An increasing number of people is starting to question the mass tourism model, but are there practical alternatives to it? And what are the best destinations for those who choose an original and more sustainable travel style?
To answer these and more questions, Justraveling.com has compiled its Alternative Travel Index, which identifies the “most travelable” countries around the World. To get listed, a country needs to assure a good level of security and sanitation, to excel in terms of convenience and basic infrastructure, and to be attractive from the naturalistic and cultural point of view.
The index uses different parameters, measured by renowned international organizations, and divided into five categories: Security & Safety, Health & Hygiene, The Environment, Culture, and Other (price competitiveness, population and tourists density, quality of transports, etc.).
Within the main index, Spain ranks first, followed by Japan, Canada, Australia and Finland. Of the top 20 destinations, 17 are in Europe, which, notoriously, can count on an enviable cultural and natural heritage. Justraveling.com has also published a handy travel guide for each country, containing useful information, such as travel costs, best time to go, places to visit, and vacation ideas.
Among the most underrated destinations, those which receive fewer tourists than they should, Mongolia and New Zealand stand out, together with most of the nordic and eastern European countries. Finally, placing a greater emphasis on the environmental and cultural attributes, two separate lists have been created: Top 10 Eco/Active Travel and Top 10 Cultural Travel.
Commenting on the results, Paolo Vanossi, founder of Justraveling.com, said: “We are introducing an independent and objective layer, in a sector that seems to be only dominated by commercial interests. Using sound data and reliable information can help people to take wiser travel decisions. Numbers can be as inspiring as a beautiful picture or a passionate trip report.”
