Top 10 Friendliest Countries in the World

The current news may seem doom and gloom, but travelling evokes a different vibe. You may experience a country through a unique cultural lens.

Not every experience is alike, so what really defines a “friendly country?” Researchers from an ex-pat organization (“Expat Insider”) set out to learn just that. The group surveyed travellers from over 180 countries to find patterns in their experiences.

Source: https://www.portugalproperty.com

The study concluded with a list of the top 65 friendliest destinations in the world and the top 10 were:

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 traveller-friendly country.

Surveyed travellers note that Portuguese locals go above and beyond with hospitality and neighbourliness. 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 travellers note how open and friendly Taiwanese locals are to tourists, especially Taipei. There’s also the gorgeous Taroko National Park, Sun Moon Lake, and the 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

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 travellers who don’t speak Arabic.

6. Costa Rica

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 travellers because of its friendliness. Surveyed ex-pats and travelers overwhelmingly agree that Oman locals are warm and welcoming to new visitors.

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.

Travellers flock to Cartagena for its folk music traditions, art, history, and world-famous coffee of course. Surveyed travellers 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

 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 travellers 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.

Wonder why Malaysia is not on the top 10? Maybe Tourism Malaysia could explain.

Reference:

Top 10 friendliest countries in the world, Lifestyle, 9 Feb 2020 https://blog.timesunion.com