10 Sustainable Travel Destinations That Should Be on Your Bucket List
Image by: Till Rottman - Pexels
What if you didn’t have to choose between incredible travel experiences and sustainable ones?
Growing awareness of the risks of unmitigated travel has caused many to rethink their next vacation. But the good news is that sustainable travel can happen (and in some of the world’s most beautiful destinations!)
The key is choosing destinations that prioritize environmental responsibility while still delivering the luxury and comfort you desire. The list isn’t short either – you’ll find that many of the globe’s countries that rely on tourism for their economic growth are looking at ways to innovate their offerings.
Let’s look at ten of those top sustainable travel destinations that should be on your bucket list.
Sustainable Travel is the Future of Luxury Tourism
Discerning travelers want experiences that align with their values and open their eyes to culture and comfort.
Recent studies have found that 76% of luxury travelers now want to travel more responsibly and are willing to pay more to do so. Destinations are noticing and working hard to create new ways to lure travelers to authentic experiences.
But the best sustainable travel destinations go beyond just sustainable practices. They create full experiences and travel programs that protect local environments and support communities. The result is a trip that exposes visitors to a new way of travel.
10 Sustainable Travel Destinations for Your Bucket List
1. Costa Rica
Costa Rica didn't just jump on the sustainable travel bandwagon. They helped create it. This Central American destination now generates over 90% of its electricity from renewable sources and protects more than 25% of its territory through national parks and reserves.
You can stay in carbon-neutral eco-lodges overlooking pristine beaches and support local communities through excursions to the Monteverde Cloud Forest and Manuel Antonio's stunning coastline.
2. Finland
Finland takes sustainable travel seriously. With 80% forest coverage and some of the world's cleanest air and water, the country's Sustainable Finland program is a philosophy worth adopting.
You can stay in a luxury glass igloo powered entirely by renewable energy, or experience traditional Sami culture while supporting indigenous communities.
3. Bhutan
Bhutan takes sustainability seriously – they’ve actually put it into constitutional law. This Himalayan kingdom demands the nation maintain 60% forest coverage and measures Gross National Happiness over GDP. These have created a completely different approach to tourism.
The country's high-value, low-impact tourism policy means fewer crowds and more meaningful experiences. You may pay more to visit Bhutan, but every dollar supports conservation efforts and community development programs.
4. Ecuador
Ecuador packs incredible diversity into a relatively small space. The Galápagos Marine Reserve and Yasuní Biosphere Reserve are some of the world's most important conservation efforts, and your trip to the region can help support the initiatives.
A pro tip? Take advantage of high-end eco-lodges in the Amazon that provide exclusive access to wildlife viewing and scientific research programs while contributing directly to habitat preservation.
5. Greenland
This vast Arctic territory focuses on education and minimal environmental impact in all its tourism initiatives.
You can enjoy small-group expedition cruises alongside trained marine biologists or participate in traditional Inuit cultural experiences. Plus, the country is home to climate research stations that provide perspectives on our planet you can’t get anywhere else.
Luxury expedition vessels operating in Greenland waters adhere to strict Arctic Council guidelines, a key part of any sustainable travel philosophy.
6. Scotland
Scotland made history as the first nation to declare a climate emergency for tourism. This declaration means they created targeted funds to implement sustainability measures across the entire tourism sector.
The country's Green Tourism certification scheme helps travelers identify sustainable accommodations, like castle hotels powered by renewable energy and Highland lodges supporting rewilding projects.
7. Rwanda
Rwanda has a storied and often tragic history, but the country has progressed over the years – including positioning conservation at the heart of its tourism strategy.
The country's mountain gorilla protection efforts have turned former poachers into conservation leaders, creating employment opportunities that make protecting wildlife more profitable than exploiting it.
8. New Zealand
New Zealand's natural beauty is the heart of its tourism industry, making sustainable efforts imperative. The country's Tourism Sustainability Commitment aims to achieve carbon-neutral tourism by 2030.
The country's Dark Sky Sanctuaries offer some of the world's best stargazing experiences while supporting light pollution reduction efforts.
9. Singapore
Singapore’s "City in a Garden" vision creates some unique opportunities for luxury eco-tourism in an urban setting.
Singapore has created a framework for how cities can balance development with environmental responsibility, including their famous vertical gardens and recycling systems that support the circular economy.
10. Barbados
As a member of the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism, Barbados demonstrates how island nations are working to play a role in the growing sustainable travel movement.
Luxury resorts offer "green stay" options and coral restoration experiences while supporting local communities through employment and sourcing programs.
Fill (and Scratch Off) Your Bucket List with A Sustainable Travel Agent
These are just ten of the many sustainable travel destinations that allow you to experience the world's most beautiful places while contributing to their preservation for future generations.
The key to maximizing your positive impact lies in working with sustainable travel agents who understand sustainable tourism and can connect you with the best destinations and experiences.
Are you ready to explore these incredible sustainable travel destinations? As your dedicated travel advisor, I specialize in crafting luxury sustainable travel experiences that exceed your expectations while respecting our planet.
Let's discuss your next eco-conscious adventure and discover how sustainable travel can be the most rewarding journey you'll ever take.