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Whether you’re concerned about treading lightly or you just want to immerse yourself in authentic culture, eco tripping is something you should look into. It offers a myriad of opportunities, from trekking mountains to supporting local communities halfway around the world. Take a look at these destinations, experiences, and more to see what you can do.

1. Alonissos: Alonissos’ National Marine Park is home to the endangered monk seal and lots of other interesting species of wildlife. It’s environmentally protected and has status as one of The European Community’s six "ECO Islands." A number of Alonissos rentals are electricity-free.
2. The Lodge at Chaa Creek: This 330-acre ecoresort is located in western Belize on the banks of the Macal River. Resort activities are focused around the environment, culture, and archaeology of Belize. You’ll be able to explore the river, hike, watch birds, go mountain biking, and more. This resort has won the Conde Nast Traveler’s Ecotourism Award.
3. Maho Bay: One of the world’s first ecoresorts, Maho Bay Camp is built on 14 acres of gorgeous land. This simple inn by the water uses boardwalks to preserve trees and brush and other strategies for treading lightly. Because of this, the 100 units that make up the camp are nearly invisible.
4. Hoopoe Safaris: Hoopoe Safaris works to preserve their environment through assistance and employment of locals as well as education of their guests. The company is owned and managed primarily by Africans, and their guides are trained in subjects like geology, zoology, and botant. Hoopoe’s walking and trekking safaris offer ecotourists a way to see the African bush firsthand without spoiling the land. Additionally, Hoopoe’s operation offers generous income to the community.
5. Chiminos Island Lodge: This island was built by the Mayans to defend themselves, but it lives on now as an ecologically sensitive lodge. While staying there, you’ll be immersed in the jungle, wildlife, and the remains of the fortified Mayan citadel. You can even observe birds and animals from your bungalow.
6. Aspen/Snowmass: In Aspen/Snowmass, the Aspen Skiing Company operates commendable environmental tourism. The company uses windpower, biodiesel, certified green buildings, and more. 100% of its electricity comes from renewable energy. They also work to educate employees, guests and media on global warming.
7. Tread Lightly Eco Tours: For a guided bushwalk and 4WD tour of the Australian Blue Mountains, check out Tread Lightly. They’re licensed with the National Parks and Wildlife Services and have an Advanced Ecotourism Accreditation.
8. Nihiwatu Resort: In Indonesia, this island resort is not only gorgeous, it’s green, too. Nihiwatu is powered by locally purchased coconuts, and any oil used in generators is later reused by villagers who create skin ointment for livestock with it. Wildlife is protected: Nihiwatu has stopped local fishermen from catching sea turtles, and even operates a turtle hatchery on the resort. Additionally, the resort is responsible for a 20% increase in forested area in their region.
9. Damaraland Camp, Namibia: Located within the Torra Conservancy, Damaraland is a place where community, environment, and wildlife come together. The camp is responsible for the area’s status as a conservancy, and protection against environmental and poaching troubles. With the camp’s help, the area’s wildlife is thriving.
10. Paddling Ontario: Get educational experiences in plants, ecology, and more with these tours. You’ll learn about nature, Ontario wildlife, and paddling waterways. Additionally, Paddling Ontario’s ecolodges are a great example of environmental design, solar power, recycling, and other means of sustainable living.
11. Serengeti Ecotourism: Visit the Serengeti for a chance to visit the Maji Moto hot springs, Mara river forests, the Mtiro "dancing" mountain, and much more. On some tours, you’ll have a chance to stay with resident families and participate in their daily lives and culture.
12. Jurassic Coast, UK: On the south coast of England, the Jurassic Coast has partnerships with more than 200 local, national, and international stakeholders that are committed to its conservation. The area promotes the value of the coast’s natural assets and reinvests profits from visitors into the local culture and environment.
13. Lindblad Expeditions: Expeditions created by Lars-Eric and Sven Lindblad focus on philanthropy, education, conservation, and local support. The company even has a conservation fund for the Galapagos. They are recipients of many awards for their sustainable tourism practices.
14. Sierra Gorda, Mexico: This reserve is one of the most eco- and biodiverse reserves in Mexico. Sierra Gorda Ecotours ensures conservation and allows visitors to enjoy the area while still preserving it. Additionally, tourism supports the region’s economy, with locals operating the three lodges.
15. Volunteering in Kuiburi National Park: In Thailand, you can volunteer as a teacher and support the park at Kuiburi. This, of course, is in between trekking and meeting with wild elephants. Similar opportunities are available in Laos as well.
16. Campi Ya Kanzi, Kenya: Enjoy a private walking safari in Kenya that you can feel good about. This camp offers tented accommodations offer conservation, with fees directly reinvested in the community, which assist teachers, healthcare, and infrastructure.
17. Sacred Ground Tipi Camps: For cross-cultural experiences in Canada, check out this traditional Indian camp. You can learn about plants and animals, learn how to make a hunting arrow, and hear from elders about the way things used to be. The camp offers overnight stays but places a high priority on maintaining wilderness and preventing exploitation of the culture. It is accessible only by hiking or water.
18. Hidden Creek Ranch: This dude ranch offers an active vacation with lots of outdoor activities. While visiting, you’ll get a glimpse at the life of people who live off of the land. Learn about the earth while hiking through forests or horseback riding in the Rocky Mountains.
19. Cabanas Copal: Cabanas Copal’s ecohotel is in a jungle by the sea. The hotel is candlelit, with no electricity, gas, phones or water, other than a small generator for common areas. They’re working on a solar power solution that will eventually replace the generator. It’s even a walkable distance of 3 kilometers from the Mayan ruins of Tulum.
20. The Black Sheep Inn: The Black Sheep Inn in Ecuador takes great care to protect the environment it’s in. It’s built in the high Andes, using terracing and native trees for erosion control as well as reforestation. They have recycling, composting toilets, and loads of ecological education.
21. The Boat Landing, Luang Namtha: A visit to Luang Namtha in Laos allows you to support the culture and natural resources of the region. According to The Boat Landing’s website, the presence of ecotourists sends a strong message to locals that they must value their resources. Additionally, a number of attractions offer income for the villager. Plus, conservation projects are funded through ecotourist-driven access permits.
22. The Great Barrier Reef: The Barrier Reef has a number of programs and partnerships for protection and conservation. Through ecotourism to this region, visitors can learn about, experience, and help support conservation. The reef is the recipient of Tourism for Tomorrow’s 2007 Destination Award for its partnerships with tourist outfits that create a managed and sustainable industry and region.
23. Caribou Mountains Wilderness: The Caribou Mountains is protected from roads and crops, and is said by some to be a Noah’s Ark of final refuge for caribou in Canada. In addition to caribou, you’ll find hundreds of species of birds, plants, and other wildlife.
24. Al Wathba Wetland Reserve: This reserve in Abu Dhabi offers an educational center that offers insight into the area. All of the buildings in the center are made from natural materials like wood, reeds, and mud. The center’s goal is to promote nature-based tourism by helping people understand and appreciate what’s there.
25. Hong Kong: Although at first glance, Hong Kong may not seem like a beacon of conservation, the city is rather green. Forty percent of the city is set aside for conservation, with a number of parks and trails. They also have the 940-acre Mai Po Wetlands, which are home to more than 70,000 birds each winter.

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