If you love traveling to meet new people and explore the world, you’ll want to pick a destination that’s as friendly as possible. Often, the people you meet can be the highlight of your trip. Like the bartender in Beijing who took us to karaoke and did a hilarious Chris Martin impression, or the restaurant owner in Istanbul who introduced my kids to his pet cats. For those who value friendliness, here are the top 5 friendliest countries to visit according to a new study by Remitly:
1. **Sweden**
Sweden might not be the first place you think of for friendly destinations, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Swedes may seem reserved at first, but they are incredibly warm and welcoming to travelers. The West Sweden Tourism Board even has a program called ‘Meet the Locals’ where you can connect with residents eager to share their passions. You can browse profiles and meet locals for unique experiences, like walking around the beautiful Island of Hönö with Sarah, riding through the countryside in an Oldsmobile with Ann, or spending the day with Inger who knits her own cardigans. Each experience is unique, making it perfect for those seeking authentic local interactions.
2. **Mexico**
Mexico is known for its strong sense of community and high happiness levels, making it a great place to meet locals. It’s the most popular international destination for American travelers. One of the best ways to interact with locals is by joining a festival or celebration. For example, during the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos), tourists are encouraged to join in and interact with locals. This year, it falls on Saturday, November 2, so plan your trip accordingly.
3. **Croatia**
Croatia is famous for its stunning beaches, lush natural parks, and vibrant cities. The Plitvice National Park is a must-visit, with entry tickets costing 40 euros ($42) per person. Croatia is also the 3rd friendliest country in the world, with locals known for their politeness and generosity. If you want to meet locals before you travel, you can use the Meetup app, which is very active in Croatia, especially in Zagreb.
4. **Greece**
Greece is the 2nd friendliest country in the world, with hospitality being a huge part of Greek culture. When you arrive at a hotel or restaurant, you’re sure to receive a warm welcome. Greeks also love children, and it’s common for kids to be hugged by strangers in restaurants. If you’re traveling without kids, you might be invited to someone’s home for a home-cooked dinner. Greeks take pride in sharing stories about their towns and villages, and you’ll likely make friends quickly in a local taverna.
5. **South Africa**
South Africa is officially the friendliest country in the world. While chance encounters with locals are often rare, they’re common in South Africa. Locals frequently greet strangers on the street and are generally social, happy to engage, and eager to show off their humor. English is one of the official languages, so you won’t need to learn a new language to interact. If you want to ensure local connections, you can use a website like Showaround to find locals in Johannesburg who speak English and want to explore the city with you for an hourly fee.