by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 8:40 AM ET, Fri August 1, 2025
A new global survey ranking the world’s most tranquil travel destinations places Canada’s Banff and Whistler among the top serene getaways.
The list, compiled by Travelbag, analyzed 36 destinations worldwide using factors such as noise and light pollution, cleanliness, green space quality, and traffic congestion to determine the most peaceful places for a “calmcation”—a growing travel trend focused on rest, mindfulness, and escaping the pressures of daily life.
Queenstown, New Zealand, ranked No. 1 overall for its pristine surroundings and high green space quality score of 94.4. Framed by the Southern Alps and nestled beside Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown also received an impressive cleanliness score of 91.7 and maintains low levels of noise and light pollution.
In second place is the Seychelles, lauded as the “most peaceful beachside retreat”, thanks to its low pollution levels (16.7) and strong cleanliness score of 70.8.
“Its crystal-clear waters have low pollution levels… making it a safe and serene paradise,” the report notes.
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Cairns, Australia, rounds out the top three for overall tranquillity. It received high marks for green space quality (78.5), cleanliness (69.6), and relatively low noise and light pollution (25), positioning it as a peaceful tropical hub near the Great Barrier Reef.
Canada’s Banff and Whistler both ranked in the top 10.
Banff earned strong scores for cleanliness (76.4), green spaces (80.5), and a moderate pollution level (38).
Whistler received the highest possible rating for green space quality (100), a cleanliness score of 72.4, and a pollution level of 43.5.
Top 10 Most Tranquil Destinations:
- Queenstown, New Zealand
- Seychelles
- Cairns, Australia
- Kyoto, Japan
- Banff, Canada
- Whistler, Canada
- Gold Coast, Australia
- Auckland, New Zealand
- Sydney, Australia
- Orlando, USA
The report also highlights the world’s most peaceful beaches, where Australia’s Gold Coast and Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro top the list, both scoring an average of 4.7 stars for beach reviews.
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The Gold Coast was praised for its iconic stretches such as Surfers Paradise and Burleigh Heads, with a cleanliness score of 72.9 and low water pollution (35.7).
Rio de Janeiro was similarly recognized for its vibrant yet relaxing beaches, including Copacabana and Ipanema.
Other high-ranking beach destinations include Cairns, Auckland, and the Seychelles, all of which also earned 4.7-star averages.
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