This diminutive Central American country has taken massive steps to preserve its rich biodiversity, from its wild Osa Peninsula to the underdeveloped Caribbean Coast. You’ll never run out of breathtaking scenery on your volcano hikes, horseback rides and snorkelling expeditions. A whopping 6% of the world’s animal and plant species reside in tiny Costa Rica.

What they’re doing for sustainability: In recent years, 98% of Costa Rica’s energy has come from renewable sources.

Your part for sustainability: Bring your reusable cutlery, tote bag and refillable cup. Single-use plastics will be eradicated here by 2021.

Best for: Exploring the world’s number one ecotourism destination.

Belize has some of the best diving spots in the world, with its Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This small country also recently made major sustainability commitments regarding its fisheries and animal sanctuaries. The only English-speaking country in South America, Belize is home to intriguing Mayan archaeological sites, such as the 40-meter tall temple Xunantunich and the ancient city Lamanai.

What they’re doing for sustainability: Belize has established the world’s first ray sanctuary and is monitoring the health of both rays and sharks.

Your part for the environment: Book reservations in one of the many eco-lodges in Belize.

Best for: Enjoying local wildlife in a friendly, no-harm environment

Off the northwest archipelago of Panama, 378 islands are scattered across the turquoise blue Caribbean Sea, making up the San Blas Islands. Largely uninhabited, these islands are ruled by an indigenous population, the Kuna, and they remain untouched by mass tourism. Enjoy sailing, swimming, hiking, scuba diving and snorkelling.

What they’re doing for sustainability: Because the indigenous population rules the islands, your purchases go directly into their economy. Additionally, accommodations are made by the Kuna from natural jungle materials.

Your part for the environment: Take a chartered sailboat from Panama City to the San Blas Islands instead of flying or using a water taxi. Sailing cuts down on both noise and exhaust fumes, and you’ll set a relaxing tone for your sustainable holiday.

Best for: Participating in a local, small-scale indigenous economy

With its serene, isolated landscapes and world-class diving, Palau is visited by nearly 140,000 tourists each year, and the leadership and citizenry have been working toward encouraging sustainable practices among both the local population and the visitors. During your visit, enjoy the incomparable diving, as well as bird watching.

What they’re doing for sustainability: Palau has designated about 80% of its maritime territory as a sanctuary.

Your part for sustainability: Take part in an Eco-Tour or stay at the sustainable Dolphin Bay Resort.

Best for: Getting a glimpse of endangered maritime species, as well as stunning coral reefs

No matter where you travel, you can have a positive impact on the environment by adopting one or more of the following sustainable habits.

1. Use public transportation

Instead of renting a car or taking an Uber, try taking public transportation as much as possible. Not only could you reduce traffic congestion and carbon monoxide emissions, but you’ll also gain a greater understanding of the city you’re visiting and the people who live there.

For best results, research the public transportation system ahead of time so you know how to purchase your tickets and get where you want to go. If you’re unfamiliar with the language at your destination, learn a few much-needed basic phrases, such as “thank you” and “excuse me.” Additionally, spend some time researching how to find the best deals (for example, using a 5-day pass instead of paying for rides individually).

2. Eat locally sourced food

Visit farmers’ markets or frequent dining establishments that use locally sourced food. Not only will you support the local economy and cut down on your food’s carbon footprint, but you’ll have an opportunity to enjoy the freshest in-season produce your destination has to offer.

3. Skip heavily trafficked tourist destinations

Some tourist destinations experience an enormous amount of foot traffic, which can be tough on the environment. Instead of attending a city’s most-visited attractions, seek out the lesser-known treasures that don’t receive as much attention.

An added bonus of this sustainable travel habit is that you can visit these attractions at your leisure, usually without having to stand in queues, and the off-the-beaten-track venues are often more interesting than the ones where the hordes congregate.

8. Avoid single-use plastics

You can cut down on the amount of trash your travel generates by avoiding single-use plastics, like shopping bags and throwaway forks. Instead, take your own keep cup, water container, bamboo cutlery and tote bag.

9. Pick up litter when you see it

Do a good deed for the environment at your destination by spending some time picking up litter on the beach, hiking trails and the waters you enjoy. Leaving a place better than you found it is a positive habit to establish, as it helps to protect marine life and natural habitats.


Whether you start by adopting a few new sustainable travel habits or you visit one of these top eight destinations for eco-friendly travel, you’ll see the world in a different light when you focus on preserving its natural beauty for yourself and future generations to come. 


Do you have a tip on how to be a more sustainable traveller? We’d love to hear it! Send us an email at stories@scti.co.nz and tell us more.