3 of the happiest countries we’ve visited

Ok, but how can we rank a country’s happiness?

According to the World Happiness Report, Finland is the happiest country in the world, but how is this calculated? In a nutshell: happier nations distribute power more evenly, and are more comfortable with uncertainty and risk-taking. Ok, but can ‘happiness’ truly be quantifiable? Or maybe each country has its own definition of what happiness is? Either way, we’re not psychology experts (shock), but what we have done is travelled far and wide and encountered joy in every corner of the world.

With all this considered, we had a look at some of the happiest countries we’ve visited in the world, and here are our top 3:

 THE PHILIPPINES 
The Philippines was recently named the second-happiest country in Southeast Asia, according to the 2024 World Happiness Report. Having visited the country, we can certainly confirm we felt the magnetic joy of the Filipinos, who were smiling, open and welcoming to visitors and locals alike!

COSTA RICA
You’ve surely heard it, Pura Vida is Costa Rica’s unofficial national slogan, meaning “pure life.” It’s come to embody the cheerful lifestyle of the Costa Ricans, who seek to live life fully, presently, and harmoniously with their surroundings. So much so, “pura vida” has also become a way to say “thank you,” “you’re welcome” and “that’s great” in day-to-day life, and we certainly felt its effects when we were there.

MAJORCA
Not only is this a naturally happy island, but it’s naturally beautiful too. We were presented with stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and welcoming locals. Its breathtaking landscapes and gorgeous Mediterranean climate make it a perfect destination for relaxation and adventure.