The Happiness Function

Finding the right city to live in can be a life-changing affair, and many factors are at play in choosing the city that works for you. For some, this means having resplendent nature on their doorstep—a recent online post shares people’s picks for the most beautiful nature-adjacent cities in the world.

1. Vancouver, Canada

Nestling on the western edge of British Columbia, with the North Shore Mountains to the north, the Canadian Cascades to the east, and Vancouver Island to the West, there is no shortage of natural spaces in Canada’s westernmost city.

Moreover, access to beaches, waterways, and rivers is simple. “Had some family in from out of town last week,” adds a proud Canadian. “First time they’ve been here, and showing them around reminded me just how stunning Vancouver is.”

2. Edinburgh, Scotland

The ancient city sits on a series of hills, giving it a pleasing postcard quality from most angles. Furthermore, Scotland’s capital city also has activities for any nature lover.

With the brilliantly named Firth of Forth Bay to the north, there are beaches for summertime, Portland Hills Regional Park for year-round hiking and biking, and for the winter, Midlothian Snowsports Centre. “It’s a fantastic city to live in,” reveals a former resident. “Would love to move back someday.”

3. Salzburg, Austria

“Salzburg is unreal,” writes an enthusiast for Austria’s medieval city. “So many viewpoints that blow me away every time — and I live here!” With breathtaking views of the Eastern Alps, Mozart’s cultural heritage, and some of the most dazzling baroque architecture in Europe, Salzburg makes the cut.

4. Almaty, Kazakhstan

Not many people would choose this Central Asian nation for their vacations; it sits far from most major air hubs, and its Soviet satellite-state heritage also turns less-adventurous travelers away. However, the city is flanked by gorgeous natural spaces. “Almaty, Kazakhstan is a great city, and the Tien Shan Mountains in the background are stunning!” claims a previous visitor.

5. San Sebastian, Spain

I live in Spain, and while tourists will rave about Barcelona and Seville, one must sample its best-kept secret in the north, San Sebastian. Named Donostia in the host Basque language, the city is flanked by the Western Pyrenees Mountains and the Cantabrian Mountains on all sides, with the Bay of Biscay to its north. One day, a visitor can go hiking and visit stunning city museums and galleries before heading to the beach.

6. Singapore

This city-state is an anomaly in Southeast Asia. Most capital cities in the region have endless traffic congestion, air pollution, and litter problems. Singapore is a high-tech, environmentally-friendly metropolis that values nature much as its commerce.

One Singaporean lists their hometown charms: “On the coast, very modern, but also such a green city, a mix of historic, old world, and modern, super clean and safe, ocean views.”

7. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

“Rio is the most naturally stunning city I’ve ever been to,” declares a former visitor who is itching to return. “I went once for the World Cup in 2014 and have been dying to go back since.” While some people fear the negative press driven by economic inequality in Brazil, one can only marvel at Rio’s impressive tropical mountains tumbling into the stunning beaches below.

8. Bath, England

In England’s West Country, you find the Roman city of Bath. Bath was a Roman stronghold favored for its warm springs — one of which is still in excellent condition, though bathing there is now forbidden.

Bath sits in the Avon River Valley and is flanked by English mountains (most of which don’t surpass 1,000 feet). Within 15 minutes drive, visitors to Bath will find plentiful natural escapes: river walks, aqueducts, and acres of hilly forests to enjoy.

9. Santa Fe, USA

America could have several contenders here, but New Mexico’s capital city is hard to beat for ambient beauty. If a visitor hikes to any of Santa Fe’s surrounding Sangre De Cristo Mountain peaks, it is almost impossible to see the city below, so hidden is its Adobe skyline. With Ski Santa Fe only 20 minutes by car and the Rio Grande Valley home to several awe-inspiring national monuments, nature in Santa Fe hits five stars.

10. Dublin, Ireland

“I’d argue Dublin, Ireland, could be a good fit,” suggests someone. “While it’s a city, it’s coastal, and yet in less than an hour, you can reach mountains and farmland.” Ireland is a relatively small country, so finding green spaces is always easy. Moreover, Dublin’s beaches are clean and easily accessible all season.

11. Lisbon, Portugal

I am a huge Portugal fan; I always refer to the country as the ‘European California’ as both regions are similar in climate and topography. Lisbon has a distinct San Fransisco feeling; its rolling hills, white architecture, and bay bridge give the Portuguese capital a vibrant, sophisticated ambiance. The difference is that you are only a short distance from a beautiful Atlantic beach.

12. Monterrey, Mexico

While most tourists journey to Baja California, the Yucatan Peninsula, or Mexico City, some observers feel they are missing out by ignoring Monterrey in Northeastern Mexico. Monterrey may be Mexico’s best unknown adventure capital with Cerro de Silla National Park, Cola de Caballo Waterfall, and the protected La Huasteca Canyon Park nearby.

15 Cities an American Can Live Comfortably for $2500 USD/Monthly in Europe

When you think of the great European cities, Prague, Paris, Vienna, and Munich might be among the names that come to mind. But, as phenomenal as the European cities with the highest appeal are, they may be better vacation spots than homes if you’re looking to live on $2,500 per month or less. We have uncovered 15 culturally vibrant, modern, and reasonably priced European cities that you could call home (if only for a month) on an average salary.

15 Cities an American Can Live Comfortably for $2500 USD/Monthly in Europe

The Grass is Greener: 14 Things Other Countries Get To Do That Americans Do Not

Freedom and limitless opportunities are advantages of living in the United States. Unfortunately, not all countries have access to these benefits. However, some populations worldwide have amenities that Americans do not have. Here’s what members of an online message board characterize America as lacking.

The Grass is Greener: 14 Things Other Countries Get To Do That Americans Do Not

10 Ugliest Cities in Europe According to the Europeans Who Live There

I’ll preface this article by saying that everyone’s priorities are different when choosing a place to live or visit. Inquisitive about the world, someone asked a popular online travel forum for examples of the “ugliest cities” in each reader’s European country. If you’re curious yourself, here are the top-voted answers based on personal opinions from travelers and locals.

10 Ugliest Cities in Europe According to the Europeans Who Live There

20 Most Dangerous Countries in the World Americans Should Avoid in 2023

Wanderlust may take you all over the world, but some countries are too dangerous to visit, and knowing which are best avoided in 2023 could keep you safe. Let’s take a closer look at a list of the most dangerous countries in the world based on data from the World Population Review.

20 Most Dangerous Countries in the World Americans Should Avoid in 2023

15 Countries That Serve up the BEST Street Food Experiences

There’s something about the vibrance of street food, the richness in flavor, and the rawness of surrounding cultural scenes. Not only is street food more affordable for travelers, but it grants a more authentic experience since this is where natives also gather and convene. With that said, here are 15 countries serving up the best street food experiences, as voted on by an online foodie forum.

15 Countries That Serve up the BEST Street Food Experiences

Where indicated, some images courtesy of Depositphotos.com.

Source: Reddit.