If you’re interested in finding low-cost, sustainable activities, check out our earlier post for budget vacation ideas. For those who would still like to get away from the norm, you can travel abroad to places that still promote sustainability. Here are our top 7 destinations that can give you an environmentally friendly, memorable vacation: 

1. Portugal: Portugal is known for its stunning coastline, diverse landscapes, and commitment to sustainability. Travelers can explore national parks, hike along the Rota Vicentina trail, visit eco-friendly vineyards in the Douro Valley, and enjoy farm-to-table cuisine in Lisbon and Porto at affordable prices. 
2. Vietnam: Vietnam is a budget-friendly option with a focus on eco-tourism and cultural experiences. Travelers can explore the rice terraces of Sapa, kayak in Ha Long Bay, visit the historic town of Hoi An, and trek through the lush landscapes of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park while supporting local communities and sustainable tourism initiatives. 
3. Costa Rica: Costa Rica is a global leader in eco-tourism, offering budget-friendly accommodations, transportation options, and activities for nature lovers. Travelers can explore rainforests, hike volcanoes, relax on pristine beaches, and observe wildlife in national parks like Tortuguero while supporting conservation efforts and local communities. 
4. Thailand: Thailand is an affordable destination that is rich in culture and natural beauty. Travelers can explore temples in Bangkok, relax on tropical islands like Koh Lanta and Koh Chang, trek in northern hilltribe villages, and visit elephant sanctuaries – all with budget-friendly accommodations. 
5. Slovenia: Slovenia offers affordable travel options with a focus on sustainability and outdoor adventures. This under-the-radar destination has many scenic, affordable options, with an emphasis on promoting sustainable tourism. Travelers can explore the Julian Alps, visit Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, hike in Triglav National Park, and experience local culture in charming towns like Ljubljana and Piran while supporting eco-friendly initiatives. 
6. Greece (Crete): Crete, the largest island in Greece, highlights budget-friendly travel with a focus on sustainable tourism and cultural experiences. Travelers can explore ancient ruins, hike in the Samaria Gorge, relax on pristine beaches, and enjoy traditional Greek cuisine while supporting local farmers, artisans, and eco-friendly accommodations. Traveling off-season can lower airfare costs, and Greece is known for affordable tourism. 
7. Canada: Canada is known for its rich wilderness and stunning national parks. These have all types of recreational activity options, and the parks are rooted in conservation efforts. Eco-tourism, such as wildlife tours, photography tours, and hiking excursions are all environmentally friendly ways to enjoy your stay. 

Eco-Friendly Activities on Your Trip 

Within your destination, you can choose activities that promote sustainability and conservation and support the local community. Consider these activities: 

Hiking & Camping:

These are low-cost options that allow you to immerse yourself in nature and support local conservation. National, state, and local parks usually offer public trails to enjoy for a low fee, allowing you to explore on your feet and enjoy nature. Wildlife preserves are a great way to promote conservation that also allow you to soak up beautiful scenery.  

Camping and hiking typically involve minimal infrastructure and leave a small environmental footprint compared to other forms of travel. Campers often stay in designated campsites with basic facilities or practice leave-no-trace camping, where they leave the natural environment undisturbed and take all waste with them.  

Guided Horseback Rides:

Guided horseback or pack rides are a great way for the more adventurous travelers to explore the outdoors. Guided tours promote environmental stewardship, a memorable experience, and scenic views atop a seasoned horse or mule. Cost varies according to the outfitter, but livestock tours are a popular destination to explore parks such as Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon. 

Kayak Tours:

Kayak tours are popular options for sustainable tourism. Explore coastal waters and estuaries on a guided sea kayak tour. Companies like Sea Kayak Adventures in British Columbia, Sea Quest Kayak Expeditions in California, and Sea Kayak Carolina in South Carolina offer guided kayak tours where participants can observe wildlife such as seals, sea otters, seabirds, and shorebirds up close. 

Boat & Wildlife Tours:

Boat and wildlife tours offer participants the opportunity to explore coastal areas, rivers, and wetlands while observing and learning about local wildlife in their natural habitats. The Everglades Airboat tours in Florida, Manatee viewing in Florida, birdwatching, dolphin watching, and sea kayaking are all examples of maritime wildlife tours. 

Photography Wildlife Tours:

These are special tours that allow you the opportunity to capture stunning images of wildlife in their natural habitats while learning from experienced guides and photographers. Photography wildlife tours exist on all continents: African Safari tours in Kenya, polar bear photography tours in Alaska, birdwatching in Costa Rica, whale watching tours in Hawaii, or dive photography in the Great Barrier Reef are all guided options that promote local eco-tourism and conservation. 

Choosing Eco-Friendly 

Choosing eco-friendly travel for your next vacation isn’t just responsible, but it’s also rewarding. By prioritizing sustainability, you can minimize your environmental impact, support local communities, and immerse yourself in unforgettable experiences that connect you with the natural world. Eco-friendly travel offers a chance to create meaningful memories while contributing to global conservation efforts. 

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 3 travel protection plans: Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans, each offering 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, we recommend travelers to 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.  

Speak with one of our licensed representatives or our 24/7 multilingual insurance advisors to find the coverage you need for your next trip. Get an instant quote!