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14 sustainable travel companies you can feel good about booking with

Do some good while seeing the world when you book with these ethical and sustainable travel companies

While we don’t want to labour on the negatives, you don’t need to be an expert or activist to understand that we are in a climate pinch. It seems a little contradictory to fear for the future while excitedly encouraging international travel, but we humans are an innovative bunch. Exploring the globe doesn’t need to be devastating, and being a responsible traveller doesn’t mean lectures and negativity. Whether you call it eco-travel, sustainable, ethical, regenerative or eco-travel, there is plenty to get excited about.

An increasing number of sustainable travel companies are creating itineraries that allow curious minds to see the world while keeping the impact down. The experiences are awe-inspiring, from hiking remote mountaintops to embracing the world’s most impressive national parks, allowing visitors to engage with destinations in a way that extends far beyond the superficial. If you’re looking for an ethical and environmentally driven travel company for your next adventure, look no further.

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Sustainable travel companies

1.  Byway Travel

In an ambitious mission statement, UK travel platform Byway declares that its goal is to make flight-free holidays a mainstream holiday choice. Their way of doing so? By helping people discover the beauty of slow, overland travel across the British Isles and Europe . Founder and CEO Cat Jones launched the now B Corporation-certified company during the first Covid lockdown, determined to find a way to reduce flight emissions. Her explanation was simple: If we continue on the current trajectory, emissions from flying are due to triple by 2050. 

2.  Gondwana Ecotours

Named after the ancient supercontinent that gradually split to become the land masses we recognize today, Gondwana Ecotours says its mission is to bring people from different continents closer together, one trip at a time. The New Orleans -based company specializes in small group and private tours that take on exhilarating experiences around the globe, such as gorilla trekking in Rwanda and eco-adventures in Patagonia and Mendoza.

A key component of Gondwana is its network of guides who live in the communities visited, adding personal knowledge, depth and authenticity to the experience while providing tourism-generated income. The company is also committed to limiting its carbon footprint through sustainable travel practices and is recognized for offsetting more than 580 tons of carbon emissions. Since 2021, its tours have been 100-percent carbon-neutral, as certified by the Cooler emissions tracking organization.

3.  Intrepid Travel

Australian-owned Intrepid has always been forthright in declaring its commitment to ethical and responsible practices. In 2018, it became one of the first global travel operators to be B Corporation-certified. Since 2010, it has been operating as the world’s largest carbon-neutral company, carefully measuring and offsetting all unavoidable carbon emissions for 13 years. 

Their trips are just as impressive. From 15-day expeditions traversing the extraordinary gorges and remote villages of northern Pakistan’s Hunza Valley to nine-day itineraries centred around baby gorilla naming ceremonies in Rwanda’s spectacular Volcanoes National Park, Intrepid offer true bucket list travel adventures suited to guests of all interests and abilities. In 2020, as a part of the Tourism Declares A Climate Emergency initiative, the company published a seven-point climate commitment plan – revealing its intention to transition to 100% renewable energy use in offices by 2025 and on all trips by 2030.

4.  Experience Travel Group

Operating on the belief that ‘travel should be about reciprocation’, Asia travel specialist Experience Travel Group holds responsible travel at its core, enabling guests to interact with the community and experience real cultural immersion on every trip. Another B Corporation-certified company, the team is dedicated to creating experiences that divert away from trendy hubs and big hotels. Instead, they build personalised itineraries with initiatives to give back to the community included in the package. 

On adventures in Indonesia , Laos, Cambodia , Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam , for example, guests can enjoy delicious local dishes at ‘social enterprise’ restaurants that support vulnerable young people through job training and employment. In Cambodia, a trip to the Phare Circus in Siem Reap sends funds directly to a performing arts school for underprivileged children in nearby Battambang. A three-day hike along sections of Sri Lanka ’s Pekoe Trail follows the old horse and cart routes that carried tea to the ports, bringing vital income to little-visited communities. 

5.  Seacology

In 1990, American ethnobotanist Dr Paul Cox was conducting forest research in Samoa when village leaders told him 30,000 acres of pristine rainforest were about to be logged due to a government decree to fund a school. Cox was horrified and quickly devised a proposal to raise the needed money to conserve the forest in perpetuity. His plan worked and has come to define the Seacology model: Provide material benefits to villages that pledge to protect their natural resources.

Today, Seacology offers unique ecotourism adventures throughout the world’s islands, where travelers visit active projects, interact with local people and are part of the formula that helps conserve both habitats and communities. Seacology guests also explore intriguing island environments, from the coral reefs of  Fiji to the rainforests of Borneo, while staying at well-appointed resorts and visiting important cultural sites. With all this tropical splendour, expect plenty of opportunities to scuba dive, snorkel, hike and kayak.

6.  Discover Corps

Discover Corps is the leader in the rapidly growing field of 'volunteer vacations' focusing on children, schools, animals and wildlife conservation. Yes, 'voluntourism' has often become a buzzword to cash in on thinly veiled claims, earning criticism and scrutiny over the years. However, Discover Corps operates with complete transparency and has become something of a gold standard for the model.

Trip itineraries are designed to connect travellers to local communities and provide a deeper understanding of the culture, issues, and ways of life in locations around the world. Many projects are in Africa , Asia , and Latin America and can range from caring for elephants in Thailand to helping to protect the animals in South Africa's Greater Kruger National Park region.

7.  ROW Adventures

From its beginnings as a whitewater rafting company in the US's Pacific Northwest, ROW Adventures has evolved into an adventure travel company that advocates the transformative nature of human-powered experiences. According to ROW, connecting people with nature results in positive impacts, and the company adheres to conducting business in an inclusive and sustainable way while promoting social equity, environmental stewardship and accountability. Human-powered activities allow participants to fully observe the surroundings, whether white water rafting in Idaho's Salmon River, sea kayaking the orcas in Canada, or trekking across Machu Picchu.

ROW also recognizes that travel is a large contributor to the world’s carbon footprint and subsequently mitigates the impact by offsetting carbon-producing activities whenever possible. At the same time, trips also educate guests to be advocates for locations visited, with special recognition given to the awareness of Indigenous communities and honouring their legacies, lives and connections to the land.

8.  Natural Habitat Adventures

Conservation through exploration is the credo of Natural Habitat Adventures , the official travel partner of the World Wildlife Fund. Nat Hab, as it’s called, is committed to environmentally friendly nature travel, stressing that its travellers become a force for change in addressing the planet's most pressing conservation challenges. Polar bear tours in the Canadian Arctic , African safaris and South American nature tours are examples of the company’s itineraries where tourism dollars become an influential incentive for communities to protect their natural resources.

Nat Hab also acknowledges that its 8,000 annual travellers on all seven continents expend plenty of CO2. To mitigate travel’s carbon output, the company leans into offsetting measures. From 2007 to 2019, Nat Hab offset 49,418 tons of carbon dioxide and has become the world's first 100-percent carbon-neutral travel company. They’ve also provided more than $4.5 million to support WWF’s global conservation efforts and continue to give one-percent of gross sales plus $150,000 annually in support of WWF’s global mission. 

9.  Cheeseman's Ecological Safaris

Ecology safaris catering to wildlife enthusiasts looking for an in-depth nature experience is what husband-and-wife founders Doug and Gail Cheeseman envisioned when they started their namesake company in 1980. Doug, a college zoology and ecology professor, and Gail, a naturalist, turned their passion for nature into a travel company focusing on comprehensive wildlife tours all over the globe. Working with local guides and wildlife researchers, tours are designed for hardcore animal lovers who are obsessed with travel and enjoy learning about the animals they encounter.

For example, Cheeseman’s  Palau National Marine Reserve diving trip in the western Pacific Ocean offers 12 days of snorkelling, paddling, sailing and diving among the awe-inspiring tropical islands in the region.

10.  Quark Expeditions

Quark Expeditions co-founders Lars Wikander and Mike McDowell took the first group of commercial travellers to the North Pole in 1991, completing the first-ever tourism transit of the Northeast Passage. That inaugural expedition proved a game-changer and positioned the company at the forefront of polar explorations. In the three decades since, its polar travellers have visited remote parts of the Arctic and Antarctic. 

With the Earth’s polar regions threatened by climate change, Quark is committed to raising awareness of these delicate ecosystems through environmentally responsible tourism. A facet of that commitment is the company’s Polar Promise to reduce its footprint and work with other industry leaders, as well as guests, to address the complex and challenging issues facing the regions. Coordinating with a global network of scientists, community leaders and sustainability innovators, the company plans to contribute a minimum of $500,000 each year in support of key environmental initiatives and sustainable development projects.

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Explore Without Impact

- small group & private all-inclusive ecotours -, nature - culture - conservation, our mission, our services.

Ecotravel Adventures is an ecotourism company based in the USA, providing curated life-changing nature and wildlife itineraries that include unique accommodations, and cultural immersion experiences. Our locally-sourced tours aid in ecological restoration and improve upon the economic development in local communities across the globe.

We aim to provide rewarding, eye-opening experiences to individuals, small groups, and corporations so as to share with the global population the impacts of conservation efforts and benefits of sustainable travel. ETA and it's affiliates view the world and all its inhabitants through a prism of color and a lens of opportunity.

Clients of Ecotravel Adventures range from backpackers to honeymooners, travel buddies to LLCs. We provide various group adventures throughout the year, and an array of pre-made private trip itineraries. Clients also have an option to customize or fully build their perfect adventure with a skilled and knowledgeable world-traveler on our staff. 

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Our ALL-INCLUSIVE pricing let's you enjoy your experience while we take care of all the organization and expenses so you can relax during an epic and memorable vacation.

Whether you seek an adventurous trekking escape, a luxurious tropical beach or a team-building retreat, ETA has the experience and passion to deliver you to your ideal des

Whether you seek an adventurous trekking escape, a luxurious tropical beach or a team-building retreat, ETA has the experience and passion to deliver you to your ideal destination with a carbon-neutral footprint and an itinerary to write home about.

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I had a fantastic experience on the iceland fire and ice tour i decided to go on the trip solo and was originally concerned that i would feel secluded but that was far from accurate everyone from the local guides to the trip leader and other travelers were so welcoming and adventurous. i can't commend the team enough- excellent customer service from the initial contact for information to the follow-up after we got home. i highly recommend ecotravel adventures for your next trip - solo or otherwise.

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It opens our minds, connects us, and makes the world a smaller place. Done well, tourism is a force for good that lifts communities out of poverty, improves living standards in developing countries, and safeguards the world’s natural and cultural treasures. 

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Tourism also accounts for 8% of global emissions, litters the planet with plastic, threatens species, and overburdens communities. We build tools that tackle these issues and enable the travel industry to adopt better practices that leave behind a positive impact.

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Responsible Adventure Operators

2,500+ operators, one vision..

At TourRadar, we’re proud to partner with more than 2,500 adventure operators who each share our passion for sustainable travel. Every operator has unique sustainability initiatives, creating a world of opportunities to make a difference. We believe in the power of community and shared values, so we’re committed to nurturing a community that values responsible travel. By promoting our partners’ initiatives and raising awareness among our customers, we can significantly impact the preservation of our planet and its beautiful destinations so future generations can experience their own life-enriching adventures.

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Being a responsible operator is more than just providing great travel experiences—it's about positively impacting the world.

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Our commitment shines through our innovative Sustainability Cards, making it easy for you to choose adventures that align with your values. We want you to choose organized adventures that are operated by companies with initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, have animal welfare guidelines, are led by locals or locally owned, and support community development and environmental projects.

Reducing carbon emissions

These operators are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint, including carbon offsetting, neutrality initiatives, and the adoption of electric transportation, to meet net-zero emissions goals by 2050.

Supporting destinations

These operators prioritize benefiting the communities that help bring their adventure to life through initiatives such as supporting locally-owned businesses, hiring local guides, and promoting local accommodations.

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These operators have animal welfare policies in place that avoid exploitation activities such as elephant riding and animal entertainment, leading to the protection of wildlife and the prevention of habitat destruction.

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These operators minimize the impact of travel on local communities and the environment by promoting long-term sustainability. Travelers can expect educational activities that promote responsible tourism on their adventure.

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Sustainable adventures dig deeper into their destinations by making a positive impact and staying longer in the destination. You can also rest assured knowing that money spent on your adventure goes back into helping to preserve the community, supporting its social and economic development. By embarking on a sustainable adventure, you actively contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of No Poverty and Climate Action. Embark on an eco-conscious escapade with these Adventure Styles that boast an abundance of reputable operators dedicated to sustainable practices.

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We continuously curate our operator pages to showcase the inspiring and innovative initiatives being adopted by our operators worldwide so you can indulge in the wonders of our planet with a clear conscience. As part of our promise to promote sustainable practices, we ensure that operators who are making a positive change are top of mind where possible by promoting them in our communications, emails, and search results.

Adventures by operators making positive change

Amazing Vietnam Super Save Package In 11 Days

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Magical Vietnam In 10 Days by Realistic Asia

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As part of our Climate Action Plan, we made a promise. We aim for all active operators on TourRadar to have sustainability initiatives in place by 2030, so watch this space. Our commitment to helping operators become more responsible is only just beginning.

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Travel with a conscience? Here are 14 of the most eco-friendly travel companies

Looking to book a trip that won’t cost the Earth? We’ve got you covered for the travel companies who are dedicated to reducing the impact of your holiday.

With summer upon us and lockdowns slowly lifting, we’re all starting to dream about getting away on holiday. But it’s an inescapable fact that the travel industry is one of the most polluting on Earth. If things are not managed properly, our getaways can be extremely damaging to local environments and habitats.

With that in mind, we’ve found seven of the most eco-friendly travel companies. By choosing to travel with an organisation on this list, you’ll be helping to offset emissions, support local wildlife and cut down on plastic and food waste.

Whether you’re looking for an action-packed adventure or a relaxing cruise you can travel with a clear conscience after seeing these businesses’ green credentials.

Contiki arranges more than 350 trips all over the world and specialise in trips for 18-35 year olds, Contiki are paying to offset all carbon on their future trips. This includes meals, accommodation and transport. Their efforts will fund forest conservation in Australia and renewable energy in the USA. The travel company is also into biofuel coaches and offers vegan friendly menus for tourists. They are hoping to be carbon neutral by January 2022.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Contiki (@contiki)

2. Better Places Travel

Better Places Travel is a female-run group of travel experts who connect you to specialists all over the world who will create a tailor made experience just for you. Better Places signed up to Tourism Declares Climate Emergency in 2020 with a pledge to reduce CO2 emissions by 55 per cent by 2030. They impose a voluntary flight tax on themselves which goes to fund sustainable energy projects and give free water bottles to customers who promise not to buy a water bottle on their trip.

3. Black Tomato

Luxury travel experts Black Tomato have established their green credentials by calculating their quarterly carbon emissions and then investing in environmental projects such as wind farms and forest conservation in Panama and wind energy in India, on top of that they also partner with groups who protect Rhinos in Kenya.

• Swimming with whales in Iceland: This trip will take you out under the midnight sun


4. Intrepid

Specialising in adventure and group travel, Intrepid has been carbon neutral since 2010. After declaring a climate emergency in 2020 they now offset 125 per cent of their carbon emissions and aim to use only renewable energy by 2030. Intrepid are also committed to the global empowerment of women and invest heavily in the Eden Reforestation project in Kenya.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Intrepid Travel (@intrepidtravel)

5. Much Better Adventures

This adventure holiday company which offers kayaking and ‘aurora chasing’ also has a climate plan which focuses on carbon mitigation, conservation work and benefiting local communities. Much Better Adventures uses 5 per cent of their revenues to fund conservation and reforestation and are working to stop the damming of the Vjosa , Europe’s last free-flowing river.

• The rise of ‘slow travel’: What is it and who is it for?

6. Wilderness Scotland and Wilderness Ireland

Wilderness Scotland are committed to sustainability through restoration projects all over Scotland. They have also installed a ‘Seabin’ off Scotland’s west coast which captures plastic waste and are contribute to native habitat restoration.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wilderness Scotland (@wilderness_scotland)

• Where are Scotland’s most beautiful, crowd-free lochs?

7. Green Traveller

Originally a travel blog, Green Traveller launched as a fully fledged website in 2009. They offer tips on how to have a low carbon holiday including no-flight destinations and vacations where people can positively contribute to biodiversity.

8. Exodus Travels

Focused on people, places and planet Exodus Travels declared a climate emergency in 2020. As part of their efforts the company have eliminated plastic bottles from 99 per cent of their trips and are engaged in rewilding projects in Italy and tiger conservation in India.

9. The Inside Trek

This Northern Ireland-based hiking tours company is looking to invest in an electric vehicle in the coming year and has adjusted their routes to involve less car travel in an effort to bring down their CO2 emissions.

• Ireland travel guide: More than just Guinness and good times

10. Red Carnation Hotels

Red Carnation Hotels have properties in the UK, USA, Botswana and South Africa and always engage with local communities. This results in caring for bee populations, protecting Red Cape Zebras and investing in one of London’s largest ‘living walls’, made up of 10,000 herbaceous plants.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Red Carnation Hotels (@redcarnationhotels)

• The world's best mountainside retreats for people who live on the edge

11. Uniworld Cruises

Providing cruises around Europe and South America, Uniworld committed a decade ago to a clean water program to preserve waterways and rivers for future generations. Since then the cruise company has pledged to eliminate 66 types of single-use plastic from their boats by 2022.

12. The Long Run

Working to the four Cs - conservation, community, culture and commerce - The Long Run has developed sustainable eco destinations for their customers to visit. They are part of Preferred by Nature and support land management and business practices that benefit people, nature and the climate in countries around the globe.

• Why is community immersion the future of responsible tourism?

13. Steppes Travel

Luxury tailormade travel can be found at Steppes , who are passionate about sustainability. For every person that books with them Steppes pledge £50 that goes to fund conservation projects around the world and a further £50 that funds tree planting in the UK.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Steppes Travel (@steppes_travel)

14. Trafalgar

Trafalgar has 11 climate-related goals including completing 30,000 volunteer hours before 2025 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. They aim to reduce food waste in their hotels and ships by 50 per cent by 2025 and are committed to increasing their use of local produce in the same time frame.

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• Global Vision Awards

These Travel Companies Created Tools to Help You Travel More Sustainably

The Global Visions Awards honorees in this category can help you build more sustainable travel habits right from the moment you book a trip.

Jeff Chu is an editor-at-large at Travel + Leisure .

The Travel + Leisure Global Vision Awards aim to identify and honor companies, individuals, destinations, and organizations taking strides to develop more sustainable and responsible travel products, practices, and experiences. Not only are they demonstrating thought leadership and creative problem-solving, they are taking actionable, quantifiable steps to protect communities and environments around the world. What's more, they are inspiring their industry colleagues and travelers to do their part.

Adopting more sustainable travel habits is easier than you might think, and it can start with the simple act of booking a trip. It's especially simple if you support one of the Global Vision Awards honorees in this category. The three companies — one online travel agency and two tour operators — give travelers near effortless ways to give back to communities and causes around the world. With a booking platform that incentivizes charitable giving, a subscription model for carbon offsets, and a diagnostic tool that measures the socioeconomic impact of a trip, the honorees on this list nudge travelers — and the industry at large — in a more responsible, conscious direction. — T+L Editors

Kind Traveler

Jessica Blotter and Sean Krejci, the founders of Kind Traveler , have created a travel-booking platform that offers a clever, easy-to-use system for both seeing the world and investing in making that world better. Make a donation to one of their vetted charities, and you unlock special rates for their hundreds of partner hotels. For example, if you're planning a trip to the Maldives and animal welfare is a cause close to your heart, a contribution of as little as $10 to the Manta Trust — which researches and protects threatened manta rays in the region — will discount your booking at Hurawalhi Island Resort by an average of $275 per night. One hundred percent of donations go to the chosen cause.

Intrepid Travel x Offset Earth

Going carbon-neutral may be a present-day preoccupation for many companies — but for the Australian tour operator Intrepid Travel , which takes tens of thousands of travelers on small-group escorted tours annually, it's very last decade. Intrepid achieved carbon-neutral status in 2010. By the end of 2020, it plans to become the world's first "climate positive" travel company through its partnership with carbon offsetting startup Offset Earth . Through this program, Intrepid hopes to remove more carbon dioxide from the environment than it produces.

But Intrepid's responsible-travel roots run even deeper: The company operates as a certified B corporation, which means it measures its success not just by its financial profits but also by social and environmental outcomes and public transparency. In 2014, it became the first tour operator to eliminate all elephant rides on its itineraries; more than 100 other travel companies have since followed suit. It also invests in more than two dozen projects in the locales where it runs tours, including an educational initiative for girls in Morocco's High Atlas Mountains, reforestation efforts in Kenya, and kelp-forest conservation in Australia.

The Ripple Score by G Adventures

Done right, tourism "creates financial opportunities for women, youth, and indigenous communities, and empowers local people to protect their environment for future generations," Canadian entrepreneur Bruce Poon Tip says. This vision is at the heart of G Adventures , the tour operator Poon Tip founded in 1990, which strives to maximize the positive economic impact of travel on communities around the world. Today, some 200,000 travelers take a G Adventures trip each year; the company organizes itineraries to every continent except Antarctica. Last year, it introduced the Ripple Score , a metric that tells travelers exactly how (and how much of) the money spent on a G Adventures package benefits the people and places they visit. In the cacao-growing Ecuadorian village of Shandia, for instance, local youths lead visitors on cycling tours. On Malaysia's Libaran Island, residents have received training in traditional craft and cookery, skills that enable them to benefit from the steady, lucrative market of visitors drawn by the island's nesting sea turtles. (The trips that feature these excursions earn a 98 and a perfect 100, respectively.) The Ripple Score lets travelers see how their presence in these places affects the people they meet — and thanks to a new program, Project 100 , 2020 will see 100 new tourism-related community initiatives that tour groups can support on the ground. Poon Tip says, "tourism can be a force for good — if we approach it in a responsible and inclusive way."

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Ecotourism Escapes: Responsible Travel Companies To Book With

Ecotourism is the sustainable and responsible route to experiencing the world. this new trend in the travel industry goes beyond sightseeing and sunbathing. dive into positively impactful practices and activities, whilst getting that much needed change of scene and pace from your normal 9-5..

Written by Phoebe Young

Published July 25, 2022

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Get ready for some of the most exciting eco-travel experiences we can find, from some of the best ecotourism companies out there.

What is ecotourism and why does it matter?

Ecotourism is essentially brings together tourism, helping human communities and conservation of the natural world.

The International Ecotourism Society  describe it as: “Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education.”

Ecotourism matters because it is a means of reversing the ills of the mainstream travel industry. Tourism, when practiced unconsciously and only for the benefit of the consumer, can do devastating damage to the earth and to the lives of locals.

By engaging in ecotourism, you get what you really want from travelling. Experience different cultures or uncover natural wonders safe in the knowledge you’re helping to promote and preserve, enjoying not exploiting them.

Ecotourism companies help the world by:

• Giving tourists memorable experiences that increase their understanding of a host countries’ political, environmental, and social situation.
• Financially or physically aiding conservation efforts.
• Minimising social, behavioural, physical or psychological impact on a host country.
• Expanding cultural and/or environmental awareness and respect for another country.
• Financially benefitting local people and their industries.
• Providing visitors with first-hand experience of the rights, beliefs and practices of Indigenous Peoples, working them and empowering them.

This being said, ecotourism is by no means a sacrifice.

It offers a far more fulfilling way to have a holiday.

Rather than a mindless short-lived trip, it can be a memorable, immersive experience that will shift your perspectives and remain with you forever.

• Check out our latest ideas and tried trips in  Eco Friendly Travel

1. Jumbari Family Safaris

A safari is a bucket list adventure for many but how do you go about it in a responsible, ethical way?

Jumbari Family Safaris  do all the hard work for you. They pride themselves on being a responsible safari company that’s all about conservation of the countries like Botswana where they operate in, as well as of the communities they work with. From encouraging no plastic to donating to   wildlife charities,  Jumbari have ecotourism in the bag.

They love looking after families and creating trips that will inspire children to become nature lovers and conservationists.

• How to be a responsible traveller while on safari

2. Seek Sophie

New responsible travel company,  Seek Sophie , connects you with over 1,000 vetted independent businesses in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal,   Sri Lanka  and Vietnam, which means you can discover off the beaten track adventures, while knowing you’re having a positive impact, supporting the local economy and being a responsible traveller.

The site’s local guides offer everything from   local neighbourhood tours  to hiking adventures, but what they have in common is they’re tackling overtourism of the same well-trodden spots and spreading tourism’s financial impact (and your hard earned holiday money) amongst more communities. Now that’s responsible travel.

• 5 Ways To Ensure Your Next Travel Tour Is Sustainable

3. + Impact Travel

One of our favourite sustainable travel companies , + Impact Travel (that’s Positive Impact) focus on upping the style stakes on sustainable getaways through partnering with some of the most beautiful  eco-friendly hotels in the world .

Responsible travellers can pick and choose from eight destinations, authentic experiences and  sustainable hotels  that subscribe to 12 principles of ecotourism that include reducing carbon emissions and paying workers a fair wage.

From domed eco-resorts in Patagonia and stunning Italian chateaus with vineyards to slow travel excursions that use the train, at  + Impact Travel , responsible travel has never looked so regal.

• Check in to our favourite  Eco Hotels

4. Better Places Travel

B Corp  travel agency,  Better Places Travel , started out wanting to offer ethical experiences in Asia but they now cover three continents.

These ecotourism experts know there’s no knowledge like local knowledge so they pair each budding responsible traveller with a locally vetted tour agency, so you can work out your perfect itinerary from Indonesia and Chile to Jordan.

Not only are all of their local travel partners accredited through the TravelLife, Better Places Travel make your trip carbon neutral, without you having to do anything extra. They include it in every experience.

Using the CARMACAL emissions calculator, Better Places Travel calculates the entire CO2 footprint of each journey and compensates for the emissions by investing in more efficient cooking stoves in Ghana.

Click here for more carbon offsetting options for your next trip .

5. Duara Travels

Responsible travel company,  Duara Travel s, focus on authentic village experiences, from Thailand to Tanzania.

Want to have a real ecotourism adventure? Book a three night stay in a local village, away from the tourist traps and Instagram hordes and share daily life with different cultures to get the most from any long haul or once in a lifetime trip.

Duara make sure that you’re the only travellers in the village at the time so you have a full on immersion and can create long-lasting connections. You’ll come home having met the people and community that your money goes towards helping.

6. Floogle Binder

Another B Corp certified ethical travel company,   FloogleBinder , focuses on the more active side of an eco-friendly holiday using unforgettable experiences to drive home the importance of conservation.

From wildlife workshops, surfing and hiking mountains, these are group camping trips with a difference, you’ll come home with a renewed love of the planet. They’re also a great option if you want an action packed eco-escape and don’t want to fly solo.

Don’t want to fly? These guys have epic eco adventures in Essex and  Wales , Italy and Greece.

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7. Balance Holidays

If your idea of ecotourism is more about taking things slowly and focusing on mindfulness and wellness,   Balance Holidays   could you be your kind of responsible travel brand.

Balance Holiday’s sustainable yoga retreats happen all across Europe, at boutique  eco-friendly hotels   and serve up organic, often  plant-based  menus, partner with green transportation companies and work with the local communities you’re uncurling your concertinaed spine in.

They also offer meditation, mindfulness and healthy cooking retreats and a commitment to sustainable travel runs throughout their portfolio of experiences.

8. Nature House

Want to get away from it all this year and surround yourself in nature?

Nature House   is an inspiring collection of hidden away cottages across Europe, that are surrounded by forests, fields, lakes, rivers and just beautiful landscapes.

Choose from 30 countries and Nature House plants a tree for every night you book. If you’re looking for a quiet, eco-friendly escape, this is a great short cut to the best self-catering for a sustainable break.

Why Breda Is The Sustainable City You’ll Want To Move To

What is overtourism?

‘Overtourism’ is a broad term, used to describe a situation where so many travellers are flocking to a destination, that they have a negative impact on its local population and its nature.

Think the cruise ships of Venice (recently banned from the medieval city) or the crowds at Ankor Wat.

Want to know when a place is suffering from overtourism?

Does the list below sound familiar? If so, avoid a destination and consider an alternative.

• Tourists cannot view landmarks because of the crowds.
• Fragile environments become degraded.
• Narrow, rural roads become jammed with tourist vehicles.
• Wildlife is frightened away and has its habitat ruined.
• Rent prices rise so high that local tenants are pushed out to make way for holiday rentals.
• Indigenous people come to rely  too  heavily on the business tourists bring, and local industries and crafts suffer as a result.
• Seas and land become littered and polluted.

Overtourism has come about because of the growth of the tourism industry.

For years it has been considered and touted as ethical- a means of bringing money to struggling communities. Unfortunately is has now crossed a line, and is often doing more harm than good.

What can you do about overtourism?

1. there’s a time and a place.

One simple way to combat overtourism is to think about when and where you travel.

Visiting destinations during the ‘low season’ help keep the local tourist industry ticking.

What’s more, you are bound to enjoy them better when you are not constantly in claustrophobic crowds. Many countries, like Spain and Italy, still have relatively untouristed areas that would benefit from more business. They are just as beautiful as the beaches from the brochure, only a little further off the beaten track and will probably put far less pressure on the purse strings.

2. Keep your cash flow local

Try, as far possible, to make sure your money goes straight to the locals, as opposed to middle men. For example:

• Pay national park entrance fees to ensure your visit supports conservation.
• Stay in locally owned guesthouses.
• Eat at local restaurants.
• Take tours with local guides.

It seems so obvious, but sometimes when people finally get that hold they’ve been hankering after, they neglect to pack their ethical rule book.

Travel is a privilege, and it is so important to remain respectful towards the land and the locals whose home you are inhabiting. So, leaving no litter, honouring local customs, practices and religions and doing nothing to disturb wildlife are fundamental for overturning overtourism.

Need some tips on how to keep your trash minimal when you travel?

Check out our 5 minute guide: How to travel without using single use plastic

You don’t have to fly to the other side of the world for a life-changing experience

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Top Eco-Friendly Travel Agencies for Sustainable Tourism

Hey there! Looking for the top eco-friendly travel agencies for sustainable tourism? Well, guess what? We’ve got you covered! These amazing travel agencies are all about promoting responsible travel and making a positive impact on the environment.

They focus on supporting local communities, conserving wildlife, and reducing their carbon footprint . With these eco-conscious agencies, you can embark on incredible adventures while knowing that you’re contributing to a more sustainable future for tourism.

From ethical wildlife conservation projects to immersive cultural experiences, they offer a wide range of travel options that will make you feel like you truly belong to a community of like-minded travelers. So, let’s explore the world together and leave a positive footprint behind!

Responsible Travel Options

One of the key aspects of responsible travel is choosing a travel agency that offers a variety of eco-friendly options for sustainable tourism. When it comes to eco-friendly travel companies, there are several options to consider.

Sustainable travel companies prioritize minimizing the carbon footprint and supporting local communities. They offer small group trips that allow for a more intimate and authentic experience, while also reducing the impact on the environment. These companies often engage in environmental projects and initiatives, such as conservation efforts and supporting local economies.

Sustainable Adventure Tours

We love exploring the world sustainably with eco-friendly travel agencies that offer a wide range of sustainable adventure tours. These tours aren’t only thrilling and exciting but also prioritize responsible tourism and regenerative travel. Here are four reasons why sustainable adventure tours are a fantastic choice for travelers:

• Immerse yourself in local culture: Sustainable adventure tours focus on supporting the local community by engaging in community development projects and promoting local businesses. This allows you to truly experience the destination and connect with its people.
• Protect wildlife and nature: These tours prioritize ethical wildlife experiences and conservation projects. By choosing a sustainable adventure tour, you can ensure that your tourism activities have a positive impact on the environment and support conservation efforts.
• Offset your carbon footprint: Many sustainable adventure tour companies are committed to being carbon-neutral. They offset their emissions and promote sustainable practices to minimize their environmental impact.
• Create lasting memories: With sustainable adventure tours, you can create unforgettable memories while also making a positive difference. By choosing an eco-friendly travel agency, you can embark on exciting adventures knowing that you’re contributing to sustainable tourism and the well-being of local communities.

Eco-Conscious Vacation Packages

Let’s dive into the world of eco-conscious vacation packages, which offer sustainable and responsible travel experiences for those seeking to make a positive impact on the environment and local communities.

These packages, often referred to as eco tours or sustainable trips, are designed to promote green travel and regenerative tourism. They’re curated by responsible companies that prioritize environmental and social considerations.

One of the key focuses of these vacation packages is reducing carbon emissions. Many companies actively work towards minimizing their carbon footprint by offering flight-free alternatives, carbon offset programs, and investing in community projects that support carbon-neutral trips. By choosing such packages, travelers can ensure their travel has a minimal impact on the environment.

In addition to environmental considerations, eco-conscious vacation packages also prioritize supporting local communities. They do this by promoting local accommodation options and engaging in community development projects. These packages offer opportunities for travelers to immerse themselves in the local culture and contribute to the well-being of the communities they visit.

Moreover, these vacation packages often include opportunities for ethical wildlife experiences. They collaborate with NGOs and grassroots organizations to ensure that conservation work is prioritized and that wildlife encounters are conducted in a responsible and respectful manner.

Ethical Travel Experiences

Our top three ethical travel experiences immerse us in local communities, support conservation efforts, and foster cultural exchange. When traveling with responsible companies, we can embark on unforgettable adventures that make a positive impact on the environment and the communities we visit.

Here are four incredible experiences that combine environmental sustainability, community engagement, and cultural immersion:

• Join a community-based tourism project in a remote village, where we can stay with local families, learn about their traditions, and contribute to their economic development.
• Take part in an environmental conservation program, such as marine turtle conservation, where we can help protect endangered species and their habitats.
• Explore a social enterprise that promotes sustainable tourism while supporting marginalized communities, such as a fair-trade craft cooperative or a community-owned eco-lodge.
• Participate in a carbon-neutral trekking expedition, where we can experience breathtaking landscapes while minimizing our environmental footprint through responsible travel practices.

These experiences offer opportunities for meaningful connections, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of the world around us. By choosing ethical travel, we can create a positive impact while enjoying unforgettable adventures.

Green Tourism Agencies

When searching for eco-friendly travel agencies, it’s important to consider those that prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Green tourism agencies focus on providing carbon-neutral trips and offsetting emissions, while also working towards reducing their carbon footprint. These companies understand the importance of minimizing environmental impact and promoting ethical wildlife experiences.

They support local communities by advocating for positive change, supporting NGOs and grassroots organizations, and investing in community development projects. Two notable green tourism agencies are G Adventures and Intrepid Travel .

G Adventures, a leading adventure travel company, is committed to promoting sustainable tourism practices and minimizing environmental impact. Intrepid Travel, a Booking.com platform, offers a range of responsible travel experiences that prioritize local culture and support independent businesses.

By choosing to travel with these eco-friendly agencies, we can embark on unforgettable adventures while also making a positive impact on the environment and local communities.

These top travel agencies prioritize sustainability and responsible travel, offering unique experiences that allow us to immerse ourselves in nature and culture.

So, let’s take the road less traveled, leave nothing but footprints, and create a harmonious rhythm between our travels and the world we explore. Together, we can shape a more sustainable future for tourism.

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Sustainable Travel Companies: Paving the Way for Eco-Friendly Journeys

9 August 2023 | 4 Min Read

Table of Contents

As the world awakens to the importance of environmental conservation and responsible tourism, the travel industry is undergoing a transformation led by sustainable travel companies. These trailblazing companies are redefining the travel landscape, offering eco-friendly travel experiences that align with the principles of eco-consciousness and sustainability. From ecotourism trips to green travel initiatives, this article explores the role of sustainable travel companies in fostering responsible exploration and leaving a positive impact on both travelers and the planet.

The Essence of Sustainable Travel: Traveling with Purpose

Sustainable travel, often referred to as eco travel or green travel, emphasizes the preservation of natural resources, protection of local cultures, and a commitment to minimizing negative impacts on the environment. Sustainable travel companies prioritize responsible practices, promote environmental awareness, and provide travelers with the opportunity to experience the world while leaving a positive footprint.

1. Eco-Friendly Accommodations: Staying Responsibly

Sustainable travel companies collaborate with accommodations that implement green practices. These accommodations prioritize energy efficiency, waste reduction, and local community support, creating a holistic and eco-friendly experience for guests.

2. Local Cultural Immersion: Embracing Authenticity

One of the hallmarks of sustainable travel is the focus on authentic cultural experiences. Sustainable travel companies curate tours that enable travelers to engage with local communities, learn about traditional practices, and contribute to local economies.

3. Eco Conscious Activities: Adventure with a Purpose

Sustainable travel companies offer activities that are in harmony with the natural environment. From wildlife viewing to hiking and kayaking, these activities are designed to minimize disturbances and promote environmental education.

4. Responsible Wildlife Encounters: Ethical Interactions

Ethical wildlife encounters are a key component of sustainable travel experiences. Sustainable travel companies prioritize interactions that prioritize animal welfare and adhere to responsible viewing practices.

5. Carbon Offsetting Initiatives: Balancing Impact

Many sustainable travel companies engage in carbon offset programs. Through these initiatives, travelers have the option to compensate for their carbon emissions by supporting projects that mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

6. Community-Based Tourism: Supporting Local Economies

Sustainable travel companies collaborate with local communities to develop tourism initiatives that empower local residents and provide economic benefits. These initiatives ensure that tourism contributes positively to the well-being of communities.

7. Sustainable Tours: Guided by Values

Sustainable travel companies design tours that reflect their commitment to environmental and social sustainability. These tours offer enriching experiences while adhering to principles of responsible travel.

8. Green Travel Initiatives: Reducing Environmental Impact

Sustainable travel companies often incorporate green practices into their operations. These include minimizing single-use plastics, reducing waste, supporting sustainable transportation options, and prioritizing eco-friendly accommodations.

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Top 10 Sustainable Travel Companies

The Impact of Sustainable Travel Companies

The rise of sustainable travel companies has far-reaching impacts that extend beyond individual travel experiences. These companies are catalysts for change, driving the entire travel industry toward more responsible and ethical practices.

1. Raising Awareness: Promoting Environmental Education

Sustainable travel companies play a vital role in raising awareness about environmental issues. Through educational initiatives, travelers are informed about conservation efforts and encouraged to make conscious choices.

2. Supporting Conservation Efforts: Preserving Biodiversity

Many sustainable travel companies contribute financially to conservation projects and initiatives that protect fragile ecosystems and endangered species. By supporting these efforts, they contribute directly to preserving biodiversity.

3. Influencing Industry Standards: Setting the Bar Higher

Sustainable travel companies set a precedent for the travel industry by demonstrating that profitability and sustainability can coexist. As leaders in responsible tourism, they encourage other companies to adopt similar practices.

4. Enhancing Local Economies: Empowering Communities

Sustainable travel companies prioritize community-based tourism, ensuring that local economies benefit from tourism revenue. This empowerment leads to improved livelihoods and encourages the preservation of cultural heritage.

5. Fostering Responsible Travelers: Influencing Behavior

Through their initiatives and tours, sustainable travel companies cultivate a community of responsible travelers. These travelers return home with a heightened awareness of their impact on the environment and local cultures.

In Conclusion: Traveling with Purpose and Responsibility

Sustainable travel companies are at the forefront of a movement that prioritizes meaningful travel experiences that benefit both travelers and the destinations they visit. By choosing to travel with these companies, individuals contribute to the conservation of natural resources, the protection of cultural heritage, and the empowerment of local communities. As the world of travel evolves, sustainable travel companies continue to inspire a new generation of conscious travelers who embark on journeys with purpose, leaving behind a legacy of positive impact and responsible exploration.

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Sustainable Travel Companies, Eco-Friendly International Business Travel

Sustainability and the future of business travel

How to reduce CO2 emissions and build an eco-friendly travel program.

Sustainable business travel enables future travel

Building a sustainable travel program isn’t just good for the environment – it’s good for your company. With Egencia, we provide the support you need to successfully implement a scalable program.

Meet your corporate sustainability targets

Sustainability is more than a buzzword — it's taken center stage as companies commit to protect natural resources, reduce CO2 emissions and make a positive impact with eco-friendly measures. Managing a business travel program that supports sustainable travel is no exception.

If traveling sustainably is a priority, Egencia can help. You'll have access to resources to help you build a sustainable travel program that uses business travel technology to helps your travelers lessen their carbon footprint.

What Egencia is doing about sustainability

Build a more sustainable travel program

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) reported that most travel managers said they were asked to implement sustainable travel practices into their programs. Travel managers need guidance to create policies that address climate change and reduce negative impacts on the planet, balance an eco-friendly travel program with company objectives, and provide data to get buy-in from stakeholders.

How Egencia can help:

• Travel policy – direct travelers to more carbon efficient flights and rail options where relevant. Learn more.
• Air and rail: View your carbon footprint in the booking path and sort flights by least carbon emissions to identify the most carbon efficient flight for that route. View alternative rail options on the air search page with our air-rail comparison tool. Choose alternative train options for the same flight routes in Norway, Spain, Sweden Belgium, France, UK, US and more.
• More eco-friendly options: Select public transport options or search for hybrid car rentals or electric vehicles.
• Manage and track emissions: Get up-to-date data on carbon emissions with the most relevant carbon calculation methodologies, allowing you to create customized reports to track your carbon footprint. Learn more.
• Carbon compensation: With our inbuilt calculator, pick a fixed price per tonne CO₂ and the compensated amount will go towards sustainability projects of your choice. Our partner CHOOOSE offer verified sustainability projects across the world.
• Consulting: Work with our sustainability consultants to identify gaps in your program and travel policy, measure your environmental impact, evaluate supplier partnerships, and educate your travellers.

Green travel tips

Get onboard.

Traveling by train can cut your carbon footprint up to 3 times of what flight would emit

Eco-friendly driving

Electric and hybrid cars emit up to 50% fewer emissions

Use renewable bottles

80% of 50B plastic water bottles sold every year and up in a landfill

Get your employees to embrace eco-friendly travel

At Egencia, travel managers can guide travelers towards cutting down on carbon emissions. Travelers also wield significant impact with the choices they make, from opting to use renewable items when they travel or limiting layovers by reducing flight takeoffs when booking a trip.

Help your travelers have an eco-friendly travel experience:

• Get a transparent view of a trip’s emissions in the booking path with real-life, contextual examples
• Rent a hybrid or electric car
• Look into public transport or regional rail options

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Top 10...environmentally friendly travel companies

Valentina jovanovski.

Next week marks the first ever Green Tourism Week; an initiative launched by the Green Tourism Business Scheme last October. But Green Tourism Week isn’t alone in its drive to promote a greener way to travel. Nominations are currently being gathered for the Responsible Tourism Awards , which will be presented on 9th November - World Responsible Tourism Day. Even the UN’s World Environment Day (5th June) is getting in on the act, with a host of initiatives aimed at boosting environmentally conscious travel scheduled in.

It’s not all awards and world days though. Ethical travel company, Gap Year for Grown Ups , estimates that more than 100,000 of us choose trips that involve volunteering or conservation each year. While it doesn’t compare to the numbers heading off on package trips to Magaluf and Faliraki, it’s a positive start. So what does eco-tourism really mean? The International Eco-tourism Society defines eco-tourism as being ‘responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.’ Although it sounds straightforward, some less scrupulous companies call their activities eco-tourism when in reality, all they offer is a carbon offsetting scheme - even though this has become standard practice for many travel companies. If that’s left you unsure of where to look: read on for the 10 responsible travel companies that are putting Thomas Cook and co to shame.

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How to Become an Eco-Traveler and Make a Positive Impact

The way our travel habits may impact the planet is unimaginably significant. Yes, many people think that there is nothing up to them and their individual activities when huge countries run their power plants and billions of people throw paper and plastic into the same bean. With all the negative actions in the world towards eco lifestyle, I believe that every individual activity is equally important.

So, recently I was watching (and I suggest this to you too) a documentary by Apple TV+, called “The Year Earth Changed” , narrated by one and only Sir David Attenborough. Just watch that film, and you will see how our planet started breathing again when we limited our transportation and international trips during COVID-19. The change in nature and the wild world shows the terrible consequences our footprint may cause if we don’t embrace the meaning of Eco as deeply as needed.

With worldwide tourism numbering in the billions annually, all those planes, cruises, and transport methods are expelling staggering amounts of greenhouse gases into our fragile atmosphere. But you don’t have to ditch your wanderlust entirely to start making a real difference. In fact, embracing a more eco-conscious style of exploring can compound into profoundly positive impacts over time, especially when many businesses prefer to invest in sustainability. This article will explore a few key strategies for transforming your vacations into force multipliers for environmental sustainability.

Stay at a Smart Accommodation

Let’s be honest – big resorts and chain hotels aren’t exactly champions of environmental responsibility. All those energy-guzzling amenities, wasted resources, and excessive consumption by guests add up to a huge environmental impact. Smart eco-tourists know to look for places to stay that are carefully designed to minimize that impact . Stylish, small vacation rentals and locally-owned lodges are the way to go if you want to reduce your environmental footprint when you travel.

Forget those wild water park resorts and endless buffets. Smaller, modern, tech-savvy homes use incredibly efficient utilities, power sources that come from the environment, and sustainable building methods that major hotel chains can only envy. Things like smart thermostats, solar panels, and composting systems actively cut down on daily use of resources, which is the main reason why many tourists prefer to rent accommodations equipped with new smart home devices .

For example, consider a recent Airbnb I stayed in Joshua Tree. That simple, off-the-grid tiny house had a wonderfully light touch on the environment compared to any typical resort stay. Between the solar panels on the roof , system that collects rainwater, and clever design that keeps the place cool naturally, my entire 3-day desert vacation produced almost no emissions or wasted resources.

That’s how you vacation responsibly in the 21st century! So do your research, find those eco-friendly accommodations , and save the planet from those hotel nightmares.

Short Trips Are the Best Trips

Here’s a surprising eco-friendly travel tip: those short, quick getaways close to home can often be much better for the environment than long, fancy trips abroad.

Just think about it. You’re not using tons of airplane fuel to get there, and you’re not supporting airports that use a lot of resources. You barely need any ground transportation, so your travel footprint starts and ends with that short drive or train ride to a nearby place.

For example, I recently wanted a relaxing beach vacation to disconnect completely. But after figuring out the costs of flights, hotels, tours, and everything else that comes with international travel, my budget-conscious side started thinking – why travel all the way to the Caribbean or Mexico when I have world-class beaches just 90 minutes away right here at home?

So I ended up booking a cute, solar-powered cottage overlooking the San Diego coast. And guess what? Packing snacks in my car and driving down the highway without any worries was way less stressful than any long, complicated international trip.

The “staycation” idea is also great for eco-conscious adventurers. No need to deal with unfamiliar languages, cultures, or navigating crowded city centers. Just hit the road and start exploring those peaceful trails, local restaurants, and hidden natural wonders nearby – all in the same day. Low impact on the environment, maximum relaxation.

Be Active But in an Eco Way

Activities like mountain climbing , scuba diving , and whitewater rafting might seem like they’re terrible for the environment at first glance. Engines, equipment, travel distances, and potential damage to wildlife habitats – surely they can’t be sustainable, right? But look a little closer and you might be surprised. Many adventure companies have completely changed the way they operate to minimize their environmental impact without sacrificing the excitement.

New-generation eco-lodges are setting up off-the-grid base camps powered entirely by solar or wind energy. Hybrid jet boats and electric raft tours are replacing loud and polluting motorboat trips. Even equipment rentals are becoming more eco-friendly, with brands designing super-strong, ethically-sourced gear that lasts for years.

The initial shift to eco-friendly practices was an obvious decision. But the real benefit of sustainability comes from the companies’ focus on low-impact exploration. Guides and staff thoroughly train visitors on “leave no trace” principles: sticking to marked trails, avoiding disturbing wildlife, properly packing out all trash, and so on.

Instead of hordes of careless thrill-seekers destroying beautiful natural areas, you get small groups of well-informed outdoor enthusiasts who genuinely respect and protect the places they love to explore. Not bad for a little proactive environmental effort, right?

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African Forest

28 october, 2018.

We had a wonderful time! I highly recommend the Resort at Longboat Key & the area.

thank you for all your effort and travel information. I really wasn’t expecting that you do this. So thank you very much.