1. Australia
The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Liveability Survey once ranked Melbourne, Australia as the world’s best city to live in, and with good reason. Sunshine is abundant in this country of coral reefs, delicious food and modern cities. Adrenaline junkies can go snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef or sailing along the Whitsunday Islands. Take a coastal drive along the Great Ocean Road, enjoy panoramic views at the Blue Mountains National Park or indulge in a bit of culture at the Sydney Opera House.
Catch a live performance at the iconic Sydney Opera House
2. Bhutan
The only country that assesses its Gross National Happiness along with its Gross National Product, Bhutan is a land of monasteries, temples and Tibetan and Bhutanese culture. The vibrant streets and Himalayan beauty make this forested place a hot favourite among tourists. Honking isn’t permitted here, so you can look forward to a peaceful visit. The Paro Dzong is a popular structure in the country, known for its renovation from a watchtower to a national museum. Visit Taktsang Gompa, the most popular monastery in Bhutan, located at 2952 feet above Paro Valley. Trongsa Dzong and Punakha Dzong are other historic sites.
Trek up to the Taktsang Monastery for a breathtaking view of the Paro Valley
3. Costa Rica
As per the Happy Planet Index (HPI) by MoveHub, Costa Rica is the happiest country in the world with an index score of 64.6. This adventure land boasts of a wide array of things-to-do and places-to-see, covering jungles, beaches and volcanoes with vivid plant and animal life. Visit the cone-shaped Arenal Volcano and the Poás Volcano National Park for Costa Rica’s most magnificent volcanoes. Travel to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve to view the best in wildlife or get an adrenaline rush with white water rafting on the Pacuare River.
Arenal Volcano is one of the most picturesque locations in Costa Rica
4. Vietnam
Following Costa Rica closely on the HPI with a score of 64, Vietnam is home to some of the most contented people in the world. The country’s natural beauty and unparalleled heritage draws tourists to this Asian region to interact with the determined and resilient Vietnamese people. Not to mention, fairy tales and dragon stories lie deep within the crooked islands and formations of Halong Bay – which has a great mythical story to supplement it. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City both overflow with culture and history.
Take a cruise down Halong Bay to soak in its natural beauty
5. Finland
Warm summers with ceaseless light and icy winters with sparkling snow, Finland is known for its architecture, design, music and reindeer meat! Helsinki ranked eighth overall in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Liveability Survey in 2012, and has featured in the lists of Legatum Institute’s Prosperity Index (PI) and the Global Peace Index. Visit the Suomenlinna (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Seurasaari Island for museums, shipyards, monuments and traditional houses. Get a glimpse of Finnish design at the IKEA store in Vantaa, or go up to the deck at the Hotel Torni for a breath-taking view of Helsinki.
A panoramic view of Old Town in Helsinki at night
6. Norway
Once topping the Legatum Institute’s Prosperity Index, Norway has also had the highest Human Development Index from 2001 to 2006 and from 2009 to 2014. The country’s locally upheld traditions, rocky islands, steep fjords and large glaciers have dubbed it one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Visit Heddal Stave Church, one of Norway’s 28 stave churches for a touch of history. Another must see is the Nærøyfjord in the Nærøyfjord valley, which is also home to the Kjelsfossen waterfall.
With some luck, you might be able to witness the Northern Lights while in Norway
7. Venezuela
Ranking number nine on the HPI, Venezuela steals the show because of its Caribbean coastline, pristine islands, sky blue waters, amazon wildlife, gushing waterfalls and sand dunes. For adventure lovers, there are opportunities for scuba diving, paragliding, kitesurfing and hiking. Spend the night on hammocks along the base of Angel Falls, the world’s highest waterfall at 3211 feet. Don’t miss the Canaima National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which hosts over a 100 tabletop mountains, caves and plateaus.
Angel Falls in Venezuela make for an awe-inspiring sight
8. Colombia
With the second highest number of annual holidays, it’s no wonder that Colombia ranks third on the HPI. Known worldwide for its Colombian coffees, this South American country covers everything from culture to adventure. It’s not just certain cites that are worth visiting, but entire cities too. Stroll along the streets of Old Town to experience a walled town filled with palaces known for their architecture. Visit the sparkling gold museum, Tayrona Coastal Park and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mompos.
An old abandoned market in Mompos
9. Belize
The lesser known Belize stands high on the HPI, with a ranking of four. This young nation is a blend of the Caribbean and Central America with a rich history of the Maya kingdom. Even the cultures are a good mix here, with Mayan, European, Hispanic and Creole forming some of the dominant culture groups. If that wasn’t enough, it’s also the birthplace of chewing gum! The Belize Barrier Reef is the second biggest in the world and not to be missed. The Lighthouse Reef should be next to visit, on your list, for a dive into the Blue Hole Natural Monument. For the best in nature and wildlife, visit the Belize Zoo.
The Belize Barrier Reef is a hot favourite among diving enthusiasts
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