This National Tourism Day, Explore These Sustainable Travel Options With Eco-Friendly Destinations Worth Visiting

As the National Tourism Day approaches, travellers in all parts of the world are grabbing the opportunity to travel to exotic locations and adventure tremendously. Nevertheless, due to the increased transparency of accessing global travel, along with its heightened accessibility, it has increased responsibility. Nowadays, it is more about where we go, rather than how we go. Sustainable travel is not a fashion anymore, it is a must to the survival of the endangered ecosystems and cultural heritage of our planet.

Nowadays, when the recognition of the surrounding world becomes increasingly important each year, it is extremely important to be careful about the mode of our traveling and make sure that our expeditions are as harmless as possible. Responsible travel goes beyond picking beautiful destinations to travel to, it also entails observing the local culture, patronizing green businesses, and reducing the amount of waste and pollution in the destination.

We give future generations an opportunity to discover and enjoy the beauty of the world by adopting a more responsible approach to the environment in terms of our attitude and actions. We can do this by engaging in meaningful activities that lead to the reduction of carbon footprint which is also a way of showing that we are responsible. Be it the cultural heritage of ancient civilization or the wilderness that makes our natural world so pure there are millions of ways to go on sustainable adventures that will leave lasting memories and positive effects behind.

Therefore, this National Tourism Day, we can all share the happiness of exploration afresh in terms of awareness and appreciation of the planet. The following are some of the sustainable experiences and eco-friendly destinations that may be worth subscribing to this year:

1. Embracing Eco-Tourism in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has been a trendsetter in eco-tourism and has been the gold standard in the area of sustainable travel worldwide. Central America is a lush tropical paradise, which houses the tropical rainforests, beaches that are sun-kiss, and an abundance of wildlife – more than 5% of the known species on earth, on less than 0.03 percent of the earth surface.

Tourists have an opportunity to explore the natural beauty in the country and help to preserve the environment. Go on a hiking expedition to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, where there are hanging bridges across canopies of mist, and other rare species such as the resplendent quetzal can be observed. Enroll in turtle conservation efforts in the Pacific coastline where you can see the new hatchlings as they head to the sea- a spectacular, heart rendering view.

The sustainability in Costa Rica goes far as to its infrastructure. Most of its lodges and hotels operate on renewable energy, and have rain water harvesting systems, as well as zero waste policies. In this case, adventure and conservation are the two inseparable sides and it turns out that you can visit paradise and preserve it simultaneously.

2. Discovering Sustainable Cultural Heritage in Bhutan

Bhutan lies squarely in the Himalayas, and has been said to be the last Shangri-La in the world, where happiness, harmony and sustainability are interlaced. Bhutan is known as the country that values environmental conservation as a fundamental part of its national identity, as even its understanding of success is measured in Gross National Happiness, not based on GDP. The country is one of the few carbon-negative countries in the world with over 70 percent of its land being under forest cover.

Tourists to Bhutan will be able to observe the perfect coexistence of tradition and sustainability. See ancient monasteries such as Taktshang (Tiger nest) which is located dramatically on a cliff, walk through green valleys and mingle with people who live in harmony with nature. Tourism in Bhutan is highly controlled and tourists have to make reservations to tour operators who are licensed to avoid excessive damages and maximum benefit to the community.

Your whole experience in Bhutan seems to have a sense of purpose and enrichment, whether you are sipping butter tea with monks, or attending colorful cultural festivals. It is one that reveals to visitors that luxury is not about spending a lot of money, but about being genuine and rooted, to people, culture and planet.

3. Exploring Eco-Friendly Islands in Thailand

Thailand is known to attract tourists with its crowded beaches and a bustling night life, but it is also home to the increasing number of green islands that are the ideal choice of the travelers who want to find an eco-friendly way out. The best examples are the islands of Koh Lanta and Koh Phayam that are developing eco-resorts based on solar energy, recycled materials, and reef-safe tourism.

At Koh Lanta, the visitors have an opportunity to volunteer in marine conservation programs, participate in a coral restoration dive, or volunteer with a local organization to clean up the beaches contaminated with plastic waste. Koh Samui is developing into green tourism model as well, where the resorts are designed to combine sustainable architecture, rainwater collection and organic farming to sustain the local economy and ecosystem.

You can also spend your days snorkeling in crystal clear waters, kayaking in mangroves or you can just relax on beaches where no one ever leaves footprints behind. These two islands demonstrate the fact that luxury and sustainability may coexist when both travelers and locals collaborate towards the same purpose.

4. Connecting with Nature in Iceland

The Icelandic country, commonly known as the Land of Fire and Ice, is a spectacular demonstration of how the human and the natural worlds can live together. The rugged beauty of the country, with cascading falls and steaming geysers, bleak volcano scenery and the glamorous Northern Lights, seems out of this world.

The most motivating factor behind Iceland, though, is its dedication to renewable energy, with nearly a hundred percent of the power and heating provided by geothermal and hydropower. This has ensured that it is among the greenest countries in the world. One can sightsee the Golden Circle, hike through the glaciers or relax in the natural hot springs such as the Blue Lagoon without causing much harm to the environment.

Green lodges and tourist operators are keen on the environmentally friendly cars, small groups, and carbon-neutrality in this region. In addition to natural attractions, the people of Iceland are a community that values the nature surrounding them, thus letting the traveler understand that sustainability is not a policy, but a lifestyle.

5. Experiencing Responsible Wildlife Tourism in Kenya

Kenya is more related to wildlife, expansive savannahs, and the call of the wild. However, there is much more to a safari adventure than adventure itself, there is also responsible wildlife tourism which plays an active role in conservation and community building.

Take a safari in well known parks such as maasai mara or amboseli where eco lodges are set to reduce wastage, utilize solar power and even hire local people. In Kenya, most reserves use the community model with a percentage of the tourism income going towards education, health and conservation initiatives of local tribes.

Tourists can also be volunteers at the animal rescue shelters or anti poaching programs and workshops to assist in the protection of the elephants, rhinos and other endangered species. The travel spirit in Kenya transcends adventure, and it is a spirit of preservation and empowerment.

Final Thoughts

Sustainable travel is no longer a niche as the world becomes more aware of its impact on the environment, and it is the future of exploration. On this National Tourism Day make a vow to travel in a mindful and respectful way and to make selections on the destinations that feed the planet rather than drain them.