Travel Destinations

The Top 10 Friendliest Countries for Tourists in 2020

For many, the warmth and friendliness of locals can make or break a holiday. To help you choose a country that will welcome you with open arms, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 friendliest countries for tourists in 2020.

Canada

America’s northern neighbour is always getting a bad rap for being overly friendly, but that’s exactly why so many people love it. Canada is a country that always feels like you’re in a small friendly town no matter where you are visiting, be it the big cities of Ontario or the remote villages of the Northwest Territories, there are always welcoming Canadians there to give you a helping hand.

Ireland

Ireland is the country of craic. Travelling here, it’s easy to feel like one of the gang, from enjoying a night at the pub, where you’ll make new friends to exploring the countryside where everyone will great you with a ‘good morning!’ The friendliness is infectious. You’ll never have to worry about getting lost here as there’ll always be a friendly local who will be happy to give you directions. The Irish are proud of their country and heritage and enjoy showing tourists around. To summarize just how friendly the Irish are, the traditional Irish welcome, Céad míle fáilte, literally translates to a hundred thousand welcomes. What more could a tourist want?

Thailand

Thailand isn’t dubbed the Land of a Thousand Smiles for nothing! The country is one of the top 20 friendliest in the world. Explore pristine beaches, exceptional jungles, historic Buddhist temples and the bustling cities of Bangkok and Chang Mai. If that’s not enough you can also volunteer in animal sanctuaries or one of the many environmental initiatives the country has to offer. If you are looking for adventure, value for money and friendly, welcoming locals, then Thailand is the place for you.

Portugal

Portugal has often been named the friendliest country in the world to visit. The country has a strong sense of togetherness, with neighbours looking out for one another and instilling a strong sense of community, even in bustling cities. If this isn’t enough to tempt you here, the stunning beaches, unique al fresco culture, fine wines and famous Pastel de Natas will do just that. Make sure to include a trip to the cities of Lisbon and Porto on your trip, whilst also exploring the wild Atlantic coast of the Algarve, complete with cliff-edge fishermen and plenty of idyllic whitewashed houses. 

Iran

Iran gets a bad rap in the western press, but the country is home to some of the most welcoming people in the world. Iranians are well-known for their generous hospitality and you can expect to receive many invitations for a cup of tea in a local’s house. Unlike many other places, there is no catch involved and you will not be pressured to buy anything or be expected to pay for the privilege. Iranians are just thrilled to have tourists taking an interest in their culture and heritage and will happily share it with you. It is important to note, however, that if you have a British or American passport you cannot travel freely in the country and have to visit through an organized tour. 

Egypt

Egypt’s unsettled political past is currently behind it, with the British govt lifting flight bans to Sharm El Sheik in 2019. Tourism is a vital form of employment for many Egyptians, so this means that there is a welcoming, albeit overbearing attitude towards holidaymakers. In 2020 the country is due to open the Grand Egyptian Museum at Giza, which will draw more tourists than ever before. The country’s tourism minister has been working hard ensuring that tourists will have a safe, enjoyable stay. There is currently an issue with harassment in Cairo, but outside the aggressive ticket touts, Egyptians are friendly, welcoming and genuinely thankful that you are coming back to visit their wonderful country. 

Vietnam

Vietnam’s tourism industry is booming. The country welcomes tourists with a friendly and gentle vibe and is a much-needed breath of fresh air for tourists looking to get away from touts or some of the more common tourist scams in South East Asia. Enjoy your time sipping on a beer and helping locals practice their English in a street bar in Saigon or dance the night away with newfound friends in a karaoke bar in Hanoi. It’s easy to make friends with locals here and you will always find someone willing to help you, without having to pay a price.

Brazil

Brazilians are warm, welcoming and friendly. This is the perfect place to let out your wild side at the biggest known party in the world – the Rio Carnival. The culture here is varied and exciting and there will always be plenty of locals willing to chat and exchange ideas with over a drink. The important thing to remember about Brazil is that even though it is a warm and welcoming country there are high rates of crime here so you have to vigilant and exercise caution throughout your trip. 

Cambodia

Cambodia is most known as the home of the ancient temple ruins of the sprawling city of Angkor Wat. Cambodians are happy to help tourists and genuinely appreciate it when you are interested in their culture and history. It’s easy to feel at home in Cambodia and you will often be surprised at how much people here will go above and beyond to ensure you have an amazing holiday.

Spain

Enjoy a casual, relaxed pace whilst holidaying in Spain. This popular European destination is known for its welcoming people, family-friendly ethos and delicious cuisine. The country has many destinations to choose from, such as the coastal regions of the south, the Catalan capital of Barcelona to the North or the cooler region of Galicia where the famous Santiago de Compostela walk is held. As a tourist in Spain, you can expect a laid-back attitude and plenty of locals who will be willing to practice their English with you over some tapas and sangria.

Have we inspired you to pack your suitcase? Why not send your luggage direct to your destination with My Baggage? Give the airport carousel a miss this time around and ship your luggage directly from your home to your destination. Not only will you save money on airline baggage fees, but you’ll not have to drag your bags through a busy airport. Interested? Find out how to get a quick quote here.