Sustainable vacations try to help local communities and reduce environmental damage. Although completely sustainable or carbon-zero travel is unattainable, there are ways to reduce energy use and support local companies. Making decisions when traveling sustainably entails contributing to local communities and cultures rather than taking from them.
Keeping this philosophy in mind, these 12 locations around the world represent the pinnacle of environmentally friendly travel.
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| '12' Best Eco-Friendly Destinations for Sustainable #Travel |
1. Central America, Costa Rica
Few eco-resorts are as low-impact as Rancho Margot, which is well-known throughout Costa Rica. This verdant, off-grid hideaway is the ideal starting point for discovering Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal's hiking paths, hot springs, and picturesque lake. It functions as a sustainable learning facility as well. Visitors can volunteer for wildlife and environmental projects, take a tour of its self-sufficient operations, or enroll in a week-long program.
2. Europe's Norway
The Fjord region of Norway is a prime example of environmentally friendly travel. Travelers can take advantage of the nation's and this region's emphasis on environmentally friendly initiatives. Onboard environmentally friendly Havila Kystruten ships, visitors can explore the fjords. These hybrid-powered vessels reduce carbon emissions while silently navigating UNESCO-listed areas, such as Geirangerfjord.
When it opens, Svart, the world's first energy-positive hotel, will be located in Meløy, near the Arctic Circle. It uses solar panels and creative energy-saving techniques to generate 160% of its energy needs over a 50-year period, making it completely off the grid. Admire the northern lights and the Svartisen glacier while upholding the strictest sustainability guidelines.
In order to demonstrate Norway's dedication to the environment, tourists can kayak on serene waters, stroll along lovely trails, or stay in eco-certified hotels. Because of this, Norway is a destination that eco-aware travelers who wish to establish a meaningful connection with nature should not miss.
3. South Pacific, New Zealand
Kaikoura, on the South Island of New Zealand, is a popular destination for eco-friendly whale watching excursions. A Maori-owned company called Whale Watch Kaikoura supports the Ngai Tahu community by creating jobs and conserving their culture. Through the sharing of Māori stories and the explanation of conservation efforts, tour guides educate visitors about the connection between Ngai Tahu and the ocean. Depending on the season, tours offer the opportunity to see magnificent whales, such as humpback, blue, orca, and sperm whales. They are available all year round. To reduce disturbance, operators make sure boats maintain a polite distance from the animals. Between Picton and Christchurch, Kaikoura can be reached by local bus along State Hwy 1 in roughly two hours.
4. South America's Bolivia
Nestled in the heart of the Bolivian Amazon, Chalalán Ecolodge is encircled by one of the world's most biodiverse areas. The Quechua-Tacano Indigenous community manages this environmentally friendly retreat, which is home to 11% of all plant and animal species. They use the money they earn from it to support local health and education initiatives. Discover 14 breathtaking nature trails, see wildlife, or relax in hammocks with a jungle view. One of Bolivia's highlights is that it is situated in Madidi National Park, 30 kilometers (19 miles) west of Rurrenabaque. Read more about the ideal time to visit Bolivia and schedule your trip for May through October, which is the dry season.
You can get up close and personal with these fascinating predators on guided tours through Libearty Bear Sanctuary. Copyright Shutterstock/Giedriius
5. Europe's Romania
Romania is the ideal destination if you wish to support brown bear conservation, as it is home to the largest population of brown bears in Europe. After years of brutal captivity, more than 100 rescued bears can now live in safety at the Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Transylvania. With a guide, visitors can explore the 69-hectare (170-acre) oak forest and discover how the bears have been rehabilitated. Through a seven-day volunteer program, Responsible Travel also enables you to contribute to the sanctuary's conservation efforts.
6. South Asia's Bhutan
The Himalayan nation of Bhutan is well-known for emphasizing Gross National Happiness. Although the government no longer mandates tours, we still advise booking one even though some independent travel is permitted within the nation. Hikes through yak meadows in the high Himalayas and visits to ancient temples are frequent features of these tours.
Hire a company that can set up a homestay experience to gain a deeper understanding of the local way of life. One such program is Bhutan Homestay, which uses tourism revenue to help compensate for the damage that park wildlife causes to crops and livestock.
7. Africa's Namibia
Tsumkwe Country Lodge in northeastern Namibia offers guests a chance to live like the San, who were the first people to live in southern Africa. Since the San have been residing in the Kalahari Desert for more than 40,000 years, modern tourists can learn a lot from their survival techniques. Learning from the wisdom and close relationship to nature of the San people is an experience that will last a lifetime. Activities could include watching a proficient antelope hunt or sampling the "fruits" of the desert, like berries and tubers. Make your reservation with the lodge or arrange a longer trip with a conscientious travel agency such as Expert Africa, which collaborates with the local community to develop meaningful travel plans.
8. Europe's Portugal
An ideal destination for eco-friendly travel is Portugal's Azores. One of the most environmentally friendly ways to see the islands is on a guided eco-tour. Hikers can explore the volcanic landscapes of São Miguel, Terceira, and Pico in the Azores. Each is dedicated to sustainability and has its own ecosystem.
Go to northern Portugal's Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês on the mainland. The park is one of the most pristine natural areas in the nation, and sustainable tourism helps preserve its rich biodiversity. Hiking the park's beautiful trails, seeing wildlife, and staying at eco-lodges that help the community are all options.
9. Australia's Tasmania
With its turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and granite headlands tinged with lichen, the Bay of Fires in northeastern Tasmania is a must-see. A Palawa guide now narrates 10,000 years of Aboriginal history and culture in the area along the Wukalina Walk.
This is an exciting opportunity for the Palawa people to share their story on their own land for the first time. Wukalina (Mt William) and Larapuna (Bay of Fires) are two stops on this three-day, four-night excursion. Th(Mt.4-kilometer (21-mile)34 kmk highlights the coast's breathtaking, untamed beauty. It consists of one night at the keeper's cottage at Eddystone Point Lighthouse and two nights in comfortable domed huts.
10. Africa's Kenya
The largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa is Ol Pejeta Conservancy. It is an excellent illustration of community-led conservation and stretches from Mount Kenya to the Great Rift Valley. The conservancy offers camping to visitors, making it one of the most affordable safari destinations in the area. The conservation efforts of Ol Pejeta are supported by each visit.
Classic game drives and environmentally friendly activities like walking and horseback safaris are among the activities offered. Look for the Big Five while you're exploring: the Cape buffalo, lion, leopard, elephant, and rhinoceros. Find out more about the conservancy's efforts to save habitats and wildlife.
11. South Pacific, Fiji
One of Fiji's greatest treasures are its colorful coral reefs, which you can help preserve by planting coral. This environmentally friendly practice, also referred to as coral aquaculture, raises young corals in a protected nursery. They are then replanted on either man-made or natural reefs. More and more resorts in Fiji are providing visitors with the opportunity to partake in this fulfilling activity.
Castaway Island Fiji, Makaira Resort on Taveuni, and Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort on Vanua Levu—Fiji's second-largest island—are the resorts spearheading these initiatives. Planting coral helps maintain the health of the reefs and gives tourists a meaningful way to interact with Fiji's distinctive marine environment.
12. North America, USA
North America, imagine waking up to bears as your neighbors after falling asleep to the sound of wolf calls. Volunteering at one of the breathtaking national parks in the United States can make this your reality. Parks offer a variety of volunteer opportunities, such as helping with scientific research and leading tours. Typically, volunteers put in at least 32 hours per stint, and some opportunities come with pay.