Contrary to popular belief, sustainable travel is not just about the environment. Sustainable travel actually consists of three pillars: social, economic, and environmental. Even though the reduction of waste and carbon footprint is a priority, it is equally important to leave a positive impact on local communities and cultures.
Finding sustainable tours is a great way to incorporate all three pillars of sustainable travel. First, you need to make sure to vet tour operators to ensure they work with local guides, stay in locally-owned accommodation, minimize waste, and educate guests about local culture and customs.
Here at Traverse Journeys, we incorporate all of the above into our impactful and sustainable tours around the world. Our mission is “people, planet, purpose”, and we believe that travel is transformative for travelers and communities alike. We also do this by donating a portion of each trip to community partners (NGOS and nonprofits) in each destination we visit.
Here are our favorite sustainable tours that we lead around the world:
Sustainable Tours in New Zealand
From temperate rainforests to expansive mountain ranges, New Zealand is a country full of ecological diversity. Geothermal activity formed the two main islands of New Zealand over 500 million years ago, and today both islands are covered in multiple glaciers.
Today, much of New Zealand is fairly remote, which makes sustainable and slow travel the norm. This is one of the best destinations to immerse yourself in nature and the culture of the indigenous communities that call the islands home.
Wondering in New Zealand Rainforest - Holly Brace
For instance, on our New Zealand tours, you can see whales and dolphins in the wild on the Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari. We also take our guests on a guided visit to Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach, a guided hike along the Hooker Valley Track in Aoraki National Park, and an immersive Milford Sound Nature Cruise.
Another quality that makes New Zealand such a traveler’s dream is the cultural richness present in their indigenous Polynesian community, referred to as the Māori. Nowadays, one in seven New Zealanders identifies as Māori, making them a big part of the country’s essence.
For us, there’s no better way to experience New Zealand’s Māori culture than by spending a full night in a traditional Māori village in order to feel immersed and connected to their values and customs. Upon arriving, guests can participate in a Māori whakatau (welcome) & learn how to perform a traditional Māori greeting (Hongi). During the stay, guests can also learn about native flora and fauna as well as traditional weaving, and enjoy a Māori dinner cooked using traditional geothermal techniques, followed by time for storytelling to learn about local myths and legends.
Sustainable Tours in Morocco
Located in the Maghreb region of North Africa, Morocco’s varied geography incorporates the Atlantic and Mediterranean coastline, the Sahara deserts, and the Atlas mountains. Apart from its beautiful landscapes, Morocco also boasts a rich culture and vibrant atmosphere, especially apparent in the Moroccan markets bursting with life.
Morocco is an ideal destination to practice sustainable travel, especially from a social and economic perspective. Tourism is one of the main pillars of Morocco’s economy, and many locals rely on tourism as their main source of income. Some remote and indigenous communities are especially reliant on tourism.
Art Vendor in Marrakech - Andrea Flisi
That’s why we incorporate a two-night stay in the beautiful Sahara Desert, in collaboration with locals that grew up in the Sahara. Here you will enjoy activities such as stargazing, camel riding, as well as enjoying traditional food and music. We also incorporate a stop to our community partners at an Amazigh women’s rug co-op, where we learn about how these artisans use natural methods to dye and design their rugs.
Our Morocco trip also includes an eco-hotel overlooking an oasis, and two days spent exploring the culture and craftsmanship of Marrakesh. For an optional add-on, you can explore Fes and Chefchaouen, known as the “blue pearl of Morocco”.
Another unique quality of our Morocco trip is how we incorporate daily yoga and meditation to help our guests stay mindful and present during their travels.
Sustainable Tours in Italy
Italy is a country that boasts iconic history, architecture, cuisine, and scenery. But because Italy has so much to offer, travelers tend to rush around Italy to check sites off their bucket list. Ironically, so much of Italian culture is actually about moving slowly and enjoying the little things in life.
That’s why Italy is a great destination to practice slow travel while indulging in fresh, local foods and taking time to soak up the natural scenery.
Cinqueterre Streets - -Andrea Flisi
Spending more time in each locale will allow you to immerse yourself in the nuances of each province, and will provide more time to connect with locals and unique experiences. The following options provide two itineraries, one that focuses on the most iconic regions in Northern Italy, and one that allows for a deep dive into local traditions in food and art.
Iconic Italy
This sustainable tour will take you through the Ligurian and Tuscan regions, filled with vibrant, coastal landscapes and scenic rural gems. This includes the picturesque villages of Cinque Terre, as well as Tuscan gems like Lucca and Siena. There’s also plenty of time to experience the sights of Milan’s city center, explore the Florence Duomo complex, the Academia in Florence, and Siena’s unique gothic Duomo.
Of course, any Italian experience wouldn’t be complete without visiting vineyards and olive orchards. That’s why we include a wine tasting in the Chianti Classico region as well as learning about olive oil with the ANAPOO Association. An optional extension into a two-week trip allows for several days to continue exploring the jewels of Tuscany as well as time to soak up Rome’s incredible wonders.
Italian Traditions in Food and Art
A very important trait in Italian culture is of course the cuisine. Each region in Italy has its own specialties. For example, Northern Italy is influenced by the diversity in its lands, rivers, lakes, and seas. Additionally, Northern Italy uses more dairy products, since it shares borders with Austria, France, Slovenia, and Switzerland.
Lunch Plate in Dolomites
Getting to discover Northern Italy’s tastes and scenes is a unique adventure that will also include walking tours in Venice, Parma, and the Dolomites, with cooking classes, wine tastings, a Culatello museum tour, grappa distillery visit and even a parmesan cheese factory tour. While tasting our way through each region’s unique offerings, we’ll also dive into local artisan traditions. From woodworking in the villages of the Dolomites to mask-making in Venice and glass-blowing in Murano, you’ll get the chance to learn about and even try your hand at beautiful artistic techniques that have been passed down for generations.
Learn more about our Iconic Italy and Italian Traditions in Food & Art itineraries.
Sustainable tours in Ireland
Wandering in Irish fields, photo by Susanna Kelly
Ireland, known as the Emerald Isle, is loved for its dramatic coastline, quaint villages, and welcoming locals. While adventuring along the mesmerizing West Coast, you will get to explore popular sites like Killarney National Park — a 26,000-acre area filled with mountains and waterfalls — as well as the jaw-dropping Cliffs of Moher.
The beautiful Emerald isle is also a country packed with off-the-beaten path sites that only a few know about, and we’re sure to take you to many of these tucked-away gems.
Ireland is known as an ideal destination to practice sustainable travel because businesses across the island have received recognition from organizations and initiatives for committing to sustainable standards and practices. Additionally, the local government has committed to creating an action plan that will make Ireland a world leader in sustainable travel.
You will get the chance to experience guided walks, remote castles, ancient dolmens and fairy forts, lively pubs, and delicious cuisine in order to absorb all the magic this country has to offer. As a country known for its pub and music culture, there will be a special night filled with Trad music at a countryside pub on the Dingle peninsula…. what could sound more Irish than that?
Being immersed in Irish culture in such a unique way will have anybody craving more of the natural beauty, warm-hearted people, and colorful towns filled with charm, so thankfully we offer two unique extensions to turn our 6-day trip into a 10 or even a 14-day journey as well!
Sustainable tours in Chile
Chile is known for being one of the longest countries in the world, and being the home of five UNESCO world heritage sites. With the Pacific Ocean to its west and the Andes mountains to the east, Chile’s unique shape offers the perfect mix between snow and sun to all its locals and visitors. Northern Chile is hot and dry making it a great location for healthy and flavorful vineyards, whereas the southern part is cooler and more humid packed with mountains, lakes, rivers, fjords, and glaciers.
Snowcapped mountains & pristine lakes in Patagonia.
If you are interested in exploring Patagonia by trekking the “W” route in the mountains that includes camping in the Torres del Paine National Park and cruising towards the Grey Glacier in a catamaran, this Chilean cultural adventure is the perfect option to follow.
Uniquely, on this same tour, some participants may instead choose to explore Patagonia in a less demanding manner, by staying in Puerto Natales and adventuring on day trips to the National Park, a beautiful Estancia, and a fjord tour at the end of the world.
For an even deeper experience of Chilean culture, you will get to cook and enjoy a traditional meal after wandering around the colorful city of Valparaiso. And to top it off with a cherry (or grape!) on top, you will also experience a vineyard tour with an immersive wine tasting and picnic.
Sustainable Tours in Iceland
Iceland, also known as the Land of Fire and Ice for its volcanoes and glaciers, is a country rich in natural wonders, folklore, mythology, traditions, and history. Interestingly enough, even though the Vikings are part of the cultural history in Iceland, this country is considered one of the most peaceful locations in the world.
Iceland is an ideal destination to practice sustainable travel because of its easy accessibility to hydro and geothermal energy. 75 percent of Iceland’s energy consumption comes from those natural sources, making it one of the cleanest energy consumer countries in the world.
Depending on which time of the year you decide to travel to Iceland, you will have different activities to experience. During the spring, when the sun sets just before midnight, the adorable puffins can be seen on the Westman island, and the lambing season for almost a half-million sheep begins.
Foss a Sidu in South Iceland - Elena Sprick
During the fall, you can experience the Northern lights and enjoy horseback riding with gorgeous Icelandic horses. No matter which season you pick, we make sure you experience mesmerizing natural landscapes, including gorges, waterfalls, glaciers, hot springs, and lava fields. You will get to visit the longest lava tubes in the country, a geothermal pool called the Secret Lagoon, and the UNESCO world heritage site of Global Geopark in Reykjanes.
Getting to visit a location as exotic as Iceland might seem intimidating, but fortunately with us you will get to experience a complete and varied immersive adventure with local experts by your side.
Sustainable tours in Costa Rica
Rio Celeste WaterFall - Chris Clements
Costa Rica, a natural paradise, is recognized for its 27 unique national parks filled with a diversity in wildlife and thrilling activities that can be responsibly enjoyed by everyone. One of the best things Costa Rica can brag about is its environmental and sustainable efforts, especially in terms of tourism.
Called the “living Eden” by the UN environment program, 98% of Costa Rica’s energy is renewable and looks to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. As one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world, as well as one of the happiest places on earth, Costa Rica is a one-of-a-kind traveling destination.
From hiking through rainforests, up to volcanoes, down to waterfalls, and along black sand beaches, you will be immersed in the natural environment. Additionally, to learn about the local culture and interact with its beautiful people, you will get to visit a family-owned chocolate plantation. With a country so rich in vegetation, the food found in Costa Rica is out of this world, and you will be pampered with incredible meals prepared with fresh and tropical ingredients.
Sustainable tours in Jordan
Petra’s Monastery
Jordan, located in the Middle East, is home of the “rose-red city” of Petra, one of the seven wonders of the world. It’s a country filled with ancient architecture built by some of the oldest civilizations on earth. The Dead Sea, one of the most impressive places on the earth, is famous for its high levels of temperature and salt. These high levels of salt help objects float easier over water, making it an amazing and one-of-a-kind experience.
Jordan is an ideal destination to practice sustainable travel because due to water scarcity issues and widespread pollution, there has been a tremendous increase in eco-friendly practices to incentivize environmentalism across all industries.
While visiting Jordan we will hike along the Jordan Trail towards the Ajloun Forest Reserve, finish the hike with a relaxing dip in the Dead Sea, visit Little Petra, Petra, and Wadi Rum, sleep under the stars in a camp experience with traditional homemade food, music, and cultural education, see the Greek and Roman Ruins in Amman, and visit various women’s cooperatives.
Learn more about our Jordan itinerary here.
Learning about sustainable travel and its unlimited options is the first step towards becoming a responsible globetrotter, not only for the environment but also for all the communities, the natural sites, and cultural places being negatively impacted. Stay curious and mindful about the different ways you can travel with more sustainable practices.
More Sustainable travel tips for you:
Traveling as a vegan or vegetarian may seem daunting at first, but it is definitely an experience worth taking. The diverse array of plant-based cuisine around the world offer unique culinary flavors, and it has become increasingly easier due to the to the growing awareness of ethical and environmental concerns. By selecting the right destination and immersing in the local food culture while embracing the vibrant flavors of plant-based cuisine, vegan and vegetarian travelers can enrich their travel experiences while staying true to their dietary values.