Travellers looking for sustainable, eco-friendly experiences during their vacation, should look no further.
COSTA RICA
Visitors can experience the amazing Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary, and discover how over 130 abandoned animals are saved every year through rehabilitation. Visitors at this facility are part of the mission to preserve the rainforest, and can volunteer with Kids Saving the Rainforest by observing, monitoring and caring for wild animals such as marmosets and spider monkeys. This unforgettable jungle experience will leave travellers with an impactful memory, but also provides a positive effect on the world by rehabilitating injured animals and preventing rainforest deforestation. Other notable rescue sanctuaries are Las Pumas and Natuwa where visitors can volunteer and learn about wild animals and their behaviour, natural history and ecology.
FLORIDA
Despite this town’s small size (just 6,000 residents and 3.8 sq. kms), it has taken on a “go big or go home” approach when it comes to environmental sustainability. It’s no surprise, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is Florida’s Beach Diving Capital. It’s also a popular snorkelling spot. Snorkellers are always surprised at the abundance of sea life they see on the reef that is located just 100 metres off the beach throughout most of the length of the town. This is in large part due to the concerted conservation efforts that have been, and continue to be, made by the town. This includes the Staghorn Coral Project, now in its 7th year; the planting of more than 200,000 sea oats on the town’s beaches, which has been completed over the past five years by a dedicated team of volunteers; the Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program; the Butterflies by the Sea program that encourages residents to plant butterfly gardens, and much more. For more information, visit VISITFLORIDA.com.
GERMANY
Germany’s oases can be explored by bicycle or on foot. Whether on the water, in the forest, in 16 national parks and over 100 nature parks, you can get very close to nature. Accommodation and tourist businesses also work sustainably and make happiness become Green.
Travelling without a car protects the environment, and switching to a bike combines the experience of the countryside with active relaxation. Experience the dreamlike landscapes of the Palatinate, Rhine-Hesse and the romantic Rhine from the saddle.
The Rhine Cycle Route runs for over 318 kilometres through Rhineland-Palatinate – and almost always close to the river banks. Thanks to the excellent rail connections available on both banks, you can plan the route with flexibility tailored to your wishes. Historic cities such as Speyer, Ludwigshafen, Worms, Mainz and Koblenz are on the way, as are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, the Upper Germanic-Rhaetian Limes and Speyer Cathedral. And last but not least, the trail crosses three regions renowned for wine-growing. Enjoy the landscape, culture and a good Riesling in the evening! Find out more, here.
Germany’s oases can be explored by bicycle or on foot. Whether on the water, in the forest, in 16 national parks and over 100 nature parks, you can get very close to nature. Accommodation and tourist businesses also work sustainably and make happiness become Green.
Travelling without a car protects the environment, and switching to a bike combines the experience of the countryside with active relaxation. Experience the dreamlike landscapes of the Palatinate, Rhine-Hesse and the romantic Rhine from the saddle.
The Rhine Cycle Route runs for over 318 kilometres through Rhineland-Palatinate – and almost always close to the river banks. Thanks to the excellent rail connections available on both banks, you can plan the route with flexibility tailored to your wishes. Historic cities such as Speyer, Ludwigshafen, Worms, Mainz and Koblenz are on the way, as are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, the Upper Germanic-Rhaetian Limes and Speyer Cathedral. And last but not least, the trail crosses three regions renowned for wine-growing. Enjoy the landscape, culture and a good Riesling in the evening! Find out more, here.
HAWAII
Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, in partnership with the Hawaii Tourism Authority, announced the launch of Malama Hawaii – a heartfelt invitation to malama, or to take care of, our earth, each other and ourselves. As visitors look forward to traveling when the time is right, we ask them to take a trip that gives back – to Hawaii and to them.
Several organizations offer opportunities for visitors to pay it forward, like beach clean-ups, native tree planting, and more. Engage in some of our volunteer opportunities below, and in exchange, experience Hawaii on a much deeper and connected level. Through the Malama Hawaii Program, you could qualify for a special discount or even a free night from a participating hotel when participating in its dedicated volunteer activity.
ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ (SVG) high caliber of natural surroundings – essentially untouched by development – gives visitors access to the kinds of experiences that are quickly disappearing throughout the world. Hikers can trek to secluded waterfalls for a quick dip or to private, pristine beaches hidden by lush foliage. Jeep safaris, bike trips and walking tours thrust explorers into parts of the islands that few people have ever laid eyes upon. The Tobago Cays not only offers some of the best sailing, snorkeling and scuba diving in the world, while Bequia is home to the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary, a nursery for endangered hawksbill turtles. And don’t miss the oldest Botanical Garden in the Western Hemisphere. Find out more by visiting DiscoverSVG.com
