The Great Wall of China at the Jinshanling section.Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Playing favourites with nations is not a task to be taken lightly, but with a list that cites everything from enticing Indigenous experiences to a little-known real-life Shangri-La, there really is a nation for every traveller. Read on for our definitive list of the world’s greatest countries, and see if you agree.
China
From the incredible modern architecture of the ancient port city of Guangzhou, to the natural beauty in the limestone landscapes of Guilin, to the mystic allure of the terracotta warriors of Xian, and to the majestic capital Beijing, the Great Wall and beyond, this massive country remains a constant wonder.
Costa Rica
Sunrise over the untamed Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Credit: iStock
Famed as a world pioneer in ecotourism, 25 per cent of Costa Rica’s land mass is protected as national park, wildlife refuge or nature reserve.
Rich biodiversity, sustainable tourism practices, cultural experiences and a wide range of nature-based activities make it a winner for the sustainability-minded traveller. See visitcostarica.com
Botswana
If you love wildlife, Botswana’s range of ecosystems and migrations make it arguably the best place on the planet for safaris. It is home to more than 20 species of antelope alone with rhino, hippos, giraffes, wild dogs, zebras and of course, big cats including cheetahs and lions traversing the varied landscapes. Truly breathtaking.
South Korea
Cities don’t get more vibrant... the famous Gwangjang Market in Seoul.Credit: iStock
Snow-skiing, vibrant cities, stunning national parks, ancient temples, delicious street food, traditional fishing villages and an overall culture of respect, with efficient public transport a bonus, it’s no wonder South Korea’s popularity is on the rise – and that’s before factoring in the rise of K-Pop and Korean cinema.
Thailand
There are only a few countries where you start to relax as soon as you arrive and Thailand is right at the top of that list. Whether it’s the many delights of the capital Bangkok, the tranquillity of its islands or the charms of its interior, Thailand seduces every visitor.
Palau
Palau … a green retreat.Credit: iStock
Despite being one of the world’s smallest countries, Palau is an unexpected leader in sustainable tourism.
It has set numerous ecological precedents, including becoming the world’s first shark sanctuary and banning reef-toxic sunscreens. As a result, it’s one of the world’s top diving destinations. Culturally, it’s equally intriguing.
Egypt
Extraordinary remnants in the desert… view of the Mosque Sultan Hassan in Cairo.Credit: iStock
This is the destination for the jaded traveller: even now, nobody can fail to be impressed by the extraordinary remnants of ancient Egypt set in classic desert landscapes, not to mention this North African nation’s fascinating Islamic history and boundless energy.
Ireland
From top to bottom, the island of Ireland holds cultural and natural treasures. It’s easy to travel around, and you can still get away from the crowds, get lost, even. That’s not a problem because the people – the friendliest, funnest folk on Earth – will be more than willing to help. And yes, it’s as green as they say.
Singapore
East and west in this intoxicating destination… vibrant Haji Lane.Credit: Getty Images
A place to return and never be bored, Singapore has shaken off old stereotypes and is constantly changing, yet remains proudly itself. A heady mix of east and west, it is organised yet intoxicating. Oh, and the food. It’s no overstatement to declare this is the greatest food city in the world, or at least in South-East Asia.
Cook Islands
Rarotonga’s turquoise coast is hard to beat.Credit: iStock
From swimming with a few dozen turtles to its weekly night markets, this glorious South Pacific nation with links to New Zealand is a magnificent place to escape the crush. The fact it’s a little harder to get to means it attracts a certain kind of tourist and (so far) manages to avoid the influence of big international chain resorts.
The Maldives
As the global benchmark for “tropical paradise”, the Maldives has a lot to live up to. Fortunately, it delivers. The beaches really are that white and the water genuinely is that blue (or “cerulean”, as travel writers like to say). And the resorts are every bit as idyllic and luxurious as Instagram posts suggest.
Iceland
Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall is famous and a popular tourist spot. Credit: Getty Images
The Land of Fire and Ice burps and belches with volcanic activity with its warm and wise populace who are well adapted to their geologically tumultuous and starkly beautiful and remote homeland. Revel, along with the locals, in the hot springs, cold swims, steaming baths and frigid glaciers of this tiny nation of fewer than 400,000 souls.
Sri Lanka
Romantic and ravishing, Sri Lanka remains a dazzling jewel of a country. This mostly Buddhist society is full of stunning stays, abundant wildlife – including elephants and leopards in picturesque reserves – timeless ruins, welcoming locals, gorgeous beaches, idiosyncratic trains, dazzling tea plantations, and amazing food.
Bhutan
Credit: Getty Images
With the kingdom’s focus on its much-hyped though largely commendable Gross National Happiness index rather than GDP and carbon negative status, this real-life Shangri-La, wedged between the great world powers of India and China, provides a blueprint for the rest of the world.
India
India’s ancient architecture is like nothing on Earth... Hawa Mahal palace in Jaipur.Credit: iStock
Here, if ever there was one, is a place to fall more in love with on every visit. The dazzling, world’s-most-populous nation offers a kaleidoscope of the diversity of daily life, both rich and poor. Coupled with an epic history and fabulous food, India is endlessly beguiling.
South Africa
From the cosmopolitan beauty of Cape Town to the bucket-list-ticking experience of safari in Kruger National Park, South Africa offers it all. Today this country, as troubled as it remains, wears its rich history of ancient culture, colonial boom and social struggles with contemporary pride.
France
Normandy, the birthplace of Impressionism.Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Because sometimes we just want the stereotypes, and France lives up to them all: its baroque bling, its intellectual prowess, its romantic nature, the great food and pastries, the markets, the places that resemble Impressionist paintings. We could go on, and on. Suffice to say, vive la France.
Canada
This country has so much to offer tourists: everything from the mountain highs of the Rockies, to the French culture of Quebec, to the quirk of the east coast, to wine regions, vast prairies, spectacular train journeys, epic ice-hockey battles, and the friendliest folk you’ve ever met.
New Zealand
An embarrassment of natural wonders... Hump Ridge Track in Southern Fiordland.
It’s wonderfully nearby and almost all of it is beautiful, quirky and a wee bit old-fashioned. It simultaneously seems familiar and yet is subtly different to Australia. The people are incredibly friendly and fun and God bless New Zealand, too, for its unmatched great outdoors and associated, often adrenaline-fuelled, activities.
Spain
Look beyond the big cities of Madrid and Barcelona and there is so much to discover: Moorish architecture, mountain villages, imperial architecture, sublime art and fabulous food and wine. Spain, which, for good and bad, is rapidly catching up to France as one of the world’s most visited countries, never ceases to surprise and delight.
United Kingdom
Though still part of the Commonwealth, most Australians have grown out of looking up to the so-called “mother country”. But there’s also the allure of a country that’s a collection of strikingly different realms: the wilds of Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland and the bucolic splendour of England. Oh, and the pomp and ceremony is still pretty fun, too.
Japan
The Okinawa Coast in south-western Japan.Credit: Getty/iStock
From Osaka to Tokyo, Kyoto to Kanazawa, Hokkaido to Okinawa and so much more in between, Australians, along with the rest of the world, can’t get enough of this endlessly fascinating nation. Populated by the politest and yet most bonkers folk on the planet, Japan gets under your skin right from the first visit, drawing you back there time and time again.
Italy
Irresistible and infuriating, Italy benefits from a depth of history that defies belief. It’s also damn gorgeous, with all the best aspects of European splendour bundled in a red, white and green bow. The food is rightfully legendary with wine from the playbook that’s all good from the vine. There are so many reasons to love Italy but do show it some respect by travelling in the off season if you can.
The US
From the world’s great cities to epic landscapes, there’s something for everyone in the US.Credit: Getty Images
Love it or hate it, the US is a superpower of tourism allure. It’s the definition of “something for everyone”. Its music and movies form the basis of global pop culture, while its tortured politics affects everyone. Extraordinary landscapes; many of the world’s great cities, including New York and Washington DC; the fascinating tribalism of small-town America and the iconic drives. Wine country, beaches, farmlands and great mountains: the list of attributes is endless, as is the list of problems – but it is the place to go if you want to understand what makes the world tick, and perhaps yourself.
The winner: Australia
Aerial view of Montgomery Reef … water cascades off this living coral structure.
Sure, we’re a team of Australian or Australia-based and focused writers, but in years, clearly now gone by, that might have meant a reverse bias, the cultural cringe causing us to pick anywhere but Australia. Times have changed, we have changed, and so has Australia. It’s now a confident country, firmly in the wish-list firmament for travellers worldwide. In their votes, Traveller’s writers highlight red dirt, white sand, aqua ocean, dazzling marine life and famous marsupials alongside cosmopolitan cities, epic road and rail journeys, food and wine trails, quaint country towns and an increasingly enticing Indigenous travel experience offer. But without exception they cite community and a warm welcome as factors that make Australian travel so great.
CONTRIBUTORS Kate Armstrong, Keith Austin, Ben Groundwater, Shaney Hudson, Belinda Jackson, Julietta Jameson, Brian Johnston, Ute Junker, Nina Karnikowski, Katrina Lobley, Rob McFarland, Steve McKenna, Catherine Marshall, Justin Meneguzzi, Julie Miller, Sheriden Rhodes, Tim Richards, Craig Tansley, Lee Tulloch, Kerry van der Jagt, Penny Watson and Sue Williams