In a chaotic world, an increasing number of travelers are seeking quiet escapes in nature.
Travel company Travelbag determined the best global vacation destinations for serenity seekers, based on factors like noise and light pollution, the number and quality of green spaces, and the local congestion levels.
Coming in on top as the ultimate place for tranquil energy and extensive green spaces is Queensland, New Zealand. Set near Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the Southern Alps, Queenstown boasts pristine nature and many opportunities to slow down, scoring 94.4 out of 100 for green space quality.
Queensland also scored 91.67 for its exceptional cleanliness and had the second-best score for low noise and light pollution. The town also has a low level of travel congestion despite its relative popularity.
Coming in at second place is the Seychelles Islands, which is also the most peaceful beachside retreat with its white sand beaches, clear turquoise water, and incredibly low noise and light pollution. The Indian Ocean archipelago off the coast of Africa, north of Madagascar, comprises 115 islands and is a global hotspot for biodiversity.
The third place is shared between Kyoto, Japan; Banff, Canada; and Cairns, Australia. Cairns, situated on the northeastern coast of Queensland, stood out for its cleanliness and green spaces, as well as low noise and light pollution levels. It offers a relaxed, tropical scenery and a well-maintained environment. Cairns is not far from the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest, offering a peaceful and natural option for travelers.
Whistler, Canada, secured the No. 4 spot, while Australia’s Gold Coast rounds out the top five. However, in a separate ranking of the most peaceful beachside retreats, the Gold Coast ranked third.
“[The Gold Coast] is home to some of the country’s most iconic beaches, which are not only highly rated by visitors but also set within one of the cleanest destinations overall. With a cleanliness score of 72.9 and water pollution at just 35.7, it makes a perfect spot for a peaceful swim,” Travelbag said in a statement, shared with Travel + Leisure.
The award-winning U.K.-based company reported that 72 percent of Brits go on holiday to relax and recharge, while 47 percent “seek holidays that help them feel more grounded and mindful.”
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