Eco travel is “responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education” according to The International Ecotourism Society. I first came across the concept when I was working towards living a more sustainable lifestyle. Since travel and sustainability are two of my main passions, I was so excited to learn more about it!
Eco travel can be to epic natural wonders, somewhere you can support the local community, or to an eco resort where sustainability is incorporated into every aspect of your stay! So, if you’re interested in eco travel or tourism, this bucket list of eco travel destinations will help you to learn about eco tourism and find places to travel. Additionally, I’ll share unique experiences available in the destinations that will make them bucket list worthy!
Iceland
Iceland is one of the number one eco travel destinations with natural wonders galore and some of the world’s cleanest air. When seeking natural wonders, you can expect waterfalls, hot springs, mountains, and a beautiful coastline. In Iceland you can enjoy hiking, swimming, whale watching, cold water diving, and watch the northern lights!
For more things you can experience in Iceland check out this link from Guide to Iceland: https://guidetoiceland.is/nature-info/what-to-do-in-iceland
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a ecotourism destination favorite. In 2015 the country pledged to become carbon neutral and has been implementing strategies to achieve carbon nuetrality since. According to the BBC, the country aims to be net zero carbon by 2050. One of the main reason I want to visit Costa Rica is to experience one of their many eco resorts!
Eco resorts often adapt sustainable operating procedures, run on alternative or renewable energy sources, and offer activities that focus on enjoying the natural beauty or learning about the regions sustainable initiatives and practices.
To read more about Costa Rica’s pledge and progress towards carbon neutrality, check out this link from the BBC:
Singapore
Singapore is a high priority on my eco travel bucket list. It’s a priority because I want to visit Singapore and experience sustainable city planning. Singapore is one of the most eco friendly cities in Asia with green zones, ecofriendly architecture, and efficient public transportation. Green zones or environmental zones in Singapore are gardens or parks area where activities that increase pollution are minimal. Green zones are by design to reduce the impact on the environment and create a more sustainable city.
Above all, the thoughtfulness of the city layout is beautiful. One minute you can be in the middle of a city and the next you can walking through a beautiful garden with biodiversity and a variety of native animals thriving. To read more about these epic green spaces, check out this article from Visit Singapore:
https://www.visitsingapore.com/editorials/singapores-iconic-green-spaces/
New Zealand
It’s no surprise that New Zealand makes this eco travel bucket list. As for natural wonders, New Zealand is famous for its mountains, hiking trails, glowworm caves, crystal clear waters, geothermal areas, hot springs, and its unique rock formations. It also ranks on the list of places in the world with the cleanest air.
In New Zealand, supporting local industry is easy and entertaining. From your eco lodge, take a trip to a local farm to support the prevalent farming industry; see sheep, cows, alpacas, ostriches and more!
To read more about eco travel & the natural wonders of New Zealand check out this article from the New Zealand Tourism Guide: https://www.tourism.net.nz/new-zealand/nz/nature-and-eco-tourism
Ljubljana, Slovenia
The capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana, is one of Europe’s most sustainable cities and became the first European capital city to move towards zero waste back in 2014. As a result, the city has an extensive recycling system and has the highest rate of household waste separation in Europe. Along with an impressive recycling system, Ljubljana has implemented a traffic free city centre, green areas, and public buses that run on methane.
If locally sourced food is one of your favorite things to enjoy while traveling, Ljubljana is a city you will not want to miss. In November, the city hosts a gourmet food festival with locally sourced cuisine in an effort to deseasonalise tourism. To read more about sustainable tourism in Ljubljana, check out this link from Visit Ljubljana:
https://www.visitljubljana.com/en/about-us/sustainable-tourism-in-ljubljana/
The Galapagos Islands
I first remember learning about the Galapagos Islands in elementary school. At the time, I couldn’t tell you where it was on a map, but I remember being fascinated about the giant tourtises that could live to be over 100 years old. The Galapagos Islands are home to large varieties of species that are incredibly unique. According to the Galapagos Conservancy, 97% of the reptiles and mammals in the Galapagos archipelago can’t be found anywhere else on earth.
As a result, tourism to the Galapagos Islands is through specific sustainably operating tour companies in partnership with the Galapagos Conservancy. According to the Galapagos Conservancy website, in order for tour partners to operate they must take steps to conserve water and energy, recycle and treat waste material, source locally produced products, and hire local workers. There are also very specific guidelines for visitors to the islands as the main purpose of the Galapagos Conservancy is to protect the biodiversity and incredibly unique environment of the archipelago.
Further information about the species that live on the islands, how to plan a trip to the islands or how to support the conservation efforts, is available through this link to the Galapagos Consernvancy: https://www.galapagos.org/about_us/about-us/
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is an island paradise that ranks number one in the world for the cleanest air. Breathe in the fresh air, enjoy the beaches, and soak up the sun. After that, get to know more about the culture and people by visiting a local farm, touring a coffee hacieda(plantation), or join an experience at an innovative agritourism center, like making cheese.
Puerto Rico has natural wonders that wow, like it’s bioluminescent bays, the El Yunque Rainforest, and Desecheo National Wildlife Refuge, a popular place to scuba dive and marvel at reefs. You’ll also find hot springs, waterfalls, lagoons, lakes, and mountains. While visiting Puerto Rico, popular eco travel activities include scuba diving, swimming, hiking, paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, and cycling.
In conclusion, to plan your trip or learn more about Puerto Rico as an eco travel destination, check out this link from Discover Puerto Rico: https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/article/ecotourism-experiences-puerto-rico
Norway
Norway’s natural wonders are among the most beautiful in the world. In Norway, you’ll find fjords, snow-covered mountains, and cascading waterfalls. The country focuses on providing sustainable travel destinations and experiences. Some of the sustainable cities and towns to visit include Røros, Lærdal, Setesdal, and Trysil.
While traveling in Norway, popular activities for travelers include climbing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, canoeing, surfing, dog sledding, and horseback riding. Norway boasts the ‘right to roam’ which means that any visitors or citizens have free access to the countryside, including national parks. Explore the countryside by hiking, cycling, wild camping, and swimming in the fjords. Norway also has many outdoor and sustainably certified museums that let you experience culture, heritage, and art.
For more information on eco travel in Norway, check out Visit Norway’s website at: https://www.visitnorway.com/plan-your-trip/green-travel/sustainable-destinations/
San Francisco, California
The state of California is known for implementing strict laws and regulations to preserve the environment. San Francisco, California, was the first city in the United States to ban plastic bags, straws, and utensils to promote sustainable living. It’s also the second most walkable city in United States making it easy to get around in an eco friendly way. The city also has many restaurants that serve fresh locally sourced foods.
In 2003, San Francisco laid out it’s plan to become zero waste. The city now “offers more green-certified hotels, vegan restaurants, environmentally-friendly tours and nature attractions, including parks and wildlife reserves, than anywhere else on the planet” according to Culture Trip, citing research data from Hayes & Jarvis.
Further information on San Francisco’s ecotourism, can be found in this article by Culture Trip: https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/california/articles/is-san-francisco-the-worlds-most-eco-friendly-destination/
The Burren, Ireland
The Burren is located in County Clare and is a unique moon-like rock formation that is part of a UNESCO Global Geopark. As part of a Global Geopark, the Burren is committed to sustainable tourism. On a visit to the Burren, enjoy a guided walk or cycling tour to explore the landscape, explore the Doolin caves, or forage for wild food with a local expert.
At the Burren, there are a number of cozy B&Bs that encourage slow living and provide world-class Irish hospitality. A visit to the Burren is made even tastier when sampling local artisan foods. The area has been recognized for its local gastronomy and was named a foodie town by the Irish Restaurants Association. When visiting, be sure to follow the Burren food trail to enjoy quality food establishments that serve locally produced foods.
Further information on what the Burren has to offer, is available through Visit the Burren via this link: https://burren.ie/plan_your_visit/
The Shetland Islands, Scotland
While the Shetland Islands aren’t typically listed specifically as an eco travel destination, I definitely think they should be included. The Shetland Islands are the northern-most Scottish Islands that lay between the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea. While visiting the Shetland Islands, you can enjoy kayaking, surfing, diving, cycling, and hiking.
Enjoy bird watching, beaches, the northern lights, and visit world class archaeological sites from the Viking age. Wildlife on and around the islands include shetland ponies, otters, puffins, orcas, porpoises, seals, and more. Additionally, join in on cultural celebrations like Up Helly Aa, a fire festival that marks the end of the yule season. During the festival, demostrators dress in Viking attire paying homage to their Islands history.
Further information on things to do and the history of the Shetland Islands, can be found through this link: https://www.shetland.org/visit
Kerala, India
The state of Kerala has the highest number of eco resorts in India. Situated along the western coast of India, Kerala is known for palm-lined beaches and a network of canals. In Kerala, you’ll find accommodations ranging from eco lodges to sustainable luxury resorts. Certainly, visit the region and enjoy a slower pace of life. Go to the beach, visit a tea or spice plantation, watch a cultural dance exhibition, spend an afternoon birdwatching or marvel at a nearby temple.
To learn more about things to do in Kerala, check out this article by Tourism of India: https://www.tourism-of-india.com/blog/things-to-do-in-kerala/
Furthermore, for additional information on eco resorts in Kerala, check out this article from Soul Travel India: https://soultravelindia.com/eco-resorts-india/
Sources:
https://www.iqair.com/us/world-air-quality
Disclaimer: Sources also include articles linked throughout.
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