Travelling Green
There are numerous ideologies when it comes to being green, but at the end of the day, what’s really important is reducing waste and promoting healthy practices. If you are an eco-geek or a green freak, there is a vacation that is right for you. You may have to do some extra research, but in the end, it is so worth it.
Ecotourism
Ecotourism can be described as “form of sustainable travel that supports the local environment instead of putting more pressure on it and exploiting its resources” and ZME Science feels that it is important for numerous reasons. Protecting nature is becoming more important as human decisions continue to have a negative impact on the world around us. Helping out with indigenous cultures and eco-systems can also make a major difference, both in those regions, but also for expanding your mind and mentality.
Hoang Lien National Park
Located in the Sa Pa District of Lao Cai, Vietnam are larger than life stairs that sprawl up the mountain range in giant, chartreuse steps. This may be a strangely literal take on the idea, but you can’t deny the beauty of it and hiking is a practice that leaves a fairly low carbon footprint, so it really works both ways.
Manzanillo-Gandoca Wildlife Refuge
Costa Rica is one of the most popular destinations for eco-tourism and sustainable traveling, but few places are cooler to visit than the wildlife refuges where you have the chance to peek some cool and endangered species in their natural habitats. Protected tapirs and zen sloths await amongst birds of every color. This vast range contains a collection of rainforest and wetland habitat complete with a coral reef.
Boston, MA
It may sound surprising to have a big city on this list, but Boston has made huge strides in becoming more green in recent years, right down to the infrastructure of their business energy. Boston energy benchmarking has helped to reduce energy waste. For tourists, there are numerous low-waste things to do, as well. The city is very friendly for bikers and has many outdoor activities and shows to go to.
Chaa Creek
This infamously glass-like creek situated in Belize has become one of the world’s most prolific Eco-tourism stops. This destination is located in the middle of where the Mayan civilization thrived, so you can take in the history and local culture while having a true jungle experience. Chaa Creek has even won awards for being “one of the Caribbean region’s best examples of sustainable, Green tourism.” Blend the comforts of having excellent resorts nearby all of the natural wonders of the jungle.
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve
This South African sustainable reserve practices organic farming and protects endangered species, such as the Cape Mountain zebra, which was saved from the brink of extinction. Participation in community support, such as with schools, clinics, and museum refurbishment, is also an option. There are even numerous rock-art sites that are more than 10,000 years old that you can visit. You will rarely find art more historic than that.