At the end of the year, we like to do check out the places you’ve checked out during the year. It’s kind of like a ‘wish you here’ only more like ‘where you wished you were’ exercise.
While researching our stats, we found some interesting factors that, depending on your viewpoint, don’t necessarily share a common theme: you want to be safe, naked and happy, and maybe find some peace and quiet. That’s evident by the top clicking destination articles of the year, The safest countries in the world, Nude awakening: hotel guests encouraged to get naked and Where you should live to be happiest.
Today, we present – in reverse order – the top five countries that tickled your fancy.
5. Can you get paid to live in Italy?
In June this year, it was reported that the mayor of Bormida in Italy was offering $2200 and property rentals from as little as $55 per week to anyone who’ll move to the idyllic town in Liguria. After being inundated with 17,000 requests less than one week later, the mayor had to rescind his offer.
Would you live in Italy? Or would you require compensation to move to the boot-shaped peninsula?
4. Croatia: The European country that should be at the top of your bucket list
Recently, SJ made the call that your next must-see European country should be Croatia. Why? Well, how do fine wine (above ground and underwater) and superb seafood sound for starters? Add to that, the Gothic and Renaissance architecture in this Eastern European country is second to none. And the fact that it’s relatively overlooked by tourists should have you flocking there, at least!
Is Croatia on your travel wish list? Or have you already been there? Would you recommend it to our members?
3. Why Canada is the perfect place to celebrate a white Christmas
It seems that many of you were dreaming of a white Christmas and the best place in the world to do just that is Canada. As we wrote earlier this year “From French-tinged festivities in Quebec and the fir-treed fields of Nova Scotia, to European, Nordic, Crimean and First Nation-inspired merrymaking, if you’ve ever wanted to celebrate a white Christmas, Canada has you covered.” That description alone puts Canada right at the top of my Christmas wish list.
How about you? Would you spend a snowy holiday season in the Great White North?
2. The most beautiful country in the world is … Scotland
Wild beaches, craggy peaks, mystical moors, murky lochs and rolling green countryside put Scotland at the top of Rough Guides World’s Most Beautiful Countries list this year. Add to that the captivating landscape, architecture that’s equally as awe-inspiring, and it’s difficult to argue Scotland’s place on this throne.
Have you been to Scotland? Would you rate it as the most beautiful country in the world?
1. Finding peace and tranquillity at Le Monastre des Augustines, Quebec
Ultimately, a place of peace and quiet ranked highly for most of you and, as Kaye discovered, Le Monastre des Augustines in Quebec certainly offers that in spades. This 17th century holistic retreat discovered by three Augustinian nuns in 1639 offers guests simple accommodation in a building steeped in history and tranquillity. Sounds like the perfect way to end a long Canadian holiday. Need more inspiration? Watch Kaye’s interview with the monastery’s Business Development Director, Edith Caron.
Now, does that sound enticing? How do a few days of utter peace and quiet sound to you?
Where did you want to go in 2017? Will you be able to go there in 2018?
