nature reserves. Amsterdam’s Museum Square (in Dutch, Museumplein) owes its name to the several museums located on this leafy public space. The Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum.And of course, if you’re planning a Holland holiday in spring, you simply cannot afford to miss out on witnessing the blazing colours of the flower bulb fields.Keukenhof, also known as the Garden of Europe, is one of the world’s largest flower gardens, situated in Lisse, South Holland, Netherlands. The opening dates for 2019 spring season are 21st March to 19th May.
7.Canada
The US’s gargantuan neighbour always seems to nail the happiness metrics with its high life expectancy, small population and extraordinary landscape. The second largest country in the world, Canada has no shortage of beautiful landscapes and unique sites for travelers to explore. From coast to coast, the country is home to vibrant and culturally rich cities, along with incredible natural wonders. In Western Canada, the Rocky Mountains and cities of Vancouver, Victoria, and Calgary dominate most itineraries. In Central Canada, Niagara Falls, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City, are some of the most popular possibilities.
8.New Zealand
Consistently sitting atop many a traveler’s wish list, New Zealand’s remote, relaxed and beatific way of life translates into serious happiness not just for its residents but also its visitors.North island: Home to the national capital, its biggest city, and more than 75 percent of the country’s population, North Island serves as the country’s administrative hub, but also offers some highlights of New Zealand tourism, including volcanoes, hot springs, and beaches. South Island: Generally considered the more scenic and tourist-friendly of the country’s two main regions, South Island abounds in picturesque mountain ranges, alpine lakes, verdant national parks, and dramatic fjords.
9.Sweden
Sweden has swapped with Australia to climb one place thanks to its combination of beautiful wilderness, hip cities and Scandi cool. For visitors, Stockholm is probably the most beautiful Scandinavian city of all.Sweden is a rich cultural destination with breathtaking scenery. Progressive and peaceful, Sweden’s long history provides plenty of incredible landmarks, architecture, and museums to choose from.Sweden is a traveler’s paradise. If you love the outdoors, it’s certainly hard to beat. The air and water are crystal clean, and there are thousands of acres of unspoiled forests and majestic lakes to explore, not to mention vast archipelagos along its coasts. The roads and public transport are excellent. Sweden’s tourist attractions range from opulent palaces and ancient towns to vast Arctic landscapes and the famed Ice Hotel.
10.Australia
Endless golden beaches, phenomenal year-round weather, a lot of room to escape the crowds and a world renowned lifestyle, Australia rightly sits high on most people’s travel bucket list.. The world’s smallest continent and largest island, Australia is almost the same size as the United States but with a population the size of New York State and some of the quirkiest wildlife on the planet. Australia is also a land of staggering contrasts and spectacular beauty. Along the coast, you can explore vibrant multicultural cities, vast sand islands, ancient rainforests, and one of the planet’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders – the Great Barrier Reef. In the Outback, rugged national parks and red-earthed deserts offer the ultimate in adventure travel.
To enjoy these beautiful destinations, contact us for a SmART Holiday, customized to your specifications.
