As a long-time (50 years this year, wow) journalist, I do occasionally consider the dark side of things. When I see a list of the safest cities in the world to visit, for example, I always wonder who finished at the bottom. That isn’t very nice, I suppose. But I guess it’s human nature.
With that in mind, I was delighted to see that a recent study of the most welcoming countries in the world was followed up with a list (from a different source) of the LEAST welcoming nations in Europe. It it may not be very scientific, and I suspect some of these countries (Switzerland, Sweden, for example) are quite welcoming. I’ve only been to Sweden once, and that was nearly 50 years ago, but I’ve been to Switzerland probably a dozen times and always found people very accepting. Do they chat with you in line at the grocery store and ask where you’re from? No, but, like Canadians, I find them hospitable and pleasant, and quite helpful if you ask.
Yahoo Finance is providing the background for these lists. And they make a good point in their latest story on least welcoming places.
The folks behind the study said they used a consensus opinion-based rankings approach for this article. Information was collected from Quora and relevant Reddit threads, like r/AskReddit, r/solotravel, r/digitalnomad, r/TravelHacks, and r/travel among others, where users not only share their first-hand experiences but also inquire about various places where visitors felt unwelcomed.
Making the unwelcome list “doesn’t mean a country inherently harbors unfriendly citizens. The concept of friendliness is subjective, which can be a blend of cultural misunderstandings, historical context, and personal bias.”
“For instance, certain traditions or communication styles may appear unfriendly to outsiders, but they might be social norms for locals. In Nordic countries like Finland and Demark, people value personal space and privacy, but tourists may see it as unfriendly behavior.”
I was making the same comment to someone from Kentucky yesterday. Unlike some Americans, Canadians aren’t likely to greet you on the street and holler, “Howdy, stranger, where y’all from?” But Canada is full of warm, compassionate people, as we saw on 9-11 in Newfoundland when the city of Gander gathered up thousands of stranded passengers from around the world and fed them for days.
St. Petersburg, Russia. Victor Malyushev/Unsplash Photo
Anyhoo, having posted a list of the most welcoming countries in the world yesterday, I now present the Yahoo Finance LEAST welcoming European countries. Let the teeth gnashing and letters of protest begin.
15. Sweden
14. Denmark
13. Malta
12. Estonia
11. Slovakia
10. Switzerland
9. Norway
8. Germany
7. Bulgaria
6. Serbia
5. Poland
4. Austria
3. The Czech Republic
2. Russia
1. Belarus
HOLLAND AMERICA AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND 2025-2026
Wineglass Bay is in Freycinet National Park, just a couple hours outside Hobart, Tasmania. WINEGLASS BAY CRUISES PHOTO
For guests dreaming of a cruise vacation to the Land Down Under, Holland America Line’s Australia and New Zealand season sailing from November 2025 to March 2026 is now open for booking. From vibrant capital cities to captivating scenery, Holland America Line’s cruises to Australia and New Zealand are a tapestry of diverse landscapes and unique cultures.
The 14-day itineraries aboard Noordam allow travelers to easily journey between the two countries and visit the best locales in the region — all while experiencing Holland America Line’s award-winning service and authentic, localized programming. New Collectors’ Voyages combine a two-week cruise with an epic Legendary Voyage to the South Pacific, creating a longer vacation up to 50 days across several cruising regions.
“Australia and New Zealand are excellent options for cruisers looking for global destinations, iconic cities and wild wonders,” said Beth Bodensteiner, Holland America Line’s chief commercial officer. “We craft our cruises to showcase the best of each region. With these voyages, guests can immerse themselves in New Zealand in a port-intensive itinerary that also features scenic cruising through Milford Sound, or they can see wildlife like penguins and kangaroos while exploring South Australia.”
Holland America Line’s Australia and New Zealand cruises sail roundtrip from Sydney, Australia, or between Sydney and Auckland, New Zealand.
Highlights of the 2025-2026 Australia and New Zealand Season
- All cruises are aboard Noordam.
- “Australia and New Zealand” — 14 days, between Sydney and Auckland:
- Departures in November, February and March.
- Combination of ports in Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand:
- All cruises call at Melbourne, Australia; Hobart and/or Burnie, Tasmania; and Tauranga, Napier and Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand.
- Additional New Zealand ports include a combination of Picton, Wellington, Timaru, Lyttelton (Christchurch) and Waitangi.
- “New Zealand Discovery” — 14 days, roundtrip from Sydney:
- Departs Dec. 7, 2025.
- All New Zealand Ports: Auckland, Waitangi, Tauranga, Gisborne, Napier, Wellington, Lyttelton (Christchurch) and Port Chalmers (Dunedin).
- “South Australia Discovery Holiday” — 14 days, roundtrip from Sydney:
- Departs Dec. 21, 2025.
- Melbourne, Phillip Island, Eden, Adelaide and Penneshaw, Australia; Burnie, Port Arthur and Hobart (late departure), Tasmania.
- All itineraries that visit New Zealand include scenic cruising in the stunning Milford Sound located within Fiordland National Park.
- Holland America Line’s Global Fresh Fish Program brings native fresh fish and other local ingredients on board like New Zealand green lipped muscles, Tasmanian Atlantic salmon, Sydney rock oysters and Tasmanian meat pies.
Waiheke Island, New Zealand. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Book Back-to-Back Cruises with a Collectors’ Voyage
Noordam will sail five Collectors’ Voyages that combine back-to-back, nonrepeating itineraries that allow guests to explore multiple areas in one seamless voyage. These Collectors’ Voyages range between 28 and 50 days and merge two 14-day Australia and New Zealand cruises, or one14-day Australia and New Zealand cruise with a Legendary Voyage to the South Pacific.
41-day “South Pacific Crossing & New Zealand” Collectors’ Voyage
- Departs Oct. 12, 2025; from Seattle, Washington, to Auckland.
28-day “New Zealand & South Australia Discovery” Collectors’ Voyage
- Departs Dec. 7, 2025; roundtrip from Sydney.
42-day “South Australia & South Pacific Islands” Collectors’ Voyage
- Departs Dec. 21, 2025; from Sydney to Auckland.
42-day “South Pacific Islands & New Zealand” Collectors’ Voyage
- Departs Jan. 4, 2026; roundtrip from Sydney.
50-day “New Zealand & South Pacific Crossing” Collectors’ Voyage
- Departs March 1, 2026; from Auckland to Seattle.
Have It All Booking Bonus
For a limited time, when guests book select 2025-2026 Australia and New Zealand cruises with the Have It All premium package, the standard package amenities of shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package and Surf Wi-Fi are included — plus the added perk of free prepaid Crew Appreciation, along with free upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi. Terms and conditions apply.
Beginning fares for 2025-2026 Australia and New Zealand 14-day cruises start from $1,759 per person, double occupancy. Taxes, fees and port expenses are additional. Visit hollandamerica.com for full details.
For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.
