If you are thinking about sustainable travel to go on your next vacation, then you need to know which are the best destinations. In this way, you will not only enjoy beautiful places where you can do countless activities, you will also help take care of the environment.
Sustainable travel can help protect the world in which we live, through actions that allow us to preserve the environment. In addition, it is a very good opportunity to connect with nature and learn that everyone has to do their bit to protect the planet.
What are sustainable travel?
Ecotourism, green vacations, sustainable travel, it is a new way of traveling, enjoying and caring for the environment. Where the preservation of natural environments and the connection with nature, is combined with tourism and the enjoyment of a good vacation.
It must be borne in mind that currently most of the tourist activities have a huge impact on the environment. In this way, they have quite negative consequences that put the life of the planet itself at risk.
Therefore, sustainable travel is a way to separate yourself from those people who only harm the environment when they travel. Which means that committing to caring for the planet is the main objective of conscious and responsible travelers.
What are the best sustainable destinations to go on vacation?
There are so many places that can be visited during vacation trips, however, not all of them can be considered sustainable. This is the reason why before traveling, it is very important to plan where to go. This way, you will not only have a great vacation, you will also get satisfaction from helping to preserve the environment.
In the world there are so many destinations to discover, the best way to do it is to be respectful of the splendid beauty that the planet has. Likewise, when traveling you can share many experiences with the people of the town you visit. If you take care of nature and everything that surrounds it, then you can achieve one of the best sustainable trips.
The best destinations to take into account when planning sustainable vacation trips are the following:
1. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
If you are looking for the best destinations to enjoy your vacations and protect the environment, the Galapagos Islands is the right place. Located in Ecuador, these islands are part of the great promoters of ecological tourism in the world. Especially because of the Galapagos National Park, where very positive changes for ecotourism began.
Its geographical location makes the Galapagos Islands an ideal biodiverse environment for the fauna and flora found in the place. Since the islands receive numerous ocean currents that make possible the life of different species in the area.
The Galapagos Islands cannot be missing from the planning of vacation trips. In fact, its international valuation is so great that the place has been considered a Natural Heritage of Humanity.
Among its best attractions is being able to interact very closely with the different animal species found on the islands. Not only the terrestrial species, but also the marine ones and of course, the flora in general.
Likewise, tourists will be able to enjoy many activities during their stay on the islands. The most popular are diving, snorkeling and excursions to meet and observe the most exotic animal species in the region.
On the other hand, there are several prohibitions that tourists must comply with without exception. You cannot smoke, fish, or practice any water sport, nor can you feed the animals. In addition, access to some areas is limited for a number of tourists, this is to avoid possible damage to the area.
2.Costa Rican
When it comes to sustainable travel to take care of the environment while enjoying a good vacation, Costa Rica is the best option. In fact, Costa Rica is the first region to develop its own seal of quality that is awarded to the many companies that are dedicated to tourism. This seal is known as CST or Certification for Tourism Sustainability.
At least 25% of the Costa Rican territory is exclusively dedicated to national reserves, parks and so-called protected areas. In addition, a large part of its public and even private policies work tirelessly to maintain the preservation of the environment.
The ecological tourism that takes place in the region is due to all the work carried out jointly between private companies and those that belong to the region. Organizations such as international, national and governmental NGOs are also of great importance.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest and the Manuel Antonio National Parks are an ideal example of the ecological tourism model. As well as, the sustainable development necessary for the animal and plant species of the region, can have a habitat.
Many tourists make trips to Costa Rica to enjoy their vacations and the environmental preservation of the entire place. In much of the region, there are various sustainable accommodations that are also respectful of the environment.
3. Inkaterra – Tambopata National Reserve, Peru
Located in the remote Tambopata National Reserve, the Inkaterra Field Station is another of the destinations that you should keep in mind for your vacations. Despite the fact that previously this place could only be visited by researchers, currently they receive tourists and even volunteers from anywhere in the world.
It is a jungle refuge that serves as a place to develop various projects for the preservation of the environment. They are all under the supervision of Inkaterra and now they also study the flora and fauna of the region.
Tourists can enjoy four cabins, all available with private terrace and extensive pavilions for shared use. Among its most outstanding activities are guided excursions up long hanging stairs located just above the forest. They can also access the Gamitana Farm and if they like, they can observe the surroundings through boat trips.
4. Bogota, Colombia
Considered by many as one of the most important cities in terms of ecotourism. Bogotá is one of the most important Latin American cities when it comes to ecological tourism. Inside, there are a large number of nature reserves where it is possible to closely observe the habitat of a wide variety of local species.
Today, government organizations in the Colombian capital have promoted various measures to benefit environmental conservation. One of these are projects to maintain and protect forests and natural parks. Since these are found in a large part of the territory and, in addition, they are essential for the sustainable tourism by which this beautiful city is governed.
Green areas are everywhere, which is beneficial for all residents and tourists who need to breathe clean air. In addition, there are various bicycle routes that allow Colombian citizens to travel by bicycle and not by private vehicle.
Bogotá is a city with excellent gastronomy and beautiful accommodations for tourists who wish to spend their vacations in a more sustainable way.
5. Curitiba, Brazil
Continuing with sustainable travel with the aim of vacationing, another of the preferred destinations is Brazil, specifically Curitiba. A city that many call “smile city”, it is an ideal place for ecological tourism.
The green spaces that can be found in the city of Curitiba are simply incredible and best of all, they are under protection. The city has at least 64.5 square meters of green space for every inhabitant, which is truly impressive.
There are also other programs such as Cambio Verde and Eco Ciudadano, the latter is essential for the collection of waste.
How to do ecological tourism?
You already know which are the best destinations for your sustainable and nature-friendly vacation trips. But do you know what it means to do ecological tourism? If you have no idea, don’t worry, you will find out how to do it below.
Although it is true that ecological tourism has become a trend in recent years, there are still people who do not do it correctly. Putting the environment of the natural places they visit during their vacations at risk. This means that instead of helping, they only end up harming the environment and, of course, the planet.
However, doing ecological tourism is not as complicated as it may seem. You just have to take into consideration some important points and once you have them in mind, you will be able to make sustainable trips without problems. Some of these points are as follows:
- Choose destinations that are among the most sustainable in the world.
- When choosing hotels, make sure that the accommodation maintains its sustainable commitment to nature.
- Avoid traveling with excess baggage, take only what you consider essential.
- If possible, choose destinations that are closest and easily accessible. Keep in mind that air travel significantly harms the environment.
- Avoid using single-use plastics during your trip and, more importantly, bring something to collect the waste you generate or find the right place to throw it away.
- Acquiring products from the town where you chose to travel is essential when doing ecological tourism.
- Become one with nature and enjoy a world that is always there, but you can hardly ever see it.
Sources: Infobae, CNN Spanish, Mice.