Top Countries that I want to Visit before I die
I want to visit almost all countries to discover the beauty and the wonder of their main attractions, culture, and tradition. But it will require me a lot of money, time, effort, and sacrifices. No matter what, I will still pursue my passion for traveling around the world.
In this article, I want to explain the top countries I want to visit someday. I select three countries per continent. Expect that most countries included are the popular and most visited ones. I include the recently-released peace and quality index in the criteria for travel safety purposes instead of my preference only.
Criteria | Description | % |
Global Peace Index 2021 | Describes countries by safety and security, ongoing domestic and international conflict, and level of militarization. ***The lower the number, the better. | 20 |
Quality of Life Index (2021 Mid-Year) | Based on purchasing power, safety, health care, cost of living, house price to income ratio, traffic time, pollution, and climate. ***The higher the number, the better. | 20 |
Personal Preference | Aside from the criteria mentioned above, I want to consider where I want to visit based on my taste for tourist attractions, culture, traditions, food, etc. | 60 |
Of course, I will travel overseas if the pandemic is not a problem anymore.
no data* – I used the regional average for the computation.
Africa
Egypt
GPI: 2.4
QoLI: 87.21
Preference: 8.5/10
I’m a fan of world history, and there’s no doubt that one of my favorite parts of this study is about Ancient Egypt. Many of us are fascinated by their ancient culture because of unique arts, tradition, writing, religion, and mummification. For sure, that place is waiting to have a check on your bucket list.

South Africa
GPI: 2.34
QoLI: 131.37
Preference: 7/10
When visited, we can observe on its top city the relaxing-for-the-view harbor, the wonder of Table Mountain, the natural Cape Floristic Region, and a view of the sea from Cape Point. That is the reason why this country is unique and suitable to visit.

Mauritius
GPI: 1.592
QoLI: no data*
Preference: 7.5/10
This African island country located east of Madagascar will bring you an incredible tropical scenery experience, surrounded by a relaxing beach and green coral reefs. This mountainous island will be perfect for hiking. Imagine being at the high mountain while enjoying the views of the ocean.

Honorable Mentions:

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Photo by Birger Strahl on Unsplash
Asia
Japan
GPI: 1.373
QoLI: 164.06
Preference: 10/10
This place is included on my list and also included in your bucket list. From the cherry blossom and important historical sites to the clean environment and classical art museums, this is indeed the place you want to stay for a long time. It is one of the most incredible places I want to live because of the excellent quality of life I would experience.

United Arab Emirates
GPI: 1.85
QoLI: 156.94
Preference: 8.5/10
It is a kind of relief when you finally see an oasis after being trapped in the desert, but it is a very different and another-world oasis when we go to Dubai. We can proudly say that their buildings are the best in the world. Its luxurious establishments, beautiful beaches and resorts, and golden city status captivate our eyes. Once we experience traveling to this city, it will surely touch our hearts, and we love it.

Qatar
GPI: 1.605
QoLI: 151.48
Preference: 8/10
This relatively small country is a perfect place to ride a bike while enjoying the sights of skyscrapers and the desert-colored buildings from a distance. What I like to experience in this country is the almost perfect quality of life. It is also one of the highest economies in the world.

Honorable Mentions:

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Photo by Lian Rodriguez on Pexels.com

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Photo by Louie Nicolo Nimor on Unsplash
Australia and Oceania
Australia
GPI: 1.47
QoLI: 178.41
Preference: 8/10
Australia. A country and a continent itself. Many said that this nation is a different world. Yes, that’s right because it showcases a beauty that we may not expect from the natural wonders of “The Bush” and “The Outback,” the animal diversity, down to the big cities along the coastline. Make sure not to waste every single time creating memories here!

New Zealand
GPI: 1.253
QoLI: 173.6
Preference: 10/10
If I could choose a country to live in and acquire citizenship, I would choose New Zealand. It is almost the perfect place to live on earth. It is in a complete package: natural wonders, culture, safety, food, health care, education, cities, and a lot more. I can’t say anything more about this country because it is sacred – a heaven on earth.

Fiji
GPI: no data*
QoLI: no data*
Preference: 7.5/10
Beaches, corals, tropical trees, and nipa huts are what we first think of when someone mentions Fiji’s island nation. Aside from those wonders, it is the best place for me to experience diving to see corals and colorful fishes. Perfect location for vacation!
Europe
Iceland
GPI: 1.1
QoLI: 177.64
Preference: 9.5/10
Iceland is icy, but in summer, a lot are greeny. Shaped by volcanic activities and far-north location, this country is also known as the “Land of Fire and Ice.” It will surely capture our hearts because of its natural beauty – from the icy environment to the geothermal wonders, such as lagoons and geysers.

Switzerland
GPI: 1.323
QoLI: 188.36
Preference: 9.5/10
Switzerland. A country surrounded by the Alps and a long history without war should be one of the peaceful countries in the world. I like to experience skiing, cable cars, magnificent view of tall mountains, and their dishes in this hidden paradise. I love cheese and chocolates. Perfect for winter adventures!

Italy
GPI: 1.652
QoLI: 137.77
Preference: 10/10
Studying human history without tackling the Roman empire, or at least its legacy, is boring. Admit it. But when you want to travel to Italy to appreciate its impressive Classical and Renaissance arts and architecture, you might even consider living in this beautiful country. Rome, Venice, Siena, and Florence are the best places.

Honorable Mentions:

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Photo by Maria Vojtovicova on Unsplash
North America
Canada
GPI: 1.33
QoLI: 157.25
Preference: 9/10
What I like about Canada is its cold environment, and I want to experience being there. Aside from coolness, I also want to get in touch with its natural beauty, spectacular mountain views, maple syrup, ice hockey, and cold adventures. I also like their healthcare system.

United States
GPI: 2.337
QoLI: 163.6
Preference: 8/10
The USA. A big nation famous for its economic, technological, and political success in the modern era is shaping the course of world history. “The land of opportunity” had its mixed wonders. Natural, like the snowcapped mountains, beaches, Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone. Cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. And monumental, like the Statue of Liberty, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Disney World.

Panama
GPI: 1.919
QoLI: 111.13
Preference: 8/10
Panama displays its wonder when the sun rises on the Pacific and sets on the Atlantic, with its best view at Volcan Baru summit. It is also famous for biodiversity and tropical beauty, with a dazzling city skyline perfect for driving along the beach. What I am impressed with is the wonder of engineering and diligent construction of the Panama canal.

Honorable Mentions:

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Photo by Rock Staar on Unsplash
South America
Argentina
GPI: 1.945
QoLI: 104.31
Preference: 9/10
I often mention the word “natural wonders” in every country that I write about here in this blog. It is because all of them possess a relaxing and loving nature, most especially in Argentina. Iguazu falls, Aconcagua mountain, and Tierra del Fuego are the best examples of it. I want to dance the Tango in this country because it is the best dance to boost my classical and romantic spirit.

Bolivia
GPI: 2.14
QoLI: no data*
Preference: 8/10
Cable cars, snow-capped mountains, and salt flats define the landlocked nation of Bolivia. Imagine being inside the cable car, with an astounding view of the city in red and orange. Imagine looking at the horizon of Salar de Uyuni. So I must recommend that you should include a set of Bolivian adventures in your bucket list.

Brazil
GPI: 2.43
QoLI: 104.70
Preference: 7.5/10
Aside from the fresh air of the Amazon river and rainforest, a staggering feat of the Christ the Redeemer statue, vibrant carnivals, passion for football, and tropical beaches, the best experience that I want to feel in Brazil is the social life. The people there are so warm and best to be friends with, according to the news. If I wish to get a happy life with people, I will travel here.

Honorable Mentions:

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References:
Institute for Economics & Peace. Global Peace Index 2021: Measuring Peace in a Complex World, Sydney, June 2021. Available from: http://visionofhumanity.org/reports (14, August 2021).
Numbeo. (2021). Quality of life. Quality of Life Index by Country 2021 Mid-Year. https://www.numbeo.com/quality-of-life/rankings_by_country.jsp.
If you want to recommend more countries that everyone will indeed get fascinated with, you can post them in the comment section below. I hope that this site is meaningful to you. Good luck, everyone!
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About the Author:
Kyle Zamuel F. De Jesus, 20, is a MedTech student from the Philippines. He wants to pursue his dreams in life and help many people. While studying, he invests in producing articles that will surely make people enjoy. He’s not a professional writer, though. He only wants to share what is on his mind.
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