Sustainable Travel - Full-Time Travel

Sustainable Travel

Sustainable Travel

Mother Nature Will Thank You!

Many travelers are moved by the striking beauty found on Earth, from white sand beaches to lush jungles to snow-capped peaks. We are so lucky that we get to explore the natural wonders this planet has to offer, and we can all do our part to ensure the next generation of adventurers is able to do the same! By traveling to destinations with a focus on sustainability and maintaining the beauty and ecological health of their respective regions, we can be as good to the planet as it’s been to us. Take note of these seven ecotourism hotspots for your first 2019 getaway.

@giuligartner

Faroe Islands

This misty and mysterious archipelago of 18 islands is not only home to breathtaking views across the vast Atlantic, but some of the most sustainable infrastructure in the world. While there’s hardly any car traffic on the islands, your best bet is to bring some serious hiking boots and walk to your destinations. Visitors can see how important environmental preservation is in Faroese culture when visiting the island’s sustainable fisheries, the wind energy park outside Tórshavn and tasting local foods like ræst meats and fish, which are naturally fermented by air-drying the foods in the Faroe Islands’ salty, brisk air. 

@alli_jaeger

Reykjanes Unesco Global Geopark, Iceland

Full of natural wonders to behold, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge peeks out above sea level in Reykjanes Geopark to expose the volcanic activity that’s shaped the land. Nowhere in the park is it more clear how this region has harnessed the use of green geothermal energy than at the Blue Lagoon, a natural geothermal spa whose steamy turquoise waters are world famous. Conservation is perfectly melded with luxurious travel accommodation in this unmissable park located near the capital city of Reykjavík.

@fernandasantiago.fs

Trancosco, Brazil

Feel free to wander care-free in Trancoso’s car-free town square, Quadrado, which is UNESCO protected and lined with rainbow colored houses. Guests at UXUA Casa Hotel and Spa will get the authentic Bahian experience by staying in these traditional (and perfectly boho-chic) casas, each one unique and restored to maintain the rich cultural history of the area. Not only is this hotel sustainable and low-impact, it is also steps away from the coast and plenty of opportunities to surf, sea kayak, explore the jungle and more.

@sophiabach

Alonnisos, Greece

The Greek island of Alonnisos is regularly recognized as a top destination for sustainable travel due to its protection of the island’s natural habitat and historic architecture, its energy efficiency initiatives and its decision to stop using wasteful plastic bags. The island makes it a priority to take the wellbeing of the local community into consideration as tourism grows, meaning that you can snorkel in the Alonnisos National Marine Park (the first marine-protected area in Greece) and enjoy a sunset stroll through the old town of Chora with a peaceful conscience.

@tanveerbadal

Oaxaca, Mexico

Fashion lovers, rejoice! At the Museo Textil de Oaxaca, visitors can learn about the city’s tradition of handmade textiles and styles, which are much less harsh on the environment than fast fashion (aka the quick production of clothes to sell trending styles). For a more personal take on the industry, make a short trip outside the city to the Zapotec community of weavers for a self-guided tour of their many workshops, which use only natural dyes. If you’re the type who loves fresh-pressed juices, check out La Cosecha organic market, where many of the vendors keep things low-waste by serving up delicious organic fare without plastic containers.

@mitchelldevries

Chumbe Island, Tanzania

Just off the coast of Zanzibar, Chumbe Island is a world-renowned nature reserve established to preserve the rare coral island, one of the last left in the area. The reserve’s infrastructure treads as lightly as possible on the island’s ecosystems by re-using rainwater, using solar energy and water heating, composting toilets and many more green initiatives. If nature walks and pristine coral reefs call your name, don’t miss the boat on this incredible experience.

@nattschanz

Palawan Province, Philippines

The city of Puerto Princesa is often lauded for its sustainable development, particularly in regards to its ever-growing ecotourism industry. Boat tours lead visitors around the hidden caverns and falls of Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. If you’re feeling more adventurous, the secluded Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a 10-hour boat ride from Puerto Princesa which offers some of the world’s best diving and is home to more than 600 species of fish.

"This sculpture is called "Transmission" by artist Daniel Popper. Its a reminder that we are all rooted in love, unity and the divine. She stands a towering 28 feet tall and is located on Mojave Moon Ranch in Joshua Tree. The land is private property, so you can see it from the viewing platform off of Sunfair Road. And take it from me, it's best viewed at sunset."

Reel: @johnofah
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There's more to Greece than the white and blue buildings and the surrounding Mediterranean Sea. If you're planning a visit, check out these places below!

📍Kokkinopilos. Preveza
📍Verliga Dragon lake, Thessaly
📍Ithaca island, lonian Sea
📍Aoos springs lake, Epirus
📍Lake Prespes, Macedonia
📍Balda di Stringa waterfalls, Epirus
📍Meteora, Thessaly
📍Pelion, Thessaly
📍Lake Zorika, Epirus
📍Mt Lakmos
📍Crete island, Aegean Sea
📍Gistova Dragon lake, Macedonia

Reel: @farawayfarers
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Swim or kayak through the limestone cliffs of the Twin Lagoon, a must-visit destination for those traveling to Coron, Palawan, Philippines. It is called "twin" lagoon because it consists of two lagoons separated by a limestone cliff, with one lagoon on top of the other. The water in the inner lagoon is warm and clear, with a stunning turquoise color that makes it popular for swimming and snorkeling.

Reel: @travelifejournal
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Take a dip in a series of seven saltwater lagoons located in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. The Lagoons of Baltinache are known for their beautiful turquoise waters and unique geological formations. The high concentration of minerals in the water gives it a unique buoyancy that makes swimming in the lagoons a unique experience.

Reel: @everchanginghorizon
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Watching the sun rise above the clouds at Haleakalā National Park is one of the most memorable experiences you could have. Haleakalā is a Hawaiian name that means “House of the Sun” and is an awesome place to watch the clear night sky and stars fade away as the sun lights up the sky and the earth.

Reel: @girlchill_sunset
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Just 1 hour from Shanghai by train, Cherry Blossom Valley is a popular tourist destination, particularly in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The valley is named after the thousands of cherry blossom trees that cover the area and create a stunning display of pink and white flowers. The trees were originally planted in the 1980s by a group of Japanese experts who were invited to China to help with reforestation efforts. The best time to visit is typically in late March or early April. Get there early to beat the crowds!

Reel: @cyncynti
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New Zealand is unbelievable. See it for yourself:

1. Fiordland National Park
2. A classic backcountry hut trip
3. Blue Pools walk
4. Hooker Lake
5. Milford Sound
6. Lake Pukaki

Reel: @kylekotajarvi
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Surrounded by lush greenery, towering karst mountains, and the river flowing through, the Detian Waterfall is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the close relationship between China and Vietnam. It is the largest waterfall in Asia and the fourth largest cross-border waterfall in the world.

Reel: @sophoebelous
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Escape to a serene and peaceful oasis away from the bustling city of Marrakech at Le Jardin Secret—a beautiful and historic garden where visitors can escape the noise and chaos and enjoy the beauty of nature. The garden was originally built in the 16th century and is home to many different species of plants, including exotic flowers, citrus trees, and palm trees.

Reel: @hypermiggzz
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For a magical moment and bucket list travel experience, visit the end point of the annual monarch butterfly migration. Starting in August, the monarchs travel 2,800 miles south from Canada, making a temporary home amid the towering trees of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Mexico, where the two most popular sanctuaries to view them are el Rosario in the state of Michoacan and Piedra Herrada in Estado de México. Standing in silence while thousands of delicate wings beat in unison is something you'll never forget.

Reel: @juliiathompson
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There's just something beautiful about snow covered landscapes like this popular attraction in southwestern Utah. Known for its unique geology, @brycecanyonnps_gov consists of a series of natural amphitheaters, called "hoodoos," formed by erosion of the rock layers.

Photo: @nathanleeallen
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As we experience a couple more weeks of winter, we can't help but dream of tropical destinations like Hawaii. The warm water, sunny skies, and consistent waves make it an ideal destination for surfers. Hawaii has a vibrant surf culture and community and is also a beautiful place to explore outside of the water, with lush green mountains, stunning beaches, and unique cultural experiences.

Reel: @christopherballadarez
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5 PLACES IN THE U.S. THAT FEEL LIKE ANOTHER PLANET:
1. @sequoiakingsnps, California
2. @canyonlandsnps, Utah
3. @olympic_nps, Washington
4. @whitesandsnps, New Mexico
5. Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona
6. Knik Glacier, Alaska

Reel: @nathanleeallen
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