The ancient Greeks defined the word “Xenial” as a hospitable relationship between a host and a guest, most often from another country. Hospitality has always been an integral part of tourism and it contributes to the attractiveness of a destination for society.
Listed below are five xenial destinations in the world keeping in mind the ratio of tourist and locals, proximity to the airport, advanced airport systems, overall happiness – quotient at the destination, English proficiency, availability of accommodation and safety of visitors.
Greece
I am sure that you won’t be surprised if I start with Greece as one of the most tourist-friendly places in the world. Greece has been the home for the earliest civilizations and it is still known for its philoxenia and benignity. It has some of the most spectacular beaches in the world. Beauty and hospitality if blended tighter makes a deadly combination for any traveller and the Greek beaches are perfect examples of that. The Myrtos Beach in Kefalonia, Navagio Beach in Zakynthos, Porto Katsiki Beach in Lefkada and Mega Paradise Beach in Mykonos, are located in the Cyclades and the Ionian islands were numbered as the world’s most stunning, safe and Xenial beaches. Visitors can shop too, from mini-markets and tiny shops with local goods to designer stores on the islands.
Copenhagen
The Scandinavian capital city of Copenhagen, Denmark has been called the happiest city in the world. Characterised by beautiful parks, charming promenades, canals and waterfronts, Copenhagen also holds the distinction of being the safest tourist-friendly city. Its chill vibe puts visitors at relative ease as they soak up its bewitching sights and cultural treasures. The city is ideal for sauntering through at a leisurely pace. You could also hop on a bike like the locals do to explore the city and its friendly street life. Copenhagen is undoubtedly, the epitome of Scandi cool.
North Macedonia
It is certain that this beautiful nation is out there to delight you. Tucked between Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, Bulgaria and Greece, it is full of geographical and cultural wonders, but it is the warmth of its people that makes it stand out and regarded as one the most friendly places of the world. One can enjoy its rich heritage of architecture, sculpture, music, and poetry, attend the many annual festivals in the region and get involved in biking, skiing or scaling beautiful, soaring mountains along with tasting some nutritious food and some nice red wine. Famous sites to explore include Lake Ohrid and the quaint village of Ohrid, which sits on its banks, the vibrant city of Bitola with its outdoor bazaar, with Skopje, the capital city full of dancing fountains.
New Zealand
Kiwis are warm and friendly to visitors and always embrace them. One of the unique aspects of New Zealand travel is getting to meet its natives. Hospitality in New Zealand is not just an idea, it is a core element of the native Māori community of the region. The Māori Manaakitanga tradition, known colloquially as hospitality, combines Māori culture and enhances the tourist experience in multicultural New Zealand. If you visit New Zealand you are likely to encounter some of the most stunning people in the world on your journey. This is mainly to do with their simple and modest nature. It has a variety of stunning landscapes and an outstanding road network, so just climb onto a car and explore this paradise.
India
‘Atithi devo bhava’ meaning guest is a form of god is one of the most significant ideals of Indian society. Local natives go out of the way to welcome travellers in their cities. One would often see foreigners welcomed into houses, marriages, or other social events when they are travelling to India despite having no prior connection with the hosts. Chandigarh undoubtedly is one city that has one of the friendliest local population to outsiders. One of the greenest cities in Asia, the city is well planned, safe for outsiders and traveller friendly which makes it the face of Punjabi hospitality. Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore make to the list of destinations that are cosmopolitan with a large section of their own population coming from outside.
Tourism has been the spine of some of these destinations and hence the locals make concerted efforts to always improve their tourism industry through concentrating on consumer loyalty through delivering the best facilities for their guests.
Everyone is dreaming about going to one of these destinations right now, but we cannot. We all know the reason why. But for once, let’s not think about the worldwide pandemic and think of the world once the global storm abates and the virus is out of our lives. I am sure all would want to go carefree on a holiday with their families then. It is for those happy days that we need to plan a trip to these xenial destinations which will be waiting to welcome their visitors with an open heart.
I’m taking my blog to the next level with Blogchatter’s #MyFriendAlexa
Follow more stories on food and travel on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dipali.bhasin/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spoonsandsneakers
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dibbi18
It feels as if one is traveling to these places ….cant wait for the Pandemic to get over
Wow-what a picturesque post.
thanks for sharing such amazing glimpses of these beautiful places.
Right now just prayers for the pandemic to get over.
Can I go new zealand pleaseeee… I really so wish to be a traveller…. And especially now I have this urge to escape from all the chaos around me. Very informative post. Thanks for sharing your inputs..
I hope it gets over soon and we can plan our vacations. New Zealand and greece are beautiful and of course, India is my favorite. Lovely recommendations for sure
I just added a new word to my vocab: xenial. Thanks.
Yay India is on the list! Not sure how long it would take for travel to be safe again. Fingers crossed. 🙂
I think you’re right in saying these countries are better placed for tourists to visit post-pandemic, but I would still be wary of Europe for a while. Domestic tourism should pick up I feel.
That was a comprehensive list of places to visit. And yes hospitality is one thing i would look first if visiting another country.
I am glad that India found its way to your list. And yes wasn’t surprised to see Greece at the top either. A feel good and a aspirational post in these times of lockdown
Visiting Greece is in my Wishlist now , would like to see Denmark .
I totally vouch for that list, Greece, NZ, is so worth it. Ofcourse India, there will be lots of that this year though Copenhagen was a mixed bag
Sigh, when will we travel again. There is so much beauty in the world yet to be seen and experienced! This post made me a little happy, a little sad.
Ah! my heart aches to see those pictures especially Greece and Copenhagen
All my vacation plans are at a standstill, due to this pandemic. Or else I would be in Canada right now. And yes, loved your post and Greece is definitely on my travel bucket list.
Wow! such a wonderful list of places to visit. Also I learnt a new word “xenial” today. Thanks.
We have all realized that travelling is essential and not a luxury. Missing it terribly. Hope it picks up soon and the pandemic is over in no time. Very attractive recommendations!
I am so glad to see India on your list. Greece and Copenhagen are on my list too and would love to visit whenever things are better.
That list and such lovely pictures! Miss the luxury of planning a holiday…now whenever that happens, Greece is surely going to be the top pick.
That is a wonderful list and some awesome pics! Can’t wait to start traveling again!
What a list of places!! Methinks travel posts should be banned during COVID 🙂 Just kidding..I am so wanting to sprout wings and fly…Greece is on Top of my bucket list and India is always so.
This is such an awesome list… man, I don’t know when that day will come when we can travel with confidence again to all these places.
Travel has taken a huge hit but posts like these will tempt any person. I hope I can visit Greece soon. It has been on my list for a long time
Xenial… that’s a great word, or rather a concept I am quite keen on understanding! And five countries to embody it… thank you indeed for this enlightening list.
Really nice destinations Dipali, thanks for sharing.. Plan is to explore India this and most of next year…
The pictures are breathtaking. I am really glad to see India on the list. After the pandemic ends, domestic tourism will be a lot safer. And there is so much to explore.
These are some mind-blowing destinations and so on my list now ! As much as I need to rediscover our own country, I am equitably motivated to travel to these faraway lands. Cant wait for the pandemic to go away and make the world accessible yet again!
I have written a similar post just a few days ago, this is such a lovely remembrance of that. Though, a couple of places are different in our lists 🙂 wish we could start traveling stress free soon.
That’s an amazing list. Greece is at the top of my bucket list post pandemic restrictions are lifted
Hey Dipali, these places are evergreen tourist destinations and I am sure each of us is making major travel goals in the coming years.
Lovely photos of all the places.
I just want to start travelling again! It’s healing!
Travel is the best way to live and experience different cultures and know about their history. I wish I could say that I want to visit anywhere anytime soon. Right now I’m happy to look at pictures and visit these places vicariously.
Well said hospitality and tourism go hand in hand. Will like to visit to experience the warmth.Thanks for sharing.
Waiting to travel again.Your post added destinations to my bucket list.
I m missing travel alot. I just wish all this get over asap and I can travel. These are indeed some great recommendations
Greece and New Zealand are definitely on my list. Every one is itching to get out there and travel. This pandemic has been definitely worked as a great reminder as to what all really matters. Always a fan of your posts Dipali ji.
#MyFriendAlexa #Jokerophilia
I really wish we can travel soon again and see these beautiful places. I want to visit New-Zeland and Greece for sure!!
That’s a beautiful list of places to explore. I have been eyeing Copenhagen for quite some time, hope to cover it soon!
I’m going to wait a bit more before i start traveling. And miles to go before i rest…
Eagerly waiting to visit these places once the pandemic is over
Very much true, travelling and tourism helps every country and after COVID we must travel and such an optimistic post is much needed.
Mykonos and North Macedonia have always been on my list of places to visit. Unfortunately, that could not happen due to the pandemic.
Nice post. Thank you for writing this.
So loved your list buddy and can’t agree more to your selection
This is a nice list and a great new word, ‘Xenial’. While going through the points you considered for listing these places, I thought Goa and Kochi could also have been in the Indian list. Its just my opinion.
Until the pandemic is over, virtual travel through posts like these is what we can do!
Sailing through your post made us forgot for a moment about the pandemic … Can’t wait to start wandering around soon.
Pretty nice post. Thanks for sharing the list. This will surely help the travelers who are planning for travel after the ongoing Pandemic situation is over.
Copenhagen is in my wish list. My friends have been there & keep raving the place.
Hope to travel soon.
I hope we can travel safely again soon, I do miss the different experiences you get by visiting a new place.
North Macedonia looks very interesting place to visit.
Loved it! Greece and New Zealand are on my list
I love your list. It has all the places that are on my list too. Greece being number one because of the WHITE and all that. Copenhagen because I just love Europe…
Pandemic has really taken a toll. Can’t wait to visit one of the places mentioned.
Had a virtual tour with this post. Superb. Thank you.
Hey! This is a great list. I am already dreaming of my next vacation and my family frantically keeps looking for vacations in 2021 for travel plans
Waiting to travel…thanks for showing us around… 🙂
Wow loved all these destinations. Your post has made me tempted to plan some exciting travel trip soon but unfortunately we have to wait few more months until the things get normalized.
Your post made me crave even more for traveling. I wish the pandemic gets over soon, can’t wait any longer to step out & travel the world. These destinations are on my travel bucket list.