These are the destinations where happiness is guaranteed

The Canary Islands, located off the coast of Africa, are home to volcanic landscapes, picturesque villages, Spain’s tallest mountain and a history that connects continents. Explore the dramatic volcanic terrain of Lanzarote or bask on the golden dunes of Gran Canaria. For adventure seekers, Tenerife offers the challenge of Spain’s tallest peak, Mount Teide, while Fuerteventura boasts world-class beaches perfect for surfing and sunbathing. Each island has its charm and if possible, it is worth exploring them all. Yet, regardless of which island you choose, you can be sure to fall in love with the delicious local cuisine and the eternal spring-like climate. So, if you are looking to travel for happiness, a holiday in the Canary Islands is a top choice.

Head to the heart of Morocco where the country’s vibrant culture, spectacular landscapes and warm hospitality await. Not sure where to stay in Morocco? Marrakech is always a good choice with its bustling souks, stunning palaces and lively Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Fez is a top spot for lovers of Moroccan souvenirs as it is home to the world’s oldest medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Casablanca is a coastal gem with a modern feel to it. Make sure you see the Hassan II Mosque along with the city’s grand palaces. Yet, for those wanting a real beach holiday, Agadir’s golden beaches are the best place for those seeking relaxation and the ultimate seaside escape. 

Happiness in Andalusia comes in the form of Flamenco music, tapas dishes and long sun-kissed days. The region’s pleasures are cumulative rather than immediate: Moorish geometry catching the light, bitter orange scent lingering in courtyards or the slow inevitability of a long lunch that becomes the afternoon. Spend time exploring everything from the ancient grandeur of Granada to the sherry bodegas of Jerez, from Seville’s cathedral-shadowed streets to Cádiz’s Atlantic light. One thing is for sure: the cities in Andalusia offer endless happy moments.

The region carries layers of Islamic, Jewish and Christian heritage that remain visible in architecture, food and daily life. If you are planning a holiday in Andalusia, you will soon discover that flamenco is a living tradition, that meal times are sacred and beyond the chaotic cities, rolling hills of olive and citrus groves reveal the region's agricultural roots. This area suits travellers keen to explore its history while diving headfirst into its gastronomic heart. 

Spain’s cities are compelling mazes of history, culture and adventure. A holiday in Madrid offers world-class museums within walking distance of neighbourhood taverns, a holiday in Barcelona blends Gothic decadence with contemporary design and an urban beach culture, while a holiday in Valencia pairs modern architecture with a longstanding culinary identity, most famously the paella. If you want a family-friendly beach break, a holiday in Benidorm is an ideal choice, with beaches and theme parks for children young and old to enjoy.  In Spain’s cities, the hustle and bustle of urban life is matched with a rich, all-year-round cultural programme from gallery openings to local festivals and there is little sense of a manufactured visitor experience. For travellers seeking a deep dive into Spain’s historical and cultural scene as well as amazing dining opportunities, Spain’s cities provide both.

The Balearics combine Mediterranean clarity with a strong sense of local identity. Mallorca balances serious gastronomy and mountain villages with a coastline of hidden coves; Menorca retains a slower agricultural rhythm; meanwhile, Ibiza’s creative energy extends beyond its nightlife into art, food and design. Architecture is low-rise, materials are traditional, and village life continues independently of seasonal influx. The islands work best when explored beyond the obvious, inland markets, coastal walks, and small harbours at dusk. They offer beach culture without resort uniformity and style without ostentation. For travellers seeking Mediterranean light with cultural substance, a holiday in the Balearics remains enduringly persuasive.

If you are planning to stay in Dubai, you won’t be stuck with things to do. While Dubai is known for its glitzy, glamorous lifestyle, it is a wonderful place for a family vacation. Take a selfie in front of the iconic Dubai Frame, stroll around the Dubai Miracle Gardens and of course, treat yourself to some retail therapy at the Dubai Mall. Or do it as the Emirates do and contemplate happiness on the Ocean. Take a boat out to sea and let the steady ebb and flow of the waves soothe your mind and body. Of course, no trip to Dubai is complete without a beach day, and you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to the best beaches in Dubai. 

Cancún is the perfect base for exploring the Yucatán Peninsula and its many natural wonders, including cenotes, underground rivers, and exotic wildlife. Planning a getaway to Cancun or the surrounding areas is also a great idea if what makes you happy is participating in ecotourism activities, such as hiking, bird watching, and swimming in cenotes. Not only will you be having fun, but you will be supporting sustainable tourism practices that protect the environment and preserve the region's natural beauty. So, it’s a win-win. Of course, no visit to Yucatán is complete without experiencing the magical lifestyle of the Indigenous Mayan communities.

Many offer cultural tourism experiences for visitors, such as traditional Mayan ceremonies, craft workshops, and cooking classes. These activities allow visitors to learn about Mayan culture and support sustainable tourism practices that empower local communities and preserve cultural heritage. 

Just a bit further south down the coast, the Riviera Maya offers virgin beaches, fine dining, and great shopping. Spend time enjoying the urban beachside hub of Playa del Carmen with its very own Fifth Avenue (or Quinta Avenida). But you can also visit the little-known archaeological site of Xamán-ha, half-hidden in the jungle, or take a day trip down to Tulum to visit one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Don’t forget to spend a day exploring the sacred site of Chichen Itzá. Or, visit the semi-virgin beaches and mangroves of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Whatever you decide, make sure to book at the best all-inclusive hotels on the Riviera Maya, which have earned the region a place on the international itinerary for happy travel.  

Want more of Mexico? Why not travel to Monterrey to celebrate the International Day of Happiness? The capital of the state of Nuevo León, in northeastern Mexico, combines an urban buzz with stunning natural landscapes that invite both adventure and relaxation. Climbing Cerro de la Silla or exploring Chipinque Ecological Park offers panoramic views of the city and the chance to breathe fresh air in contact with nature.

For cultural enthusiasts, museums, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art or the Steel Museum, are a must to discover how the city’s identity was formed. Meanwhile, for those who want to stay in the city centre of Monterrey, the parks, plazas, and markets are where you can sample local products and feel the city's vibrant energy. If it is modern Mexico you want to discover, away from the coastal resorts and tourist hubs, Monterrey is a place that offers the best of nature and city life at an accessible scale.

Visiting Mexico City is to immerse yourself in a vibrant metropolis brimming with life, history, and colour. Each neighbourhood has its own unique personality: from the Zócalo, with its imposing cathedral and National Palace, to Coyoacán, a vibrant creative district home to Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul. In Mexico City, something as simple as strolling through the streets reveals murals by Diego Rivera, while local markets offer everything from handicrafts to traditional flavours that awaken all the senses. Here, happiness is part of daily life.

Of course, little ones can join in the fun and where better to while away a few hours than at interactive museums like Papalote Children's Museum or the Museum of Natural History? And when stomachs start to rumble, what could possibly make us happier than the vibrant flavours of Mexican cuisine?

A holiday in Costa Rica feels like an invitation to slow down and tune into nature’s gentler rhythms. Here, your days will be spent waking up to birdsong and warm Pacific light; meanwhile, your days will unfold between jungle trails, coffee-scented towns and long, salt-softened afternoons by the sea. If you are staying in sun-drenched Guanacaste, life revolves around beaches that are guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Think wide crescents of sand, warm water and skies that turn honeyed at dusk. A holiday in Tambor offers a quieter, barefoot charm, where the soundtrack is waves and wildlife. Costa Rica is a country that has it all. Why not balance the stunning natural landscapes with a few days in San José, a leafy, lived-in capital where galleries, markets and neighbourhood cafés reveal the country’s creative pulse? Here you can explore the modern, beating heart of this fascinating and exotic country. 

Punta Cana is defined by its textbook-perfect beaches with wide, pale stretches of sand fringed with palms. The Atlantic-Caribbean meeting point creates calm, swimmable waters, and the Punta Cana resorts are structured around open space rather than vertical development, ensuring that guests feel that they have their own slice of paradise. The Dominican Republic’s musical and culinary identity is a top attraction, with rum and cigars proving to be top souvenir choices amongst travellers. For music enthusiasts, learn to dance to the sound of merengue or bachata. However, if you are more sporty, golf, water sports and boat excursions are readily available. Yet, if it's pure relaxation you are after, Punta Cana delivers this in spades.

Did you know? Aruba has been named “One Happy Island", and a quick Google search will make it clear why. Its bright, sunny weather invites you to enjoy the great outdoors and bask in the beauty of nature. If you are staying in Aruba,  Palm Beach is a fantastic spot to soak up the picturesque landscapes.

Yet, there is more to this island than stunning sandy beaches. If what makes you happy are mindful activities, you are in luck. Sunrise yoga classes on the beach, nature walks, cooking classes and trips to a local farm to discover local agriculture practices are just some of the calming ways to spend a day in Aruba. And if you are looking for relaxation on your happy trip, many of the island’s hotels offer luxury spa experiences that incorporate local products such as Aloe Vera and coconut oil into their treatments.