In a recent edition of the Happy Planet Index, which rates 140 nations on well-being, longevity, equality, and ecological impact, Costa Rica came out on top, boasting a high life expectancy and generally high levels of well-being. It's understandable why Costa Rica has a long-standing reputation as the happiest nation in the world: from whitewater rafting down the Reventazón River to ziplining through breathtaking rainforests, rappelling down waterfalls, and hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica offers a wide variety of outdoor activities to satiate your adventurous spirit. If you need a bit of respite amidst all the activity, Arenal has hot springs perfect for relaxing, or you can enjoy the white sands and wildlife at Playa Manuel Antonio, a tropical beach in Manuel Antonio National Park.

The best time to visit is generally between December and April, though the Caribbean side of the country is particularly beautiful in October. Many airlines are beginning to offer non-stop routes to the country, but it has always been a quick hop, skip, and jump from the United States. If you still need a little convincing as to why this Central American nation will make a life-changing vacation, take a look at these amazing reasons to visit Costa Rica.

New Zealand is a popular destination for backpackers, outdoor enthusiasts, and thrill-seekers striking out on their own — maybe because it's the second most peaceful country in the world, according to the Global Peace Index. For the most part, you can walk comfortably at night in all the major cities (again, provided you avoid the shady areas) and solo travelers can enjoy all the best attractions without worrying about their safety.

The country is a haven for the outdoors and one of the best places to meet fellow travelers. You can take a cruise through the fjords, rainforests, and waterfalls of Milford Sound; heli-hike your way through Franz Josef Glacier; trek part (or all) of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing; explore the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, or go whale-watching in the Bay of Plenty. If you need some downtime from all your adventuring, take a day trip to Waiheke Island for wine tours or make your way to the Hobbiton Movie Set to wander the real-life version of The Shire.

Mexico is one of the year’s hottest destinations, with its secret island escapes, Caribbean coastline, and cosmopolitan capital city, as well as its thriving restaurant scene and quirky colonial towns that are ideal for day trips. Everyone can agree that Mexico has friendly, helpful locals who are always happy to assist with anything from directions to recommendations for the best street food stalls. Mexico also recently ranked second-highest out of 140 countries on the Happy Planet Index.

Mexican culture is a mishmash of influences, from the Mesoamerican to the indigenous to the Spanish, and that makes the country all the more fascinating. To learn more about the native people living in rural, indigenous communities and speaking in languages other than Spanish, you can head to Oaxaca or the mountains of Jalisco and Chihuahua, whereas Spanish Colonial history can be explored in Taxco, Querétaro, and Guanajuato. Pretty much the entire country shows signs of its mestizo heritage though.

Solo traveler considers Chile to be among the best countries for solo travelers in the world for solo travel. Santiago is a modern city and a good starting point. Chile’s landscape is as beautiful as it is diverse. Whether you explore Torres del Paine National Park or the San Rafael Glacier in Patagonia, climb an active volcano in the Lake District or camp under spectacular night skies in the Atacama Desert, you’re sure to find an adventure that takes your fancy.

In Santiago, adventure meets culture, and the city is easy to navigate on foot and by bicycle. Christopher Hill or Santa Lucia Hill for panoramic views of the capital, browse the boutique shops, cafes, and cocktail bars in the Bellavista neighborhood, or visit the city’s many museums and art galleries. For a quieter vacation, head to the beaches of La Serena or Congo, or enjoy a meal in one of Chile’s top wine regions.

Spain has a little bit of everything to please everyone: art museums, gorgeous architecture, delicious food, stunning beaches, an exciting nightlife scene, and jaw-dropping hikes. With its position in southern Europe, Spain enjoys long summers and pleasant year-round weather, making it an ideal destination if you want to catch some rays. In Barcelona, visit Parc Güell, a public park that doubles as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features modern architecture, sculptures, and mosaics designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. Continue your Gaudí tour at La Sagrada Familia before visiting the Picasso Museum, when you start to get hungry, make your way to La Boqueria, the city’s oldest market.

Spain is also home to some beautiful islands, from the party isle of Ibiza and the volcanic landscapes of Tenerife to the peaceful Menorca and Graciosa in the Canary Islands, where the streets are made entirely of sand. The Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands attract millions of tourists every year for their beaches, incredible weather, and friendly locals.

Switzerland is known for its stunning beauty, and there may be no better way to see Switzerland than by train. Purchase a Swiss Travel Pass, which gives you unlimited travel by train, bus, and boat, and journey past stunning waterfalls, forests, and lakes, then hop off the train to hike the Alps, visit medieval castles, and drink Swiss wine.

Every canton in Switzerland has different customs, traditions, and even languages, resulting in a real mixed bag of events happening throughout the year. Whether it’s the Valais Witches Downhill Race or Geneva’s l’Escalade, you’ll be treated to the rich history and cultural events wherever you choose to visit. In the country that invented milk chocolate, indulging in the decadent, creamy treat is a no-brainer. But instead of simply picking up a bar of Toblerone or Lindt at the nearest grocery store, take a chocolate-themed walking tour in Lucerne and Zürich, or visit one of the several world-famous chocolate factories.

The Netherlands is an excellent destination for novice solo travelers to test out their fledgling independence. The capital of Holland is unlike other cities in Europe. It is one of those places you must experience while young, it is a city that never sleeps and there is always something to do and see. Do as the Dutch do and use a bike to get around in Amsterdam, a city known for its laid-back and welcoming atmosphere. Starting in the well-known urban park Vondelpark, you can cycle to renowned institutions like the Van Gogh Museum while seeing the city's charming canals and bridges.

If you travel to Holland between the middle of April and the first week of May, you'll be greeted by a stunning display of tulips, which are the nation's favourite flower. Just outside of Amsterdam, the Keukenhof sometimes referred to as the Garden of Europe, is home to approximately 7 million bulbs and 800 different species of tulips. Or, go to Noordoostpolder to see the Netherlands' largest tulip field during its annual Tulip Festival.

Austria is a must-see for solo travelers with a taste for fine culture. Austria is relatively small, so visitors can hop from city to city across Austria and stop by the countryside on the way. It is best to choose the bus and train routes as they offer relatively inexpensive and stress-free rides. Moreover, all of the major cities like Vienna, Linz, and Graz are well-connected. It is advisable to engage in road trips as they will give tourists the chance to see gorgeous natural landscapes one day and idyllic cities the next.

If you enjoy skiing or are a skier, the Austrian Alps will enthrall you. At least once a year, a number of locals and tourists visit the hills to engage in gliding, slipping, and sliding. All of these activities are available for a fraction of what they would cost in France or Switzerland. Albach in Tyrol is one of the most picturesque places for skiers to visit. With its wooden chalets and blazing orange windows, historic inns, and other charming features, it is so charming that it resembles a model hamlet in a snow globe.

Put Denmark on your bucket list to experience a fantastic cultural scene, magnificent landscapes, and vibrant nightlife. It will give you a peek at the cool Scandinavian way of life and a few days of pure leisure. A wide range of art movements and eras are represented in Denmark's many museums and galleries. Before visiting the trendiest country in Scandinavia, culture vultures have a lot to add to their "must-see" list, from the Danish Golden Age and modern art to Viking society and sailor life.

While there, rent a bike and ride around to the best attractions and secret spots. The tiny size of the nation makes it simple to travel by bike and explore a nearby city. With numerous campsites along the way, stop to take a break and mingle with other bike and nature lovers. The tranquil and peaceful atmosphere of the country is one of the reasons that Denmark is so special. Here, life runs in a different rhythm. Danes strolling around on their colorful bikes as well as their hygge habit have managed to become a role models for countries around the world.

The most incredible travel destination in the world, Japan provides several one-of-a-kind experiences that are unavailable anywhere else. This nation's culture is an intriguing fusion of Western modernism with Eastern traditions, which is evident everywhere. One of the oldest civilizations, Japan has a stunning and varied past. The gorgeous, diverse landscape, which the Japanese love for its mountains and breathtaking views, offers so many diverse experiences that draw travelers from all over the world.

First stop: Tokyo. Whether you shop in the luxurious Ginza neighborhood, ride to the top of one of the world's tallest towers, tour the Sensō-ji Temple, dine on ramen at Ichiran Shibuya or take a leisurely stroll through a traditional Japanese garden, you'll never run out of things to do in the glitzy city. If you need some rest from the hustle and bustle, you can take a bullet train to Kyoto, where you'll find a plethora of shrines, gardens, and temples. Since the tea ceremony has its roots in Kyoto, you may wish to partake in the tradition while you're there. No matter where on the island your Japanese travels take you, be sure to visit during the springtime to see the gorgeous cherry blossoms in bloom.