These are the most welcoming destinations

Last January, I was in Oman for the third time and it was such a joy again. One of the many advantages of this country, I think, is that all the people I met there are incredibly friendly. Whether you speak to them on the street, in a restaurant, or hotel; they are all very helpful, kind, and cheerful.

And I always find that very nice when I go on vacation somewhere, even if it's just a city trip. Recognizable? Then you want to read this list too, because Booking.com has announced the ten most hospitable destinations worldwide. So if you're still looking for a destination; there really is something for everyone here. From sun to city, from tropical to forests, and from close to home to the other side of the world.

1. Pilignano a Mare, Italy
This town is located in Southern Italy, in the Puglia region. It is built on a large cliff, from where you have a beautiful view of the Adriatic Sea. Here you will find beautiful beaches, the nicest restaurants (definitely check out Grotta Palazesse, where you dine in a sea cave) and — not entirely unimportant — the best wines. For the daredevils, you can also dive from a cliff (twenty meters high), which is done every year during events.

2. Hualien, Taiwan
I have been to Taiwan once: a few days in Taipei. A very special city, but the hospitality didn't particularly stick with me. Apparently, I should have gone to a different destination in this country, because Hualien turns out to be the place to be. Many people come here for the Taroko National Park, where you can find many temples and waterfalls.

3. Dresden, Germany
Yes, even close to home they are known for their hospitality. Now I must honestly admit that Dresden as a city has never come to my mind as a city trip destination, but who knows, that might change. If you love architecture, then you are definitely in the right place here.

4. Klaipéda, Lithuania
This country is definitely on my bucket list; it seems incredibly beautiful. Instead of going to the capital Vilnius, I should actually go here, because this town is also praised for its beautiful old center, which stands in stark contrast to the modern port. Many people also visit the Curonian Spit here, a peninsula full of lovely, charming villages.

5. York, England
Ah, I can totally imagine this. The British people I recently met in London were really nice, so it probably won't be much different in York. Besides, it seems to me a particularly beautiful city, really a giant step back in time. The beautiful city walls, historic city center, and of course the old-fashioned pubs. Yep, I'm already charmed by York and I haven't even been there yet.

6. Ushuaia, Argentina
Another destination that has been on my bucket list for a long time, because I really want to go to the South Pole and that can be done from here. In Ushuaia (also known as ‘El Fin de Mundo’, or ‘the end of the world’) is the southernmost city in the world. The glaciers, mountains, and tundras are said to be very impressive and it is also a well-known starting point for a tour to Patagonia.

7. Porto de Galinhas, Brazil
I had never heard of this village, which is not so strange: it is a village under the larger town of Recife. I recommend you to google it, because then you will immediately understand why this destination belongs on the list: those beautiful beaches alone, so lovely. This village has almost 13K reviews on Google, in which the locals are often mentioned. Everyone is so hospitable and the overall atmosphere is very relaxed and nice.

8. Mexico City, Mexico
I honestly found this a surprising destination on this list, because Mexico City is not always known as the safest city. That seems to be all right, especially if you plan well where you are going. The city is full of cozy restaurants (from food stalls to fine dining) and I must admit: the people I know who have been there are indeed all very enthusiastic.

9. San Sebastian, Spain
The Basque cuisine would already be enough reason for me to go here, but there is of course much more to see and experience. The locals here are (rightly) very proud of their dishes, cuisine, and restaurants and very passionate.

10. Gold Coast, Australia
We conclude with the (at least for me) ultimate bucket list destination. Ahh, I really want to go to Australia again. I can very well imagine that everyone here is incredibly nice, because the people must be very happy. Why not? Beach, surfing, nice weather, always being outside... Yes, that sounds good to me.

Source: Booking.com | Image: Netflix