The world’s most affluent countries have more in common than their wealth — many are also home to some of the world’s most famous tourist sites. From the spectacular modern architecture of Singapore Qatar to the natural wonders of Iceland and Norway, these countries are not only great places to live but also great places to visit. To determine what countries are the wealthiest, the International Monetary Fund tracks GDP in U.S. dollars per capita, which is the gross domestic product (the prices of goods and services produced there) divided by the current population. This measures the success of a country’s overall economic activity based on how many people live there. Below, we reveal the 10 richest countries in 2024 and the best places to visit in each one.

10. Australia

GDP per capita: $66,590

Australia’s GDP per capita is the 10th-highest globally, thanks in large part to it being one of the world’s largest exporters of coal, wheat, and iron ore. But the nation also draws millions of tourists a year, bolstering the country’s already robust economy. New South Wales, the most-visited Australian state, is home to the coastal city of Sydney and its famous namesake opera house. Nearby, Blue Mountains National Park boasts hiking through lush forests to waterfalls and guest houses that line its scenic mountain ridges. Elsewhere in the land Down Under, highlights include snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, exploring the red sandy desert of the rugged Outback, and road-tripping along Great Ocean Road. Tourism is also a significant factor in the country’s wealth — in 2023, tourists spent $34.5 billion in Australia. 

9. Denmark

GDP per capita: $68,900

Denmark is a leading exporter of pharmaceuticals, but it also boasts the largest tourism market in the Nordic region. Its capital city, Copenhagen, welcomes visitors to tour its stunning royal palaces, such as Christiansborg Palace and Rosenborg Castle, and to see immaculate gardens and the Danish crown jewels. Nearby, the Tivoli Gardens amusement park and the Little Mermaid statue are also must-sees. Or, head to the Danish countryside to explore charming medieval towns with well-preserved cobblestone streets and half-timbered homes.

8. Qatar

GDP per capita: $81,400

Qatar is one of the world’s largest exporters of petroleum gas, accounting for 50% of its total exports and making it an incredibly wealthy country. Located on the Persian Gulf, Doha is its capital city and a major financial hub. Doha’s Hamad International Airport, named the world’s best airport of 2024 (Skytrax Passengers’ Choice Awards) sets the tone for visitors, who come to explore attractions such as the world-class Museum of Islamic Art (designed by renowned architect I. M. Pei) and the Pearl, an artificial island home to luxury villas and high-end shopping. Tourism is one of Qatar’s most important economic sectors as of late. In 2023, it amounted to $22.3 billion, accounting for 10.3% of the country’s total economic output.

7. Iceland

GDP per capita: $84,590

Dotted with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and glaciers, this Nordic island nation is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. Iceland’s economy thrives on tourism, along with exporting aluminum and seafood. Its bustling capital city, Reykjavik, became Iceland’s first permanent settlement in 874 CE. Today, it is home to Iceland’s national museums and two-thirds of the country’s population. The nearby geothermal Blue Lagoon is a bucket-list spot for many visitors to Iceland. Remnants of Iceland’s Viking history are found all around the country, from open-air museums to centuries-old burial grounds and artifacts. 

6. United States

GDP per capita: $85,370

The United States is the only country in North America to make the top 10 on the world’s wealthiest countries list. The U.S. is a top exporter of refined petroleum, contributing to its high GDP, and it has long been a top tourist destination, accounting for 14.5% of global tourism spending. Indeed, vacationers spend more here than in any other country. With such diverse cultural regions and contrasting landscapes, America offers visitors seemingly endless things to do and see.  The most popular attractions include Grand Canyon National Park, the Statue of Liberty, Yellowstone National Park, and Niagara Falls. 

5. Singapore

GDP per capita: $88,450

The Southeast Asian city-state of Singapore is a leader in technology and innovation and is the world’s top exporter of computer microchips. From the time visitors arrive at the award-winning Changi Airport, they experience state-of-the-art architecture and technology. Singapore’s bayfront skyline boasts the luxury Marina Bay Sands Hotel, with its famous rooftop pool, and the Gardens by the Bay, known for its artificial light-up “supertrees” and the Flower Dome — the largest glass greenhouse in the world. Singapore’s vibrant nightlife is also a favorite pastime of visitors and locals alike — visit a rooftop bar to enjoy skyline views while sipping the country’s national drink, the Singapore sling. 

4. Norway

GDP per capita: $94,660

Many visitors come to Norway to spend as much time in nature as possible, taking advantage of the country’s scenic mountain and glacier hikes and picturesque fjord cruises. Norway’s economy is based primarily on oil, gas, and seafood products (the latter of which is fueled by its robust fishing industry). As such, trying local seafood is a must for visitors. Norway’s capital city of Oslo, known for its green spaces and museums, is the country’s most-visited city. Up near the Arctic Circle, lucky visitors are treated to views of the northern lights from fall through spring. Throughout the country, preserved Viking villages give guests a glimpse into the region’s storied past.

3. Switzerland

GDP per capita: $105,670

The Swiss Alps are famous for skiing, hiking, gastronomy, and shopping— and it’s no secret that a vacation to this small European nation often comes with a hefty price tag. But for the many tourists who choose to visit, the luxury hotels and spas with sprawling views of the mountains are well worth the price tag. Zurich, Geneva, and Lucerne are among the most famous Swiss cities to visit, but quaint mountain villages such as Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen provide peaceful respite for travelers and locals alike. Gold is Switzerland’s top export, and its economy revolves around its banking and finance industries — along with chocolate, a must-try for visitors. Switzerland’s tourism industry is projected to reach nearly $6 billion in 2024.

2. Ireland

GDP per capita: $106,060

The tourism industry in the Emerald Isle earned over $5 billion in 2023, making it one of Ireland’s largest employers. The country is a top travel destination, particularly for North American tourists, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down. Ireland’s strong economy is thanks to its corporate tax policies, which encourage investment from multinational tech and pharmaceutical companies. Its top exports are medicinal and pharmaceutical products. But visitors don’t come for the economy — they visit Ireland for its natural wonders (including the famous Cliffs of Moher), historical monuments, churches, castles, and breweries such as the world-famous Guinness Storehouse in Dublin.

1. Luxembourg

GDP per capita: $131,380

This tiny European country — sandwiched between Germany, France, and Belgium — is home to just 660,000 residents but boasts the highest GDP per capita in the world. Luxembourg’s economy is bolstered by its banking, steel, and industrial sectors, with iron being its top export. Its tourism sector continues to grow, and there’s plenty to do and see for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike. One of the most-visited places in the country is the city of Luxembourg, the country’s capital and a historic fortified medieval city that’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Luxembourg is also home to one of Europe’s densest networks of hiking trails. The Ardennes region boasts lush forests and several fascinating World War II sites and museums. 

We can probably all agree that the golden age of air travel is long behind us, but that doesn’t mean flying these days has to be run-of-the-mill — you just have to know what to look for. From helpful (and free) amenities for families to the invite-only memberships airlines keep under wraps for their most loyal customers, these are six of the coolest secret airline perks you never knew existed. 

Hidden Check-In Lounges

If you’re willing to shell out the big bucks for first or business class (though it might be cheaper than you think), you can expect quite a few more perks than you’d receive flying in economy class. These include early boarding, larger seats with more legroom, free meals and booze, and, often, access to airport lounges. 

As the competition among airlines heats up, some are going even further to woo top-dollar customers. While first- or business-class tickets almost always grant you access to a priority check-in line at the airport, some airports offer even more exclusive areas. In 2023, Delta opened a private check-in section for its business-class (Delta One) customers at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) that most customers probably don’t realize exists. That’s because it’s on an entirely different level, separate from the regular check-in lines. It’s downstairs by the baggage claim, and you have to show your Delta One ticket just to enter. 

Once inside, you can sit back and relax with a glass of bubbly or a snack as the check-in agents take care of everything for you. Then, you’ll go through a private security screening area that leads straight to the Sky Club lounge upstairs — a far cry from the typical airport experience.

Invite-Only Elite Status

If you’ve joined an airline loyalty program, you’re probably familiar with the concept of elite status. Airlines award their most frequent flyers with perks such as priority boarding, free upgrades, waived baggage fees, and more. There are usually a few levels of elite status — at Delta, it starts with Silver, followed by Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Medallion. The more you spend, the higher you climb in the ranks.

But did you know that some airlines have secret elite status tiers? Membership in these programs is so exclusive that the airlines don’t even publish the details of how to qualify — in fact, the only way in is typically by receiving an invite from the airline. While it’s anyone’s guess as to how much you have to fly (and spend) with the airline, it’s typically well above $50,000 on plane tickets in a calendar year. At American, it’s called Concierge Key; at Delta, it’s known as Delta 360; and at United, it’s named Global Services. 

With those requirements, obviously only a select group will qualify, but those lucky few can expect an incredibly elevated travel experience. Not only will these members have upgrade priority over other customers, but they’ll also receive personal escorts through the airport and often free, private transfers between connecting flights. If you’ve ever arrived at the airport and seen a Mercedes-Benz marked with the airline’s logo parked by the gate, it’s usually there to whisk away a top-tier elite status member to their next flight, so they don’t even have to step foot in the airport.

Free Family-Friendly Perks

Even if you don’t splurge for business class or spend enough to qualify for elite status, there are plenty of other perks you can get with airlines that are entirely free — particularly for family travel. In recent years, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has urged airlines to accommodate families with young children so they can sit together without having to pay extra for seat assignments, even with basic economy fares. The DOT launched a handy dashboard that shows which airlines guarantee adjacent seats for children 13 or under and an accompanying adult. 

It’s no secret that flying with young children comes with its challenges, but many airlines also offer free child amenities onboard. Simply ask a flight attendant if one is available on your flight. For example, United offers a “Children’s Travel Kit,” designed by the people behind Sesame Street, which includes crayons, an activity book, a puzzle, and a sensory strip to calm anxiety in young ones. Plus, Delta has secret trading cards, a program created by employees in which passengers can collect card designs featuring different aircraft in the airline’s fleet. All you have to do is ask your pilot if they’re available — and they’re just as fun for adults as they are for kids.

Free Stopovers on Award Tickets

Let’s say you’ve racked up some credit card points and are looking to cash them in for a free flight. While in most cases that would be a simple round-trip ticket from point A to point B, a few airline loyalty programs let you get creative with your points, essentially allowing you to add another city to your trip for the same price.

This is what’s known as a “stopover,” which is typically defined as staying more than 24 hours in a connecting city along your journey (versus a typical layover at an airport). Say you’re booking a trip from New York to South Africa, and you’ll be connecting in Amsterdam. With Air France-KLM’s Flying Blue loyalty program, you might be able to stay a few days to explore the Dutch capital before continuing your journey. Other programs that offer free stopovers include Air Canada’s Aeroplan and Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan. 

Miles or Vouchers for Delayed Luggage

Nobody likes waiting an hour at baggage claim after a long flight for their checked bags to arrive at the carousel. And most airlines won’t offer you anything for the inconvenience. Thankfully, there are a few exceptions. Delta Air Lines has a 20-minute bag guarantee, promising that your bag will arrive in 20 minutes or less at the carousel after a domestic U.S. flight. If your bag takes longer, you can complete this simple form online and automatically receive 2,500 bonus miles toward your next flight. Alaska Airlines offers a similar guarantee, but with a $25 credit instead of miles. 

Free Checked Wine

If you’re a wine lover, you’re probably familiar with this scenario: You’ve enjoyed tastings at a few (or quite a few) wineries on vacation and decided to purchase some bottles to enjoy later. But getting them home is tricky. The unique “Wine Flies Free” program from Seattle-based Alaska Airlines simplifies things. This valuable perk allows passengers to check an entire case of wine without having to pay extra baggage fees. It’s offered from 32 West Coast cities, including ones near renowned wine regions such as Napa Valley or Willamette Valley. 

If you’re on an airplane and notice an unoccupied row where you’d be able to stretch out and enjoy the rest of the flight in comfort, do you get up and move? Are you even allowed to switch seats? With all of the strict rules and regulations regarding airplane travel, you may be wondering if it’s okay to move to an empty seat on a plane. So, we took a look at the facts to find out.

Don’t Move Without Asking

Before standing up and switching seats, you should always check with the flight attendant first, for a number of reasons. Before takeoff, the pilots perform a weight and balance check to make sure that weight is properly distributed in the cabin. While this is less of a concern on large commercial airliners, an unbalanced cabin could create problems for smaller ones. So, if you do notice an empty seat, it may have been left open intentionally to ensure proper weight distribution and a safe takeoff. Don’t just assume it’s there for the taking until you ask a staff member.

Another reason why certain seats may remain empty is for members of the cabin crew. Often, rows toward the back of the plane are left intentionally empty so that flight attendants can sit comfortably during their break periods. With these factors in mind, be sure to flag down a flight attendant before switching seats. If you’re polite, many flight attendants will be happy to accommodate your request so long as there are no valid reasons not to.

Accept Being Told “No”

It’s the job of flight attendants to enforce the policies of each airline, which may include strict rules that prevent passengers from switching seats. Some airlines charge more for specific seat selections, and so switching locations would be unfair to other travelers who paid an extra fee. In the event you’re told that switching seats isn’t feasible, you’ll need to be prepared to accept the answer for what it is. 

Don’t Switch Before Takeoff

You never know if additional passengers will board the airplane at the last minute, so it’s best not to jump the gun and move too early. From people waiting on standby to travelers sprinting across the terminal to make their connection, some passengers board the plane seconds before the door closes. This is why you should always wait until the boarding process is complete before investigating any empty seat options that may be available.

Know What’s Off Limits

From first class to basic economy, the cost of a plane ticket can vary substantially. This is true even within the economy section, as some seats may cost more than others due to a preferable location toward the front or an extra couple inches of legroom. If you’re looking to move locations, a good rule of thumb is to look over your shoulder toward the back of the aircraft cabin. Plus, an empty row in the back of economy may be a whole lot more comfortable than a crowded section toward the front.

Consider the Comfort of Other Passengers

If you see an empty seat next to another passenger, they’re probably thrilled about the fact that they can stretch out and enjoy their flight. So, try to keep a comfortable distance between yourself and others if you choose to move seats. This tip also applies to situations where you could slide over one seat to create room between yourself and another passenger. Let’s say you’re in the middle of a three-seat row, and the seat by the window is unoccupied. You shouldn’t expect any trouble for sliding over in the same row, and your seatmate will likely be thrilled about the additional space you’ve created.

Between tight seats and limited legroom, flying can often be an unpleasant experience. The physical toll that flying takes on the body is very real, especially on longer journeys. Fortunately, there are ways to mitigate that discomfort so you arrive at your destination feeling fresh and energized. One particularly helpful method involves wearing compression socks, which fit around the leg more tightly than regular socks. Compression socks provide a wide range of benefits for travelers — here’s why you should consider them for your next flight.

Air Travel Causes Circulation Issues

Being seated for long periods of time, whether on an airplane or elsewhere, may lead to circulatory issues that cause swelling, blood clots, and even deep vein thrombosis. While situations that require immediate medical attention are rare, many airline passengers regularly experience some level of leg discomfort during their journey. Airplane cabins are also highly pressurized, which means that passengers breathe in less oxygen; lower oxygen levels in the blood make clots more likely to form. 

Who Should Wear Compression Socks?

You don’t have to suffer from circulation issues to enjoy the benefits of compression socks, but there are some circumstances in which wearing these socks is recommended. People aged 40 or older, for example, are at risk of worsening circulation and should consider compression stockings for their next trip. You also may be at increased risk of developing blood clots if you’ve had surgery within the last three months. Other at-risk groups include pregnant people, those with a BMI over 30, people with varicose veins, and anyone with a medical history of coronary or circulatory issues.

The Benefits of Wearing Compression Socks

Studies show that, thanks to their clever design, compression socks help improve blood flow and prevent conditions such as swelling and DVT. Compression socks are often made of a flexible fabric that forms a tight seal around the leg without being too restrictive. Many variations are also tighter around the ankles and loosen as they make their way up the calves, which encourages upward blood flow toward the heart. By wearing a pair, your legs are much less likely to feel achy and swollen once you disembark the plane, and the odds of developing related medical issues also decrease.

Pro tip: To ensure that compression socks are right for you, try them on before the day of your trip. Wear the socks a few days in advance and take them on a quick test run — that way, you can know if they work for you. Assuming the socks help lessen swelling and discomfort, you can change into the socks right before you board the plane to ensure a comfortable trip ahead.

The Risks of Wearing Compression Socks

Compression socks have a few risks one should be aware of. The socks may actually become too tight, to the point that they cut off circulation. If you feel too much pressure, just take them off and change into your normal socks. Also keep an eye out for any redness or chafing, as this could be a sign of an allergic reaction to the material. Lastly, if you have a condition such as diabetes or peripheral artery disease, check with a doctor before buying compression socks to ensure that it won’t make matters worse.

Different Types of Compression Socks

There are three common types of compression socks: graduated compression socks, nonmedical support hosiery, and anti-embolism stockings. The first type places additional pressure around the ankles and then tapers off as it runs up the leg. However, in many cases these graduated compression socks require a prescription and fitting, so you can’t just head to the store and grab a pair. Nonmedical support hosiery, available without a prescription, is more flexible and less restrictive. Anti-embolism stockings are designed for people at risk of DVT and those who suffer from limited mobility, and they also require getting a prescription from your doctor.

Recommended Compression Sock Brands

Choosing the right compression sock for you can be overwhelming, so here are a few of our favorites:

Sockwell: These stylish and durable women’s socks use a mix of fine merino wool and rayon, which will help you stay comfortable on long plane journeys.

Levsox: With a wide variety of vibrant colors available, these socks will not only keep you feeling good, but also make a bold fashion statement.

Bluemaple: These socks come highly recommended for pregnant women — or anyone looking for that added circulation boost. They’re even great for athletics and can be worn while running for help with circulation.

Comrad: Sold in either regular or wide-calf fits, these nylon, knee-high socks will conform to any leg shape and leave you feeling cozy and secure.

Dickies: If you’re looking for socks that are effective and simple, these socks may be for you. They come in a range of basic colors (such as white, black, and tan) and do a great job at maintaining proper circulation.

Note: All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. Daily Passport may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.