Happiness is infectious, so surely visiting the world’s happiest places will guarantee an enjoyable holiday!

Lonely Planet has compiled a list of the world’s 10 happiest places, where travellers are certain to leave with a smile on their face!

First on the list is Vanuatu, an idyllic South Pacific Island where happiness has been internationally certified! Vanuatu came top of the list in the New Economics Foundation’s Happy Planet Index and one look at the island’s clear blue water, lush tropical rainforests and majestic volcanoes make it easy to see why. Added to this natural beauty is a unique sense of community on the island, where extended families regularly gather for age-old celebrations.

Denmark offers an altogether different lifestyle, but features on the list on the basis that it regularly tops studies of happiness and contentment. Standards of living in Denmark are sky-high, and its population enjoys picturesque cities, sandy beaches, beautiful fjords, reliable public transport and some of northern Europe’s best food. It may not be the cheapest place to visit but it’s certain to make you smile!

Other places featured on the list include Montréal, Bhutan, Colombia, Andorra and Malawi. If you want to take happiness in its most literal sense you can even visit a town called Happy in America’s mid-West. Given its name, the town itself is slightly disappointing, but this self proclaimed ‘town without a frown’ is certainly unique!

Read the full list on LonelyPlanet.com.

While we can’t guarantee happiness on our volunteer trips we can certainly offer an unforgettable experience! Find out more about where you can volunteer abroad with Inspire.