NationStates Jolt Archive

What is the best country you have visited and what was so great about it?

You can also pick your native land if you wish.


To the French posters; I am sorry that I put Frence instead of France in the poll.

Besides Australia where I live.

I once took a trip to America, I had to stop over in Singapore for 3 hours waiting for the change-over flight. After spending 2 all American weeks in Florida; Singapore is the best country I have visited.

Italy, hands down. Being in Rome, seeing the leaning tower of Piza, floating through venice on a gondala, seeing the Tuscan countryside, Florence, Sorrento, Versuvius and Pompeii. Damn it, it was awesome.

Also, why didn't you include Australia?

Seeing as i cant visit my own country
Australia is good

Also, why didn't you include Australia?

I have no idea why I did not put in Australia, Damn! Sorry.
I am going there next summer on a graduation trip with my friends, I hear it's great and I also want to see a kangaroo as we do not have them here. ;)

But for the people whose nation I did not post on the poll I am sorry but I could only pick 10. So if your nation is not on the list just pick the last option 'Other... What Nation and Why' if your going to pick your native land and you people who want to pick a nation that you visited, other then your native land, loved and is not on the list then just do the same.

I am going there next summer on a graduation trip with my friends, I hear it's great and I also want to see a kangaroo as we do not have them here.
lol, just don't expect us to be riding them around, or to all be carbon-coby clones of Steve Irwin or Crocodile Dundee.

Argh, the only place outside the US I've been is Canada, and that barely counts...
:(

lol, just don't expect us to be riding them around, or to all be carbon-coby clones of Steve Irwin or Crocodile Dundee.

No. I won't. :)
I'll see the Kangaroo's when we go to what you call I think 'Out Back' or the countryside.

This is funny as hell, me way up north and you guy's way down south. What time is it down under?

Finland - Wonderful people

Iran. Friendly people - as long as you're not American. If you are, of course, they'll kill you -- quite rightly. :)

Its hard to say. I've been to 5 of the countries in the poll, and I was 10 at the time. The last time I went overseas was to Australia for a weekend when I was 16, and the forementioned trip when I was 10 was the time before that.

Scotland, such a bony wee country

Finland - Wonderful people
Aren't they quite a silent and reserved? How come they are wonderful? They would like to know, or at least I would, I'm one of them.

Scotland, such a bony wee country
Yes, they sure dont eat enough. ;)
I liked Denmark best, with Ireland and Scotland coming next.

London is one of my favourite cities, so I picked England. However, I also loved San Francisco and (of course) Las Vegas, so the US would come second (have been to Pittsburgh and Chicago too, though I don't remember much about the latter - I was just a kid). I intend to go to both Canada and Australia as they look amazing, but obviously I can't pick either at this stage!

Australia, FNQ (Far North Queensland) to be precise. Best weather ever. Great people. Cool money. Ocean. Beaches. Coral Reefs. Japanese Tourists Trees. Mountains. Jungles. Wombats. Kookaburras. Australian Saddles. Bring Your Owns. Take Aways. The Metric System. Driving on the wrong side of the road in the wrong side of the car.

Whats not to love? (Ignore the sharks, stingers, biters, and the horrible british food)

(I am trying to convince my wife to move there.)

Mine's probably Australia or Canada. :)

I have been to 14 nations.
United States
Germany
England
Ireland
Norway
Sweden
Denmark
Belgium
Jamaica
Spain
Portugal
Canada
Iceland
Greece

My ranking of thees nations:

1.Iceland
2.Norway
3.Sweden
4.Germany
5.United States
6.Denmark
7.Jamaica
8.Ireland
9.Greece
10.Canada

11.Belgium
12.Portugal
13.Spain
14.England

I want to go to: Scotland, Wales, Isle of Mann, Finland, Italy, Australia, Pitcairns Island, Japan, Malta and Cyprus.

Besides Australia where I live.

I once took a trip to America, I had to stop over in Singapore for 3 hours waiting for the change-over flight. After spending 2 all American weeks in Florida; Singapore is the best country I have visited.

In defense of my own nation, the US, I must say that you really picked the wrong state to visit. Florida is tourist-trap central, we refer to it locally as the Red-kneck Riviera. It's all cheap, overpriced, and fake and old Yankees that wanted to die someplace warm. In short, it's quite possibly, the 'Tackiest Place on Earth™'. It was better 50 years ago when it was all virgin beaches and swamplands.

There are a lot of better choices to go as a visitor to this nation. Unless you really have some desire to ride plastic rollercoasters with guys in giant rodent costumes.

Oh, and Singapore Rocks.

Turkey....brilliant, friendly people and the most interesting blend of cultures I have ever seen :)

I have a slight bias towards Scotland also :D

Oh, and Singapore Rocks.

Hmm. Well nice to have a holiday there, but you don't want to live, work and raise a family there. Not unless you have $$$ or you can find a Absolutely nearly impossible to find super-high paying job.

Nice city, clean and beautiful, but it's when you have to live there, that you feel it sucks.

Because it's all highrise, and unless you have LOTSA money, you'll be living in a small flat, and the working mental attitude is very Kiasu (afraid to lose), so much so that some would do anything to be ahead of the other person. Problems about a nation whose focus is all on meritocracy.

You'll see children the age of 3 going to tuition so that they can do well in the kindergarten entrance exams! And the pressure builds on as they reach further up in high school :( , But if you can afford to put them in a good school without the stress of exams,not to mention National Service when they reach the age of 17 (All male childs MUST be conscripted into the army for 2 years).

Anyways, either than that the world is wonderful there. Plus the shoppings great, and the Chinese chicks are Beautiful.

South Korea.

Like in most buddhist societies interpersonal relationships tend to be rather smooth-edged. Visitors to SK quickly become aware people care for each other and for them. You're never considered a walking wallet. You're never cheated. Politeness and consideration are your everyday attitudes. Even if communication tends to be somewhat tedious it always works out well in the end due to people's patience with foreigners. Being able to mix better with the locals would make this country even more of a recommendation. (Message for SK kids: practice your English!)

Egypt.
25 degrees :cool:
compared to Germany, where we have zero degrees at the moment :(
I'm leaving on the next plane.

I've been to quite a few of the countries you listed. Although the UK is very enjoyable, I would pick Switzerland over the UK. Switzerland is just amazing. Awesome country, friendly people, beautiful scenery, good hotels..

Hmm. Well nice to have a holiday there, but you don't want to live, work and raise a family there. Not unless you have $$$ or you can find a Absolutely nearly impossible to find super-high paying job. [SNIP].

It's just about the only place in the world where a guy like me can afford to go stay in al 5-Star Hotel suite, with full spa, and a personal Butler.

Given what you have said about it though, I personally, probably wouldn't mind much living there (other than the space issues, I live on a Farm now, and would prefer not to live in a flat again, ever). It doesn't sound much different than the way I was raised.

This is funny as hell, me way up north and you guy's way down south. What time is it down under?

Well of course the whole country doesn't share the same time zone, but here in Western Australia, it's 6:45 PM.

United States, as it is the only country I've ever been to.

Tough call, really. Indonesia was pretty nice and so was Israel. Saudi Arabia has some gorgeous spots. The US (where I live) is great for its cultural diversity.

Dunno. Everywhere has its good and bad. I don't think I could pick a favorite.

Hmmm. I really liked Mauritius. It's verrry relaxing and beautiful.There's also a really great mix of cultures and stuff. And the food! :eek:

Pastries and really really sweet pineapple for breakfast...
Chinese for lunch and curry for dinner.

What more could you ask?

Czech Republik. Because the beer was cheap

Well of course the whole country doesn't share the same time zone, but here in Western Australia, it's 6:45 PM.
Yeah, I know. I was talking about Perth.

I have been to:
Russia (where i was born)
Australia (where i live)
Czech Republic
Thailand
America (only Alaska, actually)
France
Poland

1. Australia
2. Russia
3. Poland
4. Thailand
5. America
6. Czech Republic
7. France.....i hated france. Enough said.

top 5 countries ive visited:
Switzerland
Rep. of Ireland
France
Spain
USA

Yeah, I know. I was talking about Perth.

It's 11:20pm in Melbourne where I am.

I'd have to say my favourite place to visit is Canada. Beautiful scenery, friendly people.

Ozzi! Ozzi! Ozzi!
Oy! Oy! Oy!

'nuff said.

Ozzi! Ozzi! Ozzi!
Oy! Oy! Oy!

'nuff said.

My favourite place to live. :)

Oh hell, I forgot that trip I went on to England!
I rather liked it there, so that'll get my vote.

Either Australia or Canada.

Both fantastic places :)

No African countries have got a vote. *huff*

I would vote for Swaziland, but that'd be a lie since it's pleasant enough, but nothing special. Can I vote for South Africa since I don't live there anymore?

Well other than the beauty that is Canada (but I won't count that because I'm from Canada)

I will say Jamaica, because I had such a great time there. The locals were the nicest people I've ever met. The resort I stayed at was literally paradise. The weather, again, paradise. I've been to many places both tropical and not. However which place would I want to go back to the most? Jamaica!

No African countries have got a vote. *huff*

I would vote for Swaziland, but that'd be a lie since it's pleasant enough, but nothing special. Can I vote for South Africa since I don't live there anymore?

I really liked Tunisia. Morocco was pretty good. The only actaually bad thing was the sex starved locals leering at and interfering with my girlfriends.

My favourite country I've been to so far is India. But I'm glad I wasn't born there.

As an American traveling over seas. My favorites so far are Italy, Morocco and had a good time in Ireland too. Been to almost every European nation. Alot in Africa too.

The only actaually bad thing was the sex starved locals leering at and interfering with my girlfriends.

My favourite country I've been to so far is India. But I'm glad I wasn't born there.

You know, as a woman of Indian descent, the leering is one reason I don't want to go to India any time soon. My mum is really keen to go, but it freaks me out. As it is I get stared at by Indian men in AUSTRALIA. And not just stared at, but ogled continuously in a way that makes me really unconfortable. It's even worse when I'm with my bf. Then I get the "OMG you dirty slut" look. It's great.

Imagine what it'd be like there?

Note: Don't worry, I know that not all Indian men are like that. :p

Oh hell, I forgot that trip I went on to England!
I rather liked it there, so that'll get my vote.

Obviously someone who doesn't live here full time under Labour.

As for my favourite country, Canada, without a doubt. Been twice, going again in April. Amazing scenery, friendly people, and about two hundred times better than my visits to the US.

You know, as a woman of Indian descent, the leering is one reason I don't want to go to India any time soon. My mum is really keen to go, but it freaks me out. As it is I get stared at by Indian men in AUSTRALIA. And not just stared at, but ogled continuously in a way that makes me really unconfortable. It's even worse when I'm with my bf. Then I get the "OMG you dirty slut" look. It's great.

Imagine what it'd be like there?

Note: Don't worry, I know that not all Indian men are like that. :p

Actually the indian men were a lot lot less leery than the arab men - to the extent that it wasn't a problem for either of us. And my gf at the time was of indian descent.

Actually the indian men were a lot lot less leery than the arab men - to the extent that it wasn't a problem for either of us. And my gf at the time was of indian descent.
Wow, I'm impressed. Maybe it's just the expats then? :p
I dunno, something to do with being horrified by how a nice Indian girl was so corrupted by Western values that she wears a singlet and goes out with a white boy. :p

United States - don't really remember much of it
Frence - wth? Is this some new country i've never heard of? :P
England - where i live, so the 'control' country for all others to be measured against
Scotland - bit too cold and rainy, incomprihensible accent
Germany - hate the language
Ireland - the beer! so much beer! guinness!
Spain - went too long ago to remember
Iceland - never been
Italy - never been
Other... What Nation and Why?

My tops would have to be:

1. France - Beautiful language, beautiful country, wonderful culture.
2. Ireland - While not the biggest drinkers, definately the most alcohol-centric culture which is good fun. Beautiful women, nice countryside, and i always get the feeling everyone's a little insane, which appeals to me :p
3. Czech Republic - makers of the only lager i've ever liked in quantity, and at a brilliant price. Loses out to Ireland because the language is weird and the places i've seen not as attractive
4. Australia - seems so much more relxed and stress-free than anywhere i've visited, met some great people too. So far down the list because of the ridiculous temperatures (i'm not a fan of heat) and the unforgiveable fact it's scorching hot at Christmas.
5. Austria - hate the language, dislike the food, not a big fan of the people i met. But the Rathaus (sp?) and surrounding area at Christmas is utterly beautiful.

Places that didn't make the cut:
Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal, Monaco (does that count?), Germany, Scotland, Wales, Crete, Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, America, Canada.

Wow, I'm impressed. Maybe it's just the expats then? :p
I dunno, something to do with being horrified by how a nice Indian girl was so corrupted by Western values that she wears a singlet and goes out with a white boy. :p

Maybe the indians thought my gf was an arab. The arabs certainly did. I reckon if you went to india in a singlet the locals wouldn't really consider you an indian anyway. If a white australian came to britain, I'd still think they were australian.

Maybe the indians thought my gf was an arab. The arabs certainly did. I reckon if you went to india in a singlet the locals wouldn't really consider you an indian anyway. If a white australian came to britain, I'd still think they were australian.

Well theres no point putting off a trip because of what people may or may not think or um... leer at.

Now the only thing is- can I put up with my mum for weeks on end? *shudder*

As the question is visited, the best I have visited was Austria. My favorite country over all is the US.

In defense of my own nation, the US, I must say that you really picked the wrong state to visit. Florida is tourist-trap central, we refer to it locally as the Red-kneck Riviera. It's all cheap, overpriced, and fake and old Yankees that wanted to die someplace warm. In short, it's quite possibly, the 'Tackiest Place on Earth™'. It was better 50 years ago when it was all virgin beaches and swamplands.

There are a lot of better choices to go as a visitor to this nation. Unless you really have some desire to ride plastic rollercoasters with guys in giant rodent costumes.

Oh, and Singapore Rocks.
LOL

As a person living in Florida, all I can say is: You have never been to Florida.
I even live in the "worst" tourist area, Orlando, but I don't recognize ANY of your points..

As to country, I would say it's a toss-up between France and Norway.
I've visited more than 50 countries, some many times, some only once.

I live in Scotland and have been to:

England
Wales
France
Spain
Belgium
Netherlands
Germany
Italy
Austria
Switzerland
Luxembourg
Andorra
Monaco

Out of the countries I have visited I would probably choose France as it is the most varied and there are hundreds of interesting places to visit. Later in the year I am going to the Czech Republic and Hungary.

Besides Australia where I live.

I once took a trip to America, I had to stop over in Singapore for 3 hours waiting for the change-over flight. After spending 2 all American weeks in Florida; Singapore is the best country I have visited.

Perfect :p .

1: Slovenia (and "Italian" Croatia), I LOVE those people, I had a great time
2: Turkey
3: Austria
4: Spain
5: France
6: Denmark
7: England
8: Germany
9: Belgium
10: any other I forgot or countries I only drove through (Italy, Switzerland)

At the very bottom:
Croatia (the South closer to Dubrovnik), man those people were just "not the happiest"

Later in the year I am going to the Czech Republic and Hungary.

Well, I haven't travelled much, but I visited these two countries and I'm pleased with them.. haha.. Aim for capitols.. (of course)

This thread deserves a 'bump' :)

LOL

As a person living in Florida, all I can say is: You have never been to Florida.
I even live in the "worst" tourist area, Orlando, but I don't recognize ANY of your points..


Umm, I went to Florida 10+ times a year, every year, for a week or two at a time for the first 17 years of my life (my dad worked in S. Georgia at the time, and that was the nearest 'cool' place to go in the summer). I lived there for a year and a half. I asked my wife to marry me in St Augustine. I have been to every major city more than once, including most of the 'out of the way spots' (like Navarre and Clearwater).

Maybe you don't see the tackiness that surrounds you, but there is no accounting for taste. I for one dislike looking at 40 stores in a two block radius selling the same shirts made for 18¢ by some 6 year old in bangladesh and being sold for $35 a pop to be anything but tacky. Plus, the water in half the state has turned brown from all the crap being dumped in it. And 6 story Condo buildings on every beach with a little white sand cannot be anything but an eyesore. And the roller-coasters in every theme park there suck. And why there has to be a Ripley's® and a gator farm every 15 miles just boggles the mind.

Oh, and old yankees don't know how to drive for shit.

And I would say that Panama City Beach is the 'worst' tourist area. Orlando is just the biggest/most famous.

Denmark and Norway in the summer! Great people, great food, and great atmosphere!

Russia- Cool people, lots of alcohol, crazy people and good food.

Saudi is strict and another matter however. They like chop your hand off for stealing or something like that. :)

Would it be too hard not to steal something during the short period you are vacationing in the Saudis?

I prefer New Zealand. Beautiful country, very varied landscape, with WIERDLY different vegetation (80% indigenous). The aboriginal people didn't get shit on quite as much as elsewhere, so their culture is relatively intact. Not as much racism there as U.S. or Australia.
The locals are friendly, and for mono-liguists like myself, you don't need a phrase book. Nice accents too.

They were one ofthe first to give women the vote, and despite an unfortunate run of neo-con governments, still are fairly progressive.

They are also sports nuts, so there is plenty to do. I figure you could tool around the country for at least two years before you ran out of outdoor pursuits to try. If you're a culture vulture, tough.

Bloody far away though, bitch of an airfare, and too far to swim.

I have a love of Estonia, especially Tallinn...