Happiest places in the world

People-pleaser Iceland

Now, we’re not the only ones wondering where in the world tops the bill when it comes to happiness. Each year, a UN-commissioned World Happiness Report is released, which measures lots of different happiness-helping features, like average income and health. Iceland has ranked within the report’s top five happiest countries since 2012.

Iceland's packed full of holiday experiences that are bound to cheer you up, too. The country’s full to the brim with eye-widening natural sights, like the elusive Northern Lights, dramatic black-sand beaches edged with towering waves, and waterfalls said to rival Niagara Falls. Whichever hotel you pick, TUI holidays to Iceland come complete with these experiences – Golden Circle and Northern Lights tours are part of the package. And, there’s a long list of extra excursions for you to choose from.

‘The Land of Smiles’ Thailand

Ever since Thailand started to build its reputation as a top getaway destination, it’s earned a pretty telling nickname. Thanks to its super-friendly locals, tourists have dubbed the country ‘The Land of Smiles’. We think that Thailand’s bustling cities and sand-blanketed beaches give holidaymakers plenty to smile about, too.

Head over to up-and-comer Krabi for 150 kilometres of top-drawer coastline. Or, if you’re after footprint-free sandy spots, the deserted islands that make up Ko Phi Phi’s National Marine Park are just a boat trip away. The Dusit Krabi Beach Resort's steps away from a powder-soft stretch of sand, complete with a well-stocked bar for beachside drinks.

Sun-soaked Malta

Lots of studies have looked into why we feel happier when we get more sunshine. Some scientists suggest that it’s all down to vitamin D, others that the sun helps us release more mood-lifting chemicals, like endorphins and serotonin. All we know is that we definitely feel more cheerful when we’ve had a sunbathe. So, where’s the sunniest spot on our books?

Compared to the rest of Europe, Malta's capital takes first place when it comes to average sunshine hours. Valletta racks up an impressive total of almost 3,000 hours each year. Stay at the Grand Hotel Excelsior, and you can take make the most of the Maltese sun around the sea-view outdoor pool. And, if you’re not a fan of sunbathing, you can soak up the sunshine while you wander the cobbled streets of Valletta’s UNESCO-accredited old town, which nestles right next door to the hotel.

Picked your happy holiday destination?

 

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Author: Hannah Stratton