Travelling is an interesting activity especially when you have the resources to make it memorable. If you love exploring new places and are also big on environmental sustainability, you should give eco-tourism a chance this year.
According to the Global Ecotourism Network (2016), ecotourism involves “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and creates knowledge and understanding through interpretation and education of all involved: visitors, staff, and the visited.”
While travelling, you can responsibly cater to nature. So, in 2025, you can visit countries that keep their surroundings clean and green. Here’s a list of some of the top eco-friendly countries you should visit in no particular order.
1. Costa Rica
The country has a reputation as a strong pioneer in eco-tourism with about 30% of its land reserved as national parks, especially for nature lovers which allow them to interact with nature.
According to Renewable Power Insight, Costa Rica‘s special attractions include breathtaking rainforests, biodiversity hotspots such as Corcovado National Park, eco-friendly lodges, and conservation activities such as protecting sea turtles.
Go Kite Travel and Tours affirms that the country is the dream of every naturalist. However, we are advised to not visit Arenal Volcano but to go on a boat trip to Tortuguero National Park to see green turtles nesting.
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2. Iceland
Looking for a place to have fun and learn about protecting our planet? Your best bet is Iceland. It is referred to as the land of fire and ice which according to Renewable Power Insight, generates almost all its electricity from renewable resources.
It is one of the most sustainable or eco-friendly countries that has great scenery, supports the use of renewable energy, has the Golden Circle you can explore, the Blue Lagoon you can relax in, and restaurants with tasty kinds of seafood.
3. Norway
According to Go Kite Travel and Tours, Norway is one of the few eco-friendly countries with so much to see and do, like exploring fjords, mountains, and coastal cities. The country is deeply committed to protecting the environment, with green hotels, eco-friendly transportation, and intentional care for nature.
Go Kite further asserts that as you take a bike around the Lofoten Islands or hike in the Arctic Circle, you’ll be amazed by how clean and beautiful the country is. Norway’s dedication to sustainability shines through in everything they do to keep their landscapes maintained and their tourism eco-friendly.
4. Bhutan
Bhutan is the world’s only carbon-negative country(which means that it absorbs more carbon dioxide and emits less of it), valuing “Gross National Happiness” over GDP and prioritising environmental and cultural preservation.
According to Renewable Power Insight, you can trek through the Himalayas, visit ancient monasteries, and join conservation efforts to protect rare wildlife. However, with this eco-friendly country’s focus on low-impact tourism, Bhutan is a dream destination for people who truly love nature.
5. Rwanda
Rwanda is an eco-friendly country that is well known for its amazing mountain gorilla conservation efforts and eco-tourism experiences. If you are visiting, you can trek through Volcanoes National Park to see some incredible creatures up close.
As for a place to lay your head, stay in eco-lodges that promote sustainability and protect the environment.
6. Japan
Japan is a great place for sustainable travel, especially when afforded the luxury of combining old traditions with eco-friendly ideas. What can you explore in this eco-friendly country? You can explore Kyoto’s bike-sharing programs and visit tea plantations that focus on the environment.
Sleep in eco-friendly hotels, enjoy organic farm tours, and eat at restaurants that care about the same thing as you – protecting the green. National parks like Hakone are perfect for nature lovers.
In addition to these, Japan’s train system makes it easy to travel without harming the environment.
7. New Zealand
New Zealand is a beautiful eco-friendly country and a major top spot for adventurous tourists. If you’re visiting in 2025, you can explore Fiordland National Park on conservation-focused adventures and take eco-tours to learn about the Maori culture of New Zealand. The country also offers sustainable wineries and eco-friendly farm stays.
So, when you’re choosing a country to travel to, remember that it’s not boring to choose eco-friendly countries. They could increase your chances of being adventurous while encouraging environmental sustainability.
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