While global travel is at peak accessibility, many travelers want to consider just how their adventures impact local cultures and the environment.  
 

What Is Sustainable Travel? 

First, we must consider: what does “environmentally friendly travel” mean?  

Environmentally friendly—or sustainable-- travel is a way of traveling that minimizes negative impacts on the environment, supports local communities, and preserves cultural heritage. 

Travelers who commit to sustainable travel can affect change toward conservation, local heritage, culture, and social responsibility.  

You can travel eco-friendly by opting for:  

• Specific destinations  
• Environmentally friendly accommodations 
• Community-based tourism initiatives 
• Supporting local businesses 
• Engaging in activities that respect wildlife and natural habitats 

The Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDSM) recommends that travelers start by choosing a destination that supports sustainability. You can find a list of ranked cities on the GDSM website: Global Destination Sustainability Movement Index Ranking, which gives sustainability scores based on carbon emissions, public transportation, social progress performance, waste management, and pollution. 

Eco-Friendly Destinations 

1. Costa Rica: Costa Rica is known for its rich biodiversity and commitment to conservation. Because it is such a widely known tourism destination, many of its services are now geared toward eco-friendly options, including eco-friendly hotels, sustainable tours, and eco-trekking adventures such as birdwatching.  
2. Norway: Oslo and Bergen are two top-ranked Global Destination Sustainability (GDSM) cities, known for their thriving culture, unique Scandinavian style, and both environmental and social progress. While getting to smaller cities requires air or road travel, travel within Oslo and Bergen is pedestrian-friendly, placing a small footprint on emissions. 
3. New Zealand: This country is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, from mountains to beaches to rainforests. New Zealand promotes eco-tourism and offers plenty of opportunities for sustainable activities like hiking, wildlife watching, and exploring national parks. Fjordland National Park, Gondwana Eco-tours, and Rotorua Ziplines are all dedicated to sustainable tourism. 
4. France: Travelers who choose to head outside of well-known Paris instead of Bordeaux or Lyon will find incredible eco-minded experiences. Lyon is known as the “gastronomic capital” of France, offering locally sourced, world-class food. Lyon was also voted the best pedestrian city in France, making it easy to explore without a high emissions footprint. Bordeau is rated the greenest city in France, with eco-friendly travel, lodging, and tour options. 
5. Sweden: Sweden bookends the 2024 sustainable cities chart with spots #1 and #10: Gothenburg, Sweden is ranked #1 on the GDSM Index, and Stockholm comes in at #10, making both true destinations for sustainability-minded travelers. Gothenburg has held the title of “most eco-friendly city in the world” for seven consecutive years. Gothenburg is developing a zero-emission transportation system, restaurant food is locally sourced, and shops are all locally owned. Just off the coast is a trail of islands that are easy to explore with a ferry service. 
6. Canada: Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada, offers eco-friendly accommodations, sustainable outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife viewing, and opportunities to support conservation efforts in one of the world's most beautiful natural settings. For those in the United States, this is a closer-to-home option than many European excursions, cutting down on flight footprints and travel time. 
7. Iceland is known for its stunning natural beauty, including waterfalls, glaciers, and geothermal hot springs. Travelers can support eco-tourism initiatives, stay in eco-friendly accommodations, and explore the country's natural wonders while minimizing their environmental impact. 
8. Peru (Machu Picchu): While Machu Picchu faces challenges from overtourism, there are still eco-friendly ways to visit this iconic site. Visitors can choose responsible tour operators, hike the Inca Trail with Leave No Trace principles, and support local communities through sustainable tourism initiatives. 
9. Japan: Japan is increasingly promoting eco-tourism and sustainable travel initiatives. Visitors can explore its natural beauty through national parks and UNESCO World Heritage sites, participate in traditional cultural experiences, and support eco-friendly accommodations and tours. 
10. Slovenia: Known for its pristine natural beauty, Slovenia is committed to sustainable tourism. Visitors can explore its national parks, hike in the Julian Alps, enjoy eco-friendly farm stays, and experience local culture and cuisine. As a bonus, this is a lesser-known travel destination that is sure to impress. 
     

Sustainable Accommodations 

If you choose to stay in a hotel, you can seek out hotels that have sustainability certifications. Visit the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) website for a list of hotels and travel agencies with certified GSTC criteria. Other travel websites, such as EcoHotels.com and EcoStayCertified.com, help you find sustainable accommodations worldwide.  

Check for hotels that have: 

• Environmental certifications: Does the hotel have any environmental certifications? Does it participate in energy initiatives (such as no single-use plastic bottles, housekeeping linen program, EV car chargers)? 
• Sustainability policies: Look for hotels that follow sustainable policies, such as the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating, EarthCheck, and Global Sustainable Tourism council 
• Energy or water-saving programs 
• Local involvement: Look for hotels that empower members of the community by hiring local staff or local suppliers for food and beverages 

Another option is to consider rentals and homestays instead of hotels. Renting from local homeowners supports the local economy and minimizes your hotel footprint. 
 

How To Get There 

Consider how you will get to your destination: can you drive, ride share, or take the train instead of flying? If you fly, the GSTC recommends that you book with airlines with higher occupancy rates and aircraft efficiency.  

Eco Activities 

Finding sustainably minded tourism activities contributes to a sustainable vacation.  

• Sustainability Tours: Many tours promote their status as a “sustainability tour” or offer nature walks, conservation projects, and cultural experiences with local communities.  
• Volunteering Programs: Consider volunteering for conservation or community development projects for your travels.  
• Nature-Based Activities: Biking, camping, hiking, birdwatching, snorkeling, diving in protected areas, or helping with reforestation projects are all conscientious options. Look for activities hosted by local tour operators instead of large corporations. 
• Seek Cultural Experiences: Dine locally and look for activities that promote the local culture (festivals, community events, markets, and learning traditional crafts) 
• Ask Questions: When booking tours and activities, ask questions about their environmental and social practices. Ask about waste management, pollution, wildlife protection, habitat conservation, energy use, and community involvement. 
   

Our Suggested AXA Travel Insurance Plan  

Because everyone’s travel plans, priorities, and budgets are different, we recommend you speak with our licensed travel agent today to hear about what plan is best suited for your needs.   
 
AXA offers travelers three travel protection plans: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each plan offers different levels of coverage to suit individual needs. Compare plans here.  

Note: non-domestic hospitals often do not accept U.S. health insurance or Medicare, so we recommend travelers consider purchasing any of these plans, particularly for coverage they offer for emergency accident and sickness medical expenses while traveling outside of the U.S.