Sustainability should be the new norm in travel. After all, it is extremely important to protect our environment and the local cultures you are visiting. Below you will find my list of the most sustainable travel destinations.
Bhutan
Bhutan is the happiest country in the world. Also, Bhutan is the only carbon negative country in the world. Subsequently, putting it on top of the list for me. Sustainability comes first in Bhutan; to protect their people, their culture and the environment. As a result, an astounding 72% of the country is dense, lush forest.
Bhutan requires visitors to pay for their trip in advance and they make it mandatory to use a guide. This way, you know the money is staying in the country and you are helping to hire locals.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is probably one of the most well-known sustainable destinations in the world. The country was just acknowledged for being a “Champion of the Earth” by the United Nations for their sustainability efforts. The country is also set to become the first carbon neutral country in the world, after Bhutan of course. An impressive 25% of the Costa Rican landscape is protected in some way. Additionally, many of the resorts incorporate their design into the landscape with very little impact, using natural resources.
Sweden
While on the search for tours in Sweden, look for the “Nature’s Best” certification. This certification means the tour operator adheres to strict rules and regulations in the environments favor. The same goes for hotels, look for the Nordic Eco-labeled hotels swan symbol. Sweden also produces most of its energy from renewable sources. One of which being body heat, how cool is that? Helsinki, Sweden has a new local program that helps you make a sustainable travel itinerary. Check it out online at Think Sustainably!
Palau
In Palau, 80% of surrounding waters are a marine sanctuary, to protect from fishing and mining. This is great news for scuba divers, of whom make up a large portion of the tourism coming into Palau. Visitors must make the “Palau Pledge” when visiting the country, therefore agreeing to protect the environment and culture. In addition, Palau will even ban the sale and use of toxic sunscreens in 2020, known to suffocate coral reefs. I am definitely adding Palau to my scuba diving bucket list!
Norway
Again with a Scandinavian country being on top for the most sustainable countries in the world. The city of Oslo is set to become the greenest city in Europe. Oslo also aims to be carbon neutral by 2050.
If you want to get out of the city, look no further than Visit Natives. With Visit Natives, you can immerse yourself in the lives of indigenous peoples around the world. In Norway, you can visit with the Sami reindeer herders. Definitely a very unique and a very culturally and environmentally sustainable way to travel.
New Zealand, Denmark and Iceland are also pretty high up on my sustainable destinations list. Keep sustainability in mind next time you plan a trip and don’t forget to take the train when you can!
I hope you enjoyed my list of the most sustainable travel destinations. Don’t forget to book your trip with your favorite travel planner, yours truly. If you liked this blog post, then check out How to Travel Sustainably!
