Meet The World’s Most Sustainable Vacation Destinations
In 2023, more people will be travelling again following a couple of years of staying home, but things won’t be like they were. Aside from taking more health precautions on the road, an increasing number of travellers are looking for ways to lessen their impact on the world, from reducing their carbon emissions to visiting destinations that are committed to sustainable tourism. If treading lightly is a priority for you, the destinations below provide escapism and sustainability in equal measure.
Palau
Palau Travel
Palau Travel
Palau Travel
Palau Travel
Palau Travel
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When you picture a Pacific Island paradise, the azure waters and white sand beaches of this island nation are what come to mind. Located in the western Pacific, Palau’s swaying palms and Polynesian culture make it an attractive destination for anyone looking for a tropical adventure. Its leading commitment to sustainability, however, makes it a prime destination for eco-conscious travellers, too. Snorkelling among the islands’ reefs and exploring the wrecks of sunken ships and WWII aircraft are among the most popular attractions here, and the majority these waters are now protected thanks to a landmark commitment by Palau’s government in 2015. With 80% of its marine area off-limits to commercial fishing, and the remaining 20% reserved exclusively for low-impact use by locals, Palau’s pristine oceans will remain beautiful for many years to come. This, along with a pilot program that aims to make Palau the world’s first carbon-neutral tourism destination, should put it at the top of any sustainability-minded traveller’s bucket list.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Photo courtesy of Upsplash
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Photo courtesy of Upsplash
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Photo courtesy of Upsplash
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This capital of this small country nestled between Italy, Austria, and Croatia has all of the charm of old European cities like Prague and Amsterdam, including medieval castles and picturesque canals. These days, however, it’s also ranked highly among the most sustainable cities in the world for tourism. Part of this is due to the easy walkability of its car-free urban centre, which also boasts a system of free electric shuttles called “Kavalirs” that are available to cover short distances on demand. For longer distances, bike share and electric train systems ably cover the rest of the capital, keeping carbon emissions to a minimum. Thanks to a focus on sustainable growth for much of the last decade, 20% of Ljubljana is now designated as protected natural areas, and ambitious plans are in motion to transform more of the city into public spaces in the years to come. Ljubljana is also making a concerted effort to promote slow food and local ingredients in its restaurants and hotels, from traditional sausages and flatbreads to local beer and wine — all of which carry a smaller carbon footprint than foods imported from abroad.
Vail, Colorado
Vail, Colorado
Vail, Colorado
Vail, Colorado
Vail, Colorado
Vail, Colorado
Vail, Colorado
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The first rule of sustainable travel is to explore closer to home, making a trip to this famed Colorado ski town a lower-impact option than resorts overseas. Vail is known for its pristine powder and breathtaking alpine views, but it’s now making a name for itself as the world’s most sustainable mountain resort, too. The town of Vail’s path to becoming one of North America’s greenest communities goes back to the 1960s when open space was protected by its charter, and in recent decades their efforts to preserve their stunning natural surroundings have only accelerated. In 2018, Vail Mountain ski resort, in collaboration with the Town of Vail and the US Forest Service, became the first mountain resort in the world to achieve certification as a Mountain IDEAL sustainable tourist destination, and it’s now run by 100% renewable energy — much of it provided by a nearby wind farm. The resort is also on track to achieve a net-zero operating footprint by 2030. Among the other initiatives that set it apart is an innovative waste diversion program — the only one in the world of its kind — that utilizes custom gondola cabins to remove trash from the mountain, a more energy-efficient system than hauling it in trucks. It also relies on the most energy-efficient snowmaking system in the industry, using 85% less energy than conventional systems. Add in some of the best skiing in the Rockies, and you have a perfect destination for a sustainable winter getaway.
