Discover the world and protect it at the same time: eco-tourism, low-carbon travel and green destinations for conscious travellers.
Travelling sustainably means going slower, more locally and more respectfully – for example by train instead of plane, staying longer and choosing local accommodation and guides. Leading destinations include Costa Rica, Slovenia, Sweden, the Azores, the Alps by train and Borneo. Unavoidable flights can be offset with reputable providers.
Tourism accounts for 8% of global CO2 emissions. At the same time, travel is one of the most enriching experiences we can have. The solution lies not in giving up travel but in travelling more consciously: slower, more locally, more respectfully.
Sustainable travel means enjoying the beauty of the world while helping to preserve it. It is about conscious choices: taking the train instead of the plane, staying in local accommodation, supporting the local economy and treating nature with respect.
This guide shows you the best destinations for sustainable tourism, gives practical tips for reducing your carbon footprint and proves that responsible travel can be just as exciting.
Countries and regions that don't just preach sustainable tourism but live it.
The world champion of eco-tourism: 99% renewable energy, a quarter of the country under nature protection and incredible biodiversity.
Europe's greenest country: Ljubljana was European Green Capital 2016, consistently sustainable tourism.
Right of public access, untouched nature and a society that lives sustainability.
Volcanic islands in the Atlantic with consistently sustainable tourism, whale watching and hot springs.
The Alps by rail instead of air: night trains take you straight to the mountains, completely car-free.
One of the oldest rainforests with orangutans, pygmy elephants and responsible eco-lodges.
The 6 destinations differ mainly in budget, travel time and best season, for example Costa Rica (Dec–Apr), Slovenia (May–Oct) and Sweden (Jun–Aug). The table compares all values side by side.
| Destination | Budget | Getting There | Season | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Costa Rica | $$ | 12h flight | Dec–Apr | Eco pioneer |
| Slovenia | $$ | 1.5h flight | May–Oct | Green Europe |
| Sweden | $$$ | 2h flight | Jun–Aug | Wilderness & Nature |
| Azores | $$ | 4h flight | May–Oct | Volcanic islands |
| Alps by Train | $$ | No flight | Year-round | Low carbon |
| Borneo | $$ | 14h flight | Mar–Oct | Rainforest & Wildlife |
These 6 tips help most, above all: Train instead of plane, Reusable bottle instead of plastic and Book local accommodation. The details for each point follow below.
For distances under 800 km the train is the better choice. Night trains even save a hotel night.
A stainless-steel water bottle with a filter saves hundreds of plastic bottles per trip.
Family-run guesthouses and eco-lodges instead of international hotel chains.
First avoid, then reduce, then offset.
Mineral sunscreen without oxybenzone is coral-friendly.
Fewer places, more time per place. You travel with a lower carbon footprint and experience more.
3 free HolidayGenie tools help you plan: CO2 Calculator, Packing List and Budget Calculator. They run directly in your browser and complement the destination tips on this page.
Frequently asked questions
Sustainable travel means placing as little burden as possible on the environment, climate and local communities while giving something back: train instead of plane, longer rather than many short trips, local accommodation, restaurants and guides, and respect for nature and culture.
Leading examples are Costa Rica with its protected areas, Slovenia as a green destination in Europe, Sweden with its wilderness, the Azores, Borneo with rainforest ecotourism and the Alps, which are easy to reach by train.
The best order is: avoid, reduce, offset. For distances under about 800 km, the train is usually the better choice. If a flight is necessary, stay longer instead of taking several short trips, and offset the emissions with a reputable provider.
If you like Sustainable Travel, you may also enjoy Nature Experiences, Camping and Active Holiday. For every holiday type we show the best destinations with travel season, budget and insider tips.
Discover sustainable destinations and help preserve the world for future generations.
