Tag: Switzerland

Happiest Countries To Visit

Are you looking for your next vacation destination? Why not consider visiting what this feature article from Travel + Leisure considers to be one of the happiest countries in the world? These positive and welcoming destinations from Travel + Leisure’s list are sure to leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. From stunning natural landmarks to mouthwatering restaurants, these countries offer something for everyone. In this blog post, we will explore the happiest countries in the world, including Switzerland, Sweden, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Iceland, New Zealand, Finland, Norway, and Denmark. So pack your bags and get ready for a happy adventure!

Norway

There are many factors that contribute to a country’s happiness, such as economic stability, social support systems, and quality of life. Norway consistently ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world due to its strong welfare system and high standard of living. Norway is a country known for its stunning natural beauty, from the fjords to the Northern Lights. But what makes Norway truly unique is its focus on happiness and quality of life. In fact, it has consistently ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world. One reason for this may be their emphasis on work-life balance. Norwegians value leisure time and prioritize spending time with family and friends over working long hours.

Denmark

Denmark, known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture, is one of the happiest countries in the world. The country boasts a high standard of living and a strong social welfare system that contributes to its citizens’ overall well-being. One of Denmark’s most notable landmarks is the Little Mermaid statue located in Copenhagen. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along Nyhavn Harbor while sampling traditional Danish cuisine in some of the city’s best restaurants.

Denmark also offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities like cycling through lush green forests or taking a dip in one of its many pristine beaches. For those looking for something more laid-back, there are plenty of cafes and cozy shops where you can relax with a cup of coffee. The Danes are renowned for their positive outlook on life and their love for hygge (coziness), which makes it easy to feel at home during your visit. So if you’re looking to escape from the stresses of everyday life, Denmark might just be the perfect vacation destination!

Iceland

Iceland is known for its stunning natural beauty and unique landscapes, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking adventure and relaxation. The country is home to numerous glaciers, volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and waterfalls that can be explored on foot or by car. One of the most popular attractions in Iceland is the Blue Lagoon.This geothermal spa offers warm waters infused with minerals that are believed to have healing properties. Visitors can soak in the lagoon while admiring views of the surrounding volcanic landscape.

Switzerland

Switzerland is known for its stunning natural landscapes, delicious chocolate, and efficient transportation system. It’s one of the happiest countries in the world, ranking fourth in the 2021 World Happiness Report. When it comes to vacationing in Switzerland, there are plenty of options for outdoor activities such as skiing or hiking. The Swiss Alpsoffer some of the best ski resorts in Europe with breathtaking views. In addition to exploring nature, Switzerland has an abundance of restaurants offering traditional dishes like cheese fondue and raclette. Don’t forget to try their famous chocolate too! Switzerland is also home to several iconic landmarks such as the Matterhorn and Jungfraujoch.

New Zealand

New Zealand is a country located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main islands, the North Island and South Island, as well as numerous smaller islands. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, New Zealand offers many exciting opportunities for outdoor adventures. New Zealand also boasts some great cities such as Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch which offer plenty of restaurants, shopping centers, and cultural experiences.

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The Best Untapped Destinations in Europe for 2019

It turns out, after years of vacationing to different areas, that some of the best memories come from the hidden and quite locations not many people have heard of before and also happen to be the Best Untapped Destinations.  The empty white, sandy beaches. The cobblestone streets where you are the only tourist.  These experiences truly immerse you in another land and culture without the touristy traps.  Once the general public finds out about an amazing destination, it’s only natural that the large influx of travelers morph that destination in some way.  Menus begin having English captions and suddenly street vendors are selling impostor goods in an attempt to appeal to the American spender.

Thanks to Travel + Leisure, we have compiled a great list of untapped European destinations for you to advantage of before everyone finds out!  Put these Best Untapped Destinations on your bucket list and get ready to have a genuine and authentic travel experience like no other.

Best Untapped Destinations in Europe in 2019

1.    Giornico, Switzerland

The ancient but well preserved village of Italian-speaking Giornico with its stone houses, vineyards and chestnut forests, is located in the Leventina Valley (Canton Ticino) in southern Switzerland. Architecture buffs will enjoy the seven churches, including the beautiful 12th century Romanesque Church of St. Nicholas. To fully appreciate it, drive north 35 miles from the popular lake resort towns of Ascona and Locarno and find the turnoff for Giornico, a stone relic of 14th-century Europe hiding off the main road. Down in the valley and rests a trickling little river crossed by two arching stone bridges. Take a gander at the impressive views of scenic road and rail routes, rock faces and waterfalls. Grotto dei due Ponti, a family-run restaurant serves dishes like spezzatino (meat ragoût) with polenta and overlooks the river.

2.    Kotor, Montenegro

Wedged between mountains and the bay, Kotor is a medieval maze of museums, churches, cafes and Venetian palaces. This is a perfect example of why some of these are some of the Best Untapped Destinations. It’s a delightful marriage of the past and present. Children race down cobblestone roads toward centuries-old school houses. Lines of laundry flap from wrought-iron balconies. At night, Kotor’s spectacularly lit-up walls glow as the streets buzz with live music and castle-top clubbing.  The wealthy British are scrambling to scoop up real estate in Kotor. The locals (dark-haired, green-eyed people of the Black Mountains which is where Montenegro gets its name) have opened restaurants to introduce visitors to the local fare.

3.   
Kotor, Montenegro

Ancient poets, fertile countryside, draping Cypress trees, neverending vineyards and olive groves…this truly is the gem of Tuscany.  Bolgheri boasts castles straight out of a Disney tale, like the castle of the Gherardesca Counts of Bolgheri, near Piazza Santa Teresa.   The churches are majestic as they are serene, such as the church of Saints Giacomo and Cristoforo, the oldest in the area. Carducci, author of the famous and timeless Rime Nuove, wrote beautiful poetry about the lines of Cypress trees, now numbering more than 2,500 and the only local vegetation that buffalos won’t eat. Take a bike ride over through the gentle hills of the hinterland and you will see the coast and the sea. In nearby Bibbona only 5 miles away, you’ll find the Relais Sant’Elena, a 15-room estate with canopy beds and pasta-making classes.

4.    Lavenham, England

This medieval wool town has extraordinarily well-preserved Tudor buildings and is unofficially labeled the prettiest town in England.  It’s tiny – the population hasn’t ever exceeded 2,000 – yet it is the 14th-richest town in England. This is thanks to its wool making.  Lavenham has a long history of fabrics. It was at one point exporting its fabrics as far as Russia making its wool merchants so rich that in 1487 Henry VII fined some of them for being ostentatious.

After the war, the area become impoverished for over 300 years, leaving the residents unable to afford architectural upgrades to stone and wood.  After hundreds of years, the architectural style became fashionable again and is a strong draw for tourists as it feels like a step back into time.

Let us know what you think about some of the Best Untapped Destinations in Europe right now. Have you heard of them or visited any of these?

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