Sustainability has been on the rise for a long time. Now, travel destinations are trying to adapt to this rising trend by becoming more sustainable. Eco-conscious explorers seek sustainable travel destinations that offer a good time and sustainability. Because of this increasing interest in sustainability, several destinations have started to adopt eco-friendly practices and offer sustainable tourism options. Now, there are many sustainable travel destinations for the eco-conscious explorer.
This rising demand for sustainability comes after more travelers are now aware of their impact on the environment. Today, travelers don’t want to harm the planet but instead look for ways to protect it. There is a rising awareness that people can travel and see the world while keeping the environment safe. Sustainable travel can help travelers keep the planet safe for future generations. Through it, travelers can make sustainable choices that won’t harm the world around them. To help you learn more about sustainability, here are 10 sustainable travel destinations for the eco-conscious explorer.
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Iceland
The first sustainable travel destination for eco-conscious explorers is Iceland. In recent years, Iceland has started to focus more on sustainability, increasing the attraction of travelers. One of the things that makes Iceland entirely sustainable is that almost 100% of the country’s electricity is generated from renewable resources, such as geothermal and hydroelectric energy. Some of the things you should consider doing while in Iceland are using public transportation or electric vehicles. This will reduce your carbon footprint. The food in Iceland is mostly locally sourced, which is entirely sustainable.
In addition to this, there are many sustainable activities you can do while in Iceland. For example, you can visit hot springs or hike across glaciers. You can even see the Northern Lights or head to the Blue Lagoon without worrying about the environment; it’s all sustainable. You will find many eco-friendly tours and activities in Iceland that interest you. Even Reykjavik, the capital, is one of the cleanest cities. Plus, you will find many sustainable accommodations in Iceland, so you don’t have to worry about where you will stay. All of these reasons and more are enough to explain why Iceland is a sustainable travel destination that is attractive to any eco-conscious explorer.
Chat with AI About Northern Lights ToursPortugal
Our following recommendation for sustainable travel destinations for eco-conscious explorers is Portugal. Portugal’s efforts toward environmental protection, eco-friendly tourism initiatives, and renewable energy have increased recently. You will be surrounded by diverse eco-friendly accommodations ranging from hotels to smaller places. To witness the stunning green spots in Portugal by yourself, head to the Azores archipelago.
Portugal also has organic farms and eco-friendly wine production; you could go on wine-tasting tours! If you are looking for more tours for any eco-conscious explorer, the Azores are filled with them, primarily since the place is known for its dedication to sustainability. You can go whale watching, hiking, or on many other tours in Portugal. To be fully eco-conscious, support local businesses while visiting Portugal.
Bhutan
Another sustainable travel destination for the eco-conscious explorer is Bhutan. Bhutan is the world’s first and only carbon-negative country, so it is a perfect destination for eco-conscious explorers. Filled with mountains, many consider Bhutan to be a tremendous sustainable destination to visit. Bhutan didn’t become sustainable quickly. They limit tourist numbers to protect the country. It is also famous for its Gross National Happiness Index. This index prioritizes environmental conservation over economic growth. They want to protect and preserve their culture, which is good.
Some things you can do there include visiting ancient monasteries or hiking through valleys. Many describe Bhutan as a Himalayan kingdom, which is fitting! Prioritizing sustainable practices, Bhutan can attract any eco-conscious explorer. They even introduced a “High value, low volume” policy to attract mindful and responsible travelers. With 70% of Bhutan covered with forest, you will love it!
Costa Rica
We recommend going to Costa Rica, which is committed to ecotourism. Costa Rica is known for its diverse biodiversity, which it aims to protect and keep. You, too, can help Costa Rica preserve its natural resources. You can do so by staying in eco-friendly accommodations, enjoying the beaches there, and many more activities. It can even be called a paradise for eco-conscious explorers. The many efforts made by Costa Rica make it a leader in eco-tourism, and hopefully, it will stay like that for a long time.
A fun fact about Costa Rica is that over 25% of its land comprises national parks and protected areas. You can even take part in wildlife conservation projects. If you want more eco-friendly activities in Costa Rica, why don’t you explore the rainforests there? Some of the national parks you can visit there are Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and Manuel Antonio National Park. Even 93% of Costa Rica’s electricity comes from natural resources. You shouldn’t miss this chance if you have it.
Slovenia
Another tremendous sustainable travel destination for eco-conscious explorers is Slovenia. This country is committed to following sustainable tourism practices. Slovenia’s efforts toward sustainability have been going on for a while; it’s nothing new. Ljubljana’s capital was awarded the European Green Capital Award in 2016. This award was deserved, especially after all its efforts toward green initiatives. Ljubljana even has pedestrian-friendly areas. Some of the eco-friendly destinations you can visit in Slovenia include natural parks such as the Škocjan Caves and Triglav National Park.
As one of Europe’s greenest countries, Slovenia has over 50% of its lands covered in forests. This continuous effort toward sustainability makes Slovenia a great sustainable destination for any eco-conscious explorer. You won’t run out of sustainable activities to do there. You can go hiking or use the cycling trails that are available in Slovenia. If you want to do even more, why don’t you support local products? This is a great way to appreciate the beauty of Slovenia. Don’t miss going on a responsible travel experience there!
New Zealand
Our following recommendation is New Zealand. New Zealand is a highly sustainable travel destination with abundant eco-friendly activities and experiences. The country is very focused on environmental conservation, and they are doing a fantastic job. Eco-friendly accommodations, outdoor activities, and national parks like the Fiordland National Park will surround you. New Zealand is the dream of any eco-conscious explorer! Try the Milford Track if you love hiking.
The natural beauty of New Zealand is something to admire, and you can do exactly that by simply heading there. The country even has what is called a Tiaki Promise. It means promising to care for New Zealand’s people and culture. So travelers are encouraged to do that. There are fjords, beaches, rainforests, mountains, and many more destinations to admire. The diversity of New Zealand makes it even more attractive to travelers. It is, without a doubt, a great place to visit.
Sweden
One of the best sustainable destinations for the eco-conscious explorer is Sweden. This country is one of the leading countries when it comes to sustainability. Sweden adopted many initiatives to reach this position. It even has initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and achieve net-zero emissions by 2045. Sustainable practices will surround you, including eco-friendly accommodations, renewable energy sources, and sustainable transportation. It even has eco-friendly restaurants.
Even Sweden’s capital, Stockholm, is a sustainable destination. It has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Royal Palace Drottningholm and Skogskyrkogården, also called Woodland Cemetery. Make sure to explore the beautiful archipelagos in Sweden. Finally, try the delicious and diverse food there. Sweden emphasizes locally sourced and organic ingredients. You can discover all this and more using the green transportation options available.
Kenya
Another sustainable travel destination on our list is Kenya. Filled with wildlife, Kenya makes a lot of effort to protect its wildlife and its habitats while providing fantastic safari experiences for travelers. Some of the destinations in Kenya that would be perfect for eco-conscious explorers are the Masai Mara National Reserve and Amboseli National Park. The sustainable safaris provided in Kenya protect the environment and benefit the local community.
In addition to all of this, Kenya is filled with eco-lodges everywhere. So, you would make a great choice when choosing a sustainable destination. As an eco-conscious explorer, you can visit Kenya without worrying about harming the environment. You will love the beautiful landscapes there. The community-based tourism is everything any eco-conscious explorer will be looking for. You can even engage in low-impact activities such as hiking in Mount Kenya National Park or exploring Lake Naivasha.
Norway
One destination that is part of sustainable travel destinations for the eco-conscious explorer is Norway. Norway is very committed to renewable energy. Over 98% of Norway’s electricity comes from renewable power. This made Norway one of the greenest energy producers in the world. The stunning fjords there are enough to convince you that you should visit Norway. The strict environmental regulations help the country protect its resources; who wouldn’t like that?
Norway’s fjords aren’t just beautiful, but they are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This includes Nærøyfjord and Geirangerfjord. Plus, Norway is planning through its initiatives to become carbon-neutral by 2030. Even the activities conducted there are done responsibly. So you can try hiking or whale watching without worrying about harming the environment. You will also find many eco-friendly accommodations, such as eco-certified hotels. There are a lot of electric ferries which contribute to green transportation options. In the end, Norway is a perfect sustainable travel destination.
Japan
Our last sustainable travel destination for the eco-conscious explorer is Japan. As time passes, Japan is becoming increasingly sustainable. One sign that Japan is a sustainable destination is the growing number of eco-friendly hotels there. You can find more hotels following sustainable initiatives. Another great thing about Japan is the trains, which run on cleaner energy than other transportation methods. This reduces the carbon footprint compared to other transportation.
You can also find locally sourced food in Japan. With fresh and locally sourced ingredients, the carbon footprint used to transport food lessens. Japan also encourages recycling with its advanced recycling system. We can’t forget to mention Japan is a leader in green technology. Japan’s hospitality and beautiful landscapes are enough reasons to convince you to visit it. It doesn’t harm that it is a sustainable travel destination perfect for any explorer.
What is Eco-friendly Tourism?
If you didn’t know, eco-friendly tourism or sustainable tourism is a type of tourism that aims to protect the environment and natural resources. You will avoid any ways that could harm the environment, try to protect wildlife, and support local communities.
Why Is Sustainable Travel Important?
Of course, you should know why choosing sustainable travel is preferable. It is, in fact, essential. With climate change and over-tourism, we must save the planet for future generations. There are many ways to be sustainable during your travels. You can choose eco-friendly and sustainable destinations, reduce your carbon footprint, and support the local community.
You won’t only be protecting the planet, but you will benefit as well. When you choose sustainable travel, you will have more meaningful experiences. Sustainable travel allows you to discover different and rich cultures. It also allows you to appreciate the environment without harming it. So, you will be benefiting from sustainable travel. It is our responsibility to protect our destinations.
Tips For The Eco-conscious Explorer
Before you embark on your new journey, you should know some tips. These tips will help any eco-conscious explorer find sustainable travel destinations. Whatever destination you choose from our list, these tips will help you.
Don’t pack a lot
You shouldn’t have too many packages with you. When you start packing, try not to pack too much. When your luggage is lighter, your carbon emissions during transportation will also become lighter. Not packing too much is one way to reduce carbon emissions.
Choose Transportation Wisely
You should choose your transportation wisely as an eco-conscious explorer to sustainable travel destinations. You should always try to choose green transportation options because this will reduce your carbon footprint. For example, you can choose electric vehicles since they are better than regular ones. Choosing buses, trains, and bikes is also eco-friendly; it will be a great experience!
Offset Your Carbon Footprint
If you have to travel by plane, why don’t you consider trying to offset your carbon footprint? You can do so with your flights. Just make sure to check the available offsetting carbon footprint programs. By purchasing carbon offsets, you will counterbalance your emissions.
Choose Eco-friendly Accommodations
No matter what destination you end up at, always try to choose eco-friendly accommodations. Make sure to look for eco-certified hotels or places to stay. If they don’t have sustainable certifications, look for ones that have eco-friendly initiatives in place.
Don’t Waste
This is obvious, but we still have to say it. You shouldn’t waste as much as you can during your travels. To avoid wasting, use reusable items such as a reusable water bottle. You should also avoid single-use plastics because they can only harm the environment. Finally, try always to recycle when you have the chance.
Support Locals
As an eco-conscious explorer, you should support the locals in any sustainable travel destination you fly to. You can do this by supporting local businesses and markets. When you buy from locals, you will help the local community, which is another way to be sustainable. Try to eat at local restaurants because this is another way to support the local community.
Follow The Guidelines
Whenever you are at any place, you should follow the guidelines there. If you are visiting natural and wildlife habitats, you should follow all the guidelines so you won’t cause any harm. Also, make sure not to disturb wildlife at all.
Travel During the Off-peak Season
Always try to travel during the off-peak season. This will help reduce crowds at the destination you are planning to visit. Reducing crowds also reduces the strain on local resources, which helps protect them.
Leave No Trace
Part of sustainable travel is a principle called Leave No Trace. This principle includes respecting wildlife and minimizing your waste. It means leaving nature and the place you visit just like you found it. This means that you shouldn’t take anything from natural spots with you. They aren’t souvenirs.
Choose Digital Guides and Tickets
Today, many airlines can buy digital tickets instead of paper ones. This is one way you can reduce your waste. Also, instead of having paper guides, maps, or itineraries, try to replace them with digital ones. You can use any electronic device to do so. Nowadays, travel apps and maps are a digital solution to avoid wasting.
Don’t Consume Too Much Water or Energy
As an eco-conscious explorer, you should avoid consuming too much water or energy at sustainable travel destinations. Be mindful of your water and energy consumption as much as possible. Instead of showering for a long time and wasting water, you should try to take short showers. This way, you will save water and protect the environment.
Don’t Fall For Greenwashing
Unfortunately, many eco-conscious explorers can fall for greenwashing while visiting sustainable travel destinations. Greenwashing means when businesses such as hotels claim to be eco-friendly when they aren’t. They are just trying to deceive eco-conscious explorers. To avoid this, ensure that any place claiming to be eco-friendly has certifications from trusted organizations. You can even ask to learn more about how this business or hotel is sustainable.
We have shared everything you need to know about the top 10 sustainable destinations for eco-conscious explorers. You can now head to any of these destinations and start your eco-friendly journey. We also gave you some tips you should remember as an eco-conscious explorer.
