Like a warm welcome when you travel? Check out this list of the top 10 friendliest countries in the world and feel the foreign love!

I got caught in the rain today and a man gave me his umbrella. Not a cheap, plastic one but a nice one with colors and a wooden handle.

It made me feel warm and fuzzy. It’s nice when strangers are friendly for no reason.

Even nicer when you’re thousands of miles from home and maybe feeling a bit lonely and fed up.

Want to feel warm and fuzzy when you travel? Check out Lonely Planet’s list of the Top 10 Friendliest Countries in the World,* and stay dry across the globe!

1.    Ireland
2.    USA
3.    Malawi
4.    Fiji
5.    Indonesia
6.    Vietnam
7.    Samoa
8.    Thailand
9.    Scotland
10.  Turkey

Who’s been to Ireland? Got more friendly stranger stories? Disagree with this list? Post up your comments below, we want to hear from you.

If you liked this you might also like: Top 10 Happiest Countries in the World

*List taken from the Lonely Planet Bluelist: Best in Travel 2008

If your yearly vacation’s hanging in the balance and the recession’s robbed you of any ounce of travel adventure – check out these budget travel destinations, all for under $100 a day!

I’m constantly dreaming of escaping to an exotic island paradise but my dreams are cruelly cut short when I consider the price tag.

From India to Peru; Malaysia to Russia – these exciting, recession-friendly vacations won’t break the bank.

You might even get away with spending as little as $12 a day!

Costs quoted are average daily costs for food and lodging only, based on a budget trip.*

1.    Jaipur, India $12

2.    Langkawi, Malaysia, $21

3.    Puno, Peru $25

4.    Krabi, Thailand $34

5.    Quito, Ecuador $34

6.    Dahab, Egypt $39

7.    Monastir, Tunisia $35

8.    Monte Gordo, Portugal $44

9.    Polis, Cyprus $57

10.  Budapest, Hungary $70

Been to any of these places? Got more recommendations for super-cheap vacations?? Post up your comments below, we want to hear from you!

Got your traveling juices flowing? Try out our Destination Finder for loads more budget vacation ideas.

Coming up…. the world’s most over-priced cities! Don’t miss out, SIGN UP for free updates via RSS or email below.

Want to calculate daily travel costs in seconds? Check out our travel costs widget.

*Cost per day quote is an estimate based on the best information we have, actual costs may vary.

Photo: Langkawi, Malaysia by dmytrok.

Some truly great travel stuff hurtling through cyperspace this week….

10 Thai Customs to Know Before Visting Thailand @Brave New Traveler

9 Things to do with Kids in NYC @On the Go with Amy

Couchsurfing Around the World, Amazing!! @Fliptohead

Mouth Watering Food Photography @My Kugelhopf

Brand New Travel Blog from Apple Vacations @The Juice

Enjoy and Happy Travels!