{"id":1163,"date":"2026-09-24T18:31:10","date_gmt":"2026-09-24T18:31:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shipplay.com\/blog\/?p=1163"},"modified":"2026-09-24T18:31:11","modified_gmt":"2026-09-24T18:31:11","slug":"best-countries-to-visit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shipplay.com\/blog\/best-countries-to-visit\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Best Countries to Visit Around the World"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Choosing where to travel next can be challenging when the world is filled with beautiful beaches, historic cities, dramatic landscapes, and unforgettable cultural experiences. The best countries to visit offer more than famous attractions\u2014they give travelers a range of experiences that can make an entire trip feel extraordinary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you want to sample a new cuisine, walk through centuries-old neighborhoods, relax beside the ocean, or spend your vacation immersed in nature, there\u2019s a destination for every kind of traveler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From Europe and Asia to Africa and the South Pacific, these countries are home to some of the best vacation spots in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Italy<\/h3>Italy earns its place among the best countries to visit with its remarkable combination of art, history, food, and scenery. Explore the ancient landmarks of Rome, admire Renaissance masterpieces in Florence, cruise through the canals of Venice, or experience the colorful towns along the Amalfi Coast.

    Beyond its famous cities, Italy offers vineyard-covered countryside, alpine mountains, Mediterranean beaches, and regional cuisines that make every stop feel like a different trip.<\/li>\n\n\n\n

  2. Japan<\/h3>Japan blends centuries of tradition with some of the most innovative cities in the world. In Tokyo, travelers can experience neon-lit neighborhoods, renowned restaurants, and peaceful shrines all in the same day.

    Kyoto offers historic temples, gardens, and traditional architecture, while destinations like Hokkaido, Okinawa, and the Japanese Alps reveal the country\u2019s natural side. Japan\u2019s efficient rail system also makes it easier to visit several regions during one vacation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n

  3. New Zealand<\/h3>New Zealand is one of the best countries to visit for dramatic scenery and outdoor adventure. Its two main islands contain mountains, beaches, glaciers, geothermal landscapes, lakes, and rolling countryside.

    Experience M\u0101ori culture in Rotorua, hike through Fiordland National Park, visit the vineyards around Marlborough, or take a road trip across the South Island. New Zealand is an especially memorable destination for hikers, photographers, and travelers who prefer spending their vacations outside.<\/li>\n\n\n\n

  4. Greece<\/h3>Greece brings together ancient history, Mediterranean food, and some of the world\u2019s most recognizable islands. Begin in Athens with the Acropolis and the historic neighborhoods surrounding it before traveling to islands like Crete, Naxos, Corfu, or Santorini.

    Thessaloniki is another excellent destination for food, culture, and waterfront views. Whether you\u2019re interested in archaeological sites or quiet days beside the Aegean Sea, Greece offers plenty of reasons to return.<\/li>\n\n\n\n

  5. Portugal<\/h3>Portugal offers historic cities, Atlantic beaches, scenic wine regions, and a relaxed pace of life. Ride Lisbon\u2019s famous trams, walk beside the Douro River in Porto, visit the palaces of Sintra, or spend a few days along the Algarve coast.

    Travelers can also venture beyond the mainland to Madeira or the Azores for hiking, volcanic landscapes, and ocean views. Portugal\u2019s manageable size makes it possible to combine several different experiences in one trip.<\/li>\n\n\n\n

  6. South Africa<\/h3>South Africa is one of the best countries to visit for travelers who want cities, coastlines, wildlife, and wine country in the same vacation. Cape Town offers beaches, restaurants, and views from Table Mountain, while the nearby Cape Winelands make an easy day trip or overnight escape.

    Johannesburg provides access to museums, cultural attractions, and connections to some of the country\u2019s renowned wildlife destinations.

    Ship&Play shipping note:<\/strong> We can only ship to and from Cape Town, Johannesburg, and their surrounding areas. Our customs agents may be unable to service destinations too far beyond these major cities or in remote areas. If you\u2019re shipping outside these cities, please check with our International Team to confirm coverage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n

  7. France<\/h3>France remains one of the world\u2019s most celebrated travel destinations. Paris is known for its museums, architecture, caf\u00e9s, and landmarks, but the country has much more to experience beyond the capital.

    Visit the vineyards and villages of Alsace, relax along the French Riviera, discover castles in the Loire Valley, or wander through the countryside of Provence. Each region has its own traditions, landscapes, and distinctive approach to French cuisine.<\/li>\n\n\n\n

  8. Fiji<\/h3>Fiji is home to some of the best vacation spots in the world for tropical beaches and island relaxation. The country includes hundreds of islands surrounded by clear water, coral reefs, and white-sand beaches.

    Viti Levu offers resorts, cultural attractions, and access to the Coral Coast, while the Mamanuca and Yasawa island groups are popular for snorkeling, diving, and quiet coastal escapes. Fiji is an ideal choice for honeymoons, milestone celebrations, and travelers ready to slow down.<\/li>\n\n\n\n

  9. Malaysia<\/h3>Malaysia combines modern cities, tropical islands, mountain landscapes, and a multicultural food scene. Kuala Lumpur offers skyscrapers, markets, temples, and convenient public transportation.

    Penang is celebrated for its street food and the historic architecture of George Town, while Langkawi provides beaches and outdoor recreation. The country\u2019s Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Indigenous influences create an especially rich mix of cuisines and cultural experiences.<\/li>\n\n\n\n

  10. Australia<\/h3>Australia\u2019s size and variety make it a destination that can be visited more than once. See Sydney Harbour and its famous Opera House, drive along the Great Ocean Road, visit the beaches and wine regions near Adelaide, or experience the Great Barrier Reef.

    Australia also offers tropical rainforests, vast Outback landscapes, distinctive wildlife, and cosmopolitan cities. Because the distances between regions can be significant, focus on one or two areas unless you\u2019re planning a longer trip.<\/li>\n\n\n\n

  11. Canada<\/h3>Canada is one of the best countries to visit for mountain scenery, energetic cities, and year-round outdoor activities. Explore the lakes and peaks of Banff and Jasper, experience the food and culture of Montr\u00e9al and Qu\u00e9bec City, or pair Vancouver with an adventure through British Columbia.

    On the Atlantic coast, colorful fishing villages, rugged shorelines, and fresh seafood create another distinct Canadian experience.<\/li>\n\n\n\n

  12. Spain<\/h3>Spain offers sunny coastlines, historic cities, celebrated food, and an energetic culture. Barcelona combines distinctive architecture with Mediterranean beaches, while Madrid is filled with museums, parks, and lively neighborhoods.

    Seville and Granada showcase the history and traditions of Andalusia, while Galicia and the Basque Country provide entirely different landscapes and cuisines. Late spring and early fall are excellent times to visit if you want pleasant weather without the height of the summer crowds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n

  13. Netherlands<\/h3>The Netherlands offers much more than a stop in Amsterdam. While the capital is known for its canals, museums, and historic buildings, travelers can also visit the architecture of Rotterdam, the caf\u00e9s and canals of Utrecht, or the government buildings and beaches around The Hague.

    Outside the cities, cycling routes, windmills, tulip fields, and coastal landscapes make the Netherlands easy to experience at a slower pace.<\/li>\n\n\n\n

  14. Singapore<\/h3>Singapore combines futuristic architecture, green spaces, cultural neighborhoods, and one of the world\u2019s most exciting food scenes. Visit Gardens by the Bay, walk along Marina Bay, or spend an afternoon in Chinatown, Little India, or Kampong Glam.

    Hawker centers make it possible to sample dishes influenced by Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan traditions in one destination. Singapore\u2019s efficient public transportation also makes the city-state particularly easy to navigate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n

  15. Norway<\/h3>Norway is one of the best countries to visit for spectacular natural scenery. Cruise through the fjords, travel aboard one of the country\u2019s scenic railways, explore the Lofoten Islands, or venture north for a chance to see the northern lights.

    Oslo and Bergen add museums, architecture, restaurants, and waterfront neighborhoods to the experience. Norway can be expensive, but hiking trails and natural attractions provide plenty of memorable ways to experience the country.<\/li>\n\n\n\n

  16. Iceland<\/h3>Iceland\u2019s waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, geothermal areas, and black-sand beaches make it feel unlike almost anywhere else. Many first-time visitors follow the Golden Circle or drive along the South Coast, while a longer Ring Road trip reveals quieter landscapes around the island.

    Travelers can also soak in geothermal pools, walk through lava fields, and search for the northern lights during the darker months.<\/li>\n\n\n\n

  17. Ireland<\/h3>Ireland combines lively cities with green countryside, dramatic coastlines, historic castles, and welcoming towns. Explore Dublin\u2019s cultural attractions, drive the Wild Atlantic Way, see the Cliffs of Moher, or visit the colorful streets and traditional pubs of Galway.

    Road-tripping makes it easier to discover smaller villages and coastal landscapes, but travelers can also connect several major destinations by train.<\/li>\n\n\n\n

  18. Switzerland<\/h3>Switzerland is known for its snowcapped mountains, clear lakes, picturesque towns, and famously scenic rail journeys. Explore the historic streets of Z\u00fcrich, Geneva, or Lucerne before traveling into the Alps.

    Destinations like Zermatt, Interlaken, and the Jungfrau region provide hiking, skiing, cable-car rides, and mountain views. Switzerland is not inexpensive, but its scenery and efficient transportation make it an unforgettable choice for a special trip.<\/li>\n\n\n\n

  19. United Kingdom<\/h3>The United Kingdom gives travelers several distinct destinations within one trip. London offers historic landmarks, celebrated museums, theater, shopping, and cuisine from around the world.

    Beyond the capital, visit the villages of the English countryside, the historic streets of Edinburgh, the mountains and castles of Wales, or the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. Trains make it possible to combine many cities without renting a car.<\/li>\n\n\n\n

  20. Germany<\/h3>Germany offers energetic cities, medieval towns, forested landscapes, castles, and regional traditions. Berlin is known for its history, museums, art, and nightlife, while Munich provides a gateway to Bavaria and the German Alps.

    Travelers can also visit the villages of the Romantic Road, cruise along the Rhine, or experience the country\u2019s Christmas markets during the holiday season. Germany\u2019s extensive rail system makes multi-city trips relatively straightforward.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    How to Choose the Best Country for Your Next Vacation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The best destination ultimately depends on the experience you want. Consider your preferred weather, available travel time, budget, and the activities that matter most to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n