I love to travel and probably have way too many destinations on my bucket list. My most recent adventure was down to Cabo San Lucas with the family for Spring Break. It was a nice, relaxing time but it most likely would not be on the “must-go-again” list. For those of you who are not familiar, Cabo San Lucas is at the very bottom tip of the Baja California peninsula. The area is extremely dry and it hardly ever rains. Due to this, many residents are only given an allowance of water, sometimes only once a month. Ironically – as we arrive at our resort – there are beautiful fountains, lush gardens, and no sign that there is a water shortage!
It made me wonder how these resorts (and the country in general) could be more accommodating to the environment. So, I looked up destinations to countries that offer an eco-friendlier experience:
Rwanda – Rwanda, over the years, has become one of the cleanest African nations thanks to several sustainability initiatives from banning plastic bags back in 2008 to their efforts in promoting sustainable tourism and conservation. The Nyungwe Forest protects some of Africa’s rarest primate species, including chimpanzees that you can track. Akagera National Park is currently undergoing one of the most ambitious restoration projects in Africa; its savannahs are once more playing host to lions, black rhinos, and giraffes.
New Zealand – New Zealand has long been committed to a greener future, so much so that they launched an entire tourism campaign called the Tiaki Promise, designed to help protect and ensure everyone – including tourists – are on the same page when it comes to protecting the environment. Eco-tourism is serious business here and if you’re looking to book an eco-friendly stay, Camp Glenorchy, on New Zealand’s South Island, recently launched an all-inclusive package in one of the country’s most sustainably designed eco-lodges. Also on the South Island, a new Zero Carbon itinerary is the first of its kind in New Zealand and includes visits to sustainable wineries, canyoning trips, shopping, and supporting local eco-friendly businesses and nonprofits.
Chile – Chile is not only home to 41 national parks but also has more than 10-million acres of protected land spread across Chilean Patagonia. The country is emerging as a global leader when it comes to conservation and green initiatives. Just outside Torres del Paine National Park, the Tierra Patagonia is a sustainable eco-lodge that’s fiercely committed to reforestation and animal conservation in the area.
Iceland – Iceland’s renewable and geothermal energy is used to heat 90% of homes across the country. It’s considered one of Europe’s most sustainable countries. Doubling down on their desire to move away from fossil fuels and into a more sustainable future, the country as a whole aims to reach carbon neutrality by 2040 and be free of fossil fuels by 2050.
Costa Rica – Arguably one of the most eco-friendly destinations on earth. Costa Rica is not only the land of plenty when it comes to sustainably built eco-lodges. But it also boasts 30 National Parks, 58 wildlife refuges, 32 protected zones, wetland areas, forest and biological reserves. The land of pura vida was awarded the United Nations Earthshot Prize in 2021 for its efforts in conservation and sustainability.
Here at the Stump Farm, where White Raven Financial is located, a family member – that also helps with White Raven Financials’ quarterly newsletter – lives in New Zealand. She loves it down there and appreciates the beauty and the marvel of her surroundings. She is also aware of the importance to maintain this beauty by encouraging environmental protections.
Thanks for reading~
