Looking to embark on your next unique adventure? If so, you’ve come to the right place. With so many incredible countries to explore, it can be hard to narrow down your choices. However, an excellent way to differentiate your options is by searching for eco-friendly travel destinations. These allow visitors to scour some of the favoured spots across the globe, all whilst being kind to the planet.
There are plenty of amazing eco-conscious travel destinations to choose from, meaning there’s something out there for all. Whether you’re pursuing a solo backpacking trip, a wholesome getaway with the whole family or a romantic retreat with your partner, there are more than enough places to visit sustainably.
Keep reading to learn more about what it means to partake in eco-friendly tourism, alongside some of the best places to visit and top tips for your next excursion!
Before we get started on some of the best places to visit for your next sustainable adventure, let’s first uncover what eco-travel means. Put simply, the term ecotourism refers to travelling to different destinations across the world all whilst considering the natural conservation of these environments. This can be done by helping to sustain local businesses or assisting in conserving the ecosystem in the areas you choose to visit.
Eco-tourism is an excellent way to see more of the top destinations across the globe, all whilst reducing your carbon footprint and assisting in helping these places thrive.
Now you know a little more about what ecotourism is, you’re likely wondering about some of the best eco-conscious travel destinations to embark on your next voyage. We’ve outlined a selection of excellent places to explore so that you can see all that the world has to offer, all whilst supporting sustainability.
Perched off the west coast of Portugal is the stunning Azores Islands. This is a wonderful place to visit for those looking to explore some of the most beautiful places in the world. Brimming with natural wonders and breathtaking landscapes, a trip here is sure to impress even the most avid of travellers.
Not only will you find a plethora of jaw-dropping greenery and exquisite wildlife in the Azores, but it is also one of the most sustainable places to travel. The islands have implemented efforts that focus on the conservation of nature here and have sourced several renewable energy sources. There are also plenty of tourist activities on the islands that reinvest the money into protecting the wildlife.
Spend your time here exploring dense rainforests and volcanic landscapes, or partake in whale-watching excursions to help support the conservation of these stunning creatures. No matter how you spend your time here, a trip to the Azores is one not to be missed.
Another of the top eco-friendly destinations to visit is Vietnam. This stunning country is home to a plethora of things to do and see and provides visitors with an excellent climate, fantastic culture and mouth-watering cuisine.
You will discover an abundance of national parks in Vietnam, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty here. These parks are also protected, focusing on the conservation of the pretty lagoons, coral reefs and exquisite wildlife.
With a ton of activities to enjoy such as hiking, biking, tours and more, you’ll never be stuck for things to do here. What’s more, travelling to some of the natural wonders throughout Vietnam also allows you to contribute to conserving these stunning spots.
With vibrant rainforests, rare wildlife, fantastic biodiversity and much more, Borneo has it all. This astonishing location provides visitors with an unmatched experience, alongside memories to last a lifetime. Here you can go trekking in the jungle, marvel over breathtaking landscapes, get up and close with unique animals and much more.
Borneo is also one of the most sustainable places to travel as there have been plenty of efforts put into place to ensure the conservation of this wonderful island. With a plethora of tourism companies offering fantastic experiences across Borneo, you can partake in a ton of activities all whilst giving back to the environment. Join eco-tours to see the orangutans, try snorkelling and scuba diving, go hiking into the depths of the jungle and much more during your trip here.
It’s worth checking out the different tour companies in Borneo before your visit as this will help ensure that your money is going towards the conservation of this lovely island.
Next on our list of the best destinations for eco-travel is the beautiful country of Slovenia. This hidden gem is one of the less visited places in Europe, but it has much to offer in terms of things to do and see. It also comprises magical landscapes, and stunning natural beauty and is one of the most sustainable places to visit.
With so much to see and do in Slovenia, a trip here won’t disappoint. Spend some time in Ljubljana’s capital, renowned for its eco-friendly public transport and lovely greenery. Alternatively, head to some remote parts of the country to scour shimmering lakes and fantastic hiking trails. The pretty land boasts an array of places to visit and attractions to enjoy, from its mouthwatering cuisine to the friendly locals and unique activities, you’re sure to find something here for all types of travellers.
No matter how you spend your time in Slovenia, you’re sure to enjoy all that this gorgeous country offers.
For those looking for a unique experience, Iceland is the place for you. The country is great to visit year-round as there’s always so much to see here. Whether to marvel over mighty glaciers or visit the fiery volcanoes, there’s an excellent blend of natural beauty to explore throughout Iceland.
The capital, Reykjavik is also an excellent place for those seeking some of the top eco-travel destinations. It is known for being one of the cleanest cities in the world and presents visitors with a plethora of activities to enjoy. Alongside the pristine metropolis, Iceland is also mostly powered by geothermal energy, making it one of the most sustainable countries to explore.
There are several tours to appreciate in Iceland, allowing you to see more of what this outstanding country has in store. Spend some time hiking through the rugged landscapes, see the Northern Lights or visit the many geothermal baths here. With so many incredible experiences, Iceland is a must-visit destination for eco-travellers.
Much like Iceland, Patagonia is another destination that provides visitors with plenty of rugged landscapes and raw natural beauty. With an array of incredible lakes, fascinating glaciers, mighty mountains and much more, you’re sure to find several places worth visiting throughout the region.
Located at the base of South America, Patagonia is a favoured destination for adventure seekers. You will discover stunning national parks, off-the-beaten-path hiking trails, dense forests and fast-flowing rivers when visiting the region. The scenery here remains untouched, making it a fantastic spot for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. However, to keep the ecosystem intact, you can only explore the national parks in Patagonia by foot or horseback, providing a sustainable way to see all that this stunning place has to offer.
A trip to Costa Rica allows for an unbeatable adventure. The unique mix of volcanic landscapes, intriguing wildlife and dense forests provides plenty for visitors to see and do during their trip. It is also one of the most eco-friendly destinations to explore as most of the electricity comes from renewable sources.
There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in Costa Rica including hiking, biking and more. Here you can visit the stunning sandy shores, trek into the rainforests, or wander the many national parks. Most of the wildlife here is also protected, ensuring that the plants, landscapes and animals are preserved.
Costa Rica is also home to an impressive number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Cocos Island National Park, La Amistard Reserve and National Park and Area de Conservacion Guanacaste. With so many incredible places to visit, you’ll want to add this beautiful spot to your list for your next trip!
Rwanda is a magnificent country, home to some of the most incredible wildlife. Spend your time here trekking with mountain gorillas, partaking in exciting game drives, visiting pretty lakes and much more. This vibrant country comprises lush greenery, mountainous landscapes and fascinating savannah plains, providing visitors with an abundance of things to see during their trip.
Volcanoes National Park is one of the most popular places to visit in Rwanda and for good reason. With an array of jaw-dropping landscapes and exquisite wildlife, a trip here won’t disappoint. The government is also heavily invested in the conservation of the area, with the money from tourism providing funds to support the local communities and protect the natural habitat.
For those looking for some of the best wildlife experiences, you’re sure to be impressed when visiting the outstanding country of Rwanda.
The Galapagos Islands are undoubtedly one of the best eco-travel destinations in the world. The islands provide visitors with a unique adventure comprising a plethora of outstanding natural landscapes and unique wildlife. These islands also have incredible biodiversity, with some of the flora and fauna here only existing in the Galapagos.
Not only were the Galapagos Islands the first world heritage site in the world, but the majority of the archipelago is also designated as a national park. Spend your days scouring the stunning islands where you can uncover plenty of fascinating history, rare animals and untouched scenery. The Galapagos is one of the last remaining untouched places in the world and the conservation efforts here work hard to keep it that way.
Another reason why the Galapagos Islands are one of the most sustainable places to visit is because they only allow a certain number of visitors to explore the islands at one time. This ensures that the landscapes and wildlife here are protected by preventing large numbers of tourists.
If you’re looking for a true bucket list experience, a trip to the Galapagos Islands has everything you need for an eco-friendly adventure!
Now we have covered some of the best eco-friendly holiday destinations, you’re likely looking for some extra tips to make the most out of your next unique excursion. Luckily enough, you’ve come to the right place. Below you will find a plethora of recommendations to ensure your travels are as sustainable as possible!
When you decide to plan your next trip can help with travelling more sustainably. Tourists often book in the peak season as this is when there is usually more to do and the weather is usually at its best. However, travelling off-peak helps to support the local businesses that are often overlooked during the busier periods. This therefore helps to support the local economy and allows the smaller establishments a chance to compete.
There are plenty of countries that offer incredible public transport. When embarking on your next adventure, we recommend you take advantage of the network of transportation to help reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment along the way.
Eco-friendly accommodation is on the rise, so you must opt for these when planning your next getaway. With rentals now using renewable energy such as solar power, wind power and more, booking your next stay in a sustainable rental will help you become a better eco-traveller.
Plastic is becoming increasingly dangerous to our planet, so using reusable items will help to lower your waste whilst travelling. We recommend things like reusable water bottles, zero-waste toiletries, paper straws, carrier bags for your shopping and more. These little changes will help amount to having a bigger impact on the places that you explore for your next adventure.
Opting to spend your money on local businesses will help the economy in the country you choose to travel, alongside those who own the business. You can do this by choosing local accommodation providers, shopping for locally sourced products, and eating in independent restaurants.
With so many incredible eco-conscious travel destinations to explore, you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice. These incredible places allow travellers to see some of the most unique parts of the world, all whilst supporting their local communities, ecosystems, infrastructures and more. Not only does sustainable travel provide explorers with unforgettable experiences but it also helps to leave a positive impact along the way.
If you’re an avid adventurer and are looking for your next excursion, you’re in the right place. Backpacker Boy has an array of fantastic travel guides that are packed with information across a variety of destinations. Check out the collection and get ready to start planning your next exciting voyage!
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