Every vacation leaves a mark — the best kind comes in the form of unforgettable experiences and memories that last a lifetime. But on the flip side is the reality that travel has a major impact on the environment: carbon emissions, resource depletion, and general pollution can put a strain on local ecosystems, especially when destinations face more visitors than they can handle.
The good news is that around the globe, a growing number of places are taking meaningful steps to cut emissions, protect the environment, and push tourism in a more sustainable direction. So if you want to keep exploring without fueling the climate crisis, here are a few destinations that deserve a spot on your list, as well as some tips on how to visit more responsibly.
Costa Rica
Tourism makes up a significant share of Costa Rica’s economy, but it’s managed in a way that prioritizes conservation — in fact, the country is often held up as a model for sustainable tourism and development. National parks and protected areas cover more than 25% of its land, and over 99% of electricity is powered by renewable hydro, wind, and geothermal sources.
Costa Rica first announced a plan to become completely carbon neutral by 2021, and while that deadline has been extended, the government continues to push towards this goal by implementing policies that range from electric vehicle incentives to reforestation programs.
Visitors can minimize their impact by choosing to stay in sustainable accommodations — which isn’t hard to do, since eco-lodges are easy to find across the country. Other practical steps include choosing shared transport instead of private cars, and booking tours with local guides who specifically contribute to conservation. Small, intentional choices make it easy to experience Costa Rica’s beauty and unique biodiversity while also supporting the country’s broader sustainability goals — a win-win for locals and visitors alike.
Iceland
Well before sustainability became mainstream elsewhere, Iceland had been running almost entirely on clean energy. Nearly all of its electricity and heating come from renewable sources, making it one of the lowest-emission energy grids in the world.
While this has been true for decades, that balance has been harder to maintain in recent years. Between 2010 and 2019, international arrivals quadrupled, jumping from about 500,000 visitors to over 2 million per year — a number more than six times Iceland’s population. What was once a niche destination for outdoor adventure became one of Europe’s trendiest travel spots seemingly overnight.
This rapid growth put a strain on popular sites like the Blue Lagoon and Thingvellir National Park, where delicate landscapes don’t mesh well with constant traffic. Managing this influx is now one of Iceland’s biggest challenges, and how visitors travel around the country will play a major role in shaping the future of its tourism industry.
Bhutan
Bhutan stands out as one of the few countries in the world that is carbon-negative. Dense forests cover the majority of the country, and environmental protection is actually written into its constitution. Nearly all of its electricity comes from hydropower, which keeps emissions low and even allows Bhutan to export clean energy to its neighbors.
Tourism here also looks different from almost anywhere else in the world. International visitors are required to pay a daily Sustainable Development Fee, and that money is put directly towards environmental programs. On top of that, all trips must be booked through licensed operators, and guides are mandatory. The high costs and strict rules are intentional, as it keeps the number of visitors low and prevents the over-tourism problems that many other destinations around the world are currently facing.
New Zealand
A big part of New Zealand’s reputation is its stunning landscapes and biodiversity, but that popularity has come with consequences. Tourism is one of the country’s largest industries, and before the pandemic, international arrivals peaked at nearly 4 million annually — almost one visitor for every resident. That kind of growth quickly raised concerns about whether the tourism model could remain sustainable.
The other challenge is distance — for most travelers, reaching New Zealand means taking a long-haul flight, and the emissions from that single trip can undermine efforts to keep carbon footprints low. The national tourism board now encourages “fewer, longer trips” — the idea that visitors should stay longer rather than treating New Zealand as a quick stopover.
That might mean spending more time in fewer regions, using buses or trains instead of domestic flights, and making conscious choices about where your tourism dollars go. Done right, a visit here can align with New Zealand’s long-term commitment to carbon neutrality and sustainability, and be an unforgettable trip at the same time.
Panama
Panama might be better known for its canal than its conservation efforts, which makes it all the more remarkable that the country achieved carbon-negative status in 2021. The country’s rainforests absorb more carbon than the country emits, and clean power projects continue to expand each year.
The contrast is striking: it’s a country that powers global trade, yet it has not allowed industrialization to ruin its environment. Large areas of Panama are under environmental protection, and a top priority is keeping carbon emissions in check. The government has also tied its climate goals directly to forest conservation and renewable energy. Panama is proof that even nations tied deeply to industry and trade can still achieve their climate goals — and visitors should take note, and make choices that support those same priorities.
Final Thoughts:
Tourism and sustainability don’t always have to be at odds, as long as visitors are mindful of their impact. That means choosing lower-impact transport, reducing waste, respecting local rules, and supporting the local communities. Small habits like these won’t erase the footprint of travel completely, but they can help keep it in check.
Emily is a freelance writer who has been traveling full-time for over five years She has visited dozens of countries but can often be found in Spain and Mexico. In her Substack, Extracurricular Pursuits, she shares personal essays and travel stories that document the quirks, chaos and realities of living abroad.