9 of the most beautiful sustainable destinations around the world
As the travel industry reopens following COVID-19 shutdowns, TPG suggests that you talk to your doctor, follow health officials' guidance and research local travel restrictions before booking that next trip. We will be here to help you prepare, whether it is next month or next year.
When daydreaming about or planning your next dream trip, the options are endless. The world is filled with so many beautiful destinations that it may be difficult to decide where to start -- especially after a few months at home.
But some of the most world's most pristine destinations have stayed that way because they've introduced sustainable measures -- things like banning reef-toxic sunscreens, using renewable energy or limiting tourism. So consider adding one of these stunning eco-friendly spots to your bucket list -- and for now -- enjoy some travel inspiration from the comfort of home.
1. El Hierro, Canary Islands, Spain
It doesn't take much to convince us to take a vacation in the Canary Islands. But El Hierro, the archipelago's smallest island, is often overlooked in lieu of Tenerife's party atmosphere or Gran Canaria's all-inclusive hotels. The island, scattered with volcanoes, hiking trails and black sand beaches is almost entirely run using renewable energy (wind and hydro). Regulations limit construction to two floors, ensuring nothing will block that perfect sea view from your hotel, and both the land and waters of the island are classified as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
Related: 15 of the best beaches in Spain
2. Hawaii
With an uptick in sustainable tourism agencies creating responsible itineraries that include things like kayak trips with beach cleanups, plus a state goal of moving to 70% clean energy by 2030, Hawaii is a destination on the forefront of sustainability. In order to protect its waters and reefs, a bill was signed in 2018 to ban reef-toxic sunscreen (containing oxybenzone and octinoxate) taking effect January 1, 2021.
3. Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
This tropical paradise charges tourists a preservation fee to enter and limits the number of visitors that can enter per day, ensuring the island maintains its rugged, wild beauty. The preservation fees benefit projects like promoting the island's solar energy and providing information on mandatory recycling programs, electric car rentals and more. Similar to Hawaii, Fernando de Noronha has a plan to reduce emissions by 2030 and has banned single-use plastics.
Related: The best times to visit Brazil
4. Lisbon, Portugal
This Portuguese city is the winner of the 2020 Green Capital of Europe. With one of the world's largest electric vehicle charging networks, a widespread electric bike-sharing system (a must for conquering the city's hilly streets), ample public transport options and plenty of trees and various green spaces, Lisbon is one of Europe's most eco-friendly capitals for both visitors and locals alike. And, the city has made significant strides in reducing C02 emissions, energy and water consumption in the past several years.
5. The Maldives
Tourists will pay a green tax, which is charged per night and per person at most resorts in the Maldives. Proceeds go to things like renewable energy and reef conservation. Many resorts take their in-house reefs seriously (such as the W Maldives) with marine biologists on-site to advise how the local reefs can be enjoyed but still protected. Other resorts also have their own recycling plants or have banned single-use plastics such as the Conrad Maldives. Some Maldivian islands are home to rescue centers for marine animals like turtles.
6. Costa Rica
Costa Rica's emphasis on protecting its incredible natural landscapes and wildlife is recognized worldwide. Much of the country already uses renewable energy sources, and Costa Rica is hoping to eventually be carbon neutral. But the country's dedication to renewable resources and protecting wildlife isn't just at a national level. In even the smallest hotels and family-run restaurants, you'll encounter sustainable practices like bamboo straws, compost heaps, single-use plastic bans, solar panels or recycling initiatives.
7. Vancouver, Canada
Known as the most sustainable city in North America, Vancouver has one of the greenest building codes and some of the lowest levels of air pollution in Canada. With 93% of its energy coming from renewable sources, this urban hub has a "Greenest City" action plan which includes efforts to prioritize walking, cycling and public transport and eventually become carbon neutral.
Related: Here's how to become a better traveler
8. Palau
Palau is the first nation (made up of about 200 islands) where tourists must sign a pledge of eco-responsibility to enter the country. Drafted by the local children, the Palau Pledge includes a checklist of things that you, as a visitor, promise to either not to do, like collect marine souvenirs, feed marine life or litter or to do, like support small businesses and learn about local culture. Some locals, such as politicians, public figures and teachers have even signed the pledge in order to set a good example.
9. Bhutan
Bhutan's tourism has been tightly controlled since it opened its borders back in 1974. The country's motto is high-value, low-volume when it comes to tourism, charging visitors a high tourism tax each day they're in the country. The government measures the success of the country by its inhabitants' happiness, working on cultural and environmental preservation as well as social development. Those who visit can relax in knowing Bhutan is not only one of the happiest countries but also the world's only carbon-negative country.
Related: The best bucket-list points trips to far-flung destinations
Bottom line
Even if you can't visit these destinations just yet, you can admire them from home and add them to your bucket list for future travel. Remember, if you decide to eventually visit these spots, do so the most responsible way possible in order to keep these destinations idyllic.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.