If you thought flights and cars were the only ways to reach your next destination, think again. These unique cities around the world operate without traditional roads, and boats are the main mode of transport.

When you travel the world, you come across all kinds of beautiful places and fascinating sights. While cars are the default for most cities, there are a few places that skip roads entirely and float their own boat, quite literally. These cities are designed around water, with canals, rivers, and lakes forming the very fabric of their daily life. From Asia to Europe, each one offers a slower, scenic, and strikingly different travel experience. If you have ever been curious about places that move to the rhythm of water, here are eight cities around the world that are built on it.

Here Are 8 Water-Based Cities Around The World That Do Not Use Roads

1. Venice, Italy: The Original Floating City

Venice is where the idea of a water city becomes real. Spread across 118 islands and laced with over 150 canals, it feels like a dream that refuses to wake up. Gondolas glide through narrow waterways, historic buildings rise straight from the lagoon, and traffic jams involve boats instead of cars. While it gets crowded with tourists, there is an unmatched charm in wandering its alleyways or enjoying a quiet moment by a canal with a coffee in hand.

2. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Where Canals Shape the City

Amsterdam’s canal network may remind you of Venice, but it has a vibe entirely its own. Think tree-lined waterways, arched bridges, and quirky houseboats. The canals are not just pretty — they are a core part of how the city functions. Whether you are cycling along the edge, hopping on a boat, or people-watching from a waterside café, Amsterdam proves that water can be both scenic and smart.

3. Bangkok, Thailand: A City That Grew From Canals

Known for its buzzing energy and street chaos, Bangkok also has a quieter, more fluid side. Many of its early transport routes were canals that connected people and goods across the city. While some have now been paved over, others remain active. Hop on a long-tail boat to visit floating markets and temples along the Chao Phraya River — it is Bangkok at its most relaxed.

4. Suzhou, China: An Ancient Water Town Full of Grace

Suzhou, in Jiangsu Province, looks like a traditional Chinese painting brought to life. Willow trees hang over still waters, stone bridges connect quiet neighbourhoods, and boats drift through centuries-old canals that date back to the 6th century BC. Strolling its historic lanes or gliding along its waterways offers a glimpse of how water shaped both culture and community here.

5. Stockholm, Sweden: Where Ferries and Kayaks Are the Commute

Stockholm is built across 14 islands and surrounded by Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea. With more than 50 bridges connecting the city, water is woven into daily life. It is common to see residents kayaking to work or using ferries like public buses. The blend of sleek design, Nordic history, and wide-open waters makes Stockholm both liveable and endlessly photogenic.

6. Alleppey, Kerala: Life Along the Backwaters

Often called the “Venice of the East”, Alleppey offers a distinctly South Indian version of a water-based lifestyle. The town is defined by narrow canals, green backwaters, and traditional houseboats that double up as floating hotels. Locals travel by boat, while visitors relax with views of coconut trees and quiet village life. It is unhurried, rooted in tradition, and offers a taste of Kerala’s slower rhythm.

7. Ganvie, Benin

Floating on Lake Nokoué, Ganvie is home to more than 20,000 people who navigate their lives entirely by boat. Built by the Tofinu people as a safe haven, this water village is one of West Africa’s most remarkable places. Wooden canoes replace cars, and homes are perched on stilts. A visit here is not just about the views – it shows how an entire community has adapted to life on water.

8. Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is like stepping into a storybook. With cobbled streets, Gothic spires, and quiet canals snaking through the city, it feels frozen in time. Canal cruises reveal flower-draped windows, tucked-away gardens, and corners that could pass for oil paintings. Romantic and effortlessly walkable, Bruges is a water city with old-world charm and endless photo ops.

Canadian travellers are entering 2025 with renewed curiosity, a stronger sense of purpose, and a willingness to embrace both sustainability and spontaneity. As the global travel industry continues to evolve post-pandemic, several key trends are influencing how Canadians choose their destinations, what experiences they seek, and how they plan their journeys.

From eco-conscious choices to digitally streamlined borders, the travel landscape looks vastly different than just a few years ago. Here’s a look at the top trends that are shaping Canadian travel in 2025 and what it means for your next adventure.

1. Personalized, Purposeful Travel Experiences

Canadians are placing more value on meaning and authenticity in their travels. The rise of immersive cultural experiences, especially those tied to heritage, history, and local storytelling, has made trips more personal than ever.

For example, interest in niche travel options like river cruises has seen steady growth. Travellers are seeking slower-paced, scenic alternatives to traditional tours, especially in walkable global cities. For those exploring the UK, The Cruise Detective Thames river cruises offer a curated way to experience London from the water, combining sightseeing, history, and comfort in one seamless experience.

Whether it’s dining in a centuries-old village or cruising down a historic river, travellers are seeking quality over quantity, and connection over checklist.

2. Climate-Conscious Travel Choices

Climate action has become a central theme in Canadian travel planning. Travellers are actively looking for greener options, from carbon offset programs to transportation methods with reduced emissions. Destinations that highlight sustainable practices, such as eco-resorts and green-certified accommodations, are seeing higher demand.

Some popular shifts include:

• Choosing trains over short-haul flights where possible
• Supporting businesses with environmental certifications
• Packing lighter to reduce baggage-related emissions
• Staying longer in one destination reduces the overall travel impact

Tourism operators that integrate sustainability into their core offerings are earning loyalty from Canadian travellers who want to explore the world responsibly.

3. Digitally Streamlined Borders and Checkpoints

Gone are the days of rifling through paper documents at border crossings. In 2025, digital border solutions will simplify international travel for Canadians. With biometric identification, mobile passport apps, and contactless immigration checks becoming standard in many countries, getting through customs is now faster and more secure.

These innovations also reduce wait times and increase safety, which is a win for both travellers and governments.

4. Inclusive and Accessible Tourism

There’s growing momentum toward inclusive tourism, with destinations now recognizing the importance of welcoming all travellers. This includes better accommodations for people with disabilities, as well as more representation of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities in marketing and hospitality staffing.

Canada, in particular, is embracing Indigenous cultural experiences as a way to educate and engage both local and international travellers. Cultural centers, Indigenous-led tours, and artisan markets are drawing those who want to experience the rich traditions of First Nations communities in a respectful, educational way.

5. Flexibility is Non-Negotiable

Perhaps the most lasting impact of recent years is the expectation of flexibility. Canadians are no longer willing to lock in rigid travel plans without backup options. Travel insurance with trip cancellation, refundable bookings, and open-ended itineraries has all become standard considerations.

Tour operators, airlines, and hospitality brands that offer are earning trust and repeat business in an increasingly unpredictable world:

• No-fee changes or cancellations
• Transparent refund policies
• 24/7 customer support

The New Travel Mindset

In 2025, Canadian travellers are more intentional, more empowered, and more mindful than ever before. They’re choosing destinations and experiences that align with their values, from sustainability to inclusivity.

Whether you’re planning an international escape or a local exploration, keeping these key trends in mind will help you navigate the year ahead with confidence, and maybe even discover a new favourite way to travel.

Looking to explore the world differently this year? Let these trends guide you toward more meaningful, memorable travel experiences in 2025.

Planning a holiday without the plastic guilt? These stunning destinations are leading the way in sustainable, waste-free travel.

If you care about the planet but also crave stunning beaches, mouth-watering food, and camera-ready views, you’re in luck. These destinations are taking serious steps to cut down on plastic — and they’re doing it in style. From remote islands swapping plastic bags for reusable totes to small Himalayan towns pioneering zero-waste living, these places prove that eco-friendly travel doesn’t have to be boring. You won’t find plastic straws, bags or bottles in most spots — and honestly, you won’t miss them. Here are six beautiful, forward-thinking destinations worth adding to your bucket list — no plastic required.

Here are 6 Plastic-Free Destinations Around The World:

1. Sweden

Sweden isn’t just the land of cinnamon buns and chic design-it’s also one of the greenest countries on the planet. The nation has long championed recycling and waste reduction, but it’s also home to a growing number of plastic-free hotels, restaurants, and events. Stockholm and Gothenburg have introduced plastic bans in public services and continue to push sustainability in urban planning. Swedish supermarkets are piloting packaging-free sections, and even the airline SAS has removed plastic cutlery and packaging from many flights. Looking for a plastic light stay? Eco-lodges like Stedsans in the Woods offer zero-waste dining, filtered tap water, and no single-use items on-site. Add in thousands of pristine lakes and a strong tap water game, and Sweden makes cutting out plastic feel completely effortless.

2. Palau

This tiny island nation may be remote, but it’s punching well above its weight when it comes to protecting the planet. Palau was the first country in the world to ban harmful sunscreens, and since 2020, it’s required visitors to sign an eco-pledge upon arrival, promising to tread lightly. In 2021, Palau introduced the Palau Responsible Tourism Policy Framework, which actively discourages the use of single-use plastic bags, bottles, and straws across the tourism industry. Locals and tour operators alike are deeply committed to conservation — expect to find reusable water stations, eco-certified accommodations, and marine tours that operate without generating plastic waste. It’s one of the few places where sustainability is baked into every aspect of the travel experience.

3. Rwanda

Rwanda is perhaps one of the most surprising entries on this list — but it’s also one of the most impressive. In 2008, the country implemented one of the world’s strictest plastic bag bans, and it’s worked. Kigali, the capital, is often dubbed the cleanest city in Africa, thanks in part to the monthly Umuganda community clean-up days. Visitors to Rwanda are not allowed to bring plastic bags into the country, and even duty-free shops at the airport don’t offer them. Hotels and lodges near Volcanoes National Park — the launchpad for gorilla trekking — are increasingly plastic-free, offering guests filtered water, biodegradable toiletries, and reusable containers for packed lunches. Eco-tourism here isn’t a niche — it’s the norm.

4. California, USA

The Golden State has long been a leader in environmental reform, and plastic is no exception. California was the first US state to ban single-use plastic bags in 2016, and new laws have since followed, including restrictions on plastic straws, utensils, and mini hotel toiletries. Cities like San Francisco and Santa Monica have gone even further, encouraging plastic-free business certifications and offering tax incentives for sustainable practices. Travellers can fill up at water refill stations at beaches, airports, and national parks, and eco-conscious hotels like 1 Hotel West Hollywood or The Ecology Centre in San Juan Capistrano offer totally plastic-free experiences. Pair all that with sunshine and surfing? No brainer.

5. Iceland

Iceland’s untouched landscapes practically beg for a plastic-free approach — and the country is delivering. In 2020, Icelandic authorities announced a national action plan to curb plastic waste, including bans on certain single-use plastics and investment in sustainable packaging alternatives. Local businesses have been quick to follow suit. In Reykjavik, cafes like Reykjavik Roasters and Cafe Babalu encourage reusable cups and offer compostable packaging. Many tour operators, especially in the eco-tourism space, provide guests with reusable water bottles and snacks in paper wrapping rather than plastic. With fresh glacier water flowing freely from taps and fountains, there’s no excuse to reach for a plastic bottle here.

6. Sikkim, India

Nestled in the northeastern Himalayas, Sikkim may be small, but it’s making waves. In 1998, it became the first Indian state to ban plastic bags, and has since added restrictions on Styrofoam and packaged drinking water in government offices and events. The state’s capital, Gangtok, is noticeably clean compared to many other Indian cities, with government-led efforts to phase out single-use plastic items continuing to gain traction. Sikkim also promotes organic farming, and plastic-free homestays are increasingly common in rural areas. For trekkers heading to the Kanchenjunga range or those road-tripping along winding mountain roads, this is an inspiring example of eco-tourism done right. Sikkim has also recently embarked on a mission to replace plastic bottles with eco-friendly bamboo alternatives.

Planning a solo trip as a woman? Discover 10 essential safety tips every female solo traveler should follow for a secure and empowering travel experience.

Travelling solo as a woman is an experience unlike any other. It allows for an unfiltered connection with the world—on your own terms, at your own tempo. With solitude comes empowerment, but also a responsibility to stay attentive. While the road can offer freedom, it demands a measured approach to safety. The following ten practices are designed not to instill fear, but to foster a deeper sense of preparedness and presence during your journey.

1. Research Your Destination—Beyond the Brochures

Avoid relying solely on tourist brochures or hotel recommendations. Take the time to understand the social fabric of the place you’re visiting—its unwritten rules, regional sensitivities, and public norms. Seek out first-hand accounts from women who have travelled there. Their insight often captures what maps and itineraries miss.

2. Share Your Itinerary with Someone You Trust

Keep at least one trusted person informed about your whereabouts. Provide them with your flight schedules, accommodation details, and any planned excursions. A brief message at the start and end of the day—no matter how mundane—creates a vital thread of contact.

3. Dress to Blend In, Not Stand Out

What you wear can significantly influence how you’re perceived. This isn’t about erasing your personal style—it’s about situational awareness. Aligning with local attire can quietly communicate respect and help you move about with greater ease and less attention.

4. Keep Your Valuables Invisible and Secure

Keep jewellery and expensive electronics out of sight. A discreet crossbody bag with secure zippers or a well-hidden pouch can do far more than a branded tote. Photocopy essential documents and keep them separate from the originals in case of emergency.

5. Choose Accommodations with Good Reviews (and Better Lighting)

When selecting where to stay, pay close attention to reviews by other solo women travellers. Look for accommodations situated in lively yet safe districts, with reliable staff and secure entrances. A well-lit street can make all the difference when returning late.

6. Trust Your Gut—Always

If you feel uncomfortable, extract yourself—no explanations required. A gut feeling is not something to rationalise away. Whether it’s a persistent stranger or a dimly lit alleyway, choosing caution over courtesy is not only acceptable—it’s wise.

7. Limit Alcohol Intake in Unfamiliar Settings

If you decide to drink, do so with care. Always watch your glass being poured, and avoid drinks handed to you by strangers. In unfamiliar company or places, a clear head can often be your greatest asset.

8. Stay Connected, Even Offline

Phones die, signals drop. Prepare accordingly. Download maps you can access without data, jot down local phrases, and carry the name and address of your accommodation in the local language. These small steps can bridge crucial gaps in moments of uncertainty.

9. Use Trusted Transportation Options

Avoid informal or unlicensed transport services. Use official taxis, public transit with clear signage, or ride-hailing applications where available. Before getting into any vehicle, record the driver’s name and licence plate, and share this information with someone you trust.

10. Be Selective About What You Share Online

Avoid broadcasting your location while you are still present. Share photographs and updates after you’ve moved on to your next stop. While it may feel harmless, real-time posts can reveal more than intended, particularly when you’re travelling alone.

Why It’s Worth It

Solo travel, at its core, is about learning to depend on one’s own judgement and discovering comfort in unfamiliar settings. When approached with foresight and discretion, it can be every bit as secure as travelling in a group—and arguably more transformative. The world, for the most part, welcomes the curious and the open-hearted. Still, preparedness is a traveller’s best ally.