Finland is one of the world’s greenest and most nature loving countries. Finland also has a strong commitment to reaching carbon neutrality by 2050. Beyond this goal of reaching carbon neutrality, Finland also has a strong commitment to habitat conservation and biodiversity, considering that Finland is home to 40 national parks where various plants and animals call their home. If you are looking for a sustainable destination to explore, Helsinki may be the place for you. Helsinki, the capital of Finland, plans to be carbon neutral by 2035. Helsinki’s plan to go green and be eco-friendly has also involved tourism. The city of Helsinki developed a campaign called “Think Sustainably,” which provides tips on how to plan an eco-conscious travel adventure. The capital city of Helsinki is also home to a various number of sustainability-focused restaurants that collaborate with small, organic producers. Many of these restaurants also offer a wide array of vegetarian and vegan options, therefore helping guests minimize their own carbon footprint while traveling.

Denmark is well known for their eco-friendly urban planning and cycling highways that connect the city and the countryside. For example, in Copenhagen, the capital city of Denmark, there are cycle paths everywhere in the city which are used by over 60% of the residents of Copenhagen everyday. In fact, there are five times as many bicycles as there are cars. There are also many bike tours available if you do choose to make this your next sustainable travel destination! Copenhagen also aims to be the first carbon neutral capital by 2025. Furthermore, continuing on the line of transportation in Copenhagen specifically, Copenhagen has a very efficient public transport system, and all the buses in the city are in the works of switching from diesel to electric by 2025. Many other Scandinavian countries besides Finland and Denmark, such as Norway, Sweden, and Iceland, are also leading countries in sustainability and would also be the perfect place to make your next sustainable destination. 

Costa Rica is already one of the greenest countries whose mission for conservation and the reversal of deforestation began about 50 years ago, and in fact, this country is about one-quarter national park. It is also a place where you can find yourself hiking in a rainforest and surfing beautiful waves on the very same day because it is home to 12 main ecosystems, which will make your adventures even more exciting. Not only is it a beautiful place but it is the perfect sustainable destination to enjoy this summer! Costa Rica uses about 95% renewable energy and is on its journey to becoming a carbon-neutral country. If you are looking for a specific location, Osa Peninsula may be the perfect spot for you! The Osa Peninsula is home to 2.5% of Earth’s biodiversity, which is quite incredible considering that the Osa Peninsula makes up 0.001% of Costa Rica’s surface area. Costa Rica as a whole is home to 5% of the world’s biodiversity! Consider making Costa Rica your next sustainable travel destination for your eco-friendly summer!

New Zealand could also be your next go-to sustainable travel destination. Today, New Zealand is on its journey to be independent from fossil fuels by 2025 and is working to replace fossil fuels with their copious amounts of geothermal energy sources. New Zealand consists of two main islands that both offer various ecosystems and wildlife that are sure to make your travel journey exciting. Explore the various beaches and forests and maybe even do some whale and dolphin watching. An exciting place you may want to check out is Raukumara Forest which is located on the eastern coast of the more northern island and is known for a project led by an indigenous tribe whose mission is to invest in the regeneration of the forest’s trees and the protection of rare species that inhabit this forest. 

The Azores is a chain of islands located off the coast of Portugal in the Atlantic Ocean and is the the perfect place to go bird, whale, and dolphin watching. It is also home to an array of mountains, valleys, hot springs, waterfalls, and volcanoes. Another unique element of these islands is that there are no massive resorts anywhere due to the eco-friendly ways of these islands. There is also an assortment of ecotours available if you do choose to make this your next sustainable travel destination. Furthermore, a lot of the food you will eat is locally sourced and unique to the part of the Azores that you would be staying in. Consider making The Azores your next sustainable travel destination for your eco-friendly summer!