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Some may tag us revolting but we think healthy protest is a good thing which is why seeing the natives take to the streets of Jerusalem this week belies the critics and confirms to us that it Israeli a happy place.

But don’t just take our word for it (well, actually do) but Israel is the fourth happiest place in the world to live.

All of which shouldn’t come as a big surprise to us as Abraham came from the land of Ur (modern-day Iraq) and Moses travelled for 40 years to get to the Land of Milk and Honey.

Israel being fourth on the list is really because as ever the first few places are reserved, as they always are, for the Nordic countries… Finland, Denmark and Iceland.

And far from us to question the World Happiness Report but is there a Viking long handle at play here?

With that in mind and because we reckon the Nordics sweep up the good will (and ours too) at this time of the year.

El Al’s well

Let’s shake on it: Let’s hope peace breaks out

And because the Israelis could probably do with some love with all that is going on there at the moment.

We’re flagging up Dublin Airport’s recently announced new direct flight with El Al to Tel Aviv which started last week on March 23 from €399.

El Al, being as good as their word and their promise to return flights to the Promised Land.

It’s a promise many of us have made about Israel, particularly when it has been one of those destinations which was in our diary and then out just as quickly.

Israel being dangled in front of my nose as part of a joint G Adventures tour back in the day.

Only for me to park the Israel leg and just explore Jordan (a lot to take in in truth) on this occasion.

Because I felt guilty about leaving my work in the lurch for three weeks… only for me to then leave said employ a month later.

Hey, ho. El Al’s well that ends well and with the Israeli national airline carrier back on board you too can get out to enjoy Israel’s charms.

And G offering 15 days Jordan and Israel from €2799 valid on November 17.

The Nordic lands

Hans across the ocean: With American Tom in Copenhagen

Oh, heck. It would be churlish, and we really are Nordic fans, so we, and our friends at Cassidy Travel, will steer you in the direction of those magical lands.

Naturally, the Happiest Man on the Planet is always going to be found in the Happiest country.

And you’ll be glowing at the prices of a trip out to see him in Lapland. With one-night packages from €1,232pp and two-night packages from €1,643pp. With travel in December.

It’s poignant too that 70 years after Danny Kaye first told us how Wonderful Copenhagen is (we’ve since found out for ourselves) that we’re celebrating Denmark.

Which comes in at second in the list.

You can find a two-night package in May at the 3* Hotel Osterport and return flights with price from €239pp.

All this Nordic nature will of course make you happy and for many happiness is heavenly dancers in the sky, the Aurora Borealis.

See the Northern Lights in Reykjavik in Iceland, the third happiest country on the list.

With a three-night package in May, staying at the 3* Fosshotel Raudara and return flights, price from €659pp.

And this is when thoughts turn to where you get away from it all and where Heaven is a place on Earth Day.

And where they actually do put the Earth first.

Deliver Jordan

Our friends at G Adventures with whom I traversed the Dead and Red Seas and Wadi Rum are all about sustainability and community support.

And while others do the old cultural appropriation thing (Boris Johnson in India anyone) G actually put something back.

G shares its good fortune with local communities in partnership with Planeterra Foundation, its non-profit partner.

And they build organic farms and restaurants in Jordan et al.

And provide tourist opportunities for trekking and cycling enthusiasts.

Colossal Colorado

Rocky mountain high: Colorado Rockies baseball team

Now as you’ll see from my cover page Brad left an impression on me when he told us in the Rapids…

This is our office so look after it.

Colorado truly is America’s Playground and you’ll find Brad and his man-bunned freestyling the Rockies.

And even one or two dry-skiing along the side of the road, all protecting their greatest asset.

Protect our skies

And so we’ve done the Earth, now the Wind (or we’ll call it the skies) before we alight on the Fire.

And there are few clearer skies than the night ones in Tenerife.

Where at the top of Mount Teide National Park you can be among the stars.

Yes our CanariaWays all-action walking party but also the Bull, Bear, Saturn and Uranus (no yours).

And all because they keep their island clean.

Clear the air

Now we can all do our little bit to arrest global warming.

And Raggy Charters Whale Watchers and Dolphin Watchers in Gwberha (Port Elizabeth when I visited) do more than most.

As they plant a speekbom plant every time they take the boat out to the island to rebalance emissions.

And for those of you who pay attention (and I’m also talking to you up the back) it might just save air travel.

Land of ice and fire

And, yes this is the Fire bit of the Earth, Wind and Fire elements.

And we have our old chums at Hayes & Jarvis to show us around Iceland.

They urge us to embark on a South Island road trip from Reykjavik around the Golden Circle.

And you’ll take in the Strokkur Geyser, Gullfoss Waterfall and Thingvellir National Park.

While all visitors to Iceland naturally take a dip in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon.

While if you’re very lucky you’ll get to see the Northern Lights on a clear night.

And so you’ll have your own go-to places but try these out.

And you will find Heaven is a place on Earth Day.

Tag: https://www.gadventures.com/

It Israeli a happy place