Sustainable Travel: Expert Tips for Eco-Friendly Choices That Protect the Planet
The International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development is an ideal moment to embrace travel choices that protect our planet, empower local communities, and enrich your adventures.
See
Bears in Alaska
A single transatlantic flight equals a year’s driving emissions. Explore closer to home: North America’s 355 million residents can discover Alaska’s low-impact adventures. Witness its three bear species—especially the threatened polar bear—for an educational, awe-inspiring experience. Choose operators with Adventure Green Alaska certification.
Whales and dolphins in the Azores
Observing whales and dolphins in their natural habitat ranks among the world’s top wildlife thrills. The Azores host 27 cetacean species, including sperm and blue whales (seasonally), with reliable sightings. World Cetacean Alliance partner Dolphin and Whale Connection offers ethical whale- and dolphin-watching tours.
Go
Sweden
Hailed as the world’s most sustainable nation, Sweden ensures a minimal travel footprint. Stay at over 250 Nordic Ecolabel-certified hotels and hostels, or join Nature’s Best ecotours. Cycle Gothenburg, explore Stockholm’s urban national park, and enjoy organic local cuisine. Read more about Sweden’s sustainable initiatives.
Nepal
Sustainable travel means thoughtful spending. The 2015 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit Nepal’s tourism hard, but key trekking routes are reopened, with communities relying on visitors. Now’s the time to go. Extend your impact with Eco Companion’s 20-day village rebuilding program.
Gansbaai, South Africa
Once a quiet fishing village, Gansbaai now excels in community-driven responsible tourism: hike, kayak, fat-bike, whale-watch, and more. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve leads with awards for poverty reduction and fynbos conservation. Whale-watch with Fair Trade Tourism-certified Dyer Island Cruises, supporting key projects.
Stay
Cayuga Collection Hotels, Costa Rica
A sustainability leader targeting carbon neutrality by 2020, Costa Rica offers eco-friendly attractions, tours, and hotels. Explore the Cayuga Collection’s eight award-winning properties in pristine wilderness. Seek Certification for Sustainable Tourism hotels, meeting strict natural, cultural, and social standards.
Community homestays
Staying with locals provides cultural immersion and direct community support. For lasting benefits, book vetted options via operators like Responsible Travel, offering sustainable homestays worldwide, from Goa to Guatemala.
Do
Opt for ethical elephant interactions
Elephant rides harm these animals, per experts. Choose ethical Thai sanctuaries like Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai or Elephants World near Kanchanaburi for safe, respectful encounters.
Support sustainable restaurants
Farm-to-table and zero-waste efforts are transforming dining globally. Pioneers include Seattle’s recyclable packaging mandate and Copenhagen’s eco-restaurants. In Copenhagen, reserve at Relae.
Be conscious of your plastic footprint
Popular destinations overwhelm with tourist waste—Bali alone uses ~3 million plastic bottles monthly. Refill reusables, use cloth bags, skip plastic straws. See banthebottle.com for plastic’s environmental impact.
