World’s Happiest Places
A new report reveals where people feel most positive about their lives
By Lauren Sherman

Where in the world do people feel most content with their lives?

According to a new report released by the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development, a Paris-based group of 30 countries with democratic governments that provides economic and social statistics and data, happiness levels are highest in northern European countries.

Denmark, Finland and the Netherlands rated at the top of the list, ranking first, second and third, respectively. Outside Europe, New Zealand and Canada landed at Nos. 8 and 6, respectively. The United States did not crack the top 10. Switzerland placed seventh and Belgium placed tenth.

The report looked at subjective well-being, defined as life satisfaction. Did people feel like their lives were dominated by positive experiences and feelings, or negative ones?

To answer that question, the OECD used data from a Gallup World Poll conducted in 140 countries around the world last year. The poll asked respondents whether they had experienced six different forms of positive or negative feelings within the last day.

Some sample questions: Did you enjoy something you did yesterday? Were you proud of something you did yesterday? Did you learn something yesterday? Were you treated with respect yesterday? In each country, a representative sample of no more than 1,000 people, age 15 or older, were surveyed. The poll was scored numerically on a scale of 1-100. The average score was 62.4.

Why did the northern European countries come out looking so good? Overall economic health played a powerful role, says Simon Chapple, senior economist from the Social Policy Division of the OECD, which put together the report.

While the global economic crisis has taken a toll on every nation, the countries that scored at the top still boast some of the highest gross domestic product per capita in the world. Denmark, which got the highest score, is not only a wealthy country, it’s also highly productive, with a 2009 GDP per capita of $68,000, according to the International Monetary Fund. The United States’ GDP per capita, by contrast, is $47,335. Though the U.S. got an above-average score of 74, it did not break the top 10.

Wealth alone does not bring the greatest degree of happiness. Norway has the highest GDP per capita on the list — $98,822 — yet it ranked ninth, not first. On the other hand, New Zealand’s happiness level is 76.7 out of 100 on the OECD list, but its 2009 GDP per capita is just $30,556.

According to a 2005 editorial, published in the British Medical Journal and written by Dr. Tony Delamothe, research done in Mexico, Ghana, Sweden, the U.S. and the U.K. shows that individuals typically get richer during their lifetimes, but not happier. It is family, social and community networks that bring joy to one’s life, according to Delamothe.

The OECD data shows that another important factor is work-life balance. While Scandinavian countries boast a high GDP per capita, the average workweek in that part of the world is no more than 37 hours. In China, which got a low score of just 14.8, the workweek is 47 hours and the GDP per capita is just $3,600.

Low unemployment also contributes to happiness. “One thing we know for sure,” says the OECD’s Chapple, “not having a job makes one substantially less satisfied.” Denmark’s unemployment rate is just 2 percent, according the C.I.A.’s World Factbook. Norway’s is just 2.6 percent. The Netherlands: just 4.5 percent. Many economists concur that a 4 percent unemployment rate reflects a stable economy. The U.S. unemployment rate is currently 9 percent.

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-interests-27761674;_ylc=X3oDMTFzODRwOWZjBF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEX3MDMjcxOTQ4MQRzZWMDZnAtdG9kYXltb2QEc2xrA2hhcHB5cGxhY2VzLTUtOS0wOQ–

By STUART EMMRICH
Published: April 26, 2009
IN recent years, the once-gritty neighborhoods of Born, El Raval and Barceloneta have emerged as the new face of Barcelona ¡ª home to some of its best restaurants, bars and designer shops. You wouldn¡¯t want to spend your entire time in Barcelona without traveling outside the boundaries of these three vibrant areas, of course, but spending a few well-chosen days among their narrow streets and shadowy alleyways will provide you with a crash course in what¡¯s hot now.

Friday
5 p.m.
1) RAMBLING ALONG
First things first. Whether it¡¯s your first visit to Barcelona or your 10th, you must hit Las Ramblas. Dive into the sensory overload that is this city¡¯s most famous avenue, with its bird markets, flower stalls, street musicians, mimes, overpriced tapas bars and hundreds upon hundreds of people ¡ª locals and tourists alike ¡ª out for an afternoon stroll. When you have had enough of the crowds (it won¡¯t take long), duck into the lovely, palm-tree-dotted Pla?a Reial for a restorative break and perhaps an icy ca?a (draft beer; 2.30 euros, or about $3 at $1.35 to the euro) at Karma (Pla?a Reial, 10; 34-93-3025-680), one of several cervecer¨ªas that line this historic square.

7 p.m.
2) THE PERFECT SANDWICH?

In 2006, Mark Bittman, writer of the Minimalist column in the Dining section of The New York Times, and a frequent contributor to the Travel section, wrote a review of Caf¨¦ Viena (La Rambla del Estudis, 115; 34-93-3171-492; www.viena.es), and its flauta d¡¯ib¨¦ric d.o. jabugo, which he called the best sandwich he had ever eaten ¡ª a simple, salty masterpiece of crispy bread and lightly cured ham. The lines of diners who crowd this tiny restaurant ¡ª sometimes two or three deep at the counter ¡ª surely agree. The flauta (accompanied by a ca?a poured from the porcelain and brass tap) is a perfect snack to tide you over until you can have dinner in about four hours. Total cost: about 8 euros.

9 p.m.
3) HIGH ART, LOW COST

World-class musical performances in stunning architectural settings can be found at the renowned Gran Teatre Del Liceu ¡ª more than 150 years old and the survivor of three major fires and one bombing by anarchists ¡ª and the Palau de la M¨²sica Catalana, which features an over-the-top Catalan Modernist design by Llu¨ªs Dom¨¨nech i Montaner. But more affordable classical music concerts ¡ª in an equally beautiful setting ¡ª are at the Bas¨ªlica de Santa Maria del Mar (Pla?a de Santa Maria; 34-93-3102-390), a lovely and elegant church in Born that dates from the mid-14th century. A recent weekend featured a performance of Mozart and Haydn by Musica Bohemica of Prague, with tickets at just 20 euros. Afterward, walk across the courtyard to join the stylish crowd gathered at La Vinya del Senyor (Pla?a de Santa Maria, 5; 34-93-310-3379) for tapas and one of its many excellent wines featured by the glass.

12:30 a.m.
4) HEATING UP, ICING DOWN

South Beach meets Barcelona at the strip of open-air nightclubs along Passeig Mar¨ªtim de la Barceloneta. With its elegantly appointed space and its inviting daybeds that couples lounge on as they drink the night away, the Carpe Diem Lounge Club (No. 32; 34-93-22404-70; www.cdlcbarcelona.com) has perhaps the highest profile of these beachside bo?tes. But Sh?ko (No. 36; 34-93-225-9200; www.shoko.biz) seems to have the edge in youth and energy, while the neighboring icebarcelona (Ramon Trias Fargas, 2; 34-93-224-1625; www.icebcn.com), with its promise of a space cooled to minus 8 Celsius (that¡¯s 17.6 Fahrenheit; time limit is 45 minutes) has the quirkiest appeal.

Saturday

10 a.m.
5) MARKET RESEARCH

Join what feels like the city¡¯s entire population on a morning shopping expedition at the sprawling Boqueria (La Rambla, 91), which has been around, in one form or another, since the early 18th century. If a trip among the hundreds of stalls becomes a dizzying experience, grab a counter seat at the hugely popular tapas spot, Bar Pinotxo (34-93-317-1731), for a brief rest and a late morning bite. (Try the salt cod croquettes.)

11:30 a.m.
6) THE ART OF THE EVERYDAY

There are some superb examples of present-day Catalan art at Museu d¡¯Art Contemporani de Barcelona (Pla?a dels ¨¤ngels, 1; 34-93-412-0810; www.macba.es), but the real show is in the adjoining plaza ¡ª a lively scene of whizzing skateboarders, young families on weekend outings and dozens of people waiting to ride makeshift go-carts fashioned out of unlikely pieces of furniture, from filing cabinets to rocking chairs.

2 p.m.
7) EAT, SHOP, EAT

The museum also provides an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the surrounding neighborhood for a few hours. Have lunch at ¨¢nima (Carrer dels ¨¤ngels, 6; 34-93-342-4912) nearby, where a two-course set lunch ¡ª with dishes like a carrot and fresh thyme soup and tuna with pan-fried endives ¡ª costs just 10 euros. Afterward, wander the streets of El Raval, where you will find some of Barcelona¡¯s most interesting shops and fashion outlets, including one of the city¡¯s branches of the famed Camper shoe store chain (Pla?a dels ¨¤ngels, 4; 34-93-342-4141). Then, before heading back to your hotel for a rest, stop by the ever-crowded BarcelonaReykjavik bakery (Carrer del Doctor Dou, 12; www.barcelonareykjavik.com; 34-93-3020-921) for its organic treats, like a delicious leek and olive oil bread (7.38 euros).

9 p.m.
USING YOUR SENSES

The eight-course Sensations menu at the elegant Cinc Sentits (Carrer d¡¯Aribau, 58; 34-93-3239-490; www.cincsentits.com) begins with a bracing shot glass of maple syrup, chilled cream, cava sabayon and a layer of rock salt; winds its way through Mediterranean tuna in smoked tomato water and Iberian suckling pig cooked sous vide; before finally ending up with olive oil ice cream and shattered bread. It¡¯s a superb progression of dishes ¡ª each accompanied with a well-chosen wine ¡ª and a memorable meal that will leave you sated but not stuffed. About 250 euros for two.

1:30 a.m.
9) THE NIGHT¡¯S STILL YOUNG

If you¡¯re not ready to call it a night (and few locals are at this hour), head to Dry Martini (Carrer d¡¯Aribau, 162; 34-93-217-5080; www.drymartinibcn.com) for one of its signature drinks and its laid-back crowd. Or, if you want to check out a different kind of night life, walk a few blocks to Dboy (Ronda de Sant Pere, 19-21; www.dboyclub.com), the hottest gay club of the moment, where the shirtless crowd will still be going strong well past 5 a.m.

Sunday

10:30 a.m.
10) PICASSO, THE EARLY YEARS

While the rest of Barcelona is still asleep, probably having gone to bed just a few hours earlier, head to the Museu Picasso (Montcada 15-23; 34-93-256-3000; www.museupicasso.bcn.es), where you can have much of this sumptuous collection almost to yourself for a while. Entrance is 9 euros, and the museum is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.

12:30 p.m.
11) GATHER ROUND

Every Sunday, the Pla?a de la Seu, which fronts Barcelona¡¯s imposing Gothic cathedral in the city¡¯s historic center, becomes a stage for aficionados of the sardana. The dancers ¡ª mostly women, elegantly dressed in full makeup and jewelry ¡ª toss their purses and jackets into the middle of a circle and then join hands as they master the intricate steps (and tiny hops) of this traditional Catalan dance. You¡¯ll probably be asked to donate a euro or two, as part of a collection for the band members playing on the cathedral steps.

1:30 p.m.
12) A SEASIDE FEAST

Much of Barcelona seems to head to the seaside neighborhood of Barceloneta for a Sunday stroll along the waterfront. Watch the passing parade from an outdoor table at La Mar Salada (Passeig Joan de Borb¨®, 58; 34-93-221-2127) ¡ª one of the less-touristy restaurants along this busy strip ¡ª and have a lunch of excellently prepared calamari, followed by the house specialty, seafood paella, all accompanied by a crisp white Spanish wine. Lunch for two, about 55 euros.

THE BASICS

American Airlines, Delta and Continental all have nonstop flights from the New York area to Barcelona International Airport. Based on a recent Web search, round-trip fares in June start at about $810. Upon arrival, central Barcelona is about a 20-minute and 30-euro taxi ride ($40.50 at $1.35 to the euro) away. For getting around the city, you can¡¯t beat the efficient and easy-to-navigate Metro system. Best bet is to get a T-10 card, good for 10 trips, for 7.70 euros.

The sleek, 59-room Omm (Carrer Rossell¨®, 265; 34-93-445-4000; www.hotelomm.es) is home to both an acclaimed restaurant and a happening late-night bar that attracts a healthy sampling of Barcelona¡¯s beautiful people. Rates start at about 240 euros. Budget hotels don¡¯t get more stylish than the Market Hotel (Passatge Sant Antoni Abat, 10; 34-93-325-1205; www.markethotel.com.es). It¡¯s hard to find ¡ª tell the cab driver it is an alley off of Carrer del Comte d¡¯Urgell, and about a block from the Sant Antoni Market ¡ª but when you do, you¡¯ll be amazed that rates at this impeccably designed, extremely comfortable hotel start at around 60 euros. Elegance by the waterfront is the calling card of the Hotel Arts, a Ritz-Carlton, with its sweeping views of both the sea and the city (Marina, 19-21; 34-93-221-1000; www.hotelartsbarcelona.com). On a hot Barcelona afternoon, there is no more refreshing place to revive than at the hotel¡¯s pool overlooking the playful Frank Gehry steel-lattice ¡°Fish¡± sculpture. Rates start at 325 euros for a double room, but can drop sharply if you opt for a nonrefundable reservation on the hotel¡¯s Web site.

http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/04/26/travel/26hour.html?hpw

Airlines allowing Mexico travel plan changes
American, Continental and US Air won’t penalize customers altering itineraries due to swine flu outbreak.
April 26, 2009: 5:35 PM ET

NEW YORK (Reuters) — Several major U.S. airlines are allowing customers to change travel plans to Mexico without any fee or penalty after a swine flu outbreak, but they said Sunday there had been no flight cancellations so far.

AMR Corp. (AMR, Fortune 500)’s American Airlines, Continental Airlines Inc. (CAL, Fortune 500) and US Airways Group Inc. (LCC, Fortune 500) all said they had received some inquiries and were letting customers change travel plans.

“We have had a few calls from customers but not huge numbers of them seeking changes or information so far,” said American Airlines spokesman Tim Smith. “We are told that authorities in Mexico are closely monitoring passengers who are leaving as they go through security as well.”

In Detroit, cargo carrier FedEx Corp. (FDX, Fortune 500) said it will adhere to any guidelines or restrictions put in place by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

“We are watching this situation very closely and our first priority is the safety of our employees and the general public,” said FedEx spokeswoman Sandra Munoz.

Fears of a global swine flu pandemic have grown with new infections in the United States and Canada, and millions of Mexicans stayed indoors to avoid a virus that has already killed up to 81 people.

While the only deaths have been in Mexico, the flu is spreading with 20 cases in the United States, six in Canada, and possible cases in Europe and New Zealand.

Cheaper way to travel and relax trip to reach my destination by bus.
My journey start with travel to Singapore. The country which is pretty close to my country.
From Malaysia we can go to Singapore by bus,train and flight.
I decide to go by bus service provided by Aeroline. Kinda pretty expensive compare with normal bus from Pudu. But the services is great. Meal and entertainment provided. Not so tiring.
If you look for travel via air. YOu might consider the budget airline operator, jetstar and airasia.