Imagine yourself lounging on a tranquil beach, only to spot plastic waste and candy wrappers bobbing in the water and littering the sand. Sadly, garbage and pollution have tarnished countless tourist hotspots. Faced with this disheartening sight, the quest for pristine, eco-conscious destinations becomes paramount. Let’s take a look at the leading havens of sustainable tourism. Let’s explore the most eco-friendly travel destinations, where nature flourishes and conservation is revered.
Whether you’re into hiking, diving, or simply unwinding amidst serene landscapes, these destinations promise unforgettable experiences without harming the planet.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen, Denmark, is the most sustainable destination and is considered one of the cleanest cities in the world. Denmark, as a whole, aims to become carbon neutral by 2025. Two-thirds of the city’s hotels in Denmark hold an eco-certificate and have vending machines that give money in exchange for empty cans or plastic cups.
It is also home to over 200 miles of bike paths and several train lines. Stockholm, the capital city of Sweden, is ranked as the No. 2 most sustainable destination in the world. The city also aims to become fossil-free and climate-positive by 2040.
In this beautiful city, you can click pictures with the Little Mermaid statue. You can visit the Statens Museum for Kunst, take a glimpse of the royal history at Rosenborg Castle, and explore the Islands Brygge Harbour Bath, along with other sustainable things.
Costa Rica, America
Costa Rica is a popular travel destination because of its pleasant climate throughout the year. The country produces most of its energy from renewable resources, and hydropower generated from rivers helps meet Costa Rica’s electricity demand. It focuses on using geothermal, wind, solar, and biomass rather than serving power from non-renewable resources. Costa Richa ensures that hotels provide sustainable services.
Although there are many eco-tourism in Costa Rica, the top places to explore are Corcovado National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Ostional Mixed Wildlife Refuge, and Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve. These places will help you experience the best of Costa Rica’s tourism.
New Zealand
The country’s eco-tourism initiatives focus on providing sustainable adventures that minimise the environmental impact; these include eco-lodges nestled in remote forests and sustainable resorts with innovative energy-saving practices.
New Zealand also preserves and celebrates the country’s indigenous culture and heritage by allowing tourists to engage with the Maori community and learn about their traditional practices, storytelling, and connection to the land.
If you plan to visit New Zealand, consider Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, Fiordland National Park, Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers and Waitomo Caves.
Kenya, Africa
Kenya tries to connect the locals with the tourism industry in conserving and preserving their environment. The country focuses on community-based tourism initiatives as a sustainable way to support local economies and empower communities. With the help of these initiatives, tourists can engage in cultural exchanges, participate in handicraft workshops and contribute to community projects. Moreover, many lodges and camps in Kenya have implemented eco-friendly practices such as energy conservation, waste management, and support for local conservation projects.
You can book an overnight luxurious tented lodge at Laikipia, watch the great wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara, go on a horseback ride along the Chyulu Hills, and go souvenir shopping at the Nairobi National Park and Elephant Orphanage Giraffe Centre.
Norway, Europe
Norway is known for its stunning beauty, including fjords, mountains, and glaciers. It is a popular destination for ecotourism supporters. Several hotels and attractions are certified as eco-friendly. They have implemented sustainable practices such as reducing waste, conserving energy & water, and using renewable resources.
Norway and other Scandinavian countries have taken steps to switch to hydroelectricity, shifting to electric transport, establishing recycling initiatives, and making a lot of effort to ensure that the seas and nature are free of pollution.
The Oslo region, Lofoten and Nordland, Bergen and the western fjords, The Geirangerfjord and the Northwest, Trondheim and Trøndelag are some of the places you can’t miss.
Bhutan, India
Bhutan is called the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’ and a popular destination for ecotourism enthusiasts. Furthermore, it prioritises environmental conservation and sustainable development. It has emerged as a country with net zero emissions. It has also turned into a carbon sink, absorbing more carbon than releasing. The nation focuses on sustainable organic farming and forestry practices. Furthermore, Bhutan is a climate-conscious forest economy that mitigates forest fires, preserves wildlife habitat, and practices sustainable forest management for timber, fruit, and rubber.
If you put Bhutan on your bucket list, these places are a must-visit – Dochula Pass, Buddha Dordenma Statue, Jigme Dorji National Park, Punakha Dzong, Tashichho Dzong, Chele La Pass, National Museum, Phobjikha Valley, Taktsang Palphug Monastery, Simtokha Dzong, Rinpung Dzong, Tango Buddhist Institute.
Luxembourg, Europe
Luxembourg is one of the greenest countries known for its environmentally friendly lifestyle. It is working hard to reduce traffic by improving its public transport network and increasing the share of renewable energy in electricity. There are several initiatives in Luxembourg, such as redistributing food waste and promoting a sustainable diet, buying second-hand clothes and furniture, agro-ecology, package-free fruit and vegetables, electric car and bike subsidies, carpooling and Luxembourg’s first eco-village to make the nation more sustainable.
Casemates du Bock, Le Chemin de la Corniche, Panoramic Elevator of the Pfaffenthal, Luxembourg American Cemetery, and Grand Ducal Palace are worth exploring.
Mawlynnong, India
Mawlynnong in Meghalaya is known as the cleanest village in Asia and has eco-friendly infrastructure and community-driven waste management and conservation. In Mawlynnong village, you’ll find charming traditional homes topped with thatched roofs, surrounded by lively gardens filled with colourful blooms.
Here, the villagers have cleverly transformed discarded items into stunning works of art, showcasing both their creativity and dedication to recycling. It’s a perfect place to explore how cleanliness and sustainability seamlessly merge with cultural richness.
The best time to visit the village is from October to May as the weather stays pleasant and dry. If you plan to visit the village, the Mawlynnong Waterfalls are something you can’t miss. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
