Given the rise in awareness about climate change, it is no surprise that making informed choices is of utmost importance. Talks of sustainability and environmental friendly have been doing rounds all over the world.
When planning your next vacation, consider Ecotourism locations.
WHAT IS ECOTOURISM?
In simple words, ecotourism means traveling consciously. Ecotourism offers a way to see the most spectacular locations on earth without obliterating what makes them unique in the first place. It is a nature-based tourism where visitors’ primary goals are to observe and appreciate the surrounding environment and the local, traditionally practiced cultures. What is so special about ecotourism is that it is traveling with a clear conscience. These locations use environmentally friendly, sustainable, alternate energy methods to bolster themselves.
Let’s take a look at some of these sustainable traveling locations that you might want to explore during your next vacation.
HAWAII,USA
This non-mainland location is arguably one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world. Hawaii has been practicing sustainability for a long time. The heart-filling experiences of the Hawaiian beaches, kayaking, and scuba diving in Hawaii also make these activities eco-friendly. Locals and Native Americans adhere to the principle of Malama ‘Aina, which means ‘to care for the land.’, thus making Hawaii a top eco-friendly tourist location. Visitors will be awestruck by the beauty of the Hula event, which represents traditional Hawaiian culture. One can also look at the Volcano national parks, Pu’uhonua o Hnaunau National Historical Park, etc.
Moreover, the location also provides eco-friendly places to stay, known as eco-lodges. Tourists can go online and find a hotel that caters to all their needs and requirements.
COLORADO,USA
The residents of Colorado take the LEED Certification program very seriously. The natives are adamant about protecting the natural beauty of this location. The Museum of Contemporary Art Denver has been labeled a gold-certified museum, the first of its kind in the US. Ecotourists will admire the sheer ease of being an ecotourist in Colorado. Be it the energy-saving methods and recycling initiatives taken up by the Element Denver Park Meadows or touring the Rocky Mountain National Park. Colorado is truly a sight to behold for ecotourists.
WASHINGTON, USA
The fact that the capital offers enthralling eco-tourism experiences is more than enough to signify how seriously the government and other organizations are taking eco-tourism. Popular eco-activities include kayaking, rock climbing, and hiking, and tourists may experience ethically sourced foods like beer, coffee, and seafood in Seattle. Tourists can also watch whale watching at the Friday Harbor or explore Hoh Rain Forest and Rialto Beach Guided Tour in Olympic National Park. The Adrift Hotel, a recognized Social Purpose Corporation on the Washington Coast, provides a luxury experience while putting the environment first.
ALASKA, USA
It is no surprise that the magnificent beauty features are on our list. Alaska has long been a leader in environmental activism, with over 100 national and state parks and dozens of rare or endangered species. Alaska is large, isolated, and wild, a favorite of nature lovers. Eco-lodges, using alternative energy power sources, can be found all over. Ecotourists can experience adventures in the spectacular wilderness. The unscathed scenic beauty, combined with the venturesome tundra and lofty mountains, not to forget the glaciers, is an experience one will remember for a lifetime.
KERALA, INDIA
Quite far from home, this location, located in the south of India, will make you fall in love with the Indian culture and leave you craving more. Located in the foothills of the Western Ghats, Kerala is also known as “God’s Own Country.”
One of the top 18 biodiversity hotspots, the Ghats are known for their abundant wildlife and culture.
The Thenmala Ecotourism Program protects the Shendurney Animals Sanctuary’s wildlife. Kerala Tourism is also attempting to educate the public about sustainable tourism by providing community services. The self-help organization is conducting an environmentally friendly backwaters trip as a part of the Village Ways Partnership.
Kerala is a treasure trove of tranquil scenery, glittering backwaters, and tea plantations. Tourists can explore eco-friendly locations like the Rhodo Valley, Konni Village, Thenmala, and Parambikulam. Accommodation in Kerala comes with a surprising element of elephants at the Wild Elephant Eco-friendly Resort in Munnar. While traveling to India, this place is a must-visit.
HARDANGERFJORD, NORWAY
Norway has long been a pioneer in sustainability, offering plenty of geothermal energy for cooling and heating as well as eco-friendly lodging options. Your bucket list for European travel should include a stop in the Norwegian Fjords, a prime location for ecotourism. The Hardanger fjord is the second-largest fjord in Norway and is located immediately south of Bergen, a significant international city. Its more than 100 kilometers can be explored in a variety of ways, including kayaking and guided tours. Along the fjord in spring, gorgeous fruit trees are in flower.
The Hardanger Folk Museum, which showcases regional culture, the Hardangervidda Nature Center, which concentrates on interactions between humans and the environment, and other surrounding cultural attractions.
Norway has garnered accolades from National Geographic’s Center for Sustainable Destinations despite being a well-known tourist destination because of its conservation efforts and preservation of rural areas. This place is a must visit.
Vatnajökull, ICELAND AND OTHER LOCATIONS
With glaciers, waterfalls, hot springs, and other incredible vistas, this destination is ruggedly beautiful and growing in popularity. The nation sets an example for the rest of the globe by utilizing a lot of geothermal and hydroelectric energy to generate electricity.
Nature lovers and photographers can explore Iceland’s caverns and go on an underground journey.
Vatnajökull is the focus of the modest, family-run business Glacier Adventure. It does business in an expert, ethical, and ecologically responsible manner. More daring individuals can embark on the Blue Ice Cave Adventure, which includes glacier hiking, ice tunnel exploration, and a visit to the Blue Ice Cave.
It also interests tourists to know there is no need to buy bottled water because water isn’t relatively as fresh anywhere else as it is here. Thus, one can be environmentally conscious and not use more plastic.
Because Iceland offers many chances for hiking, biking, and horseback riding instead of renting a car, it’s simple to live an environmentally responsible lifestyle there. Tourists can also witness the Northern Lights from Reykjavik.
Iceland ranked second in the Environmental Performance Index 2016.
With jaw-dropping scenery, eco-friendly adventures, and various culture, locations in Iceland sure won’t disappoint.
So, where will you go next? Let us know in the comments below.