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The world is full of bucket-list-worthy natural sights, but each one is as fragile as it is beautiful. As a nature lover, I’m often torn between wanting to see as many of them as possible and wondering about the damage I could unwittingly be inflicting.
Travel is both a blessing and a curse. It fuels local economies and opens our minds, but it can also destroy ecosystems and exploit vulnerable communities. To be responsible and sustainable, travel needs to have a balance between enjoyment and responsibility.
Destinations across the world have started to recognise the benefits of responsible tourism for creating a positive impact on the environment, local communities and economies.
1. NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand is one of the most accesible responsible tourism destinations in the world! New Zealand is one of the best responsible tourism destinations in the world. Ecotourism is the fastest growing sector in the country’s tourism industry and nature lovers are spoilt for choice for things to do.
There are over 10,000 protected areas, including reserves and 13 national parks. Visitors can enjoy plenty of educational activities, work on farms, take tours and learn about Maori culture.
New Zealand is also a great destination for solo travellers. Find out why here.
2. COSTA RICA
Costa Rica is home to 6% of the world’s biodiversity so it comes as no surprise that the country is a world leader in conservation.
A prime location for ecotourists, more than 11% of Costa Rica is protected in national parks and reserves. Stunning ecolodges are also common throughout the country.
Thrilling highlights include spotting the local wildlife, hiking, volcano hopping, chocolate tours and ziplining through the rainforests.
3. REPUBLIC OF PALAU
Palau is making waves on the sustainable travel scene. A new initiative launched by the Palau Bureau of Tourism aims to mitigate the tourism sector’s carbon footprint and turn the country into the world’s first carbon-neutral destination.
This small island nation also has one of the world’s largest marine sanctuaries and tour operators and tourists are banned from using single-use plastic, non-reef-safe sunscreen and styrofoam. For tips on how to cut plastic out of your packing list, check out my eco-friendly packing list.
Perhaps most significant of all, every visitor must sign the Palau Pledge on arrival to protect the country’s ecosystem. You can learn more about that here.
4. BHUTAN
This small Buddhist kingdom located in the Himalayas has built its tourism industry with sustainability in mind. All visitors must use a guide and pay US$65 per person for the number of days they’re planning to stay and the money is used for social development to sustain the country.
The preservation of the environment and culture is a key part of Bhutan’s ethos and it’s understandable when 72% of its territory is covered in forests.
Bhutan is also the world’s only carbon-negative country, producing fewer carbon emissions than its forests absorb. Goals!
5. THE MALDIVES
The Maldives is a top luxury holiday destination, however, this archipelago of islands and atolls has stepped up its game to ensure that its fragile ecosystem is protected. To eliminate the scourge of plastic waste, some resorts have set up their own recycling and glass water bottling plants.
Fishing is strictly regulated to manage the marine life and visitors must pay a US$6 Green Tax per person per day. If you love the ocean then the Maldives is the place to be.
Highlights including sailing trips and diving alongside turtles and whale sharks. You can also absolutely visit the Maldives as a solo traveller. It’s not just for honeymooners!
6. NORWAY
It’s no secret that Norway is one of the world’s top sustainable travel destinations. Going green for the planet is heavily imbued in Norwegian culture, not just its tourism sector.
The country has one of the most efficient recycling systems in the world and you’re rewarded for returning bottles and aluminium cans after use. In Norway, travel is about clean, green and authentic experiences.
Visitors can enjoy breathtaking train journeys, zero-emission electric ferries in the fjords and soon stay at Svart, the world’s most eco-friendly hotel!
7. FINLAND
Finland has been named the happiest country in the world for three years running which is perhaps attributed to its deep respect for nature.
Recently, Visit Finland launched a new Sustainable Travel Finland programme to help travel companies and regions across the country make more ethical choices in their businesses. This initiative was set up to preserve some of the country’s most precious wildlife.
Slow travel is very much celebrated here and visitors are encouraged to make use of the public transport system or cycle wherever possible.
8. ICELAND
Awe-inspiring scenery makes Iceland a top destination for visitors. Despite its popularity, sustainable tourism is paramount to the preservation of its natural resources.
In terms of clean energy, Iceland finds this easier than most. An enormous 75% of its total energy consumption comes from hydroelectric and geothermal plants.
The Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most famous attractions is an example of its sustainability at its best. Steps have been taken to protect this natural wonder, including geothermal energy for electricity and heating, pathways to protect the volcanic landscape and architecture that harmonise with the surrounding environment like this beautiful retreat.
9. KENYA
Responsible tourism is about finding a balance between communities, conservation and travellers, and Kenya is an expert at pulling this off.
A top responsible travel destination in Africa, Kenya is home to 55 national parks which allow the country’s formidable wildlife to roam free and protected. Visitors can spot the ‘Big Five’ there (buffalo, elephant, rhino, lion and leopard).
Kenya also has one of the world’s toughest bans on single-use plastic bags with heavy fines and even a four-year prison sentence for using them!
10. THE YASAWA ISLANDS, FIJI
The Yasawas is an archipelago of volcanic islands in the Western Division of Fiji. Responsible tourism has been in place here for over 30 years, ever since the first resorts were built.
The locals weren’t keen on having large corporate-run resorts so they decided to keep things small. Most resorts are owned by local villagers and they have a fairly low carbon footprint. It’s common to only have electricity at night and water heated by the sun.
Pristine beaches and coral reefs teeming with life make the Yasawas a haven for nature lovers. Fiji is also a fantastic solo travel destination (check out my island-hopping itinerary.