Warm Welcomes, Unexpected Kindness
Travel isn’t only about visiting far-flung places. It’s also about the strangers who guide you when you’re lost, the shopkeepers who laugh at your broken attempts in their language, and the families who invite you to sit for tea. Some destinations are breathtaking, but the people feel cold; others may not have polished architecture, but they overflow with hospitality that lingers long after you’ve left. Here are twenty countries where tourists are greeted with open doors.
1. Ireland
The Irish are famous for “the craic”—a mix of fun, banter, and easy laughter. Walk into a pub in Dublin or Galway, and within minutes someone might be telling you about their cousin who once lived in your city. Strangers become drinking buddies faster than you can finish your first pint of Guinness.
2. Thailand
Called the “Land of Smiles” for good reason, Thailand is a place where it doesn’t matter if you’re buying mango sticky rice from a night market or asking directions in Bangkok; the locals are usually beaming at you with a warm grin. Even when language fails, their gestures carry the weight of their kindness.
3. Portugal
In Lisbon’s Alfama neighborhood, grandmothers lean from balconies and wave to tourists climbing steep alleys. In Porto, locals pour generous glasses of wine and ask where you’ve come from, genuinely curious. There’s a slowness to interactions and daily life, and locals linger with you as if they don’t have a care in the world.
4. Mexico
Hospitality here is woven into daily life. If you order tacos at a roadside stand, don’t be surprised if the vendor hands you an extra one just to taste it. Families invite you to share ponche at Christmas, even if you met them the same day. Their generosity makes you feel as if you are a local yourself.
5. Japan
Respect and politeness are so woven into the culture here that it makes a traveler feel like an esteemed guest. Lost in Tokyo? Someone will walk with you to your destination rather than simply point. In small towns, shopkeepers bow as you leave, even if you didn’t buy anything. There’s a sense of the sacred in the smallest of details.
6. New Zealand
Kiwis radiate laid-back friendliness. If you head out on a hike in the South Island, someone on the trail might strike up a chat about rugby or recommend a hidden hot spring. There’s also the Māori spirit of manaakitanga at play in the way they conduct themselves—the cultural value of caring for guests.
7. Scotland
The weather may be gray, but the welcomes are warm. Locals love to share folklore, sometimes with dramatic flair over a whisky. In the Highlands, you might find a farmer pausing chores to ask you where you’re from with a smile.
8. Costa Rica
“Pura vida” isn’t just a slogan but a lifestyle. People greet each other with it, toast with it, and send tourists on their way with it. There’s a laid-back kindness in this land that makes itself known whether you’re surfing on the Pacific coast or wandering through cloud forests in remote villages.
9. Turkey
The hospitality here is legendary. Sit down at a market stall in Istanbul, and you’ll likely be handed a small glass of tea before the topic of prices even gets introduced. In Cappadocia, a region in central Turkey, guesthouse owners treat visitors like family. It’s not transactional—it’s cultural.
10. Canada
Stereotypes of politeness aren’t far off. Canadians hold doors, say “sorry” more often than is necessary, and offer directions in detail. In smaller towns, people sometimes wave as you drive past, even if they don’t recognize you. Their sense of friendliness is almost old-fashioned, in the best way.
11. Morocco
In Marrakech or Fez, shopkeepers will offer mint tea before you’ve even thought about buying from their wares. Hospitality is so embedded in Moroccan culture that it’s considered rude not to welcome a guest in with open arms.
12. Greece
Their sense of hospitality goes back to ancient traditions of xenia, the sacred duty to host strangers. Centuries later, this concept continues to influence the way people conduct themselves. Beaches feel communal, with locals offering sunscreen or advice about where the water’s calmest.
13. Vietnam
There’s a curiosity and warmth toward visitors that feels refreshing and innocent. If you stop for a bowl of pho at a roadside stall, you might just end up in conversation with a whole family, even if they can’t speak a word of English. Children often wave and shout “hello!” as you pass.
14. Iceland
Despite the dramatic landscapes and long winters, the people are incredibly welcoming. Reykjavík locals might invite you into a conversation over craft beer. In rural areas, guesthouses feel like staying with distant relatives.
15. Colombia
The phrase “the only risk is wanting to stay” has some truth here. Colombians are proud of challenging negative stereotypes surrounding criminal cartels and are eager to show tourists their warmth. In Medellín, it’s common for strangers to walk you to your destination just to make sure you arrive safely.
16. Nepal
Hospitality here is humble but profound. Trekkers in the Himalayas often describe tea-house owners as a kind of extended family, offering hot meals and blankets. In Kathmandu, even busy shopkeepers take time to make newcomers feel welcome.
17. Georgia
This small Caucasus country might surprise you with its friendliness. Here, guests are considered gifts from God, so don’t be surprised if you’re welcomed like a long-lost friend. Their celebratory feasts involve endless toasts and generous helpings of food piled high.
18. Indonesia
From Bali to Java, hospitality varies by region but remains strong. Balinese ceremonies often invite tourists to observe and, often, to join in. On remote islands, locals might share coconuts or offer lifts on motorbikes without expecting anything in return.
19. Jordan
Hospitality is part of Bedouin tradition. Visit Petra or Wadi Rum, and you’ll likely be offered tea brewed over a fire, accompanied by stories. Jordanians take pride in making guests feel safe and cared for.
20. Philippines
Known for their warmth and humor, Filipinos often treat visitors like part of the family. Neighbors might invite you to karaoke, even if you’ve just met. There’s laughter, generosity, and a lightness that makes leaving difficult.
