The World's Most Welcoming Destinations
Welcoming and friendly people are what every traveler looks
for in a vacation destination. This is a compilation of those places, some you
might have expected and a few you probably didn't. Keep in mind that levels of English proficiency can often
play a direct role in whether a nation's citizens seem welcome to foreign
travellers.
(In alphabetical order)
Denmark,
Northern Europe
Danes are so friendly they'll pleasantly surprise even
the most hardened travellers. As a testament to the people of Denmark, 33 years
ago a section of Copenhagen declared itself a "free state" & has since lived
tax-free, rent-free, & law-free with little to no repercussions in the way of
lawlessness or disorder. The only rules are, no weapons, no hard drugs, & no
violence. Sounds good to me.
Egypt,
North Africa
Egypt, formerly a British Colony, maintains a high level of English among its
citizens. I'm approaching this list from an English-based centricity which is why
I find Egyptians to be friendly as opposed to say Moroccans, however English
does tend to be the common language of travellers venturing beyond their
borders. Beyond just that though the Egyptian people are warm and hospitable. While it's
unfortunate that terrorist acts can obscure people's opinions of certain
places, such as Egypt, it would be a shame to judge such a wonderful people from
the acts of so few.
Finland,
Northern Europe
Helsinki is often regarded as the world's friendliest capital, they say if you
stand on a street corner in the city with a map open that pedestrians will stop and ask you
if you need directions. On my first night in Helsinki I inadvertently decided to
test the theory. I was terribly lost and
skimming through a map when a girl stopped to ask if I needed help. Before she
could help me three other
people stopped to make sure I was getting the correct directions. I didn't
understand the directions entirely so the girl ended up walking with me for 10 minutes until I got
to my destination.
Holland,
Western Europe
I had the privilege of living in the Netherlands for a short time and I
don't think I've ever met a more welcoming or friendly people. Almost everyone
in the country speaks English as a second language and the
people are receptive if you have a problem or if you just would like to strike
up a pleasant conversation.
India,
South Asia
Some people might disagree with my placement of India in this list, and
while it is true that many of the people you'll meet while travelling in the
country will have an angle and might be attempting to sell you something, there's still
no denying the friendly nature of Indians especially towards foreigners. People
here are genuinely interested in foreign travellers and it's impossible to spend
any significant amount of time in the country without being invited into
people's homes for dinner and conversation.
Ireland,
Western Europe
Irish people on a whole are very friendly and always ready to buy a newcomer
a drink. Visitors to the country will feel the warmth and embrace of the Irish
people all the way from the small towns to the streets of Dublin.s
Philippines,
Southeast Asia
While I can't speak for the south of the country where there's been an
Islamic insurgency for the past few years, the Philippines for the most part is a very
friendly and safe country. Filipinos are renowned for their amiable natures and
in
making almost all visitors feel welcome. Also English levels in the country are
very good.
Singapore,
Southeast Asia
Singapore is a small city state in Southeast Asia at the southern tip of
the Malaysian Peninsula. Formerly a British colony, Singapore still retains
English as its official language. The country serves as a regional melting pot
of cultures and religions boasting large influences from ethnic Chinese, Malays,
and Indians. The people of Singapore are a very friendly bunch and the city
often feels more like a welcoming small town than a huge metropolis.
Sweden,
Scandinavia
Sweden is the third Scandinavian country I've mentioned thus far, and
while it may seem as if I'm playing favoritism I can tell you that the people
here are most definitely deserving of mention. I find it hard to imagine a
tourist here could ever find his or herself distressed for more than a few
minutes before finding assistance.
Switzerland,
Western Europe
Switzerland, the friendliness of Northern Europe but with a more
convenient location. While the country may be outrageously expensive there is no
doubting the friendliness of the people. It's the type of country where you
could leave your camera on a park bench and find it there on your return. (Please
don't try this.)
Taiwan,
East Asia
In a sometimes striking difference from their Mainland brethren,
Taiwanese people can be very welcoming towards foreigners and travellers.
English levels in the country aren't the best, but people are patient and very
helpful when it comes to things like giving travellers directions.
Thailand,
Southeast Asia
The pearl of Southeast Asia, Thais are renowned for their welcoming nature
and warm demeanors. Everyone from tourists to visiting businessmen can attest to
the strong sense of hospitality running through Thai veins. The only
discomfiture you'll run across in this country is in dealing with Bangkok taxi
drivers.
Turkey,
Middle
East
Turks are a great and honorable people. While it's true that
some solo female travellers have complained of the local's aggressiveness, this
would seem to be an exception and not the rule. Visitors to the country can look
forward to sharing tea and backgammon with a truly hospitable people.
United States,
North America
Of course it depends on where you go, travellers to the large northeastern
cities such as Boston or New York might not be raving about the friendliness of
Americans. But generally speaking the people of the US are very friendly and helpful.
Waitresses call you sugar, people will hold doors for you and the drivers are
courteous. The important thing is to remember not to judge America by
your airport experience.
Honorable Mentions
The following nations aren't exactly the epitome of welcoming
with their troubled pasts and all and as such they might not make it onto
anyone's travel itineraries in the near future, but I am sure you will not find
much friendlier people anywhere in the world.
Albania,
Eastern Europe
Albania gets a bad rap and is widely known for its criminality. While there
is an element of crime, Albanians through all their tribulations have managed to
maintain a homely and welcoming attitude. English levels aren't the best, but
the people are genuinely friendly. Not once while I was in the country did I
feel unsafe or unwelcome.
Kosovo,
Eastern Europe
Part of Kosovoans hospitality towards me was because I was an American. In a
reversal of some attitudes, Kosovoans generally maintain a positive opinion of
the United States and its politics. The support of the NATO nations during the
war and afterwards of Kosovo's independence will not soon be forgotten.
- Article written in whole by Dakota Smith - Travelers Digest
