The friendliest country has been revealed, with the winner boasting not just a friendly population but beautiful beaches, wildlife reserves and stunning waterfalls
When picking a holiday destination, the friendliness of the country may not be the first thing you consider, but it’s certainly something that can make or break an otherwise perfect getaway.
While some countries have issued warnings against over-tourism, others have opened their doors with welcoming arms, leading to some being deemed “friendlier” than others.
And now Condé Nast Traveller has announced which countries are the friendliest destinations for tourists, as voted by their readers.
Two countries came out top, one in the Europe category and the other for the rest of the world. For Europe, Austria was voted as the friendliest country, while Costa Rica ranked first for the rest of the world.
Announcing Costa Rica’s win, the outlet reported: “Taking the top spot, Costa Rica is home to dynamic rainforests, world-class surfing and, of course, friendly people.
“‘Pura Vida’ (meaning ‘pure life’) is their national expression, used by locals as a greeting but also as a guiding principle. Costa Rican lifestyle is centred around positivity and gratitude, and this infectious optimism enriches the outlooks of visitors too.”
They added that Costa Rica has become a leading ecotourism destination in recent years, with 25 per cent of its land protected by conservation reserves.
Located in Central America, Costa Rica has tourists from all over the world, with plenty to do in the small country. And despite its small size, the country has a huge range of terrain.
From dense jungles to active volcanoes, beaches and mountains, you can see a wide range of scenery in a rather small amount of time.
The Visit Costa Rica website states: “Costa Rica is one of most highly valued tourism destinations on this planet. This small piece of land has all the necessary components to intrigue and continually satisfy the millions who visit each year. Costa Rica has extensive tourism offerings, including rainforests, volcanoes, rivers traveling through the mountains, beaches, national parks and forest reserves.”
The stunning landscapes also mean that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of options for accommodation with all inclusive hotels, mountain lodges, and cozy cabins, perfect for a romantic getaway.
