Revealed: Cities with the highest walkability, and it's not from the US.
## Walking Tours: Exploring the World's Most Pedestrian-Friendly Destinations
One of life's simple pleasures is wandering through a new city, discovering hidden gems like quaint shops, bars, eateries, and public spaces. However, many cities struggle to provide pedestrian-friendly streets due to decades of car-centric policies. A recent study titled "The ABC of Mobility" found that the larger and wealthier a city, the less likely it is to be Walker friendly. There are, however, some exceptions to this rule.
The small Mozambican seaport of Quelimane, with a population of 350,000, tops the list of the 794 cities surveyed in the study, but there are also lesser-known destinations in Europe.
In the Netherlands, the tree-lined canals of Utrecht (ranked third) and the architectural splendor of The Hague (ranked 27th) are quieter alternatives to tourist hotspot Amsterdam (ranked 66th).
In northern Spain, the port city of Bilbao (ranked eighth) is known for its Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum, while Leon (ranked ninth) boasts Roman ruins and Gothic cathedrals.
In the Alpine region of Tyrol, where Italy meets Austria, Bolzano (ranked fourteenth) allows visitors to view Ötzi the Iceman in the archaeological museum, and Innsbruck (ranked twenty-fifth) offers world-class skiing and mountaineering.
Going Wild: Extreme Experiences
Now let's talk about the time we get a bit too close to nature when exploring our vast world.
A US veteran set out to photograph some owls in Wyoming's wilderness but had an encounter with a grumpy momma grizzly bear that had other plans. This is his account of his harrowing ordeal.
On Spain's Costa Brava, locals are more concerned about rowdy tourists. A resort town near Barcelona has introduced fines for people carrying sex dolls or wearing genitalia-themed costumes to combat the issue. Shirtless behavior in urban areas is also prohibited under Platja d'Aro's new measures.
At Platja des Cavallet on the Spanish island of Ibiza, well-behaved nudists are welcome at this clothing-optional beach.
Whatever your preference for beach attire this summer, our friends at CNN Underscored, a product reviews and recommendations guide, have a guide on how to get rid of razor bumps.
Escaping the Hustle and Bustle
To escape traffic, noise, and pollution, you can't do much better than moving to Antarctica, but there are a few downsides. No running water, DVDs in the bunkhouse, and surprisingly, less privacy than you'd expect.
Back in warmer climes, a Kansas couple moved to Portugal for better living costs and the "family and leisure" culture. After two years, the wife is so happy there, she says she'll return to the US "in an urn".
In France, the slower pace of life in Aude, near the French Pyrenees, attracted a Los Angeles artist to the medieval village of Saissac. The affordability also played a role in her decision to relocate. Here's how she found her secluded hideaway.
Upgrading: The Double-Decker Seat is Back!
We're shifting our focus from leisurely living to aviation news. The double-level airplane seat is making a comeback, and even first-class passengers can now enjoy this innovative design. CNN Travel went to Germany to try it out.
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Traveling to new destinations can offer unique experiences, and sometimes these experiences can be unexpected. For instance, in northern Spain, Bilbao, known for its Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum, also has hidden gems for pedestrians to discover. Alternatively, one can explore the tree-lined canals of Utrecht in the Netherlands, which ranks third in walking-friendliness, providing a quieter alternative to bustling Amsterdam.
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