The world is a vast playground for those with itchy feet and a penchant for passport stamps. Sure, there are all the standard top places to see in the world but how about the less obvious places? The quirky coves and astonishing aspects of the world that most people couldn’t even dream of. Or, if you are like us and just love to visit really happy places…fear not, if you need some places like that ticking off your travel to do list then the following will most certainly be of interest to you;
1. Vanuatu
Surely there is nothing more idyllic than slumming it in a hammock swinging gently in the afternoon breeze over white sands with nothing to see for miles but palm trees and azure coast lines – something that the fine folk from the South Pacific Island of Vanuatu would have to agree with. This incredible island boasts some of the most incredible beaches, lush landscape and a sense of community so unlike anywhere else it managed to top the New Economics Foundations Happy Planet Index
2. Bhutan
When you think of tranquillity and a sense of calm, surely monasteries clinging precariously to the edge of cliffs and a lack of traffic lights is the first thing that comes to mind. If that is the case then Bhutan – the last remaining Buddhist Kingdom in the world, the size of Indiana with the population of Alaska is the place for you. By gripping tightly to the traditions of Buddhism and near enough banning the modern world and its technologies, this wonderful spot on the map is the only country in the world that has a Gross National Happiness. The GNH is measured on local’s quality of life, by balancing material goods and spiritual development, surely a place we could all learn a little.
3. Andorra
If happiness is measured by a nation’s health then Andorra must be smiling from ear to ear, with the world’s longest life expectancy at 83.5 years. It is thought that the reason for the extended life expectancy is down do the beautiful clean Pyrenean air, the average altitude of 1996m, or maybe it’s the beautiful fresh produce, or how about all of the outdoor pursuits the area is famous for? It’s such a happy place, that when Insurance Broker Endsleigh were compiling their list of tips on how not to die, they listed Andorra as the perfect place to live due to how jolly happy and healthy it is.
So there you have it, a handful of places that might have completely passed you by, you are welcome!
Enjoy
Image source: Endsleigh;
