International Ambassadors to the U.S. Share Their Top Film, Book, and Song Recommendations to Help American Travelers Immerse Themselves Ahead of Summer Vacations

As millions of Americans prepare to head overseas in search of a cultural escape this year, sun-soaked beaches, local cuisine and iconic landmarks are often top of the itinerary. But beyond the must-see attractions lies something equally enriching: the history, stories and traditions that define each destination. According to ambassadors based in Washington, D.C., one of the best ways to immerse yourself in a country's culture is before you've even packed your suitcase - through the books, films and music that have helped define it. 

For those keen to dive into a destination before they arrive, language learning app Babbel turned to ambassadors based in Washington, D.C. for their definitive cultural recommendations. The ambassadors of Austria, Finland, Lithuania, Mexico, and Sweden - picked because they represent countries ranked among the top 20 happiest in this year’s World Happiness Report - each selected the book, film and song they believe every visitor should experience. Alongside each recommendation, the ambassadors also shared their own reflections on why these works matter, offering personal insights into the stories, values, history and traditions they feel best capture the spirit of their home countries.

From timeless literary masterpieces, such as Väinö Linna’s Under the North Star trilogy, to beloved songs, such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Especially in Michigan” - an unexpected point of pride for many Lithuanians - these recommendations offer a glimpse into the cultural stories that have shaped each country. Their recommendations also include works that have become synonymous with national identity, earning comparisons to unofficial second national anthems. 

Austria - Ambassador Petra Schneebauer recommends:

Book: Ein ganzes Leben (English translation: A Whole Life), by Robert Seethaler (2014)

A poignant and bestselling novel that follows one man's quiet life in the Austrian Alps, reflecting themes of resilience, simplicity and humanity. The ambassador explains her choice: “In the quiet sweep of a mountain life lived simply, one man's stillness becomes a whole life's poetry - a reflection of Austria itself, where beauty and endurance reveal more than words ever could.”

Film: Der Bauer und der Bobo (English translation: The Farmer and the Hipster), directed by Kurt Langbein (2022)

A witty documentary exploring the clash between rural and urban Austria, examining identity, politics and the country's deep connection to the countryside. The ambassador explains her choice: “A witty and heartfelt clash between city life and rural pride. 'Der Bauer und der Bobo' bridges Austria's alpine tradition and modern pulse with humor and humanity. The movie helps to appreciate not just the scenic beauty, but also the humor, directness and deep-rooted respect for nature and community that shape everyday Austrian life.”

Song: “Schifoan” (English translation: “Skiing”), by Wolfgang Ambros (1976)

An iconic Austrian anthem celebrating the country's passion for skiing, alpine life and mountain culture, sung in the distinctive Viennese dialect. The ambassador explains her choice: “Schifoan” by Wolfgang Ambros captures Austria’s love for skiing, the mountains, and cozy alpine life, while its dialect and humor give travelers a taste of local culture - perfect for feeling our nation’s spirit before visiting.”

Finland - Ambassador Leena-Kaisa Mikkola recommends:

Book: Täällä Pohjantähden alla trilogy (English translation: Under the North Star trilogy), by Väinö Linna (1959-1962)

A cornerstone of Finnish literature, this epic trilogy chronicles the lives of rural families across generations, exploring Finland's journey through social change, civil war and nation-building. The ambassador explains her choice: “A Finnish classic Täällä Pohjantähden alla captures the essence of Finnish spirit through its portrayal of Sisu, equality, and justice. Through his humane and multifaceted characters, Linna portrays Finnish perseverance and enduring pursuit of fairness.”

Film: Myrskyluodon Maija (English translation: Stormskerry Maja), directed by Tiina Lymi (2024)

Based on Anni Blomqvist's beloved novels, this sweeping historical drama follows a woman's resilience and determination as she builds a life in Finland's remote Åland archipelago. The ambassador explains her choice: “Stormskerry Maja is a powerful story that explores the foundations of building equality in Finland, set in the breathtakingly beautiful Åland Archipelago. The film depicts Finnish people’s deeply rooted connection to nature through the story, location, as well as powerful score. Finns have gotten to know Maja’s story through various adaptations: first a great book series, then a captivating tv-series and now an award-winning film adaptation.”

Song: “Return from Helsinki”, by Frigg (2005)

A lively instrumental blending traditional Finnish folk music with bluegrass influences, showcasing the country's rich musical heritage through the band's signature “nordgrass” style. The ambassador explains her choice: “A band native to my birthplace, Kaustinen, Frigg is a modern “nordgrass” band that seamlessly brings Finnish folk music to modern day. Cheerful and lively, Frigg highlights the positivity of being a Finn with their virtuosity and groove. We are the happiest country after all!”

Lithuania - Ambassador Gediminas Varvuolis recommends:

Book: Balta drobulė (English translation: White Shroud), by Antanas Škėma (1958)

A landmark of modern Lithuanian literature, this psychologically rich novel explores identity, exile and the search for meaning through the eyes of a Lithuanian émigré. The ambassador explains his choice: “Balta drobulė is considered one of the most important works of Lithuanian literature and a landmark of modern Lithuanian prose, White Shroud explores themes of individual freedom, identity, creativity, and the search for meaning through its innovative narrative style and profound psychological depth. The novel also reflects the challenges of adapting to a new cultural environment while preserving one’s heritage and sense of self.”

Film: Šuolis (English translation: The Jump), directed by Giedrė Žičkytė (2020)

This acclaimed documentary tells the extraordinary true story of a Lithuanian sailor who defected from the Soviet Union by leaping aboard a U.S. Coast Guard ship in 1970. The ambassador explains his choice: “Šuolis tells the remarkable true story of a Lithuanian sailor who defected from the Soviet Union by leaping onto a U.S. Coast Guard vessel. The film explores themes of freedom, courage, and the personal costs of living under an oppressive regime. It is meaningful to me because it highlights an important part of Lithuania's history and reflects our shared belief in freedom and the determination of individuals who risked everything in pursuit of liberty.”

Song: “Especially in Michigan”, by Red Hot Chili Peppers (2006)

A song with an unexpected Lithuanian connection, featuring the lyric "A rainy Lithuania" and reflecting frontman Anthony Kiedis' Lithuanian heritage through his family roots. The ambassador explains his choice: “This song connects to the feeling of place, memory, and belonging. Especially in Michigan by Red Hot Chili Peppers even mentions the phrase “A Rainy Lithuania” while singing about Michigan, a state that has one of the largest Lithuanian communities in the United States. Not many people know that lead singer Anthony Kiedis has Lithuanian roots through his family heritage, which adds another personal and cultural connection between the song, Lithuania, and the Lithuanian diaspora.”

Mexico - Ambassador Roberto Lazzeri recommends:

Book: El amante de Janis Joplin (English translation: Janis Joplin's Lover), by Élmer Mendoza (2001)

A vivid coming-of-age novel set in 1970s northern Mexico, blending crime, humour and regional culture to paint a compelling portrait of life in Sinaloa. The ambassador explains his choice: “It's a coming of age story set in rural Sinaloa, about first love, friendship, and youth in a small northern town. Music runs through it, and the title, with Janis Joplin as the young narrator's muse, captures how easily American culture crossed the border into the lives of young Mexicans. At its heart it's about that pull between staying home and being drawn toward the wider world.”

Film: Ya no estoy aquí (English translation: I'm No Longer Here), directed by Fernando Frías de la Parra (2019)

A critically acclaimed coming-of-age film that captures youth culture, identity and resilience through the story of a teenager uprooted from his community in northern Mexico. The ambassador explains his choice: “It follows a young man from Monterrey and the group of friends he's built his world around, bonded by music and dance. When he has to leave, the film follows what migration costs him. It stays close to the small things that make a place feel like home, and it captures what gets lost when you go.”

Song: “Piel Canela” (English translation: “Cinnamon Skin”), by Cuco (2020)

A nostalgic reinterpretation of the beloved Latin American bolero, blending Cuco's dreamy indie sound with timeless themes of love, longing and cultural heritage. The ambassador explains his choice: “It was originally written by Puerto Rican composer Bobby Capó, a standard generations grew up with. Cuco, a Mexican-American artist raised in Los Angeles, reworks it in a soft, dreamy style, moving easily between Spanish and English. It's a good example of how a younger, cross-border generation carries their parents' music forward while making it their own.”

Sweden - Ambassador-designate Nicola Clase recommends:

Book: De fenomenala fruntimren på Grand Hôtel (English translation: The Phenomenal Women of the Grand Hôtel), by Ruth Kvarnström-Jones (2023)

A bestselling historical novel set in Stockholm’s iconic Grand Hôtel, inspired by the remarkable women who helped shape one of Sweden’s most famous landmarks. It offers a vivid glimpse into Swedish history, resilience and social change. The ambassador-designate explains her choice: “A celebration of Swedish innovation, equality, and the often overlooked women who helped build modern Sweden. It also has a strong cultural and historical setting”.

Film: Så som i himmelen (English translation: As It Is in Heaven), directed by Kay Pollak (2004)

One of Sweden’s most celebrated films, following a world-renowned conductor who returns to his rural hometown and rediscovers the power of community through a local choir. A moving story of belonging, redemption and finding your voice. The ambassador-designate explains her choice: “A moving story about community, music, and finding your place, showing that beneath Sweden's reserved exterior lies a deep emotional life. It shows that the quickest way to a Swede’s heart isn’t small talk - it is joining a choir.”

Song: “Sverige” (English translation: “Sweden”), by Kent (2002)

One of Kent’s most iconic songs, offering a heartfelt reflection on Sweden through themes of pride, nostalgia and identity. Its poetic lyrics have made it a modern anthem for many Swedes. The ambassador-designate explains her choice: “A bittersweet love letter to Sweden, full of beauty, melancholy, and national self-reflection. It is the music equivalent of standing by a lake in November and thinking: “It is actually quite nice.”

Esteban Touma, Linguistic and Cultural Expert at Babbel, comments: “Cultural immersion and exchange doesn’t necessarily have to begin with a long-haul flight - it can start from the comfort of your own home through the books, films and music that define a nation. The recommendations shared by these ambassadors offer a unique gateway into the histories, traditions and identities of their countries, often revealing stories and perspectives many tourists might otherwise never encounter. What strikes me most is the incredible diversity of the recommendations, reflecting the rich cultural fabric of each nation. Some shine a light on pivotal moments in history, such as Lithuania's recommendation of The Jump, which offers an insight into the country's struggle for freedom during the Cold War, or Mexico's I’m No Longer Here, which explores its identity and resilience. Others celebrate the character and spirit of a nation, from Austria's love of skiing and alpine life captured in Wolfgang Ambros' Schifoan, to Finland's enduring values of equality, resilience and connection with nature. Together, the recommendations show that national identity is shaped by countless stories, voices and artistic traditions. While English-language media continues to dominate globally, audiences are increasingly seeking out international stories that offer new perspectives and authentic glimpses into life beyond their own borders. Exploring books, films, and music from other countries is one of the most accessible ways to experience another culture. These recommendations can help travellers move beyond the typical tourist experience and connect more deeply with the culture they're visiting. At the same time, they provide an accessible way for those who aren't able to travel to explore other countries through the stories, music and films that shape national identity. After all, cultural discovery isn't limited to those who can get on a plane - it can begin from the comfort of your own home.