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10 Countries Where Buying a Home Is Nearly Impossible
Hong Kong Hong Kong (image credits: unsplash) Hong Kong stands out as one of the world’s least affordable housing markets, and recent figures confirm the crisis is only worsening. According to the 2024 Demographia International Housing Affordability report, the median house price in Hong Kong is now over 20 times the median gross annual household …
Why “Travel Shaming” Is Back—and What It Reveals About Us
Pandemic-Era Guilt: How COVID-19 Changed Travel Norms Pandemic-Era Guilt: How COVID-19 Changed Travel Norms (image credits: unsplash) The COVID-19 pandemic left a deep imprint on travel culture, turning vacations into morally charged decisions. According to a 2023 survey by Morning Consult, 43% of Americans reported feeling judged for traveling during the pandemic, a sharp increase …
The 8 Most Joyful Countries to Live In (Plus 3 of the Gloomiest to Skip)
Finland: The Reigning Champion of Happiness Finland: The Reigning Champion of Happiness (image credits: pixabay) Finland has held the number one spot in the United Nations’ World Happiness Report for seven consecutive years as of 2024. This Nordic country consistently scores high due to its robust social safety nets, low corruption levels, and strong sense …
9 Countries Where Purchasing a Home Feels Impossible
Hong Kong: The World’s Most Expensive Property Market Hong Kong: The World’s Most Expensive Property Market (image credits: unsplash) In 2024, Hong Kong remains the most unaffordable place on the planet to buy a home. According to the Demographia International Housing Affordability study, the city’s median house price is nearly 18 times the median annual …
Top 10 Most Joyful Nations—And 3 Struggling at the Bottom
Finland: Joyful Consistency at the Top Finland: Joyful Consistency at the Top (image credits: unsplash) Finland has held onto its title as the world’s happiest nation for seven consecutive years, according to the 2024 World Happiness Report. This ranking is not just about wealth; it reflects strong social trust, low corruption, and an exceptionally effective …
Top 15 Countries Where Tourists Are Treated Like Cash Cows
1. Thailand: Dual Pricing and Tourist Traps 1. Thailand: Dual Pricing and Tourist Traps (image credits: unsplash) Thailand has long attracted millions of visitors, with over 28 million international arrivals in 2024 alone according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand. However, tourists often encounter a well-documented “dual pricing” system—where foreigners pay significantly higher prices for …
Top 10 Happiest Places—and 3 Unhappy Ones Falling Behind
Finland: Unwavering at the Top Finland: Unwavering at the Top (image credits: unsplash) For the seventh consecutive year, Finland has clinched the title of the world’s happiest country according to the 2024 World Happiness Report. The Finnish score of 7.8 out of 10 is rooted in social trust, generous public services, and a sense of …
10 Nations That Might Soon Close Their Doors to Visitors
1. Bhutan: Environmental Strains Prompt Drastic Limits 1. Bhutan: Environmental Strains Prompt Drastic Limits (image credits: unsplash) Bhutan, the tiny Himalayan kingdom known for its “high-value, low-impact” tourism policy, has recently signaled intentions to restrict foreign arrivals even further. In September 2023, Bhutan’s government raised its Sustainable Development Fee for tourists to $200 per day, …
The 8 Most Joyful Countries to Live In (Plus 3 of the Saddest You Might Skip)
Finland: The Pinnacle of Happiness Finland: The Pinnacle of Happiness (image credits: unsplash) Finland has become a global symbol for happiness, topping the World Happiness Report again in 2025 with a score of 7.8 out of 10. Finnish society is built on trust, transparency, and a spirit of togetherness that is rare in the modern …
15 Spots Travelers Who Dislike Crowds Will Appreciate
1. Svalbard, Norway 1. Svalbard, Norway (image credits: unsplash) Svalbard, an Arctic archipelago located between mainland Norway and the North Pole, sees only about 30,000 visitors annually—compared to several million in Norway’s fjord regions. This remote wilderness offers vast glaciers, polar bear sightings, and endless daylight in summer, making it a dream for solitude seekers. …
