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

Ecology is increasingly close to our hearts, both in our daily lives and in the pursuit of new spaces. Ecotourism is growing more and more, proof of a collective awareness of the importance of sustainable development. So how to travel eco-friendly? Head to eco-friendly destinations, where you can discover preserved nature and a local population committed to fighting for environmental respect. Here’s a small selection of eco-responsible destinations around the world.

Galápagos, THE ultimate eco destination

Off the coast of Ecuador, in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, the Galápagos archipelago offers an exceptional natural heritage that locals are striving to preserve effectively. In Galápagos, you will find the world's most eco-friendly airport, built with reclaimed materials, running on renewable energy, and recycling wastewater. A model to follow. The rules are quite strict regarding animal respect: observe, don't touch or feed. This may seem harsh, but it enabled the site to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. Everything here is monitored to ensure that travelers leave a reduced ecological footprint, as the archipelago is a natural park in itself where animals feel at home. Don’t hesitate any longer; follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin who stayed in the archipelago located about 1000 km west of the Ecuadorian coast in 1835. Check it out 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 incorporating jungles, volcanoes, protected wildlife, and its 1200 km of coastline, Costa Rica is the ultimate green destination. Deeply involved in reforestation and the preservation of endangered species, the country possesses invaluable natural spaces and knows how to use them wisely. Recently, studies announced that 98% of the energy consumed in the country comes from renewable sources. Well done! Look closer!

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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 eco-tourism based trips are developing in Estonia, where biodiversity is very rich and a strong point of the country; they use very few pesticides on their crops! Plan an escape to Soomaa National Park which has received an excellence award from the European Commission for promoting sustainable development. If you love winter sports, the Otepaa resort offers multiple nature-related activities like skiing, snowshoeing or ice skating.

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Adventures on the seaside. 🌊 @kotirantaan #travel #adventurepark #europe #seaside #baltic #norwegian #qualitytime

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

Slovenia

A less touristy destination aiming 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 in tourist farms and visit Snovik and Thermana thermal stations. Be sure to inquire before your trip; carpooling is very developed here, there are numerous 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 numerous accommodations certified with the Nordic ecolabel, quite strict in both infrastructure and staff involvement. Here the beauty of landscapes is natural and preserved. Healthy holidays guaranteed!

Bhutan

The country has recently implemented a strategy for environmental respect and promoting sustainable development. Their goal is to develop an agriculture that is 100% organic. Living in perfect harmony with nature, Bhutanese people aim to gradually eliminate all forms of pesticide and live off 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 for the preservation of natural environments. Let yourself be tempted by a safari aboard a solar-powered 4X4, which is very quiet thus facilitating animal approach. Lodges and hotels offer all necessary comforts for a pleasant stay and local guides will offer breathtaking excursions away from tourist buses snapping photos of lions or elephants.

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

South Africa

Fans of wide open spaces will experience a unique adventure in South Africa. Many eco-volunteer type stays are developing, allowing you to discover animal life within a reserve or participate directly in conservation programs on-site. Why not try original holidays rich in memories and emotions.

India

Why not treat yourself to a yoga retreat while staying with locals? Detour through tea plantations to learn about picking techniques? Or spend a night in an ecolodge exploring Bengal tigers... India offers numerous options for eco-friendly travel; choose to avoid overcrowded megacities and venture 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 preserving their ecosystem. Very meticulous about imports, checks are very stringent upon your arrival in the country; bins are even provided for disposing of waste before clearing customs. But it pays off; landscapes are magnificent and vegetation is very unique, some species exist only there. Maori culture requires it; cities and tourist sites bear names with Polynesian connotations, very exotic. With its geysers, hot springs, waterfalls by dozens, nature reigns supreme in New Zealand both North and South so much that infrastructures are perfectly suited for camping. A journey to be made once in a lifetime!

Canada

Looking for wide open spaces? You will surely find happiness in Canada with immense lakes and forests as vast as its inhabitants’ kindness. Enjoy splendid autumn colors; Indian summer there is a delight for the eyes. Winters may be harsh but everything is adapted accordingly. Canadian nature offers a wide variety of nature-related activities, canoeing, hiking, snowshoeing, fishing...and harvesting maple sap for making that famous syrup! New concepts of ecological tourism are increasingly tailored to your desires whether you're hikers or looking for family vacations; you'll keep unforgettable memories—and most importantly—talk about it!