These days, the effects of climate change are becoming apparent around the world leading to the need for sustainable living. However, some countries are actively protecting the environment and everything surrounding it. Let’s look at five eco-friendly destinations where your family vacation will have a minimum impact on the environment and culture while being a maximum amount of fun.

1. Volcán Tenorio and Río Celeste, Costa Rica

Costa Rica is known to be among the most eco-friendly destinations in the world. The country is actively reducing its carbon impact while protecting its amazing plant and animal species. When taking the family to this Central American country, the normal thing is to focus on the amazing and wildlife. However, it is also good to give back to the local Costa Rica communities.

One way to do this is to stay on a farm and learn about the local Tico culture.
The area surrounding Volcán Tenorio and Río Celeste has many options, where the kids can have fun taking care of the animals. On top of this, they can learn the traditional local farming methods which can be of benefit back home.

One good place to base the family is Bijagua, which is a small town, but a major leader in rural community tourism. Here, you can visit the Heliconias Rainforest Lodge, which offers a full range of tours and adventures from a secure jungle paradise.

2. Visit Eco-friendly Fiji

While Fiji offers the full resort experience, this archipelago in the South Pacific offers a cultural and natural experience too. Here, you can stay in a village homestay, where the kids can learn about the local culture, while your money will directly benefit the community. Families with older children can go a step further and volunteer to help in community projects and marine conservation.

However, if you do choose to stay in a resort in Fiji, pick one like Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort. Here, the kids can get involved in coral planting and learn about the teeming marine life in the islands. Meanwhile, the whole family can enjoy authentic local cuisine and culture, while exploring nature and the local environment.

3. Khao Sok National Park, Thailand

Heading to Thailand and staying in a national park like Khao Sok will reveal a different side of the country to your children. In the meanwhile, by doing so, you can minimalize your family’s impact on the beautiful environment.
A local guide can introduce the family to all of Thailand’s incredible flora and fauna, while you can make your base at a locally owned lodge. This will not only aid the local community but also reveal the wonders of nature to the whole family.

Among the available options here is the chance to spend a night in a raft house on Chiaw Lan Lake. While there is no electricity or cell reception, the whole family will love the eco-friendly activities available in the area. The kids can go rafting, swimming, cycling and hiking while taking in the wonders of their surroundings.

4. Tasmania, Australia

Australia’s island state of Tasmania is a perfect place for the whole family. Here, the locals are taking long-term sustainable efforts seriously in their approach to protecting the wilderness and wildlife conservation.

The family can explore the national parks, where family-friendly Discovery Ranger activities are available. All the activities in the program are free of charge and include bird watching, fun on the beach and so much more. You can read more about the program here.

Another eco-benefit is that all the produce here is locally sourced and absolutely delicious and healthy for the family.

5. Eco-friendly Ecuador

Heading to South America, Ecuador is also making great strides toward sustainable travel. Here, tour operators focus on preserving the indigenous way of life. Meanwhile, in iconic places like the Amazon rainforest and the Galápagos Islands great efforts are made to preserve the wildlife and plant life.

Meanwhile, the children can learn about the importance of evolution and why we need to live a more sustainable life. There is also plenty of fun to be had, like a socially responsible journey on the Tren Ecuador tourist train. Alternatively, the whole family can travel the famous Ruta de las Cascadas (Waterfalls Route) on bikes.

Take a more sustainable route on your family vacation in 2022. Not only will the whole family have a wonderful time, but you can also directly benefit the communities you visit.