10 Eco-friendly Destinations to Visit in 2024

Many travelers are now aiming to lessen their environmental impact and back eco-friendly initiatives. More than 75% of global travelers want to travel in a greener way next year. Also, 90% look for sustainable travel choices. But what are the top destinations for green living and saving nature? Let’s check out 10 places perfect for those who care about the planet.

• Sustainable travel is a growing priority for global travelers, with over 75% seeking more eco-friendly options.
• Destinations investing in renewable energy, green infrastructure, and conservation efforts are attracting environmentally conscious tourists.
• From Europe to the Caribbean, destinations around the world are leading the charge in sustainable tourism initiatives.
• Outdoor adventures, eco-lodges, and low-impact experiences are on the rise for the eco-focused traveler.
• Certification programs and green city rankings are helping travelers identify the most sustainable destinations to visit.

In 2024, travelers are more aware of how their trips impact the earth. Over three-quarters of global travelers aim to travel more sustainably in the next year. Plus, 90% actively look for eco-friendly options when planning their getaways.

The travel industry wants to keep up with this increased interest in green travel. To do this, they’re making big efforts in sustainability. They’re doing things like investing in renewable energy, improving public transport, and pushing for eco-friendly accommodations and dining.

• At the Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi, they’ve cut energy use and carbon emissions with smart technology.
• The ITC Maurya is a shining example in Delhi. It’s LEED Zero Water certified and uses renewable energy, recycles water, and has eco-friendly design.
• In Thekkady, India, the Spice Village shows a commitment to green practices through its eco-friendly features and using natural materials.
• In Sri Lanka, Jetwing Hotels are doing their part by getting rid of single-use plastics and leading green campaigns, boosting their appeal as a sustainable choice.
• The Namaste Dwaar Resort in India supports local jobs and women’s empowerment, benefiting nearby communities.
• Pilibhit House in Haridwar, India, takes on food waste by buying locally and working with waste services.

These are just a few examples. Many destinations are stepping up their sustainable efforts to meet the demand for greener travel. As the travel industry changes, you can look forward to more new and innovative ways to travel responsibly.

“The climate crisis is the defining issue of our time, and the travel industry has a critical role to play in addressing it. Travelers are increasingly seeking out destinations and providers that prioritize sustainability, and the industry is rising to the challenge with a wide range of innovative initiatives.”

In 2024, Valencia, Spain, got the title of European Green Capital. It’s known for being excellent at sustainable urban development. Valencia is at the forefront of green innovation. It leads in things like renewable energy, green areas, and eco-friendly transport. This makes it a top spot for anyone who’s into green living.

By 2025, Valencia aims to get all its electricity from renewables. This will make it a key player in the clean energy revolution. The city has over 500 hectares of green spaces. Parque Central connects different parts of the city, making it a nicer place to live and visit.

The Cabanyal district shows Valencia’s green spirit. It uses solar panels to power its market. This highlights the city’s move toward clean energy. Also, in Las Naves, there’s a “socialized solar plant.” With most of the money donated by locals, it’s another proof of the community’s commitment to green living.

Valencia encourages biking with its 200 km of lanes. This makes it super easy to explore by bike. Plus, it has two nearby national parks. You can reach them by bike or public transport. It’s a great way to experience nature just outside the city.

Valencia’s dedication to green, renewable practices shines. With its big green areas, efficient cycling set up, and effort in clean energy, Valencia is a true green hero. This underlines its commitment to an eco-friendlier future. It’s the go-to place for adventures that value the planet.

“Valencia’s dedication to sustainability is truly inspiring. From its renewable energy initiatives to its extensive network of bike lanes, the city is paving the way for a more eco-friendly future in Europe.”

The High Atlas Mountains stretch about 1,000 km in western North Africa. They are known for their high peaks like Toubkal, which is 4,167 meters tall. These peaks overlook beautiful valleys, waterfalls, and villages. This area attracts people who love adventures and want to learn about the Berber culture.

In September 2023, an earthquake hit central Morocco near Marrakesh, causing a lot of damage. Over 2,900 people died and 50,000 homes were destroyed. This had a big impact on the people living there and the places tourists visit. Even with these challenges, Morocco saw a record number of visitors in 2023. However, the area is still recovering from the earthquake’s effects.

Companies like Abercrombie & Kent and Intrepid Travel are helping the area recover. They now offer tours to places that weren’t as badly damaged. This includes areas like Ourika Valley and the Happy Valley in Ait Bougmez. Doing so helps local businesses and brings back a sense of normal life.

If you visit, choosing destinations that were less affected can make a big difference. This supports the communities that are trying to recover. By traveling responsibly and using sustainable tourism, visitors can help the High Atlas Mountains and Marrakesh heal and become stronger. They can also enjoy the area’s amazing nature and culture.

“The High Atlas Mountains and Marrakesh are a testament to the resilience of the Moroccan people. By supporting local businesses and communities, we can help this remarkable region recover and thrive once more.”

In the Dutch Caribbean, you’ll find the tiny yet powerful island of Saba. It’s a leading light in sustainable tourism. Despite being only 5 square miles, Saba boasts stunning hiking trails, crystal-clear seas for diving, and a strong focus on protecting its environment.

The Saba Marine Park safeguards the island’s marine life. This marine reserve goes 200 feet deep around the island. It’s a hub for diverse corals, sea turtles, and all sorts of tropical fish. Plus, Saba Bank, a large undersea site, is a “Hope Spot” for ocean health. Mission Blue calls it vital.

But eco-tourism on Saba is not just about underwater wonders. It also leads in protecting marine ecosystems with the first marine lab in the Windward Islands. Get ready to hike on the island, maybe taking on Mount Scenery. This peak is not only the highest in the Dutch kingdom but challenges with its 2,877-foot summit.

Energy and water use on Saba are models of sustainability. A solar park meets about 35-40% of the island’s energy needs. And at the Eco-Lodge, green practices like composting toilets and solar showers shape the stay. Saba’s hydroponics farm stands out for using 80% less water than usual, showing off smart water saving.

Walking the talk, Saba has an efficient recycling system for over a million pounds of recyclables yearly. Since 2021, it’s also banned single-use plastics. Altogether, these green steps, combined with Saba’s stunning nature, and marine life care, mark it as an eco-paradise in the Dutch Caribbean.

“Saba is a pure and pristine eco-friendly destination, where residents have taken several steps towards conservation, making it a true champion of sustainable tourism.”

Saba fully embraces green living with its solar power, hydroponics farming, and large recycling effort. This eco-friendly approach extends across the island, from power to growing food and reducing waste. For those yearning for an eco-friendly escape, Saba’s untouched marine life, rich trails, and conservation work are a must-visit.

Singapore leads the world in green efforts, making it a top place for eco-friendly travel. It started shaping a green future back in 1967. Back then, it crafted the idea of a “city in a garden.” Now, it’s the first whole country to win the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s highest honor.

The city is really serious about going greener by 2030. It plans to use four times more solar power and cut landfill trash by a fifth. By 2030, only eco-friendly cars will be allowed to register. These steps help reduce pollution.

But Singapore is about more than just energy and waste. It’s making new green spots for visitors, like a 24km walk-bike Rail Corridor and 13 parks in the south. Places like the Green Mark Platinum-certified Pan Pacific Orchard offer eco-stays. This adds to its eco-tourism goals.

Singapore is also leading in low carbon levels at big global events from 2024. It’s reducing event energy use, with only 14.13 kgCO2 emissions per person. Most of this is from energy use.

Singapore keeps on showing the world how to do eco-tourism right. It’s setting big goals and trying new green ideas. This effort creates a brighter, greener future for everyone.

Belfast, UK, is a leading city in sustainable tourism. It has moved up from 47th to 11th in the Global Destination Sustainability Index. In just 18 months, this jump shows the city’s strong focus on green practices.

Over 90 places in Belfast have joined the city’s Green Tourism program. This includes hotels, attractions, and restaurants. Now, 75% of the hotel rooms in Belfast are certified for sustainability.

The city has many eco-friendly attractions. The Titanic Belfast museum plans to be zero-waste in 2030. The Titanic Hotel Belfast repurposed the Titanic’s builders’ old site for sustainability.

Belfast focuses on many aspects of sustainable tourism. It highlights green certifications, eco-friendly places, and lower carbon emissions. This approach makes Belfast a leading city in green tourism efforts.

“Belfast has proven that with a strategic, collaborative, and ambitious approach, cities can rapidly transform themselves into sustainable tourism destinations. Their model is one that other cities should look to emulate.”

– Global Destinations Sustainability Movement

By choosing sustainable travel, Belfast has made positive changes. It has both lowered its environmental impact and attracted eco-conscious travelers. This effort is inspiring other cities to also strive for sustainability.

The Great Barrier Reef draws a lot of people to places like Cairns and Townsville in the north. Yet, the Southern Great Barrier Reef is quieter but as amazing. Places like Lady Elliot Island and Lady Musgrave Island stand out with their green efforts. They are big on eco-friendly moves and protecting the reef.

This part of the Great Barrier Reef is huge, covering about 344,400 square kilometers. It’s perfect for exploring with care. You can see the reef up close while snorkeling or through glass-bottom boat tours. There are also guided reef walks available.

If you’re looking for a bit more, a two-night “Liveaboard” trip might be for you. It costs around $400 AUD per person. This includes basic meals. For a simpler day trip, it could cost roughly $100 AUD.

Bundaberg on the mainland is a great start, with its sustainable destination certification from 2023. Here, you can learn about old eco ways on Indigenous-guided experiences. Places like Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort and Pumpkin Island are also worth visiting. They’ve been recognized for their green efforts, which means you can explore the Southern Great Barrier Reef and help protect it too.

“Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort aims to be 100% sustainable by 2020, and Pumpkin Island is Australia’s first and only carbon positive inhabited island, offsetting 150% of its annual carbon emissions.”

Costa Rica led in green travel in Central America for a long time. But now, Panama is becoming a top pick for eco-travelers. It’s known for sustainable tourism. This means it’s a place that cares for the earth while offering great experiences for all.

Panama has about 200 islands in the lovely Pearl Islands alone. It’s home to amazing animals and plants. Places like Isla Colón are perfect for people who love the sea or enjoy relaxing under the sun. The San Blas Islands have 365 tiny islands, each one more beautiful than the last. This area is great for anyone looking to dive into nature or hang out at the beach.

In San Blas, you can visit the Guna Yala village. It’s a place where locals live in harmony with nature. You can get there by a short charter flight from Panama City. It’s about 45 minutes. This journey is perfect for those looking to escape city noise and see some amazing views.

Panama is really working to make travel good for both the earth and local people. One example is the SOSTUR network. It helps you find tours in rural areas that support small and Indigenous groups. Panama is also hosting the 2024 Adventure Travel World Summit. This big event will bring over 700 adventure lovers together from all over the world.

Panama is on its way to becoming a top eco-destination in Central America. It’s investing in nature and community-based tours. Plus, it’s committed to taking care of the environment. With its beautiful sights and focus on green travel, Panama is perfect for those who love our planet and adventure.

The world is paying more attention to the impact of travel on the environment. This has increased the interest in eco-friendly destinations. Countries like Costa Rica and Slovenia are at the forefront of this movement.

Costa Rica has been a leader in ecotourism for many years. It’s home to 5% of the world’s biodiversity and many natural areas. Notably, it generates 98.1% of its power from renewable sources as of 2016.

In Europe, Slovenia is making its mark as a green destination. About 75% of its power is from water-based sources. Its capital, Ljubljana, was chosen as the European Green Capital in 2016.

These countries are setting the standard in sustainable travel. They provide eco-friendly experiences for tourists. They highlight the world’s treasures with their focus on conservation and clean energy.

“Costa Rica and Slovenia are leading the way in sustainable travel, offering eco-conscious experiences for travelers.”

In 2024, I get to visit Bhutan. I’m excited about their new take on tourism. They have a fee called the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) to help keep their country beautiful.

Each tourist must pay $100 USD for each day they stay. This fee was $200 last year. The money from the fee goes to healthcare, schools, protecting nature, and local business. It means my tour helps the people of Bhutan.

Bhutan is working hard to keep its forests. They aim to cover 60% of their land with trees. Besides, Bhutan is the only carbon-neutral country globally. They really care about their planet.

When I pay the SDF, I help Bhutan stay carbon-neutral. This makes me happy because I love nature. I want my trip to Bhutan to be good for the Earth.

I look forward to my time in Bhutan. I feel good about helping with environmental preservation through the SDF. This fee makes Bhutan a top eco-tourism spot, and I’m proud to be a part of it.

Peru is a South American gem perfect for nature lovers and those who care for the earth. It’s a place where you can find more than 25,000 plant species. Thirty percent of these plants are only seen in Peru, making its biodiversity very special.

Although the cutting down of trees is a worry, Peru is working hard to protect its natural treasures.

In Peru, there are some of the biggest protected rainforests worldwide. These include the Pacaya-Samiria, Manu Biosphere, and Tambopata. These places are full of greenery and wildlife. They also help fight climate change by absorbing a lot of carbon.

Tourism, done the right way, is an important tool in protecting these areas. By choosing places that care for the environment, taking guided tours, and helping local people, tourists can lessen their impact. Plus, they get to see Peru’s amazing nature up close.

“The Amazon rainforest is the lungs of our planet. Without a healthy Amazon, we cannot keep our planet healthy.”

Being part of the effort to protect Peru’s natural wealth is key. This is not just about taking care of the environment. It’s also about helping Peru’s journey towards a sustainable future. Travelers have a big role in this story. They can enjoy Peru’s protected areas and help keep them safe for the next generations.

Peru has a lot to offer, from the majestic Andes to its lively coast. There are many ways to enjoy Peru while being kind to the environment. Through these practices, we help ensure that Peru’s beauty lasts for many years.

For the eco-conscious traveler, sustainable safari destinations are key. Places like Botswana and Patagonia let you enjoy nature without harming it. They focus on wildlife and outdoor fun in ways that take care of the environment.

Botswana shines as a top place for green safaris. It has lots of land set aside for parks and wildlife reserves. They use zero-emission boats and electric cars for game drives, which helps keep the air clean.

One cool thing to do is use a Mokoro canoe to explore the Okavango Delta. Or, you can walk with a guide to see animals up close. This way, you enjoy nature and help protect it.

The lodges and camps in Botswana also do their part. For example, at Xigera Lodge, they save on diesel and cut carbon by using solar power. Mombo Camp includes the local community in its building and running, which helps everyone feel connected.

Patagonia, shared by Argentina and Chile, is all about wild beauty you can explore in eco-friendly ways. The Torres del Paine Park only allows trekking and horseback riding. This keeps the area safe for plants and animals.

These activities let you get close to Patagonia’s wonders. Glaciers, mountains, and open meadows are yours to discover while protecting the land.

In Patagonia, green efforts go beyond parks. Places to stay and tour companies here are big on being eco-friendly. For example, Wilderness Bisate in Rwanda offers walks and quad biking. These activities show off the area’s nature and culture in a sustainable way.

Choosing places like Botswana and Patagonia for your trip helps protect nature. You get to see amazing animals and nature without hurting the earth. They show how we can enjoy travel and look after our planet for the future.

Exploring the 10 green destinations was very inspiring. It showed me how places are using new ways to travel sustainably. For example, Valencia, Spain, uses renewable energy and makes green areas. Meanwhile, Saba in the Dutch Caribbean protects the ocean and uses renewable energy.

Many people want to travel in a way that’s good for the Earth. In fact, 76% of travelers are eager to go green soon. Yet, more than half think there aren’t enough green travel options.

And 40% say they don’t know how to find real local experiences. This is a chance for travel spots and companies to go green and offer fun, earth-friendly trips.

Thinking about all the green efforts made me feel good. Things like reducing carbon, using eco transport, saving animals, and helping local people are getting noticed. These spots are showing us how to enjoy travel while caring for the planet. I can’t wait to keep up my green travel and see more places making positive changes.