As the world becomes increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability, more people are looking for eco-friendly travel destinations. If you’re one of those people, then you’re in luck! There are many amazing eco-friendly destinations to choose from around the world.
In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the best eco-friendly destinations in 2023. We’ll explore why each destination is considered eco-friendly and some activities you can enjoy there.
1. Costa Rica: The Rainforest Paradise
Costa Rica is known as one of the most eco-friendly countries in the world. The country has a long environmental conservation history and is committed to sustainable development.
The country is home to some of the most biodiverse rainforests in the world, and the government has several policies to protect these ecosystems. For example, the country has a ban on hunting and deforestation and several national parks and reserves.
Monkeys, sloths, crocodiles and jaguars are but a few of the hundreds of species that have built their homes here. Costa Rica boasts some rich national parks that are heavily regulated to make sure they adhere to eco living guidelines and protect them from outside influence.
In addition to its natural beauty, Costa Rica is also home to several eco-friendly businesses and initiatives. Many eco-lodges and resorts in the country offer sustainable tourism options. These businesses use renewable energy, conserve water, and minimize environmental impact.
As a result of its commitment to sustainability, Costa Rica has become a popular destination for eco-tourists. Visitors can enjoy various activities in Costa Rica, such as hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, bird-watching, and sustainable whale-watching. They can also learn about the country’s unique ecosystem and its commitment to environmental protection.
2. Iceland: The Land of Fire and Ice
Iceland is a land of fire and ice, making it a truly unique and awe-inspiring destination. But Iceland is also a very eco-friendly country, making it an excellent choice for travelers looking to explore the natural world without harming it.
Iceland gets most of its energy from renewable sources, such as geothermal and hydroelectric power. The country also has a ban on single-use plastics, and several eco-friendly initiatives exist, such as community-based tourism and sustainable agriculture.
As a result of its commitment to sustainability, Iceland has become a popular destination for eco-tourists. Visitors can enjoy various activities in Iceland, such as hiking, biking, glacier hiking, whale watching, and snowmobiling. They can also learn about the country’s unique geology and its commitment to environmental protection.
Here are some eco-friendly activities that tourists can expect to find in Iceland:
- Glacier hiking: Visitors can hike on top of glaciers, such as Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe.
- Whale watching: Visitors can see humpback whales, minke whales, and orcas in their natural habitat.
- Sea kayaking: Visitors can explore the coastline and wildlife by sea kayak.
- Black sand beach walking: Visitors can walk on the black sand beaches, such as Reynisfjara Beach, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Geothermal spas: Visitors can relax in geothermal spas, which are heated by the earth’s natural heat.
Overall, Iceland is a superb destination for travelers looking for an eco-friendly vacation. The country has much to offer visitors, from its stunning natural beauty to its commitment to sustainability.
3. Maldives: The Tropical Paradise
The Maldives is a group of islands in the Indian Ocean. It comprises 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean and is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and stunning coral reefs. The Maldives is also considered a top eco-friendly destination for the following reasons:
The Maldives government has several policies to protect the environment, including a ban on single-use plastics and a focus on renewable energy.
Many resorts in the Maldives have taken steps to reduce their environmental impacts, such as using solar power and recycling. The destination is also home to several marine protected areas, which help protect the country’s coral reefs and other marine life.
The Maldives government has developed several initiatives to promote sustainable tourism, such as the Maldives Ecotourism Guide and the Maldives Sustainable Tourism Label.
These initiatives help to ensure that tourists can enjoy the Maldives’ natural beauty without harming the environment. As a result, the Maldives is a great choice for travelers looking for an eco-friendly vacation.
The Maldives is great for snorkeling, diving, and sailing. Many sustainable tourism initiatives, such as resorts built on stilts to minimize their environmental impact, are also in place.
4. The Azores: The Sustainable Islands
The Azores are a group of volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. They are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including dolphins, whales, and sea turtles. The Azores are committed to sustainability.
They have several policies to protect the environment, such as a ban on single-use plastics and a focus on renewable energy.
The Azores are a great place to go hiking, biking, and sailing. There are also several sustainable tourism initiatives in place, such as whale-watching tours that are carbon neutral.
5. Seychelles: The Spice Island
The Seychelles is an archipelago of islands in the Indian Ocean. The country is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including birds, turtles, and dolphins.
The government of Seychelles has a strong commitment to environmental protection. The country has some laws and policies to protect its natural resources, including a ban on single-use plastics and a focus on renewable energy.
Seychelles is also home to many protected areas. There are over 40 national parks and reserves in Seychelles, which help to protect the country’s unique biodiversity.
As a result of these efforts, Seychelles is one of the most sustainable countries in the world. Organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund and the United Nations Environment Programme have recognized the country’s environmental leadership.
Seychelles Frigate Island
Frigate Island is one of the 115 islands that make up the country of Seychelles. This is a luxury yet environment-friendly retreat. It is only 4 degrees south of the equator and north of Madagascar about 950 kilometers. There are only 16 villas on the 700-acre island.
There are many eco-friendly projects underway at all times. Some of these are research-oriented and spread to other Seychelles islands once they are tested and perfected. Guests enjoy participation in these projects a great deal.
6. Palawan: The Last Eden
Palawan is an island in the Philippines. The island is home to various wildlife, including turtles, monkeys, and birds.
Palawan is considered an eco-friendly destination for several reasons.
First, the government of Palawan has a strong commitment to environmental protection. The province has strong laws and policies to protect its natural resources, including a ban on single-use plastics and a focus on renewable energy.
Second, many businesses in Palawan are committed to sustainability. Several eco-friendly hotels, resorts, and tour operators in the province offer sustainable tourism options. These businesses use renewable energy, conserve water, and minimize environmental impact.
The province is home to several protected areas. There are over ten national parks and reserves in Palawan, which help to protect the province’s unique biodiversity.
7. Losari Coffee Plantation – Central Java, Indonesia
Losari is an original eco-friendly place. Still an operating coffee plantation, with almost one hundred years of operation, everything about Losari is environmentally friendly. Every bungalow is made from natural materials with plantation teak wood used more than 80 years ago to make each structure, in authentic Javanese design.
There are many opportunities to get to know the local people, including chances to help in local rehabilitation environment projects. There are classes and opportunities to learn about natural and traditional medicines still used today throughout the island of Java. Situated in a valley surrounded by four active volcanoes, Losari is as natural and eco-friendly as a vacation destination can be found.
8. Sarinbuana Eco Lodge – Central Bali – Indonesia
Another Indonesian spot that regularly wins acclaim is located on Batkaru Mountain in the center of mystical Bali. The location of Sarinbuana Eco Lodge gets visitors as close as possible to nature. Each private bungalow looks out on a protected rainforest, with breathtaking views and sounds, especially at night. No more than ten guests may stay at Sarinbuana at any one time, making privacy and time for eco-studies top priority for all involved.
Hikes into the protected forests and classes in traditional Balinese cooking are just part of the activities to be enjoyed. All appliances are eco-friendly and much of the lodge facilities are light by solar lighting. The staff and guests have weekly meetings to discuss ways and ideas to make this environmentally aware resort even more eco-friendly.
9. The Ice Hotel, Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
This concept has become increasingly popular over the past few years due to a television documentary. What is the unique selling point of a holiday at the Ice Hotel? Apart from the fact that it is made of ice, it only exists for approximately 8 weeks every year!
The entire hotel is created from surrounding ice, cleverly formed into blocks and designed to withstand its own weight. Everything from the bar to your bed is made of solid ice – there is even sculptural ice artwork in each room that have been precisely made to fit the ambiance. Accommodation for tourists to this spectacle comes with unique rooms (everyone is different), large communal areas and of course the Northern Lights which cannot be missed!
10. The Island Nation Of Palau
Palau is a must for any diving enthusiast and eco-traveller alike, with crystal blue waters and coral reefs that are considered one of the best in the world. The island of Palau has had a long standing history of being an eco hotspot, well before the TV show ‘Survivor’ made their base there, due to the diversity of jungle trekking and diving alike. The reef is a no-fishing zone, which helps keep the freedom of this untouched landscape alive with over 500 species of fish to see.
Palau has many small, native style hotels to stay in that have all been created within the Palau Conservation Trusts strict sustainable development guidelines. This really is the epitome of eco friendly family holidays.
11. Wildflower Hall, Shimla, India
This is an eco spot for those of you that love a deluxe holiday mixed with an eco friendly environment. This amazingly stunning resort in Shimla was once a summer estate of the Commander in Chief to the British Army in India and has been left preserved, so when staying here you will feel like you were transported back in time. This is the perfect destination for those of us who love to spend days hiking in amongst unspoilt landscape. The grounds the boast an amazing array of pine, oak and rhododendron forests that are waiting to be explored and mile upon mile of indescribable views.
12. Kenya – the epitome of eco adventure
Kenya may be last in this article, but it is often first in the minds of many ecotourism fans. It is well known for its sprawling savannas that are literally teaming with animals. Many tourists visiting Kenya head straight to the organised safaris to witness these amazing creatures.
But, Kenya is also home to some of the world’s most beautiful lakes, mountains, forests and beaches known to man. I would strongly urge a trip to the Virgin Rain Forests of Kakamega for your chance to explore Kenya’s biodiversity up close and also time your trip with wild beast migration patterns to have a chance to witness these animals at their most powerful.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! These are just a few of the best eco-friendly destinations to visit in 2023. With their stunning natural beauty, commitment to sustainability, and wide range of eco-friendly activities, these destinations offer travelers a way to explore the world without harming the environment.
But before you go, here are a few tips for making your trip even more sustainable:
Choose a destination that is committed to sustainability. Look for destinations with a good track record of environmental protection and offering eco-friendly tourism options.
Stay in an eco-friendly hotel or resort. Many eco-friendly hotels and resorts around the world use renewable energy, conserve water, and minimize their environmental impact.
Pack light. The less you pack, the less you’ll have to bring home with you, and the less impact you’ll have on the environment.
Be mindful of your impact on the environment. When you’re out and about, be mindful of your environmental impact. Recycle, reuse, and reduce whenever possible.
