As international travel begins to pick up again, so too have concerns over global warming – making holiday planning all the more stressful.
But sustainable travel means more than recycling and leaving nothing but footprints. With a growing eco-consciousness, Aussies are starting to shift their priorities when planning their next big getaway.
More people are seeking authentic cultural experiences that gives back into local communities, while avoiding over-visited destinations and traveling outside of peak season to steer clear of dreaded crowds.
Booking.com found that sustainable travel is important to 73 per cent of global travelers, while 43 per cent say that recent news about climate change has influenced them to make more sustainable travel choices.
After a two-year hiatus from international travel due to the pandemic, Aussies are dying to get back overseas. But travelling sustainably doesn’t mean your next holiday can’t be one to remember.
Keep scrolling to see the most sustainable places to travel in 2022.
Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, Wilson Island has 100 per cent solar and battery power.
(Image: Booking.com)Wilson Island, Australia
Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, Wilson Island has all you could want out of a quintessential tropical holiday.
This adult-only island is the perfect place to disconnect and relax – and with no phone reception, you can completely indulge in activities like snorkelling, nature walks, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.
Wilson Island is committed to maintaining a sustainable existence, with 100 per cent solar and battery power and a ban on single use plastic on the island.
Bundox Safari Lodge in Hoedspruit gives you the true African experience.
(Image: Booking.com)Hoedspruit, South Africa
The stylish bush camp Bundox Safari Lodge, situated on a small nature reserve near the Kruger National Park, offers safari tents and thatched chalets.
Surrounded by lush greenery, the lodge features an outdoor pool to cool off in and a viewing deck to admire the picturesque surroundings.
This Travel Sustainable stay invests a percentage of revenue back into community and sustainability projects support the conservation of the area.
More and more hotels in the Swedish capital of Stockholm are becoming sustainability accredited.
(Image: Getty)Stockholm, Sweden
These days, more and more hotels in the Swedish capital of Stockholm are becoming sustainability accredited.
This includes the Downtown Camper by Scandic which, having earned the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, has qualified the hotel to be recognized as part of Booking.com’s Travel Sustainable program.
For those looking for a more mindful stay, the hotel uses 100 per cent renewable energy as well as energy-saving LED lighting.
It’s also just a short walk away from Stockholm Central Station and offers bike rentals for guests to explore the city more sustainably, just like a local.
This Moroccan property organises tours and activities hosted by local guides and businesses
(Image: Booking.com)Merzouga, Morocco
Ali & Sara’s Desert Palace camp is located just outside Merzouga in the Erg Chebbi dunes. The vibrantly colourful tents are traditionally decorated with local handcrafted items for an authentic feel and reflection of the local culture.
As a Travel Sustainable stay, this property organises tours and activities hosted by local guides and businesses, and provides a space for local artists to perform and entertain guests.
La Banca House in the Philippines is the perfect tropical getaway.
(Image: Getty)Boracay, Philippines
Located right on Boracay’s famous White Beach, La Banca House is surrounded by palm trees and just steps from the island’s iconic turquoise waters.
Doing its part to help protect the destination’s future, the sustainable resort offsets a portion of its carbon footprint, aims to reduce food waste and bans single-use plastics on site.
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