The Best Sustainable Travel Locations for 2022
Countries are finally starting to open their borders and encourage travel again, and we expect to see a tourism boom in the coming months. Travel trends for 2022 clearly indicate consumers’ desires for sustainable travel. In their 2022 Travel Trends article, Earth Changers highlight the growing demand to travel away from popular tourist destinations, steering clear of large groups of people and taking advantage of our natural surroundings.
There is also a larger focus on travel for health and wellness – spending more time on yourself and mental wellbeing. Tourists are focusing on traveling in an eco-friendly way like biking or walking to explore places and when traveling by plane, there is a growing desire to offset their carbon emissions. Finally, our favorite green travel trend for 2022, is that travel is becoming more “community centered” meaning that travelers want to experience the authenticity, culture, and customs of the local community and travel consciously.
In order to help you plan your next eco-friendly trip, we’ve collected our favorite sustainable destinations for 2022. Happy traveling!
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a gorgeous blend of culture and nature. The country itself is home to an enormous variety of plants and animals (almost 6% of the world’s species), all protected by the government’s dedication to sustainability and nature conservation. Not only is Costa Rica committed to ecotourism but “since 2014, 98% of their energy” comes from renewable sources!
Stay at a locally owned hotel and experience the vibrant community while exploring the many beaches, rainforests, and mountains. Make sure to visit their stunning UNESCO protected national parks and practice green tourism in one of the most sustainable countries in the world.
2. New Zealand
This island is the perfect getaway to avoid large crowds. Perfect for a vacation full of activity and culture, New Zealand offers a rich experience of indigenous culture as well as gorgeous scenery. With their many beaches and mountains, 20% of New Zealand is part of their 13 national parks.
Sustainable travel and responsible tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of their travel industry. They base their dedication to eco-friendly practices off of “traditional Maori principles”, tying in the importance of culture and history to the conservation of our natural world. Not only can you explore this beautiful island, but you can leave a lasting impact by participating in one of their green programs like working on a farm or replanting trees.
3. Scotland
Filled with fascinating history and epic folklore, Scotland is a pioneer in ecotourism, being the first country to declare a climate emergency in tourism. Explore the Highlands’ rich natural landscape and unique culture, and be sure you are traveling sustainably with the Scottish Green Tourism certification!
4. Bhutan
As the only Carbon negative country in the world, Bhutan is the place to go to experience true sustainability. With little tourism, as it’s highly regulated, it is a great place to avoid crowds while truly getting in touch with a local community.
Tourism in Bhutan is extremely immersive, and you are encouraged to spend time learning about the culture and history while interacting with the locals. Not only is Bhutan the perfect place for authentic, green travel, but it is filled with scenic mountains and forests to wander.
5. Scandinavia - Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland & Finland
Scandinavian countries are famous for their green policies and sustainable ways. These countries are paving the way towards a renewable energy powered Europe. With plenty of eco-friendly options for accommodation, food, and activities, each destination holds a plethora of amazing cultural experiences. Moreover, these governments are making sure that mass tourism does not take over their travel industry, meaning you’ll find authentic and local experiences.
Visit Oslo for its unique green spaces around the city, use of electric transportation, and clean air. Meanwhile, Iceland offers a safe haven from too many tourists. Each country has so much culture to learn about and gorgeous natural spaces to explore, all in an eco-friendly way!
6. Slovenia
Slovenia is home to one of the most walkable cities in the world. With tons of green space in its capital city of Ljubljana, the center is completely car free and a great place to explore. The government is currently working on trying to “deseasonalize” tourism and control the masses. They offer plenty of fun events and cultural festivals around the year.
Many areas in the city also source their products locally so you can be sure you are supporting the community! Want to leave the city? No problem, escape to the countryside for leisurely walks in the Slovenian Alps or visit the oldest village in the country. Wherever you go in Slovenia, you can be sure you are experiencing the best the local community has to offer in a sustainable way!
7. Tanzania
As one of the most beautiful countries in the world, Tanzania is a nature lover’s dream. Tourism is a huge part of the Tanzania economy and the best part is, they make sure that the local communities are supported.
Traveling to Tanzania will expose you to a gorgeous country full of culture and sustainable practices. Make sure not to miss the Ngorongoro Conservation Area which incorporates “sustainable priorities between indigenous communities, conservationists, and the government”!
8. Peru
In 2019, Architectural Digest released an article on why Peru could be the most sustainable destination in the world, quoting the Worldwatch Institute calling it a “sustainability sweet spot”. Peru is 50% rainforest which is protected by government policies.
Moreover, they have “high levels” of development for both sustainability and people. The country has so many reserves and parks for you to explore and you can even volunteer on some of them to help the animals or work on projects. Make your trip truly sustainable by giving back!
Cover photo by Caroline Selfors.
Written by Quinn Donovan.