Published On: Tue, Jan 30th, 2024

Friendliest destinations on Earth for 2024 holidays have been named | Travel News | Travel


Beach in Arraial d'Ajuda

Arraial d’Ajuda is known for its beautiful beaches (Image: Getty Images)

With such a vast world to explore, it can be hard to know where is best to go as a tourist. But if a friendly face and welcoming locals make you feel most at ease, a new study by Booking.com has named the 10 in the world. Whether you’re looking to splash out on a luxury stay or are hoping to stick to a budget, there are accommodations to suit all options in each of these global destinations.

Booking.com used data from more than 300 million verified customer reviews to find the most welcoming destinations in the world in time for 2024 holidays. These were identified based on the number of accommodation providers in each of these destinations receiving a Traveller Review Award 2024, many of which were applauded for their friendly and welcoming staff.

If any of the regions below do spark a case of wanderlust, the good news is that there are plenty of seasonal sales and deals on offer from airlines right now. You can see our , some of our , an and all manner of

1. Arraial d’Ajuda, Brazil

Taking the crown as the world’s “most welcoming destination” is Arraial d’Ajuda in Brazil. The district is known best for its stunning sandy beaches and architecture, which has made it a hub for tourism. The region first became popular with tourists in the 1970s, when at this time it was considered somewhat of a secret paradise. But this hidden gem was not to stay a secret for long, with tourism figures rising into the 1990s and early 2000s.

Regardless of the type of stay you are looking for, there are all manner of options in this beautiful destination.

Among the top-rated stays on Booking.com is Art Hotel Los Sinos Dos Anjos, where stays start from just £35.08 a night. This colourful and stylish accommodation is near the popular Mucugê Street, an atmospheric hub of bars and restaurants, and just 300 metres from Mucugê Beach. The hotel has been awarded a “superb” rating of 9.1 out of 10 by previous guests.

Stefano, an Italian visitor, gave the hotel a 10-star rating, saying: “I would say this is probably the most deserved 10 in the history of Booking. The place is very nice, quiet but close to the city centre, well located. Wi-fi works well and it is possible to work from there. But certainly the best thing is the owner, Luzia, who quickly became our friend, and made more than everything to make us feel at home. Definitely recommended, and we will certainly be back!”

Arraial d'Ajuda beach in the sunshine

Arraial d’Ajuda offers an array of accommodations to meet all kinds of budget (Image: Getty Images)

Arraial d’Ajuda is not without its luxury fare either. The five-star Kûara Hotel is a beachfront property which looks out to stunning sunrises each morning. With a private, beach, spa, fitness centre, tennis courts, and even its own helipad, this is a hotel that doesn’t scrimp on opulence. The property is five minutes from the charming Arraial D’Ajuda, and just steps away from the sandy shoreline.

Stays here start from £289.07 according to Booking.com’s most recent data, and it has been awarded a “superb” rating of 9.3 by previous guests. Brazilian guest Simone applauded the “comfortable” rooms”, as well as the “amazing restaurant”.

2. Ermoupoli, Greece

Nestled on the coast of the island of Syros, in the Cyclades, is Ermoupoli, a historic town with beautiful, unique architecture. The town owes its name to Hermes, the god of trade, and it roughly translates to “the town of Hermes”. One of the area’s main draws is the beautiful neoclassical architecture, including marble-paved streets and squares, monuments and stunning mansions.

The palm-tree Miaouli Square is one of the top-rated attractions in the town, which is dotted with small coffee shops and restaurants.

There are also several museums and galleries dotted throughout for those who want to pack their trip with culture.

Ermoupoli, Greece

Ermoupoli, Greece, is known for its beautiful architecture (Image: Getty Images)

There are plenty of luxurious, historic stays available in Ermoupoli. However, that’s not to say you can’t find a deal under £100 a night either. One of the cheapest top-rated stays according to Booking.com is Hotel Palladion where one-night stays start at £62.18. The hotel is situated 100 metres from Syros Port and features the same Neoclassical architecture the town is known for. The hotel received a “very good” rating of 8.2 out of 10.

Sophie, a traveller from the US, highlighted the “excellent location” and noted that “staff were lovely”.

However, one of the top-rated five-star stays in the area is Hotel Ploes, with an “exceptional” score of 9.6. Stays don’t come cheap, and £247 a night, but this hotel allows guests the opportunity to spend a night in a listed early 19th-century Neoclassical mansion.

The rooms and suites of this former private estate feature handmade rugs, genuine Venetian chandeliers and hand-painted ceilings. They include marble bathrooms, while some also have private spa baths and hammam. Most rooms also enjoy views of the charming city and the Aegean Sea.

3. Viana do Castelo, Portugal

Viana do Castelo is a city in northern Portugal, known for its pristine beaches, dramatic natural scenery and rich history. Architecture in the area dates back as far as the 16th century, such as the fountain and former city hall building at the Praça da República. The Basilica of Santa Luzia is also highlighted as another must-see by tourists on Tripadvisor.

One of the top-rated stays in the region is at the 16th-century, now restored, Casa Melo Alvim. Previous guests have rated it as “fabulous”, and with stays from £70.99, it isn’t too pricey. 

The former manor reflects much of the history of the area, with a selection of neoclassical and baroque rooms. The hotel offers a picnic basket service for guests who want to spend a day in the countryside or by the sea. Visitors can also rent bikes for free to explore the area.

Viana do Castelo

Viana do Castelo is rich in history and an array of architectural styles (Image: Getty Images)

4. Daylesford, Australia

First established as a gold-mining town, Daylesford is now a spa town which sits in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range in Victoria, Australia. Daylesford is famous for its mineral waters, and there are an array of spa experiences to enjoy.

Lake Daylesford is also a hub for water sports, with many people opting to hop in a kayak and paddle around its waters. The town comes to life at the end of March for its annual Chill Out Festival, which is the largest country queer pride event in Australia.

Lake Daylesford in Australia

Lake Orchard Villas are located within walking distance of Lake Daylesford (Image: Getty Images)

One of the area’s top-rated hotels is Lake Orchard Villas, situated less than one minute from Lake Daylesford. A stay here starts at £194.99 a night, but guests have rated the accommodation as “superb”.

Guests appreciated the proximity to the lake, as well as the interior design of the villas. Sergio, a visitor from Australia, said: “Our stay was very pleasant from the moment we got to the property. We walked in and loved the fact our house was nice and warm and the music was on. My kids loved it and want to come back again! The home was also very clean!”

5. Grindelwald, Switzerland

The cosy village of Grindelwald sits in the Bernese Alps, perfect for skiing in the winter months and gorgeous hikes in the summer. The views are one of the main draws of this beautiful destination, as well as its ski offering with Grindelwald being the largest ski resort in the Jungfrau region.

The popularity of this destination means that accommodation can be on the pricier side, especially if you’re looking for a top-rated stay. However, you can expect some one-of-a-kind experiences here.

Take Hotel Spinne Grindelwald for example. This four-star family Hotel is located at the foot of the Eiger, right in the centre of the glacier village Grindelwald and offers a beautiful spa experience with mountainous vistas all around.

Stays have been rated as “fabulous” by former guests on Booking.com, with many people commenting on the outdoor, heated infinity pool.

“Hotel was amazing,” said British guest Rosie. “The infinity pool was the best, the room was lovely and food was great.” [SIC]

Stays at Hotel Spinne Grindelwald start from £275.21 a night, according to the most recent Booking.com data.

Grindelwald in Switzerland

Grindelwald is famed for its beautiful mountain surroundings (Image: Getty Images)

Top 10 most welcoming destinations on Earth

1. Arraial d’Ajuda, Brazil
2. Ermoupoli, Greece
3. Viana do Castelo, Portugal
4. Daylesford, Australia
5. Grindelwald, Switzerland
6. Moab, United States
7. Uzès, France
8. Mazatlán, Mexico
9. Jaisalmer, India
10. Fujikawaguchiko, Japan



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