Why sustainable travel is important
We love travel because it expands our world—new foods, landscapes, music, and friends. But we also know tourism can stress fragile ecosystems and local communities. That’s why sustainable travel is important: it helps us protect what we came to experience in the first place. When we choose eco-friendly travel options—like low-carbon transport, locally owned stays, and nature-positive tours—we reduce our footprint, support livelihoods, and make trips more meaningful. In other words, sustainable tourism isn’t about saying no to adventure; it’s about saying yes to places in a way that lets them thrive long after we’ve flown home.
Below, we share the best sustainable travel destinations we keep returning to (or planning for), plus the exact habits that help us travel lighter, spend smarter, and leave places better than we found them.
How we choose “green” places (our EARTH framework)
Before we book, we run destinations through a quick mental check we call EARTH:
- E — Emissions: Can we reach and move around mostly by train, bus, bike, or foot? Are electric vehicles or ferries common?
- A — Access & nature: Are trails, beaches, and parks well maintained with clear visitor limits and signage?
- R — Resource use: Do hotels and tours minimize energy, water, and waste? Is tap water safe? Are refill points easy to find?
- T — Tourism management: Are there permits, community-led rules, or visitor pledges that prevent overuse?
- H — Hospitality & community: Do our dollars stay local—through family-run stays, markets, and guides paid fairly?
When a place scores well on EARTH, we know our money and time will do more good than harm.
The 10 best sustainable travel destinations
1) Slovenia
Why we love it: Small, green, and easy to traverse by train and bus. Forests, alpine lakes, and wine country are all close together. Many towns promote bike-first culture and nature protection.
Eco-friendly travel moves: Base in Ljubljana, then day-trip by train to Lake Bled and the Soča Valley. Stay in family-run guesthouses and bring a bottle for plentiful refill taps.
What to skip: Off-trail shortcuts and drone flights over protected lakes.
2) Costa Rica
Why we love it: A global leader in reforestation and wildlife corridors. National parks are thoughtfully managed, and guides are incredibly knowledgeable.
Eco-friendly travel moves: Choose lodges that run on renewable energy, take small-group wildlife walks in Monteverde or the Osa Peninsula, and use public shuttles where possible.
What to skip: Flash photography on night walks and feeding wildlife (ever).
3) Iceland
Why we love it: Abundant renewable energy and a strong respect for wild places—waterfalls, geothermal pools, black-sand beaches.
Eco-friendly travel moves: Travel in shoulder seasons, stick to marked trails, soak in community-run pools, and rent a hybrid or EV.
What to skip: Off-road driving (illegal and highly damaging).
4) Azores, Portugal
Why we love it: Volcanic islands with whale-friendly codes of conduct, excellent hiking, and farm-to-table culture.
Eco-friendly travel moves: Base on São Miguel or Pico, book certified whale-watching operators, and explore by bike or small EV.
What to skip: Disposable rain ponchos—bring a packable shell instead.
5) Bhutan
Why we love it: A measured approach to tourism with strong cultural preservation; trails, temples, and villages remain serene.
Eco-friendly travel moves: Travel with local operators who prioritize homestays and community projects. Hike responsibly—porters and guides are fairly paid and invaluable.
What to skip: Bargaining aggressively—fair pricing sustains traditions.
6) New Zealand (South Island)
Why we love it: National parks are pristine; infrastructure for hikers is excellent; respect for trail etiquette is the norm.
Eco-friendly travel moves: Use InterCity buses, rent a small hybrid, or join guided small-group hikes. Carry in/carry out is taken seriously—let’s match that energy.
What to skip: Touching or approaching wildlife, especially seals and penguins.
7) Rwanda
Why we love it: Thoughtful conservation and community partnerships around national parks; clean cities and strong environmental stewardship.
Eco-friendly travel moves: Book reputable, community-benefiting guides for primate tracking; spend time in local cooperatives and craft markets; choose hotels with water-saving measures.
What to skip: Plastic bottles—bring a filter bottle and refill.
8) Japan (Kyoto + rail network)
Why we love it: Impeccable public transport and walkable neighborhoods make low-carbon travel simple. Temples and gardens are managed with care and tradition.
Eco-friendly travel moves: Use rail passes, stay in small ryokan or guesthouses, and eat seasonal set menus (teishoku/kaiseki) to reduce waste.
What to skip: Overtourism hot spots at peak hours—visit early or late.
9) The Netherlands
Why we love it: Bikes everywhere, efficient trains, urban parks, and a culture that normalizes low-impact living.
Eco-friendly travel moves: Cycle between neighborhoods, explore secondary cities like Utrecht or Leiden, and choose apartment-style stays to cook local produce from markets.
What to skip: Canal “party boats” with loudspeakers—respect residents.
10) Norway (Fjords & Arctic towns)
Why we love it: Protected fjords, expanding EV infrastructure, and ferries that increasingly favor cleaner tech.
Eco-friendly travel moves: Take scenic rail lines, ride ferries as pedestrians, and pick eco-certified guesthouses. Enjoy local seafood where stocks are well managed.
What to skip: Chasing wildlife with drones; those stunning shots aren’t worth the stress on animals.
Note: We never need to see “100 places before we die.” We’d rather see fewer places, better—with time to learn, give back, and tread lightly.
Eco-friendly travel tips (sustainable tourism in action)
Let’s turn good intentions into daily habits. These are the food-and-footprint moves we lean on:
- Go shoulder-season. We avoid peak crowds, spread income to local businesses longer, and reduce strain on trails and transit.
- Pick location over luxury. A modest, central stay cuts rideshare miles and puts markets, bakeries, and parks within walking distance.
- Choose rail first. Trains beat short-haul flights for comfort and carbon. If we must fly, we bundle stops into one longer trip and stay longer in each place.
- Refill, don’t rebuy. Bring a filter bottle and a collapsible cup; look for refill stations at museums, trailheads, and cafés.
- Eat local, seasonal. Farmers’ markets and small eateries minimize transport emissions and food waste—and taste better.
- Book small groups. Nature walks, city tours, and wildlife encounters feel richer with fewer people; pressure on sites stays lower.
- Respect capacity. Permits, time slots, and one-way trails exist for a reason. We book ahead and stick to what we reserved.
- Pack light, wash smart. Fewer outfits = lighter transport loads. Choose quick-dry fabrics and hand-wash to reduce laundry energy.
- Mind microtrash. Fruit stickers, tea tags, floss picks—tiny items cause big harm. We stash a mini trash pouch in our daypack.
- Tip thoughtfully. Good wages and tips keep skilled guides and hosts in their communities—essential for sustainable tourism to thrive.
Greener on a budget (impact without overspending)
Traveling sustainably doesn’t have to be expensive. We use this trio:
- Swap splurges: Instead of a pricey hotel with a pool, we choose a modest stay near a park and spend the difference on a community-run tour or cooking class.
- Cook once a day: Local produce + simple recipes = lower food costs and packaging. We save restaurant meals for the places that tell a story.
- Move like a local: Weekly transit passes, bike shares, and regional rail cards save money and emissions while unlocking neighborhoods we’d miss by car.
A plug-and-play eco itinerary (works in most cities/regions)
Day 1 – Touch down gently. Walk the neighborhood, shop a market for breakfast basics, and locate the nearest water refill point. Sunset in a park, dinner at a small, local spot.
Day 2 – Learn first. Book a community-led walking tour or food tour to understand the history and etiquette. Afternoon museum by public transit; refill and picnic.
Day 3 – Nature day. Train or bus to a nearby trail, beach, or reserve. Stick to marked paths; pack out everything. Dinner at a cooperative café.
Day 4 – Craft & culture. Visit artisans, workshops, or farms; buy souvenirs that are useful and durable (textiles, ceramics, spices).
Day 5 – Slow finale. Revisit your favorite park or café, journal what you learned, and plan how to bring one habit home (bike commutes, market meals, shorter showers).
Frequently asked (and we ask ourselves, too)
“Is eco-friendly travel only about carbon?”
Not for us. Carbon matters, but why sustainable travel is important goes beyond emissions: it’s about fair jobs, healthy ecosystems, living traditions, and shared public spaces.
“What if we can’t avoid flying?”
We combine trips (one long journey beats three short ones), stay longer, choose efficient aircraft/routes, and favor rail once we land.
“Are certifications worth it?”
They’re a helpful starting point—especially when combined with reviews that mention water refill stations, towel policies, and community partnerships.
Final thought:
Vote with our itinerary
Every booking is a tiny ballot. When we choose places that protect nature, pay people fairly, and welcome visitors responsibly, we fund the future we want to explore. Use this guide to pick from the best sustainable travel destinations, lean on our tips for eco-friendly travel, and remember: the most memorable trips don’t just change our photos—they change our habits, too.
