With summer just around the corner, many people are already thinking about their next travel. In fact, traveling is a habit that is part of the life of a large part of the world's population, being even a fundamental habit for many. This happens because we like to explore, to see new places and cultures, and it will always be a reality.

Tourism is thus a sector that tends to grow, and in some countries, it is even a very important sector for the economy. Proof of this is that tourism is responsible for 10% of the world's GDP.

However, although there are important benefits for many economies, there are also some disadvantages linked to this activity, coming essentially from the choices made by most tourists.

The bad choices that some tourists make during their trips, and even when planning them, have a significant impact on climate change, local communities, and the environment.

In this sense, travel needs to change, so that the next generations can also enjoy the wonderful places that exist on our planet.

Where to start? Well, you can start by putting into practice some of the tips we left in our blog, with some gestures that you can apply throughout a travel. In addition, you can go further and choose one of the eco-friendly destinations that we have selected for you.

These eco-friendly destinations are part of a sustainable tourism, that is, an alternative tourism that respects and preserves the heritage (natural, cultural, and social) of a territory.

Embark on this journey with us and discover these eco-friendly destinations!

Biscarosse, France

Biscarrosse is a town in the southwest of France, located in the Landes department. For this destination, we suggest you stay at the slow village of Biscarrosse.

This new concept of open-air hotels is located in the middle of the forest and on the side of the Biscarrosse lake. Here, the goal is to really disconnect, be in the middle of nature and do activities.

Seigné, France

Seigné is a commune in southwestern France, located in the Charente-Maritime department.

Here we suggest you stay at Le Bocal. This eco-friendly destination offers you a zero-waste stay.

You will stay in a typical Charentaise house, renovated with environmentally friendly products and furniture. During your visit, in addition to resting, you can also take several workshops and learn how to live without waste.

Azores, Portugal

The Azores are a group of Portuguese islands in the North Atlantic.

The island of Azores is marked by volcanic landscapes surrounded by sapphire-coloured waters.

Without a doubt, these landscapes are a great tourist attraction, which is why the Portuguese government is making great sustainable efforts to preserve as much as possible, not only all the landscapes, but also the habitats of the species.

This is why you can find a limited number of places available in hotels or even in some tourist attractions.

Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki is the capital and largest city of Finland. This city turns out to be an ideal eco-friendly destination due to the sustainable living model implemented, thus serving as an example for those arriving from other countries. For example, the city has sustainability initiatives underway that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2035.

Finland takes sustainable tourism very seriously, so when you plan your trip, you can easily find eco-friendly hotels, slow fashion brands and even low-carbon activities.

Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm is the capital and largest city of Sweden. The city is at the top of the Environmental Performance Index and in 2010 won the European Green Capital award.

Stockholm is one of the cleanest cities in Europe. It has one of the best structured service infrastructures to keep the city running smoothly with almost no fossil fuel use. This is one of the Swedish government's goals, to be a completely fossil-free city by 2050.

 This city was one of the first in the world to create a sustainability program, and because of this it is now a city that offers an above average quality of life, with several green spaces.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica, in Central America, was one of the first countries to promote ecotourism. This is because 30% of its territory is made up of national parks and conservation areas - one of the largest proportions in the world - as well as the highest density of plant and animal species on the planet.

As these landscapes are a major tourist attraction, the government is promoting and supporting sustainable tourism in the country, even developing the first carbon neutral airline, NatureAir.

With multiple ecosystems, 5% of the world's biodiversity, a warm and welcoming culture, and beautiful landscapes, Costa Rica is one of the eco-friendly destinations to visit.

Rwanda

Rwanda, known as the 'Land of a Thousand Hills,' is a country in East Africa. Rwanda has made impressive progress in sustainability for both the local environment and the tourism industry.

Tourism is a very important economic sector in the region and ten percent of tourism profits are invested in sustainable development projects for communities near wildlife areas, encouraging them to contribute to animal and environmental conservation.

Volcanoes National Park, one of the country's biggest attractions, was named one of the '10 most sustainable destinations in the world' in 2018 by ITB Berlin. For example, watching gorillas is a popular attraction here. However, without proper precautions, this activity can stress the gorillas and end conservation efforts.  This is why Rwandans have put in place measures that have proven to be very effective in helping to protect these animals.

As you can see, there are many ways to remain eco-friendly and sustainable during your travels. Whether by making a few simple gestures or by visiting eco-friendly destinations, or even both, you will be contributing to the preservation of species, ecosystems, landscapes, and above all the preservation of our planet for future generations.

So put on your sustainable shoes and enjoy the trip!