The most beautiful countries playing the 2014 FIFA World Cup

The worlds greatest sporting spectacle that does not feature Lalit Modi is here! Its a month of great skills, goals, saves, defending and well, diving. Some of us know of the existence of certain countries purely because of this tournament!One risk we make (especially in our reckless youth) is dismissing some of the lesser known countries and making a fuss about Germany, Italy and the likes. In fact, its some of these smaller countries that are some of the most stunning in the world. Lets have a look!

#1 Costa Rica

An easy way to depress yourself is to do a Google Image search for Costa Rica – the greenest country on Earth. Also, one of the most diplomatic, having abolished its army way back in the late 40s! Caught between the confluence of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, Costa Rica has a biodiversity that would bring a tear to your eye.

#2 Mexico

When one thinks Mexico, the immediate images to pop to one’s mind are tacos, sombrero hats, flamenco guitaring, and well – drugs. Well, Mexico is also one of the most gorgeous countries in the world, and one of the greatest scuba diving spots too. From Aztec ruins to nightlife, from mountains to great dining – Mexico is one of those dream vacation spots!

Great diving – not the football kinds ;)

#3 Croatia

All that many of us knew about Croatia was that they came third on their World Cup debut back in 1998, and Davor Suker scored a lot of goals. We probably thought it was a poor country buried somewhere in the non-fashionable part of Europe. Until you search for images and see why it’s a haven for travelers – it’s got one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world!

#4 Netherlands

The Netherlands have been constantly giving us great footballers. Then of course, there’s the legal drugs and the red light districts. But apart from that, the Netherlands is a gorgeous country – from the lovely countrysides, to the fact that it’s one of the most cycling-friendly countries in the world – over 20000 dedicated km of cycling tracks including the magnificent Hovenring at Eindhoven.

#5 Australia

Everyone wants to go to Australia, let’s face it! It’s got great beaches, amazing diving, great food, great adventure sport, great cricket stadiums… And so much more. It’s prohibitively expensive for most Indians whose idea of a holiday is a weekend trip to Matheran, but that just adds to its allure!

#6 Greece

The recent Eurozone crisis notwithstanding, Greece is historically one of the most important countries in the world. It’s a dream destination for many a couple. Don’t believe me? Check out images of Carfu. That is all!

#7 Italy

This is a little mainstream, I know. But let’s face it – Italy is a stunning country with warm (if boisterous!) people, incredible history, fantastic landscapes and so much more. Oh and the food. I’ve been told that meals are taken very seriously there, and Italians love spending hours for meals. Contrast that with our hectic lifestyle where a burger is ordered and wolfed down while we’re still working on that ruddy Excel file!

#8 Switzerland

Ah well – Switzerland would have to make it to this list, wouldn’t it? I mean, there’s really not much to say. From Swiss chocolates to watches, from the alps to skiing, it’s a great destination if you’re backpacking, couple-ing or for the family. Switzerland of course has woven its way into Indian consciousness via two things – Bollywood and our politicians! ;)

#9 France

Perhaps no country has as much character as France! From the accents, to the wine, to the mental images of an unhurried life, soaking in the climate, to the Riviera, to (lets not pretend to ignore them) the women, the food France is made for tourism. My own dream? Parc Asterix!

#10 Belgium

And this is for the beer lover in me! Its my dream to go to Belgium and buy the famous beer from a Trappist Monastery. If nothing else, head over to the town of Hoegaarden for the eponymous wheat beer! And while were at it, soak in the rest of the culture which includes lavish tributes to Tintin and gorge on Belgian chocolates, acclaimed to be the finest in the world. Finest beer and finest chocolates in the world? I wouldnt mind getting stranded in that country.

#11

This is of course, just a personal list of 10. There are 32 countries playing the world cup, and EACH of them have some awesomeness in terms of tourism and scenery to offer. Check them out. And travel – yes, even if it’s just to that nearby hill station!