I knew the Islands of Tahiti would become my happy place long before I first dipped a toe in the aquamarine lagoons.
There was something about those powder-white motus, lush peaks and, yes, overwater bungalows that spoke to me.
When I finally visited for my honeymoon, I was thrilled to discover I was right – I felt infinitely lighter, a million volts brighter, the minute I stepped off the plane, and I’ve returned countless times since to enjoy that internal glow.
Whether it’s an island getaway, a city escape or something a little closer to home, everyone’s got their own happy place and here seven frequent flyers share the destination that lights their own spark.
BHUTAN
Catriona Rowntree, TV presenter
Longtime Getaway host Catriona Rowntree says the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan altered her as a traveller, leaving her with a new understanding of gratitude and the commonalities of the human condition.
“You have to love a place where the king believes Gross Domestic Happiness is far more important than Gross Domestic Product and when you visit you realise that as large as the world is, we all tick the same way. Activities that make me happiest? Watching archery, visiting the markets for lucky charms and hiking to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery.”
HAPPINESS CREDENTIALS: Bhutan conducts regular surveys to assess Gross National Happiness in its citizens, taking into account factors such as physical and mental health, education, and living standards.
WHAT TO SEE: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched precariously on the edge of a cliff, attend a Tshechu (religious festival) such as Paro Tshechu and Punakha Tshechu, enjoy a rural farm stay and trek to Jomolhari Base Camp to see those famous snow-covered peaks.
WHEN TO GO: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when weather conditions are perfect for hiking.
HOW TO GO: Intrepid Travel has a nine-day Premium Bhutan tour featuring the tourism heavy-hitters, as well as a two-night feature stay in Paro. A visa is required, and a $US100 (around $151) per night Sustainable Development Fee payable.
INSIDER TIP: “Visit a cool Aussie-run café called Giku-Na Village. They’ll look after you well.”
FIJI
Dr Lila Landowski, neuroscientist and Fides health ambassador for the World Health Organization
Neuroscientist Dr Lila Landowski is so sure Fiji is the land of happiness that it’s been the subject of her studies.
“In Fiji, you’re quickly reminded of the way life is meant to be. Happiness there isn’t just a fleeting emotion – it’s woven into the beaming smiles and heartfelt ‘Bula!’ from strangers. Fijians live in harmony with nature and each other, and neuroscience backs it up: their daily habits like smiling, connecting, singing, helping each other and spending time outdoors activate the very neurochemicals that make us feel calm, connected and happy.
“My particular happy place? Six Senses Fiji on Malolo Island. There’s a quiet magic here that really lets you slow down.”
HAPPINESS CREDENTIALS: “Where happiness comes naturally” might be Tourism Fiji’s tagline, but Dr Landowski found national happiness is contagious, with visitors experiencing elevated feelings of wellbeing when immersed in local pursuits.
WHAT TO SEE: With more than 330 islands on offer, it can’t all be about resort living and beach clubs. Some of the highlights? Surfing Cloudbreak (for experienced surfers only), ocean kayaking off Kadavu Island, hiking the Sigatoka Sand Dunes or the Tavoro Waterfalls walk in Bouma National Heritage Park, and enjoying some R&R at Sabeto Hot Springs.
WHEN TO GO: May to October when skies are a brilliant blue and there’s a reduced risk of rain ruining your tropical getaway.
HOW TO GO: Adults-only Blue Lagoon Cruises’ eight-day Escape to Paradise cruise takes in the best of the Mamanucas and the Yasawa Islands, with family sailings available during the Australian school holidays.
INSIDER TIP: “Love snorkelling? Join a coral planting experience with the Coral Gardeners, a passionate group working to restore Fiji’s reefs.”
COSTA RICA
Jenni Davis, business leader at Davis & James Travel Associates
Travel professional Jenni Davis fell in love with the Central American country after first visiting on a student exchange program in the 1990s. She’s been back multiple times since.
“When people talk about Costa Rica, they usually touch on its national parks, wildlife and adventure activities, but for me, it’s always been about the warmth of its people. I don’t know that I’ve met a single person who didn’t want to stop, chat and find meaningful connection with me, and more than 30 years later, I’m still in touch with my host family. Costa Rica isn’t just my happy place, it’s become my second home.”
HAPPINESS CREDENTIALS: Investment in health and education, plus a deep connection to nature and community, sees Costa Rica consistently rank in the top five of the Happy Planet Index.
WHAT TO SEE: The hanging bridges and wildlife of Monteverde Cloud Forest and Arenal Volcano (not to mention its surrounding hot springs) are hot favourites, while Manuel Antonio National Park is famous for its white sand beaches. Zip-line Santa Elena, cruise the jungle-fringed canals of Tortuguero, and visit a family coffee plantation or two.
WHEN TO GO: December to April (dry season) is the perfect time to explore the country’s rainforests and beaches.
HOW TO GO: Collette’s 12-day Costa Rica: A World of Nature takes in the best of the country’s landscapes, from white water journeys and jungle expeditions, to volcano hiking and seaside relaxation.
INSIDER TIP: “Ticos gather for family dinners at casual eateries on Sunday nights. Grab a table nearby to enjoy an authentic evening.”
AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
Kerrie McCallum, Escape head of travel
While she usually feels happiest at the beach, Kerrie McCallum says the capital of the Netherlands is the only city that really puts a smile on her face.
“One of the things I love most about Amsterdam is its quirkiness – the crooked houses, the fact that everyone looks like a hip librarian – but there is no judgment.
“You can walk down the street and dodge a girl in heart-shaped sunglasses and a big pink fluffy jumper cycling by with her cat perched in the basket of her bike. There’s nothing that makes me happier than people allowed to be themselves.”
HAPPINESS CREDENTIALS: The Netherlands has claimed fifth position in the World Happiness Report 2025 – a gong largely related to community engagement, social cohesion and trust in society.
WHAT TO SEE: The Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House are a given, but don’t miss shopping De 9 Straatjes, cycling Vondelpark or cruising the city’s World Heritage-listed Canal ring. Should you visit the red-light district? Hot tip: It’s substantially more pleasant during the daylight hours.
WHEN TO GO: April to May is best for tulip season, but Amsterdam is at its warmest and brightest between June and September.
HOW TO GO: Independent travel is best, but Free Walking Tours Amsterdam has a great Alternative Tour looking at the city’s counterculture, street art and drug history.
INSIDER TIP: “You’ll need to pre-book tickets to many of the city’s drawcards, such as Anne Frank House and Rijksmuseum, well in advance.”
NINGALOO, WA
Brett Mitchell, Intrepid Travel managing director for Australia/New Zealand
Intrepid Travel’s Brett Mitchell spent his childhood exploring Ningaloo Reef, 1200km north of Perth, and says it has the best diving in the world. “I fell in love with the ocean the day I first experienced Ningaloo as a kid. When you’re in the water, it’s like a whole other world opens up, and the diversity and beauty of life down there puts everything else into perspective.”
HAPPINESS CREDENTIALS: Studies show diving is linked to lowered stress and improved mental health, particularly for those who take regular medication.
WHAT TO SEE: Dive with one of the world’s largest aggregations of whale sharks, which with manta rays, turtles and humpback whales treat Ningaloo as a playground. Snorkel alongside rays in Coral Bay, stay at luxury safari camp Sal Salis, or lock in a sea kayak tour.
WHEN TO GO: Although a year-round destination, the whale shark migration is best experienced between April and July.
HOW TO GO: Sail Ningaloo has a range of multi-day snorkel and dive tours of Ningaloo, including transfers from Learmonth Airport. sailningaloo.com.au
INSIDER TIP: “Don’t miss visiting Cape Range National Park. You can spot the rare black-footed rock wallaby or read a book on arguably one of the best beaches in the world, Turquoise Bay.”
CHIANG MAI, THAILAND
Narin ‘Jack’ Kulasai, chef and co-owner of Porkfat
Born in Saraburi province, Narin “Jack” Kulasai, chef and co-owner of Sydney’s Porkfat Restaurant, says that while Bangkok’s street food excites him, he feels most at peace exploring Thailand’s mountains.
“Bangkok is the place that made me fall in love with food from around the country, and while I’m at my happiest when I’m in the kitchen, one of my favourite things to do is to explore our beautiful mountain ranges, particularly around Chiang Mai. I spend all day running and tapping into my breathing.”
HAPPINESS CREDENTIALS: Acknowledged globally as the “Land of Smiles”, Thailand continues to rank well in global happiness indexes. According to the Ipsos Happiness Index 2025, 79 per cent of Thais reported being happy.
WHAT TO SEE: Take a hike through the jungles to Wat Pha Lat, one of the country’s most revered temples, before tackling the Bua Tong waterfalls and taking a stroll around the temples, markets and cafés of the Old City. Doi Inthanon National Park and Doi Suthep-Pui National Park both offer a wealth of hiking trails, but don’t miss taking a cooking class at the Thai Farm Cooking School.
WHEN TO GO: Aim for travel between November and February when humidity is low and the weather is cooler.
HOW TO GO: Chiang Mai Trekking with Piroon has a three-day trek exploring the region’s mountains – and mountain villages – with options to join a group tour or hike privately.
INSIDER TIP: “Get in early to get a seat at 30-seat Laab Ton Khoi, where Uncle Somrat makes Chiang Mai-style larb. His food sells out within an hour of opening.”
OULU, FINLAND
Susanna Heiskanen, The Nordic Mum podcast host, author and blogger
For podcast host, author and blogger Susanna Heiskanen, Oulu was (and remains) the city of opportunity.
“Oulu is a two-hour drive from where I grew up, but this is where I feel most at peace. There are opportunities to do almost anything – from skiing and ice-skating in winter to rock climbing and hiking in the summer months, but the people are pretty awesome and the lifestyle less hectic than in Helsinki.”
HAPPINESS CREDENTIALS: Finland has taken out the top spot in the World Happiness Report every year since 2018, thanks to a combination of factors, including a focus on work-life balance and a strong social safety net.
WHAT TO SEE: The city has more than 900km of cycling trails, so hire a bike and earmark Market Square as well as the old wooden district of Pikisaari Island a short ride away. Hupisaaret Islands City Park is a joy to visit any time of year, as is Nallikari Beach. Oulu is the European Capital of Culture for 2026 with a full program of concerts, exhibitions and festivals already planned.
WHEN TO GO: While Oulu is a postcard-perfect winter destination, June to August is peak summer festival period.
HOW TO GO: It’s best to visit independently (Finnair has regular connections from Helsinki), but be sure to lock in a range of day tours with Nallikari Safaris.
INSIDER TIP: “Visit in June if you can, when the market hall, the waterfront, the restaurants and the pubs are all buzzing with happy Finns ready to start their holidays.”
