Our sense of wanderlust is nearly bursting at the seams, and we’re excited to share with you our list of the best countries to visit in 2024.

From friendly locals, sights to see, and activities to enjoy, there are so many great countries out there that should be on your bucket list too. 

Here are the 10 best countries to visit in the world.

Narrowing down the world’s 195 countries is not an easy feat, in fact, it’s just the opposite. While there were a few obvious answers as we dug through information about our big beautiful world, some of these might not be your first pick. Nonetheless, we know you will enjoy your time spent in each place.

Our main criteria for determining the best countries to visit in the world came down to a few key components: the variety of activities and sights to see, the friendliness of the people, and overall experience. Psst! Food means a lot to us too. 😉

Please keep me in mind when booking travel that there may be restrictions and limitations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, please be safe!

10. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a vibrant destination located in Asia, that features gorgeous beaches, tea plantations, and ancient cities. Explore the jungle, visit temples, or spend the day at an elephant orphanage.

Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple is a favorite destination, as well as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Horton Plains National Park, the Golden Temple of Dambulla, and the famous markets of Pettah. Be sure to hop on the train that travels through the highlands, it’s a sight you can’t miss, and one you’ll want to doodle about in your travel journal.

COVID-19 levels are currently high in Sri Lanka, so please consider waiting to travel here until you have been vaccinated or until numbers calm down. 

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9. The Netherlands

The Netherlands is a magical place for visitors of all ages. With an advanced train network for easy travel around the country, beautiful tulip farms to visit, and infamous sights like the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh museum, it’s a spot you can’t miss.

Enjoy a canal cruise on one of the many canals or travel by bike, as the locals do. Did we mention there are lots of places to enjoy both sweet and savory crepes? And if you’re interested in cannabis tourism, this is a destination for you.

The Netherlands is currently a high risk to travel to, so please consider waiting until you have been vaccinated or until numbers lower. 

>> Click here to check out hotel deals in The Netherlands

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>> Click here to find an amazing tour in The Netherlands

8. Thailand

Thailand offers lush rainforests and serene beaches, invigorating nightlife, and moments of complete serenity. Chiang Mi is an eclectic city known as Thailand’s “Rose of the North,” wherein the city center, remains of ancient walls encircle over 30 temples.

Spend the day or a few days exploring this gem, hike to a Buddhist temple in the hills, and hang out at the Night Bazaar. Stop by local restaurants for authentic Thai cuisine.

Currently, the CDC states there is a moderate level of COVID-19 in Thailand, and travelers should continue to take precautions when traveling there. 

>> Click here to check out hotel deals in Thailand

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7. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is the perfect destination if you want to stay active but also relax, if you’re an eco-tourist, or want to visit one of the best beaches in the world: Manuel Antonio Beach.

Stop by La Fortuna Waterfall for a dreamy afternoon, grab your surfboard and hit the waves on the beach, and go on a coffee tour to learn all about one of the world’s hotspots for everyone’s favorite addiction: coffee.

With plenty of eco-tours, family-friendly activities, great nightlife, and friendly locals, Costa Rica is a must for this lifetime. Be mindful a 10% service charge is included in every restaurant bill and watch out for petty theft. Currently,

Costa Rica is a high risk area for COVID-19, so please consider travelling here after you have been vaccinated or when numbers calm down. Continue to wear a mask and practice safe social distance.

>> Click here to check out hotel deals in Costa Rica

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6. Australia

Australia makes it on our list because it’s home to beaches, reefs, the outback, deserts, and friendly people. Stroll by the eclectic Sydney Opera House in Sydney, snorkel in The Great Barrier Reef, surf until you can’t surf anymore, and maybe even hug a koala!

There are so many activities to enjoy in Australia, from outdoor sports activities to zoos, gardens, markets, and more. We know you’ll love the atmosphere and friendly environment that this country offers.

Currently, there is a low risk of COVID-19 in Australia, but please continue to travel with caution. 

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5. Vietnam

Vietnam takes spot #5 of the best countries to visit for several reasons. Travelers who have visited Vietnam enjoy the jungles, monsoon forests, as well as the cities like Ho Chi Minh.

Be sure to check out the Golden Bridge, Halong Bay, Datanla Falls, the Marble Mountains, and more. There are so many things to see and do in Vietnam, like trekking through mountains, visiting temples, and trying traditional cuisine like “sizzling pancakes” and Cao Lao.

Vietnam is currently a low risk to travel to, please continue to practice safe practices like wearing a mask and social distancing.

>> Click here to check out hotel deals in Vietnam

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4. Ireland

The Emerald Isle is such a mystical, magical place to visit with friends, family, or solo. Enjoy the friendly atmosphere of the city of Dublin, where you’ll enjoy Guinness, shepherd’s pie, and the beautiful St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Journey out to the countryside for gorgeous greenery and sweeping views of the ocean at the Cliffs of Moher or along the Ring of Kerry, and stop by Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone. The overall atmosphere and experience, as well as how easy it is to get around, puts Ireland high on our list as one of the best countries to visit.

Travelers to Ireland should be weary during COVID-19, however, vaccinated travelers may be able to visit later this year. 

>> Click here to check out hotel deals in Ireland

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3. Greece

Greece is home to the Acropolis of Athens, Olympia, gorgeous beaches of Santorini, great food, and the set of Mamma Mia. We know you’ll be shouting, “it’s all Greek to me!” as you stroll through this beautiful country, but be sure to pack your sunscreen because it gets hot.

You’ll feel right at home with the Greek locals who will welcome you. We love Greece because there are so many options with where to stay and several islands to choose from.

Greece is a beautiful destination, however, COVID-19 levels are high, so please consider waiting until you have been vaccinated. 

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2. New Zealand

The overall atmosphere and experiences to be had in New Zealand put it high on our list. The country is full of beautiful outdoor imagery, including lush rolling hills, volcano-sculpted moonscapes, UNESCO-listed glaciers, and white-sand beaches. What more can you ask for?

Travel with friends, family, or solo. Enjoy city life in Auckland, Wellington, or Queenstown, or stay by the beach and relax. LOTR fans, don’t forget you must visit Middle Earth!

Currently, COVID-19 rates are low in New Zealand, according to the CDC. Please continue to take precautions when traveling. 

>> Click here to check out hotel deals in New Zealand

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1. Italy

Oh, Italia! What a beautiful place to visit and beautiful culture to visit. Italy makes #1 on our list of best countries to visit in the world because it’s got history, art, culture, beaches, mountains, amazing food, and even friendlier people.

If you’re craving the feeling of stepping back in time, the Colosseum (a Wonder of the World!) and the Roman Forum are the places for you. If you’re looking for art, stop in one of the dozens of museums scattered around, take a gondola ride in Venice, and enjoy gelato everywhere. You can learn so much about Italy by sitting at a restaurant, enjoying the delicious cuisine, and taking in the sights.

Italy is still a high risk area to visit right now, so please wait until you are vaccinated or until numbers calm down. We promise it is worth the wait! 

>> Click here to check out hotel deals in Italy

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>> Click here to find an amazing tour in Italy

Now that you’ve seen our list of the 10 best countries to visit in the world, what did you think? Leave us a comment below!