Traveling the world is an incredible experience filled with new cultures, breathtaking sights and unforgettable adventures. One of the best parts of exploring a new country is meeting friendly locals who provide a warm welcome, share their traditions and make sure you're at home.
However, not all destinations offer the same sense of hospitality. In some places, visitors may feel cold, indifferent or completely unwelcome. Popular travel YouTuber Wolters World has visited dozens of countries and although he believes there are friendly people everywhere, he has come across several places that he claims to be significantly lacking in warmth and hospitality. Based on his experience, he has compiled a list of five of the friendly countries he has visited, as well as a list of destinations that have left what he wants to interact with locals.
1. Belgium
Despite world-class beer, stunning cities like Bruges and Ghent and rich cultural heritage, Belgium was the first choice for Ulter's World.
He particularly called out to Brussels and cited the overall cold attitude from the locals. Additionally, he spoke of incidents of racial harassment against the students he was traveling with, and was less welcome than the rest of Europe.
2. China
Although interactions in minority groups were generally positive, Walters' world described the chaotic and friendly experiences in large crowds. He pointed to aggressive behavior in public places. For example, people walking forward in line or fighting over items in the store.
The overwhelming population density seems to contribute to the attitude of “everyone for yourself” and hospitality is put into the back seat.
3. Denmark
Denmark has created a list of what Walter's World described as “cold indifference.” He explained that locals simply don't see tourists as part of their lives and are not involved with them.
He spoke of a Danish man who agreed to his assessment. “It's not that I don't like you. Danes can be friendly in their social environment, but everyday interactions can feel distant.
4. Argentina
YouTubers specifically called Buenos Aires, where he found an air of superiority among locals compared to other parts of the country.
He noted the social disparities between residents of the capital and residents of the state, leading to a warm welcome for outsiders. Despite enjoying the time there, he observed a clear difference in attitudes in the city.
5. Luxembourg
It was Luxembourg that topped his list of most friendly places. With high pay, a comfortable lifestyle and little dependence on tourism, locals seemed uninterested in engaging with visitors.
He described the atmosphere in which service workers and residents act as “We should be grateful to be here.” The country is rich and well organized, but hospitality left much to be desired.
Despite his rankings, Wolters World emphasized that there is still plenty of offerings in each country and that everyone is not unfriendly. He encouraged travelers to keep their hearts open and shared that he had compiled a much longer list of the most friendly countries he visited.
