Some countries don’t just welcome you—they adopt you. One minute you’re a stranger fumbling with local phrases, the next you’re being handed a plate of something steaming, told to sit, eat, stay awhile. No awkward small talk. No cold tourist smiles. Just warmth. Real warmth. These are the places where grandmas pinch your cheeks, kids wave like you’re long-lost cousins, and your Airbnb host might invite you to their cousin’s wedding. (And you’ll go. And you’ll dance. And it’ll be amazing.) Forget cookie-cutter sightseeing. These 13 countries wrap you in a hug and make you feel like you’ve come home—even if it’s your first time setting foot on their soil.
Ireland
Ireland, known for its rolling green hills and rich folklore, invites you with open arms and a pint of Guinness. Step into an Irish pub, and you’ll quickly become part of the laughter and song.
The locals, with their lilting accents and friendly banter, make strangers feel like long-lost family. In Ireland, hospitality is not just a tradition but a way of life.
You’ll find yourself welcomed at family gatherings, where stories of old are shared over hearty meals. The warmth here is as genuine as a mother’s hug.
Japan
In Japan, hospitality is an art form known as ‘omotenashi’. The meticulous care with which guests are treated makes every encounter special.
Experience it first-hand in a tea ceremony, where the host’s grace and precision reflect a deep-seated respect for visitors.
Whether in bustling Tokyo or serene Kyoto, the Japanese extend their warmth through small gestures and attentive service. This cultural ethos ensures that guests are treated with an honor that feels almost familial. Japan’s embrace is subtle yet profoundly heartfelt, leaving a lasting impression.
New Zealand
New Zealand, the land of the long white cloud, greets visitors with a spirit of ‘manaakitanga’, a Maori concept of respect and hospitality.
Here, you are welcomed not just to a place but into a community that values care and kindness. The Maori culture’s traditional haka, often performed as a gesture of welcome, exemplifies this ethos.
Whether exploring the natural wonders or enjoying a community gathering, Kiwis make you feel at home with their genuine smiles and open hearts.
Portugal
Portugal’s warmth is as abundant as its sunshine, offering visitors a genuine welcome that feels like a homecoming. The Portuguese are known for their friendliness and willingness to share their culture.
Join in a local festival, and you’ll be swept into a celebration of life, complete with music, dance, and delicious foods.
From the cobbled streets of Lisbon to the vineyards of the Douro Valley, you’re treated as part of the family. Here, the warmth of the people is as comforting as the aroma of freshly baked pastéis de nata.
Mexico
In Mexico, family extends beyond bloodlines to encompass friends and visitors. Celebrations like Dia de los Muertos illustrate this inclusivity, where everyone joins in honoring ancestors with vibrant altars and festivities.
The Mexican spirit of ‘mi casa es su casa’ ensures that visitors feel welcomed into the heart of the culture.
Whether savoring tacos in a bustling plaza or sharing laughter at a family gathering, you’ll find a warmth that embraces you completely. Mexico’s hospitality is as vivid as its colors, leaving you enriched and embraced.
Greece
Greece, with its sun-soaked islands and ancient history, is home to a tradition of ‘philoxenia’, or love for strangers. The Greeks’ generous hospitality is legendary, often shared around a table filled with delectable dishes.
Visitors are treated like cherished friends, invited to share in the warmth of family life. A dinner overlooking the Aegean becomes an experience of genuine connection.
Whether in bustling Athens or a quiet island village, the Greek welcome is as enduring as the Parthenon’s stones, leaving you with memories as sweet as baklava.
India
In India, the concept of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ or ‘The guest is God’, defines the cultural approach to hospitality. Houses open up, and strangers are made to feel cherished.
Experience this during festivals like Holi, where you are part of the joyful chaos of colors and camaraderie.
From the bustling streets of Delhi to the serene landscapes of Kerala, every region offers its unique warmth. The Indian embrace is as flavorful as its cuisine, ensuring that every visitor departs with a heart full of joy and a spirit touched by kindness.
Thailand
Thailand, known as the Land of Smiles, extends a welcome that is as delightful as its renowned cuisine. In bustling markets, vendors greet you with smiles and a willingness to share their culinary treasures.
The Thai concept of ‘sanuk’ ensures that life is enjoyed, and visitors are drawn into the vibrant way of life.
Whether you’re exploring temples or enjoying tranquil beaches, the friendliness of the Thai people makes you feel like part of an extended family. This hospitable spirit is as refreshing as a cool breeze on a tropical evening.
Italy
Italy’s hospitality is renowned, as rich and full-bodied as its wines. The Italian tradition of sharing meals ensures that visitors feel embraced by family warmth.
Join a family gathering in Tuscany, where laughter mingles with the scent of pasta and fresh basil, creating memories that linger like a fine wine.
Throughout the country, from bustling Rome to serene Sicilian villages, the Italian welcome is genuine and heartfelt. Their passion for life and connection makes every visitor feel cherished, as if returning to a familiar home.
Scotland
In Scotland, the rugged landscapes are matched by the warmth of its people. Here, ‘cèilidh’, a traditional social gathering, welcomes you with music, dancing, and storytelling.
The Scottish are known for their down-to-earth nature and hearty welcome, making you feel like part of the clan.
Whether you’re exploring ancient castles or joining in a local festivity, the friendly embrace of the Scots is as enduring as their rich history. This warmth, like a cozy tartan blanket, wraps visitors in a sense of belonging.
Nepal
Nepal, nestled among the majestic Himalayas, is renowned for its warm-hearted hospitality. The Nepali people, with their gentle smiles, treat visitors like honored guests.
During festivals like Dashain, families open their homes, sharing traditions and joy with those who visit.
Whether trekking through breathtaking landscapes or exploring Kathmandu’s vibrant streets, you’ll find a welcome that is as uplifting as the mountain vistas. In Nepal, the embrace is gentle yet profound, leaving an impression as lasting as the peaks themselves.
Spain
Spain’s famous ‘fiestas’ are more than just celebrations; they are a testament to the country’s warm hospitality. Locals welcome visitors to join in the vibrant atmosphere, where music and dance create a shared joy.
From the bustling streets of Barcelona to the tranquil Andalusian countryside, Spaniards make everyone feel like family.
Whether enjoying a Flamenco show or sharing tapas in a lively plaza, the Spanish embrace is as passionate as their dance, leaving visitors with memories that resonate like a guitar’s melody.
Canada
Canada’s hospitality is as vast as its landscapes, offering a warm welcome that’s both genuine and comforting. Canadians are known for their politeness and friendliness, making visitors feel at ease.
Join a family around a campfire, where the glow of the flames is matched by the warmth of shared stories and laughter.
Whether exploring cosmopolitan cities or the breathtaking wilderness, the Canadian embrace is as hearty as a maple syrup breakfast, leaving you with a sense of belonging that feels like a comforting hug.