Many couples are thinking about a sustainable honeymoon, as sustainability is at the forefront of our minds. Incorporating conscious decisions in wedding and honeymoon planning is on the rise. We’ve written about how to make your honeymoon sustainable no matter where you’re travelling to. We can all make better choices. Want to go a step further, then get a little off the beaten track while protecting our planet in our favourite destinations for an eco-friendly sustainable honeymoon.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is usually at the top of any eco-friendly sustainable honeymoon destination list. The UN Environmental Agency awarded this wonderful adventure honeymoon destination ‘Champion of the Earth’ in 2019. Not only is it on track to decarbonise its economy by 2050, but most of its energy is renewable.
Costa Ricans work hard on reversing and preventing deforestation with over 50% of the land covered in forest with a quarter designated national park. We love this tour from G Adventures. It has one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on earth. Costa Rica is a paradise of lush rainforests, rolling hills, pristine beaches, and active volcanoes. Honeymooners can expect beautiful Pacific & Caribbean beaches and roaring rivers with an endless array of adventure activities, from ziplining through the jungle canopy to swimming with dolphins or even whale watching.
Costa Rica is one of our favourite destinations for a sustainable honeymoon.
Slovenia
Slovenia is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets! In 2018, it National Geographic named Slovenia as the world’s most sustainable country. A staggering 60% of this Eastern European country, between Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia, is covered in forest!
The small but vibrant capital, Ljubljana, was voted the greenest in Europe. This makes it a superb choice for a sustainable honeymoon in Europe. Hike, bike, kayak and go rafting and glamping in the breathtaking Slovene Alpine / Julian Alps region. Visit Lake Bled – this is an outdoor paradise. Although Slovenia has one of the world’s shortest coastlines, you can dip your feet in the Adriatic or combine with Croatia for some incredible island-hopping options.
With its stunning natural beauty, plentiful eco-friendly activities, delicious local cuisine, and affordable prices compared to other European honeymoon destinations, Slovenia is an ideal destination for couples who want to have an unforgettable yet sustainable honeymoon experience.
Galápagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands are one of the most precious parts of the world and we know they’re on many honeymoon adventure travel bucket list. This remote diverse archipelago is all about the sustainability and conservation. Thankfully, the Ecuadorean government takes it seriously. Tour operators must operate within the Galápagos National Park rules. Many hotels have excellent sustainability practises like solar energy and composting waste.
Tourist dollars help conservation efforts and we recommend booking with an authentic ethical company like G Adventures or Intrepid Travel who work closely with locals to make sure your visit has a positive impact on the community.
From dolphins and whales to iguanas, penguins, and many more unique species of animals and birds — the Galápagos Islands are a wildlife lovers’ dream. Discover the iconic giant tortoises and diverse marine life and flora and fauna. We can’t think of a more memorable, sustainable honeymoon destination than the wondrous Galápagos Islands.
Botswana
We adore Botswana for a safari honeymoon with a difference. One of Africa’s most beautiful and untouched countries, 40% of the land is protected. There is an emphasis on and commitment to preventing overtourism. Botswana was one of the first countries to introduce an Ecotourism Certification System.
Botswana is committed to conservation and sustainability, meaning that all businesses operate regarding their surrounding environment. Many lodges are built with natural materials and are powered by solar energy. Some have dispensed with plastic bottles and filter drinking water onsite. Botswana is home to the world’s most dense elephant population. Explore the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park for an adventure of a lifetime. Botswana is a real African highlight.
Bhutan
Much is written about how Bhutan’s Gross Domestic Happiness. Based on the 4 pillars of sustainable socio-economic development, environmental conservation, promotion of culture and good governance. This Himalayan kingdom, between India and China, is also carbon negative.
Tourism is regulated, meaning that visitors must organise their honeymoon through an official partner like G Adventures or Six Senses. This means you have local guides when you visit — supporting local communities who rely on tourism as a source of income. Expect incredible scenery with snow-capped mountains, lush valleys and charming villages, serene and fascinating Buddhist culture, historical wonders and one of the most welcoming destinations on earth.
Have you considered a sustainable destination for your honeymoon? Let us know in the comments!
