Neha Mehrotra
20-Feb-2026
A travel guide to where the world goes to feel its happiest.
Travelling may be one of the simplest paths to happiness, but some destinations take it a step further by weaving it into every day you spend there. Consistently ranked among the world’s happiest places to live and visit, these countries have mastered the art of joy and rejuvenation.
1. Finland
(Image credits: Visit Finland, Photographer: Antti Pietikäinen/Harriniva)
Finland’s status as the world’s happiest country is closely linked to how its people spend their time outdoors. A key experience is the Finnish sauna. With more than three million saunas nationwide, you can experience everything from traditional wood-fired saunas to smoke saunas by lakes, paired with a refreshing cold plunge or sea swim. You can even find a Finnish sauna on a ferry, like Viking Line and Tallink-Silja, in a ski gondola, and even on a ferris wheel in Helsinki! Beyond saunas, Finland offers clean air, low noise pollution, and forest trails. In Lapland, the Northern Lights add a sense of wonder during winter months. Additionally, The Everyman’s Rights allows people to enjoy nature responsibly and pick berries, collect mushrooms or fish, giving rise to multiple foraging tours and fresh and healthy food.
2. Denmark
(Image Credit: Visit Aarhus)
Experience Danish happiness by embracing hygge (cosy contentment) through activities like cycling through Copenhagen, enjoying canal boat tours, visiting the Tivoli Gardens, and eating pastries. Plan a trip to Aarhus, Denmark’s happiest city. It’s close to beaches and forests and is full of cultural events and attractions such as the ARoS Art Museum and the cultural centre DOKK1. The Black Sun is also an uplifting experience. Each spring and autumn, hundreds of thousands of starlings gather at the Wadden Sea National Park and create incredible patterns in the sky at dusk. The Good Luck Troll has been a symbol of happiness, and there are many places where you can feel the magic of the trolls, including the original home of the Good Luck Troll – North Jutland.
3. Iceland
(image credits: iStock)
In Reykjavík, the capital city, it is very easy to get to a national park or open space where you can hike or walk by the river, coast or lakes. Just outside the city, you can also hike Mount Esja, a favourite local escape offering panoramic views over Reykjavík and Faxaflói Bay. Additionally, the world-renowned Iceland Airwaves music festival and the impressive museums showcasing Iceland’s history, heritage, and culture also play a key role. Every house has geothermal heating and the abundance of hot water is the reason for the leisure of soaking in local baths known as sundlaug, which is a must-try. Visit community pools such as Laugardalslaug or Vesturbæjarlaug or head to the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon, where you are greeted with striking volcanic landscapes. Walking along black-sand beaches and visiting waterfalls like Gullfoss and Seljalandsfoss also significantly contribute to the happiness factor.
4. Costa Rica
(image credits: iStock)
Costa Rica consistently ranks among the world’s happiest countries, a distinction deeply tied to its “pura vida” (pure life) philosophy. This approach to life is closely linked to longevity, best exemplified by Costa Rica’s famed Blue Zone on the Nicoya Peninsula. Towns such as Nicoya, Hojancha, and Santa Cruz are at the heart of this region, where locals walk daily, eat fresh, home-cooked meals, and maintain close family ties. The peninsula’s beaches, like Playa Samara, are known for their calm waters, walkable town, and strong sense of community. Playa Nosara, a wellness hub within the Blue Zone region, attracts travellers seeking balance through yoga, surfing, and mindful living. Beyond Nicoya, experience thermal hot springs near Arenal, forest bathing walks, and community-based eco-lodges across the country.
5. Bhutan
(image credits: Pexels)
The Himalayan Kingdom has unlocked the secret to happiness by balancing its traditions, spirituality, and modern life. Hike to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery, and explore stunning Dzongs (fortresses) like Punakha Dzong and Tashichho Dzong. Time your visit with one of Bhutan’s vibrant Tshechu festivals to witness masked dances, colourful costumes, and centuries-old rituals. For a taste of everyday Bhutanese culture, try your hand at archery, the national sport. Beyond its cultural riches, Bhutan’s landscapes are equally spellbinding. Enjoy scenic drives over the Dochu La Pass, or trek through the serene Phobjikha Valley, home to sweeping meadows and the endangered black-necked cranes. To slow down, end your day soaking in traditional hot stone baths known as mechu, believed to ease tired muscles and promote overall wellbeing.
6. Fiji
(Image credits: Tourism Fiji)
Fiji Tourism’s tagline, “Where happiness comes naturally,” rings true from the moment you arrive in the island nation. One of the most meaningful ways to experience Fiji is through its spirit of Loloma—a deep sense of care for the land, ocean, and community. You are encouraged to take part in Loloma Hour, a simple yet impactful initiative that invites you to spend an hour doing sustainable activities like planting coral, learning traditional crafts, or helping protect Fiji’s wildlife. Like the locals, you can also head to mud pools in Sabeto (Nadi) and Savusavu or hike national parks like the Sigatoka Sand Dunes, Vomo Island Fiji in the Mamanuca islands, or a multi-day hike across Viti Levu.
7. Austria
(Image credits: Österreich Werbung, Photographer: Stefan Strasser)
Austria offers slowing down, immersing yourself in culture, and spending time in nature. Start in Vienna and spend an afternoon practising Kaffeehauskultur at historic cafés. Order a melange, choose a slice of cake, and stay as long as you like. In the evening, attend a classical concert at the Vienna State Opera or Musikverein. Explore the Salzkammergut lake region, one of Austria’s most restorative landscapes. Swim in lakes such as Wolfgangsee or Attersee, take a boat ride across Hallstätter See, and walk through lakeside towns like St. Wolfgang and Hallstatt. These slow, water-based experiences are central to Austrian wellbeing. In summer, hike alpine trails, ride cable cars to panoramic viewpoints, and eat at mountain huts. In winter, ski at Kitzbühel or St. Anton.
8. Australia
(Image Credits: Cultural Attractions of Australia)
When in Australia, live like the Aussies — is the easiest way to find the answer to their happiness. Early mornings start at the beach; go where locals head out for a swim or surf sessions at ocean pools such as Bondi Icebergs in Sydney, Bronte Baths, or Merewether Ocean Baths in Newcastle. In Western Australia, Cottesloe and City Beach are sunrise favourites, followed by a flat white at a neighbourhood café. Australians are also masters of the weekend escape. Short road trips are a national ritual, with coastal and countryside favourites like Byron Bay, Noosa, Jervis Bay, the Blue Mountains, Margaret River, and the Mornington Peninsula. Sport is woven into the national psyche. Attend backyard cricket matches, play beach volleyball or gather at pubs for AFL, rugby, or cricket matches.
9. Switzerland
(image credits: iStock)
In Switzerland, happiness is often poured into a glass of wine. The heart of Swiss wine culture lies in Lavaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site along Lake Geneva. Terraced vineyards cascade down towards the water, best explored on foot or by vineyard train, with frequent stops for tastings at family-run cellars. The vineyards of Vully offer three thematic educational trails, including the Chemin la Riviera wine trail from Sugiez to Môtier, the Chemin Pinot Noir and the Chemin Chasselas, a 5 km route through the villages of Constantine, Montmagny, Bellerive and Cotterd. In Mendrisiotto, the southernmost region of Switzerland, take a guided bike tour and visit three wineries and taste local wines. Additionally, the Alpine spa towns like Bad Ragaz, Leukerbad, and Scuol are built around thermal baths that encourage rest and recovery.
10. Abu Dhabi
(image credits: iStock)
Abu Dhabi has been ranked as one of the happiest cities to live in the world, and when you
have everything from beautiful beaches to theme parks and stunning scenery — the title holds true. On one hand, you can marvel at cultural and iconic landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque or the historic Qasr Al Hosn and on the other hand take it slow with a stroll along the Corniche Promenade, a visit to the Jubail Mangrove Park, or just relax on Saadiyat Beach. When it comes to adventure, Yas Island is home to a number of theme parks, including Ferrari World Yas Island and Warner Bros World Yas Island. The desert safaris, dune bashing, and sandboarding are staples of a holiday in the Middle East.
Cover Credits: iStock
