4 Eco-Conscious Travel Spots

The best destinations in the world are the ones that conserve nature and nurture their culture.They allow you to travel guilt-free and enjoy outstanding scenery. If you are looking to get inspired on a whole new level during your next holiday, here are the most uplifting places in the world to travel to.

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Costa Rica boasts the largest percentage of protected land in the world. Roughly 25% of its territory is protected. It has become one of the most successful ecotourism destinations. The country is home to 8 biological reserves, 20 natural parks, and 5% of the world’s biodiversity. In 2016, a record-breaking 98.1% of Costa Rica’s electricity came from renewable sources. With its conservation efforts, spectacular volcanoes, sandy beaches, and wild and serene landscapes, Costa Rica may indeed be the happiest country in the world. As it is one of the best destinations for wildlife, visitors are sure to spot many monkeys, sloths, turtles, and resplendent quetzals. It is perfect for both intrepid travelers and the ones who prefer comfort. Costa Rica may be a small country, but it packs a lot of adventures.

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Despite its ubiquitous, breathtaking views, Slovenia is still a relatively unexplored and overlooked tourist destination. Bordering the Italian Alps, it is ideal for hikers and all lovers of nature. Almost 54% of Slovenia is protected. Moreover, around 75% of Slovenia’s electricity is generated by hydro-electric dams. It’s safe to say the country does its best to safeguard its natural treasures.

Ljubljana, the country’s capital, won the European Green Capital Award in 2016. You can roam the city guilt-free with its electric trains and buses that run on natural gas. From white-water rafting to Venitial coastal towns—the country has a store of activities and attractions. It’s architecture, culture, and cuisine have been greatly influenced by Hungary, Italy, and Austria. And yet, Slovenia possesses many riches that its neighbors don’t have. The country’s climate is very unique; one gets to enjoy warm Mediterranean breezes even when hiking in the foothills of the Alps.

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Croatia is a truly unique holiday destination known for its incredibly diverse culture, gorgeous Mediterranean coastline and romantic old towns that date back to empires long gone. Despite being a relatively small country, Croatia is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Last year, 21 million tourists visited the country, and that number will certainly grow in 2020. While it’s great for the economy, a huge influx of tourists in a small area puts the environment under strain. Croatia, like most other EU countries, is implementing measures to protect the environment, especially in areas overcrowded with tourists. The country has made it its mission to support sustainable tourism during its 2020 EU presidency.

But, many businesses in the hospitality industry have decided to take matters into their own hands. This can especially be seen in Dubrovnik, a city famous for its distinctive old town that was recently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Just 15 miles outside Dubrovnik sits Cadmos Village—an adventure park completely dedicated to green and sustainable tourism. The estate of Cadmos is powered by its individual photovoltaic system with 12 solar panels. It is perfect for active tourists looking for a place fully integrated with nature. Visitors can enjoy hiking, cycling, and 4 zip links. Most hotels in Dubrovnik grow their own herbs and many go the extra mile to make the visitors’ experience greener. For instance, Sun Gardens resort in Dubrovnik has an HVAC system that’s cooled by the sea.

On the Island of Biševo, also near Dubrovnik, there is the fascinating Eco Shelter, built using sustainable materials and traditional methods. The shelter is powered by solar panels. Only 15 people live on the tiny island, mainly farmers and fishermen. In Croatia, there are 120 Blue Flags sites—2 water-bodies, 19 marinas, and 99 beaches. Blue Flag is an iconic label awarded to eco-friendly marinas and beaches. You can rest assured you’ll find a spot with clean, safe, and pristine water along the picturesque Dalmatian coastline.

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The mesmerizing landscapes and rich biodiversity of Chile are like no other, and the country is doing everything it can to preserve them. To protect endangered penguins and precious sea life, the Chilean government has rejected a plan for a billion-dollar mining project—a rare victory for the environment. The country relies on geothermal power and is actively increasing its solar power capacity. Chile has 42% of its seas and 21% of its land under some degree of protection. The country boasts a total of 41 national parks. Recently, the government has unveiled 5 new national parks in Patagonia, the southern region of Chile known for its remarkably wild and beautiful nature. It is an astounding self-drive destination. You can find many side roads that lead to lush valleys or ancient volcanoes. But perhaps the biggest jewels of Chile are its unspoiled, giant blue glaciers. With many horseback and trekking opportunities, the country is perfect for those who want to become one with nature.

I’m Rebecca, a translator and avid traveller, a book worm and horror flick enthusiast. My job has given me the amazing opportunity to travel to dozens of countries around the world, and writing on Rough Draft gives me a chance to try to showcase some of them.