Summer is over and it’s normal to be already dreaming of your next trip. When starting to plan your next vacation, you might be thinking of how you can travel as sustainably as possible. GettingEcological have got you covered. Our team of sustainability experts have found unique experiences around the world which let you discover new places in a conscious way. Here are our favorites.
Living in Harmony with Local Communities in Spain: Valtournative
Founder of Valtournative, Daniel Escriva, believes in leaving the places he visits better off than when he found them. He weaves this philosophy into his tours of the Valencian region. His immersive tours allow visitors of Spain to get off the beaten path and discover the more authentic local communities. In order to do that, he communicates with the locals – finding out the least disruptive times to bring visitors into their towns.
Whether it’s a trip to the gorgeous hot springs of Montanejos, or a village nestled into the mountain, these small group tours help you discover the hidden gems of Valencia. And if that weren’t enough, for every visitor they have, Valtournative plants a tree. So far, they have planted over 6,750 trees and offset more than 1800 tones of CO2.
Read an interview with Valtournative’s Founder
Eco-Friendly Paradise in Thailand: La Miniera Pool Villas
In beautiful Pattaya, Thailand, you can find a perfect blend of sustainability and luxury travel at La Miniera Pool Villas. Powered by renewable energy, with solar cells installed across the resort, La Miniera believes in reducing their reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing their carbon footprint. From ozone-based pool systems, to nature-focused activities for guests, this resort is perfect for those looking to leave no carbon footprint behind.
A Getaway High in the Trees in Ohio: The Mohicans Treehouse Resort
The Mohicans Treehouse Resort in Glenmont, Ohio, is a family-owned sustainable travel destination that integrates eco-friendly design and local materials into its unique accommodations. With features like passive solar design, radiant heat, and repurposed materials, the resort exemplifies a commitment to environmental responsibility.
The resort offers nine state-of-the-art treehouses and other distinctive lodgings, each with its own character, set on 77 acres of private land near Mohican State Park. Known for its innovative use of space and natural resources, The Mohicans is an ideal spot for nature lovers and those seeking a digital detox, making it a sustainable travel company to watch.
Enjoy London Luxury with a Clean Conscious: The Athenaeum Hotel & Residencies
Luxury hotel in the heart of London’s Mayfair, The Athenaeum Hotel and Residencies has a big focus on sustainability and even has hotel is a 329 m² Living Wall, which removes 757kg of CO² and 559kg of O² every year. As well as bar menu that supports products that are sustainable and carbon-off setting, with a section dedicated to sustainability.
Access to Unusual Places with Meaningful Impact: Vibe Adventures, Mexico
At Vibe Adventures the key purpose is straightforward; they want to use travel for good in Central America. They design trips that combine access to unusual places, with a meaningful impact on the local environment and community, reducing carbon emissions wherever possible across their operations. Recognizing that their responsibility to the planet extends beyond their immediate operations, they have their own Sustainable Policy which helps them identify, monitor, and improve the environmental and social aspects of their company.
Relax in Luxury and Support Female Empowerment: Flower Power at The Leela Palaces, India
The Leela Palaces’ award-winning luxury hotels and resorts across Northern and Southern India embraces Conscious Luxury as its mantra – taking numerous steps to support this guiding principle. Deploying over ₹400 million over the past year to reduce its carbon footprint through energy-efficient equipment, The Leela is shifting towards renewable energy procurement aiming to be net zero by 2030.
The Leela has also integrated smart technology to avoid wasting resources such as food, electricity, and water consumption. Their latest initiative, Phool, employs women from marginalised communities in India, who reuse petals from the hotel’s floral arrangements and hand roll them into incense sticks and cones. The project will upcycle more than 10 tonnes of flower waste each year.
A Caribbean Gem Powered by the Sun in Panama: Camaroncito EcoResort
Camaroncito EcoResort, located on the Caribbean coast of Panama, is dedicated to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The resort operates entirely on solar power and utilizes an onsite water filtration system to ensure minimal impact on surroundings. Their permaculture farm provides fresh produce, and they maintain free-range chickens for eggs, promoting a self-sustaining ecosystem. The nearby fishing village provides fresh seafood and opportunities to interact with the local Colonese rural Panamanian culture and music. They also prioritize composting and recycling to further reduce their carbon footprint. From yoga and hammocks to bonfires and salsa classes in the moonlight, Camaroncito is the perfect getaway.
