Cities around the world are recognising the need to support eco-conscious initiatives and travellers are responding. Whether travelling by train, visiting cities off the beaten track, embracing slow travel or supporting community projects, sustainability is changing the way we travel.
At Hayes & Jarvis, we are passionate about responsible travel. We strive to create sustainable travel experiences and encourage all our guests to leave a positive impact on the destinations they visit.
So when you’re planning your next holiday, consider adding a sustainable city to your itinerary. Not only are these cities leaders in renewable energy, green spaces and well-connected public transport, they also offer incredible experiences and sights for travellers.
From the thriving metropolis of Singapore to sunny Brisbane in Australia, let’s take a look at the world’s top five most sustainable cities you should visit in 2022.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik, Iceland’s colourful capital sits on the Arctic Circle against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, thundering waterfalls, moss covered plains, black sand beaches and bubbling hot springs.
However, Iceland has much more to offer than just its stellar landscapes. It’s a leader in harnessing renewable energy, with 90% of energy needs coming from hydropower and geothermal power. It’s aiming to be carbon neutral by 2040, and fossil fuel-free by 2050.
Icelandic cuisine is influenced by fresh, seasonal local ingredients, and you might be surprised to see locally grown tomatoes, bananas and cucumbers year-round. But thanks to geothermal energy, LED powered greenhouses and vertical farming methods, growing seasons are prolonged, reducing food miles.
What to expect: Embark on a South Island road trip around the famous Golden Circle that takes you to some of the country’s most iconic sights including the Strokkur Geyser, Gullfoss Waterfall and Thingvellir National Park. Don’t miss taking a dip in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon and looking for the Northern Lights on a clear night.
Abu Dhabi and Dubai, UAE
UAE is a country of superlatives – the tallest building, the biggest shopping mall, the most luxurious hotels, and the world’s best chefs.
But behind this glitzy exterior, both Dubai and Abu Dhabi are taking steps to reduce their footprint, and are now among the top 20 most sustainable cities in the world, thanks to their shift to renewable energy. They have gone a step further and created a net-zero, solar powered community called Masdar in the middle of the desert.
What to expect: Once you have satisfied your every desire in Dubai, you will find relief in the calmer lifestyle on offer in Abu Dhabi, just 150 km away on a multi-centre itinerary. Plus, you can make a stop in the desert and head out for an exciting ride across the dusty dunes. We recommend going at sunset to watch the colour change across the landscape and soak up the expansive starry night sky before heading back to the city. You could also pair your UAE visit with the luxurious beaches of the Maldives or Seychelles.
Singapore
Singapore’s squeaky clean and organised city-state is also one of the world’s most sustainable cities. Strict building guidelines mean that all structures adhere to extremely high energy efficiency standards, and include plant life such as green rooftop, vertical gardens and parks. Don’t miss exploring Singapore’s lush parklands such as Fort Canning Park and modern “Supertrees” at the 250-acre Gardens by the Bay. Not only do they use solar energy to power an evening light show, they are also built using 150,000 living plants in their trunks.
Singapore is also constructing a new one-of-its-kind forest town occupying a 700 hectare space with green spaces, public housing, forest corridors, community farming and more.
What to expect: Singapore delivers the ultimate mix of city sightseeing and nature. Discover glittering marinas and UNESCO-listed gardens, architectural masterpieces and delicious cuisine. You could combine Singapore with the forests and beaches of Borneo, or continue on to Ubud and Seminyak in blissful Bali.
Brisbane and Canberra, Australia
Offering sunny weather year-round, Brisbane is a city that lives outside. Cycling, walking, recycling, green energy, organic farming and protecting waterways are all major initiatives in the community and make Brisbane a great place to live and holiday.
Canberra, Australia’s capital, is also making great progress towards sustainability thanks to its reliance on renewable energy and plentiful green space. On top of that, the city has an excellent public transport service and low pollution.
What to expect: A journey through Australia is about as diverse as one country can be. Spend time discovering iconic cityscapes such as Brisbane, Canberra and Sydney before taking in spectacular underwater experiences, road trips and the red centre on this 20 day multi centre tour.
Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver boasts the lowest per capita emissions in North America and aims to be completely zero-waste by 2040 and 100 percent renewable by 2050. It has also embarked on a mission to plant 150,000 trees, giving the city a beautiful canopy of green. More than 90 percent of Vancouver’s residents live within five minutes of parkland, and 18 percent of the city is covered in forest.
On a visit to Vancouver, you’ll be able to get around easily on the vast network of buses, trolleys, rail, commuter shuttles, ferries and bikes.
What to expect: A personalised Canada holiday itinerary allows you to soak in the history and culture of Vancouver and Canada’s other brilliant cities — Montreal and Quebec city, historic Ottawa and stunning Toronto.
Visit sustainable cities in 2022
If your mission is to travel better in 2022, our travel experts will be happy to help you design a custom itinerary that does just that. They’ll plan a memorable holiday that ticks all your boxes, while prioritising responsible travel and sustainability.
Check out these sample itineraries
Sri Lanka, Maldives and Dubai Multi Centre Holiday
South Iceland: Northern Lights Tour
Abu Dhabi inspiration
For more exciting destination ideas, browse these Abu Dhabi pages and start planning your next adventure.
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