Almost every traveller can agree that feeling welcomed is a huge benefit when abroad. A well-meaning reception ensures our strong sense of security. The friendly atmosphere of a destination is what draws a person back to it, time and time again, and makes it popular. But before we can book a trip and spend our hard-earned money on it, how to know which countries and cities are the most welcoming to visitors? Well, here are some of the friendliest countries in the world to add to your travel bucket list today, as curated by our agents at Delta Cox.
Very often, when it comes to the festive season, travellers may get torn whether to head to a country to immerse in the culture of the season or travel to a country to get away from the season! The general vibes for both will be different and of course, it will depend on the individual. This Lunar New Year, Delta Cox have done the research for you and came up with some of the best places to travel to and experience the best!
From the majestic River Nile to the astounding beauty of Pyramids of Giza, Egypt offers plenty of gorgeous landscapes to admire and countless activities to do! If you’re an avid fan of movies like Transformers or The Mummy series, you’d see that Egypt gives off a different vibe than many other countries. With the vast grand desert, thousands of years of history and breathtaking historic monuments, Egypt is a living Instagram feed.
Try basking in the view of the Abu Simbel Temple, the eye-catching walls of the traditional Nubian Villages or the majestic views of the Pyramids of Giza. Even better, trek to the peak of Mount Sinai and catch the sunrise for some unforgettable views. See a taste of European elegance when you visit the beauty of Alexandria.
Greece is one Instagram worthy destination you cannot miss! With its absolutely-picturesque and iconic cityspace of distinct white-and-blue architecture and gorgeous beaches, this European island is popular with those who seek some oceanside photos or beautiful architecture. Almost no picture that you can take there will look bad!
Wander the pretty Acropolis in Athens and its beautiful museums, take a walk at the archaeological site of Delphi, the historic Palace of Knossos, the majestic Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki or the incredible medieval Old Town of Rhodes. Greece also has an array of islands you can visit like Corfu or Santorini, all carrying its own charm. Because there are so many islands to visit, you may be unsure as to which would be the best for you, but fret not! That’s why Delta Cox is always ready to assist you.
Situated in the remote West Papua province of Indonesia, Raja Ampat Islands is an archipelago of four main islands and more than 1,000 smaller ones. Although many may not have heard of this beauty, you can be sure that its beauty is unspoiled by modern creations. A hotspot for biodiversity, Raja Ampat Islands have among the richest seascape in the world and is home to a magnificent stretch of azure waters, amazing coral colonies and stunning islands. With crystal-clear waters and what people would call a “diver’s paradise”, this archipelago is definitely one Instaworthy destination.
Raja Ampat’sPiaynemo is an exceptionally popular reason as to why people want to visit this destination. Postcard-perfect view, it is an actual postcard for the tourist board. A fun-sized cluster of karst islands, you get to admire this jaw-dropping scenery from a viewpoint. Sure, getting there is hard work, but be sure that this will get the likes you need.
Colombia’s Bogota is one of Latin America’s most lively cities. Brimming with art, history and culture, it is a great destination to visit!
La Candelaria, one of its must-visit sites, holds Bogota’s history, and is decorated with traditional, colourful buildings, street art and amazing restaurants, all with a colonial charm. This picturesque neighbourhood is home to several of Colombia’s important ministry buildings, the presidential houses and Plaza Bolivar, proudly showcasing Colombia’s history to visitors. While you are there, sample one of the most popular coffee in the world (the Colombian coffee), in one of its many coffeehouses! Want a shopping spree? Then visit the Usaquen Sunday market and shop for a variety of products, all within a gorgeous historic backdrop. The lowkeyChapinero Alto is also a great place to visit! One of the most sought-after sites would be the stunning view offered by the 10,000ft Cerro de Montserrate, reachable by cable car.
Many may not know but USA’s Yellowstone is the world’s first national park. Located in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, the park is known to lure visitors every season aside from winter, but many forget that visiting it in December has its perks! December is a marvelous time for wildlife-spotting in the park because that’s when these precious animals like brown bears move to hot springs for warmth in December’s winter.
Their Snow coach tours bring you to all the main attractions such as Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. This national park also offers multiple opportunities for a great adventure where you can ski or snowshoe to beautiful sights and likely have them to yourself because it is typically not as crowded in December! Best thing about visiting it in December? The contrast between the calmingly beautiful snow against Yellowstone’s volcanic landscape like its steaming rivers and mud-pots is one raved to be an absolutely unforgettable experience.
There’s a reason why tourism to Africa’s Uganda increase every Winter: lush greenery and dry weather makes it ideal for adventure-seekers for gorilla tracking or wildlife-spotting in general for that matter. This final month of the year is also a great time for boat safaris hoping to catch a glimpse of the Big Five – lion, elephant, capebuffalo, leopard and rhinoceros – the most difficult animals to track by foot, as these animals move from dry land to water sources like springs.
Better yet, opt for a trek into the urban jungle on top of wildlife adventures for a more wholesome experience. Visit its charming capital city, Kampala, for some good food, bars and enjoy contemporary shows at Afriart Gallery. For those who worry about the crowd, Uganda is still a relatively up-and-coming East African destination, which makes it an even better choice to travel!
Sounding similar to another city in Japan, many would probably not know where Fiji is. A country in the South Pacific, Fiji is part of Oceania, that is close to Australia and New Zealand. Known for its rugged landscapes, gorgeous beaches, and heaven-like tropical islands, Fiji is the quintessential paradise to travel to. Sink your feet into soft white sands and reward yourselves! It is also known to be welcoming, where majority of Fijians reside at the two major islands – VitiLevu and Vanua Levu.
Falling early in the rainy season is a good time to visit Fiji and its 333 islands because there will short bursts of showers in the afternoon to alleviate some midday heat. Fiji offers an abundance of private island resorts for those who seek privacy or essentially, just some quiet time with your family, partner or even alone. In fact, the popular film (among many others) Cast Away starring Tom Hanks was filmed in Fiji! That aside, Fiji is also brimming with beautiful waterfalls, clear waters and vibrant sea life. Underwater adventure is a must when visiting Fiji with countless species of fish and coral, and home to the world’s third longest barrier reef – the Great Sea Reef. Or you can visit Taveuni, hosting gorgeous sites like the Tavoro Falls and Signtaga Sand Dunes.
Perhaps more popularly known for the movie with the same name and it’s incredibly-catchy “I got to move it, move it” theme song, Madagascar is the biggest island in the Indian Ocean. Famous for its biodiversity and unique wildlife, Madagascar serves jaw-dropping views, lush rainforests, gorgeous beaches, and delicious local cuisines!
Get a chance to see lemurs, Madagascar’s ultimate hallmark, the small black and white ring-tailed Lemur Catta species that is only found in Madagascar. With over 60 species present throughout Madagascar, these primates are presently classified as endangered species, and considerably one of the most endangered since they are only found on this island. Home to lesser-known wild creatures like uniquely coloured chameleons and giraffe weevil, you should also visit the aesthetically-beautiful ecoregion of its woodlands or the limestone karst warren of Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve. Towards the last two months of the year, you may be able to spot baby whales and their mothers playing in the Nosy Be shallow waters or even listen to the majestic song of the males. Early December is also a great, off-peak period to visit, some time before heavier showers later in the month.
Known for its biodiversity and history, Galapagos Island is a province of Ecuador and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Popular historic figure, Charles Darwin, a naturalist, first theorised the concept of natural selection when he set shores on this island. With stunning beaches, picturesque setting and vibrant sea life, Galapagos Islands is raved by many to be a destination deserving of your bucket list! In fact, Galapagos islands is regarded as one of the world’s foremost sites for wildlife-spotting.
While also considered to be a great year-round destination, winter is a good time to visit the island as the weather changes from the dry but cool season of the last six months of the year, to the warm and wet season of the first half. This period offers great wildlife viewing opportunities, cool temperature, diving-perfect waters, and right on clock to witness Giant Tortoise eggs hatching, and the start of sea lion mating season
As United Kingdom sets its exit from the European Union, everyone is faced with the decision to brace for its economic and social impact. Those who of us who travel across borders a lot would wonder: what are its lasting effects on international travelling? Passport and visa issues are a given, so what else should travellers brace for?
