When you've traveled abroad, have you noticed that people in certain countries just seem to be happier?

Hi, I'm Rick Steeves. With all the stress that comes with the economic crisis these days,

it's more important than ever to keep your spirits up. But what is it really that makes people happy?

NPR journalist Eric Weiner surveyed some European studies on what makes different cultures

happy and then he did some research of his own. He investigated

contentedness around the world from Denmark to Thailand from Switzerland to

Bhutan and from India to the USA. And he came home with some ideas about what we

might learn from each other.

There's this concept of worried happiness, and I find it fascinating and I think there's something to it.

It's the idea that we can be both anxious about our future and

happy at the same time. And if you find bliss in music, Margaret Hemmon has more

ideas for getting in on some of Europe's great classical music venues.

Stay with us as we delve deeper into the cultural roots of happiness today on Travel with Rick

Steve's.

Today on Travel with Rick Steve's professional musician and tour guide Margaret Hemmon gives us tips on landing a seat for a memorable concert on our next European vacation.

She's back with more ideas on how to add the joy of one of Europe's great classical music venues to your travels,

and to take your calls at 877333 Rick.

But first, we're looking into why some countries are grumpy, even when it seems they should be happier,

while other countries, even the ones which might seem to deserve pity rather than envy,

just seem more content.

Is being happy part of their culture? Is it inborn or learned?

Eric Weiner took time off from reporting for NPR to travel to different countries to study the geography of bliss.

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