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Increasing your carbon footprint in order to spend a weekend in nature seems pretty pointless. You want the hundreds – or even thousands – of dollars you spend on your vacation to go to an economy that actually cares about the protection of its natural habitats. When it comes to vacationing, you want to choose a destination that celebrates and preserves the beauty of nature.
If you’re a green-conscious traveler, here are five destinations for ecotourism where you can observe nature while simultaneously encouraging its preservation.
Costa Rica is a hot vacation spot for college kids on budgets. Even with the country’s increasing popularity, Costa Rica has done a good job of promoting a culture of sustainable tourism among its visitors by preserving 25 percent of its land for conservation.
In Altnet‘s ranking of “earth-friendly trips,” Costa Rica ranks second place. An entire week is needed to see all of what this country has to offer, which according to its travel website, includes “27 national parks 58 wildlife refuges, 32 protected zones, 15 wetland areas/mangroves, 11 forest reserves and eight biological reserves, as well as 12 other conservation regions.”
If you’re tired of crowded beaches and trash-filled parks, Costa Rica is the perfect destination to witness diverse wildlife and participate in various outdoor activities.
This Scandinavian country’s strict environmental regulations have helped retain its pristine waters and snowcapped mountain tops. Tourists can explore the terrain, observe the variety of wildlife and fish in several villages.
Norway is considered an international leader in environmental policy and has been able to maintain its natural beauty because of strict policies on “whaling, sealing, and petroleum industries.”
Kerala isn’t called “Gods’ own country” for nothing. This state in southern India is considered one of the most beautiful places on Earth, with thousands of acres of lush forests and vibrant palms trees. Kerala is home to “hundreds of unique animal species and nearly a quarter of the country’s 10,000 plant species.”
Endangered species roam at Lake Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajmala National Park. After deforestation threatening numerous ecosystems, Kerala has since protected state forests and encouraged “environmentally responsible travel” among tourists.
Recognized as the setting of season 10 of “Survivor,” the Micronesian island nation of Palau has always been one of the world’s the top diving destinations. Its crystal sea waters along the coastline is home to a colorful underworld with 1,400 different kinds of fish.
Palau’s isolation has helped preserve its cultural traditions and natural resources from the effects of “mass tourism.” Over 400 miles of lagoon waters are “no-fishing zones,” which has helped endangered species of fish repopulate. The Palau Conservation Society also does great work to manage “over two dozen conservation areas” and protect diverse fragile ecosystems.
The “whale watching capital of the world” is also home to rain forests, hot springs and waterfalls. Dominica was included in Ethical Traveler’s list of “ethical destinations” for its efforts to protect endangered mountain chickens and “native iguana and frog populations.”
The country’s Prime Minister since 2004, Roosevelt Skerrit, wants to cut emissions by 45 percent, hoping to become “carbon negative by 2020.”
