Our top eight eco-conscious destinations

We’re all keen to minimize our impact on the planet and its inhabitants, yet we all love to travel. If we are serious about traveling conscientiously, we need to vote with our feet and prioritize eco-friendly destinations and operators that take sustainability seriously and have implemented measures to safeguard important aspects of their region. Eco-friendly tourism can be defined in various ways, but essentially it is tourism which has a low impact on the environment and has a positive impact on the local community, something which is of fundamental importance to TravelLocal and underpins everything we do.

Responsible tourism is growing in popularity, meaning that forward-thinking nations are always on the lookout for ways to improve their eco-friendly credentials in order to attract the conscientious visitor. Some countries stand out for their laudable efforts to preserve their natural and cultural heritage, protecting it for us – and for future generations – to enjoy.

1. The Galapagos Islands

Ecuador, home to the Galapagos Islands, passed a groundbreaking constitution in 2008 that enshrined environmental protection into law. Known for its unique biodiversity, the Galapagos is one of the world’s most important eco-friendly destinations, recognized for its pristine nature and vital scientific research.

Ninety percent of the archipelago is protected as a national park, with carefully managed small-scale tourism designed to minimize impact on its fragile ecosystems. Residents of the islands grow up with a strong commitment to preserving their environment, prioritizing sustainable use of water and energy to protect their extraordinary home.

2. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a leader in conservation, low-impact tourism, and sustainability, setting itself apart with strong eco-friendly credentials. With 25% of its land protected and a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2021, much of its energy comes from renewable sources like solar, geothermal, and wind. As one of the top eco-friendly destinations, Costa Rica’s focus on preserving its unique ecosystems ensures visitors can explore volcanic hikes, wildlife-rich rainforests, and pristine wilderness beaches, all while supporting sustainable travel practices.

3. Belize

Tourism leaders in Belize are actively promoting the country as a destination that prioritizes sustainability and conservation. They recognize the vital role eco-tourism plays in protecting their fragile ecosystems, including the world’s second-largest barrier reef, and have launched several initiatives encouraging both visitors and locals to adopt a low-impact approach.

Belize boasts a higher percentage of its land protected as national parks and reserves than any other country, with many of these areas established in recent decades. Conservation efforts for water and energy are a top priority and widely promoted. Educational programs about reef preservation are well established, and community-based tourism projects have thrived, directly benefiting rural populations while supporting a sustainable tourism model that will serve both current and future generations.

4. Rwanda

Rwanda earns high praise for its proactive policies, establishing itself as a leader in environmental protection in Africa. The country banned plastic bags over a decade ago, becoming one of the first to enforce such a law. Authorities impose fines or even prison sentences on anyone caught importing or distributing large amounts of plastic bags or packaging.

While there are some exceptions, mainly for commercial food storage, travelers should know that any plastic packaging brought into Rwanda will be confiscated. Another impactful initiative is the national Umuganda Day, held on the last Saturday of every month. Meaning “coming together to achieve a common goal,” this community event focuses on tasks like erosion control and environmental conservation, fostering collective responsibility and sustainable practices.

5. Bhutan

There’s a reason why relatively few people have visited Bhutan: The tourist authority has implemented strict measures to ensure that this mystical kingdom receives low tourist footfall. It has achieved this by capping tourist numbers and introducing rules which require all arrivals to be booked on a guided tour. These measures have ensured that the distinctive, ancient cultures which make this country so unique are not diluted by streams of visitors, and maintains a low quantity / high quality model of tourism.

Bhutan’s particular approach to protecting their heritage extends to its natural resources. A law has been passed which safeguards the forest cover for future generations in Bhutan, stating that a minimum of 60% of the territory must remain forested.

6. Slovenia

Nestled between the picture-perfect Alps and the Adriatic, Slovenia is a top destination for sustainable travel. It was the first country to be declared a Green Destination of the World in its entirety, thanks to its dedication to conservation and responsible tourism. Over 50% of the land is protected, and its buzzing capital city Ljubljana has also been named Europe’s Greenest City.

Nature lovers would be remiss not to explore the country’s lush national parks or cruise by bicycle through one of its eco-friendly cities. There’s an eco-friendly adventure around every corner in Slovenia, whether you’re hiking in Triglav National Park or kayaking on the emerald waters of the Soča River. When it comes to dining, the country’s farm-to-table movement offers a variety of fresh, organic cuisine options.

7. New Zealand

New Zealand is famous for its postcard-worthy landscapes, and protecting them is a national priority. The country has committed to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and is already making progress with its renewable energy initiatives. About a third of its land is preserved through conservation areas such as national parks, which allows the country’s dramatic fjords, mountains, and beaches to remain unspoiled.

You’ll find a long list of eco-friendly activities in New Zealand, where you can enjoy the country’s natural beauty on full display while also minimizing your environmental impact. You can dive into the pristine waters of the Poor Knights Marine Reserve, kayak through the stunning Cathedral Cove, or take a cruise in Milford Sound to admire its spectacular landscapes. For land adventures, you can hike across Tongariro National Park’s volcanic terrain or fly over Franz Josef Glacier on a guided heli-hike.

8. Japan

Japan is an excellent addition to our list of top eco-friendly travel destinations in the world. This captivating country in Asia has embraced sustainable tourism through initiatives like energy-efficient transportation, strict conservation efforts, and a strong emphasis on local, seasonal food.

Nature and outdoor enthusiasts can admire the stunning scenery on Yakushima Island, a UNESCO-listed subtropical rainforest with ancient cedar trees. Add eco-conscious cities like Kyoto to your itinerary, which preserves its cultural heritage while promoting green travel options such as cycling and electric buses. You can even plan an overnight stay in a traditional ryokan inn, which often includes eco-friendly amenities like natural hot springs.

Make it happen

Balancing our adventurous spirit with a list of must-see sights and must-do activities is more important than ever. Fortunately, responsible tourism is a top priority for TravelLocal and our dedicated local experts, so you can book your trip with confidence and peace of mind. Learn more about our most eco-friendly destinations by clicking the links below!