For some of us, winter is the best moment to start thinking of our 2019 travels.
To help you, we’ve selected some of the best eco-friendly destinations that could be an excellent choice for a responsible holiday.
Need more inspiration? Read our best sustainable travel places to visit in 2020
Georgia
Whether you are looking for a city break or a month trip hiking through the mountains, Georgia is to us, the next eco-friendly travel destination you should be watching.
Settled between Asia & Europe, easily accessible, Georgia is a promise to view areas untouched from time and still preserved from over tourism
The country is a blend of cultures: Persian, Turkish and Russian; it has century-old architecture, one of the world’s oldest wine producing regions and mountains higher than the alps.
Georgia is still a preserved region for all responsible travellers, promoting authentic tourism.
In the mood for urban travel? Head to Tbilisi
Think life is better at the beach? Head to Batumi.
British Columbia
© Destination British Colombia
British Colombia that won the destination award from Tourism For Tomorrow in 2018 has all the features, nature lovers could dream of.
This region has natural parks, protected wilderness areas whether inland or on the islands of the Pacific.
It is an ideal destination for ethical wildlife watching, hiking, kayaking and paddling in scenic waterways.
The Canadian Rockies, which are UNESCO classified are a paradise to hike through in summer or ski in winter.
Don’t miss a stop in the green city of Vancouver one of our favourite cities with parks on the American Continent.
Belize
© U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Belize is on the east coast of central America. Bordering to the north with Mexico and Guatemala to the west and south.
This diver’s mecca, known around the world for its great blue hole, is also a destination of choice for those looking to relax and enjoy off the beaten path nature retreats.
36% of the territory’s lands have a protected status.
Plan hikes in the country’s natural parks, or in the forests that cover 66% of the territory. If you are a fan of birdwatching, the country welcomes 600 different species.
Belize may be less known for its archaeological heritage: more than 600 ancient Maya sites can be seen across the country.
2018, brought great news for Belize. Its reef barrier, the second largest in the world, was removed from Unesco’s list of endangered sites.
That doesn’t make it a reason to rush there without thinking of our footprints. Remember to take your favourite reef-safe sunscreen with you if you go diving.
Berlin
If you still need to be convinced that urban travel and sustainable tourism are not conflicting terms: head to Berlin.
Berlin is one of the European cities with the most greenspaces per inhabitant.
There are 2,500 parks in the city.
The must-see one’s for us? Probably Natur-Park Südgelände.
A former railway yard, which could make you think of the Highline that we mentioned here.
Visiting Berlin is easy thanks to its excellent public transportation network. Some buses run on hydrogen or electricity. The U-Bahn & S-Bahn cover a large area, and the tram rides on specific tracks that reduce noise and air pollution.
For bike lovers, the sharing and bike rental services in the city are everywhere. As we mentioned here, the Berlin Wall Trail allows you to ride 160km around the former GDR fortifications
Berlin is also renown for its creative and alternative art scene as well as its diverse offer of eco-friendly and ethical businesses.
Ethical fashion shops, sustainable restaurants, and eco-hotels, the offer for responsible travellers is booming.
Palau Islands
Welcome to the paradise for divers and beach lovers who care about the environment.
This archipelago of 500 islands is located in the west of the Pacific ocean in Micronesia.
Palau was the first region in the world (before Iceland ) to ask foreign visitors to sign a pledge for the environment when landing on its territory.
Palau has since long put responsible tourism at the heart of its conservancy strategy, to protect its the environment and preserve it for future generations.
- The archipelago was the first to create a shark sanctuary in its national waters
- They banned bottom trawling practices in its waters
- Since 2015 Palau created another marine sanctuary which is the biggest no-take zone in the world
- In November 2019, the archipelago announced chemical-based sunscreens would be banned from their waters as of 2020
Oslo
Elected European Green Capital for 2019, Oslo the vibrant Norwegian capital should be on your bucket list this coming year.
Located between forests and fjords, Oslo offers excellent views, cultural sites and museums, organic producers’ markets, high-end districts, eco-friendly hotels and restaurants and lovely parks.
A great pick for an eco-friendly city-break.
If you have more than a few days, you shouldn’t miss exploring the rest of the country, read why here
Madeira
With 2000 km of hiking trails, this volcanic island, also nicknamed the flower island has a lot to offer if you escape from its touristy capital.
Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal set in the northwestern African coast, the archipelago counts 4 islands.
Its year-round temperate climate, it’s abundant flora and fauna, make it a good nature escape for the whole family. Its Laurier forest is inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage and occupies a majority of the island.
Two-thirds of the territory are protected. The area is also appreciated for its natural parks, bird and whale watching possibilities.
Awarded as European’s best island destination four years in a row, Madeira offers many activities from cycling to hiking or just going on one of long sandy beaches.
Faroe Islands
This archipelago of 18 volcanic islands, of which 17 are inhabited, is settled between Ireland and Iceland.
Each island is accessible through sub-sea tunnels or bridges.
The Faroe Islands are a great playground for those who love escaping in nature. Hiking, Cycling, Fishing, Horse Riding and even Ocean Kayaking are some of the adventures that you’ll be able to do here.
The archipelago is also a famous birdwatching destination especially to see puffin birds
If you go there, don’t miss a Heimablidni experience.
This tradition which translates as home hospitality is an authentic way to interact with locals. These dining experiences, in people’s homes, will allow you to learn more about the culture of the area, and also taste homemade traditional Faroese food, often produced on-site.
How about you, ever been to any of these destinations ?Any other suggestions on where responsible travellers should head to in 2019 ? Share your tips in the comments.
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HoliableHoliable is an eco-friendly travel planner helping you find sustainable hotels, green restaurants and ethical tourism activities around the world. Holiable was developed to share experiences, advice and reviews on sustainable travel, making it easier to prepare your next eco-friendly holiday.
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