Climate change is on the minds of more people now than ever before. We can literally see the impact of climate change right in front of our eyes.
As travelers it can be hard to balance the carbon footprint of travel with trying to preserve the beauty of the planet
That's why we green tourists love to support the destinations on Earth that are supporting their environments.
Let's check out some of the most sustainable destinations for ecotourism that you should consider visiting this year.
1. New Zealand
I had to include New Zealand at the top of this list of ecotourism destinations because of its sheer natural beauty. Green fields run right up to mountain steppes under the bluest skies with the freshest air you will ever have the opportunity to breathe.
New Zealand has really taken its natural beauty to heart in the last 20 or so years and they have dedicated themselves to becoming a leading nation in eco-friendly tourism.
Now that New Zealand's tourism industry basically relies almost solely on the natural environment, it is in the country's best interest to preserve, protect, and regulate their wildlife and environment.
I think New Zealand is a prime example of how humans can still make plenty of money while living side by side with untouched nature.
Where to Visit
New Zealand might not be a big country but it is a long country made up of two islands. Both of these islands are very different from each other.
On the South Island you can hike glaciers or take a whale watching cruise. While on the North Island you could take a trip to Auckland, or bike or hike up one of the many mountains in the area.
It's all up to what kind of environment you want to explore!
2. Costa Rica
If we were playing Family Feud, and everyone got asked the question, “what is the best place for ecotourism?” I guarantee you, Costa Rica would be the number one answer.
It has to be one of the most beautiful countries I have ever set foot in. Costa Rica really has everything that a nature person would love. There are amazing rainforests, mountains, beaches, rivers, and volcanoes. And they are all ready to be explored!
Did you know that 25% of the land in Costa Rica is made up of wildlife reserves or national parks? That is a huge chunk of the country dedicated just to nature!
If you are looking for a more traditional outdoor adventure, Costa Rica might just be the place for you.
Where to Visit
When I visited Costa Rica I got to stay at the Nicoya Peninsula, which juts out into the Pacific Ocean, and offers over 80 miles of shoreline-lined beaches.
The best part about this area are all the little villages that you can check out while you explore the peninsula. You will meet so many friendly people who are very excited to have tourists stop by!
3. Singapore
If you are a nature lover who also loves the city, Singapore is the place for you. Long ago, Singapore vowed to be the “City Within a Garden”, and they have spent their time achieving that goal.
From the moment you walk into Singapore, you just get overwhelmed with the amount of green in the city. Literally there are trees and plants growing off of some of the buildings! All the roads are lined with bright green trees and there is a park around every corner instead of a Starbucks.
While there might not be not be traditional outdoor activities like hiking or camping, you can still enjoy plenty of nature and greenery while you explore the city.
What to Do?
One of my favorite things to do in Singapore is to visit the Gardens By the Bay. To me this is the most beautiful part of Singapore.
Not only are you going to see hundreds of thousands of different species of plants, you will see plant displays on giant metal trees that will blow your mind. If you are feeling adventurous, you can climb and walk across the 72 foot-tall skyway between the massive trees!
4. Rwanda
When you think of ecotourism or tourism in general, very rarely are you going to come up with Rwanda as the place to take a vacation. But hear me out.
The reason that many people visit Rwanda is because of their natural world. Here you will see animals that you can only really see in zoos in other parts of the world, specifically mountain gorillas. Many people come here to help protect the species.
I do have to say Rwanda is for the more experienced travelers. I definitely would not make this my first country to explore. It's more of a mind opening experience than a fun, exciting vacation. But it will definitely be a story to tell that not many other people will have.
Where to Visit
I would say the number one place to visit in Rwanda is the Great Rift Valley. This is a massive valley that spans quite a few countries in Africa, but Rwanda lies directly in the valley. There are thousands of spots to hike and explore, but I suggest checking out Lake Kivu or one of the many Massai villages around the Great Rift Valley!
5. Nepal
Nepal is a very popular country for adventurers for one reason and that is Mount Everest and the Himalaya mountains.
Every year, around 800 people attempt to summit the full Mount Everest, while over 100,000 people make it to at least the Everest Base Camp.
Even though Nepal is a very small country that is landlocked between India and China, the country contains 10 national parks, three wildlife reserves, and six conservation areas.
Like many other countries on this page, Nepal's tourism relies mostly on their natural beauty, so protecting their land is in their best interest.
Where to Visit
If you're coming to Nepal I guarantee you you are coming to climb Mount Everest, but in case you aren't a mountain climber I would suggest checking out the local wildlife such as tigers, elephants, and rhinos!
As for where to stay I would suggest a classic Nepal accommodation: the tea house. Tea houses are kind of like bed and breakfasts. They are cozy places to stay and have small meals, they help support the local economy, and you will meet plenty of locals and fellow travelers.
6. Iceland
When people think of a place to plan a vacation they usually think warm and sunny, not freezing cold like Iceland.
Despite being the coldest country on this page Iceland happens to have some of the most beautiful natural landmarks on earth.
From hot springs to mountains to gorgeous cliffs dropping right into the ocean, Iceland really has everything you could want in ecotourism.
The capital city of Reykjavik is considered one of the cleanest and greenest cities on the entire planet. And the best part about Iceland is it's perfect to visit anytime of the year!
Where to Visit
Iceland has such a variety of geography that it is very difficult to choose just one place to visit, but if I had to choose, I would say that viewing the Northern Lights is one of the best things you can do when visiting Iceland.
If you don't live in a very northern country, then witnessing the Northern lights has to be on your bucket list. It is the one thing on this Earth that has left me in true awe. I hope you can go and get the same feelings that I got.
7. The Azores Islands
I'm sure you have heard of all the other countries on this page but this one might have you scratching your head.
Well it's not technically considered a country and more considered an autonomous region located decently far off of the coast Portugal, The Azores Islands are one of the most underrated beautiful places to visit if you are considering ecotourism.
Since most of the islands are made up of volcanoes, you will see lush tropical landscapes and many lakes that have formed in the craters of these volcanoes.
The Azores Islands are one of the most unique places on earth and the beauty will make you almost feel like you are on another planet.
Where to Visit
Since the islands are quite small there isn't one specific place that you can visit but rather you can explore many of the different islands. Enjoy their landscapes as you go through up and down valleys and gorges in the tropical air.
One unique thing that you can do here that you can't do anywhere else in the world is have the traditional food of cozido, which is a kind of stew that is cooked in volcanic fumarole!
Lastly...
As you can see there are many places that you can visit if you want to be more environmentally friendly!
A few of these places are Iceland, New Zealand, Costa Rica, and Nepal.
Remember the Earth is a very large planet and there is beauty everywhere, not just in these 7 countries. It's up to you to find that beauty.
Enjoy your travels!
Sources:
“Most Eco Friendly Places To Visit On Earth.” Explore! https://www.exploreworldwide.com/blog/most-eco-friendly-places-to-visit
