Here are ecotourism travel routes around the world for who want to travel in sustainable way.
What is Ecotourism?
Ecotourism is responsible travel that does not harm the environment, contributes to the well-being and socio-economic development of local people, and focuses on preserving the nature and culture of the destination. Ecotourism locations offer sustainable vacation options by reducing the impact of tourists on nature through green transportation, circular economy, wildlife and environmental protection policies.
The concept of ecotourism, which emerged in the 90s, is rapidly gaining popularity due to increased environmental awareness, the negative impact of over-tourism on natural wonders, and more inclusive experiences compared to traditional tourism tours. To help you plan your 2024 vacations responsibly and sustainably, here are some must-see ecotourism destinations and must-do activities.
Tips for Eco-Friendly Travels
Snaefellsjokull National Park, Iceland
Glaciers, black sand beaches, geothermal areas and wildlife are some of the natural wonders that attract ecotourists to Iceland. Snaefellsjokull National Park, the inspiration for Jules Verne’s “Journey to the Center of the Earth”, is a destination where you can experience all the natural beauties of Iceland. You can experience an unforgettable vacation in Snaefellsjokull with its coastline with magnificent cliff formations, black and golden beaches, moss-covered lava fields, volcanic crater and lava tube caves.
MUST-HAVE EXPERIENCE: Enjoy sunbathing with gray seals on the golden sandy beach of Ytri-Tunga.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen’s philosophy of living is based on low and sustainable consumption, diets based on organic products and a preference for bicycles or public transportation over cars. Green spaces and innovative thinking are key elements of Copenhagen’s architectural development, making sustainable actions part of city life and offering tourists a sustainable city vacation option. With delicious pastries that pair perfectly with coffee, modern art museums showcasing Europe’s leading artists and luxury second-hand shopping, it’s hard not to embrace Copenhagen’s green lifestyle.
MUST-HAVE EXPERIENCE: Try one of the cycling culinary tours that will allow you to get to know both the city and the local cuisine.
Cinque Terre National Park, Italy
Did you know that there are ecotourism locations in Italy, one of the indispensables of summer vacations? Cinque Terre National Park, which combines five villages in Northern Italy, is like a postcard with its colorful houses adorning the cliffs and the green-blue view of the Ligurian Sea. We recommend checking out Cinque Terre to get to know Liguria’s wines, fresh fish, cuisine and traditional craftsmanship.
MUST-HAVE EXPERIENCE: Experience the ornate ceilings of the historic Temple of Montenegro and panoramic views of the sea from the clifftop on the Riomaggiore Trail.
West Bali National Park, Indonesia
How about a tropical vacation getaway with lush forests, crystal clear blue water and pristine beaches? West Bali National Park is the only protected natural area on the island of Bali, a popular vacation destination. During your vacation in West Bali, you can take walking tours through mangrove forests, observe more than 100 species of wildlife up close and get to know the island’s past by visiting historic temples.
MUST-HAVE EXPERIENCE: Dive off Menjangan Island and see colorful coral reefs and fish.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Serengeti is home to 4000 lions, 1000 leopards, 550 leopards and thousands of different animals as the main habitat of the great migration route you see in wildlife documentaries. The Lion King movie, which we all enjoy watching, was inspired by the plains of Serengeti. In Serengeti, a world heritage site, you can get to know wildlife on safari, observe zebras and elephants up close, and experience the culture of the park’s indigenous Maasai people.
MUST-HAVE EXPERIENCE: Experience wildlife from a bird’s eye view with a hot air balloon safari.
Çandır Ecotourism Area, Muğla
You don’t have to look far for a sustainable vacation! Çandır, one of Turkey’s few eco villages, is the perfect place to discover the natural and historical beauties of the Mediterranean. Located in a red pine forest, Çandır offers its visitors a village life getaway with sweet boutique hotels. For a breathtaking view of the Dalyan Delta and the ancient city of Kaunos, we recommend checking out Asur Hotel and Arp Dalyan.
MUST-HAVE EXPERIENCE: Visit Iztuzu beach, also known as “Turtle Beach” because it is home to Caretta Caretta sea turtles during the spawning period.
Ecotourism locations, which help us choose sustainable travel routes by highlighting the efforts of countries to protect their nature, are not the only way to have a holiday without harming the environment.
Planning your vacation without damaging the nature and culture of the places you visit, choosing local businesses to support local people and reducing your consumption and waste during your trip are the principles that will help you have a more sustainable vacation wherever you go.
Now that you are familiar with the philosophy of ecotourism and its top destinations, you can start planning your summer 2024 vacation in a responsible and sustainable way.
