If you’ve ever dreamed of taking a trip that doesn’t leave a carbon footprint, this is the list for you. These sustainable travel destinations are perfect for those who want to experience beautiful landscapes while also helping local communities and ecosystems thrive. Plus, they’ll help save money!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Sustainable travel is an essential aspect of responsible tourism. |
| You can reduce your carbon footprint while traveling by choosing eco-friendly accommodation, supporting local businesses, and minimizing plastic use. |
| There are many beautiful and sustainable travel destinations around the world, from the beaches of Costa Rica to the mountains of Norway. |
| With proper research and planning, sustainable travel can be affordable and accessible to everyone. |
| By prioritizing sustainability, we can help to minimize the negative impact of tourism on the environment and local communities, while promoting responsible travel practices. |
1. Golden Bay, New Zealand
Golden Bay is located in the Tasman region of New Zealand, which is known for its natural beauty. A small town with a population of only about 5,500 people, Golden Bay offers visitors many opportunities to explore the area’s natural wonders.
One of the most popular destinations for surfing in New Zealand and home to some of the best waves in all of Oceania, Golden Bay also has beautiful beaches and coves that are perfect for swimming or sunbathing.
Sustainable travel is not just a trend, it’s a necessity. Take the first step towards eco-friendly travel with our 15 simple ways to make your travel more eco-friendly guide.
2. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, USA.
Mount Rainier National Park, in Washington state, is home to over 100 miles of trails. The park also has over 150 glaciers and over 700 lakes. In fact, Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the lower 48 states.
The park features a variety of hiking opportunities for different skill levels, including day hikes and backcountry trips that require advanced skills and gear. Visitors can wander through old growth forests on the Pacific Crest Trail or take an easy hike along Reflection Lakes.
For those who want more of a challenge than simply walking around the area, they can try climbing the mountain itself—the highest point in Washington state at 14,411 feet above sea level!
| Location | Washington, USA |
|---|---|
| Area | 236,381 acres |
| Established | March 2, 1899 |
| Activities | Hiking, camping, wildlife watching, scenic drives |
| Sustainable features | Sustainable waste management, LEED-certified buildings, electric vehicle charging stations |
| Fun fact | Mount Rainier is the highest mountain in the state of Washington and is an active volcano. |
3. Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia
The Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia are the world’s largest salt flat, covering over 4,000 square miles—that’s about the size of Israel! The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been nicknamed “the world’s largest mirror” because it reflects the sky so perfectly.
While it sounds like something out of science fiction (and looks like it too), this natural wonder is actually home to many indigenous people who make their living off tourism on the flats.
A number of tour companies provide transportation from nearby towns or cities such as La Paz or Uyuni itself to take you out onto these strange landscapes where you can take pictures without even moving!
4. The Quilotoa Loop, Ecuador
The Quilotoa Loop is a popular tourist destination in Ecuador, and for good reason. This circular route takes you through the town of Quilotoa and the stunning crater lake, which sits at an elevation of more than 12,000 feet above sea level.
The loop can be done on its own or as part of a larger itinerary that covers a lot more ground in Ecuador. Either way, it’s worth spending at least one night here to enjoy this incredible setting before heading back down into the lower elevations again.
Make your travel memories meaningful by reducing your carbon footprint. Our ultimate guide to sustainable travel will help you plan an eco-friendly trip while exploring the world responsibly.
5. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands are a group of volcanic islands located in the Pacific Ocean, and they’re home to many unique species, including marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and penguins. The islands were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978 due to their biodiversity.
While you can visit the islands on your own by taking a charter flight or yacht cruise, most visitors go through an organized tour group which means there will be other people around when you’re eating your lunch on shore. To get away from it all with no crowds around (or even any other humans), book one of these eco lodges instead:
6. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA
The Grand Canyon is a 277-mile long canyon that was formed by the Colorado River. It’s one of the most impressive and best-known tourist destinations in Arizona, with over five million people visiting each year. The park itself is 15th largest national park in America, covering 1,904 square miles.
The canyon itself is up to 18 miles wide and a mile deep—it’s impossible to see its full extent from one spot on its rim!
Sustainable travel doesn’t have to break the bank. Our 15 budget-friendly sustainable travel tips guide will show you how to enjoy eco-friendly travel without sacrificing your budget.
7. Daintree National Park, Queensland, Australia
- Daintree National Park, Queensland, Australia
- The World Heritage Site is a tropical rainforest that’s home to the world’s largest collection of ancient cycads, which are considered the oldest living things on earth. It’s also home to the world’s largest collection of ancient fig trees—check out the enormous Ficus watkinsiana tree at Wooroonooran National Park!
8. The Green Hotel in Mysuru, India
In the last decade, India has transformed into a popular travel destination for tourists. One of the top places to visit is Mysuru, also known as “The City of Palaces.” If you’re looking for sustainable hotels in India, then look no further than The Green Hotel.
This luxurious accommodation is one of the most sustainable hotels in all of Asia and it’s located in Mysuru city the capital city of Karnataka state.
The Green Hotel uses solar energy to power its operations, which include its rooftop garden and composting toilets (which are more commonly referred to as dry toilets).
Additionally, their water recycling system helps them reuse 100 percent of their wastewater onsite for things like landscaping!
Traveling can be both luxurious and eco-friendly. Discover the world’s most beautiful and sustainable destinations with our list of top eco-friendly hotels and resorts around the world.
9. Cinque Terre National Park, Italy
The Cinque Terre National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the Italian Riviera. The park consists of five villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore.
The villages are connected by hiking trails, but you can also take ferries between them if you prefer not to hike. There are many hiking trails in the park ranging from easy to difficult.
10. Adam’s Peak Mountain in Sri Lanka
Adam’s Peak is a 2,243-metre high active stratovolcano located in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. It is one of the most sacred mountains in Sri Lanka. The mountain is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike.
The mountain has two peaks: Samanala Kanda (“Holy Mountain”), also known as Saddhammana (“Sacred Tooth Relic Peak”) or Samanalakanda Vihara (“Sacred Tooth Relic Temple Peak”), at 2,246 metres (7,395 ft), and Sathupana Malaka (“Footprint Peak”), at 2,225 metres (7,300 ft).
Both peaks are covered in dense jungle and have been designated national parks. The lower eastern slopes of these mountains are occupied by tea plantations
Make your vacation more environmentally conscious by taking simple steps to reduce your carbon footprint. Check out our guide on how to reduce your carbon footprint on your next vacation for practical tips.
Conclusion
We hope this list has given you some ideas for where to visit next. We’ve included everything from mountain peaks and lakes to islands, national parks and cities. There’s something for everyone on here so don’t be shy! And remember if you do one of these trips, let us know!
I am Hellen, I’ve been passionate about sustainability for as long as I can remember. It’s something that my mom taught me from a young age, and it’s something that has shaped my life in so many ways.