Canadians could win a free trip to the happiest country in the world
The results are in — Finland has been crowned as the world’s happiest country for the ninth year in a row.
The World Happiness Report released its annual ranking on Wednesday, highlighting growing evidence that more time spent online can be detrimental to a person’s well-being.
In fact, Canada dropped further down the list from 18th place to the 25th spot due to the negative impacts of social media.
Fortunately for Canadians who have been feeling down lately, Finland is offering a chance to win a free getaway from the stressors of the digital age.
Jari Leino/Visit Finland
According to Visit Finland, the country’s tourism board, its message is simple: “Happiness starts with switching off, preferably somewhere by a lake and far away from notifications.”
That’s why the happiest place on earth is inviting travellers to log off through its “Chill Like a Finn” challenge, which gives Canadians a chance to win a free seven-day trip this June to Finnish Lakeland, Europe’s largest lake district.
“In Finland, we don’t really chase happiness – we tend to find it in small, ordinary moments,” stated Heli Jimenez, senior director, international marketing at Visit Finland. “When life feels overwhelming, sometimes the best way to feel better is simply to slow down, step outside and chill a little — like a Finn.”
What can you expect during the seven-day digital detox
Mikko Nikkinen/Visit Finland
The tourism board says they have maintained their top spot because they prioritize stepping away from screens, slowing down and spending time in nature. This could include a lake swim, warming up in a sauna, taking a walk in the forest, or sharing a meal with friends at a summer cottage.
The “Chill Like a Finn” challenge invites Canadians and people from around the world to experience this way of life for themselves for a week in Finnish Lakeland.
The lucky winners and their plus ones can expect a relaxing itinerary including:
- Lakeside cottage living
- Traditional sauna and refreshing lake swims
- Time spent in forests and nature
- Seasonal food and good company
- And, perhaps most importantly, putting the phone away for a while
If you and your plus one are chosen, you’ll arrive in Helsinki on June 11 and head to Lakeland on June 12. The flight back home after your relaxing stay will be on June 18.
How to apply to win a free trip to Finland
Kotka Hamina/Visit Finland
Applications are now open on Visit Finland’s site. You’ll need to do two things to apply: complete the social media challenge on Instagram or TikTok, and fill in the application form.
For the social media challenge, the applicant and their plus one will need to post a video on Instagram or TikTok introducing themselves and answering the question: “What do you imagine a Finnish summer holiday in Lakeland looking like?”
The video should use the hashtag #ChillLikeAFinn and tag @ourfinland on Instagram or @visitfinland.com on TikTok.
To be eligible, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old at the time of submitting an application. You’ll also need a driver’s license to be eligible because the itinerary includes a road trip and driving to various locations using a rental car provided.
Visit Finland will choose six pairs to take part in the challenge.
The deadline to complete the social media challenge and application is Sunday, March 29, at 11:59 p.m. EEST (Eastern European Summer Time). Selected participants will be contacted personally in April.
For more details, check out Visit Finland.