The 10 happiest places on Earth

Psychologist pens rough guide to planet's chipper destinations

Everyone has a favourite place to go on holiday, somewhere that glows with happy memories, promises of gluttony, freedom or adventure. Now the UK’s first lecturer in Positive Psychology – Cambridge fellow Dr Nick Baylis – has put some of these places down on paper in a thorough analysis of just what makes a place a happy one. Part of a new book The Rough Guide to Happiness, Dr Baylis knows how important it is to your mental health to be around places that make you happy – so here’s his top ten:

Berlin: the creative arts can tell us so much about living life

“Berlin’s passion for the Creative Arts, or fashion, contemporary galleries and performance is a wonderful balance to mentality of modern-day living.”

New York: capable of such dynamic energy and innovation

“This city is prepared to question the accepted wisdoms, and redraw the lines of what’s thought possible.”

Scottish Highlands: calls to our inner wild

“Hiking here among the majesty and sweep of the natural landscape reminds us of our innate rapport with the planet we’re travelling on.”

Toulouse: pretty in pink

“The warm pink stone of this southern French city basking in summer sun might inspire us to honour our heartfelt and hottest passions.”

North Wales: shared adventure builds close relationships

“Exploring the ancient valleys and sleeping under canvas beside a campfire, is a fine way to deepen our loving friendship with someone special.”

Rome: warmly social activities and 'Benevolent Touch'

“The Italian spirit makes dining round-table, rough and tumble sport, and hugging and kissing in the piazza, all as natural as laughing.”

Northern Ireland: where playfulness and humour are vital

“In the face of the adversities that every life is heir to, nothing beats humour for letting-off steam. It’s a symptom of just how relaxed and versatile they are in dealing with life.”

Norway: life is seasonal, and yin requires yang

“The gentle and highly seasonal beauties of the Norwegian way of life remind us that less is often more, and that ups and downs, darkness and light, hot and cold are part and parcel of a healthy life.”

Amsterdam: saving our souls from the over-use of technology

“In old Amsterdam, cars come a clear second to bikes, (in both legal precedence and practical terms), proving that we really can do it.”

Norfolk Coast: simple activities

“Dinghy-sailing, a game of ball on the beach, running in the dunes and songs around a wood fire - exercise and sleep are the most powerful healers we have, this really is the life!”

The Rough Guide to Happiness, priced £10.99, is available from www.amazon.co.uk

For more details about Dr Nick Baylis, check his site here www.nickbaylis.com

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