This Is the No. 1 Feel-good Destination in the World for Its Sunny Weather, Green Spaces, Walkability, and Air Quality

"With over 2,600 hours of daylight annually and proximity to four of Croatia's eight national parks, it's no surprise that this Dalmatian Coast city ranked among the world's top feel-good destinations. Its car-free old town is the perfect spot to explore on foot, with a picturesque waterfront promenade and cobblestone streets lined with charming cafés, boutiques, and historic landmarks like Diocletian's Palace."

"Second on their list was Amsterdam. Known for its grand canals and elegant green spaces, such as Vondelpark, the city has set forth a vision for 2050 to ensure all residents can walk to a park within 10 minutes. Coming in third was Tallinn, Estonia, a striking Baltic city with an underrated sauna culture. One place to experience the city's sauna scene is Iglupark, where visitors can work up a nice sweat in modern black igloo saunas and stay in cozy igloo-style accommodations overlooking the sea."

Winter brings earlier darkness and extended nights that can trigger seasonal affective disorder for many travelers. A ranking identified the top 20 'dopamine destinations' scientifically associated with improved mood and well-being, with Split, Croatia, ranking first. Split offers abundant daylight, proximity to multiple national parks, a car-free old town, waterfront promenades, historic landmarks, beaches, and access to nearby islands and Mediterranean cuisine. Amsterdam ranked highly for canals, green spaces, and a plan to ensure park access within ten minutes for residents. Tallinn's sauna culture and coastal igloos also contribute to its high placement. The ranking used sunshine, air quality, green spaces, walkability, and cuisine as core metrics.

Read at Travel + Leisure