These 10 eco-friendly travel experiences offer both thrill and fulfillment

Sustainable travel goes beyond just being a trendy concept.

Choosing trips that aim to reduce environmental harm while uplifting local communities makes for a more meaningful vacation, creating unforgettable moments while benefiting our planet.

Keeping this often-overlooked principle in mind, here are 10 global adventures that any sustainability enthusiast will appreciate.

1. Discover sustainable living practices in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is renowned for its eco-resorts, with Rancho Margot standing out as a model of low-impact living. Serving as an ideal starting point for exploring the hiking trails, natural hot springs, and beautiful lake at nearby Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal, this green, off-grid haven also acts as a sustainability education center. Guests can choose to tour its self-sufficient practices, from organic farming to renewable energy solutions, or enroll in a week-long immersion program to learn about sustainability methods to adopt at home. All stays include twice-daily yoga sessions and farm-to-table meals sourced from the ranch's own garden. For those willing to commit to four weeks, volunteering opportunities are also available.

2. Experience a sustainable whale-watching tour in New Zealand

The Māori-owned and operated Whale Watch Kaikoura supports the Indigenous Ngai Tahu community, located in Kaikoura on New Zealand's South Island. Their boats run year-round, with seasonal sightings of gentle giants like sperm whales, humpbacks, blue whales, and orcas. The boats maintain a respectful distance from these magnificent creatures, and onboard commentary highlights conservation efforts and cultural insights. Kaikoura is situated roughly between Picton and Christchurch; you can take the local bus along State Hwy 1 for about two hours.

3. Relax at an eco-lodge in the Amazon Basin, Bolivia

Nestled deep in the Amazon rainforest of Bolivia, Chalalán Ecolodge features a series of cabins within an area that boasts 11% of the world's biodiversity. This eco-lodge is fully managed by the Quechua-Tacano Indigenous community, with a portion of the profits dedicated to community health and education. The lodge is surrounded by 14 well-marked nature trails, and most guests spend their mornings exploring the jungle, followed by leisurely afternoons in hammocks. The ideal time to visit is during the dry season, from May to October. To reach it, travel 30km (19 miles) west from Rurrenabaque to Madidi National Park.

4. Help protect Europe's brown bears in Romania

With the largest population of brown bears in Europe, Romania is home to the continent's most extensive sanctuary for these magnificent creatures. Libearty Bear Sanctuary, located near Zărnesţi in Transylvania, provides a safe haven for bears rescued from inhumane captivity, allowing visitors to see these majestic animals in a naturalistic setting. Guides lead tours through the 69-hectare (170-acre) oak forest that houses over 100 bears. For those wishing to engage more deeply, Responsible Travel offers a week-long volunteer program at the sanctuary.

5. Immerse yourself with locals in Bhutan

The Himalayan nation of Bhutan is renowned for evaluating its prosperity through the lens of Gross National Happiness, fostering a strong dedication to preserving traditional culture and environmental stewardship. As a result, visiting this remote country requires some effort and resources. Traveling with a government-approved operator is essential and typically includes trips to historic temples and treks through yak pastures in the majestic Himalayas. To engage more profoundly with the local culture, consider an operator that offers homestay experiences, like the Bhutan Homestay program, which uses tourism revenue to mitigate losses to crops and livestock from wildlife in the parks.

6. Follow Africa's first peoples in Namibia

Visitors to Tsumkwe Country Lodge in northeastern Namibia can join the San people, the original inhabitants of southern Africa, in their everyday activities. Having thrived in the Kalahari Desert for over 40,000 years, the San offer valuable insights into wilderness living. A morning adventure might involve tasting desert delicacies like berries and tubers or observing a traditional antelope hunt. You can book directly with the lodge or join a longer tour through a responsible operator such as Expert Africa, which collaborates closely with the community to provide tailored itineraries for travelers.

7. Experience a deep connection with the land's traditional owners in Tasmania, Australia

Renowned for its vibrant, lichen-covered granite cliffs, pristine white beaches, and stunning turquoise waters, northeastern Tasmania's Bay of Fires is a breathtaking destination. With the introduction of the Wukalina Walk, you can explore over 10,000 years of Aboriginal history and culture narrated by a Palawa (Tasmanian Aboriginal) guide.

This remarkable journey marks the first opportunity for the Palawa people to share their story on their ancestral land. Over three days and four nights, you'll explore the stunning Larapuna (Bay of Fires) and Wukalina (Mt William) regions, gaining a deeper insight into Palawa culture and community history. Set against the backdrop of the rugged coastline, the 34 km (21-mile) trek includes two nights in comfortable, custom-designed domed huts and one night at the keeper's cottage at Eddystone Point Lighthouse.

8. Camp in a rhino sanctuary in Kenya

Spanning from Mt Kenya to the edge of the Great Rift Valley, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is East Africa's largest sanctuary for black rhinos. Offering camping options, it's one of the most affordable ways to experience a safari in the area. By choosing to stay here, whether for a night or just a day visit, you help support one of Africa's most effective community-led conservation initiatives. With activities ranging from traditional game drives to eco-friendly adventures like walking and horseback safaris, you'll have plenty of chances to see the Big Five while learning about Ol Pejeta's conservation efforts.

9. Learn coral planting techniques in Fiji

What better way to appreciate Fiji's stunning coral reefs than by actively participating in their protection? Many resorts in this Pacific island paradise now offer coral gardening as a guest activity. Also referred to as coral aquaculture, this process involves nurturing young corals in a secure nursery until they mature. Once ready, they are then 'planted' back into their natural habitat, often on artificial reefs. You can engage in this sustainable underwater practice at resorts such as Castaway Island Fiji, Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort on Vanua Levu, and Makaira Resort on Taveuni Island.

10. Volunteer with the National Parks Service in the USA

Drift off to the sounds of wolves howling and share your surroundings with bears in one of the many national parks across the USA. Volunteer opportunities range from leading tours to conducting scientific research, providing immersive ways to experience nature. Volunteers are expected to commit at least 32 hours, with reimbursement for expenses varying by local organization.