In this modern age, we have become more and more conscious of how we impact the planet and often search to reduce this adverse effect. Thus, it's no surprise that responsible and eco-friendly tourism has emerged as a growing industry.
Increasing numbers of tourists are attempting to travel more responsibly, focusing on destinations that are kinder to communities and ecologically sound. If you want to discover more about these desirable destinations and start traveling smart, read on.
Iceland
Iceland is notorious for its natural scenery, clean capital, and geothermal activity. Due to being situated on the mid-Atlantic ridge, this country is almost wholly powered by geothermal energy. The geothermal feature makes it one of the greenest countries worldwide. Furthermore, Iceland's renewable energy program produces the most considerable amount of green energy per capita compared to other countries.
Costa Rica
Situated in Central America, Costa Rica is one of the most environmentally friendly countries worldwide, producing most of its electricity from renewable resources. Its volcanic and tropical landscape is also highly protected to preserve the ecology and enormous range of animal species, which is stated to have roughly 5% of our world's total biodiversity.
New Zealand
With this country's natural beauty and sustainable travel, it's no surprise that New Zealand makes this list. Now considered a thoroughly green nation, New Zealand utilizes geothermal power as one of its primary resources. Lots of responsible tour operators are regulated in this region to ensure that the industry is adequately preserved.
The Azores Islands
You may not have heard of these islands – they are situated off Portugal's west coast. These scenic islands work to conserve local wildlife, commit to green energy, and have earned significant eco-credentials, making the country a responsible travel destination for conscious travelers.
Norway
Norway caps off this list with its colossal focus on conservation and green initiatives. Norway is said to be 'powered by nature,' with the country constantly striving to promote and celebrate responsible tourism. Whilst this country is one of Europe's biggest hydropower providers, Norway utilizes waste as a critical source of eco-friendly fuel, thus powering many different buildings, including schools, shops, and houses.
Key Takeaways
- The first thing to note with these eco-friendly travel destinations is that every choice you make impacts our environment – even if you’re just going on a vacation. The most innocent of options can drastically impact our planet, meaning that choosing your vacation location is incredibly important.
- Next, it's important to note that you can still have incredible experiences in eco-friendly regions. You don't have to sacrifice a quality vacation when visiting one of these countries – if anything, the experience may be better.
- Finally, any traveler needs to note that they have the power to change our planet for better or worse. With the environment's fate in your hands, it's time to start traveling smarter.
