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Matador Network Readers’ Choice Awards 2024: Sustainable Destination

The need for sustainable travel is not new. In the current climate, however, there is perhaps no more important time to focus travel on places that are actively working to improve the environment. Helsinki, the capital of Finland, has long been a sustainability leader. The Matador Network audience is well aware of, and appreciates, that dedication, as shown by the city receiving the most votes in the 2024 Readers’ Choice Sustainable Destination Award.

Helsinki scored a 92.43 percent in the Global Destination Sustainability Movement’s annual rankings. This is impressive in itself, but what sets the Finnish capital apart is both its current accomplishments and bold plans for the future. Helsinki’s government in 2017 set an ambitious goal of carbon neutrality by 2030, zero emissions by 2040, and shortly thereafter to be a carbon-positive city – actually removing or preventing carbon emissions rather than creating them. Its architecture, parks, public transit, and forward-thinking ethos makes Helsinki one of the most sustainable travel destinations on Earth.

Photo: George Trumpeter/Shutterstock

It’s easy to look at the wealthy, progressive Scandinavian countries and shrug your shoulders at their claims of sustainability. A good social safety net and strong per capita spending power allow cities like Helsinki to focus on a green future rather than simply surviving the present. But so often overlooked is how tough it is to continually do so in volatile geopolitical climates and across both public and private sectors. Helsinki has proven it is invested in a more sustainable life year after year.

In 2016, Helsinki scored a 58.41 in the GDS Index. It’s since improved the ranking year over year with the exception of 2019, when it dropped nearly 10 points from its 2018 score to a 64.69. The index takes into consideration the efforts and impact of the city’s environmental performance, social progress, supplier performance, and tourist marketing performance.

Helsinki’s approach to sustainability is full-circle. It’s not just a green city for travelers, but for local residents as well, with visitors able to witness forward-thinking leadership from the moment they arrive in the city. A notable example of this is the Greenest of the Green Block, a strip of apartments on Jätkäsaari island in southwest Helsinki featuring green roofs and buildings optimized for energy efficiency. It’s easy to reach this area by bike or public transit because the city has invested heavily in infrastructure for green transportation, meaning travelers don’t need a rental car to move about.

Photo: George Trumpeter/Shutterstock

To prevent overtourism, Helsinki tracks visitor numbers and promotes off-season travel to spread travelers across the city and prevent popular areas Kamppi and Kluuvi from being taken over by tourists. The city’s public transit operator, HSL, reaches extensively across the region.

Pedestrian-friendly zones are prevalent throughout Helsinki, often in places that tourists frequent, including Esplanadi streets, Kasarmikatu, Erottajankatu, Korkeavuorenkatu in front of the Design Museum and on Lönnrotinkatu. The best way to see the city is on foot or on bike, where you can stop off into pubs, cafes, shops, or museums in a circular route through these areas that starts and ends at one’s hotel or rental.

Making it easy for travelers to stay and play green

Suomenlinna Beach in the summer. Photo: George Trumpeter/Shutterstock

There are 51 hotels in Helsinki that maintain a “Sustainability” certification from Booking.com. Brand leaders in sustainable accommodations here include Scandic Hotels, which ensures all properties meet the rigorous standards of its Nordic Swan label. With 15 mid-range hotels from this brand spread throughout the city, and dozens of others from major chains and boutiques, it’s relatively easy to stay in a property powered by renewable energy and employing progressive eco-friendly food service and hospitality practices for about $100 per night.

Outside of accommodations, Helsinki has aggressively protected parks and green spaces throughout the city. The same is true of its coastlines. The Helsinki Convention was initially signed in 1974 to protect the Baltic Sea and its coastlines throughout the region, and since then the city has taken aggressive stances on preservation of the coastlines – which visitors can see and support by exploring the extensive system of trails along its coastlines.

It’s increasingly easier to get to Helsinki thanks to new airline routes and consistent ferry service from major Scandinavian cities like Stockholm. There are loads of free and cheap things to do in Helsinki, particularly if you visit over the summer. If you’d rather have an entire flat to yourself, the city has ample Airbnb offerings.

Readers’ Choice Awards methodology

In the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards, the Matador Network audience voted on their favorite adventure destination, sustainable destination, wellness destination, airline, and what they thought will be the next big destination everyone will travel to. The poll included nominations from the Matador Network team as well as a write-in option. Voting took place through November, and the poll was sent out to our 600,000-plus Instagram followers and 300,000 global newsletter subscribers.

Matador Network Readers’ Choice Awards 2024: Wellness Destination

Healing — whether through spiritual practices, traditional treatments, food, or simply being in nature — is woven into the fabric of daily life on Bali. Visitors pilgrimage to the peaceful countryside and beaches to reset, rejuvenate, and, yes, to find themselves. Although that can sound cliché, there’s good reason why the Indonesian island remains at the top of so many lists as the world’s leading place for a wellness vacation. In the 2024 Matador Network Readers’ Choice Awards, the majority of voters checked the box for Bali when it comes to their wellness destination of choice.

Few places live up to glossy descriptions, but Bali is one of them. The island’s landscapes, from the flowing banket of rice paddies, the Mount Agung volcano, hidden beach coves, and world-class surf breaks are draped in pastel pink as the sun rises and sets. It’s a place where you can simply be and feel refreshed. For all of the hype and parties in hot spots like Depensar, Kuta, Seminyak, and Nusa Dua, there are many more places to truly escape.

Many retreat to Ubud chasing an eat, pray, love spiritual awakening. Although the town has changed a lot over the years (it’s a far cry from the quiet jungle village it once was), there’s still magic to be found in the chaos of monkeys, mopeds, yoga sanctuaries, and streets lined with vegan cafes. And if you’re a solo traveler who wants to be alone but have the choice of company, it’s a fail-safe base.

Photo: StockFamily/Shutterstock

Ubud’s wellness offerings run the gambit. À la carte wellness warriors can easily create their own retreat and stay in affordable Airbnb villas with infinity pools, attend nourishing workshops at institutions such as the Yoga Barn, indulge in flower baths and Balinese massages, and eat very well from healing-from-the-inside menus.

For those who’d like to skip the planning process, Ubud has attracted some heavy hitters in terms of luxury hotels that offer indulgent self-care packages. COMO Shambhala Estate is one of the island’s most revered wellness resorts. It sits on the fringe of a valley north of the town engulfed by a forest and is your one-stop shop for holistic well-being. The multi-day “Wellness Paths” are individually designed to meet guests’ needs, but all promise to harmonize mind, body, and soul. A staff of world-class yoga and Pilates instructors, spa therapists, nutritionists, and acupuncturists means staying here is not cheap. Still, if you want an amenity-packed (there’s a long list of complimentary activities, too) retreat, you won’t find better.

Photo: Four Seasons

Three miles west of Ubud, the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan is the area’s most stylish five-star resort, and although it’s not technically a “wellness retreat,” the Sacred River Spa had a facelift in 2024 and now offers a revised menu of innovative, transformative water-centric treatments. From the arrival at the hotel via a whitewater raft to the many health and wellbeing activities, the Four Seasons at Sayan certainly lives up to the brand’s reputation of taking care of guests.

Outside Ubud’s offerings, many other hidden paradise spots attract fewer crowds. Balian Beach, midway up the island’s west coast, has outstanding surf and a more low-key vibe with a great selection of affordable surf lodges such as Pondok Pitaya and yoga retreats such as those run throughout the year at Yama Balian.

Photo: Denis Moskvinov/Shutterstock

Palau Menjangan, in the Taman Nasional Bali Barat (West Bali National Park) in the northwest, is my choice if you prefer the noise of birdsong to scooters. Here, you’ll find one of the island’s best dive sites and the wildlife hotel, The Menjangan Resort, with superb nature-driven packages.

Bedugul, in the centre-north region, is one of Bali’s best-kept secrets and worth considering if you’re looking for a quiet place to meditate. The mountain lake resort area is centered around three lakes: Denau Beratan, Tamblingan, and Denau Buyan, which are laced with sacred temples and mountain slopes. Five miles from the lakes is the sleepy small town of Munduk. There’s a selection of yoga retreats here. Munduk Moding Plantation runs multiple daily sessions for guests, and the nearby jungle tree-house resort, Munduk Heaven Luxury Villas, is an excellent option for a honeymoon wellness getaway.

Photo: Elevation Barn

There are a couple of other events and resorts in Bali worth keeping an eye on for 2025. If you want to reset, the Elevation Barn retreat at Jungle House outside of Gianyar Regency in central Bali is running self-belief courses from February 21 – 24 and April 11 – 14. If you are hellbent on visiting the southeast coast near Nusa Dua, Conrad Bali is a haven. It’s another five-star hotel that is upping its wellness program for next year. The signature JIWA Wellness Experience is as holistic as it gets, with spa therapies galore, sound healing, moon ceremonies, air and water yoga, chakra alignment therapy, sleep therapy, and world-class fitness facilities.

Readers’ Choice Awards methodology

In the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards, the Matador Network audience voted on their favorite adventure destination, sustainable destination, wellness destination, airline, and what they thought will be the next big destination everyone will travel to. The poll included nominations from the Matador Network team as well as a write-in option. Voting took place through November, and the poll was sent out to our 600,000-plus Instagram followers and 300,000 global newsletter subscribers.

Matador Network Readers’ Choice Awards 2024: Next Big Destination

It’s no secret that some of the world’s most popular destinations are suffering from overcrowding, and it seems like more and more cities and countries around the world are introducing tourist taxes and cruise ship bans. So perhaps it should come as no surprise that when the Matador Network audience was asked what the Next Big Destination was for the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards, the majority, nearly a quarter of voters, opted for somewhere actually welcoming more visitors: Greenland, the world’s biggest island and an autonomous territory of Denmark that mostly operates independently.

There’s plenty to do across Greenland’s reaches, so you’ll have to narrow down what you want to see (unless you have several months available to travel). But no matter where you go, there’s one thing you’re guaranteed to find: space, and lots of it. In 2024, Greenland’s population was approximately 55,800. For comparison, Wyoming is the least-populated state in the United States and has 10 times that many people. Greenland covers 836,300 square miles, making it more than eight times larger than Wyoming.

Photo: Kertu/Shutterstock

That personal space to roam influences everything Greenland offers to tourists. Greenland’s historic and current cultural traditions are shaped by the isolated landscape. There are national costumes for men and women, and the styles date back to when Vikings first arrived. Today, the costumes are worn on special occasions, including every child’s first day of school. Authentic cultural activities led by Indigenous business owners, including ice fishing and dog sledding, are readily available, especially around the capital city of Nuuk.

Dog-sledding is a time-honored tradition, and one that still serves as a mode of transportation between some of the northern part of the country’s remote towns during winter. That means travelers can experience dog-sledding how it used to be, complete with seal-skin clothing to stay warm and routes that run along glaciers and across frozen rivers.

Photo: muratart/Shutterstock

Speaking of glaciers, most of the world-class adventures awaiting in the territory are set against the backdrop of truly jaw-dropping scenery. Greenland’s terrain is primarily a vast, flat ice sheet that covers about 80 percent of the island, surrounded by mountainous, rocky coastline. The center has wildly dramatic landscapes where coastal cliffs, fjords, and ice sheets meet the ocean. Adventurous travelers can book activities like multi-day paddle trips on impossibly blue glacial rivers, or travel to the northernmost city in the world to see Easter-egg colored buildings set against a snowy backdrop. Qaanaaq is a place where few people live and few have seen, with only a couple hundred tourists per year.

Photo: Simone Gramegna/Shutterstock

But that’s not to say Greenland isn’t booming with action. It’s one of the least-touristed places in the world to see polar bears, and with an average of 300 clear nights per year, the town of Kangerlussuaq is known for some of the best aurora borealis displays on Earth. (There’s also a nearby Igloo Lodge, reached by an extreme backcountry snowmobile ride, naturally).

Getting to Greenland

In 2023, Greenland had only 100,000 visitors. Compare that to a place like Iceland (2.21 million visitors) or even Canada’s nearby province of Newfoundland and Labrador (487,000 visitors) and it’s clear why the wide-open appeal of Greenland speaks to so many travelers.

That will soon change, as access to the capital city of Nuuk is about to get easier. Starting in June of 2024, United Airlines will run the first direct flight from the United States to Greenland, offering two weekly flights from New Jersey’s Newark Airport to Nuuk. Plan your trip to the island sooner rather than later – just be sure to pack a few more warm base layers than you’d normally bring on an island vacation.

As the entry point for the vast majority of the country’s tourists, Nuuk is the starting point for most tourist activities, from snowshoe tours to puffin-watching sailing trips to hiking tours or guided food tastings of traditional Greenland dishes like dried cod and reindeer steaks.

Greenland is a country you can visit year-round, especially if you’re keen on skiing or seeing the northern lights. But the busier (not busy, just busier) tourism season is summer, as the slightly warmer weather opens the door to a wider range of activities, including biking, water sports, wildlife tours, remote cultural activities, and even scuba diving.

Readers’ Choice Awards methodology

In the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards, the Matador Network audience voted on their favorite adventure destination, sustainable destination, wellness destination, airline, and what they thought will be the next big destination everyone will travel to. The poll included nominations from the Matador Network team as well as a write-in option. Voting took place through November, and the poll was sent out to our 600,000-plus Instagram followers and 300,000 global newsletter subscribers.

Matador Network Readers’ Choice Awards 2024: Adventure Destination

When Matador Network asked its readers what place screams “adventure travel” to them more than any other, there was one clear favorite: the Galápagos Islands, which earned 22 percent of the vote.

Wildlife is the main appeal on trips to the Galápagos Islands. This remote Pacific archipelago more than 600 miles from the coast of Ecuador is packed with animals you can’t see anywhere else in the world: 80 percent of land birds, 97 percent of reptiles and land mammals, and more than 20 percent of the marine species are endemic to the islands, according to the Galápagos Conservation Trust. While a six-feet-from-wildlife rule stands in Galápagos National Park, it’s not always easy. You often have to step over hundreds of marine iguanas and circle around the dozens of Galápagos sea lions that rest on beaches and rocky shores to take a simple walk.

A walk on Santiago Island. Photo: Jesse Adams

That said, one of the best ways to see as much wildlife as possible is to get active. Walking, hiking, kayaking, SUPing, snorkeling, diving, swimming, and more show a deeper side of Galápagos than one can get from staying on the boat. Still, to get there, you’ll need some help: Galápagos National Park, which covers 97 percent of the islands, require a permit ($200 per person for non-Ecuadorian travelers) or a licensed naturalist guide by your side. While you are allowed to snorkel on your own near the inhabited communities, the best snorkeling and diving spots are only accessible with knowledgeable experts.

The good news is that it’s easy to hire a licensed naturalist guide, take a guided day trip, book a cruise, or a scuba liveaboard trip. There are many tour operators and outfitters on the four islands that have human settlements: Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, Isabela, and Floreana, and there are options for every budget.

A Galapagos giant tortoise using a hiking trail as its own personal highway. Photo: Jesse Adams

Picking just a few animals to focus a trip around can lead you down a long rabbit hole. The good news is that you will likely see more types of animals for the first time here than anywhere else. Focus your hikes and snorkeling around seeing the marine iguana and the Galápagos giant tortoise and you won’t be disappointed. While you’ll see the iguanas even on the busy sidewalks of Santa Cruz and San Crisóbal, the biggest specimens are on Isabela and Fernandina islands. A guided hike around Punta Espinoza on the island of Fernandina is the best way to see thousands of them basking in the sun on the volcanic rocks. A snorkeling session nearby will allow you to get close to see the lizards swimming and feeding on algae underwater. A forest walk through the El Chato Galápagos tortoise reserve in the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island is the best place to encounter hundreds of tortoises that (slowly) run wild.

Getting to the Galápagos Islands

While remote, the islands are well connected to the Ecuadorian mainland. There are two airports in the archipelago that welcome flights from the continent: Seymour Galapagos Ecological Airport (GPS) on Baltra Island, and San Cristóbal Airport (SCY) on San Cristóbal Island. Both Avianca and LATAM fly to the two airports multiple times daily from the cities of Quito and Guayaquil.

A few inter-island flights shuttle people to certain islands, while ferries link the four inhabited islands of Isabela, Floreana, Santa Cruz, and San Cristóbal for the travelers who want to explore what they can of the archipelago on their own.

Our ship, Ecoventura’s Theory, anchored near Rabida Island. Photo: Jesse Adams

The best way to see the island and its unique wildlife, however, is to take a small-ship expedition cruise. There are nearly two dozen cruise operators in the islands, all of whom have naturalist guides on board to take you on and around many of the otherwise inaccessible islands, and guide you during outdoorsy activities like snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, and more.

Where to stay in the Galápagos Islands

Photo: Pikaia Lodge

Because there are only four human settlements in the archipelago, on the islands of Isabela, Floreana, Santa Cruz, and San Cristóbal, those are the only places where you can find accommodations if you’re not staying on a ship. There are Galápagos Airbnbs available, as well as hotels, but note that there are very few of them and they tend to be very costly.

The Pikai Lodge, an adventure-focused, five-star eco hotel located on the island of Santa Cruz, is one of the most reputed – and one of the best alternatives to cruising. The lodge offers land-based excursions guided by experts, as well as comprehensive tours at sea on board their luxury yacht, the M/Y Vision – Pikaia. The Pikai Lodge also has a private giant tortoise reserve so you won’t have to go far to see one of the most emblematic species of the archipelago.

The more adventurous travelers may want to give camping a try while in the islands. Just know that pitching a tent and sleeping outdoors is only allowed in a few places and requires prior authorization from the Galápagos National Park.

Readers’ Choice Awards methodology

In the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards, the Matador Network audience voted on their favorite adventure destination, sustainable destination, wellness destination, airline, and what they thought will be the next big destination everyone will travel to. The poll included nominations from the Matador Network team as well as a write-in option. Voting took place through November, and the poll was sent out to our 600,000-plus Instagram followers and 300,000 global newsletter subscribers.

Matador Network Awards 2024: Best Airline

For the second year in a row, United Airlines takes the Matador Network Airline Award. The reasons supporting last year’s choice still ring true today: a strong commitment to more sustainable flights, impressive lounges, and a generous reward program. What really stood out this year, however, was United’s long list of route expansions — often to places served by no other airline based in the United States.

On the domestic front, United is looking at its largest domestic schedule in company history with increased flights at nearly 140 airports from January through March. That’s in part to sunny destinations in Florida as well as Phoenix, San Diego, and Palm Springs, California. The other part is for snow lovers: United has the most service to top ski destinations among US carriers — nearly triple the average daily flights of the other airlines and nonstop service to 11 cities famous for winter sports in Colorado, California, Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming.

Then there are the international options. United flies to the most international destinations among US airlines, with 800 daily flights to 147 places by next summer. Forty of those are ports of entry not served by any other US carrier. That includes one-stop connections to Taiwan, the Philippines, Mongolia, and Palau through Tokyo, as well as direct flights to Seoul, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Senegal. The latter builds on United’s current roster of the most US airline flights to Africa that includes South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, and Morocco.

New or increased flights to the Caribbean with United make it easier to reach Dominica, St. Kitts, Bermuda, and Trinidad and Tobago. In Latin America, there will be more flights than ever to Colombia, Mexico, Argentina, and Guatemala. Both the Matador Network winner for Next Big Destination Award and the Readers’ Choice Award in the same category will also see service with United: El Salvador and Greenland (which United is the only US carrier to fly to).

In Europe, United has the only nonstop US airline route to Bilbao in Spanish Basque Country, as well as to the Portuguese destinations of Porto, Ponta Delgada, Madeira Island, and Faro. More transatlantic summer flights than ever (760 weekly) will be available in 2025 thanks to United’s largest international expansion that includes Venice, Athens, Barcelona, Dubrovnik, and Spain’s Palma de Mallorca.

Photo: United Airlines

Increased routes alone are a major plus, but how United gets people there matters, too. The company’s ever-improving Connection Saver AI technology helps relieve some stress from tight connections. Starting in 2025, United will start testing and rolling out free in-flight WiFi with the eventual target of being the airline with the largest free internet program for all passengers on more than 1,000 aircraft. The United app and mileage program continue to improve, with automatic changes to better seats and the ability for groups to pool miles for trips. United’s accessibility for people who use wheelchairs is unparalleled thanks to the industry-first digital sizing tool that has served tens of thousands of travelers.

Sustainability in the airline industry is tricky, but United continues to lead the way as the first to set a goal of net zero emissions by 2050 without voluntary carbon offsets. United has purchased more sustainable aviation fuel than any other US airline, and blends it into its fuel at five airports in Europe and the US. United even updated the livery on some of its planes to highlight the fuel.

These route expansions and commitment to a better flying experience make it easy to see why United continues to be a leader in aviation.

How we made our pick

Nominations for the 2024 Matador Network Airline Award were sourced from across the well-traveled Matador Network team. The nominees were judged based on sustainability efforts, number of destinations and route growth, experience in all classes, affordability, rewards program, customer experience, and reliability.

Our other top nominees, in no particular order:

StarluxKLMFrenchBeeTurkishQatarEmiratesAlaska AirlinesDelta

Matador Network Awards 2024: Sustainable Destination

When it comes to travel, sustainability covers many different aspects. The environment, local impact, and overtourism management are the biggest — each with its own branches of topics from biodiversity, to housing, to over-trafficked trails, to safeguarding cultural heritage. Hawai’i has a system in place to tackle it all, and is doing so in a transparent way that allows everyone to track the progress of set goals through 2030 in its Aloha+ Challenge.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Hawai’i is a global leader in sustainable tourism. Tourism is the largest private sector industry contributing Hawai’i’s economy, though money isn’t everything. The state puts the goals for sustainability on all levels, not just economic impact, plain and clear: “Integrating sustainable and responsible practices that increase environmental stewardship, perpetuate Native Hawaiian culture, and support community well-being is paramount to long-term economic prosperity.”

Kipuka Olowalu guide welcomes volunteers. Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Mathieu Duchier

As of 2024, a regenerative tourism plan is even an official state legislature bill: SB2659 applies a regenerative approach to visitation through additions to the Hawai’i State Planning Act with required updates to the Tourism Functional Plan. Also this year, the Hawai’i Tourism Authority launched its Qurator certification program to help direct visitors to businesses with sustainable practices focused on the environment, community, and economy.

More like thisTravelSustainable Travel Guide: Oahu, Hawaii

Those businesses cover the entirety of the travel experience from hotel check-in to food and activities. There’s the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa in Poipu, which has solar panels and a garden that supplies the restaurants (no small benefit considering the high carbon footprint of shipping food to the islands). Or help support wildlife through proceeds and research data while exploring expansive coral reefs, spotting sea turtles, and getting a close-up view of dolphins with Wild Side Specialty Tours. The opportunities feel endless.

Sam Ohu Gon of The Nature Conservancy guides visitors on a hiking trail. Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman

There is a responsibility for visitors to do their part as well, which done in Hawai’i by following mālama, translated as “to care for Hawai‘i” in a holistic sense: care for the coral reefs, Hawaiian culture, land and waters (inside and out of Hawai’i’s 51 national parks), wildlife, the youth, and yourself. Volunteering while vacationing. or “voluntourism,” can in fact make your whole trip.

More like thisTravelHawaii Less Traveled: Experience a Different Side of the Islands

The need for a sustainable action plan has only gotten stronger as the island of Maui continues to recover from the devastating August 2023 wildfires, with responsible tourism to Maui playing a major role in the rebuilding efforts.

Whether it’s your first time or hundredth time to the islands, you can bet sustainability will play a major role in your next visit.

More like thisTravelSustainable Travel Guide: Kauai, Hawaii

How we made our pick

Nominations for the 2024 Matador Network Sustainable Destination Award were sourced from across the well-traveled Matador Network team. The nominees were judged based on accessibility, land stewardship, responsible tourism initiatives, overtourism management, sustainable accommodations, leave no trace principles, and future development plans.

Our other top nominees, in no particular order:

Helsinki, FinlandSabaColoradoSan José, Costa RicaPalauBhutanLjubljana, SloveniaBelmopan, BelizeGran CanariaGalapagos IslandsSingapore

Matador Network Awards 2024: Wellness Destination

Nosara is no secret to anyone paying attention to wellness travel. The Costa Rican town and the nearby beach community of Playa Guiones is popular with travelers and expats alike in search of a healthy lifestyle, plenty of nature, and yoga retreats. So why put another spotlight on Nosara now? Because nowhere does sustainability like Costa Rica — nearly all of the country’s energy comes from renewable sources, and it has successfully fought deforestation — and that goes for the wellness infrastructure here, too. That’s no small feat in an industry too often defined by extravagant spas that pipe precious water to the desert, high-energy-consuming pools and saunas, and a large plastic waste footprint from personal-sized containers.

Wellness travel should focus just as much on the environment’s wellness, and it’s easy to see why in Nosara. The area is famous for its wildlife. Development is prohibited on the beach, which is an important breeding ground for Olive Ridley and leatherback sea turtles. The beaches are also a draw for surfers.

Guiones Beach. Photo: Stock Photos 2000/Shutterstock

The notable yoga retreats (there’s even Nexus, a yoga instructor certification school) and hotels here adhere to Costa Rica’s climate goals as one of the greenest countries in the world. Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort is one of the leaders, and it was designed to integrate into the surrounding jungle. Solar panels heat all of the hot water, the resort is plastic free, and its own water treatment plant ensures top water efficiency. All of this without compromising on world-class yoga and fitness experiences that focus on mind and body, meals for varying diets, and spa treatments.

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Many other businesses join Bodhi Tree in sustainable wellness. Blue Spirit is a home for spiritual growth and meditation with equally impressive solar and water reclamation designs, as well as used local building materials for the four yoga studios and cottages. Harmony Hotel is B Corp Certified and has full retreats as well as public classes and spa treatments that incorporate common plants of the area like banana, papaya, coffee, and chocolate.

Casado, a typical lunch in Costa Rica. Photo: Elena Berd/Shutterstock

The list goes on, but you don’t have to stick to resort properties to embrace the area’s naturally healthy lifestyle. A thriving vegan and vegetarian restaurant scene (on and off resorts) and array of Costa Rican restaurants that focus on local ingredients make it easy to eat as well as you want to feel. Surfing and being in the ocean is a way of life, and there is a wide range of hikes that span from more challenging routes to gentle forest baths in the biodiverse Nosara Biological Reserve. Howler monkeys may or may not fit into your definition of peaceful, but there’s no denying the restoring effect of being surrounded by a thriving ecosystem.

How we made our pick

Nominations for the 2024 Matador Network Wellness Destination Award were sourced from across the well-traveled Matador Network team. The nominees were judged based on accessibility, range of experiences, sustainability, wellness accommodations, affordability, local adherence to traditions and practices, community enrichment, history, and classes and experiences.

Our other top nominees, in no particular order:

Fjord NorwayIstanbulWhistler, CanadaBagnoles de l’Orne, FranceMauiDonguibogam Village, South KoreaBaliMorristown, ArizonaSan Marcos, CaliforniaMonticello, New YorkCanyon Point, Utah

Matador Network Awards 2024: Next Big Destination

El Salvador has been off the tourism radar for decades. The country’s international reputation was too closely tied to expansive gangs like Barrio 18 and MS-13, which both started in Los Angeles in the 1980s by refugees from El Salvador’s civil war. When they were deported from the United States, they used indiscriminate violence and tactics learned stateside to control business and daily life in their home country. El Salvador became known as the “murder capital of the world,” and there was an average of one homicide an hour in the country of 6 million people in early 2016.

Today, El Salvador has a homicide rate of 2.4 per 100,000 people — lower than every country in the Western Hemisphere but Canada. Travelers are quickly taking notice. The number of foreign visitors grew 22 percent in 2024, and El Salvador is the fourth-fastest growing tourist destination in the world after Qatar, Albania, and Saudi Arabia, according to the United National Tourism Organization.

Metropolitan Cathedral in San Salvador. Photo: Elena Berd/Shutterstock

The transformation is being led by President Nayib Bukele, and has come with a cost — something even Bukele has acknowledged in interviews. Bukele instituted emergency powers in 2022 to fight gangs. Human rights organizations have criticized the measures as antithetical to civil liberties and due process. El Salvador has the highest incarceration rate in the world — triple the rate in the US. While critics outside the country worry about the authoritarian turn, public sentiment in the country is more positive as people start tourism-centric businesses, go out alone at night and find peace rather than chaos, and feel safe exploring the incredible nature and culture of the country.

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The number of visitors is only expected to increase in coming years. And there’s plenty to explore, from natural wonders, to beaches and islands, to coffee tours, to city-focused food trips, to weeklong excursions to El Cuco off the typical tourist trail.

El Imposible National Park. Photo: chrisontour84/Shutterstock

For American visitors, there’s no need to worry about currency conversions, as the dollar is the official currency. El Salvador is about the same size of Massachusetts, so it’s easy to see a wide span of the country using the centrally located capital, San Salvador, as a base (and a great place to indulge in as many pupusas, the national dish, as your stomach allows). There are more than 20 volcanoes, and many can be seen on wondrous hikes with trails ranging from challenging to well-developed paths. El Tunco earned its nickname “Surf City” for its consistent waves that stretch down to La Libertad beach where international competitions are held, or chase nearby waterfalls and lakes instead of the shore. Perhaps most famous for anyone even tangentially interested in the outdoors is El Imposible National Park, the largest in the country.

Stops along the Ruta de las Flores. Photo: Omri Eliyahu/Shutterstock

One of the main tourist attractions is the Ruta de Las Flores (the Flower Route). It follows a path through small towns filled with art and market stalls, as well as coffee farms where you can try the country’s world-class beans from the source.

More like thisTravelEl Salvador Has Transformed From Dangerous to One of the Top Travel Destinations in Central America

The Mayan ruins at Tazumal. Photo: Leonid Andronov/Shutterstock

Nature leads the way for tourist itineraries in El Salvador. It can be easy to do nothing else. But not to be overlooked are the historical sites and Mayan ruins. Three must-stop archaeological sites are all close by and reached by a day trip from San Salvador: the Joya de Cerén UNESCO World Heritage site, called the “Pompeii of the Americas” for the structures and artifacts preserved in volcanic ash; Tazumal Mayan ruins, which include a pyramid; and the San Andrés Archaeological Park where you can see artifacts from the Mayan era. If short on time, a trip to San Salvador’s National Museum of Anthropology gives some insight into history and art in the country.

It would have been hard to imagine El Salvador’s current position in the global travel scene a decade ago. Today, it’s harder to imagine missing an opportunity to visit the country.

How we made our pick

Nominations for the 2024 Matador Network Next Big Destination Award were sourced from across the well-traveled Matador Network team. The nominees were judged based on international reputation, new and future travel initiatives, environmental and community sustainability efforts to manage tourism, accessibility, accommodations, affordability, and the range of experiences a traveler can have.

Our other top nominees, in no particular order:

GreenlandArmeniaSan Juan Islands, WashingtonFranschhoek, South AfricaSouthern JapanKyrgyzstan

Matador Network Awards 2024: Adventure Destination

People in the Pacific Northwest love the outdoors and all of the adventure sports that can be done outside. Thanks to varied terrain, Washington is an all-season destination for people who enjoy getting out in nature on two wheels, two feet, or a board or boat. Bellingham, just 20 miles from the Canada border, is perhaps the best place to see it all in one place, from some of the best West Coast beach camping to trails, water sports, and snow sports.

Mountain biking Galbraith Mountain near Bellingham. Photo: Cavan-Image /Shutterstock

Mountain biking for all levels can be found in and around Bellingham. Galbraith Mountain is particularly known for its expert trails like Mohawk and Spacewolf, though with more than 70 miles of singletrack, there’s plenty for all levels. Chuckanut Mountain has certain trails for mountain bikers, or take an adventurous route on the US Forest Service and logging roads (just make sure to check the access rules first). The Waterfront Park Pump Track, Lynden Pump Track, and Civic Dirt Jump Track offer a place to test your skills off the trail. As to be expected in a place with so many mountain biking opportunities, there are related festivals and events throughout the warm months, like the annual Northwest Tune-Up Festival.

For travelers who can’t, or don’t want to, take their bike with them, there are many rental shops around town. Some of these, like Dig Deep Tours, also have guided trips that range from a single-day trail ride based on your skill level to an advanced, seven-day Crest the Cascades journey.

A hiking trail on Mt. Baker during wildflower season. Photo: hansen.matthew.d/Shutterstock

Or stick to your own two feet rather than wheels. Day hikes like the five-mile, 1,000-foot-elevation-gain Chanterelle Trail have expansive views. Challenging mountain hikes abound around the nearby town of Glacier, North Cascades National Park, Mount Baker, and, closer to the Canadian border, Mount Larrabee. These hikes lead to remote waterfalls, lakes, fern-filled forests, elevated lookout points, streams, and more. Wheelchair-accessible paths are no less stunning when it comes to views.

A scene from a hike in Whatcom Falls Park. Photo: DaveWalker/Shutterstock

Even inside the city there are hiking options: Whatcom Falls Park has 5.5 miles of trail, and the Interurban trail connects Fairhaven Park to Larrabee State Park. Those who want to take their hikes a little faster with a trail run will find guaranteed stunners in and around Bellingham as well, and the challenging Chuckanut 50k puts trail runners to the test.

The Salish Sea and its many bays define outdoor adventure in Bellingham just as much as the forests and mountains. Kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, and fishing options feel endless, and the city has a water trails map with a variety of different routes.

Whatever level of exertion your summer activity brings, there are few better ways to cool off and refresh than a jump off of Taylor Dock into the chilly Bellingham Bay.

Searching for fresh snow in the Mt. Baker Ski Area backcountry. Photo: Cascade Creatives/Shutterstock

Winter brings a lot of snow to the mountains, and the opportunity for snowsports from skiing to snowshoeing. Mt. Baker Ski Area about an hour from Bellingham sees an average annual snowfall of 659 inches with more than 40 percent of runs falling into the expert category. Salmon Ridge Sno-Park Area has up to 15 miles of cross country skiing trails, and a like-minded community can be found at the Nooksack Nordic Ski Club.

Adventure sports blend into so many aspects of Bellingham, but there are more relaxed things to do that that add to any outdoor-focused trip as well. There’s a good chance you’ll find your new favorite gear in the local outfitters, or some inspiration at the expansive Village Books and Paper Dreams. Washington is a beer-loving state, and Bellingham has no shortage of craft breweries to design a hike around or end an adventure at, like Stemma, El Sueñito, and Otherlands. Stiffer drinks can be found in the lively college town bars as well, like Red Rum for tiki drinks or the space-themed Orion for cocktails and pool tables. Don’t miss the locally famous Bellingham pick-me-up drink the PBF — a mix of Ranier, orange juice, and a shot of Captain Nelson spiced rum — at Cap Hansen’s Lounge. For some of the finest seafood in the Pacific Northwest, look no further than Taylor Shellfish, located a short and scenic ride away on Chuckanut Drive.

It feels like you could spend days on end without leaving nature in Bellingham, and the hyper ambitious just might do so. But there’s something special about an outdoors-focused town with just as many options for things to do when you need a break.

How we made our pick

Nominations for the 2024 Matador Network Adventure Destination Award were sourced from across the well-traveled Matador Network team. The nominees were judged based on accessibility, range of experiences, sustainability, cost, seasonality, accommodations, and crowds.

Our other top nominees, in no particular order:

West TexasSouth Dakota BadlandsCrested Butte, ColoradoSquamish, BCAnchorage, AlaskaLa Paz, MexicoOgden, UtahDurango, ColoradoKarakol, KyrgyzstanGalapagos IslandsNelson, CanadaBorneo Island, IndonesiaHokkaido, Japan

The Best Airbnbs in Charlotte, From an A-Frame in the Woods to a Luxury Townhouse

Charlotte is surprisingly big. North Carolina’s second-largest city has high-rise center, but it sprawls 15 miles in every direction. And like every major metropolis, you’ll first need to decide if you want to be at the heart of the action or would prefer somewhere on the fringes — both have merits. Regardless of where you choose, you’ll find that although Charlotte has urban characteristics, it very much feels like a small town. Southern hospitality is the main reason for this; you’ll find pockets of communities where everyone knows and supports each other. There are another couple of things to note here: Downtown is called Uptown, and Plaza Midwood (to the east) and NoDa (short for North Davidson) are the hipper hoods with some of the better Carolinian cuisine restaurants, breweries, and boutiques. Here, we’ve compiled some of the highest-rated Airbnbs in various areas for solo travelers, couples, and families or groups. Opting for an Airbnb in Charlotte will give you a more local experience, and many of these come with parking spaces ideal for those who want to do road trips to nearby places like Asheville, Augusta, and Charleston or explore the beautiful countryside.

We hope you love the Airbnb Charlotte NC rentals we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

The best Airbnbs in Charlotte for solo travelers and couples

Charming 1-bedroom cottage in NoDa

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This Airbnb is one of the top one percent rentals on the platform. You may have seen this “gold trophy” feature launched earlier this year. Those “Guest Favorite” properties with the symbol are the cream of the crop, those with outstanding overall star ratings, excellent guest reviews, host communications, and low (or no) quality-related issues reported to Airbnb. The one-bedroom is in NoDa, a funky art district known for its range of art galleries, street murals, craft breweries, live music, and great casual food scene. It’s got the benefit of being close to everything in the area, but it’s located on a quiet historic street. There’s free parking and self-check-in on the premises, and the interior is warm and stylish.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $126 per night

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Remodeled 2-bed home in East Charlotte

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If you’d rather something modern, close to sporting venues like Ovens Auditorium and Bojangles Coliseum, this East Charlotte two-bedroom home is a great option. It’s another top percent Airbnb and has recently been remodeled. It’s also ideal for those in Charlotte for a workcation. There’s a laptop-friendly workstation and plenty of smart TVs for streaming when you’ve closed out your day. The host provides a welcome book with recommendations on where to eat in NoDa and Plaza-Midwood, which are around three miles away. Parking is a breeze with the secure covered space and there’s a fenced-in backyard for summer hangs.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $77 per night

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Modern guest house with rooftop views

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This charming cottage Airbnb offers the perfect urban escape for those wanting to stay in Charlotte’s trendy Plaza Midwood. Plaza Midwood is a cool neighborhood known for its local boutiques and excellent restaurants. Inside the cottage, you’ll find a thoughtfully designed space combining modern amenities and vintage charm. The elegant decor, comfortable furnishings, and well-equipped kitchen create a welcoming atmosphere. And from your doorstep, you can easily explore the best of Charlotte. A short drive or train ride will take you to Uptown Charlotte, where you can visit the city center, museums, and experience world-class shopping and dining.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $115 per night

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Cozy 2-bedroom home with a private yard in Lincoln Heights

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In the Lincoln Heights neighborhood, this cozy home has two bedrooms, perfect for a couple who would like a little more space. Outside there’s a fully enclosed private yard, where you can relax under the pergola, unwind in the hammock chairs, or fire up the grill for a barbecue. The mature trees provide shade and privacy, creating a retreat from the city. Inside, you’ll find a beautifully appointed space with chic designer touches and modern amenities. The living room is a cozy haven, featuring a remote-controlled fireplace, mood lighting, and a smart TV. The bedrooms are furnished with luxurious memory foam mattresses and plush bedding. Lincoln Heights is an up-and-coming neighborhood with a nice mix of restaurants, cafes, and shops. It’s also pretty central, so you’ll not have to worry about getting in or out of the center.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $111 per night

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Elegant Tudor home in the heart of Dilworth

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This family-friendly, top-one percent Airbnb is in Charlotte’s historic Dilworth neighborhood. Dilworth is a charming neighborhood known for its historic homes, tree-lined streets, and welcoming community. You can explore the neighborhood’s boutiques, cafes, and restaurants or simply relax on your private porch and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. This beautifully restored Tudor-style home is an Airbnb for those who want to be in a quiet neighborhood. Inside, you’ll be greeted by a stylish living room, perfect for unwinding with a good book or streaming your favorite shows on the smart TV. The fully equipped kitchen offers everything you need to prepare delicious meals, while the dry bar and screened-in porch are the ideal spot for evening cocktails.

Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $176 per night

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The best Airbnbs in Charlotte for families and groups

A-frame home in Mint Hill, 30 minutes from the city center

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If city life is not for you, check out this A-frame home in the neighborhood of Mint Hill. It’s a short 30-minute drive from here into the city’s center. The house is beautifully designed and furnished, offering a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The main floor features a spacious living room, dining area, and a fully equipped kitchen. If you’re visiting in summer, you can step outside onto the patio and enjoy the fresh air while grilling a delicious meal. Upstairs, you’ll find a cozy bedroom with a queen-sized bed and a private balcony, perfect for stargazing. The lower level offers ample sleeping space with a king-sized bed, a queen-sized bed, and a sofa bed.

Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $155 per night

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Luxury secluded lake house in McDowell Nature Preserve

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Another great property within a 40-minute drive from the city is this luxurious lakefront home, within the McDowell Nature Preserve. With stunning views of Lake Wylie, the three-bedroom is great for a family or group who love the outdoors. The top floor has two bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom, while the lower level offers a separate one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment with its own kitchen and living area. You can spend your days soaking up the sun on the private beach, kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing on the patio. Guests have use of three kayaks and two paddle boards plus life jackets. As the day winds down, you can gather around the fire pit and watch the breathtaking sunsets over the lake.

Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $451 per night

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Luxury 5-bedroom home in Plaza Midwood

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This stunning five-bedroom home is in the heart of Plaza Midwood. It’s one of the best options for groups, especially those on a bachelorette or bachelor party, as it offers the flexibility of adding a private in-law suite above the garage for an extra fee. The main house has a master suite with a private bathroom, three queen-size bedrooms, and an additional cozy bunk bedroom. Within walking distance, you’ll find a plethora of shops, ranging from trendy boutiques to local markets. For a truly unforgettable experience, inquire about a yacht adventure on Lake Norman with the host. They offer various packages for family fun or a romantic getaway.

12 guests, five bedrooms
Price: $1,000 per night

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5-bedroom family home in the Southpark area

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In the heart of Southpark (around seven miles from the city), this sun-drenched home is ideal for those traveling with kids. The spacious layout seamlessly connects the living room, dining area, and kitchen, creating a open space for entertaining. The outdoor space is fantastic too, there’s a private backyard where a creek meanders through the grounds, a screened porch adjacent to the lower-level living room, and a firepit where you can take in the starry sky. The home offers five bedrooms. There’s a master suite with an en-suite bathroom and the remaining bedrooms provide flexible sleeping arrangements for up to 11 guests. On the lower level, you’ll find an office and game rooms and a second living room for movie nights.

11 guests, five bedrooms
Price: $613 per night

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Modern 4-bedroom home near Camp North End

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This is one to bookmark, especially if you want to be close to Uptown but need space for a large group. It’s another top percent rental, and it’s very reasonably priced, considering it sleeps 12 and is centrally located. The modern townhouse is near Camp North End, making a stay here perfect for those wanting to dip in and out of uptown Charlotte. This rental has a few standout features: a Carolina sports-themed garage game room with a 75-inch TV, pool table, bar area, ping pong table, a huge outdoor yard with outdoor dining and a fire pit, and a secure garage.

12 guests, four bedrooms
Price: $364 per night

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