Nordic Countries Once Again Named “World’s Happiest”

By Madigan Talmage-Bowers, TCS World Travel

As in past years, Nordic and northern European countries have claimed the top spots on the list of “world’s happiest countries” in the 2023 World Happiness Report, an annual ranking that aims to quantify the aspirational concept of happiness around the globe based on six measures of life evaluation: GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, generosity, social support, the freedom to make life choices, and the presence or absence of corruption. For travelers wanting to explore these happiness hotspots, here are ways to engage with local culture and natural attractions for a well-being boost.

Finland (Happiness Rank: #1)

Despite notoriously harsh winters, the reigning happiness champion draws visitors to its vast, pristine wilderness—about 75% of the country is forested—and distinct regional culture. In the south, the welcoming seaside capital of Helsinki offers cutting-edge Finnish architecture and design, with easy day trips to the charming artistic villages of Porvoo and Fiskars. Further north, the Sápmi area (also known as Lapland) brushes the Arctic Circle, offering extra hours to explore during summer’s “midnight sun.” In the winter, intrepid travelers willing to bundle up can experience ideal northern lights viewing opportunities and connection with the indigenous Sámi culture, known for the semi-nomadic practice of reindeer herding.

Denmark (#2)

Graceful Renaissance architecture paired with modern Danish design and a world-class culinary scene makes Denmark’s capital of Copenhagen one of the rising stars of European tourism. Gourmands are spoiled for choice among the city’s roster of Michelin-starred restaurants showcasing nouveau Nordic cuisine, while visitors interested in Danish arts and crafts can browse the showrooms of local designers, watch master glassblowers at work, or admire delicate porcelain creations at the Royal Copenhagen factory. Part of the Kingdom of Denmark (though about 700 miles offshore), the autonomous archipelago of the Faroe Islands offers untouched landscapes of wind-swept emerald heaths and stunning sea cliffs, alongside a distinct culture that includes a rich musical heritage and time-honored crafts such as Faroese wool knitting.

Iceland (#3)

Much more than an appealing stopover on transatlantic flights, Iceland is gaining traction as a destination in its own right, with easy connections from many European cities and a wealth of natural attractions. One of the continent’s smallest capitals, easy-going Reykjavik also ranks among the world’s most sustainable cities, thanks to an abundance of renewable geothermal energy and an ambitious goal to be carbon neutral by 2040. After a restorative soak and mud bath in the naturally heated Blue Lagoon, visitors often head to Southern Iceland’s popular Golden Circle touring route—showcasing otherworldly landscapes of waterfalls, bubbling geothermal fields, lava tubes, and glaciers that invite ice trekking or thrilling snowmobile tours.

Sweden (#6)

Most visitors to Sweden start at the enchanting capital of Stockholm, where the ochre-hued townhomes and Royal Palace of the Gamla Stan (Old Town) preside over a lacy network of canals and bridges connecting medieval and modern Stockholm. A cruise through the Stockholm Archipelago offers easy access to a network of nearly 30,000 islands—some with remnants of quaint fishing villages, while others are uninhabited landscapes of woodland and rocky cliffs. Over on Sweden’s North Sea coast, the riverside city of Gothenburg has earned the title of the “world’s most sustainable city” every year since the ranking was debuted by the Global Destination Sustainability Movement in 2016. Here, nearly 90% of hotels are eco-certified and an excellent dining scene showcases sustainable, locally sourced seafood.

Norway (#7)

Boasting the second-longest coastline in the world (after Canada), Norway offers spectacular natural landscapes alongside contemporary Scandinavian culture. In the vibrant capital of Oslo, travelers can admire groundbreaking Norwegian architecture on a tour of the iceberg-inspired Oslo Opera House or discover Norway’s seafaring heritage at the Viking Ship Museum, featuring magnificent longboats from the ninth century. On the southwestern coast, the city of Bergen is known for both its cultural cache (it’s home to one of the world’s oldest symphony orchestras) and as the gateway to Norway’s famous fjords. Further north, the majestic, snow-capped Sunnmøre Alps tower over the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord and offer a year-round playground, with alpine hiking in summer and snowshoeing or ski touring during snow season.

Switzerland (#8)

Switzerland packs a wealth of inviting destinations into its relatively small size. In the shadow of the towering Swiss Alps, mountain-chic resort towns like Zermatt, St. Moritz, and Gstaad boast some of Europe’s best ski terrain with world-class amenities to match. In French-speaking Lausanne, the Olympic Museum traces the history of the games through sculptural interpretations of the Olympic spirit along with a robust collection of sporting memorabilia. Nearby, the fertile Lavaux Valley is lined with UNESCO-listed vineyard terraces that have been producing wine for nearly a millennium. At one of many hillside wineries, oenophiles can savor a glass of wine paired with Swiss fondue and spectacular views over Lake Geneva.

About TCS World Travel

TCS World Travel has been dedicated to enriching lives through travel since its founding in 1991. As a pioneer in the private jet expeditions industry, TCS has developed and operated nearly 300 luxury jet tours to more than 200 destinations. To commemorate its legacy of travel, the company recently launched a brand-new expedition across Scandinavia and northern Europe aboard a customized A321 private jet. Travelers will be joined by TCS President Shelley Cline on the inaugural itinerary, departing in July 2024.

How to Tap Into the Culture Wherever You Go

By Kelly Gould for ALG Vacations®

If your home is a long-term relationship, then travel is the spark that keeps it going. It’s the return of the date night, the new look that reminds us we do love where we are and who’s beside us … but also that we need to do this more often.

Like any good shake-up, travel isn’t an action; it’s an experience. So, to get the most out of it, arrive at your destination—whether an hour away or an ocean away—with a curious mind. Being open to the local lifestyle will help you reflect on and appreciate your own, and, odds are, even change it for the better.

Follow these travel tips, and you’ll be tapping into the culture in no time.

*Get a taste for the culture by sampling local flavors.*

Eat like a local. If the place you’re visiting is famous for a certain dish or product, try it during your stay. Don’t limit yourself to the one restaurant that supposedly has “the best” version (the more touristy the location, the more often it’s overrated). In fact, if you really want to commit, make a tasting out of it. Sample every pastel de nata in Lisbon or gelato in Florence you come across. Do a study on how many ways you can cook an apple in New York in the fall or let a rum flight in Jamaica give you a new favorite brand. Follow where the locals lead and if a particular food pairing seems weird, just remember: Someone once thought chicken and waffles was strange, too.

*Museums let you discover not just one story but many for a deeper understanding of your destination’s history and heritage.*

Go to a museum. You can’t really know a culture until you understand its history, and a museum is the perfect place to start learning. Brush up on artists who made their name in the region (think Van Gogh in Amsterdam and Ernest Hemingway in Key West), trace impactful changes back to their roots, or discover a subculture you know nothing about.

*Be a fan of the home team for the day, whether at game or a show.*

Get on the scene. Which scene? That depends on where you’re visiting. In New Orleans, it’s jazz, but if you’re traveling to Liverpool, it’s football (or the Beatles!) for sure. Find out what draws a crowd in your destination, then join a concert, stop for a street performance, or catch a game. You don’t have to know the rules to have a good time; just enjoy it!

Be more than a tourist. Sticking to the “main” attractions is what a tourist does. Culture hounds, on the other hand, mix in lesser-known sights. Exploring beyond the tourist zone is the only way to get a genuine feel for the place and people around you.

*Learning about what’s made locally gives you a better feel for the destination—and supports the people who live there.*

Buy local. Better yet, buy directly from an artisan or small business. It could be espadrilles in Spain, handmade alebrijes in Mexico, or Kona coffee in Hawaii. Whatever your purchase, you’re supporting the local economy and bringing a little bit of the culture home.

*Nothing says conscientious traveler more than taking the time to remember a few words of local lingo.*

Learn a few phrases. If the people where you’re going speak a different language, memorize some basic words like “hello,” “thank you,” and “bathroom.” Not only is it the polite thing to do, but you’ll feel more at ease, too. When traveling to a place that favors a language you already know, see if you can pick up on regional slang or colloquialisms. (British English is full of them!)

*No matter the culture, just remember to respect it—and the place it came from!*

Be respectful. You’re a guest in someone else’s home … so act like one! Bring your patience and an open mind. If you’re nervous about making a mistake or unsure if an experience could be offensive, get the local perspective, do your homework, and talk to your travel advisor as you plan your trip. Advisors are the experts for a reason. They’ve been to the destinations you’re traveling to and can give you a heads-up on any cultural dos or don’ts, even as simple as tipping.

Find a culture that speaks to you and get out and experience it! Start planning with an ALG Vacations® travel advisor at traveladvisorsgetyouthere.com.

About the Author

An avid traveler with over 10 years of experience in the industry, sharing her love for cultures foreign and familiar alike is what fuels Kelly Gould’s passion for writing. As the Associate Manager of B2B Marketing for ALG Vacations®, she does just that for travel advisors, storytelling across mediums from blog posts to campaigns. When not traveling, she pretends she is anyway with frequent museum visits and an ever-expanding reading list.

About ALG Vacations

ALG Vacations® (ALGV) is part of Hyatt (www.hyatt.com) and managed under Apple Leisure Group® (ALG), a leading North American resort brand-management, leisure travel, and hospitality group with a unique business model serving travelers and destinations worldwide. ALGV is a collection of powerful and growing vacation brands widely recognized for providing the industry’s leading leisure travel experience across the world. ALGV was voted the ASTA Tour Operator Partner of the Year in 2020 and 2021 and was the winner of numerous 2022 awards from the leading travel trade publications. With more than three million passengers annually, ALGV features well-established vacation brands including Apple Vacations®, Funjet Vacations®, Travel Impressions®, Southwest Vacations®, Blue Sky Tours®, and United Vacations®.

Rail Passes are the no-hassle way to explore Europe by train

By Rail Europe

Combine the romance and timelessness of trains with the discovery of Europe’s most coveted destinations for an unforgettable vacation. It’s easier than ever to take advantage of the continent’s vast rail networks, which boast frequent and reliable service, for a smooth no-stress multi-destination getaway. Just a few hours separate London from Paris, Paris from Amsterdam, and Geneva from Zurich. So, seeing all of your dream destinations is not only doable, it’s easy!

Before you embark on your multi-country adventure, do as the insiders do: invest in a Eurail Global Pass. Simply choose the number of days you’ll be taking the train, activate your Pass, and you’re off! This golden ticket gives you unlimited access to over 40 transporters in 33 European countries, including the UK. While some high-speed trains do require seat reservations, most local trains are hop-on hop-off. So, it really is the ultimate freedom to explore Europe at your own pace.

Use your newfound freedom to create the experience you’re craving—a romantic couple’s adventure, an action-packed solo trip, or some quality time with the kids. The Eurail Global Pass comes with great perks like discounts on hotels, ferries, and more, and up to two kids ages four to eleven travel free per adult! Trains may just be the most flexible and convenient form of travel: no long security lines, freedom to get up and walk around once in motion, and even family and baby changing areas on select trains. Onboard snacks and catering are also available, whether you’d like to grab a quick snack or enjoy a gourmet meal.

With your Pass and luggage in hand, Europe awaits—enjoy the beach ambiance in the south of France, head to the Top of Europe in the Swiss Alps or navigate the canals on a city trip to Amsterdam. If you’re not sure where to start, Eurostar’s newly expanded network (now including Thalys) is a great jumping off point. Their direct high-speed trains make it a breeze. Try a base route from London to Paris to Amsterdam (or reverse it!) and then customize to your heart’s content. For instance, add smaller day trips to nearby towns like Antwerp and Versailles.

But train travel doesn’t have to limit you to the big cities and suburbs—it also caters to those interested in exploring the countryside and stumbling upon Europe’s hidden gems. There’s a local train from Paris that stops in the middle of the Fontainebleau Forest (literally!), and there’s one from Prague that drops you off at the Hungarian Riveria. A ride on a Swiss panoramic train will get you up close to the country’s stunning natural landscapes and legendary mountain peaks. So, it’s easy to get off the beaten path. No need to ask for directions or parking!

And perhaps most importantly, train travel allows you to take a page out of the European playbook—on the continent, rail travel is a way of life. Rub elbows with locals, get a taste of the day-to-day, and immerse yourself in new cultures. In addition to immersion, it’s also travel you can feel good about. You’ll decrease your carbon footprint (when compared to air travel), and your trip will contribute to a more sustainable future. For a multi-journey, green European adventure, there’s no better option.

*: Adobe Stock

**: Eurostar

About Rail Europe

Rail Europe is a global travel tech company and the reference brand for European train booking. We have been the trusted partner of the travel industry and train operators for 90 years. Our rail experts provide technology service solutions to over 15,000 travel professionals in 70 countries. International travellers can book their European train travel directly on our state-of-the-art booking website and app. We sell around 2.5 million European train tickets a year. Our catalogue of products features more than 100 brands such as SNCF, SBB, Eurostar, Thalys, Trenitalia, Italo, DB, Renfe, ÖBB, SNCB, NS, OUIGO Spain and National Rail, and rail passes including the Swiss Travel Pass and Eurail Passes. Rail Europe has collaborators worldwide and is headquartered in Paris.