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Kayaking is new Index of cities for conscious travelers ranked 167 cities around the world that offer sustainable or eco-friendly travel options.
The study looked at 28 factors and grouped them into four categories “which reflect the main areas to consider when planning a city trip,” according to the report:
- Go to : pre-arrival factors such as ground transportation, off-season flight options, or landing at a carbon-accredited airport
- Move : public transportation options, affordability of a more eco-friendly rental car, number of cycling and walking routes, wheelchair accessibility
- Stay: air quality, potable tap water, availability of hotels with the Booking.com Travel Sustainable badge and price points
- Experiences: supporting the environment and the community, such as shopping at local markets and thrift stores, taking walking tours, visiting cultural attractions
Each city’s ranking was determined based on searches from January 1, 2021 to March 1, 2022, for the travel period of January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022.
Rotterdam, the Netherlands, is the best city for sustainable vacations, according to a 2023 report by Kayak.
Achim Thomae | time | Getty Images
The 10 best cities for eco-responsible holidays
- Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Graz, Austria
- Trondheim, Norway
- Munich, Germany
- Helsinki, Finland
- Stockholm, Sweden
- Zürich, Switzerland
- Gothenburg, Sweden
- Vienna, Austria
Rotterdam and Amsterdam, both in the Netherlands, took the No. 1 and No. 2 spots on the list.
According to the report, Rotterdam tops the list because it’s not “too touristy” and you can get there in the off-season month of January for 59% less on average than in the high-season month. .
The city in the Netherlands is the second largest in the country and the largest seaport in Europe. Rotterdam is known for its waterfront setting and modern architecture.
Amsterdam ranked No. 2 thanks in part to its low-emission transport options, such as ferries and trains. The city, known as the “Venice of the North”, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its iconic canal district.
Canal design is considered an example of urban planning that has influenced the world for centuries, according to UNESCO.
As well as its historic canals, the capital’s main attractions include the Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House and a vibrant nightlife.
Graz is Austria’s second largest city after Vienna.
Picture by Rudi Steenbruggen | time | Getty Images
Graz, Austria ranked #3 on Kayak’s list – it’s the second largest city in the country after Vienna.
Graz is known for its well-developed rail network and numerous cycle paths.
The historic city center, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has a pedestrian-only zone, which takes the hassle out of cars and makes it easy to explore the city.
Graz was designated European Capital of Culture in 2003, according to British.
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