From tiny rural villages to the biggest cities, it's clear that there is a certain appeal to living without a car. Many overcrowded cities around the globe have acknowledged this and are imposing fees on drivers who enter designated areas. If you're tired of the frustration of being stuck in traffic, you might want to consider a city that values accessibility and convenience. In this article, we have compiled a list of the least congested places in the world. Let's explore them together!
So which cities around the world have low levels of traffic congestion?
1. Isla Holbox, Mexico
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When imagining a serene island escape, it's unlikely that you would envision busy streets filled with cars. This is especially true for the secluded atoll in Quintana Roo. Isla Holbox can only be reached by boat, and once you arrive, you can navigate the sandy lanes using your own two feet, a bicycle, or a golf cart. Leaving cars behind is necessary as they must be parked in Chiquilá, a mainland town located across the lagoon from Isla Holbox. From there, a 20-minute ferry ride will transport you to the island. If you prefer, you can also opt to take the bus from Cancun, eliminating the need for your own vehicle. As you sink your toes into the sandy shore and enjoy a refreshing margarita, all of your worries about the outside world are sure to fade away.
2. Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France
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Located in the Alpes-Maritimes region of France, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a small and peaceful village where only the residents or guests of the two local hotels are allowed to bring their cars. For everyone else, there are parking lots outside the city walls or an underground parking garage available. The absence of cars definitely adds to the charm of this delightful old town, allowing visitors to leisurely wander through its picturesque streets without the need to constantly dodge passing vehicles. Take a leisurely stroll past the town's stone facades adorned with beautiful fuchsia bougainvillea, appreciating the tranquility and absence of cars that make this place so special.
3. Mackinac Island, Michigan, USA
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This charming hideaway in the heart of America, located on the captivating turquoise shores of Lake Michigan, is one of the rare places in the country where cars are not permitted. Imagine quaint fudge shops, peaceful evenings spent admiring the sunset, and leisurely bike rides along the waterfront. For over a century, driving a car on Mackinac Island has been forbidden by law. Instead, visitors must rely on bicycles, horse-drawn carriages, or simply strolling on foot. This lack of modernization encourages visitors to slow down, appreciate their surroundings, and fully immerse themselves in the experience.
4. Copenhagen, Denmark
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In Denmark's capital, Copenhagen, known for its eco-friendly initiatives, there is a plan to gradually eliminate petrol-powered cars by 2030. Instead, the city will prioritize electric vehicles and public transportation. Given that bike traffic already surpasses car traffic in Copenhagen, this transition seems achievable. Similar to Amsterdam, where cycling is deeply ingrained in the lifestyle, visitors can easily explore the city on bikes, either through complimentary rentals offered by many hotels or bike-sharing programs scattered throughout. The reduced number of cars and increased presence of bicycles not only enhance safety but also create a quieter environment, ensuring a peaceful experience during your trip to the "City of Spires."
5. Zermatt, Switzerland
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Nestled in the shadow of the Matterhorn, Zermatt is a charming Alpine city that prohibits the use of cars. In 1966, the townspeople voted in favor of this ban, resulting in a more serene and environmentally-friendly atmosphere. However, Zermatt's commitment to sustainability doesn't end there. Many of its roads have been recently resurfaced with asphalt that contains recycled plastic, solar panels are a common sight throughout the town, and all snow plows utilize eco-speed diesel to minimize emissions. If you're visiting, you'll need to park in the nearby town of Täsch before making your way to the picturesque village by train or electric taxi. It's crucial to avoid attempting to drive past Täsch's parking area, as tourists who do so will incur significant fines.
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Along with our ultimate travel guide, we would like to share an additional valuable suggestion. This advice will prove beneficial for individuals who opt for air travel.
If you get to the airport by car, you always need to find a good parking space for your vehicle to leave for the period of a trip. In most cases, airports have special on-site parking for that purpose. However, such a parking lot is pretty costly most of the time, and people aren't ready to spend a lot of money at the beginning of a trip. So is there any solution?
The best way to solve this problem is to choose off-site parking. Why, you may ask? We will explain.
There are many reasons which can prove the benefit of this parking type. Here are some of them:
- Affordable Rates. Depending on the duration of your trip, you can choose between short-term and long-term airport parking. Anyway, an off-site airport is much cheaper, so you can save your money and spend the most considerable amount on things you really want to see or try while traveling.
- Fast Service. In contrast with on-site airport parking, which can take quite a long time, off-site parking offers you the convenience of driving directly to the entrance and having a staff member pull your luggage out of your vehicle and load it into the shuttle. Then they will park your car for you. After your baggage is loaded, you can take your seat in the shuttle, which will bring you and your bags to the airport. It's a hassle-free option that is usually faster.
- Convenience. When people travel, they may be stressed about making it to the airport on time. If you use off-site parking, you will definitely make your travel experience more convenient, as you use the service of a private company. Even though you may be able to park on-site at the airport in a short-term or long-term airport parking lot, consider using an off-site parking lot service.
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We are glad to say that our booking platform, ParkingNearAirports.io, offers travelers online reservations for parking just outside airports that are convenient and affordable. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing travelers parking options at over 100 airports in the US and Canada. The app allows customers to search and compare parking rates at up to 70 percent savings compared to the cost of on-site parking at all major airports.
With our platform, it only takes a few clicks in the app to reserve a parking spot. Guests receive a booking confirmation and a guaranteed parking space upon arrival at the off-airport parking. In addition, the app helps customers locate the most convenient lots to the airport. Cancellations are easy if plans change with hassle-free, refundable cancellations.
Besides this, we also offer services for top cruise ports in Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, and Texas.
Now let's take a good example. Imagine that you're planning a trip to Isla Holbox, Mexico. So if you're flying from Dallas, Texas, USA, you can use cheap parking near Dallas/Fort Worth Airport. If you're coming from Detroit, Michigan, you can choose affordable valet parking Detroit Airport. It just depends on the place you're flying from.
You can always find everything you need on our official website: the best deals for parking near US and Canadian airports, airport parking cost, and much more.
