What are the eco-friendly destinations and why you should go there!

Ecology is increasingly close to our hearts, in our daily lives but also in the search for new spaces. Ecotourism is developing more and more, proof of a collective awareness of the importance of sustainable development. So, how to travel green? Head to eco or eco-friendly destinations, discovering preserved nature and a local population committed to the fight for environmental respect. So, discover a small selection of eco-responsible destinations, all around the planet.

Galápagos, THE ultimate eco destination

Off the coast of the equator, in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, the Galápagos archipelago offers an exceptional natural heritage that the locals are effectively trying to preserve. It is in the Galápagos that you will find the most eco-friendly airport in the world, built with recycled materials, operating on renewable energy and recycling wastewater. An example to follow. The rules are quite strict regarding respect for animals: you observe, you do not touch, and you do not feed. This may seem harsh, but it has allowed the site to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. Here, everything is monitored and designed so that the traveler has a reduced ecological footprint. The archipelago is a natural park in itself where animals feel good, in their element. Don’t hesitate, follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, who stayed in the archipelago located about 1000 km west of the Ecuadorian coast in 1835. Click here!

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A post shared by Galapagos Conservancy (@galapagosconservancy) on Feb 11, 2019 at 10:17 PST

Costa Rica

With its 29 national parks combining jungle, volcanoes, protected wildlife and its 1200 km of coastline, Costa Rica is the green destination par excellence. Very involved in reforestation and the preservation of endangered species, the country has invaluable natural spaces and knows how to use them wisely. Thus, recent studies have announced that 98% of the energy consumed in the country comes from renewables. Bravo! Take a closer look!

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Arenal Volcano has a distinct and regal presence in the Northern Plains.

A post shared by Visit Costa Rica (@visit_costarica) on Mar 30, 2019 at 7:50 PDT

Estonia

More and more stays based on ecotourism are developing in Estonia. The biodiversity there is very rich and, a strong point of the country, they use very few pesticides on their crops! Plan a getaway to Soomaa National Park, which received a European Commission Award of Excellence for promoting sustainable development. If you like winter sports, the Otepää resort offers multiple nature-related activities: skiing, snowshoeing, or skating.

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Adventures on the seaside. ? @kotirantaan #travel #adventurepark #europe #seaside #baltic #noreic #qualitytime

A post shared by Visit Estonia (@visitestonia) on May 18, 2019 at 12:21 PDT

Slovenia

A little-visited destination but one that seeks to develop through the concept of ecotourism. The country does not yet have many eco labels, but the motivation of the locals is more than convincing. You can stay on tourist farms and visit the Snovik and Thermana thermal resorts. Don’t hesitate to get information before your trip, the concept of carpooling is very developed there, there are many bike paths and accommodations offer homemade dishes with local products.

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A post shared by Feel Slovenia (@feelslovenia) on May 16, 2019 at 11:55 PDT

Finland

A true example to follow in terms of ecology, respect for the environment seems obvious to most Finns. You will find many accommodations certified with the Nordic ecolabel, quite strict both in infrastructure and staff involvement. Here, the beauty of the landscapes is natural and preserved. Healthy holidays guaranteed!

Bhutan

The country has recently implemented a strategy of environmental respect and promotion of sustainable development. They aim to develop 100% organic agriculture. Living in perfect harmony with nature, the Bhutanese wish to gradually eliminate all forms of pesticides and live from traditional agriculture. Let’s hope they achieve their goal!

Botswana

Still preserved from tourism, Botswana is full of wonders to discover. The country has few road infrastructures, allowing the preservation of natural environments. Let yourself be tempted by a safari aboard a 4x4 running on solar energy, very quiet and thus facilitating the approach to animals. The lodges and hotels have all the necessary comfort for a pleasant stay and the local guides will offer you breathtaking excursions, far from the tourist buses coming to snap a picture of a lion or an elephant.

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A post shared by Brooke Saward (@worldwanderlust) on May 21, 2019 at 12:06 PDT

South Africa

Fan of wide open spaces, you will live a unique experience in South Africa. Many eco-volunteer type stays are developing, allowing you to discover the life of animals within a reserve or by participating in a conservation program directly in the field. So, why not try an original holiday, rich in memories and emotions?

India

Why not treat yourself to a yoga retreat while staying with locals? Take a detour through tea plantations to discover the basics and ancestral methods of picking? Or even spend the night in an ecolodge to go in search of the Bengal tigers… India offers many possibilities for green travel. Choose to avoid the large overcrowded megacities and escape off the beaten path to discover rural populations and an authentic country full of spirituality.

New Zealand

New Zealanders have always paid particular attention to the preservation of their ecosystem. Very meticulous about imports, controls are very strict as soon as you arrive in the country, and bins are even provided for you to throw away your waste before passing through customs. But it pays off: the landscapes are grandiose and the vegetation very atypical, some species exist only there. Maori culture requires, cities and tourist sites have Polynesian-sounding names, very exotic. With its geysers, hot springs, dozens of waterfalls, nature dominates in New Zealand in the North, as in the South, so much so that the infrastructures are perfectly adapted for camping. A trip to do once in a lifetime!

Canada

Looking for wide open spaces? You will surely find what you are looking for in Canada: the lakes, the forests are immense, as is the kindness of the inhabitants. Enjoy the splendid colors of autumn, the Indian summer there is a delight for the eyes. Winter is certainly harsh, but everything is adapted. Canadian nature offers a wide variety of nature-related activities: canoeing, hiking, snowshoeing, fishing, and… collecting maple sap to make the famous syrup!

The new concepts of ecological tourism are increasingly adapted to your desires, both for hikers and for family holidays. You will keep unforgettable memories, and above all, talk about it!