6 Destinations for A Sustainable Travel Adventure

With borders slowly opening up, it is time to consider your next trip. How about investing your wanderlust in destinations that are working on conserving their heritage and culture, preserving natural wonders, and reducing their carbon emissions?

From animal conservation in the Galapagos Islands and signing a pledge where you vow to protect the environment in Palau to the preservation of ancient cultures in Bhutan, here are six destinations to fuel the eco traveler in you!

Bhutan

The kingdom of Bhutan is so green, it is actually carbon negative. 72% of the country is covered by forests which absorb more than four million tons of carbon dioxide per year (knowing that Bhutan emits around 2 million tons). When it comes to tourism, Bhutan has done it the right way in minimizing the impact of tourists to the environment. It works on a sustainable “high value, low volume” concept: every traveler to Bhutan pays a daily tariff that covers one’s stay, transportation, food, and guide. The “sustainable tourism” charge goes back to environmental conservation as well as the country’s health-care and education systems.

Guyana

Guyana is one of four regions in the world that is part of the Green Shield, one of the largest protected tropical rainforests in the world. Locally, the country works on promoting ecotourism and low-carbon living with its beautiful beaches, tropical rainforests, endless savannahs, and incredible mountain ranges. Through sustainable tourism, Guyana is committed to nature conservation and works on preserving its protected areas and species. For an inside into Guyana’s tourism, stay at one of the country’s many ecolodges, immerse yourself in its nature and waterfalls, and discover its rainforests and reserves which are packed with wildlife like monkeys and jaguars!

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Take a walk around the city’s old town, spend your morning at the park, learn about Slovenia’s history and culture, and discover one of Europe’s greenest cities. In Ljubljana, the city center is free of cars and left for the poeple. You can only get around here via electric trams or bicycles. Ljubljana is has become the first European city to adopt a zero-waste program and to avoid overtourism, making it one of Europe’s greenest capitals with high environmental and sustainable standards.

Palau

Between the Philippines and Guam is the Republic of Palau, an island that places its nature first and tourism second. Its remote location makes it less susceptible to overtourism, and the government is always working to keep the island unharmed from human touch. Palau’s marine conservation works on preserving the country’s waters in which 80% is a sanctuary designated as a no-fishing area. It is also home to a shark sanctuary and a jellyfish lake. Keep in mind that you have to pay a sustainability fee on arrival and sign the Palau Pledge, where you vow to protect the environment.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

If you are a wildlife lover, then the Galapagos Islands are for you. In terms of sustainable travel, Ecuador is known for being the world’s leading green destination. In the Galapagos Islands, 98% of its lands and sea are protected under the country’s conservation law. Eco-tourism methods are the custom, and only sustainable developments are allowed on the island. You can make your trip here even more meaningful by volunteering through replanting native species to the island, working directly with the animals, or helping maintain the population of sea turtles and sea lions.

Gozo, Malta

When it comes to Malta, tourist guides usually point you to the capital of Valletta, but make sure you visit the eco island of Gozo. The archipelago has certified blue beaches and won the award for global leadership in promoting sustainable education in schools and avoiding human exploitation on its beaches. Gozo has come up with the “Eco-Gozo Island 2020” plan which encourages sustainable education and organic food production – making it one of the most eco islands of Europe.