The vast majority of travelers taking a vacation this year say their primary goal is to relax, recharge and support mental well-being.
And if we’re being honest, who doesn’t need those things amid this particularly tumultuous year?
To help you achieve those goals Holafly, an international eSim provider, set about ranking the world’s most relaxing cities for travel.
In order to develop its list, the Holafly research team analyzed global destinations using several key health and wellbeing metrics, such as access to parks and nature reserves, the number of spa and wellness centers, air quality, average annual sunshine hours, traffic congestion, and happiness. Each of these factors it seems, is linked to physical and emotional well-being.
Based on the aforementioned criteria, the number one city for relaxing travel is right here in the United States. It is none other than San Diego, California, according to the study.
“San Diego offers a perfect blend of nature and wellness,” says the report. “Known for its laid-back and relaxed atmosphere, stunning coastline, scenic parks, and year-round sunshine, it’s the perfect place to unwind.”
The Holafly report also notes that San Diego boasts an impressive 266 parks and nature reserves – more than any other city in the Holafly list.
In addition to offering plenty of green space to relax and unwind, San Diego is home to 359 spas and wellness centers, making it a top destination for those looking for opportunities to recharge, explains the report.
But that’s not all. San Diego also averages more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, making it the ultimate place for a relaxing getaway.
San Diego of course, is merely one of the top options for relaxing travel. Here’s a closer look at the other locations identified by Holafly that will leave you feeling truly recharged.
Singapore
Ranked second in the list of the world’s most relaxing cities, Singapore combines modern city living with a focus on wellness and green space, says the report.
“Despite being a densely populated city, Singapore has made green living a priority, with 242 nature and parks, making it easy to find a quiet place to explore without actually leaving the city,” the report explains.
Singapore also boasts 698 spas and wellness centers, along with good air quality and 2,022 hours of sunshine a year, creating a bright and healthy environment.
“While traffic congestion is moderate with an average time of 40 minutes, the city scores the highest when it comes to overall happiness, reflecting the lifestyle of the people who live there,” the report adds. “Singapore is a good example of a modern city that still manages to feel peaceful and green, making it a perfect destination for a relaxing city break.”
Vienna, Austria
Vienna landed in the third slot on the Holafly list of the world’s most relaxing cities. The Austrian city had one of the best air quality scores, meaning Vienna offers some of the cleanest air in Europe.
“Combined with over 2,000 hours of sunlight a year, the city creates a warm and inviting atmosphere,” says the report.
Vienna is also home to 91 parks and nature reserves, providing plenty of spots for tourists to unwind, and the city also has 137 spas and wellness centers, offering everything from traditional Austrian saunas to modern wellness retreats.
Also noteworthy, Vienna is known for its minimal traffic congestion, quiet streets and an easy to navigate layout.
Sydney, Australia
The number four city on Holafly’s list, Sydney was deemed to offer “the perfect balance between a lively urban atmosphere and peaceful surroundings.
“Known for its iconic beaches and laid-back lifestyle, the city provides visitors the opportunity to unwind while at the same time staying connected to everything that a buzzing city has to offer,” says the report.
If it’s a sun drenched getaway you’re after, Sydney’s 2,468 hours of sunshine per year make it one of the sunniest cities in the ranking. Sunny days, of course, can help boost mood and encourage an outdoor lifestyle, says the report.
The Australian city is also home to 239 parks and 368 spas and wellness centers. In other words, you’ll never be short of finding somewhere to relax.
Melbourne, Australia
The Australians apparently have figured out the secret to relaxing living. The Land Down Under is the only place to have two cities in the top five on the Holafly list
Melbourne is noteworthy for being home to 215 parks and nature reserves, including the famous Royal Botanic Gardens, which is an ideal spot to unwind, says the report. Melbourne is also home to 249 spas and wellness centers.
Another important feature: The city gets over 2,360 hours of sunshine per year. Pair that with its great air quality, and you’ve found an ideal place for a relaxing city getaway.
More key takeaways
Barcelona stands out as a top destination for wellness, boasting the highest number of spas and wellness centers (725) among the cities listed.Helsinki, Finland, leads with the lowest air quality score (12.5), indicating exceptionally clean air With an average of 3,054.6 hours of sunlight per year, San Diego enjoys the sunniest climate among the cities listed Vienna, Austria, boasts the shortest average traffic time, at just 21.5 minutes.Singapore ranks the highest when it comes to happiness, reflecting a good quality of life among its residents
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