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SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL

Private and small group tours to the world's best destinations.

Gondwana what we do

Gondwana Ecotours specializes in small-group, guided tours to bucket-list destinations around the world. Sustainability is front of mind and we are constantly working towards reducing our environmental footprint, both globally and locally.

Our itineraries are carefully curated to include unique and fun activities that are grounded in meaningful encounters with nature, wildlife, and local culture, and that are physically suitable for most travelers.

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We are committed to providing environmentally sustainable travel . As of 2021, all of our tours are certifiably carbon neutral. Travel is a privilege that we don't take for granted and we make a point to support local programs that are focused on preservation and/or sustainability in an effort to reduce our collective footprint.

We invite you to join us on one of our upcoming adventures, whether it's catching the Northern Lights in Alaska , visiting endangered gorillas in Rwanda , or enjoying a traditional asado BBQ in Patagonia .

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14 sustainable travel companies you can feel good about booking with

Do some good while seeing the world when you book with these ethical and sustainable travel companies

Karen Edwards

Whether you call it eco-travel, green travel, sustainable, ethical or regenerative travel , if you’re an impact-minded traveler concerned about your imprint upon the Earth’s ecosystems and local cultures, you probably want to choose your travel experiences and providers carefully. But being a responsible traveler doesn’t have to be a buzz-kill. Diving unspoiled reefs, hiking remote mountaintops  in the world’s best national parks , observing Africa ’s big game, building wells in a remote village – the sky is the limit when it comes to where and how travelers engage with destinations in meaningful, exciting ways.

The critical link often comes down to the travel company who plans, organises, stages and conducts your trip. So, when it comes time to plan your next purposeful adventure, you won’t go wrong by enlisting the expertise of the following travel companies. From flight-free holidays to ecotourism activities, these are some of the more ethical and environmentally driven players in the global travel business. 

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Sustainable travel companies

Byway Travel

1.  Byway Travel

In an ambitious mission statement, UK travel platform Byway declares that its goal is to make flight-free holidays a mainstream holiday choice. Their way of doing so? By helping people discover the beauty of slow, overland travel across the British Isles and Europe . Founder and CEO Cat Jones launched the now B Corporation-certified company during the first Covid lockdown, determined to find a way to reduce flight emissions. Her explanation was simple: If we continue on the current trajectory, emissions from flying is due to triple by 2050.  Byway’s life-affirming journeys include a 14-day trip to Sicily via Paris , Turin and Rome , a sleeper train across the Tyrrhenian Sea to Catania and a railway journey into the depths of Andalusia, enjoying Paris, Barcelona , Valencia , Madrid and Girona along the way.

2.  Gondwana Ecotours

Named after the ancient supercontinent that gradually split to become the land masses we recognize today, Gondwana Ecotours says its mission is to bring people from different continents closer together, one trip at a time. The New Orleans -based company specializes in small group and private tours that take on exhilarating experiences around the globe, such as gorilla trekking in Rwanda and eco adventures in Patagonia and Mendoza.

A key component for Gondwana is its network of guides who live in the communities visited, adding a level of personal knowledge, depth and authenticity to the experience while providing tourism-generated income. The company is also committed to limiting its carbon footprint through sustainable travel practices and is recognized for offsetting a total of more than 580 tons of carbon emissions. Since 2021, its tours are 100-percent carbon-neutral, as certified by the Cooler emissions tracking organization.

Intrepid Travel

3.  Intrepid Travel

Australian-owned Intrepid has always been forthright in declaring its commitment to ethical and responsible practices. In 2018, it became one of the first global travel operators to be B Corporation-certified – and has been operating as the world’s largest carbon-neutral company since 2010, carefully measuring and taking care to offset all unavoidable carbon emissions for 13 years. 

Their trips are just as impressive. From 15-day expeditions traversing the extraordinary gorges and remote villages of northern Pakistan’s Hunza Valley to nine-day itineraries centred around baby gorilla naming ceremonies in Rwanda’s spectacular Volcanoes National Park, Intrepid offer true bucket list travel adventures suited to guests of all interests and abilities. In 2020, as a part of the Tourism Declares A Climate Emergency initiative, the company published a seven-point climate commitment plan – revealing their intention to transition to 100% renewable energy use in offices by 2025 and on all trips by 2030.

Experience Travel Group

4.  Experience Travel Group

Operating on the belief that ‘travel should be about reciprocation’, Asia travel specialist Experience Travel Group holds responsible travel at its core, enabling guests to interact with the community and experience real cultural immersion on every trip. Another B Corporation-certified company, the team are dedicated to creating experiences that divert away from trendy hubs and big hotels, instead building personalised itineraries with initiatives to give back to the community included as part of the package. 

On adventures in Indonesia , Laos, Cambodia , Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam , for example, guests can enjoy delicious local dishes at ‘social enterprise’ restaurants that support vulnerable young people through job training and employment. In Cambodia, a trip to the Phare Circus in Siem Reap sends funds directly to a performing arts school for underprivileged children in nearby Battambang. A new three-day hike along sections of Sri Lanka ’s Pekoe Trail follows the old horse and cart routes that carried tea to the ports, bringing vital income to little-visited communities. 

Seacology

5.  Seacology

In 1990, American ethno botanist Dr. Paul Cox was conducting forest research in Samoa when village leaders told him 30,000 acres of pristine rainforest were about to be logged due to a government decree to fund a school. Cox was horrified and quickly came up with a proposal to raise the needed money to conserve the forest in perpetuity. His plan worked and has come to define the Seacology model: Provide material benefits to villages that pledge to protect their natural resources.

Today, Seacology offers unique ecotourism adventures throughout the world’s islands, where travelers visit active projects, interact with local people and are part of the formula that helps conserve both habitats and communities. Seacology guests also explore intriguing island environments, from the coral reefs of  Fiji to the rainforests of Borneo, while staying at well-appointed resorts and visiting important cultural sites. With all this tropical splendor, expect plenty of opportunities to scuba dive, snorkel, hike and kayak.

6.  Discover Corps

Discover Corps is the leader in the rapidly growing field of 'volunteer vacations' which focus on children, schools, animals and wildlife conservation. Yes, 'voluntourism' has often become a buzzword to cash in on thinly veiled claims, earning criticism and scrutiny over the years. But Discover Corps operates with full transparency and has become something of a gold standard for the model.

Trip itineraries are designed to connect travellers to local communities and provide a deeper understanding of the culture, issues and ways of life in locations around the world. Many projects are in Africa , Asia and Latin America, and can range from caring for elephants in Thailand to helping to protect the animals in South Africa's Greater Kruger National Park region.

ROW Adventures

7.  ROW Adventures

From its beginnings as a whitewater rafting company in the US's Pacific Northwest, ROW Adventures has evolved into an adventure travel company that advocates the transformative nature of human-powered experiences. According to ROW, connecting people with nature results in positive impacts, and the company adheres to conducting business in an inclusive and sustainable way while promoting social equity, environmental stewardship and accountability. Human-powered activities allow participants to fully observe the surroundings, whether that be white water rafting in Idaho's Salmon River, sea kayaking the orcas in Canada, or trekking across Machu Picchu.

ROW also recognizes that travel is a large contributor to the world’s carbon footprint, and subsequently mitigates the impact by offsetting carbon-producing activities whenever possible. At the same time, trips also educate guests to be advocates for locations visited, with special recognition given to the awareness of Indigenous communities and honouring their legacies, lives and connections to the land.

Natural Habitat Adventures

8.  Natural Habitat Adventures

Conservation through exploration is the credo of Natural Habitat Adventures, the official travel partner of the World Wildlife Fund. Nat Hab, as it’s called, is committed to environmentally friendly nature travel, stressing that its travelers become a force for change in addressing the planet's most pressing conservation challenges. Polar bear tours in the Canadian Arctic , African safaris and South American nature tours are examples of the company’s itineraries where tourism dollars become an influential incentive for communities to protect their natural resources.

Nat Hab also acknowledges that its 8,000 annual travelers on all seven continents expend plenty of CO2. To mitigate travel’s carbon output, the company leans into offsetting measures. From 2007 to 2019, Nat Hab offset 49,418 tons of carbon dioxide and has become the world's first 100-percent carbon-neutral travel company. They’ve also provided more than $4.5 million to support WWF’s global conservation efforts and continue to give one-percent of gross sales plus $150,000 annually in support of WWF’s global mission. 

9.  Cheeseman's Ecological Safaris

Ecology safaris catering to wildlife enthusiasts looking for an in-depth nature experience is what husband-and-wife founders Doug and Gail Cheeseman envisioned when they started their namesake company in 1980. Doug, a college zoology and ecology professor, and Gail, a naturalist, turned their passion for nature into a travel company focusing on comprehensive wildlife tours all over the globe. Working with local guides and wildlife researchers, tours are designed for hardcore animal lovers with an obsession for travel and who enjoy learning about the animals they encounter.

For example, the company’s Palau National Marine Reserve diving trip in the western Pacific Ocean offers 12 days of snorkelling, paddling, sailing and diving among the awe-inspiring tropical islands in the region.

Quark Expeditions

10.  Quark Expeditions

Quark Expeditions co-founders Lars Wikander and Mike McDowell took the first group of commercial travelers to the North Pole in 1991, completing the first-ever tourism transit of the Northeast Passage. That inaugural expedition proved to be a game-changer and positioned the company at the forefront of polar explorations. In the three decades since, its polar travelers have visited remote parts of the Arctic and Antarctic. 

With the Earth’s polar regions threatened by climate change, Quark is committed to raising awareness of these delicate ecosystems through environmentally responsible tourism. A facet of that commitment is the company’s Polar Promise to reduce its footprint and work with other leaders in the industry, as well as guests, to address the complex and challenging issues facing the regions. Coordinating with a global network of scientists, community leaders and sustainability innovators, the company plans to contribute a minimum of $500,000 each year in support of key environmental initiatives and sustainable development projects.

Lindbald Expeditions

11.  Lindbald Expeditions

With a fleet of rugged, purpose-built ships, the Lindbald Expedition experience is all about eco-friendly itineraries to some of the world’s most wild and remote coastal destinations. For 50 years, the travel company has sailed its ships to intriguing places visited by few if any other tour providers. Example? The 17-day trip across South Georgia and the Falklands introduces travellers to tens of thousands of stately king penguins, offers them a chance to paddle kayak by curious fur seals, and more. 

The company’s eco-philosophy ups the ante, stating that while sustainable tourism is largely the concept of doing no harm, regenerative tourism is a better model that aims to leave a place ‘better’ than it was before. To that end,  Lindbald has raised more than $19 million since 1997 for environmental projects and maintains a portfolio of six investments in renewable energy, reforestation and community-based efforts that align with the  United Nations Sustainable Development Goals .  Similarly, Lindbald is a 100-per cent carbon-neutral company.

12.  National Geographic Expeditions

Since the venerable National Geographic Society launched its travel division in 1999, National Geographic Expeditions has grown to operate hundreds of trips annually to all seven continents. As you’d expect from a non-profit whose mission is to explore and protect the planet, Nat Geo’s travel arm creates high-end eco-expeditions designed for adventure, nature and exploration – from expedition cruises to the poles, the South Pacific and Asia to land expeditions in the world’s highest mountains and most remote jungles.

In the spirit of sustainable, ethical travel and helping preserve ecosystems, proceeds from Nat Geo travel are directed to the Society’s research programs, such as its Pristine Seas Project , its Big Cats Initiative , and rare language documenting effort, the Enduring Voices Project . 

During travel, clients see that their tourism dollars count and are encouraged to become involved. For instance, in Rwanda, travellers see and learn about the critical habitat of the endangered mountain gorilla. 

Earthwatch Institute

13.  Earthwatch Institute

The value of citizen science is the underpinning for Earthwatch Institute, an international non-profit organization that connects travelers with scientists worldwide to participate in environmental research. Through travel, Earthwatch backs vital research while inspiring its clients to understand our shared global responsibilities as citizens of the world. As an early adopter of the citizen science model, dating to its founding in 1971, the Institute’s itineraries have included Amazon explorations documenting pink river dolphins, conservation work in South Africa to save threatened rhinos from poaching, and looking for answers and solutions to the declining numbers of threatened Pacific leatherback turtles in Costa Rica. In all cases, Earthwatch’s citizen science volunteers make direct contributions to research while increasing their scientific understanding and immersing themselves in learning about environmental issues.

To date, Earthwatch has been involved in 1,430 projects in 131 countries with 10,000 species studied resulting in 1,200 informed policy decisions, and 100,000 hours of scientific research per year.

14.  Joro Experiences

Luxury adventure travel expert Joro aims to reduce its carbon footprint as efficiently as possible by measuring and accounting for all emissions across its business. The goal? To find innovative ways of reducing impact, while only offsetting unavoidable emissions through reputable providers. The carbon neutral company designs bespoke trips to almost every corner of the world, from safaris in South Africa and sailing the Icelandic fjords to following in the footsteps of Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton and going in search of Macaws in the Brazilian Amazon. 

In 2020, Joro became a signatory of the Tourism Declares A Climate Emergency initiative and publicly published a Carbon Emergency Plan detailing pro-active measures, from becoming a paper-free business to educating clients on being conscious travellers.

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Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

826 eco, sustainable & green travel trips. compare tour itineraries from 266 tour companies. 1,542 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating., popular eco, sustainable & green travel tours.

Holland & Belgium Bike & Boat: Bruges to Amsterdam

Holland & Belgium Bike & Boat: Bruges to Amsterdam

  • Cycle along tranquil rivers and past meadows, dairy farms, quaint villages, and polder countrysides.
  • Get acquainted with local people — and local life — during a visit to a family home.
  • Join a local guide for a boat tour of Ghent, whose history dates to around 600 AD.
  • View the famous Kinderdijk windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Sip authentic Belgian beer during a special tasting on board.

El Calafate & Torres del Paine Tour

El Calafate & Torres del Paine Tour

  • Hike and discover the amazing nature of Patagonia on our El Calafate and Torres del Paine tour.
  • Meet massive glaciers, rugged mountains, and wide open, star-lit skies.
  • Best time to travel: From October to April.

Hiking the French Riviera : from the back country to Antibes

Hiking the French Riviera : from the back country to Antibes

  • Wonderful contrast of mountain peaks & deep blue Mediterranean Sea
  • Grasse the perfume capital & Vence source of inspiration for painters and writers
  • Most beautiful villages in France: Gourdon, St Paul de Vence, Tourrettes sur Loup
  • Moderate hikes above the French Riviera with wind sweeping views
  • A mild climate : perfect to hike in winter-spring & automn !

Holland & Belgium Bike & Boat: Amsterdam to Bruges

Holland & Belgium Bike & Boat: Amsterdam to Bruges

  • Get acquainted with local people—and local life—during a visit to a family home.
  • View the famous Kinderdijk windmills, a UNESCO Heritage site.

Azores walking holiday: Faial, Sao Jorge and Pico

Azores walking holiday: Faial, Sao Jorge and Pico

  • The discovery of 3 authentic and wild islands far away from mass tourism
  • The diversity of the hikes: on coastal paths, over craters and cinders, through pastures
  • The ascent of Mount Pico (2351 m) with a local guide,
  • All transfers included from the airport on day 1 to the airport on day 8
  • Swimming in natural pools dug into volcanic rocks

Chile: Coastal Vistas & Vineyards

Chile: Coastal Vistas & Vineyards

  • Marvel at Humboldt penguins and sea lions as they lounge on islands just offshore.
  • Join a captain in his small boat and help him bring in the catch of the day.
  • Admire the pride of Viña del Mar, the Reloj de Flores—a large clock made of flowers.
  • Stroll the cobbled, winding streets of hillside Valparaiso, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a local guide.
  • Blend your own wine with a sommelier, then have it bottled and labeled to go.

21 Days Ecuador 360 Loop

21 Days Ecuador 360 Loop

  • Explore Quito, Ecuador's historical capital deemed the "Middle of the World"
  • Trek deep into the Amazon Rainforest to observe the wildlife
  • Tour the Otavalo Indigenous market, the biggest market in South America
  • Hike up active volcanoes like Quilotoa and Chimborazo
  • Visit Pailón del Diablo, Ecuador's second-tallest waterfall

8 Days - Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

8 Days - Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

  • Travel with experienced guides and porters – with one guide for every two climbers.
  • Climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame route, passing through cloud forest and moorland.
  • You will be in the safest hands during your trek – with one guide for every two climbers.

All Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel

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Small Group Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel Tours

Small Group Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel Tours

Journey into Nature: 13-Day Deluxe Eco Tour in Vietnam

  • Discover the hidden retreat of Pu Luong
  • Cruise overnight through emerald waters in Ha Long bay
  • Immerse in Hoi An's countryside

Golden Triangle with Mumbai Goa & Varanasi

Golden Triangle with Mumbai Goa & Varanasi

  • Tour guide in Delhi - Chandani Chowk (Cultural street market), Jama Masjid (Historical), Rajghat Red Fort, Rashtrapati Bhawan, India Gate, Qutub Minar and Humayun Tomb.
  • Visit to Agra Fort and one of the seven wonders of the world Taj Mahal
  • Explore Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal, Sheikh Salim Chishti Tomb, Jodha Bai Palace, Moti Mahal etc with 16th century city - Fatehpur Sikri.
  • Pink city tour - Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace Jantar Mantar and the local bazaars of Jaipur.
  • Holy Ganga Aarti & Close experience of open Cremation & Sarnath with Guide.

14-Days Peru and Ecuador

14-Days Peru and Ecuador

  • Explore the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
  • Wander through the charming streets of Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Inca and colonial architecture.
  • Discover the vibrant culinary scene in Lima, sampling traditional Peruvian dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado.
  • Visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where you can explore Pisac Market and the impressive ruins of Ollantaytambo.
  • Encounter unique and diverse wildlife, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and Galapagos penguins.

South Africa – Wildlife Conservation Experience

South Africa – Wildlife Conservation Experience

  • Going behind the scenes of the conservation efforts to protect endangered species
  • Visiting an elephant sanctuary to learn about South Africa's gentle giants
  • Tracking the “Big 5” throughout Kruger National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
  • Learning firsthand about wildlife conservation from experts at the country’s largest reserve
  • Reading and playing with disadvantaged children who want to learn English

Tanzania: Safari & Service

Tanzania: Safari & Service

  • Volunteering with local children at a village primary school
  • Meeting local families and learning about Tanzanian society firsthand
  • Seeing zebras, elephants, lions, rhinos and more on an African safari
  • Hiking to a waterfall on the side of Mount Kilimanjaro
  • Seeing firsthand the nomadic lifestyle of the Masai

Belize: Research & Conservation Experience

Belize: Research & Conservation Experience

  • Volunteering directly with manatees to monitor conservation efforts
  • Taking a boat to a remote island off the coast of Belize
  • Exploring pristine beaches and rainforests scouting for wildlife
  • Uncovering waterfalls tucked deep in the jungle & exploring mystical caves
  • Snorkeling over colorful reefs in the crystal blue Caribbean waters

Best Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel Tours by Duration

Tours, Cruises & Private Trips

Best Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel Tours by Price

Top Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel Attractions & Experiences

Top Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel Experiences

  • Waking up to the sound of howler monkeys crashing through treetops of your balcony next to one of Costa Rica ’s National Parks
  • Discovering amazing biodiversity on a tour of the Galapagos Islands
  • Spotting Bengal Tigers roaming in India’s Bandhavgarh National Park
  • Studying Survival and Hunting at Huaorani Eco Lodge in Ecuador
  • Tracking silverback gorillas in Uganda
  • Reconnecting on a yoga retreat in Rishikesh, India

Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel Tours & Travel Guide

Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel Attractions & Landmarks Guide

Through embracing this new and (fortunately) increasingly popular type of travel, we can make a real difference to tourism worldwide and its impact. As people that enjoy travel, we are the ideal ambassadors to promote the benefits that travel and tourism can bring: through education, understanding, bringing revenue to in-need parts of the world, and through personal growth too. Read more about how your travels can make a difference and how to book an Eco Tour or Sustainable trip.

What Does "Eco Tourism" Mean?

Eco Tourism is defined as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education" by the International Eco Tourism Society (2015). Nature is often at the centre of Eco Tourism, which for a long time was perhaps best summarized by the tag line “take only photos, leave only footprints”. Eco Tourism today is about a lot more than doing the least harm possible on our travels. Many tour operators are taking steps to actively and positively contribute towards offsetting carbon emissions through forestation and clean energy projects; protecting endangered wildlife species and setting up tourism projects that include local communities around the world and allow them to benefit from tourism.

Sustainable & Responsible Tourism

Sustainable and Responsible Tourism are often used interchangeably (along with Eco Tourism) and while there are some similarities, there are also some points that set them apart. Sustainable Tourism is the idea of visiting a place and creating only a positive impact on the environment, economy and local society.

Responsible Tourism on the other hand focuses more on making the best choices that we can in each travel moment, to help promote best practices while traveling, to always show respect for the places that we visit and people that we meet along the way, and to protect places so that future generations can still enjoy them too.

Creating a Positive Impact

However we choose to define or call it, there are many points in common between the definitions. The point is to not cause harm, but also to create a positive impact. Through embracing this new and (fortunately) increasingly popular type of travel, we can make a real difference to tourism worldwide and its impact. As people that enjoy travel, we are the ideal ambassadors to promote the benefits that travel and tourism can bring: through education, understanding, bringing revenue to in-need parts of the world, and through personal growth too.

Top Tips for Being a Responsible Traveler

Choose tours that take you off the beaten path . One of the challenges with tourism can be the impact caused by tourists concentrated in high volumes in specific hot spots only. It means that the benefits of impact are then only seen in those areas and not spread out further to those that perhaps could benefit more. By venturing further afield, you’ll be spreading the benefits of tourism to those who need it more.

Think Local. Locally owned accommodation, local (public) transport, locally owned restaurants. The more interaction you have with people living in the country you visit, the more memorable and ‘genuine’ your experience is likely to be, as opposed to being driven around in a minibus for 2 weeks. It can be harder to organize this, but some operators include high levels of public transportation and owned accommodation in their itineraries, thus reducing your research load!

Avoid Plastic. Take your own aluminum water bottle with you and refill it on the road. It’s amazing how the piles of used plastic water bottles stack up. Many islands and developing countries lack the infrastructure for proper recycling or waste disposal, and the plastic just ends up sitting there, or being washed into the ocean for marine life to ingest. With your own water bottle you’ll be pleasantly surprised how many places are happy to refill your water bottle with filtered water (where tap water is not suitable for drinking) at a discount of the price for normal bottled water, or even for free.

Check the dress code. Seek advice from your trip notes or tour information on what clothing to pack for your trip. Apart from weather, different countries have very different ideas about what is respectful and appropriate clothing to wear, and visiting religious sites in most parts of the world will require covering up to some degree. Although many people would not say anything, showing shoulders or legs may cause offense without us realizing.

Stay open.  Asking questions and being curious to discover new cultures and countries is a life-enriching experience, and one of the advantages of having a guide at hand is that they can be your gateway to learning about a new part of the world.

Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel Reviews & Ratings

All in great company and superbly organised..

What an experience - a 3 day trip in the Atacama desert. Big skies, glorious stars, geysers, deserts, valleys and mountains - all in great company and superbly organ...

We will be happy to recommend your company to others.

We found Say Hueque by accident in an internet search and liked the fact that we could shape our own trip and pick and choose. The booking process with Lujan was ver...

See all Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel reviews

Related Trips & Tours

Traveling to eco, sustainable & green travel, an faq.

1. Does Travelstride have all the tour operators?

2. How does the Member Savings program save me money?

3. Can I trust the tour operator and trip reviews on Travelstride?

4. What does ‘Stride Preferred’ mean?

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11 Top Sustainable Travel Companies That Support Eco-Friendly Tourism

These sustainable tourism companies give you endless ethical wanderlust.

Updated by Francesca Brooking

Edited & Fact Checked By Amber McDaniel

Updated September 7, 2023

We independently research all featured brands and products. To avoid waste, we test products on an as needed basis. This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission. Learn more about why we do this here .

We love to travel—but if you’re like us, the conflicting eco-anxieties and GHGs associated with globetrotting can cast a grey cloud over your grand adventure.

For a better way to see the world, discover our favorite sustainable travel companies that enrich not only your life, but the places you visit.

From conservation projects and off-grid lodges to all-inclusive safari tours, boutique hotels and bespoke luxury itineraries that really do help the local communities, the below eco-friendly tourism companies wear their green hearts on their sleeves.

Our Curated List Of The Best Eco Tour Companies For Responsible Roaming

How can the travel industry be sustainable.

It’s no secret that the tourism industry has its fair share of ethical and environmental issues. 

Carbon and fuel-intensive flights, over tourism, exploitation, animal cruelty—the list goes on.

Not to mention tourism leakage, a process in which most of the money generated by tourism goes into the pockets of billion-dollar travel companies rather than into local communities that need it. 

However, you don’t need to hang up your suitcase for good. If done responsibly, tourism can have a profoundly positive impact on both the traveler and the destinations they visit.

With the right planning or travel companies, sustainable travel supports livelihoods and funnels your money directly into the local economy. 

It allows small businesses to flourish, funds community projects, and helps protect the environment by showcasing its economic value if left intact. 

To us, the environment is already priceless, but what we mean here is that sustainable tourism (whether solo or with the assistance of eco travel agents and tour operators) can help conserve the natural world by preventing it from being turned into farmland or apartment buildings! 

While tourism still has a long way to go, sustainable travel companies are pioneering positive change in the industry. 

From employing local guides to offering flight-free holidays and measuring their environmental and cultural impact, these tour operators make sure they benefit every destination they facilitate trips to.

Keep reading to find our top recommended environmentally conscious trips and jump to the bottom to learn what we consider when planning a trip with eco-tourism and sustainable travel in mind.

11 Eco-Friendly Tourism Companies To Book Your Vacation With

1. responsible travel.

Sustainable Travel Companies Images by Responsible Travel

The clue is in the name with Responsible Travel . They’ve led the way in eco-friendly vacations and ecotourism tours since the turn of the century.

This eco travel agency has over 5,000 adventures on offer to destinations all over the world.

Choose from hiking, conservation, diving, kayaking, cycling tours or head off to track snow leopards, swim with the whales or cruise Antarctica.

Responsible Travel has a give-back program, which campaigns for positive change with NGOs and activists.

Its eco travel options focus on local culture and local people, making sure your money goes to independent businesses and supports animal conservation.

You won’t find any elephant rides or exploitative practices here. In fact, they’re an excellent resource for learning about the difference between ethical and unethical wildlife experiences. 

2. &Beyond

Sustainable Travel Companies Images by &Beyond

One of the top eco-friendly travel companies for luxury safaris, &Beyond goes above and beyond investing back into the local environment. They focus on small-group and tailor-made tours in Africa, Asia, South America, and the Indian Ocean.

If you’re keen to tick off the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino), you have plenty of ethical choices with their range of responsible luxury safaris in 11 African countries with 29 camps and lodges that all employ local guides.

Search for wildlife on the Serengeti, track the great migration, explore Masai Mara national park or glide in a hot air balloon over the Namib Desert.

One example is their Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp in Botswana which has a state-of-the-art Tesla solar power plant that gives them 80% of their energy.

They also have a responsible travel policy which looks after the land, people and animals. Environmental projects in Botswana include rhino conservation, supporting local isolated communities and providing them with access to safe drinking water. 

Sustainable Travel Companies Images by Kynder

Kynder cuts to the chase.

This eco-travel platform brings together the best hotels, cafés, bars and restaurants in Europe and the USA that are eco-friendly, humane, kind and community loving.

We’re talking kind to the planet, to staff, their locality and kind to you, too. 

Find the off-the-beaten-track places that make your sustainable trip, from coffee shops hiring only refugees to the coolest eco hotels and holistic retreats.

All hotels and hospitality establishments must pass a rigorous set of guidelines to be accepted onto their platform. 

That way, you can be confident that these small businesses are truly genuine. No greenwashing here. 

4. Undiscovered Mountains

Sustainable Travel Companies Images by Undiscovered Mountains

Undiscovered Mountains is one of the top travel companies for sustainable tourism in the French Alps.

From skiing and snow-touring to building an igloo in winter to mountain biking, rock climbing and cycling in the summer, it’s all here. 

It’s possible to do horse riding, wildlife holidays, walks, kayaking and fishing holidays. Any active, outdoor adventure holiday you can think of, you will most likely find it. 

It has special packages for families and singles, so you can guarantee you’re always paying a fair price. 

Plus, Undiscovered Mountains only works with local guides, independent accommodation and responsible partners. 

Rest assured, all your hard-earned cash goes to the people who deserve it and those who help protect this stunning European mountain range.

5. Adventure Alternative

Sustainable Travel Companies Images by Adventure Alternative

Among sustainable travel companies, UK-based Adventure Alternative is calling other mountain enthusiasts with sights set on remote, rugged adventures worldwide.

This responsible travel tour operator is based in Ireland but takes intrepid souls all over the world, from Borneo to East Africa. This is the company for you if you’re interested in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or making the trek to Everest Base Camp. 

For slightly more laid-back trips, there are also wildlife tours and safaris. 

As well as hiking and trekking, Adventure Alternative is a member of Fair Trade Volunteering. 

The sustainable travel company runs volunteering trips through Moving Mountains in various countries across the globe, which makes sure each project is needed and useful.

They also invest heavily in their whole supply chain, from local guides to community projects, and they works to a framework set by sustainable travel principles.

6. Intrepid Travel

Sustainable Travel Companies Images by Intrepid Travel

While Intrepid Travel has been around for years, the eco-tourism operator is no slow coach when it comes to slow and sustainable trips. 

They’re not just a Certified B Corp , but the largest travel company in the world to become one.

They pride themselves on incorporating the principles of sustainable development in the way they provide travelers with authentic and real-life experiences.

Simply put, these are small group trips all over the world, from Greenland to Oman that get you up close and personal with wildlife and cultural highlights with local guides and specialist experts.

You can book cycling, sailing or wildlife trips with them, too. There are family-friendly tours, expedition cruises, women’s expeditions, tailor-made itineraries, National Geographic expeditions and budget-conscious tours for those aged 18-29. 

Whatever your travel style, you’ll find your perfect eco travel experience. 

The Intrepid Foundation also supports 50 community and conservation projects all over the world. Plus, they cover all administration costs so 100% of your donation goes directly to the project of your choosing. 

7. Kind Traveler

Sustainable Travel Companies Images by Kind Traveler

Kind Traveler is a socially conscious ‘Give + Get’ hotel booking platform that empowers travellers to be a force for good.

$10 goes to a local community or charity close to where you’re staying, and you’ll unlock an exclusive rate at that hotel or destination across the US and beyond.

Kind Traveler is one of a growing number of eco travel companies that want to harness the power of routine bookings we already make and use them to benefit the planet. It’s a simple yet effective way to give back when booking your trip. 

An example of one of the best traveler companies that have implemented sustainable tourism policies, Kind Traveler’s goals are aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): preventing poverty and hunger, protecting the planet, and promoting well-being for individuals and animals.

Sustainable Travel Companies Images by Aracari

One of the top sustainable travel companies South America -bound travelers have, Aracari organizes eco-luxury holidays and boutique trips around Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador—including the Galapagos Islands.

In recognition of their ethical efforts, sustainable brand consultants Positive Luxury has awarded the tour operator the prestigious Butterfly Mark.

They’re also a favorite with Conde Nast Traveller, and their specialist guides are some of the best in the business.

They infuse all of their tours with environmental and social good, foster long-term relationships with local communities, help you reduce your environmental footprint, and ensure everyone gets paid a living wage.

Really experience Latin American culture with authentic homestays on Lake Titicaca or get access to exclusive local accommodation from Aracari’s black book of contacts that no one else has. 

For a more hands-on experience, spend time with community projects like Tierra de los Yachaqs, a philanthropic organization determined to preserve the history and traditions of local people in Peru’s Sacred Valley.

9. Rickshaw Travel

Sustainable Travel Companies Images by Rickshaw Travel

Rickshaw Travel has a whole host of independent and authentic trips that get under the skin of Southeast Asia.

Explore Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand with their ethical and impactful itineraries.

The global sustainable tour operator also offers trips to India, Japan, China, and Bhutan as well as destinations in Central and South America plus Europe and North America.

This company is all about meaningful travel experiences, meeting people and discovering unique local cultures and customs.

Choose to go trekking, discover landscapes by bike, tuck into amazing street food and meet the people that make an eco-travel trip an unforgettable experience.

Sustainable Travel Companies Images by Byway

Head out on a flight-free holiday with slow travel experts Byway .

This eco-friendly tour company arranges slow travel adventures across the UK and Europe by train, bike, ferry and foot – no planes in sight here. 

Their dynamic trip builder creates personal trips and tours based on your interests, while your virtual guide can assist with your journey via WhatsApp. 

Byway manages all your itinerary and bookings and comes up with the perfect sustainable tours for solo, couple, or family travelers.

We love their commitment to authentic travel without the carbon footprint of flying. 

All your accommodation is locally owned, too. Think: family-owned B&Bs and boutique hotels, all with the utmost comfort—and of course, fabulous breakfasts!

11. Earth Changers

Sustainable Travel Companies Images by Earth Changers

Inspirational, transformative tourism is what’s on offer at Earth Changers , an online travel booking platform which features a list of environmental holidays whether it’s adventure, active breaks, or conservation trips. 

At the moment there are ten destinations which include the first-ever marine conservation reserve in Tanzania to Floreana, which is the smallest of the inhabited islands in the Galapagos archipelago.

You don’t have to book far-flung destinations either. Join an authentic mountain ranch in Croatia or do an adventure trip in Wales much closer to home. 

Earth Changers is a global eco-tourism project that truly has a positive impact, and you’ll get to meet world-changing pioneers along the way. 

How Did We Choose The Top Eco-Tourism Companies?

Eco-tourism and sustainable travel are often used interchangeably. 

So what is an eco-tourism company? And how does it differ from a sustainable travel company?

An eco-tourism operator tends to focus on low-impact, nature-based tours that conserve the environment through culture and education. 

Think gorilla trekking in Rwanda with Intrepid Travel, staying in an eco-lodge with Aracari or booking a conservation holiday with Earth Changers. 

Sustainable tourism is the umbrella term for eco-friendly travel. It’s based on the three pillars of sustainability: economic impact, sociocultural impact and environmental impact.

The idea is that travelers have the option to choose sustainable practices in all aspects of their trip. Kind Traveler’s hotel booking platform and Kynder are perfect examples of this. 

Let’s explore some of our essential criteria for evaluating each sustainable travel company.

Carbon Goals & Achievements: 

A truly eco travel company should prioritize carbon footprint reduction by offering flight-free alternatives, promoting train, bike, and ferry travel over flights.

If flights are part of the experience,they should be utilizing some of the best carbon offset programs to counteract the carbon footprint of those flights.

Sustainable Accommodations:

We want to explore with sustainable travel companies that curate experiences with eco-friendly hotels and restaurants, guaranteeing that your stay supports businesses that are kind to the planet and their communities.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: 

Respect for cultures being visited is an obvious essential, sustainable travel or not, but we also want companies that support local communities with meaningful cultural exchanges, fair employment of local guides, and additional investment in economic development in destination regions.

In other words, your money should be mostly staying in the community you’re visiting.

Pay It Forward:

We love to see charitable initiatives that give back to these communities in additional ways, such as supporting local conservation and social programs.

Closing Thoughts On Sustainable Tourism Companies

As you can see, eco-tourism and sustainable travel work towards creating an industry that gives back, uplifts local communities and protects fragile environments.

 They also provide you with much more authentic and rewarding travel experiences.

Have a green travel lover in your life?

Share this list of the top eco tour companies and spark their eco-friendly wanderlust.

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Eco Tours & Trips

TourRadar has collected the best Eco trips. There are 42 adventures to choose from, visiting 13 different countries. Tours range in length between one day in length, and 28 days.

42 Eco trips with 63 reviews

Patagonia Tour  Buenos Aires - Ushuaia - El Calafate in 10 Days. Tour

  • Christmas & New Year

Patagonia Tour Buenos Aires - Ushuaia - El Calafate in 10 Days.

Vietnam Motorcycle Tour to Pu Luong, Mai Chau, Tam Coc, Hoa Lu Tour

  • Active Adventure

Vietnam Motorcycle Tour to Pu Luong, Mai Chau, Tam Coc, Hoa Lu

Home stay accommodation was excellent and we saw a wide range of the cuisine that the region has to offer. The roads and the riding experience was something else altogether, from the chaos of weaving through Hanoi traffic to narrow and quiet village tracks. Every day was different and exciting.

Algonquin Log Cabin 3-Day Canoe and Hike Adventure Tour

  • Hiking & Trekking

Algonquin Log Cabin 3-Day Canoe and Hike Adventure

We had an amazing time at the Algonquin log cabin! The group was fun and got along really well. We enjoyed all the activities (paddling and hikes specially) even though the weather was not at its best. Evan and Emily were incredible guides: apart from being so nice and great entertainers they also have deep knowledge on the place and its ecosystems. Food was always delicious and the cabin itself is really cozy and comfortable. Really recommend it!

Highlights of Costa Rica Tour

Highlights of Costa Rica

The itinerary was very 4, giving us comprehensive coverage of many parts of Laos, with a variety of experiences, modes of transport and contact with the local people.
  • 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Algonquin Park 3-Day Canoe Trip Tour

Algonquin Park 3-Day Canoe Trip

Sri Lankan Serenity ( 8 Days and 7 Nights tour in Sri Lanka ) Tour

  • Sightseeing

Sri Lankan Serenity ( 8 Days and 7 Nights tour in Sri Lanka )

Grand Canyon and Sedona Tour Tour

Grand Canyon and Sedona Tour

Vietnam Eco Tour

Vietnam Eco

South African Eco Journey Tour

South African Eco Journey

Cherry Blossom & Garden Tour

  • In-depth Cultural

Cherry Blossom & Garden

A big thank you to Ben regarding our very recent stay in Japan... we had MW TOURS arrange our travel , accommodation and tours... tours mainly in Japan..... on our arrival in Tokyo we were extremely disappointed with the quality and standard of our hotel (which we chose) .... I immediately contacted Ben back in Australia who within 1/2 -1 hr had organised new accommodation of our choice, transport to new location.... no fuss.... effortlessly... also a big thank you to our Guide( 'Bruce') and driver ( Jimmy ) in Kyoto who were brilliant and gracious and made our first visit to Japan a very enjoyable one...

Messinia Coastal Tour Self Guided Tour

Messinia Coastal Tour Self Guided

Tour and cycling was fun. Some of us couldn‘t always keep up with the group, but no one of the guides went back to look for them (only after telling them). They had good recommendations for restaurants in town and were very helpful, until the last day of the official tour. It was semi-professional, mixing up private life with the tour. And they have to think about their last stop on their route, kalo nero. Out of season and there was nothing to do/go. Felt stranded for two days in a bad hotel (all the others were great!)

Private Overnight Tour to the Nature Paradise of Belihuloya Tour

Private Overnight Tour to the Nature Paradise of Belihuloya

Nature\'s Secret Sri Lanka - 21 Days Tour

Nature's Secret Sri Lanka - 21 Days

Aurora, Sauna and Hotsprings: A Whitehorse Eco Retreat Tour

  • Health, Spa & Wellness
  • Northern Lights

Aurora, Sauna and Hotsprings: A Whitehorse Eco Retreat

Sri Lanka\'s Hidden Beauty - 10 Days Tour

Sri Lanka's Hidden Beauty - 10 Days

Reviews of eco tours.

I had many firsts in this trip, first time canoeing, staying in cabin with strangers, first time in Algonquin, seeing the night sky. We had the A-team for sure, Nicolene, Baris and Reese (I hope I did not mess the spellings, my apology)it would not have been a great experience without you. Forever grateful.
Seeing the sloths in manuel antonio in the wild

Destinations

  • North America (5)
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Top Countries

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  • Sri Lanka (6)
  • Thailand (3)
  • Malaysia (2)
  • Australia (2)
  • Colombia (1)
  • Costa Rica (1)
  • Ecuador (1)
  • Argentina (1)
  • South Africa (1)
  • 7 Day Tours (8)

Starting from

  • from Colombo (5)

International Versions

  • Deutsch: Nachhaltige Reisen
  • Français: Circuits Éco
  • Español: Circuitos y viajes de Eco
  • Nederlands: Eco Rondreizen & Tours

Travel Tips and Trivia

Last Updated: January 23, 2024

Eco Travellers 101: A Complete Guide to Eco travel

What are eco travellers? What’s eco travel? How do you “travel eco”? Check out this ultimate guide to eco travelling to learn everything you need about this hot travel topic.

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Danny Newman

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Trying to find out about eco travellers? I hope this guide helps!

Do you remember seeing pictures of blue skies in Beijing and dolphins in the canals of Venice during the COVID lockdowns?

That was no coincidence.

Researchers have found that the pandemic had a profound positive effect on the environment, from reducing air and water pollution to reversing the damage done to popular tourist destinations.

These findings have only accelerated a trend that was slowly becoming more popular anyway: eco travel.

You may have heard of eco travelling already. But what is it, exactly? What do eco travellers do? What do eco trips involve? Where are the best places to take eco tours?

And, most importantly, why should you (or any of us) care?

Read on for a deep dive into ecological travelling, why it’s so important, and some expert tips to help you get started!

ecotravel-1373237

Here we go, then: a comprehensive look at eco travel and what it involves!

Interested in eco travels? You might also like these posts…

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  • A Complete Guide to Responsible Tourism
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  • 15 Awesome Ideas for Souvenirs
  • 20 Places with Crystal Clear Water
  • 20 Coldest Countries in the World
  • 20 Hottest Countries on Earth
  • How to Plan a Trip on Google Maps
  • The Advantages and Disadvantages of Travelling

Eco Travel: What Is It?

Simply put, eco travel is any type of tourism that focuses on travelling responsibly and sustainably.

It might even go a step further, as many eco travellers try to have a positive impact on the environment and the local community too.

Eco travel is closely associated with other terms such as:

  • Sustainable travel
  • Sustainable tourism
  • Green travel
  • Ecological travel

According to the UN , this type of tourism:

“Takes into account its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.”

Another organization, TIES, defines ecotourism as “ responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education. ”

In other words, eco travellers are highly aware of the impact their visit has on the local flora and fauna, community, economy, and environment.

Furthermore, they seek to minimise any negative impact and, if possible, create a positive local impact instead.

ecotravelling-2420020

In the coming section, I’ll run through a few examples of what eco travelling looks like in practice.

Examples of Ecological Travelling

This sounds great in theory, but what does eco travel look like in real life? Let’s consider some examples of what eco travellers might do:

  • Staying with an indigenous community in Ecuador
  • Hiking and camping along the Appalachian Trail
  • Volunteering with a wildlife conservation agency in South Africa
  • Ziplining above the rainforest on an eco tour of Costa Rica
  • Horse trekking across the island of Iceland
  • Glamping or sleeping in eco-friendly lodging
  • Helping local farmers through an agritourism program
  • Signing up for an eco tour cruise to Antarctica or the Galapagos Islands
  • Walking or riding a bicycle instead of renting a car or taking an Uber
  • Buying food from a local market instead of a chain grocery store
  • Souvenir shopping from local artists rather than buying “Made in China” knickknacks
  • Bringing reusable drink containers instead of buying plastic water bottles
  • Taking a train or a bus across a country instead of flying

Of course, just because you hike, camp, or bring your own water bottle doesn’t mean you’re eco travelling.

You must also visit in such a way that you minimise (or even eliminate) your carbon footprint , along with any negative impact on your destination.

ecologicaltravelling-2539649

Ecological travelling involves looking after our planet and the local community instead of acting in ways that harm it.

Why Is Eco Travelling Important?

If you’re like me, you feel frustrated when you see news stories like this one , where a popular Thai island had to remove 3 tonnes of plastic trash from its beautiful beaches.

Then there are popular cities like Venice and Barcelona that are overrun with tourists , putting strain on the local infrastructure, environment, and economies.

Eco travellers aim to do the opposite.

They have a keen awareness of the world around them and the fact that everyone and everything on the planet is interconnected. They might adopt a popular catchphrase like, “Take only memories, leave only footprints.”

In other words, leave no trace.

Here are some reasons why all of us should consider becoming eco travellers in the future:

  • It protects fragile natural environments and historical sites
  • It benefits local economies and creates local job opportunities
  • It helps to conserve and spread awareness of indigenous cultures
  • It preserves biological diversity among plant and animal species
  • It empowers local communities with knowledge and resources
  • It reduces carbon emissions and unnecessary waste products
  • It creates authentic relationships with local residents and businesses
  • It shows respect for the planet, the climate, and each other
  • It’s more fulfilling than traditional tourism activities and destinations

Around the world, there’s a greater awareness of what’s happening to our global environment.

More and more people — as individuals and as organisations — are interested in contributing to this cause.

Eco travel is one of the best ways to get involved without sacrificing the chance to see the world.

Instead, eco travellers get the chance to make the world a better place!

ecotrips-6840242

Now let’s dive into some of the best places to go for eco trips and some awesome companies with a strong eco-reputation.

The Best Destinations for Eco Trips

Where should you go for an eco-friendly holiday?

As you might expect, most eco trips venture off the beaten path. Forget those big cities overrun with tourists or tropical beaches lined with all-inclusive resorts.

Instead, eco travellers might consider exciting destinations such as:

  • New Zealand
  • Bhutan (the world’s only carbon-negative country )
  • South Africa

Again, keep in mind that just because you visit an “eco-friendly” destination or even sign up for an “eco-friendly” tour doesn’t mean it’s truly eco travel.

You need to do your due diligence to ensure that your accommodations, activities, and habits will have a positive impact on the destination.

The Best Travel Companies for Eco Tours

To make your research easier, I’ve compiled a list of companies that have a stellar reputation for eco trips. These include:

1. Seacology Expeditions

Join an expedition to exotic island destinations such as Borneo, Fiji, or the Philippines.

Go scuba diving, kayaking, and hiking while taking part in active projects that support the local ecology and benefit local communities.

2. Responsible Travel

One of the global leaders in eco-tourism, Responsible Travel offers more than 5,000 adventures in beautiful destinations all over the world.

Rest easy knowing their eco tours focus on giving back to local businesses and supporting wildlife conservation efforts.

3. Intrepid Travel

Hailed as one of the first carbon-neutral tour operators, Intrepid Travel loves to give back to great causes — for example, the 2015 Nepal earthquake.

They offer exciting tour options across the globe and are a leader in both child protection and the use of local guides.

Specialising in adventure travel for 18 to 35-year-olds, Contiki is paying to offset carbon emissions on all current and future trips.

Travel with them and you’ll help to support forest conservation efforts in Australia as well as renewable energy efforts in the US.

5. Discover Corps

With a tagline like “unforgettable vacations with a purpose,” Discover Corps is the leader in volunteer holidays.

Join a project in Asia, Africa, or Latin America that focuses on helping local schools, families, or wildlife.

eco-travel-1809500

Has eco-travel piqued your interest? Read on for a bunch of tips to help you travel in this way.

25 Top Tips for Aspiring Eco Travellers

What do you think? Are you ready to join the ranks of eco travellers and revamp the way you holiday?

Even if you’re not ready to sign up for a major eco tour or volunteer project, you can adopt an eco travel mindset right now.

Here are 25 simple tips to keep in mind as you travel across the globe (or even around your hometown).

1. Stay at locally-owned accommodations instead of corporate chain hotels.

2. Pay the entrance fees to national parks and historical sites, as these contribute towards conservation efforts and support the local economy.

3. Book activities with local tour guides (or companies that employ local guides).

4. Use public transportation such as trains or buses to get around. Only rent a vehicle or hire a taxi if there’s no other way to reach your destination.

5. If you must fly, book a direct point-to-point flight. Takeoffs and landings create the biggest impact on the environment, so try to avoid layovers if/where possible.

6. While swimming, snorkelling, or scuba diving, never touch the coral, rocks, or animal life. Use only reef-friendly sunscreen to protect your skin while you’re in the water.

7. Buy locally-made goods and souvenirs from local vendors. Not only will you support the local economy, but you’ll minimise your carbon footprint because those goods didn’t have to be shipped across the globe.

8. The same goes for food consumption. Buy your food from farmer’s markets or locally-owned stores instead of large chain grocery suppliers.

9. Consider travelling to locations closer to home that don’t require a long flight (or a rental car once you arrive).

10. Avoid crowded destinations struggling with over-tourism, such as Macchu Picchu or Thailand’s Phi Phi islands. Instead, choose places that are “off the beaten path” or, better yet, book an eco tour with a reputable company.

11. Skip the beachfront resorts and massive cruise liners. Look for accommodation that’s locally owned (such as bed-and-breakfasts or hostels) or choose a hotel that’s accredited by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council .

12. Bring reusable items like water bottles, travel mugs, and cloth shopping bags. Carry them with you so you won’t have to use any plastic, paper, or styrofoam products.

13. Look for accommodations that tout “green” travel, such as solar power, composting, and recyclable water systems (just make sure they aren’t greenwashing ).

14. Always respect local customs. This might mean adapting the way you dress (for example, covering your head or your shoulders) or avoiding actions that could be offensive (for example, pointing your feet at a person or at a statue of Buddha).

15. Consider volunteering for all or part of your holiday. Many organisations offer volunteer experiences that only last a day (or even a few hours), allowing you to experience the joy of giving back.

ecotours-7036748

Eco tours are all about preserving the natural beauty of our planet and supporting local communities – while still having the time of your life!

16. Never leave trash or litter on the street or on a trail. Stop to pick up anything that other (less responsible) travellers have left behind.

17. Never approach wildlife or attempt to feed them. Be respectful of the distance between you as you observe or take pictures.

18. Don’t stray off the path if you’re hiking or trekking, especially in a remote area. You could easily damage the local flora and fauna — not to mention the possibility of getting lost!

19. Whenever possible, walk or ride a bicycle. Take advantage of local public transportation options too — they’re more eco-friendly than cars and they’re cheaper too.

20. Before you leave for one of your eco trips, make your home environment more eco-friendly. Turn off all lights and unplug any electronics that could zap “phantom electricity” from your home . Do the same at your destination with your chargers, light switches, and heating/cooling.

21. Be mindful of travelling during times that could disturb local wildlife, such as breeding or hatching seasons. Avoid fragile environments that are at risk of erosion, collapse, or over-tourism.

22. Unless you’re staying for an extended period of time, opt-out of fresh towels and sheets in your room every day. You’ll help to conserve local water and power resources by reusing towels and sleeping on the same sheets during your stay.

23. Bring your own water filter or water purifier so you can safely drink the local tap water (if you’re somewhere where it’s safe to do so , of course). This eliminates the need to buy bottled water during your travels.

24. Look for eco-friendly travel bags made from sustainable and recycled materials. You can even find backpacks equipped with solar chargers to power your devices all day long.

25. Consider making a carbon offset donation when you book a flight. Look for airlines that offer the option to donate a portion of the ticket price to a reputable environmental agency.

Eco Travels: The Wave of the Future

As we’ve discussed, there’s no need to give up our favourite hobby (travelling) because of changing conditions on the planet.

Instead, we can each do our part to contribute to a healthier environment by focusing on ecological travelling.

Whether you volunteer for a conversation effort abroad, take an exciting eco-adventure tour, or simply use some of these tips for eco travellers, you’ll be doing your part to make our world a better place!

Would you like to learn more on a similar travel topic?

Click here to learn more about the different types of vacation.

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Eco-travel with Destination: Earth

Eco-travel is quickly becoming a popular way of traveling. Destination: Earth provides an opportunity for individuals and groups to explore the world in an eco-friendly way, and to step off the beaten path for an authentic adventure unlike any other. Skip the tourist traps and the over indulged cities for overseas adventure travel that focuses on preserving the environment while supporting local communities. Eco-travel is stress-free and life changing when you travel with the team at Destination: Earth. Contact us today to learn more about our eco-travel opportunities!

What is Eco-Travel?

Eco-travel essentially means to travel responsibly. Many times when people travel abroad, they visit destinations that have been overrun by tourists and thus the local environment has been completely destroyed. Eco-travel focuses on overseas adventure travel that improves and preserves the surrounding environment while enhancing the well-being of the local community. While improving the local environment, eco-travel also offers individuals a more authentic adventure experience with more opportunities to make lasting connections with the local people. Sustainability and Humanitarian travel are important to Destination: Earth and are reflected through each of our eco-travel adventures.

Benefits of Ecotourism

Taking a step away from the typical tourist aspects of international travel is a great way to experience authentic cultural immersion. Those who choose ecotourism destinations and adventures make a lasting impact on communities rather than furthering harm from tourist actions.

The benefits of Ecotourism include:

-Protect natural environments

-Benefit local economies

-Empower local communities

-Create authentic relationships

-Conserve local cultural and biological diversity

-Minimally impact local natural resources

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Destination: Earth focuses on key areas of ecotourism in order to provide the best experience for our groups.

Humanitarian Travel : We strive to take the local population into consideration whenever and wherever we travel. Respect for local customs and culture, having a positive impact on the economy, uplifting and serving those in need, these are just a few considerations we take into account on every tour.

Sustainability : Ensures that we do not lessen the availability of resources and impede future travelers from enjoying the same experience. It also means we interact with the peoples we visit with awareness of our impact. Some best practices here.

Green Travel :  We strive to reduce negative impacts on the environment while traveling. Our tours and accommodations are environmentally friendly whenever possible. Examples include solar powered hotels, recyclable water systems, composting waste systems, & other renewable applications which help preserve and improve the environment.

At Destination Earth, we pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standards of eco-travel for our altruistic adventures. You can rest assured that while exploring with us, aspects of eco-travel and eco-tourism, humanitarian travel, & sustainability are at the core of your experience.

We invite you to Destination : Earth!

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Ecotravel Adventures is an ecotourism company based in the USA, providing curated life-changing nature and wildlife itineraries that include unique accommodations, and cultural immersion experiences. Our locally-sourced tours aid in ecological restoration and improve upon the economic development in local communities across the globe.

We aim to provide rewarding, eye-opening experiences to individuals, small groups, and corporations so as to share with the global population the impacts of conservation efforts and benefits of sustainable travel. ETA and it's affiliates view the world and all its inhabitants through a prism of color and a lens of opportunity.

Clients of Ecotravel Adventures range from backpackers to honeymooners, travel buddies to LLCs. We provide various group adventures throughout the year, and an array of pre-made private trip itineraries. Clients also have an option to customize or fully build their perfect adventure with a skilled and knowledgeable world-traveler on our staff. 

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Our ALL-INCLUSIVE pricing let's you enjoy your experience while we take care of all the organization and expenses so you can relax during an epic and memorable vacation.

Whether you seek an adventurous trekking escape, a luxurious tropical beach or a team-building retreat, ETA has the experience and passion to deliver you to your ideal des

Whether you seek an adventurous trekking escape, a luxurious tropical beach or a team-building retreat, ETA has the experience and passion to deliver you to your ideal destination with a carbon-neutral footprint and an itinerary to write home about.

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I had a fantastic experience on the iceland fire and ice tour i decided to go on the trip solo and was originally concerned that i would feel secluded but that was far from accurate everyone from the local guides to the trip leader and other travelers were so welcoming and adventurous. i can't commend the team enough- excellent customer service from the initial contact for information to the follow-up after we got home. i highly recommend ecotravel adventures for your next trip - solo or otherwise.

Raquel Lambert

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Eco-Tourism 101: What Is Eco-Travel, And Why Is It So Important?

Learn about eco-travel and how it helps natural areas, wildlife, local communities, and travelers themselves.

  • Eco-travel is a sustainable way to tour places, protecting the environment and benefiting locals, focusing on preserving flora, fauna, and cultural heritage.
  • Minimizing negative impacts on natural areas is key in eco-tourism, such as avoiding single-use plastics and supporting locally-made products.
  • Eco-travel promotes environmental awareness, educates people, boosts local economies, connects people to nature, and enhances the quality of travel experiences.

Every year billions of international travelers visit various destinations across the globe, and this has resulted in over-tourism in some of the most popular places. High volumes of vacationers in a certain spot can mean litter and waste and increased water consumption and air pollution in various destinations, which leave negative impacts on the locals, visitors themselves, and the surrounding environment.

Today, beautiful locations, especially natural tourist destinations, are at risk of suffering environmental problems, which often include the destruction of some of the most impressive ecosystems. Travel is fun, and everyone deserves to enjoy it, but there is a need to come up with reforms to make the industry more sustainable so that the environment is well maintained and preserved for current and future generations.

This is where eco-travel comes in. The interest in eco-tourism has been on the rise over the past few years, and there are tons of destinations for eco-travel to include in a travel checklist . So, what is eco-travel, and why it is so important? Here is a quick guide to this popular phenomenon.

Related: What Is Eco-Travel? Here's Every Type Of Ecotourism You Should Know About

What Is Eco-Travel?

Machu Picchu in Peru

In short, eco-travel is a sustainable way to tour different places. It is traveling responsibly in a way that protects the environment while enhancing the welfare of the locals. This allows vacationers to be more than just passers-by in the communities they visit.

The phenomenon generally focuses on areas where there are flora and fauna as well as cultural heritage that need to be preserved. Eco-tourism also involves education, where vacationers learn something from the places they visit and leave a positive legacy to the natural areas.

Eco-travel is especially popular among environmentalists and other people around the world who are concerned with environmental preservation. It also aims to minimize the negative impacts of tourism in natural destinations.

This is why some of the most famous landmarks around the world , like Machu Picchu, have limited the number of visitors to protect them from damage.

So, What Are The Principles Of Eco-Travel? How To Practice Eco-Tourism

Manoa Falls Trail

To practice sustainable tourism, vacationers and eco-friendly tour companies should stick to certain principles. Here is a summary of the core principles of eco-tourism.

Minimize Negative Impacts On Natural Areas

From where one stays to activities to the kind of food they eat during their vacations, tourists are definitely going to leave an impact on the natural areas they visit. Minimizing negative impacts on natural areas is one of the most important principles of eco-tourism.

One of the environmentally friendly tips for traveling the world is avoiding single-use plastics. This includes opting for refillable water bottles, bringing one's own toiletries, and purchasing items with minimal packaging. This is one sure way of touring the world responsibly and minimizing the negative impacts on beautiful natural areas.

Respecting The Cultural Heritage Of The Locals

Manoa Falls Trail in Honolulu, Hawaii

One of the easy ways to be eco-friendly while traveling is by helping in preserving the cultural heritage of the locals. Here's how to be respectful and conscious while traveling:

  • Research the culture of the locals or stick around for a while to soak in the people's way of life.
  • Go with the flow of the local way of life. This will vary from one destination to another. For instance, in places like Spain, the locals take a siesta, usually after having a midday meal. It is important to research these things, so one can do things the "normal" way.
  • Stick to the dress code of the locals. If there is a specific dress code that the local people abide by, it is important to follow the customs.
  • Follow health guidelines. Many destinations have specific entry requirements for visitors. Follow those guidelines, and avoid traveling while sick. Research the possible health risks in the desired destinations and consult a healthcare specialist on how to avoid contracting and spreading the disease.
  • Avoid taking pictures of people without asking for permission first. Also, when taking pictures, visitors could avoid interrupting the activities of the locals, which in most cases, generate their income.

Related: Sustainable Tourism In Chile: Eco-Friendly Travel Tips & Ideas

Supporting The Local Businesses

Another great way of practicing eco-travel is by supporting local businesses by purchasing locally-made products. One can also dine at various eateries that are owned and managed by locals. By doing this, visitors help to contribute towards the success of the local economy.

Apart from supporting the local communities financially, this principle allows visitors to enjoy an authentic experience of a place. So, instead of dining at big hotels and resorts, tourists should try and support local businesses.

Promoting Environmental Awareness

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Eco-travel is more than just visiting natural destinations. It is about promoting environmental awareness so that other vacationers can also practice sustainable tourism. Eco-travelers can encourage people to practice using renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, and opt for reusable or recyclable products.

Environmental awareness helps reduce pollution and global warming.

Why Is Eco-Travel Important?

  • Eco-travel educates people . By raising environmental awareness, eco-travel can lead to positive impacts on natural areas by inspiring real change. By promoting eco-travel, more people are informed about the phenomenon, and the more people are aware, the more they are likely to start making positive changes, right from their homes.
  • Eco-travel has a positive impact on the local economy . When people visit different places, the local businesses directly related to travel, including food, transportation, and hotels, thrive.
  • Promotes and encourages environmental awareness . When vacationers practice eco-travel, more people learn about the need to conserve the environment and help protect natural areas.
  • It connects people to nature and strengthens the relationship between tourists and the natural areas they visit.
  • Enhances the quality of travel. By allowing visitors to have a better understanding of local cultural heritage and a chance to appreciate the beauty of the natural areas they visit, eco-tourism enhances the quality of travel.

From Olympic National Park to Jackson Hole to Grand Teton, there are plenty of environment-friendly spots to visit. Book one of these eco-tours in the United States .

Related: Why Every Traveler Needs To Know About 'Leave No Trace'

Eco-Travel Trends In 2023

An elephant walking on a dirt path

Eco-travel awareness continues to increase in popularity, as more vacationers adopt green tourism practices. For instance, Eco-travelers nowadays make accommodation choices based on the environmental impacts a given property has in their communities.

While other people may think the phenomenon is just a new travel term, it’s actually an evolution that has deep roots. Therefore, it is not just a passing trend.

Eco-adventure tours and wildlife safaris are some of the most popular eco-travel trends, and there are companies dedicated to ensuring visitors have unforgettable experiences in unique destinations .

Eco-travelers nowadays make accommodation choices based on the environmental impacts a given property has in their communities.

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Travel’s great – that’s why we love it. The benefits of travel are significant and well understood, in terms of opening our minds and hearts, exposing us to different ways of thinking and living, and promoting a greater understanding of the world and our place in it. One of the best ways to lessen, if not eliminate, cultural misunderstandings and global tensions would be for many  more  people to visit another country and spend time getting to know its people, experiencing its culture and seeing its sights. It would likely make the world a much better and more tolerant place.

Something else we’re passionate about is protecting the environment, because the negative effects of Climate Change are becoming more and more obvious. It’s clear we’re not talking about changes that will occur in the distant future, we’re talking about today. Whether it’s  Hurricane Irma ,  the dying out of the Great Barrier Reef (the largest natural eco-system in the world)  or  the record-setting fires we’re experiencing in California , it’s become obvious that the situation is critical. Traveling by plane, car or even train can create significant amounts of pollution, thereby making the environment worse, so what is eco travel? Or an eco-tour? How are we going to travel in a sustainable way?

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Well, think exploratory expedition of the urban jungle and do a tour with Real San Francisco Tours . All of our experiences are 100% sustainable, being based around walking, cycling and/or public transport, so they’re all, effectively, eco tours. It also happens to be the best way to learn about and experience a city, which is why we’ve always done it that way since we first launched, in 2013. This is the whole idea of eco travel, to always create minimal, or no, pollution when traveling and mitigate whatever emissions we do create.

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An Environmental Partnership

However, we wanted to go much further than that, so in 2017 we partnered with   Climate Cents , a Los Angeles based non-profit that does amazing work right here in Southern California. It’s a great example of how the climate crisis affects so many elements of society.

The projects that we’ve supported include fitting solar panels at youth homeless shelters in Venice, restoring kelp forests in Santa Monica Bay and tree-planting to create urban forests in the San Fernando Valley.

We donate $1 for every guest booked on a tour to Climate Cents, and since partnering with them we’ve raised over $6,000. For me, this is the true meaning of eco-travel and giving back to the community.

CLIMATE CENTS

Climate Cents

Unfortunately, doing something positive about the environment doesn’t end with coming on an eco-friendly tour with us, however it’s not always clear what actions we can take. Climate Change is such an enormous, multi-faceted, problem that it’s easy to feel that there’s nothing that we can do, as individuals, that would make any difference. Luckily, that isn’t the case – because there’s lots we can achieve on our own. If you think about it every single movement in human history started with just an individual, so why shouldn’t this one start with you?

climate change

What Can We Do?

1. Try to steadily reduce the carbon emissions that our lifestyle creates and switch to using only renewable energy, if we can.

2. Encourage our friends, family members and colleagues to get involved in climate activism (we’re often much more influential than we think and not everyone cares as much about this as us).

3. Advocate for climate change solutions at local, state and national levels by writing to our representatives at the various levels of government. Only government can make the necessary systemic changes to society and the economy. We have to make government.

4. Support a Climate Change non-profit. Even a small donation helps a huge amount.

A natural consequence of concern for the environment, and learning more about the climate crisis, is a feeling of hopelessness and even pessimism. Is it too late already? Have we doomed ourselves and future generations to a practically unlivable planet? Well, I'm a naturally optimistic person and I think it's far too soon to give up. Environmental scientists often talk of negative tipping-points, the moment at which change becomes inevitable, such as the extinction of a species, because the population is just too small to maintain genetic diversity. However there are positive tipping points too, and one of the amazing things about nature is how resilient it is and how it thrives - when humans just leave it alone.

In amongst all the stories of climate doom and gloom there are some very positive developments too. Just to take the example of coral reef destruction (mentioned above) there have been three new developments in the last two years that have been hugely positive. First, the discovery of pristine coral reefs in Tahiti , second the speedy recovery of coral reefs in Fiji that were devastated by tropical cyclones in 2016, and lastly the discovery that even bleached coral reefs do provide a rich environment for sea life . It seems there is still hope for eco-travel and life on Earth!

ECO TRAVEL

How to Travel Sustainably

Some final thoughts on eco-traveling... I read a great article, in Afar , by Eric Wiener recently - A Travel Manifesto: 5 Ways to Be a Better Traveler - that encapsulated a lot of my own thoughts on the subject and could also be read as a blueprint for traveling sustainably. He makes the very sensible point that travel, pre-pandemic, was in many ways becoming unsustainable, and he makes several suggestions that could go a long way to fixing that, at least on a personal level.

  • Travel selectively - you can't go everywhere. By trying to see everything, you run the risk of seeing nothing.
  • Travel purposefully - even if that's as simple as traveling with the intention of having an open mind and a kind heart.
  • Travel slowly - because speed is the enemy of attention. Loiter and linger in each place.
  • Travel empathetically - expand yourself, not by turning inward but by interacting, always respectfully, with others.
  • Travel joyfully - expectations are the enemy of happiness. Travel, at its best, should not only be meaningful, but fun. Otherwise what's the point?

I feel that if you follow these principles you'll be traveling sustainably and ethically, regardless of whether you do an eco-tour in each place you visit. And, ultimately, that's what it's all about.

Thanks for reading this and being interested in such a hugely important issue. Please let us know if you have any ideas for ways that we can do even more to fight climate change, we’re always looking new suggestions,

– Damien, founder of Real San Francisco Tours

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Eco-Friendly Experiences: 15 Sustainable Wine Tours Worldwide

Posted: March 6, 2024 | Last updated: March 6, 2024

<p><strong>As wine tourism evolves and sustainability becomes paramount, vineyards around the world are adopting eco-friendly practices. This guide explores how to indulge in the pleasures of wine while respecting the environment. From organic vineyards to biodynamic winemaking, sustainable wine tours offer a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between winemaking and the ecosystem.</strong></p>

As wine tourism evolves and sustainability becomes paramount, vineyards around the world are adopting eco-friendly practices. This guide explores how to indulge in the pleasures of wine while respecting the environment. From organic vineyards to biodynamic winemaking, sustainable wine tours offer a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between winemaking and the ecosystem.

<p><span>Sonoma County, a jewel in California’s wine country, sets a high standard in sustainable viticulture. With its diverse microclimates and soil types, this region is home to wineries deeply committed to environmental stewardship. Many vineyards here practice organic and biodynamic farming, ensuring their wines are produced with minimal ecological impact.</span></p> <p><span>Wineries like Benziger Family Winery offer comprehensive tours that explore their biodynamic processes, providing insights into how they harmonize their farming practices with nature. The experience is enriched by the stunning backdrop of rolling hills and lush vineyards, making Sonoma County a must-visit for any eco-conscious wine enthusiast.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Visit during the harvest season (August to October) for a hands-on experience in sustainable harvesting techniques.</span></p> <p><b>When to Travel: </b><span>Late summer to early fall is ideal for witnessing the grape harvest.</span></p> <p><b>How to Get There: </b><span>Sonoma County is about an hour’s drive from San Francisco, making it an easy day trip or weekend getaway.</span></p>

1. Sonoma County, California

Sonoma County, a jewel in California’s wine country, sets a high standard in sustainable viticulture. With its diverse microclimates and soil types, this region is home to wineries deeply committed to environmental stewardship. Many vineyards here practice organic and biodynamic farming, ensuring their wines are produced with minimal ecological impact.

Wineries like Benziger Family Winery offer comprehensive tours that explore their biodynamic processes, providing insights into how they harmonize their farming practices with nature. The experience is enriched by the stunning backdrop of rolling hills and lush vineyards, making Sonoma County a must-visit for any eco-conscious wine enthusiast.

Insider’s Tip: Visit during the harvest season (August to October) for a hands-on experience in sustainable harvesting techniques.

When to Travel: Late summer to early fall is ideal for witnessing the grape harvest.

How to Get There: Sonoma County is about an hour’s drive from San Francisco, making it an easy day trip or weekend getaway.

<p><span>In the heart of Italy, Tuscany is a region where the art of winemaking intertwines with a strong commitment to sustainability. The picturesque Tuscan landscape, with its rolling hills and historic vineyards, is home to wineries that have embraced organic and biodynamic practices without compromising their deep-rooted winemaking traditions.</span></p> <p><span>A tour through Tuscany’s vineyards, such as the esteemed Querciabella in Chianti, is where ancient techniques meet modern sustainable practices. Visitors can explore the historic estates, taste exquisite wines, and learn about the wineries’ dedication to preserving the environment. The experience is complemented by the region’s rich culinary heritage, offering a chance to pair world-class wines with local organic produce.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Engage in a cooking class at a vineyard to learn about pairing local organic produce with wines.</span></p> <p><b>When to Travel: </b><span>Spring (April to June) offers pleasant weather and fewer tourists.</span></p> <p><b>How to Get There: </b><span>Fly into Florence or Pisa, rent a car, or join a guided tour to explore the Tuscan countryside.</span></p>

2. Tuscany, Italy

In the heart of Italy, Tuscany is a region where the art of winemaking intertwines with a strong commitment to sustainability. The picturesque Tuscan landscape, with its rolling hills and historic vineyards, is home to wineries that have embraced organic and biodynamic practices without compromising their deep-rooted winemaking traditions.

A tour through Tuscany’s vineyards, such as the esteemed Querciabella in Chianti, is where ancient techniques meet modern sustainable practices. Visitors can explore the historic estates, taste exquisite wines, and learn about the wineries’ dedication to preserving the environment. The experience is complemented by the region’s rich culinary heritage, offering a chance to pair world-class wines with local organic produce.

Insider’s Tip: Engage in a cooking class at a vineyard to learn about pairing local organic produce with wines.

When to Travel: Spring (April to June) offers pleasant weather and fewer tourists.

How to Get There: Fly into Florence or Pisa, rent a car, or join a guided tour to explore the Tuscan countryside.

<p><span>Marlborough, situated at the northeastern tip of New Zealand’s South Island, is a region that has gained international acclaim for its Sauvignon Blanc. Here, wineries are at the forefront of sustainable viticulture, implementing practices that conserve water, reduce carbon emissions, and promote biodiversity.</span></p> <p><span>A wine tour in Marlborough offers more than just tastings of its celebrated wines; it’s an opportunity to witness innovative practices shaping the future of sustainable winemaking. Visitors can explore the vineyards, often set against majestic mountains and clear blue skies, and learn about the wineries’ efforts to protect and nurture the land.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Take a bike tour of the vineyards for a low-impact way to explore the region.</span></p> <p><b>When to Travel: </b><span>Visit during the harvest season (March to April) for the most vibrant vineyard experience.</span></p> <p><b>How to Get There: </b><span>Marlborough is accessible via a short flight from Wellington or Christchurch to Blenheim.</span></p>

3. Marlborough, New Zealand

Marlborough, situated at the northeastern tip of New Zealand’s South Island, is a region that has gained international acclaim for its Sauvignon Blanc. Here, wineries are at the forefront of sustainable viticulture, implementing practices that conserve water, reduce carbon emissions, and promote biodiversity.

A wine tour in Marlborough offers more than just tastings of its celebrated wines; it’s an opportunity to witness innovative practices shaping the future of sustainable winemaking. Visitors can explore the vineyards, often set against majestic mountains and clear blue skies, and learn about the wineries’ efforts to protect and nurture the land.

Insider’s Tip: Take a bike tour of the vineyards for a low-impact way to explore the region.

When to Travel: Visit during the harvest season (March to April) for the most vibrant vineyard experience.

How to Get There: Marlborough is accessible via a short flight from Wellington or Christchurch to Blenheim.

<p><span>Bordeaux, synonymous with fine wine, is a region where tradition and sustainability go hand in hand. The vineyards of Bordeaux, stretching across picturesque landscapes, are increasingly adopting organic and biodynamic methods. This shift towards sustainable practices is evident in the grand châteaux and smaller family-owned estates.</span></p> <p><span>A wine tour in Bordeaux is an elegant affair, offering tastings of some of the world’s most sought-after wines while showcasing the winemakers’ commitment to preserving their terroir. Visitors can explore the historic estates, learn about the region’s winemaking heritage, and discover how today’s Bordeaux embraces a more sustainable future.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Visit smaller, family-owned vineyards for a more intimate look at sustainable winemaking.</span></p> <p><b>When to Travel: </b><span>Late spring to early fall is the best time to visit, with harvest season in September.</span></p> <p><b>How to Get There: </b><span>Bordeaux is easily accessible by train or plane from major cities in France and Europe.</span></p>

4. Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux, synonymous with fine wine, is a region where tradition and sustainability go hand in hand. The vineyards of Bordeaux, stretching across picturesque landscapes, are increasingly adopting organic and biodynamic methods. This shift towards sustainable practices is evident in the grand châteaux and smaller family-owned estates.

A wine tour in Bordeaux is an elegant affair, offering tastings of some of the world’s most sought-after wines while showcasing the winemakers’ commitment to preserving their terroir. Visitors can explore the historic estates, learn about the region’s winemaking heritage, and discover how today’s Bordeaux embraces a more sustainable future.

Insider’s Tip: Visit smaller, family-owned vineyards for a more intimate look at sustainable winemaking.

When to Travel: Late spring to early fall is the best time to visit, with harvest season in September.

How to Get There: Bordeaux is easily accessible by train or plane from major cities in France and Europe.

<p><span>Mendoza, nestled in the foothills of the Andes mountains, is Argentina’s most renowned wine region, famous for its Malbec. The wineries in Mendoza produce high-quality wines and are leaders in sustainable viticulture.</span></p> <p><span>The unique high-altitude environment presents challenges and opportunities for winemakers, who employ innovative techniques to cultivate their vineyards with minimal environmental impact.</span></p> <p><span>Wine tours in Mendoza often include horseback riding through the vineyards, tasting the region’s signature wines, and insights into the sustainable practices that make this region unique.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Combine your wine tour with a visit to the Andes for a complete Mendoza experience.</span></p> <p><b>When to Travel: </b><span>March to May (fall in the Southern Hemisphere) is ideal for pleasant weather and autumnal vineyard colors.</span></p> <p><b>How to Get There: </b><span>Fly into Mendoza from Buenos Aires or Santiago, Chile.</span></p>

5. Mendoza, Argentina

Mendoza, nestled in the foothills of the Andes mountains, is Argentina’s most renowned wine region, famous for its Malbec. The wineries in Mendoza produce high-quality wines and are leaders in sustainable viticulture.

The unique high-altitude environment presents challenges and opportunities for winemakers, who employ innovative techniques to cultivate their vineyards with minimal environmental impact.

Wine tours in Mendoza often include horseback riding through the vineyards, tasting the region’s signature wines, and insights into the sustainable practices that make this region unique.

Insider’s Tip: Combine your wine tour with a visit to the Andes for a complete Mendoza experience.

When to Travel: March to May (fall in the Southern Hemisphere) is ideal for pleasant weather and autumnal vineyard colors.

How to Get There: Fly into Mendoza from Buenos Aires or Santiago, Chile.

<p><span>The Willamette Valley, Oregon’s premier wine region, is evidence of sustainable viticulture in the United States. Known for its exceptional Pinot Noir, the valley’s wineries are deeply committed to preserving their land’s natural beauty and integrity. Many vineyards in the region are certified by LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology), ensuring their wines are produced with a minimal ecological footprint.</span></p> <p><span>A visit to the Willamette Valley offers a tasting of its renowned wines and an insight into the eco-conscious ethos that pervades the region’s winemaking practices.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Participate in a blending workshop to understand the nuances of sustainable winemaking.</span></p> <p><b>When to Travel: </b><span>Late spring through early fall offers the best weather for vineyard tours.</span></p> <p><b>How to Get There: </b><span>Willamette Valley is about an hour’s drive from Portland, Oregon.</span></p>

6. Willamette Valley, Oregon

The Willamette Valley, Oregon’s premier wine region, is evidence of sustainable viticulture in the United States. Known for its exceptional Pinot Noir, the valley’s wineries are deeply committed to preserving their land’s natural beauty and integrity. Many vineyards in the region are certified by LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology), ensuring their wines are produced with a minimal ecological footprint.

A visit to the Willamette Valley offers a tasting of its renowned wines and an insight into the eco-conscious ethos that pervades the region’s winemaking practices.

Insider’s Tip: Participate in a blending workshop to understand the nuances of sustainable winemaking.

When to Travel: Late spring through early fall offers the best weather for vineyard tours.

How to Get There: Willamette Valley is about an hour’s drive from Portland, Oregon.

<p><span>The Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its Port wine and its commitment to sustainable viticulture. The region’s steep, terraced vineyards along the Douro River highlight the resilience and innovation of its winemakers.</span></p> <p><span>Many estates in the Douro Valley have embraced organic and sustainable practices, balancing the demands of modern winemaking with a deep respect for the land. A wine tour in this region is a journey through a landscape shaped by centuries of wine production, now guided by sustainability principles.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Visit in September or October to witness the traditional grape stomping.</span></p> <p><b>When to Travel: </b><span>Spring and fall are ideal for comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists.</span></p> <p><b>How to Get There: </b><span>The Douro Valley is a 2-hour drive from Porto, Portugal.</span></p>

7. Douro Valley, Portugal

The Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its Port wine and its commitment to sustainable viticulture. The region’s steep, terraced vineyards along the Douro River highlight the resilience and innovation of its winemakers.

Many estates in the Douro Valley have embraced organic and sustainable practices, balancing the demands of modern winemaking with a deep respect for the land. A wine tour in this region is a journey through a landscape shaped by centuries of wine production, now guided by sustainability principles.

Insider’s Tip: Visit in September or October to witness the traditional grape stomping.

When to Travel: Spring and fall are ideal for comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists.

How to Get There: The Douro Valley is a 2-hour drive from Porto, Portugal.

<p><span>Stellenbosch, in the heart of South Africa’s wine country, is a region where preserving biodiversity is as important as producing wine. Many vineyards here are part of the Biodiversity & Wine Initiative, which aims to protect the unique flora and fauna of the Western Cape while producing world-class wines.</span></p> <p><span>A visit to Stellenbosch is a chance to taste some of South Africa’s finest wines and an opportunity to see firsthand how sustainable practices can enhance both the wine and the environment.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Try wines from vineyards that use indigenous yeasts for a true taste of South African terroir.</span></p> <p><b>When to Travel: </b><span>Visit during the harvest season, from February to April, for the liveliest vineyard experience.</span></p> <p><b>How to Get There: </b><span>Stellenbosch is about a 30-minute drive from Cape Town.</span></p>

8. Stellenbosch, South Africa

Stellenbosch, in the heart of South Africa’s wine country, is a region where preserving biodiversity is as important as producing wine. Many vineyards here are part of the Biodiversity & Wine Initiative, which aims to protect the unique flora and fauna of the Western Cape while producing world-class wines.

A visit to Stellenbosch is a chance to taste some of South Africa’s finest wines and an opportunity to see firsthand how sustainable practices can enhance both the wine and the environment.

Insider’s Tip: Try wines from vineyards that use indigenous yeasts for a true taste of South African terroir.

When to Travel: Visit during the harvest season, from February to April, for the liveliest vineyard experience.

How to Get There: Stellenbosch is about a 30-minute drive from Cape Town.

<p><span>Penedès, nestled in the heart of Catalonia, Spain, is a wine region celebrated for its Cava and a growing commitment to sustainable winemaking. The diverse microclimates of Penedès allow for a wide variety of wine styles, all produced with a focus on environmental responsibility.</span></p> <p><span>Wine tours in Penedès often include visits to family-run wineries, combining traditional methods with modern sustainable practices. The experience is enriched by the region’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, making Penedès a must-visit for those interested in eco-friendly wine production.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Combine your wine tour with a visit to nearby Montserrat for breathtaking views and cultural experiences.</span></p> <p><b>When to Travel: </b><span>Late spring to early fall is the best time for vineyard visits.</span></p> <p><b>How to Get There: </b><span>Penedès is about an hour’s drive from Barcelona.</span></p>

9. Penedès, Spain

Penedès, nestled in the heart of Catalonia, Spain, is a wine region celebrated for its Cava and a growing commitment to sustainable winemaking. The diverse microclimates of Penedès allow for a wide variety of wine styles, all produced with a focus on environmental responsibility.

Wine tours in Penedès often include visits to family-run wineries, combining traditional methods with modern sustainable practices. The experience is enriched by the region’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, making Penedès a must-visit for those interested in eco-friendly wine production.

Insider’s Tip: Combine your wine tour with a visit to nearby Montserrat for breathtaking views and cultural experiences.

When to Travel: Late spring to early fall is the best time for vineyard visits.

How to Get There: Penedès is about an hour’s drive from Barcelona.

<p><span>The Niagara Peninsula, located in Ontario, Canada, is a region where cool climate viticulture and sustainability go hand in hand. The unique terrain of the Niagara Peninsula, influenced by the Great Lakes and the Niagara Escarpment, creates ideal conditions for a range of grape varieties.</span></p> <p><span>Wineries in this region are committed to sustainable practices, focusing on preserving the natural beauty and resources of the area. A wine tour in the Niagara Peninsula offers a chance to taste exceptional Canadian wines and learn about the innovative methods used sustainably to produce them.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Explore the Icewine vineyards, which produce one of Canada’s most famous wine exports.</span></p> <p><b>When to Travel: </b><span>Summer and early fall are ideal for visiting, with the added bonus of the Niagara Falls nearby.</span></p> <p><b>How to Get There: </b><span>The Niagara Peninsula is about a 90-minute drive from Toronto.</span></p>

10. Niagara Peninsula, Canada

The Niagara Peninsula, located in Ontario, Canada, is a region where cool climate viticulture and sustainability go hand in hand. The unique terrain of the Niagara Peninsula, influenced by the Great Lakes and the Niagara Escarpment, creates ideal conditions for a range of grape varieties.

Wineries in this region are committed to sustainable practices, focusing on preserving the natural beauty and resources of the area. A wine tour in the Niagara Peninsula offers a chance to taste exceptional Canadian wines and learn about the innovative methods used sustainably to produce them.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the Icewine vineyards, which produce one of Canada’s most famous wine exports.

When to Travel: Summer and early fall are ideal for visiting, with the added bonus of the Niagara Falls nearby.

How to Get There: The Niagara Peninsula is about a 90-minute drive from Toronto.

<p><span>Margaret River, located in Western Australia, is a wine region that exemplifies environmental stewardship. Known for its premium Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, the region is home to wineries deeply committed to sustainable viticulture. These vineyards often employ organic and biodynamic practices, focusing on preserving the region’s unique biodiversity and soil health.</span></p> <p><span>A wine tour in Margaret River is as much about savoring exquisite wines as it is about understanding the importance of sustainable practices in preserving the region’s natural beauty.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Explore the region’s unique limestone caves and stunning coastal walks for a complete Margaret River experience.</span></p> <p><b>When to Travel: </b><span>Visit during the harvest season from March to April for the most dynamic vineyard experience.</span></p> <p><b>How to Get There: </b><span>Margaret River is a 3-hour drive from Perth, Western Australia.</span></p>

11. Margaret River, Australia

Margaret River, located in Western Australia, is a wine region that exemplifies environmental stewardship. Known for its premium Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, the region is home to wineries deeply committed to sustainable viticulture. These vineyards often employ organic and biodynamic practices, focusing on preserving the region’s unique biodiversity and soil health.

A wine tour in Margaret River is as much about savoring exquisite wines as it is about understanding the importance of sustainable practices in preserving the region’s natural beauty.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the region’s unique limestone caves and stunning coastal walks for a complete Margaret River experience.

When to Travel: Visit during the harvest season from March to April for the most dynamic vineyard experience.

How to Get There: Margaret River is a 3-hour drive from Perth, Western Australia.

<p><span>The Loire Valley, often referred to as the Garden of France, is a region where producing eco-friendly wines is as important as preserving its historic châteaux and picturesque landscapes. The vineyards of the Loire Valley are known for their diverse range of wines, including crisp Sauvignon Blancs and elegant reds, all produced with a commitment to sustainability.</span></p> <p><span>A sustainable wine tour in the Loire Valley allows one to explore historic estates, taste exceptional wines, and learn about the region’s dedication to eco-conscious winemaking.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Combine wine tasting with a visit to one of the many historic châteaux in the region.</span></p> <p><b>When to Travel: </b><span>Late spring to early fall is ideal for pleasant weather and the opportunity to see the vineyards in full bloom.</span></p> <p><b>How to Get There: </b><span>The Loire Valley is a 2-hour train ride from Paris.</span></p>

12. Loire Valley, France

The Loire Valley, often referred to as the Garden of France, is a region where producing eco-friendly wines is as important as preserving its historic châteaux and picturesque landscapes. The vineyards of the Loire Valley are known for their diverse range of wines, including crisp Sauvignon Blancs and elegant reds, all produced with a commitment to sustainability.

A sustainable wine tour in the Loire Valley allows one to explore historic estates, taste exceptional wines, and learn about the region’s dedication to eco-conscious winemaking.

Insider’s Tip: Combine wine tasting with a visit to one of the many historic châteaux in the region.

When to Travel: Late spring to early fall is ideal for pleasant weather and the opportunity to see the vineyards in full bloom.

How to Get There: The Loire Valley is a 2-hour train ride from Paris.

<p><span>Rheingau, Germany, nestled along the Rhine River, is a region steeped in winemaking history and renowned for its Riesling. The vineyards, perched on sun-drenched slopes, demonstrate viticulture, with many adopting organic and biodynamic practices. The region’s winemakers are deeply committed to preserving the unique terroir that imparts distinct wine characteristics.</span></p> <p><span>A tour through Rheingau is an educational journey into the heart of German winemaking, where tradition harmonizes with environmental stewardship. The picturesque landscape, with its terraced vineyards and historic estates, adds to the charm of the wine-tasting experience. </span></p> <p><span>Rheingau’s commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of its winemaking, from the careful cultivation of grapes to the energy-efficient operations of its wineries.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Take a river cruise along the Rhine to enjoy stunning views of the vineyards from a different perspective.</span></p> <p><b>When to Travel: </b><span>The best time to visit is from May to October, with the grape harvest typically in September.</span></p> <p><b>How To Get There: </b><span>Rheingau is easily accessible by train from Frankfurt.</span></p>

13. Rheingau, Germany

Rheingau, Germany, nestled along the Rhine River, is a region steeped in winemaking history and renowned for its Riesling. The vineyards, perched on sun-drenched slopes, demonstrate viticulture, with many adopting organic and biodynamic practices. The region’s winemakers are deeply committed to preserving the unique terroir that imparts distinct wine characteristics.

A tour through Rheingau is an educational journey into the heart of German winemaking, where tradition harmonizes with environmental stewardship. The picturesque landscape, with its terraced vineyards and historic estates, adds to the charm of the wine-tasting experience.

Rheingau’s commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of its winemaking, from the careful cultivation of grapes to the energy-efficient operations of its wineries.

Insider’s Tip: Take a river cruise along the Rhine to enjoy stunning views of the vineyards from a different perspective.

When to Travel: The best time to visit is from May to October, with the grape harvest typically in September.

How To Get There: Rheingau is easily accessible by train from Frankfurt.

<p><span>Okanagan Valley, in British Columbia, Canada, is a wine region that has embraced sustainability with open arms. Known for its diverse microclimates and a wide range of varietals, the valley’s wineries are at the forefront of eco-friendly practices. This includes water conservation, the use of renewable energy, and organic farming methods.</span></p> <p><span>The region’s stunning natural beauty, with its lakes, mountains, and forests, provides a picturesque backdrop for wine tours. Visitors can explore the unique terroir that contributes to the distinct flavors of Okanagan wines.</span></p> <p><span>The commitment to sustainability here goes beyond the vineyards, with many wineries also focusing on building sustainable communities and preserving the natural landscape for future generations.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Visit during the fall to experience the vibrant colors of the vineyards and partake in harvest events.</span></p> <p><b>When to Travel: </b><span>Summer and early fall are the best times to visit for warm weather and vineyard activities.</span></p> <p><b>How To Get There: </b><span>The Okanagan Valley is about a 5-hour drive from Vancouver or a short flight to Kelowna.</span></p>

14. Okanagan Valley, Canada

Okanagan Valley, in British Columbia, Canada, is a wine region that has embraced sustainability with open arms. Known for its diverse microclimates and a wide range of varietals, the valley’s wineries are at the forefront of eco-friendly practices. This includes water conservation, the use of renewable energy, and organic farming methods.

The region’s stunning natural beauty, with its lakes, mountains, and forests, provides a picturesque backdrop for wine tours. Visitors can explore the unique terroir that contributes to the distinct flavors of Okanagan wines.

The commitment to sustainability here goes beyond the vineyards, with many wineries also focusing on building sustainable communities and preserving the natural landscape for future generations.

Insider’s Tip: Visit during the fall to experience the vibrant colors of the vineyards and partake in harvest events.

When to Travel: Summer and early fall are the best times to visit for warm weather and vineyard activities.

How To Get There: The Okanagan Valley is about a 5-hour drive from Vancouver or a short flight to Kelowna.

<p><span>The Finger Lakes region in New York State is emerging as a leader in sustainable viticulture in the United States. With its deep glacial lakes and fertile soil, the region is ideal for producing wines, particularly Rieslings and cool-climate varietals. Wineries in the Finger Lakes increasingly adopt sustainable practices, focusing on soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity.</span></p> <p><span>The region’s commitment to sustainability extends to its community involvement and educational initiatives, making it a model for eco-friendly wine production.</span></p> <p><span>The natural beauty of the Finger Lakes, with its rolling hills and picturesque waterways, enhances the wine-tasting experience, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in sustainable winemaking.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Explore the local farm-to-table restaurants that often feature wines from the region, enhancing your culinary experience with locally sourced ingredients.</span></p> <p><b>When to Travel: </b>L<span>ate spring to early fall is ideal for visiting, with the added bonus of witnessing the spectacular fall foliage.</span></p> <p><b>How To Get There: </b><span>The Finger Lakes region is about a 4-5 hour drive from New York City or a short flight to Rochester or Syracuse, followed by a scenic drive.</span></p>

15. Finger Lakes, New York

The Finger Lakes region in New York State is emerging as a leader in sustainable viticulture in the United States. With its deep glacial lakes and fertile soil, the region is ideal for producing wines, particularly Rieslings and cool-climate varietals. Wineries in the Finger Lakes increasingly adopt sustainable practices, focusing on soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity.

The region’s commitment to sustainability extends to its community involvement and educational initiatives, making it a model for eco-friendly wine production.

The natural beauty of the Finger Lakes, with its rolling hills and picturesque waterways, enhances the wine-tasting experience, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in sustainable winemaking.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the local farm-to-table restaurants that often feature wines from the region, enhancing your culinary experience with locally sourced ingredients.

When to Travel: L ate spring to early fall is ideal for visiting, with the added bonus of witnessing the spectacular fall foliage.

How To Get There: The Finger Lakes region is about a 4-5 hour drive from New York City or a short flight to Rochester or Syracuse, followed by a scenic drive.

<p><span>Sustainable wine tours offer more than just tastings; they provide a deeper appreciation for the art of winemaking and its relationship with the environment. As you explore these vineyards, you become part of a movement that values the quality of the wine and the health of the planet. Remember, each glass of wine reflects the land it comes from and the care it’s given. Drink responsibly, not just in quantity, but in the awareness of its origin.</span></p> <p><span>When selecting a wine tour, look for organic, biodynamic, or sustainable certifications. These labels indicate a winery’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices. Your choice to support such vineyards contributes to preserving these beautiful wine regions for future generations.</span></p> <p><span>More Articles Like This…</span></p> <p><a href="https://thegreenvoyage.com/barcelona-discover-the-top-10-beach-clubs/"><span>Barcelona: Discover the Top 10 Beach Clubs</span></a></p> <p><a href="https://thegreenvoyage.com/top-destination-cities-to-visit/"><span>2024 Global City Travel Guide – Your Passport to the World’s Top Destination Cities</span></a></p> <p><a href="https://thegreenvoyage.com/exploring-khao-yai-a-hidden-gem-of-thailand/"><span>Exploring Khao Yai 2024 – A Hidden Gem of Thailand</span></a></p> <p><span>The post <a href="https://passingthru.com/sustainable-tours-worldwide/">Eco-Friendly Experiences: 15 Sustainable Wine Tours Worldwide</a> republished on </span><a href="https://passingthru.com/"><span>Passing Thru</span></a><span> with permission from </span><a href="https://thegreenvoyage.com/"><span>The Green Voyage</span></a><span>.</span></p> <p><span>Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / DavideAngelini.</span></p> <p><span>For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.</span></p>

The Bottom Line

Sustainable wine tours offer more than just tastings; they provide a deeper appreciation for the art of winemaking and its relationship with the environment. As you explore these vineyards, you become part of a movement that values the quality of the wine and the health of the planet. Remember, each glass of wine reflects the land it comes from and the care it’s given. Drink responsibly, not just in quantity, but in the awareness of its origin.

When selecting a wine tour, look for organic, biodynamic, or sustainable certifications. These labels indicate a winery’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices. Your choice to support such vineyards contributes to preserving these beautiful wine regions for future generations.

More Articles Like This…

Barcelona: Discover the Top 10 Beach Clubs

2024 Global City Travel Guide – Your Passport to the World’s Top Destination Cities

Exploring Khao Yai 2024 – A Hidden Gem of Thailand

The post Eco-Friendly Experiences: 15 Sustainable Wine Tours Worldwide republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / DavideAngelini.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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New Jersey Audubon

FEATURED TRIPS

Southwestern Louisiana: Cheniers, Cypress Swamps, and Cameron Parish April 23–30, 2024

eco travel tours

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Coastal Louisiana offers marvelous spring birding without the crowds of the nearby Upper Texas Coast. Our trip will sample some of the many interesting habitats found here, including a visit to the Atchafalaya Swamp—one of the largest intact bottomland swamps in the nation, coastal prairies and rice fields that teem with ducks, herons, shorebirds, and terns; and coastal cheniers—oak woodlands along the Gulf of Mexico that can be loaded with colorful warblers and other Neotropic migrants. Birds we’ll do our best to see here include Fulvous Whistling-Duck, Reddish Egret, Swallow-tailed & Mississippi Kites, King Rail, Purple Gallinule, Snowy & Wilson’s Plovers, Long-billed Curlew, Hudsonian Godwit, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Sandwich Tern, Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Cave Swallow, Swainson’s & Kentucky Warblers, Bachman’s Sparrow, and Painted Bunting. This tour has only two hotel changes.

eco travel tours

TOUR SIZE Travel during this tour will be in vans, with no more than 7 participants plus a leader in one van. Tour size is limited to 12 participants.

ACTIVITY LEVEL: Easy to Moderate The trip involves easy walking on flat ground.

PACE, WEATHER, AND TRAVEL CONDITIONS: Our days in the field usually begin about 7:00 a.m. and will end no later than 6:00 p.m.

Temperatures will be warm to hot, with high humidity. Expect a temperature range from lows in the mid-50’s to highs in the mid-80’s. Rain or thunderstorms are always possible, so bring a poncho or rain jacket. Biting insects such as mosquitoes and no-see-ums may be present.

Additional information about the tour, with specific meeting times, a list of participants, addresses of motels, lists of things to bring, a reading list, a list of probable/possible birds, further information about weather, dress, etc., will be mailed to all participants well in advance of the tour.

eco travel tours

DATES: Thursday April 23, 2024 (meet at our hotel in Lafayette at 6:30 p.m.) to Thursday April 30, 2024 (flights home anytime that day).

PRICE: Cost for this tour is $3,395.00, based on double occupancy. Single supplement (if you request single occupancy or we are unable to find you a roommate) is $300. A deposit of $500 will confirm your space until February 23, 2024 when full payment becomes due.

PRICE INCLUDES: Hotel accommodations for seven nights, tour leadership, ground transportation while in Louisiana, ferry fees, and entry fees. It does not include meals or airfare to/from Lafayette.

SEND DEPOSITS & OTHER PAYMENTS TO: NJ Audubon Eco-travel Attn: René Buccinna 2350 Route 47 North, Bldg. 1 Woodbine, NJ 08270 Phone: 609-400-3852 Email: [email protected]

Tour Leaders:

eco travel tours

CAUGHT IN MONHEGAN’S TRAP - Monhegan Island, Maine September 18-23, 2024

eco travel tours

  Get ready to leave the noise and bustle of everyday life behind as we venture to this picturesque and serene island off the coast of Maine! Its remote location 10 miles offshore and diverse habitats help to make Monhegan  one of the top migrant “traps” on the East Coast. Our time will be filled observing some of the incredible array of birds that reside on or visit this island, such as flycatchers, thrushes, vireos, warblers (over 20 species possible), sparrows, finches, and blackbirds. We will scan the ocean waves for waterfowl, alcids, shearwaters, jaegers, and other seabirds, while raptors pass by in their search for prey on the island. The list of possibilities reads like a checklist, and we’ll search for species such as Northern Gannet, Great Cormorant, Black Guillemot, Manx Shearwater, Wilson’s Storm-Petrel, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Parasitic Jaeger, Red-necked Phalarope, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Philadelphia Vireo, Connecticut Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Clay-colored Sparrow, and many more!!  Regularly sighted vagrants include Western Kingbird, White-eyed Vireo, Dickcissel, Lark Sparrow, Orchard Oriole, Blue Grosbeak, and more. Monhegan has also hosted a stunning list of rarities, topped by the likes of Magnificent Frigatebird, Bridled Tern, Swallow-tailed Kite, Say’s Phoebe, White-winged Dove, Northern Wheatear, Bell’s Vireo, Virginia Warbler, Lazuli Bunting, and Lark Bunting! We will be leaving our vehicles on the mainland and soaking it all in while covering some of the many trails on this small and peaceful island (only 1.7 miles long and .5 miles wide), which includes a freshwater ice pond, nine-acre meadow, and the tallest cliffs on the eastern seaboard (160’). Wonderful birding, breathtaking scenery, and an enchanting atmosphere – Monhegan has it all!

The tour starts/ends in Port Clyde, Maine. Besides the spectacular birding, coastal Maine has a natural beauty beyond compare. Monhegan itself has a quaint fishing village and artist’s retreat, with several shops and galleries; it is a favorite tourist day-trip destination in the summer. Maine is also famous for its historical lighthouses, one of which is located right on the island. This tour will truly be a memorable coastal experience!

Additional information about the tour, with specific meeting times, accommodations, lists of things to bring, a reading list, further information about weather, dress, and so forth, will be mailed to all participants well in advance of the tour.

eco travel tours

TOUR SIZE: This tour is limited to 10 participants.

ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate. This tour has been given an activity level of Moderate. It is considered a more active tour with daily intermediate to long-distance walking on sloping or uneven terrain, and/or climbing stairs. It also involves a water crossing over open ocean, with the possibility of rough seas. Those with physical limitations or trouble with seasickness should take these factors into consideration or contact the tour leader for details.

PACE, WEATHER, AND TRAVEL CONDITIONS: The focus of the tour will be birds and scenery, but we will have time for other wildlife, botany, and photography. We will be walking throughout the tour, as there is not ground transportation. All accommodations are at an inn or guesthouse; stairs are required for any rooms above the ground floor (there are no elevators). Expect a warm to cool climate, depending on current weather systems, with daily high temperatures usually in the 60s and lows in the mid to upper 40s. The pace is relaxed, with some hikes of one-two miles on easy to moderate terrain (some woodland trails with exposed roots and uneven ground).

DATES: Wednesday, September 18 to Monday, September 23, 2024

eco travel tours

PRICE: $2295 based on double occupancy; $650 single supplement (payable if you request single occupancy or if we cannot find you a suitable roommate). A deposit of $500 will hold your place until July 15, 2024 when full payment becomes due.

PRICE INCLUDES: Professional guide services are included for the duration of the tour. This tour also includes five nights of seaside accommodations at a hotel/inn or guesthouse. Each room has a private bath. All rooms are furnished with one queen or king bed (a sofa bed is also available in some rooms). Smoking is not permitted inside the building. Dinner at two of the fine local restaurants is provided (Wednesday and Sunday), as well as breakfast each morning. All other meals are the responsibility of the individual tour participants. The cost of the ferry crossing is included. Transportation to/from Port Clyde is not included – for those flying into Portland, there are several options to travel to Port Clyde. For those driving to Port Clyde and leaving a car on the mainland, parking will be arranged for the duration of the time on Monhegan.

SEND DEPOSITS AND OTHER PAYMENTS TO:

NJ Audubon Eco-Travel c/o René Buccinna 2350 Route 47 North, Bldg. 1 Woodbine, NJ  08270 Phone: (609) 400-3852 Please make checks payable to New Jersey Audubon

by email to [email protected]

Call 609-400-3852 with questions.

TOUR LEADERS:

eco travel tours

RESPONSIBILITY:

The New Jersey Audubon Society, as tour operator, does not act as an agent for any person or firm providing transportation, accommodations, or services on the tour; and the Society accepts no responsibility for any loss, damage, expense, injury or claim arising from any defect in any vehicle, conveyance, or accommodation provided by any such person or firm.  Neither shall the New Jersey Audubon Society be held responsible for any loss or delay caused by changes in transportation services, strikes, illness, weather, or other cause.  We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance to protect yourself.

The New Jersey Audubon Society reserves the right to alter itinerary or arrangements, if necessary, without penalty; and to prorate any increases or decreases in trip price caused by such alterations; and to cancel the tour at any time prior to departure, with full refund as settlement to tour participants.

REFUND POLICY:

For cancellations more than 60 days before the starting date of the trip, deposits will be returned less a $25.00 service charge.  Cancellations made 60 days or less before the starting date of the trip will be charged $250.00, unless the space can be filled (in which case the $25.00 service charge would apply).  Deposits are non-transferable from tour to tour.  If cancellations take place after hotels and vans have been booked and other services contracted for, hotel, van rental and other service policies will determine what portion, if any, of payments are recoverable.  No refunds will be made to no-shows or for any unused portion of the tour, unless arranged prior to departure date.  All cancellations must be in writing and are presumed final.

Brazil’s Pantanal - June 30 – July 10, 2024

eco travel tours

The Pantanal, located in southwestern Brazil and spilling into Bolivia and Paraguay, is the world’s largest tropical wetland, a complex mix of habitats covering more than 42 million acres in a massive low, flat area that’s part of the headwaters of the Paraguay River.  During the rainy season of November to April the wetlands flood, and for the rest of the year the water recedes and wildlife is concentrated into the areas where water remains.  We will explore this region by bus, boat, open safari vehicles, and on foot to search for the rich wildlife of the Pantanal.  We can expect to see a great assortment of water birds, a good variety of raptors, parrots, and songbirds, an exciting collection of mammals, and lots of caimans.  Many trips visit either the northern or southern Pantanal areas; our trip visits both.

eco travel tours

PACE, WEATHER, AND TRAVEL CONDITIONS:

This trip features a mix of travel types. Participants should be able to walk/stand for short to moderate distances/periods; all walking will be done at a slow pace. Climate is generally warm and dry during the day, with cooler temperatures during the evenings.

GROUP SIZE : Tour size is limited to 10 participants.

ACTIVITY LEVEL:   Easy to Moderate The trip involves light to moderate amounts of walking but no strenuous hikes. Some wildlife viewing is conducted from boat or open safari vehicles.

DATES: Sunday, June 30 to Wednesday, July 10, 2024

PRICE:   Cost for the tour is $6,300 per person, based on double occupancy.  Single supplement (if we cannot find you a roommate, or you request single) is $700. A deposit of $500 will hold your place until April 30, 2024, when full payment becomes due.

PRICE INCLUDES:

All lodging and meals, all boat and safari vehicle tours, all transportation in Brazil including flights on commercial jet aircraft between São Paulo and Cuiaba, between Cuiaba and Campo Grande, and between Campo Grande and São Paulo, and the services of 3 leaders.

Price does not include:   Travel from your home to meeting point in São Paulo, bar beverages, gratuities, and items of a personal nature such as laundry, international phone calls, etc.

SEND DEPOSITS & OTHER PAYMENTS TO:

NJ Audubon / Eco-Travel Attn: Rene’ Buccinna 2350 Route 47 North, Building 1 Woodbine, NJ 08270 tel. 609-400-3852.

By email  [email protected]

Please make checks payable to New Jersey Audubon.  Visa, MasterCard and Discover are also accepted.

CANCELLATION POLICY :

All cancellations must be made in writing.  Please note that due to administrative costs incurred in handling any booking, Neblina Forest will retain your deposit upon cancellation.  In addition, the following charges will apply:

  • 60-43 days before tour begins, 50% of total tour cost will be retained
  • 42-29 days before tour begins, 75% of total tour cost will be retained
  • 28 days or less before tour begins, 100% of total tour cost will be retained

No refunds will be made if you leave a trip for any reason whatsoever, whether voluntarily or not, after the tour has begun.  No refunds will be made for any accommodations, transportation, sightseeing locations, meals or services not utilized.

Tour Leaders

eco travel tours

OPERATION NOTE : This tour is designed and operated by Neblina Forest, a South American company with more than 30 years of experience running birding and nature tours in their home continent and beyond.  NJ Audubon has worked closely with Neblina Forest to tailor this trip specifically to provide the best Pantanal experience for our participants.

INDIA: Wondrous Wetlands, The Taj Mahal & Tiger Country January 31 to February 13, 2025

eco travel tours

INDIA: Wondrous Wetlands, The Taj Mahal & Tiger Country January 31 to February 13, 2025 (With optional extension to Gajarat February 13 to 20, 2025)

eco travel tours

GENERAL INFORMATION (main tour):

Join New Jersey Audubon and Hillstar Nature for a truly exciting collaboration! This adventure is a classic two-leg trip: the first a swing around south of Delhi to see legendary wetland hotspots and to absorb the magnificence of the Taj Mahal, followed by a week exploring the forests that inspired Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book . A great mix of wading birds are possible, including the statuesque Sarus Crane, the skulky Black Bittern, two species of jaunty jacanas, magnificent migrant Barheaded Geese, and many more. We also stand a very good chance to see the world’s largest cat, the Bengal Tiger. One always needs luck when pursuing any wild cat, but we’ll maximize our chances.

Jewels of Gajarat Extension February 13 to 20, 2025

GENERAL INFORMATION This Jewels of Gujarat expedition takes us on an exploration of India’s colorful western state. Visiting national parks and reserves that include Sasan Gir and The Rann of Kutch, in search of the rare Asiatic Lion and the elusive Khur (also known as Indian Onager), a rare wild horse.  Gujarat also offers thriving populations of Leopard, Sloth Bear, Wolf, and Blackbuck. We’ll need some luck to see all of these but any visit here is rich with wildlife; the wetlands support big congregations of birds, and are a real haven for migrants, including a nice variety of waders and raptors. The birdlife features heavy concentrations of wintering Asian waterfowl, flamingos, storks, harriers, regional endemics and globally threatened species such as White-naped Tit, White-browed Bushchat, and highly sought-after monotypics such as Hypocolius and Crab- Plover. Travel in India is not just about wildlife, however, and wherever we go we engage in cultural experiences to enjoy the spectacular heritage and diversity of India’s unique west.

eco travel tours

This trip features a mix of travel types. Participants should be able to walk/stand for short to moderate distances/periods; all walking will be done at a slow pace. Climate is generally warm and dry. We will have a few longer drives during the course of the tour.

GROUP SIZE : Tour size is limited to 13 participants for the main tour.  Tour size for the extension is limited to 10 participants.

ACTIVITY LEVEL:   Moderate.

The trip involves light to moderate amounts of walking but no strenuous hikes. Some wildlife viewing is conducted from boat or open safari vehicles.   A couple of longer drives and one short flight are also included.

Friday, January 31, 2025 to Thursday, February 13, 2025 for the main tour. Thursday, February 13 to Thursday, February 20, 2025 for the extension.

PRICE (main tour):   Cost for the main tour is $7,695 per person, based on double occupancy.  Single supplement (if we cannot find you a roommate, or you request single) is $1,090. A deposit of $1,000 will hold your place until September 30, 2024, when full payment is due.

PRICE (extension) :  Cost for the extension is $4,535 per person, based on double occupancy.  Single supplement (if we cannot find you a suitable roommate, or you request single) is $880.  A deposit of $1,000/person is required to hold your space until September 30, 2024 when full payment is due.  Extension is limited to 10 participants.

PRICE INCLUDES (main tour):

Services from arrival on Day 1 into Delhi International Airport (DEL) until our return to our hotel in Delhi on Day 14, including:

  • All meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 15.
  • All accommodations from Day 1 through the evening of Day 14.
  • All transport from arrival into DEL on Day 1, and including transport back to DEL on Day 15.
  • All guiding services, access/safari permits, and entrance fees to birding areas.
  • Tips for drivers, staff at hotels and restaurants.

PRICE INCLUDES (extension):

Services from departure on February 13 from Delhi to Rajkot, until our return to our hotel in Delhi through drop-off on February 20 at DEL, including:

  • All meals from breakfast on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 8.
  • All accommodations from Day 1 through until Day 8.
  • All transport in Delhi on Day 1, and including transport back to DEL when guests depart on their international flights out of India. It also includes the internal flights, between Gujarat and Delhi.
  • All guide services, access permits and entrance fees to birding areas.
  • Tips for drivers and staff at hotels and restaurants.

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE (main tour and extension):

  • International flights.
  • Alcoholic beverages, laundry services, charges for phone calls, and any other items of a personal nature.
  • Expenses associated with travel such as insurance, visa fees, airport taxes, airline baggage fees, vaccinations, etc.
  • Tips for the tour’s local guides.

CANCELLATION POLICY

All cancellations must be in writing.  If a guest/participant cancels registration:

  • 120 days or more prior to the start of the tour, a refund is issued minus a $500/person processing fee.
  • Between 119 and 90 days prior to the start of the tour, half of the tour fee will be returned to the registrant.
  • 89 days or less prior to departure, no refund of payments or deposits are issued.

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Hillstar Nature will handle registration and payment for this tour. Please visit their website at https://www.hillstarnature.com/india-taj-nja-25 for additional information about this tour, detailed itinerary and how to register.

DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS

All travelers must have a current passport, valid for at least six months beyond the start date of this tour, with at least one blank page for visas. A visa is required of US citizens entering India.

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Contact us at :  [email protected]  or 609-400-3852 for trip details and tickets

WHY ECO-TRAVEL

New Jersey Audubon’s Eco-Travel Program has taken participants around the world for over 30 years.

NJ Audubon staff design natural history and birding trips to a variety of domestic and foreign destination sites, ranging from relaxed nature getaways to relatively intensive birding adventures. Specific trip goals are stated in each trip’s itinerary, but one goal of every trip is for participants to better understand ecological systems both far and near, and from that understanding to maintain a high ethic concerning earth and resource stewardship in their daily lives. By traveling with New Jersey Audubon, you are helping preserve your natural heritage, since proceeds from our Eco-Travel Program directly support NJAudubon’s mission of conservation, environmental education, and wildlife research.

Program Goal

The goal of NJ Audubon’s Eco-Travel Program is to reflect our broad conservation mission through a balanced offering of natural history and birding ecotours for NJ Audubon members, New Jersey residents, and any other interested individuals.

These tours reflect natural systems education and maintain a high ethic concerning earth and resource stewardship.

HEALTH PROTOCOLS FOR NJA ECO-TRAVEL

NJ Audubon continues to put health and safety first. We follow federal and state health guidance about best practices to ensure the health and safety of participants, staff and volunteers.

We highly recommend that all travelers be vaccinated for COVID-19 and that travel participants self-test no more than 3 days prior to the tour to do everything possible to keep everyone safe. If the tour is visiting an international destination, there may be additional requirements to enter/exit the country.

Pre-tour recommendations to minimize your exposure :

  • Avoid mid to large size gatherings.
  • Practice social distancing.
  • Purchase travel insurance that specifically covers illnesses and expenses.

During the tour :

  • Use of face coverings is optional and based on individual comfort level, unless it is required by a transportation conveyance or country/state/local policy
  • Bring several well-fitting face masks and plenty of hand sanitizer on the tour.
  • If you feel ill or exhibit any possible COVID-19 symptoms during the tour, let the tour leader know immediately.

NJ AUDUBON ECO-TOURS FEATURE:

  • Small group size (maximum 12 on most trips)
  • Leader to participant ratio of 1:6 or better on domestic tours
  • Destinations planned to coincide with greatest bird diversity
  • Window seats for all participants on most domestic tours

WE OFFER TOURS WITH A VARIETY OF PACES AND GOALS:

  • Relaxed vacations with nature
  • General ecology exploring a diversity of animal and plant groups, as well as geology
  • General ecology with a focus on birdlife
  • Intensive birding adventures

A NOTE on PHOTOGRAPHY

NJ Audubon tours provide plenty of opportunities to take photos of birds, other animals and scenery. If you enjoy digiscoping, please contact the tour leader about bringing your own telescope as the leader’s scope will be utilized for all tour participants. Serious photography is not a focus of NJ Audubon tours, unless specified. The NJ Audubon tour leader will manage participants’ photographic desires with birdwatching activities.

Learn about past Eco Travel tours

Hear from our guides and attendees, view stunning images and discover what species they encountered

eco travel tours

New Jersey Audubon Eco-Travel: Minnesota in Winter-January 25-30, 2024 with Scott Barnes and Tom Reed

eco travel tours

CAUGHT IN MONHEGAN’S TRAP Eco-Travel Summary

eco travel tours

Costa Rica Trip

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Fall Delmarva Van Tour Recap

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Report – Southwestern Louisiana: Cheniers, Cypress Swamps, and Cameron Parish

Activity levels defined.

Be Prepared!

In addition to being properly prepared for the trip in terms of attire and optical equipment, for maximum enjoyment of any Eco-Travel tour, you should be properly prepared for the activity level of the tour. We have developed the following logos and descriptions for use to define the activity level of each of our tours. Please make sure your tour selection matches your expectations in terms of daily activity. For instance, if you are a recreational birder who enjoys short walks, or are not capable of hiking, then a tour listed as “Moderate” or “Active” is not for you. However, if you enjoy long hikes in more remote areas, then you should focus on our “Active” tours. In all cases, please contact us if you have any questions regarding the activity level for any tour.

A relaxed tour with low activity. Daily walks include walking relatively short distances over level terrain or paved walkways. Tour involves mostly van travel, with stops at various sites. Minimal steps. Free time to relax between morning and afternoon outings.

A more active tour with daily intermediate- to long-distance walking on sloping or uneven terrain, and/or climbing stairs. Includes several long field days, with many lunches in the field. Those with physical limitations should take this into consideration, or contact the tour leader for details.

An intensive tour with long-distance, sometimes strenuous hiking most days. Participants should be physically fit.

Eco-Travel Policies

Be sure to read and understand the following New Jersey Audubon Society Eco-Travel Policies before booking a trip with us.

Click Here to download our policy document in PDF format.

PARTICIPATION

Participants in NJ Audubon Eco-travel are expected to understand and accept the conditions covering tour price, refund policy, responsibility, and terms as outlined in the tour information. By registering, participants affirm that they have read the itinerary and are in general good health and are physically able to keep up with the group in the ordinary course of field activities. Participants accept as their personal risk the hazards of participation inherent in field activities, and will not hold the New Jersey Audubon Society or its tour leaders responsible for same.

NJ Audubon reserves the right, at the sole discretion of the tour leader, to ask a participant to leave any group trip at their own expense, if, in the leader’s judgment, that person’s continued participation is detrimental to the overall quality of the tour, to other trip members or to the individual. In such a case, NJ Audubons’ liability would be limited to costs recoverable, if any, by NJ Audubon from vendors and tour operators of unused portions of the tour. We reserve the right to decline the registration of any individual whose previous conduct on a NJ Audubon program has been deemed detrimental.

Minors (children under the age of 18) are welcome as participants on some (not all) of our tours. Minor participants must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Please confirm suitability of the tour for minors with the tour leader before registering.

REGISTRATION

To register for a specific tour, to request detailed itineraries for specific tours, or for additional information, contact:

NJ Audubon Eco-travel Attn: René Buccinna 2350 Route 47 North, Bldg. 1 Woodbine, NJ 08270 Phone: 609-400-3852 Email: [email protected]

Click Here to download the Registration Form in fillable PDF format.

Click here to download the Registration Form as a fillable word document

A registration form must be completed in full and signed by the participant (s) for all tours.

All tours require a $500 deposit on registration, with the balance due 60 days prior to the start of the tour for domestic tours, unless otherwise noted in the tour information. For international tours, refer to the individual tour information.

Deposits are required to reserve your space, unless otherwise stated in the tour itinerary. All tours require a $500/person deposit on registration, with the balance due 60 days prior to the start of the tour for domestic tours, unless otherwise noted in the tour information. For international tours, please refer to the individual tour information.

For weekend van tours, the required deposit is $500/person, with the balance due 30 days prior to the start of the tour.

We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, personal check, or cash as payment for tours.

The following items are not included in the tour price unless specifically stated in the tour itinerary: Airfare to and from departure city, passports, visas, departure taxes, immunizations, excess baggage charges, optional excursions, telephone calls, alcoholic beverages, laundry, room service, snacks and anything of a purely personal nature, excursions deviating from the scheduled tour, gratuities to non NJ Audubon employees (bus drivers, local guides, tour operators, lodge staff etc.). NJ Audubon employees are unable to accept gratuities.

REFUNDS FOR DOMESTIC TOURS

For cancellations more than 60 days before the starting date of the trip, deposits will be returned less a $50.00 service charge. Cancellations made 60 days or less before the starting date of the trip will be charged $250.00, unless the space can be filled (in which case the $50.00 service charge would apply). However, if cancellations made less than 60 days before the start of the tour take place after hotels and vans have been booked and other services contracted for, hotel, van rental and other service policies will determine what portion, if any, of payments are recoverable. No refunds will be made to no-shows or for any unused portion of the tour, unless arranged prior to departure date. Deposits transferred from tour to tour are subject to service charge schedule for cancellations and are conditional upon available space for tours. All cancellations must be in writing and are presumed final.

FOR INTERNATIONAL TOURS

Refer to the individual tour information.

IN CASE OF CANCELLATION OF A TRIP BY NJ AUDUBON

Rarely, NJ Audubon Eco-travel programs must be cancelled by us. We make every effort to avoid this situation. If a trip is in danger of being cancelled, we will notify any participants of that fact two weeks prior to the date final payment for the trip is due.

If NJ Audubon cancels a trip, and has notified participants of the potential cancellation 10 weeks prior to departure, and notifies participants of final cancellation four or more weeks before scheduled departure, our liability is restricted to refunding in full any deposits or payments that have been made to NJ Audubon for the trip.

Tour participants are required to make arrangements for their own air travel unless this is covered by the tour price. Please do not purchase non-refundable air tickets until assured that the trip will run as planned. We recommend purchasing travel insurance and/or deferring the purchase of airline tickets until the date final payment is due (normally 60 days prior to departure), at which time it will be known whether the trip will run or is in danger of cancellation.

RESPONSIBILITY

New Jersey Audubon, as tour operator, does not act as an agent for any person or firm providing transportation, accommodations, or services on the tour; and the Society accepts no responsibility for any loss, damage, expense, injury or claim arising from any defect in any vehicle, conveyance, or accommodation provided by any such person or firm. Neither shall New Jersey Audubon be held responsible for any loss or delay caused by changes in transportation services, strikes, illness, weather, or other cause. We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance.

Download our TRAVEL POLICIES document in PDF format.

eco travel tours

New Jersey Audubon is committed to connecting all people with nature and stewarding the nature of today for all people of tomorrow.

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Your ticket for the: Eco Travel

Sumatra Ecotravel Logo

Sumatra Eco Tours & Orangutans!

Sustainable travel and jungle trekking in sumatra.

Sumatra EcoTravel  offers ecologically responsible travel in North Sumatra, Indonesia. Our selected eco tours are designed with the desire of conserving the environment and the well-being of people and animals. Our ambition is to give you a taste of the colourful Sumatran culture and to protect the Gunung Leuser National Park , especially the habitat of the last Sumatran orangutans . In cooperation with local partners and villagers, our team in Bukit Lawang combines exceptional outdoor activities for travellers with a vision of sustainability. EcoTravel’s multi-awarded Sumatra tours for small groups give access to local life and pristine nature. Most of our sustainable tours are tailored exclusively for our EcoTravel guests to take them away from the beaten tourist track and show “the real way of life” in Northern Sumatra.

Sumatra Eco Tours

Innovative and sustainable: being deeply rooted in their region, our EcoTravel team make you discover the jungle and Indonesian culture in Gunung Leuser National Park. Well selected touring packages take you around Sumatra, e.g. to Tangkahan, Lake Toba or Pulau Weh.

Green Initiatives

Nature gives us so much and when we give something in return, the world around us feels so much better – this was the starting point of Keep The Jungle Green! We offer tours, we love having guests! But it is essential to keep the impact of tourism under control.

EcoTravel Cottages

We are proud of our EcoTravel Cottages - the most atmospheric hotel in Bukit Lawang. Spacious rooms with chill out balconies and panoramic jungle views, bathrooms with hot water shower, minibar and complimentary items give you the highest standard in the jungle.

Jungle Trekking

The experience of a lifetime: jungle trekking in Gunung Leuser National Park, home to the orangutan and some of the world’s most biodiverse flora and fauna, with exotic wildlife and breath taking scenery. We offer a wide variety of jungle tours – from a three-hour walk to a five-day observation trek.

More To Explore

The magic of the Sumatran way of life: our unique EcoTravel tours are the best way to explore our region and experience traditional Indonesian life. Refresh with swimming in Landak river, visit the Tangkahan elephants, explore the famous Bat Cave and meet locals at our sustainable tours to the villages around Bukit Lawang.

eco travel tours

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Green things to do in houston.

A number of Houston area attractions are striving to reduce their carbon footprint. From gardens to museums, these are the places eco-conscious travelers will want to visit.

Bayou Bend 

  • Bayou Bend , with 14 acres of landscaped gardens and natural woodlands, is Texas' largest all organic public garden.
  • No pesticides are used in the gardens. A garlic spray is used for mosquitoes, and all of the soil preparation and treatment is organic.
  • The formal gardens are noted for rare Duchess De Caze Pink Camellias that are no longer available in nurseries, along with varieties of azaleas, gardenias, antique roses, and seasonal plantings that keep the gardens blooming all year.
  • The gardens are at their peak during March and April.

Beer Can House 

  • Consisting of more than 50,000 beer cans, the  Beer Can House  is the ultimate recycling project.
  • John Milkovisch, a retired upholsterer for the Southern Pacific Railroad, started his project now known as the Beer Can House in 1968 when he began inlaying thousands of marbles, rocks, brass figures and metal pieces into concrete and redwood to form unique landscaping features. He then turned to the house itself and began adding aluminum siding—aluminum beer can siding, that is. Over the next 18 years the house disappeared under a cover of flattened beer cans for both practical and decorative reasons. Garlands made of cut beer cans hanging from the roof edges not only made the house sing in the wind, but also lowered the family's energy bills. Ripley's Believe It or Not estimated that over 50,000 cans adorn this monument to recycling.

Children's Museum of Houston 

  • Single stream recycling bins are located throughout the galleries of the  Children's Museum
  • Kids' Cafe has switched to biopolymer containers which break down and are suitable for composting.
  • Environmental outdoor exhibit, EcoStation, is powered almost entirely by solar panels. This one-of-a-kind exhibit enables kids to explore first-hand how their actions impact the environment every day.
  • Giant solar panels on the museum's parking garage produces 11,000 kWh of electricity annually and prevents more than 22,880 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions each year—the equivalent of planting 912 trees or keeping 768 cars of Houston streets for a day every year.
  • Eliminated styrofum cups and water bottles for staff.

The Heritage Society 

  • The Heritage Society's  nine historic structures have been rescued from potential demolition. These structures are restored in accordance to standards using reclaimed materials when obtainable.
  • Several of the structures rely on natural light only.
  • The grounds consisting of 13 acres in Sam Houston Park are maintained by the Houston Parks & Recreation Department and organic products are used for fertilizing and pest control.
  • The grounds are watered in the early morning to minimize evaporation and several native planting beds have been introduced to the park to conserve water.

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Houston Astros

  • The  Astros  were the first sports team in Houston to launch a recycling campaign, with 125 recycling bins around Minute Maid Park. The Astros recycle an average of three tons of cardboard, plastic and aluminum per game.
  • Only "green" fluorescent light bulbs are used, and all light bulbs used in the ballpark are recycled.
  • Astros groundskeepers use only eco-safe chemicals on the field, including seaweed-based fertilizer.
  • The club composts ballpark infield and outfield grass cuttings to use as fertilizer.
  • Sales collateral and other paper products such as season-ticket brochures, napkins, paper towels and pocket schedules are printed on partial post-consumer recycled materials.

Houston Zoo 

  • More than four years ago, the  Houston Zoo  went from paper to electronic filing of daily reports from the animal care staff. This change alone allows the Zoo to save 25,000 sheets of legal-size paper annually, the equivalent of four trees each year.
  • Items like cardboard boxes, telephone books, shredded paper, 2 liter plastic bottles, paper feed bags, newspaper, and even used clothing are used for animal enrichment and husbandry purposes rather than being discarded and sent to landfills. Eligible, unusable items are now being taken to recycling centers every other week with mixed paper and glass by members of the Zoo's Green Practices Committee.
  • The Greater Houston Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (GHCAAZK) earns money to support world-wide conservation programs by recycling aluminum cans and printer cartridges collected by Zoo employees and volunteers.
  • The Houston Zoo has a recycling bin in their Natural Selections Gift Shop for collection of unwanted cell phones, batteries and chargers.
  • The Concessionaire has reduced consumption of paper and plastic products significantly by virtually eliminating distribution of straws and cup lids. They no longer use Styrofoam products.
  • The Horticulture Department is experimenting with rain barrels in staff areas to collect rain water for irrigation purposes. They are also testing organic fertilizers that are kinder to the environment.
  • Increased efforts are now being made during construction and renovation projects to use resource-conserving materials and equipment whenever possible. For example, sleeping platforms in the new Spectacled Bear exhibit are made from plastic lumber, a wood alternative made from 100% recycled plastic and wood products.
  • Information is distributed to Zoo employees and volunteers regularly about green practices they can adopt at home.

The Menil Collection

  • Major recycling initiative throughout  The Menil Collection's  campus (the museum and separate bungalow offices): paper, plastic, metal etc.
  • The organization has switched, where possible, to fluorescent and other low-energy lighting, including exterior bungalow lighting.
  • Printing all materials — brochures, gallery guides, membership bulletin, catalogues on recycled paper, and using environmentally friendly soy-based dyes.

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Did you know that food and packaging waste accounts for roughly half of what we throw away every day? It's not always easy to be eco-friendly when dining out, but you can make…

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Bike Share kiosks in Downtown. Electric vehicle charging stations at the grocery store. Over 15 miles of new rail lines being constructed. Wind turbines and solar on rooftops…

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Key Details

  • Mobile Voucher Accepted
  • Free Cancellation
  • Duration: 3 Hrs
  • Language: English
  • Departure Time : 10:00 AM
  • Departure Details : Karl Marks Monument on Revolution Square, metro stop: Square of Revolution
  • Return Details : Metro Smolenskaya
  • If you cancel at least 4 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
  • If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
  • Tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.

Go beneath the streets on this tour of the spectacular, mind-bending Moscow Metro! Be awed by architecture and spot the Propaganda , then hear soviet stories from a local in the know. Finish it all up above ground, looking up to Stalins skyscrapers, and get the inside scoop on whats gone on behind those walls.

Know More about this tour

We begin our Moscow tour beneath the city, exploring the underground palace of the Moscow Metro. From the Square of Revolution station, famous for its huge statues of soviet people (an armed soldier, a farmer with a rooster, a warrior, and more), we’ll move onto some of the most significant stations, where impressive mosaics, columns, and chandeliers will boggle your eyes! Moreover, these stations reveal a big part of soviet reality — the walls depict plenty of Propaganda , with party leaders looking down from images on the walls. Your local guide will share personal stories of his/her family from USSR times, giving you insight into Russia’s complicated past and present. Then we’re coming back up to street level, where we’ll take a break and refuel with some Russian fast food: traditional pancakes, called bliny. And then, stomachs satiated, we are ready to move forward! We’ll take the eco-friendly electric trolleybus, with a route along the Moscow Garden Ring. Used mainly by Russian babushkas(grannies) during the day, the trolleybus hits peak hours in the mornings and evenings, when many locals use it going to and from their days. Our first stop will be the Aviator’s House, one of Stalin’s Seven Sisters, followed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs — and you’ll hear the legends of what has gone on inside the walls. Throughout your Moscow tour, you’ll learn curious facts from soviet history while seeing how Russia exists now, 25 years after the USSR.

Local English-speaking guide

Pancake snack and drink

Additional food and drinks

Tickets for public transport

Souvenirs and items of a personal nature

Tips and gratuities for the guide

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking

Dress standard: Please wear comfortable shoes for walking. For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people

Traveler Reviews

This tour exceeded our expectations. Nikolai (Nick), our tour guide, was very knowledgeable, thorough, and has a great personality. He didn't take shortcuts and really covered everything that was on the agenda in great detail. We saw beautiful metro stations and learned the history behind them, including many of the murals and designs.

We did the tour with Anna her knowledge and understanding of the History surrounding the metro brought the tour alive. Well done Anna!

This tour was amazing!

Anna was a great tour guide. She gave us heaps of interesting information, was very friendly, and very kindly showed us how to get to our next tour.

Amazing beauty and history.

An excellent tour helped by an absolutely amazing guide. Anna gave a great insight into the history of the metro helped by additional material she had prepared.

great tour and guide - thanks again

great will do it again, Miriam ke was very good as a guide she has lived here all here life so knew every interesting detail.a good day

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