Many travelers are looking for more earth-conscious destinations for their next vacation. Busy, smog engulfed cities filled with bumper-to-bumper traffic and hotels that throw out on average of 2 pounds of trash per guest per day are not on the radar of many travelers. So where do I go if I want to avoid these kind of places? Here’s a list (no particular order) of eco-friendly locales around the world worthy of recognition.
New Zealand: One of the wold’s least populated countries at just over 4 million people New Zealand is a great choice for the earth friendly traveler. The country is on a mission to be completely free of fossil fuels by the year 2025. Sustainability is important them because many products have to be imported. Imported products cost more so citizens tend to consume less and preserve more typically. Much of there tourism revolves around nature like whale and dolphin watching, hiking nature trails, cave tours and beaches.
Chumbe Island, Zanzibar: Chumbe Island is a privately owned nature reserve off the coast of Zanzibar. The reserve includes a fully protected Coral Reef Sanctuary, Forest Reserve home to many species of rare wildlife, a Visitor and Education center and a small eco-lodge. All buildings and operations are use state-of-the-art eco-technology aiming at zero impact on the environment.
Ecuador: One of the most bio-diverse locations on the planet, Ecuador is home to over 5000 species of mammals. In 2008 the country modified its constitution to include not only better rights for its citizens but also constitutional rights for it’s other living creatures. This means that they do not treat it as property but recognize its “right to exist, persist, maintain and regenerate its vital cycles.” Off the coast of Ecuador are the Galapagos Islands, home to the famous giant Galapagos Tortoises.
Iceland: The capital city Reykjavik has been called one of the cleanest cities in the world. Because the island has 130 active and extinct volcanoes, the city is powered almost completely by geo-thermal energy. It is believed that they produce more green energy per capita than any city in the world. There are many outdoor activities to do here including whale watching, white water (3 class 4) rafting, hiking ice caves or behind a waterfall, take a helicopter tour around an active volcano, experience the Aurora Borealis or cross into the Arctic circle. Iceland is an outdoor lovers paradise and most things are accessible within an hour or two drive.
Bhutan: The country sits on the eastern slopes of the Himalayan mountains Bhutan is also one of the least visited countries in the world as well. As a matter of fact, foreign tourists were not allowed in the country until 1974. It is also the first country in the world to with specific constitutional obligations on its people to protect the environment. One of it’s requirements is at least 60 percent of the nation must remain under forest cover at all times; currently 72% of it is forested. It’s a shame more countries don’t enforce this law. It is also the only country in the world where the sale of tobacco is banned. So, no piles of cigarette butts tossed out the window. It is also the only country in the word with it’s main export being (hydro-electric power) renewable energy. It is also the world’s only carbon sink, meaning that it absorbs more CO2 than it gives out. They care about their environment too, plastic bags have been banned since 1999. One of Bhutan’s most famous landmarks, just a couple hours from the airport, is the Tigers Nest Monastery sitting on a steep cliff in the Paro Valley. Looking for more info on this beautiful country? Here are 18 can’t miss things to do on your trip.
Peru: The uniqueness of Peru lies in it’s natural surroundings. Peru has about 25,000 different plant species, 30% of which are not found anywhere else in the world. The Manu Biosphere Reserve, the Tambopata National Reserve, and the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, three of the largest protected rainforest areas in the world are found here and tour groups coming into these parks are regulated by the government. There are many exciting outdoor things to do here. Some of the most popular things to do is hiking the world-famous March Picchu. You can also take in the museum-like atmosphere of the Cusco Cathedral, walk through the Plaza de Armas and see the Archbishop’s Palace and the governments palace, and the Casa del Oidor in Lima.
Botswana: Home to over 40% of Africa’s elephant population, Botswana certainly ranks high on the eco- friendly bucket list. 38% of the country’s land area are devoted to national parks, reserves and wildlife management areas. Many of the game preserves and parks use electric vehicles and solar powered boats for viewing the animals. Their goal is to offer guests a totally emission-free, carbon-free game viewing experience. More and more eco-lodges are using solar lighting and recycling their water as well. You can read more about Botswana at one our previous blog posts here.
