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Visit the World’s Happiest Countries

I have no idea what makes a country happy but I know they must make nice places to visit. Let’s explore the happiest countries in the world and see why we should check them out.

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According to some smart people Norway is the world’s happiest country followed by Denmark, Iceland and Switzerland. SO apparently being freezing cold 9 months out of the year equals happiness. I have no idea what makes a country happy but I know they must make nice places to visit. Let’s explore the happiest countries in the world and see why we should check them out.

How do you judge a country’s’ happiness? Well the smart people at the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) have figured some way out. Working for the United Nations the SDSN used tons of data and statistics to come to their findings. The main factors used were Happiness, Caring, Freedom, Honesty, Health, Income, Generosity and Good Governance.

Sweden

Scandinavian countries were well represented on this list with all their countries placing in the top 10. Sweden ties for 9th place and is such a wonderful place to visit. Stockholm has some amazing attractions and interesting architecture. Come for the Scenery and stay for their happiness.

 

Australia

Tied for 9th place is the happy people down under. Throw another shrimp on the barbie and drink a Fosters with some real happy folk. Check out the amazing Great Barrier Reef and scuba dive with thousands of animal varieties. Australia is a wonderful place to visit and see why everyone is so happy.

 

New Zealand

Australia’s neighbor and rival is number 8 on the happiness list. The kiwis are a boisterous and happy people known for being welcoming and helpful. The landscape in New Zealand is second to none and offers epic views at every turn. Incredible sailing and waters ports dominate the beaches and hikes and white water rafting are inland favorites.

 

Canada

We all knew Canadians were a happy people and they rank 7th on this list. Celebrating their 150th anniversary as a nation this year, there should be plenty of celebrations going on.   Check out Prince Edward Island where the independence from Great Britain was first discussed.

 

Netherlands

The Dutch are a happy people and their country is one of the best to visit. Celebrating their rich history, The Danish people have plenty to be happy about. Check out the Van Gogh museum or take a tour in the Heineken Brewery. Check out their famed marijuana coffee shops or stroll down the beautiful canals.

 

Finland

Scandinavia represents again with Finland and the 5th spot. A favorite winter sports destination, Finland is as beautiful during the summer. Check out their wonderful lakes and take in some beautiful landscapes.

 

Switzerland

The Swiss are always neutral but you shouldn’t be neutral about visiting the fourth happiest country on Earth. Enjoy the amazing mountains and outdoor activities in this natural playground. The Swiss have been at the top of this list since it’s inception.

 

Iceland

The island nation off on its own in the Atlantic Ocean is the third happiest country. Outdoor activities, the Northern Lights and some incredible thermal pools make Iceland an awesome destination. Reykjavik is an international city with huge attractions and natural beauty, outside the city offers the most intense experiences.

 

Denmark

Number two on the list is the happy people of Denmark. Copenhagen is my favorite European city and it is a must visit. Check out the tall ships and the cute coastal architecture all around Copenhagen.

 

Norway

The happiest country on the planet is Norway. The Scandinavian country has the happiest people and some of the most breathtaking views on the planet. All you have to do is see one fjord in person and you’ll understand natural beauty. The people of Norway are healthier and happier than anywhere on Earth. See why everyone is so happy and experience it for yourself.

 

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Destinations

7 Day Trip Ideas to Make at Least Once in Your Life

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Are you trying to plan a great day out? A day trip with friends, family, and loved ones is a great way to make lasting memories. But how can you plan a trip that everyone will enjoy?

Wherever you are, some outings will always work a treat. To help you, we have collected 7 amazing day trip ideas that you must consider before your next outing. 

1. Take a Rafting Trip

Rafting is a great activity, either as a family, with friends or as a couple. It is wet, wild, and a lot of fun as you cruise down a rapid river, working as a team to avoid those wet ravines. Yes, you will get soaked, but that is all part of the fun. 

Many companies have different levels of challenge, often including a beginners course. This means you don’t have to worry about going overboard and enjoying the scenery a little more, instead of strapping in for an extreme ride. Some can even include children aged four and upwards.

Most companies can offer full or half-day trips. You can find out more about service providers by clicking here.

2. Visit a Zoo

The Zoo is fun for all ages, from families with young children to couples on dates. Who would not want to spend a day trip looking at animals and the wonders of nature? Luckily, most places have a zoo within driving distance of their home, though sizes and the animals they have may vary.

If you don’t have a zoo close by, try to find other nature centers. You may have an aquatic life or ocean center you can visit. Many places have botanical gardens that can be used, so you can look at the flora and fauna from around the world. 

3. Visit a Local Farm

Once you get out of the city and into the countryside, the rolling farmland is something that can really be enjoyed by you and your family. While many farmers may be mad if you start trampling over their land unannounced, many farmers have side businesses and schemes that are inviting you for fun on their land. 

Try to find a farm that has fruit picking schemes. You could be selecting strawberries and cherries, which you can later use to cook delicious meals in the evening. 

Other farms offer camping and accommodation. You could stay on the farm and watch the daily goings-on, or head off to a local town for lunch. 

4. Day Trip Ideas at the Beach

This is a classic day trip that never gets old. Sun, sea, and sand are a winning combination, even if you do not go into the waves. Get set up with a beach towel and some beach activities likes football or volleyball, for fun and games. 

If you are brave and venture into the waves, then you can try surfing or bodyboarding. If you are looking for something a bit more relaxing, hire some fishing equipment. A day at the beach really does have something for everyone. 

Even if you avoid the promenade entirely, you can indulge in the ocean scene. Book a restaurant looking out into the ocean for an evening meal, so you can dine as the sunsets. 

5. Visit a Sports Game

Many people love to visit sporting events. Everyone has their favorite, from a classic ball game to a football showdown. But have you ever taken your family, or gone to see a sport you know nothing about?

If you look, you will see hundreds of sports you have never watched, going on live in your area. From pro wrestling to water polo, something weird and wonderful will be happening. Give it a go, push yourself, and you may even end the day with a favorite new sport.

6. The Fun of the Fairground

When the fairground comes to town, you should definitely take up the call. The lights, attractions, rides, and of course the mountains of sugar, can always make for a great day trip out. If going with children, you could provide them with some spending money so they can learn how to regulate their spending. 

If the fair is not in town, then try to locate your nearest theme park. Although many can be pricy if you turn up on the day, you can often see offers and coupons offering discounts if you plan in advance. It is standard that you must push yourself to go on the biggest ride possible. 

If the fairground and theme parks are not your thing, then consider the circus. Many circuses are modern affairs that treat animals well or don’t use them at all. You can experience acrobatics, magic, and gymnastics all under one roof.  

7. Find an Arcade

It is becoming increasingly popular to visit an old school, video games arcade. Many have started to appear in towns and cities, and they often have bars, cafes, and restaurants attached. They often have lots of classic games ready for you to play in really cool looking old arcade cabinets. 

If you take your family, you can challenge your children to games you used to play when you were younger. It is a great halfway house because it gets them away from gaming on the home console, yet combines their favorite activity with the interactions and socializing you want. Just be very careful they don’t beat you.

Do It All Again

Once you have the perfect day trip ideas and you find one you love, don’t be afraid to do it again. You may find a new hobby, or have an even greater day the second time around. Don’t be afraid to try something new!

If you enjoyed our handy article, then visit the rest of our blog. We can help you with everything, from planning your next holiday to saving money when you were there. Let us help you get the most from your travels, starting today!

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Destinations

Planet Earth IRL See Wild Animals on The Most Insane Tours Across the World

Give yourself something to binge-watch when you become your very own nature photographer with these insane tours with wild animals.

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Binge-watching nature documentaries is a great way to spend the day. Every time you turn one on, it’s impossible not to wonder what it would be like to see those animals in real life. Sure you might not be able to wear those sweatpants nor will you be able to put down all that ice cream, but to see these animals in their natural habitat in person would be a memory you can hold onto forever.

So why live vicariously through David Attenborough, when you can go see these animals yourself?

Give yourself something to binge-watch when you become your very own nature photographer with these insane tours with wild animals.

 

Russian Reindeer

While Russia isn’t quite the same as Santa’s workshop, you will probably see some red noses when you go into the Siberian Arctic to kick it with reindeer and their indigenous herders the Nenets.

The Nenets just started to allow tourists to come visit them and see how they use reindeer to sled, fish, hike, and camp. This all sounds cool, but actually, it’s cold! Temperatures can reach minus 58 degrees Fahrenheit (hence the red noses) so if you go don’t forget a jacket or eight.

 

River Rafting in Gabon

Africa is known for its safaris so what makes this one so special? Well, I’ll tell you. This tour is pack rafting in Ivindo National Park. So you can paddle by gorillas, chimpanzees and forest elephants. But wildlife isn’t the only amazing thing you’ll see. The rivers in Gabon are absolutely amazing, and the views of the forest and rivers are truly breathtaking. You’ll even cruise by Africa’s highest waterfall.

 

Track a Fossa in Madagascar

What the heck is a Fossa? Only Madagascar’s largest carnivorous predator. How could you not know that? What is your problem? I talk about fossas every single day. I’m always telling my friends that it’s a cross between a cat and a mongoose and they can grow up to six feet long. I tell that to my friends, but they already know, because my friends aren’t stupid.

It’s hard to find a fossa in the wild but it is super fun to track them. Along the way, you will see some lemurs and a bunch of other animals amongst the Baobab trees. I love that name. Baobab.

 

Gorilla Guides in Congo

Gorillas are awesome. So why not go see them in real life? Hit up the DR Congo’s Kahuzi-Biega National Park and go chill with these beasts.

This is a new tour, so you will be one of the first to check this place out and it will be the first time these gorillas hear “yo, what up?”

 

Jellyfish Snorkeling in Indonesia

Usually swimming with jellyfish is a bad idea. They sting you all over and then you have to have someone pee on you because that helps, I guess, somehow. But in the Indonesian province of West Papua, there are a ton of jellyfish that are stingless. So now you can snorkel with them and no one will have to pee on you unless you’re into that kinda thing.

You can hike or take a dinghy (another great word) to the lakes that hold all these jellyfish and then dive right in. They will surround your body and blow your Instagram up.

 

 

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Destinations

Hotel Heaven with Europe’s Most Beautiful Hotels

Kick your trip to Europe up a notch by staying in a hotel from this list of the most beautiful hotels that have to be seen to be believed.

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So you’re going to Europe and you don’t feel like staying in a hostel with twenty stinky travelers and a wonderful view of Europe’s most eye-popping dumpster. Well maybe kick your stay up a notch and stay in one of these lavish hotels so you can spend your nights enjoying the view and not clutching your passport.

 

Monastero Santa Rosa (Amalfi Coast, Italy)

The views of the Tyrrhenian Sea is stunningly beautiful from high above the legendary Amalfi Coast. This hotel is on top of a limestone cliff a thousand feet above the Tyrrhenian Sea so the views are unreal.

The hotel is actually a monastery from the 17th-century that has been converted so the building lives up to the views. The monastery has been restored magnificently and is a pleasure to spend time in. The heated infinity pool on the edge of the cliff is not to be missed, although I don’t think that was part of the original monastery.

 

Four Season Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet (Istanbul)

This hotel was Istanbul’s first prison but is now a luxurious hotel that will have you dying to get locked up.

The hotel is next to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace so there are endless things to do right outside of your cell. I’m just kidding, there are no cells, just 65 beautiful rooms decorated with original Turkish artwork and kilim rugs making your stay here truly a delight.

 

Mystique (Santorini, Greece)

This hotel has rooms that are carved into the side of a cliff. Pretty cool, right? Also, since you’re in Santorini, of course, the views are unreal.

Hit up the infinity pool and swim up to the pool bar so you can drink and pee at the same time, all while watching a glorious sunset over the Aegean Sea.

 

The Peninsula Paris (Paris)

In 1928 a fella by the name of George Gershwin wrote “An American in Paris” at this very hotel when it was called the Hotel Majestic. In 2015 The Peninsula Paris opened after they spent four years and $850-million to restore this hotel to its former awe-inspiring self.

Not only are there 200 amazing rooms, but there is a giant spa, a beautiful indoor swimming pool and even a rooftop restaurant with a beautiful view of the city.

 

Cliveden House (Berkshire England)

Get out of London and take a weekend in the astonishing English countryside at this gorgeous hotel.

This place has one of those hedge mazes that you’ve seen in movies but never thought actually existed. There’s also a walled garden that has a pool in it. Cha-ching!

The rooms are all named after someone from the house’s past like Henry James, Lady Astor and even the Prince of Wales and the rooms are decorated to match the name. Talk about relaxing English style.

Ashford Castle (Cong, Ireland)

Come stay in Ireland’s oldest castle. They built this place in 1228 just for you. When you think of a castle, you think of a pretty majestic place and you would be right. They have it all marble, silk, chandeliers and more that’s sure to make you feel like part of a royal family. Not only are you just staying in a castle, you’re also on the shores of Lough Corrib which is Ireland’s second largest lake. A castle on a lake, not too shabby.

 

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