If you need your next holiday to be an absolute hit, consider travelling to the Caribbean island that leaves visitors more satisfied than any other destination in the world.
Barbados took the top ranking in the Destination Satisfaction Index (DSI) from Norstat and dp2research, which measures tourist satisfaction on factors like transport, accommodation, beaches, landscape, entertainment, sightseeing, food and more. Based on an online survey, the study finds out what destinations give travellers the best experience in a broad range of categories.
The overall winner of the 2017 DSI Award was Barbados, with a total score of 8.8/10, which also won it the top award for the Americas. The top ranked destination in Europe was Austria, with a score of 8.5. Travellers there can enjoy the alpine peaks or the historic streets of cities like Vienna. The idyllic beaches of the Maldives helped it come first in Asia at 8.6, and the Seychelles were first in Africa at 8.7.
It’s not surprising that travellers enjoy their experience in Barbados – the country boasts incredible beaches, great nightlife, the Unesco-listed capital of Bridgetown, and a chance to sample some of its famous rum. Spending your hard-earned cash on a trip there might even double your satisfaction, as studies have found that experiences make people happier than possessions. If you want to go beyond just being satisfied on your next holiday, you could always plan a permanent relocation to one of the happiest countries on Earth.