The most welcoming people? (page 3 of 8)

that also shows how subjective it is.

Absolutely.

For me, there’s nothing worse than a country where you’re never invisible. 🤪

Overly commercial friendliness is a deal-breaker for me too.

For me, insincere friendliness is a deal-breaker.

...those cloying smiles that turn into scowls down to the belly button when you don’t buy anything. That’s how the Balinese—so kind, so welcoming, so friendly, according to some stories—got on my nerves. 😄

Hello,

A lot to say on this. First, an observation I’ve heard during my travels and seen confirmed on this forum: you often have to go far to find a great mindset and warm welcome... I haven’t read everything, but why is Western Europe never mentioned? I loved the people in Scotland, Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands... folks who invite you in, who talk to you with big smiles—it’s there too. No need to go to Chile or Myanmar.

Then, I get the feeling that when we travel, we tend to overlook the flaws and only remember the good. Many wouldn’t put up with what they experience abroad if it happened in France. A pushy French salesperson would be a jerk at home, but in India, they become a friendly guy with a big smile. A flirtatious guy like an Argentine would be seen as a creep in France, but in Argentina, he’s just a charming, interesting guy.

I’ve never understood this little traveler competition about "the most welcoming people are over there, I’ve been there."

Anyway, to actually answer the question, I’d say Scotland and New Zealand (yes, it’s far).

That said, it’s not all black and white. In New Zealand, one day while I was traveling by bike, someone invited me over and handed me a basket at the supermarket—"take what you want, I’ll pay for everything." Three days later, I had the cops called on me because I was looking for a patch of grass to pitch my tent... In Nagaland, I spent three weeks with a family who didn’t ask me for a single rupee. Not a single other Naga spoke to me... I’ve had such contrasting experiences in India, Argentina, and every other country I’ve visited. For me, none really stand out.

One country does stand out in a different way: Australia. After three months there... I was disgusted with everything...

And I just read Djalma mentioning the Irish and the Belgians... sorry Djalma

I mentioned the English... (meaning the United Kingdom)

After all, it's the same—there’s no black and white. In New Zealand, one day while I was traveling by bike, someone invited me over and handed me a basket at the supermarket: "Take what you want, I’ll pay for everything." Three days later, we had to call the cops because I was looking for a patch of garden to pitch my tent... In Nagaland, I spent three weeks with a family who didn’t ask me for a single rupee. Not a single other Naga spoke to me... Such contrasting encounters... .

Hi there,

Sometimes, we act a certain way to counterbalance the general vibe. For example, your stories reminded me of a time when my partner and I were extra nice to the flight attendants because we felt so bad for them after seeing how some passengers treated them. ...They could tell you about completely opposite behaviors among travelers on the same flight.

In a freezing-cold waiting hall in Malaysia, a Chinese man gave me his ticket so I could leave sooner.

It’s also true that when we travel, we sometimes overlook certain things to keep the good memories. Just look at travel journals—every country, even the most criticized ones, becomes "a magnificent country with such kind, endearing people" in those pages.....

Hi,

Yeah, it's true—I have great memories of Scotland... But honestly, I think there are kind and friendly people all over the world. Sometimes, though, you just run into the wrong ones, and that can ruin the trip...

I also mentioned the Irish in a previous post ;)

As for us, there isn’t really anywhere we’ve visited where we didn’t feel like we met incredibly warm people... Europe, the United States, Asia: especially with kids, who open so many doors.

In Germany, we have amazing memories of encounters: one day, after getting a flat on a rented bike on a country road, we met a couple who called friends to come help us out. To thank them... they refused our invitation for a drink and instead invited us to a gargantuan breakfast at their place the next day. To top it all off, we left with a guitar for our son!!!

In Tunisia, same story: right in the middle of the Jasmine Revolution. An incredible encounter with a young pediatrician in a palm grove... even though we were stressed and wary. A few days later, we ended up eating couscous with his family...

We maybe had a bit more trouble connecting in Thailand. We got the impression that the smiles weren’t always genuine, and in Ko Tao or other touristy spots, we were even surprised by the unpleasant and mocking reactions from some Thais.

Hello,

I’ve visited 15 countries, and without hesitation, the Iranian people are the kindest and most welcoming. Many testimonials on this forum can confirm that.

Tourists are so rare in Iran that they’re treated like royalty.

On the Tehran metro, I befriended a girl who invited me to her wedding after just 10 minutes of conversation 🙂 In shops, I was offered tea; on the street, I was given sweets—and above all, everyone shared their smiles 🙂

I’ve read that a lot too, which makes me want to go!

For my part, I travel as a couple, so meeting people is probably harder that way. We also don’t stay very long (a week is nothing compared to those who travel for months), so it’s hard for me to judge.

I just got back from 3 weeks in Ukraine, where we had more chances to chat—especially with a very friendly couple who love French. That said, in these former communist countries, people aren’t warm at first glance. It’s the same in Poland or the Czech Republic—the service in restaurants or tourist spots isn’t always great, but they’ll try to help if you’re in trouble. I’m thinking of those two young guys in Gdańsk who called us a taxi at midnight because we’d taken the wrong tram and were lost in the suburbs (no more trams running). They waited with us to make sure the driver understood where we were going, etc. Or the woman in Ukraine who went out of her way to show us how to enter the monastery enclosure we were looking for because she couldn’t explain it (language barrier), etc. So I really like the people in these countries—they’re discreet, like me, just a matter of preference.

Italians are nice too!

I also love the English (which is why I live with a Franco-Brit 😛). I adore their language and wanted to live in London. I love their offbeat humor, and yes, they’re helpful when you’re lost.

As for the rest, I haven’t traveled enough to different parts of the world.

Can we talk about the least welcoming populations too? 😎

I’d say the French... 🤪 careful, I’m not putting everyone in the same basket! But there aren’t many who, at the sight of a tourist, come up and welcome them, ask where they’re from, etc...

I say this because while traveling, we got quite a wake-up call—a real reality check. Everywhere we go, we’re always warmly welcomed. People say welcome, and when we say we’re French: *I love Paris!* Yeah, except that until now, we didn’t care about tourists. Now, we see things differently—we welcome, say hello, and help.

I think the welcome in France has improved, but as a French person, it’s not easy to put yourself in a foreigner’s shoes. I enjoyed helping a Chinese woman I met on the bus from Nice Airport, telling her what to see, etc., but I doubt many would’ve done the same 😐

Apparently, Russians are at the top of the least friendly list... My boyfriend knows them well, but the last few times he was with locals, so his perception was different. He says that just like that, on the street or at tourist sites, they’re really not friendly—it’s cultural, you have to get to know them to lighten them up. Still, I can’t wait to see for myself 😎

Albania in 2012, especially in the mountains, where some people were happy to chat in French. A bit less so on the coast, which was already open to tourists. Turkey, where I was often invited to breakfast with the women. One day, after eating at a local restaurant, my meal was paid for by other customers—a popular spot in the east. But of course, it’s all subjective.

For me, it’s Egypt—but Southern Egypt, not the North (they’re awful). I’ve never had as much contact with people as I did with Egyptians anywhere else. Even after returning to my homeland, we’re still in touch...

Otherwise, a mind-blowing experience was in Turkey.

We set off on a trek, I sprained my ankle, so walking was no longer possible. The group left without me, leaving me with three kind gentlemen. They offered me tea, treats, and the highlight: a massage for my ankle with motor oil... an unforgettable memory!!!

Then, 15 years ago, a monk healed my burn in Thailand at a temple I stumbled upon by chance. We spent the day with them. Magical!

"... the people who charmed you the most ..."—it’s often the people *I’ve* charmed the most! And you’ve got to settle in and stay awhile in one place to really notice how kind people are.

My experience: France—yes, stop beating yourselves up—after a dozen trips and stays, and I’m planning to go back. Burkina Faso, where I spent 3 months, Indonesians (I’ve been there three times), and several Americans (but in their own country) from different states.

France, yes, stop beating yourselves up, and that’s after about ten trips and stays, and I’m planning to go back. Burkina Faso, where I spent 3 months, Indonesians, where I’ve been three times, and several Americans (but in their own country) from different states.

At least that’s clear!

Hi Jean-Michel,

The Luberon—what a beautiful region of France! I brought back so many great (and delicious) memories. Two month-long stays (house-sitting in Rochefort-du-Gard) let me discover your stunning Luberon.

PS: Jean Ferrat. "Ma France" still gives me chills. What a song! What a poet! I had the pleasure of seeing him perform in Montreal... last century ;)

Hi Pierro.

PS: Jean Ferrat. "Ma France" still gives me chills. What a song! What a poet! I had the pleasure of seeing him perform in Montreal... in the last century.

I didn’t know he was well-known in Quebec or that he’d toured there.

Thanks for this tribute to the Luberon!

A few verses from a local poetess...

THE LUBERON

The limestone there is like snow, So white it fools many, And on the beige-shaded earth The rock is all dusted with russet. A forest of black cedars Crowns the somber cliff, And in the golden evening light, The ravines fill with shadow. It’s a very harsh mountain, Dry at heart, without a speck of green. You see strange wounds there And circular stains...

From my experiences as a young man traveling alone: Indians!

In one year, I’d spent nearly a month and a half on trains across the country. Every trip was the same... 24, 36, or 42 hours long... and eventually, every passenger would come up to me one by one to chat, ask why I was there, give me advice, or even offer me food...

How many times did I ask for directions? And end up at a local’s home, where it was out of the question for them *not* to walk me there!

Ever since I’ve gone back as a couple, the connection isn’t the same—it creates a barrier that just doesn’t exist when you’re traveling solo!

I haven’t been everywhere, but... between the Vietnamese, Laotians, and Indians: no contest.

Ever since I’ve gone back as a couple... the connection isn’t the same because it creates a barrier that just doesn’t exist when you’re traveling solo!

Totally true, especially in countries like India or the Middle East. Generally, you’ll find it’s way easier to connect with people when you’re traveling alone.

Hello! My top 3:

Oman: everyone super welcoming, almost everywhere we were invited to drink tea, very warm Australia: very often friendly with a smile and ready to help us Myanmar: also very smiley, easy contact and warm

Colombians!!! Also Iranians and Malaysians :)