My Travel Picks That Support the Planet

Why I Started Choosing Eco-Friendly Travel

A couple of years ago, I began paying closer attention to how my travel habits affected the environment. I used to plan trips based only on excitement and convenience. But then I started noticing how many places were getting overcrowded or losing their natural beauty because of too much tourism. That made me think twice.

I didn’t want to stop traveling, but I did want to do it more responsibly. That’s how I got into eco-tourism. It’s not just about visiting “green” places—it’s about supporting communities, preserving natural areas, and making sure tourism helps instead of harms. I realized that even small decisions, like choosing locally owned lodges or joining conservation-focused tours, could make a big impact.

Now, I plan every trip with eco-friendliness in mind, and I’ve discovered some incredible destinations that offer both adventure and sustainability. And along the way, I’ve noticed how the same mindset applies to other interests I have, like finding responsible vape shops that care about their customers and the products they carry.

Costa Rica: Rainforests and Responsible Travel

Costa Rica was one of the first countries I visited with eco-tourism as a priority. The country has protected over a quarter of its land, and it shows. Everywhere I went, from the Monteverde Cloud Forest to the beaches in Guanacaste, there was a focus on conservation.

What stood out to me:

• The abundance of eco-lodges built with local materials
  
  

• Guided tours run by locals who care deeply about wildlife
  
  

• Reforestation projects that tourists can join
  
  

• Fresh, organic food served in most accommodations
  
  

It wasn’t about giving up comfort. It was about making choices that supported the environment and local communities. I remember walking through a rainforest trail and realizing I hadn’t heard a car in days. It felt peaceful in a way that’s hard to find.

Costa Rica made me think about how we often overlook the impact of our presence as travelers. Supporting places that protect their ecosystems doesn’t just feel good—it leads to better travel experiences. I left feeling more connected to nature and more thoughtful about where I’d go next.

Slovenia: Green Cities and Mountain Escapes

Slovenia surprised me in the best way. I went for a short trip and ended up staying longer than I planned. The country is small, but it packs in a variety of natural landscapes—lakes, mountains, forests—and they’ve done a lot to protect them.

What I appreciated most was how easy it was to get around without a car. Public transport was efficient, and many cities, like Ljubljana, are car-free in the center. That made walking around feel safe and relaxing.

Some highlights from my time there:

• Visiting Lake Bled early in the morning to avoid the crowds
  
  

• Exploring the Julian Alps with a local hiking guide
  
  

• Staying in a solar-powered cabin surrounded by nature
  
  

• Shopping at farmers markets for fresh, locally grown produce
  
  

Slovenia has won awards for its sustainable tourism efforts, and it’s easy to see why. The balance between development and preservation felt right. I also had one of the best coffee experiences of my life there—just sitting on a quiet terrace, people-watching.

And when I needed to recharge both myself and my device, I did what I usually do—searched for places with a calm vibe, similar to how I sometimes search for vape store open near me when I’m in a new town. Reliable spots make all the difference, especially when you’re far from home.

New Zealand: Nature, Culture, and Clean Air

New Zealand had always been on my bucket list, and when I finally went, it didn’t disappoint. What I loved most was how deeply the local culture is tied to nature. The Māori principles of guardianship and respect for the land are woven into daily life and tourism.

It felt like everyone—from hotel staff to tour guides—took sustainability seriously. But not in a way that made it feel strict. It was just the norm, and that inspired me to think about how I could carry those habits home.

Some of the best parts of my trip included:

• Kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park
  
  

• Exploring glowworm caves in Waitomo with a conservation-focused group
  
  

• Staying on an organic farm near Rotorua
  
  

• Learning about native plants and wildlife from a Māori guide
  
  

Everything was set up to minimize environmental impact, and it didn’t feel forced. That’s what eco-tourism should be—natural, respectful, and engaging.

Even on long road trips between destinations, I found plenty of charging stations and eco-lodges. The infrastructure made it easy to travel responsibly. It also helped me think about how sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s something that can be integrated into daily choices, just like choosing refillable gear or recycling packaging in other parts of life.

Norway: Clean Energy and Arctic Adventures

I didn’t expect Norway to become one of my top travel picks, but once I got there, I was blown away by how much they prioritize clean energy and sustainable tourism. Most of their electricity comes from hydropower, and their cities are full of electric vehicles. Even small towns had green initiatives.

Traveling in Norway felt like being part of a long-term plan for a better future. I stayed in places that used energy-efficient designs, ate food sourced from local farms, and joined tours that emphasized environmental education.

Here’s what I loved most:

• Visiting fjords without the crowds, thanks to off-season planning
  
  

• Taking the train across the country instead of flying
  
  

• Enjoying quiet coastal towns that run on solar and wind power
  
  

• Meeting local business owners who shared tips on zero-waste living
  
  

Each moment reminded me how powerful small choices can be. The natural beauty of Norway is incredible, and knowing that the country works hard to protect it made the experience even richer. I think that’s the biggest lesson I’ve learned from eco-travel—when people care about their surroundings, everyone benefits.

As I look ahead to planning more trips in 2025, I know I’ll continue seeking destinations that support sustainability. Whether it's finding local businesses, like trusted vape shops that offer good customer service and quality products, or choosing eco-lodges over chain hotels, the goal is the same: support the right things.