Top Eco-Friendly Travel Destinations for Every Type of Traveller

Eco-friendly travel destinations are gaining popularity as our collective awareness of environmental impact grows. However, sustainable travel is not only about reducing our carbon footprint. We are about to immerse ourselves in local cultures, support local communities and responsibly explore our planet’s natural beauty. 

There are eco-friendly travel destinations to cater for your needs, whether travelling with family, alone or looking for a romantic getaway. Let’s explore some of those destinations to help you build curiosity and generate ideas for your next trip. 

Understanding Green Certifications

So what makes a destination sustainable? Checking for green certification is a great start to filter hotels, resorts, and tour operators that adhere to strict environmental and social standards. The most famous green certifications to check for are:

• Green Key

• Earth Check

• LEED (Leadership in energy and environmental design)

• Biosphere Responsible Tourism

Family-Friendly Eco-Friendly Travel Destinations

• Costa Rica

Costa Rica is famous for its sustainable tourism and preservation efforts. Rich in biodiversity and boats rainforests, gorgeous beaches, and volcanoes. It also offers plenty of family-friendly activities.

Many accommodations in Costa Rica are Green Key certified for their low environmental impact. They also support local communities, it is common to see solar panels for electricity. Plus, they recycle water.

What to see:

• Arenal Volcano National Park to explore hanging bridges, waterfalls, and hot springs.

• Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve for canopy tours, excellent for kids and adults. 

• Tortuguero Nations Park for observing wildlife.

• Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is great for a city break with a family. It offers eco-friendly activities, plenty of green spaces, and clean waterways. On top of that, the trip could be very educational for kids and adults as Copenhageners are leaders in sustainable urban living. 

What to see:

• Tivoli Gardens for their sustainability initiatives. It is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world!

• Copenhagen Zoo is another excellent spot to support their conservation and sustainability practices.

• Biking Tours to explore the city. Copenhagen is famous for its family-friendly cycling paths.

Pet-Friendly Sustainable Destinations

• Portland, Oregon, USA

Portland is a great eco-friendly travel destination, known for its sustainability efforts and pet-friendly amenities. It offers plenty of green spaces and parks. Furthermore, many hotels and accommodations have green certifications. 

What to see:

• Forest Park is one of the largest urban forests making it a great place for long walks. Your pets will be entertained for hours!

• Dog-friendly Breweries where you can savour local brew and your dog is allowed to keep you company. 

• International Rose Test Garden allows pets on a leash. 

• Lake District, England

Lake District offers numerous eco-friendly and pet-friendly accommodations, cottages and lodges. It’s a nature lover’s paradise with stunning landscapes and trails for a relaxing getaway with your pets. 

What to see:

• Windermere Lake is fantastic for boat trips and walks. 

• Grizedale Forest offers dog-friendly trails and installations. 

• Scafell Pike is the highest peak in England offering amazing and challenging hikes. Perfect for fitness enthusiasts and their dogs. 

Romantic Eco-Friendly Travel Destinations

• Ubud, Bali

Ubud is a perfect romantic location surrounded by nature, culture and luxury. Its atmosphere is serene and soothing, its landscapes are breathtaking. Look for accommodations with Green Key or Earth Check certifications. 

What to see:

• Tegalalang Rice Terraces is a lovely way to understand traditional Balinese agriculture while enjoying stunning views. 

• Eco-friendly spas are common in Bali. They are a great way to relax and have a couples massage. 

• Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary for a fun couple walk between ancient trees and playful monkeys. 

• Santorini, Greece

Those who haven’t been to Santorini almost certainly have seen pictures. Its gorgeous white architecture, colourful flowers, and suspended-in-time atmosphere all scream romance. Plus, many hotels in Santorini are LEED-certified as they focus on energy efficiency and sustainable building practices. Why not enjoy Santorini’s amazing sunsets with your loved one?

What to see: 

• Eco-friendly vineyards where you can taste local and organic vines.

• Amoudi Bay for a swim or dinner.

• Oia town is known for breathtaking sunsets and is very romantic. 

Sustainable Destinations for Adventure Seekers

• Patagonia, Chile

Patagonia is a rough diamond and the ultimate place for adventure or active holiday seekers. The entire region is committed to preserving its natural beauty. Therefore, put on your hiking boots and be ready to explore Patagonia’s dramatic landscape and diverse wildlife. Opt for tour operators with green certification. This way you can ensure your adventurous trip is both responsible and respectful.

What to see:

• Torres del Paine National Park for some stunning trekking paths.

• Patagonia National Park for hiking and wildlife watching.

• EcoCamp Patagonia for sustainable and comfortable accommodation. 

• Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown is another great active and eco-friendly travel destination. This town has embraced sustainability and can now offer eco-friendly accommodations and activities, including adventure sports. It is best to check for certifications before booking. 

What to see:

• Eco-tours with companies committed to sustainability for zip-lining or bungee jumping. 

• Milford Sound fjord for a breathtaking cruise. 

• Ben Lemond Track for a challenging hike with outstanding views. 

Eco-Friendly Travel Destinations for Singles

• Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver is set up to become the greenest city in the world and is bubbling with eco-friendly initiatives. This lovely city has many urban attractions to offer solo travellers. Support Vnacouver’s green initiatives by booking accommodation certified Green Key or LEED.

What to see:

• Stanley Park offers beautiful beaches and trails.

• Granville Island to visit local markets and artisan shops.

• Eco-friendly Tours for city sightseeing, or whale-watching. 

• Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is a vibrant city with entertaining nightlife. It is perfect for solo travellers! The city is also committed to sustainability and it is easy enough to visit responsibly. Barcelona offers great public transport and bike-sharing. On top of that, many hotels have Green Key certifications!

What to see:

• Barceloneta Beach is iconic and maintains high environmental standards. What a great place to relax and enjoy life.

• Eco-tours to explore the city.

• Park Guell to explore sustainable design and harmony between nature and architecture. 

Final Thoughts

Every trip we take should be sustainable and respectful to our planet and travel destination. We should all strive to make a positive impact wherever we go. There are eco-friendly travel destinations for everyone, from singles to families with kids. Are you planning a romantic getaway or adventure holiday full of adventures? No problem, you have options here too. But make sure to always check for green certification when planning and booking.