Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. To find out more, please read our Cookie Notice. Close
Whether your idea of happiness is discovering somewhere new, spending time with your family, or kicking back on the beach – cocktail in hand – we reckon that being happy is what holidays are all about. And these cheerful holiday hotspots are ahead of the game. You might not be able to visit them right now, but from ever-friendly Thailand to sun-flooded Malta, we’ve put together a list of our top picks of the happiest countries in the world, so you can keep dreaming about your next happy holiday...
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.
And it's no wonder, considering how many amazing sights this country packs into its borders. It’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.
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. Up-and-comer Krabi lines up150 kilometres of top-drawer coastline. Or, there's the deserted islands that make up Ko Phi Phi’s National Marine Park.
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. 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.
Picked your happy holiday destination?
Take a look at our best deals for some more inspiration.
Or, find out why 14-night getaways are guaranteed to make you even cheerier.
Author: Hannah Stratton
The Fosshotel Reykjavik - 2 excursions included is the largest hotel in Iceland, and comes with stylish interiors, a near-the-city location and a beer garden.
The Phoenicia Malta has harbour views and is just five minutes’ walk from the main hub of bars and restaurants.
The Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort sits on a white sandy beach with unobstructed views of the Gulf of Thailand.
Our top deals tailored to you, straight to your inbox Sign up for offers
Holiday Types
Popular Destinations
Mid/Long haul
Short Haul
Flights To
Cruise
Hotels
More from TUI
About TUI MyTUI app Cookies Notice Manage Cookie Preferences Privacy Notice Terms & Conditions Credit card fees Media Centre Travel Jobs Affiliates Discover Lakes & Mountains Discover Weddings App Store for Ios Google Play Store Travel Money Holiday Budget Calculator TUI Group First Choice Holiday Brochures Travel After Brexit Holiday Weather
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and National Travel Health Network and Centre have up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad.
See gov.uk/travelaware and follow @FCDOtravelGovUK on Twitter and Facebook.com/FCDOtravel - for the latest general FCDO travel advice, including coronavirus travel guidance, security and local laws, and passport and visa information.
See gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice - for FCDO travel advice about individual destinations.
See Travel Aware page - for travel advice from TUI.
See travelhealthpro.org.uk - for current travel health news.
The advice can change so check regularly for updates.
All the flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Some of the flights on this website are also financially protected by the ATOL scheme, but ATOL protection does not apply to all flights. This website will provide you with information on the protection that applies in the case of each flight before you make your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.caa.co.uk. ATOL protection does not apply to the other holiday and travel services listed on this website.