2025 Sustainable Travel Guide
11 Sustainable Travel Destinations for 2025
More travellers are thinking about the impact their holidays can have on the environment and local communities. Choosing destinations with strong conservation initiatives, supporting local businesses and travelling more thoughtfully can all form part of a more responsible approach to tourism.
From protected landscapes and public transport networks to community-led tourism and conservation projects, these 11 destinations were among the places attracting attention for more sustainable travel in 2025.
What Does Sustainable Travel Mean?
Sustainable travel is not about finding a completely impact-free holiday. It is about making more considered choices — such as using lower-impact transport where practical, respecting local environments, choosing responsible tourism operators and spending money with local communities.
1. Costa Rica
Costa Rica has developed a strong international reputation for conservation and nature-based tourism. Large areas of the country are protected, making it a popular destination for travellers interested in rainforests, wildlife and outdoor experiences.
Visitors can look for accommodation and tour operators that demonstrate responsible environmental practices, choose established wildlife experiences and support locally owned businesses.
2. Slovenia
Slovenia combines mountains, lakes, forests and compact cities, making it well suited to travellers who want to explore by public transport, bicycle or on foot.
Ljubljana in particular is known for its pedestrianised centre, cycling infrastructure and green public spaces, while destinations such as Lake Bled and Triglav National Park offer opportunities to enjoy the country’s natural landscapes.
3. New Zealand
New Zealand’s national parks, marine environments and distinctive biodiversity make conservation an important part of its tourism industry.
Travellers can support conservation-focused operators, respect protected areas and consider Māori-owned tourism experiences that provide opportunities to learn more about local culture, heritage and the natural environment.
4. Bhutan
Bhutan takes a carefully managed approach to international tourism, with policies designed to balance visitor numbers, economic benefits, cultural preservation and environmental protection.
Its mountain landscapes, monasteries and cultural traditions make it an appealing destination for travellers interested in slower, more considered forms of tourism.
5. Norway
Norway’s fjords, mountains and coastal scenery attract visitors from around the world. The country has also invested heavily in electric transport and lower-emission technology, including electric vehicles and ferries.
Travellers can make use of Norway’s rail and public transport network, choose established outdoor operators and follow local guidance when exploring sensitive natural areas.
6. Portugal’s Azores Islands
The Azores are known for volcanic landscapes, marine wildlife and outdoor activities including hiking, whale watching and geothermal bathing.
When booking wildlife experiences, look for reputable operators that follow local conservation guidance and responsible wildlife-watching practices.
7. Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands are home to unique ecosystems and wildlife, making visitor management and conservation particularly important.
Travel to protected areas is regulated, and visitors should follow national park rules, remain on permitted routes and choose responsible operators when arranging cruises or excursions.
8. Finland
Finland’s forests, lakes and national parks make it a strong option for travellers interested in nature and slower-paced holidays.
Hiking, rail travel, locally sourced food and established nature-tourism businesses can all form part of a lower-impact way to experience the country.
9. Kenya
Kenya is one of the world’s best-known safari destinations and is home to a wide range of conservation initiatives involving wildlife organisations, local communities and tourism businesses.
Travellers considering a safari can research operators carefully, look for responsible wildlife practices and consider lodges or experiences that demonstrate meaningful community involvement.
10. Canada
Canada’s national parks, forests, lakes and coastal landscapes offer a huge variety of outdoor experiences.
Visitors can support locally owned businesses, respect wildlife and park guidance and consider Indigenous-led tourism experiences where appropriate.
11. Sweden
Sweden combines extensive public transport, accessible natural spaces and a strong outdoor culture.
The country’s right of public access, known as Allemansrätten, allows people to enjoy many natural areas provided they do so responsibly and respect the environment, landowners and local rules.
How to Travel More Responsibly
Wherever you travel, small choices can help reduce your impact and support the destination you’re visiting.
Choose locally owned restaurants, guides, accommodation and shops where practical.
Rail, buses, walking and cycling can be useful alternatives to hiring a car for every journey.
Choose responsible wildlife experiences and avoid activities that encourage inappropriate contact with wild animals.
Stay on designated paths, follow park rules and respect protected areas.
Reusable bottles, bags and toiletries can help reduce single-use items while you’re away.
Look beyond environmental marketing claims and consider how tourism businesses demonstrate their sustainability practices.
🌿 Want more eco-friendly travel ideas?
Read our
Eco-Friendly Travel Guide
for more practical ideas on travelling more thoughtfully.
Embrace More Responsible Travel
There is no single definition of a perfectly sustainable holiday, and every trip has an impact. However, choosing responsible operators, supporting local communities, respecting wildlife and taking care of the places you visit can all help make travel more thoughtful.
Whether you’re exploring Costa Rica’s rainforests, Slovenia’s lakes or Sweden’s forests, taking a little time to research how you travel can make a difference to your experience and the destination.
Planning Your Next Adventure?
Wherever you’re heading, consider travel insurance that suits your destination, trip and individual needs.
This article reflects travel ideas and sustainability themes highlighted for 2025 and is provided for general information only. Sustainability credentials, tourism policies and local conditions can change, so check current information before booking or travelling. Travel insurance cover is subject to eligibility, benefit limits, excesses, terms, conditions and exclusions.
