Exploring Eco-Friendly Destinations and Tips For Reduced Impact Travel
Sustainable travel means respecting our planet. Below are destinations that are taking steps to do their part by being eco-friendly and offering eco-friendly travel options.
Consider supporting local businesses while on your travels, as this puts more money directly back into the local economy. Furthermore, choose humane wildlife experiences by visiting wildlife preserves or animal sanctuaries instead of zoos.
Colorado
No matter where your travels take you in Colorado – from mountain trekking in Vail and Pagosa Springs, to taking in Denver’s vibrant arts and music culture or taking advantage of natural hot springs in Pagosa Springs or relaxing at natural hot springs in Pagosa Springs; to taking in its vibrant culture through art and music. Colorado provides numerous low-impact ways of enjoying its state – from sustainable dining and breweries, green accommodations or sustainable lodging; Colorado hotels ranches resorts are making an impactful contribution towards making our Centennial State the ‘Centennial State.
Colo-Road Trips provide those looking for more to do an excellent way of exploring lesser-visited locations and seasons with multi-day itineraries designed around them, providing great places to stay, eat, play and learn along with insider tips on traveling like a local.
RiNo is a trendy downtown Denver neighborhood specializing in modern design-forward hotels that prioritize sustainability initiatives such as energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, energy-saving lighting fixtures, reusable mugs, natural cleaning products and recycled linens. Visitors can also take a brewery tour at New Belgium Brewing; their carbon neutral B Corp operates using solar energy and uses sustainable packaging for their Fat Tire beer brew.
Denmark
Traveling sustainably requires a paradigm shift. This involves considering all possible ramifications of choices before making them, both individually and on behalf of others. More consumers say they want to make conscious travel decisions when planning trips – including selecting destinations, accommodations, transportation methods and activities that benefit local cultures and communities.
Avoid Hotels: Large corporations often own hotels and contribute to massive waste by laundering sheets and towels daily (and using chemicals), leading to enormous water, energy, and resource waste. Instead, select small locally-owned hotels or hostels that prioritize sustainability – leaving “do not disturb” signs on doors can save both electricity and water consumption costs.
Making local trips will reduce travel costs, carbon emissions and traffic congestion while simultaneously saving money and time. When flying, consider investing in an offset program to counterbalance flight emissions; they’re available through travel agencies and airlines.
British Columbia
British Columbia offers eco-travelers an idyllic destination, boasting breathtaking beaches, wild wilderness areas and friendly people – an idyllic environment for eco-travel. Locals have taken an active approach in protecting this incredible natural setting; evidence can be seen everywhere you turn in this province.
Nipika Mountain Resort or Stoltz Bluff Eco-Retreat are both exceptional wilderness retreats that provide luxurious wilderness immersion while leaving only minimal impact. Solar energy powers log cabins at Nipika, while salvaged dead wood is burned for heat at Stoltz.
Other eco-friendly options include Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge in Old Masset, where guests enjoy food sourced from local farms and fish caught from the nearby fjord, and Ocean House by Haida Tourism on Graham Island’s tranquil water for glamping experiences. Victoria city council has even taken proactive measures toward green travel with the installation of cigarette-shaped bins to educate visitors about proper butt disposal, bike lanes with trackers counting how many cyclists ride through its streets, and bike lanes equipped with trackers which track how many cyclists bike through town!
Iceland
Iceland’s stunning landscape provides the ideal setting for eco-friendly exploration. While many of Iceland’s top attractions require renting a car, you can still make strides toward sustainable travel here.
When renting a vehicle, choose one with better fuel economy and be mindful of your driving habits to avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.
Tours that support local wildlife and protect the environment are easy to come by; such as this glacier walk or this unique experience involving snorkeling between America and Europe.
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon in Jokullarlon provides an unforgettable eco-luxe experience. This premier eco hotel combines contemporary comfort with unrivaled commitment to sustainability. Utilizing recycled materials in its design and sourcing as much food from nearby producers as possible.
