As we close in on 2020, one topic that continues to stay trending is climate change, inspiring both widespread activist movements encouraging global action.
Just as many individuals have been doing their part to reduce pollution and carbon emissions, many cities all over the world are also taking major strides toward eco-friendly, sustainable transportation options, such as bikes, buses, trains, and more.
Here are 10 of the most eco-friendly destinations to visit around the world:
1. New York City, United States
The New York City subway is one of the most iconic public transit systems in the world. With 472 stations in operation and approximately 5.6 million daily riders, you can’t go wrong with taking a train here.
More than 40% of the city’s residents use the subway regularly, and the extensive train network is a perfect way for you to get around The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens while reducing your carbon emissions.
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2. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is a walled city in the Mediterranean Sea with major potential for walking. There are a lot of areas to explore on foot, and Dubrovnik’s Old City district is even a pedestrian-only zone!
Traveling on foot in Dubrovnik helps to reduce your carbon footprint while also giving you a chance to personally explore the historic city. It’s a win-win!
3. Basel, Switzerland
Basel is a major frontrunner in city sustainability. With significantly low pollution and the highest area of green roofs per capita in the world, Basel is definitely a must-see on this list.
By utilizing their extensive public transportation network, including railways and tram stations, visitors can visit the city’s renowned museums while minimizing their carbon emissions!
4. Copenhagen, Denmark
The popular capital of Denmark is packed with cyclists from locals to tourists. 62% of the city’s population regularly bike to commute to school or work, and if you’re looking for a place to get your wheels in gear, this is the place.
Specially designed roads such as the recently developed Green Path give bikers an edge for traveling around the city, encouraging this popular mode of green travel.
5. Delhi, India
With the recent introduction of the Delhi Metro, the city is a hub of efficient public transport. Roads are often populated with bikes, buses, auto-rickshaws, and cycle-rickshaws while the trains dominate the rails.
In Delhi, cars congest the roads, leading residents to prefer alternative modes of public transportation instead. This, in turn, reduces carbon emissions and makes Delhi a prime location for sustainable travel.
6. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is considered to be one of the most famous centers of bicycle culture. Due to the convenience of bikes, Amsterdam’s small size, established bike paths, and flat terrain, bicycling has become a mainstay in this city’s travel.
These days, there are more bikes than there are people in Amsterdam, but this has not discouraged riders from using them to get around the city.
7. San Francisco, United States
San Francisco is a strong proponent of green travel, fighting the battle against pollution for many years now, and this attitude is prevalent in the community as well.
Half the population either walks, bikes, or uses public transportation to get around. With their light rail, streetcars, and cable cars, the city gives residents many options to pick green travel instead of driving.
8. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is home to the most extensive and most used public transportation system in the entire world. With 40 million daily passengers and 882 railway stations, rail is the primary mode of transport for many residents in Tokyo.
With trains that can take you almost anywhere and everywhere, it’s no wonder that pollution and carbon emissions are reduced in the city.
9. Paris, France
The City of Lights is one of the most famous walking cities to date. With new experiences and sights to take in at almost every corner, Paris encourages natives and visitors alike to explore the city by foot.
It’s entirely possible to spend your entire time in Paris without riding a single car, and the experience would arguably be better that way.
10. Moscow, Russia
Moscow, the capital of Russia, makes earning green miles a great treat for travelers. The Moscow Metro is famous not only for its efficiency but the art, murals, mosaics, and chandeliers in its stations.
Every major street in the city is also served by at least one bus route, giving visitors the chance to experience the city’s culture while they traverse the roads.
Eco-friendly travel is rewarding for our environment and allows us to continue experiencing local travel while doing our part to help the planet. If you want to reward yourself too for eco-friendly travel, check out the Miles app, a universal rewards program that rewards you for all your transportation and gives even more bonuses for picking sustainable travel options.
