Places That Get It

Not everywhere is overwhelmed. Some places are leading the way.
“Places That Get It” is where we spotlight destinations, communities, and services that are rethinking the way tourism works — not by rejecting visitors, but by welcoming them on their own terms.

Here you’ll find places that protect their identity, put people before profits, and design tourism with the future in mind. These aren’t always the trendiest spots — but they’re often the ones worth remembering.

A narrow street in a historic European city with no cars or crowds. Local buildings in warm colors create a peaceful, walkable atmosphere — symbolizing people-first urban design.

Malta- Mdina - Silent City - car-free center makes space for people, not traffic.

Cities That Get It

Cities That Choose People

These are cities that didn’t just welcome tourists — they asked what kind of tourism they wanted. In this section, we spotlight bold urban destinations that have made tough but visionary choices: reclaiming streets from cars, capping short-term rentals, or saying “enough” to mass tourism. These places are designing for livability first, and it shows — not just in cleaner air and quieter squares, but in how they make visitors feel like guests, not intruders.

Stays That Get It

Sleep With Purpose

Every bed you book is a vote — for what kind of travel should thrive. This space celebrates places to stay that give more than they take. Locally run guesthouses, regenerative eco-lodges, and small hotels that value community over occupancy. Whether it’s solar panels, local staff, or simply refusing to expand beyond capacity, these are places where hospitality is rooted in respect — not excess.

A peaceful countryside village with sunlit stone buildings surrounded by greenery. The image represents small-scale, locally rooted places to stay in harmony with the environment.

A guesthouse built for stillness, not scale — where the setting invites you to stay, not scroll

A woman smiling out the window of a slow-moving train as it curves through green hills. The image captures the joy and sustainability of slower, more intentional travel — a key value in mindful tourism.

Train over plane: a slower, lower-impact way to move.

Experiences That Get It

The How Matters

Travel isn’t just where you go — it’s how you get there, who benefits, and what you leave behind. This section is about the experiences that align with your values: community-led tours, ethical transport, creative campaigns, and ideas that rewire the tourism model from the inside. Think of it as the inspiration shelf for a different kind of itinerary — one that doesn’t just see the world, but supports it.