The 5 Best Sustainable Travel Destinations to Experience in 2021

Andrea Ibañez
4 min readDec 5, 2020
Photo by Chen Mizrach on Unsplash

Do you ever feel like you’ve been robbed?

Do you feel like you’ve been trapped?

Do you wonder when you’ll enjoy life again?

2020 was challenging in many ways, and staying at home might have been particularly difficult for globetrotters like us.

As the year comes to an end, you might be wondering if you’ll be able to be out and about during 2021.

Our prediction is that you will be.

The key is to find the best and safest places to visit.

Choosing a sustainable destination that restricts the number of people who can visit at the time is a smart way to stay safe and still travel the world.

So, where can you take off to?

Here are our hand-picked top sustainable destinations for travelers who want to savor the most exceptional experiences, risk-free.

1. Discover the Pearl of Europe’s Best Kept Secret

Photo by Johnny Chen on Unsplash

A pristine glacial lake towered over by a beautiful sight of the alps. Lake Bled is a must for anyone who wants to experience a historical town surrounded by breath-taking scenery.

Whether you choose hiking at the Julian Alps, relax in a jacuzzi with gorgeous sights of an 11th-century castle, or enjoy glamping in an all-furnished tree house, Bled will surprise you with its natural beauty.

In 2019, Bled was considered the second-best place in sustainable development in Europe. Lower your carbon footprint using their sustainable transportation systems and refill your water bottle from taps scattered around the city.

2. Explore the Unspoiled Scenery of a Faraway Land

Photo by Gaurav Bagdi on Unsplash

Crowned by mighty Himalayan peaks and rich Buddhist culture, Buthan is an experience worth living. From ancient hidden temples and Dzongs to traditional towns and markets, this enchanting Buddhist kingdom is a must-visit for all travelers.

Explore mysterious, remote monasteries filled with spiritualism and ancient traditions, delight your taste buds with spicy cuisine, and immerse yourself in vibrant cultures. Bhutan’s magic will undoubtedly fascinate you.

As part of their sustainable travel policies, to travel to Bhutan, you’ll have to pay $200 per day per person at a minimum. This covers most of your expenses and a sustainable tourism royalty.

3. Enjoy the Sun in a City with 320 days of Sunshine

Photo by Brock Cook on Unsplash

Lush rainforests and coral-fringed sands are waiting for you in Townsville. Home to the largest garrison town in Australia, Townsville offers a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage-listed national parks.

Escape to a private island or take a road trip through Queensland. Visit the Wallaman Falls and marvel at the lush rainforest of Paluma. The beaches of Magnetic Island will amaze you.

Townsville was recognized as one of the top 100 green destinations in 2020, but the whole region of Queensland promotes sustainable travel. Stylish, green resorts, and the eco-friendly Queensland Rail, make Queensland the perfect sustainable destination.

4. Marvel at the Natural Beauty of a Coral Reef Sanctuary

Photo by Jasmina Ajkic on Unsplash

Shallow waters are the setting for one of the last pristine coral islands. Chumbe Island is also covered by a closed forest reserve, home to the rare coconut crab.

Marvel at the beautiful coral gardens and go follow the paths through the island’s lush forest. Spend the night at Zuri, the luxurious eco-resort in Zanzibar, not before the sunsets over the Indian Ocean take your breath away.

Chumbe Island is a benchmark example of sustainability. It follows strict visitor guidelines, 24/7 ranger patrols over the marine park, and beautifully designed eco bungalows that run on solar panels.

5. Experience Thrilling White Water Adventures

Photo by Rune Haugseng on Unsplash

Turquoise waters, surrounded by the impressive Andes peaks, hide an exciting secret down the Futaleufu river. One of the top three kayaking spots in the world, Futaleufu makes a perfect destination for white water lovers.

Adrenaline junkies revel in one of the top river experiences, while the less adventurous are delighted with their luxury lodges on a private river beach. Futaleufu’s unparalleled experiences will exhilarate you.

Chilean’s government has been promoting sustainable travel for a few years, focusing on minimizing environmental impact, respecting cultural heritage, and boosting local economies. In Futaleufu, they take special care of the river’s basin and the protection of aquatic species.

Ready to Travel Again

Photo by S O C I A L . C U T on Unsplash

A lot was taken from you in 2020.

But this year will be different.

After all the uncertainty and the restrictions, you can get back out there and experience the most gorgeous locations in the world.

You deserve to enjoy life again.

And it’s all within your reach.

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Andrea Ibañez

Andrea is a freelance writer who offers blogging services to her clients. She enjoys cooking, traveling, and cuddling her cat Dali.