It’s kind of ironic that many travellers return from their holidays feeling more exhausted than when they left. But we totally get it – there’s a certain guilt that comes with splurging on a big trip, making you feel like you have to see and do everything to get your money’s worth. If you’re ready to give up the guilt and book a getaway to actually relax, you’re in the right spot.
New research from Travelbag has revealed the world’s most tranquil destinations for 2025. The long-haul specialists analysed 36 popular destinations, ranking them across four key factors: noise and light pollution, cleanliness, quality of green spaces and congestion levels.
After tallying the scores, Queenstown in New Zealand claims the title of the ultimate destination for a tranquil escape. Just a three-hour flight from Australia’s east coast, this outdoorsy paradise is the cleanest city, boasting the second-lowest levels of noise and light pollution. It also achieved an almost-perfect green space quality score of 94.4, offering countless pristine nature spaces to unwind. Picnic in the park, anyone?
Three Australian destinations were named among the world’s ten most relaxing spots, including Cairns in third place. This tropical Queensland city matches Queenstown with its low noise and light pollution levels, and also scores strongly for cleanliness and green space quality. However, it’s far more congested than both Queenstown and Seychelles, the island paradise in the Indian Ocean that claimed second place.
If you’re looking to switch off in Cairns, we have plenty of recommendations. You can take a scenic cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef, go forest bathing in the Daintree Rainforest, swim in crystal clear waters at the nearby Palm Cove, pamper yourself at a bougie hotel spa, or get a $20 foot massage at the Cairns Night Markets.
Further down Australia’s East Coast, the Gold Coast ranks as the fifth-most relaxing destination in the world. The sparkly city’s iconic beaches aren’t just beautiful; they’re clean, low in pollution and often framed by gorgeous greenery. Sydney also featured on the list in ninth place, though, like the Gold Coast, it was dragged down by high levels of traffic congestion. But after you survive the commute, you’re bound to have a tranquil time full of sun, sand and serenity. Peace out!
The 10 most relaxing destinations in the world
- Queenstown, NZ
- Seychelles
- Cairns, Australia (tied with Kyoto, Japan and Banff, Canada)
- Whistler, Canada
- Gold Coast, Australia
- Auckland, New Zealand
- Sydney, Australia
- Orlando, USA
- Tokyo, Japan
- Cape Town, South Africa