Not one, but two South African cities earned a spot on the Best Cities for Mindful Traveller’s List, an index focused on sustainable travel!
South Africa (31 March, 2023) — As the world moves to more sustainable solutions, mindful travel has become a huge factor in people’s travel adventures. Indexes like KAYAK’s Mindful Traveller’s List have become an important resource for this reason.
And, this year, TWO South African cities made the top 10 cut in the Middle East & Africa region!
We might have anticipated Cape Town earning a spot (the City did receive a medal of honour in the Global Sustainability Awards in 2022). However, this year Johannesburg joined the carousel.
Ranking under the Top Cities in the Middle East & Africa, Cape Town swooped in at 6th place, while Joburg held its own at the 8th spot.
How The Mindful Traveller’s List is Made
28 factors are taken into account. Sustainability-related factors specifically focused on travel are all considered.
Points like ‘Stay’ (air quality, drinkable tap water or sustainability-approved hotels), ‘Experiences’ (that support the environment) and ‘Getting Around’ (biking and walking routes) are all considered.
But, looking at the list overall, both the City of Gold and the Mother City have a way to go, ranking 153 and 145 on the list respectively out of the total 167 countries.
Where Are the Most Mindful Traveller’s Heading?
According to the Index, the most mindful cities in the world are:
- Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Graz, Austria
How Can I Travel More Sustainably Wherever I Go?
You don’t need to travel to the world’s most sustainable cities to travel consciously. By looking for eco-friendly accommodation (like Paternoster’s Gonana Guesthouse), using alternative transport beyond cars (like normal bicycles, e-bikes, public transport or your own two legs) and by getting involved in new place’s clean-ups, you can tread a little lighter.
by 