There is a country that says “Atithi Devo Bhava,” i.e., “Guests are as good as Gods.” There is another country where one expresses a simple act of “hi” -ing to someone with an expression that is equivalent to saying, “Be Healthy”- in some ways transferring the essence of existence with someone. Then some countries are said to be “the place to be seen, a playground for film stars and the international jet set.” And these are some of the things that might fascinate anyone to travel to some of the most wonderful countries in the world.
There is an age-old expression in England: “What does he know of England who only England knows?” Why be parochial and stay in your country and know only your country? If you are broadminded and set sights on other nations and other people, perhaps you’ll learn about your home country better. As Shakespeare himself says, “The World is your Oyster.” So these are the top 5 countries to visit in 2023- to know yourself more than yourself.
Nepal
Nepal is paradisiacal- whether it be for trekkers, mountaineers, sightseers, animal lovers, botanists, or many other types of travelers worldwide. It houses a rich treasure trove of histories that dates back thousands of years- particularly in places such as Pashupatinath Temple and other UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu, Janaki Mandir, and other fascinating places.
Some Interesting Facts about Nepal
- Nepal is the only country with a non-rectangular flag
- In some communities of Nepal, a living Goddess, “Kumari,” is worshiped
- Nepal is the birthplace of Lord Buddha- the founder of Buddhism
- It is home to 8 of the ten tallest peaks in the world, including Mt. Everest
- Nepal’s effort for the preservation of Rhinos and Tigers has been exemplary throughout the world
Nepal has a complex geography. It has its crowning mountains on the northernmost side, bordering Tibet. As a result, Tibetan Buddhism has heavily influenced the language of this region, the cultures, and practices here. The most famous shrines here are the Shey Gompa and Tengboche Monastery, where trekkers enjoy the solitude of the mountains and their delightful views. Thousands of trekkers and mountaineers alike flood this Himalayan region.
Interesting myths
- In many of the country’s Himalayas, the Yeti myth is prevalent. Yeti is considered a cousin of the Homo Sapiens, having a significantly larger physique but a much less powerful brain.
- Nepal is abode to thousands of thousands of Gods and goddesses. The most notable are Shiva and Parvati, who have been said to have set foot in the jungles surrounding the Pashupatinath.
- Nepal was ruled by a king a few decades ago, and the kings were thought to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva.
- Annapurna Mountain, an abode to many trekkers who come to the Annapurna Circuit Trek, is considered a “Goddess of Grain and Harvest.” People offer a morsel of food from their plates to the Gods.
- “Atithi Devo Bhava,” i.e., “Guests are as good as Gods,” is printed in the Nepalese vocabulary- though the expression is rooted in the Sanskrit language.
Apart from its mythology, Nepal also houses some of the best adventure sports experiences such as mountain biking, paragliding, bungee jumping, etc. These activities occur in regions just below the mountains and are rife with hills.
Fascinating expressions
- Namaste is a powerful expression, which in older times would correspond to “I bow down to the divine in you.” In Hindu mythology, everyone is considered to be a God-head in their own right, and the expression “Namaste” refers to the acknowledgment of the other person’s divineness.
- Dal Bhat Power – 24-hour is a common expression that people use to relay that “Dal Bhat,” the staple diet in most places in Nepal, provides you with the necessary energy to be active for 24 hours.
- “Baal” is a new expression that is typical of the youth, who like to have a laid-back approach to things and tend to “toss” worries about a particular problem away. If someone is nagging you with a supposed problem that someone else is facing and you want to shy away, saying “Baal” would mean, “I Couldn’t care less.”
These expressions are not quite common in Nepal’s lowest altitude area, i.e., the Terai region, which is home to most conservation projects related to animals such as the Rhinoceros and the Tiger- most notably in Bardia National Park and Chitwan National Park.
Top tourist attractions
- Everest Base Camp is a legendary trekking destination in Nepal. It is the point from where the ascent to Mt. Everest takes place, but the region has seen a lot of environmental problems as a result.
- Pokhara is a magical city that acts as a stepping stone before embarking on other legendary treks, such as the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, and trekking to ACAP.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nepal, which underwent some problems during the Earthquake of 2015, are amongst the best sightseeing places in Kathmandu. These sites include Patan Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and Boudhanath Stupa.
The Overall feel
Nepal has a cool vibe about it. Nepal used to be the go-to place for a lot of hippies- at a time when using “ganja” was free in this country. As it has been home to many cultures that have been co-existing through centuries, the country has a high tolerance for ideas and different ways of life, making it one of the top 5 best countries to travel to in 2023.
New Zealand
New Zealand, the country that is home to the English language that has a mix of British, Australian, and American bits, is another country that shares a landscape that is quite similar to the first country in this list of the top 5: best countries to travel in 2024- Nepal. A New Zealander named Edmund Hillary first made it to the top of Mt. Everest– the tallest mountain in the world. This country is home to some of the most popular destinations in the world, such as Rotura, where you can visit hot springs and geysers, in addition to learning about the culture of the Indigenous Maori people.
Some Interesting facts about New Zealand
- “Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu” is the longest place name in the world and lies in New Zealand.
- Hector’s Dolphin, which is the smallest in the world, can only be found in the waters of New Zealand.
- In 1983, New Zealand became the first country in the world to allow women the right to vote.
- NZ has one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world, at about 60%.
- It is also the first country in the world to guarantee a minimum wage.
New Zealand, which is ranked 13th on the Human Development Index, might be better suited to travel if you are looking for Urban-ness in your travel. While Nepal doesn’t have state-of-the-art buildings and infrastructure, traveling in New Zealand on roads will be an awesome journey. Nepal’s remoteness, though beautiful, can be a curse with a lack of medical and other facilities along the way. New Zealand will rank significantly better on these counts.
Interesting Myths in New Zealand
- The mythical creatures in the Maori Culture of New Zealand are known as “Taniwha, ” which possess a dual character: they can be benevolent creatures and act as protective guardians or steal women to keep as wives.
- Even though the large flightless bird named “Moa” was hunted down to the point of extinction, it is still believed that Moa lives in certain circles of New Zealand.
- The term in the Maori Language for New Zealanders of European descent is “pākehā.” This term is very similar to “pakehakeha,” which is used to refer to supernatural beings called “Patupaiarehe.”
With a country with such delectable myths, New Zealand has a lot of words and expressions that we might not find in other parts of the world. You can try using these or learn how to use them while traveling to New Zealand.
Fascinating Expressions you might use in New Zealand
- New Zealanders refer to “bald people” more euphemistically as “egg-shell blonde.”
- “Box of fluffy ducks” is one jocular expression in New Zealand that encompasses happiness, contentment, or general well-being. If the question “How are you?” is thrown at you, you might as well imply that everything is going well by saying, “A Box of Fluffy Ducks.”
- “A Broken Arse” in New Zealand is someone who has stooped so low that he has decided to side with the authorities.
- Tin-kettling: A tradition of sorts in New Zealand where friends and neighbors welcomed a newlywed couple- but not in a conventional way. The friends and neighbors then circle the marriage homes as they bang on kerosene tins until refreshments are served.
- Words such as “Chur” or “Sweet as” refer to contentment or enjoyment that one can feel.
One might not know that parts of the Movie Avatar were shot in New Zealand. And the same goes true for the movie King Kong. It is a testament that New Zealand has done much to protect its environment. And one of the efforts of New Zealand to curb the effects of Global Warming is also to introduce “fart taxes‘ on cattle. A country that cares so much about the environment has a lot of destinations that one can enjoy. After all, it wouldn’t be ranked amongst the best countries to travel if it were not so.
Top Tourist Attractions
- Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound, South Island are home to unparalleled views of hills, wonderful tracks, and off-shore islands. They are also perfect for any bird-watcher
- Queenstown is nestled between the majestic views of the mountains of Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu. You can find a bustling city life that is home to some of the finest restaurants and luxurious places.
- Papatowai is a settlement of around 40 people in New Zealand and is popular for beach wave surfing. Every year, it becomes home to 300-400 people who come for a 15.5-kilometer bush and beat the challenge. It is particularly well-known for housing the “Lost Gypsy Gallery.”
Overall Feel
There are many other places to visit in New Zealand, ranging from Waitomo Glowworm Caves- a unique cave that is brilliantly lit up by Arachnocampa luminosa– a glow worm species native to Castlepoint, which has a tranquil feel of lighthouse and beaches. There’s a lot to do in New Zealand. And a lot to learn.
Italy
There is an expression in the Italian language: “L’ospite è come il pesce: dopo tre giorni pizza,” which roughly translates as “the guest is akin to a fish: after three days, he smells bad.” But this is not how Italians feel about travelers or other people. This is one of those jocular expressions that everyone uses and might have a ring of truth to it. Italy, a fragmented kingdom until the 1800s, has become a symbol of footballers, wine drinkers, and people with longevity genes.
Some Interesting facts about Italy
- Some Italians in the Gargano region of Italy believe that the cave of Monte Sant’Angelo was the site of a vision of the Archangel Michael in the year 490. The archangel is said to have appeared to a local bishop, St. Lawrence, and instructed him to build a church on the site.
- The streets of the town of Chiavari in northern Italy by the White Lady of Chiavari. It is said that her spirit survives her murder, which her jealous lover orchestrated
- The Tarantella- a dance form that came out of Italy- is said to have originated as a cure for the bite of the tarantula spider.
- Italy houses the world’s oldest surviving republic– the Republic of San Marino. San Marino has been an independent country since 301 AD.
- In 2017, the oldest human footprints ever discovered were found in the Gargano Mountains. They date back to 345,000 years.
- In recent times Lampedusa, an island located in the Mediterranean Sea, has become a symbol of the refugee crisis in Europe as hundreds and thousands of refugees and migrants are seeking asylum in Europe.
- The world’s oldest opera house is nestled in Nepales, Italy. This oldest opera house, which has been running since 1737, is known as “Teatro di San Carlo.”
- Italy has 58 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the highest in any country. These include the ancient city of Pompeii, the historic center of Rome, the Amalfi Coast, and others.
A country with such a wonderful history can, and Italy does, have a lot of myths. Although it is a country that has a burgeoning atheist population, the older generation of people harbors many myths. Italy is sometimes dubbed the “least of the great powers,” though it does seem to have a wonderful linguistic tradition and interesting myths.
Interesting Myths in Italy
- a bite would induce a trance-like state- whose sole cure would be the Tarantella dance.
- The Stone Giants in the Dolomite Mountains of northern Italy were considered figures who were once alive but turned to stone by a sorcerer who envied their strength and power.
- The natural Cave of the Sybil that lies in the town of Cumae, near Naples, is mythologized as the home of Sybil. She had the magical powers of prophecy.
Fascinating expressions you can use while traveling in Italy
- If you travel to Italy like a spendthrift and find yourself short of money, you can consider yourself to have “Avere le mani bucate,” which literally translates as having holes in your hands. It means spending money on water.
- Wishing luck to Italians is a two-way street. The expression “Avere le mani bucate” literally means “in the wolf’s mouth.” The standard response to this is “crepi il lupo!” which means “May the Wolf Die.”
- You might be what Italians might call a “menefreghita”: someone who has an “I don’t care attitude.”
- Italians also have an expression for “an attractive mustachioed woman”- she is dubbed to be a “baffona.”
- Italians also have their humor around people who are not too physically fit. A way to joke around a fat person would be to say: “a fai prima a saltargli sopra che girargli intorno” In English, it translates as: “It’s faster to jump over him than go around him (because he’s so fat).”
Top Tourist Attractions in Italy
- The remote island of Sardina is particularly known for its rugged coastline, majestically clear waters, and a touch of prehistoric ruins. It also has a congregation of the world’s highest concentrations of centenarians.
- The ancient city of Pompeii has been a haven for pets and musicians alike. The amphitheater there was where Pink Floyd’s iconic concert took place. It is perhaps most well-known for the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
- Bologna is referred to as the “food capital of Italy.” For any person looking for a place that is rich in culinary traditions, it offers fresh pasta, cured meats, gelato and wine, and everything Italian food is known to serve.
- Matera, which lies in the southern region of Basilicata, is a city known for “sassi”- its ancient cave dwellings.
- Venice: The city of Venice is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy, famous for its canals, gondolas, and stunning architecture. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to some of Italy’s most famous cultural landmarks, including St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.
The Overall Feel
It is often said that “The Universe reflects you.” So your experience in Italy might be a reflection of your tastes: if you’re interested in its food, you’ll be off and running to the best places that offer food; if you’re a stickler for history, the historical cities like Rome and Pompeii beckon; and if you’re planning to take it all in, we’d wish you the very best in this nation that has seen a plunge in its economy in recent times- though this might not mar its charm for tourists.
Slovenia
The Slovenian language can be a nightmare if you run into words such as “curly,” which refers to a bumblebee, or “razzvrkljati,” which means preparing eggs for omelets. But let these small hindrances not deter you from the awesome beauty of Slovenia: ranging from a vast swathe of nature-protected areas (of 36%) to the Alps.
Slovenia is by far the smallest country on the list. It has an area of around 20,000 square kilometers. Compare this to the next biggest country on the list, Nepal, which is around seven times larger. Despite that, Slovenia is home to 4 microclimates (compared to Nepal’s 5) and houses some of the best places to bask in, in natural beauty.
Some Interesting Facts about Slovenia
- The Žametovka grapevine, which is over 400 years old and is in the Guinness Book of World Records, is the oldest vine. Slovenia is a proud home to this most archaic vine.
- The word “Slovenia” means “land of the Slavs.”
- When Slovenia joined the European Union in 2004, it became the first former communist nation to do so.
- Slovenia is known for one of the most popular bees in the world, “The Carniolan honey bee,” and one of the most graceful horses, “The Lipizzaner horse.”
- Slovenia is home to one world’s largest underground canyons, the Škocjan Caves, which is often believed by some Slovenians to be linked to the afterlife
Interesting Myths in Slovenia
- Slovenia is mythologized to have a “Goldhorn”- a mythical buck that is elusive to find and can bring you a fortune if only you can dare to find it.
- Lampert is a marksman in Slovenian mythology who has made a pact with the devil. If this marksman hits any object he desires, he will do so without fail. And he can do so six times- with the seventh reserved for the devil himself.
- Slovenian myths hold that there is a magical herb by the name of “Raskovnik” that can uncover anything that is locked or closed- though identifying this potion is difficult.
- King Matjaž/Mátyás/Matijaš is believed to have been the legendary king who showered prosperity amongst the people in Slovenia.
Top Tourist Attractions
- Triglav National Park can be a one-stop solution for adventure sports enthusiasts with diverse activities ranging from hiking, skiing, and mountaineering to enjoying the beautiful waters, which originate in glaciers
- Slovenia’s capital city, Ljubljana, houses a rich cultural heritage- the testament to which are its inspiring architecture, museums, and galleries that are reminiscent of the Baroque and Art Nouveau
- The town of Piran, with its wonderful architecture, gleams against the backdrop of some of the most stunning mountains one can wish to view.
- Postojna Cave, which the Pivka River creates, is the second-longest cave system in Slovenia- the first being the Migovec System in the Triglav National Park.
The Overall Feel
“Kdor ne skače, ni Slovenec” is an expression in Slovenian that says, “whoever is not jumping is not a Slovene.” This is particularly true when the Slovenians jump and hoot when their nation plays football. With its vast reserves of natural, mythological, and cultural beauty, we hope that Slovenia is an awe-inspiring place to be at. Undoubtedly, this makes it one of the best countries to travel in 2023.
Your own country
In this constant trap and glam of going abroad for traveling, one shouldn’t quite forget that extensive traveling, especially in fossil fuel-using vehicles and aircraft, has a lot of deleterious effects on the environment. Besides, every country is a universe in its own right. We, as humans, tend to take our home countries or the places we are living in as granted, but that shouldn’t be the case. So we decided that your country would be one of the best countries to travel to in 2023.
A different outlook?
If you take a look at the country of India, it has 29 states- all of which feel like a country in their own right. The languages spoken there are different, the food they eat differs according to the states, and so does the temperament of people and a whole host of other things that accompany it. The same can be true of any other country like the United States of America or Australia. This is why people, when talking of their own country, have generalizations such as, “people in the south………” This can sometimes border into exclusion and racism but sometimes is just an expression of the rich diversity within one country, which we have not explored.
One’s own locality
We touched upon relatively smaller countries (in terms of area) like Nepal, which house 75 districts. Each of these districts has its own “feel,” a unique way of gleaming. The same is true of the Northern and Southern islands in New Zealand. And one from each of the top 5 best countries we have come up with might as well argue that the same holds true for each country.
Even within one’s own community, there are people whose mindsets/ cultures are radically different, their lifestyles so unbelievably different from ours that we might be taken aback to realize we don’t have to go out of our way to travel. A deep conversation with a friend or a genuine act of grace to strangers can sometimes be a “Universe in its own right.”
A Few Travel Tips
We might sometimes be caught up too much in “Keeping Up with the Joneses” as people tend to post too many pictures of themselves traveling to different continents and exotic destinations, leaving oneself with the vague sense of being left out. But know that some modes of travel can be dangerous to the point of starting movements such as “We Stay on the Ground,” encouraging people to take trains instead of airplanes.
Cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Venice, and others on the list above have their own environmental problems that have been incumbent upon them as they have been flocked by a large number of tourists, which has, in turn, seen a rise in population. So it becomes a matter of traveling responsibly and finding out what methods are the best for traveling in each place without putting a strain on the environment.
Learning about myths and languages is some part of knowing the countries. But not about knowing the country itself. Many people have resorted to staying with a family for a few months to know one particular place instead of taking a “one” day dive in each destination. How you travel is upon you!!
Nothing More to Say
At the beautiful risk of being ironic, this article, I hope, has given you glimpses about destinations that you might not have known about. And we also haven’t ranked these places, as I don’t know if these really are the top 5. A country has its own universe, its own cosmos, and it is impossible to label them as the “best” or “the worst” in one go. You can read through the values that you might encounter in each country to see which is the best for you. You can choose to see the edges and the spaces of your country itself and be able to say that you might not have traveled widely but deeply.
Bon Voyage!!