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.
7 Major Cities With the Cleanest Air, From Stockholm to Tokyo
20.11.2024 - 23:03 / cntraveler.com / Charles Bridge
From Athens to New York City, wildfires around the world have brought orange skies and smog to major urban hubs this year. But the cities with the cleanest air have managed to decrease air pollution by regulating emissions, investing in public transportation, and transitioning to clean energy—making them more enjoyable, and sustainable, destinations for travelers.
A place's overall air quality is measured on a scale from 0 to 500 known as the Air Quality Index (AQI). Lower numbers indicate cleaner air, while a higher score indicates more pollution; an AQI below 50 is considered good, while anything above 300 is classified as hazardous. In 2023, only seven countries met the World Health Organization's air pollution guidelines: Australia, Estonia, Finland, Grenada, Iceland, Mauritius, and New Zealand.
Of course, air quality varies greatly within a singly country, especially ones as large as the United States. That's why IQAir, a Swiss tech company, measures the air quality of cities around the world in real-time. As of November 20, 2024, the US cities with the least air pollution were Minneapolis, Houston, and Chicago—all ranking within the world's top 10 cleanest cities. At the time of publication, Washington DC, Detroit, and New York were the US cities with the worst air quality, each with “moderate” pollution levels.
For those looking to escape the haze of their home cities while still enjoying urban comforts, we've rounded up eight capital cities with the cleanest air, or AQI labels below 50, as per IQAir. (These numbers change throughout the day. For the most up-to-date scores, check the live ranking here.) If it's clear air and water you're after, these are the countries with the cleanest beaches in the world.
Tokyo enforces strict emissions regulations and has reduced auto and industrial pollution in recent years.
Go for: The tranquil beauty of the Meiji Shrine surrounded by lush forest, the vibrant neighborhoods of Shibuya and Shinjuku, and panoramic views from the Tokyo Tower. Explore the historical Asakusa district, indulge at the best sushi restaurants in Tokyo, and experience the seamless blend of tradition and modernity. For more recommendations, read our full guide on the best things to do in Tokyo.
The Mělník power plant outside of Prague was modernized in 2016 to comply with EU standards, leading to a 50% reduction in pollution levels.
Go for: Strolling across the iconic Charles Bridge, exploring the fairytale-like Prague Castle, and wandering through the cobblestone streets of Old Town Square are just a few of the best things to do in P. Admire the stunning Astronomical Clock and enjoy a hearty Czech meal paired with exceptional beer in a traditional pub.
Australia has some of the
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