More and more travelers are looking beyond the most affordable and comfortable way to travel; they are considering how their choices might affect the destinations they wish to explore. As travel priorities shift, it has become vital for travelers to engage in sustainable practices and contribute positively to the environments they visit.
Jewel at Changi, Singapore, is an Indoor Oasis
First came Gardens by the Bay with its solar-harvesting Supertrees. In 2019, Singapore enhanced its urban garden scene with an airport terminal you’ll never want to leave. Harnessing cutting-edge sustainable technology, Jewel at Changi serves as a green oasis, featuring a hedge maze, a canopy bridge, and the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.
New York’s Climate Museum Inspires Action on the Climate Crisis
New York City’s Climate Museum has garnered attention for over 200 innovative public exhibitions and events hosted since 2017. Programs include youth spoken-word initiatives focused on themes of climate change and public art installations that raise awareness about environmental issues.
Cape Town’s Table Mountain Cableway Has Been Carbon-Neutral Since 2016
Hiking Table Mountain is a quintessential Cape Town experience. However, those who prefer to ride the cable car can indulge guilt-free, as the cableway has operated carbon-neutrally since 2016, implementing responsible tourism practices focused on water management and waste reduction.
Copenhill: Copenhagen’s Ski Slope on Top of a Power Plant
Urban ski slopes typically generate emissions from indoor operations. However, Copenhill is different. Opened in 2019, this artificial ski slope is situated atop Amager Bakke, a waste-to-energy power plant central to Copenhagen’s pursuit of becoming the world’s first carbon-neutral city. The complex also features the world’s highest climbing wall and a vibrant après-ski bar.
Byron Bay, Australia: The World’s First Solar-Powered Train
Connecting the heart of surf town Byron Bay to a lively arts estate, the world’s first solar-powered train made its maiden journey along a scenic 1.9-mile (3 km) stretch of reclaimed railway in 2017. Instead of ticket machines, a conductor collects fares on the beautifully refurbished heritage train, adding a unique charm to the experience.
Sustainability Central at Azurmendi Restaurant Near Bilbao, Spain
Proving that haute cuisine can be sustainable, Azurmendi, a three-Michelin-star restaurant near Bilbao, has twice received the sustainable restaurant award from the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. The hilltop atrium building utilizes solar and geothermal energy, and guests can explore the on-site greenhouses and vegetable gardens, which supply the restaurant’s inventive menus.
England’s Eden Project Recreates Major Climate Systems
Occupying a former china clay pit, the Eden Project is an education charity and visitor center in Cornwall, England. It features vast biomes housing exhibitions, gardens, and the largest indoor rainforest in the world. Furthermore, it boasts the UK’s longest and fastest zip line, along with a play tower designed to introduce children to the concept of pollination.
Ocean Atlas in the Bahamas: An Artwork and Artificial Reef
British sculptor and environmental activist Jason deCaires Taylor has gained fame for his remarkable underwater sculptures that serve as artificial reefs. Ocean Atlas, depicting a young girl supporting the ceiling of the water, is a 60-plus-ton sculpture located in Nassau, intended to symbolize the environmental burdens future generations will face.
A Former Nuclear Reactor Transformed into an Amusement Park at Wunderland Kalkar, Germany
In the wake of the Chernobyl disaster, German authorities opted not to operationalize a new multi-billion-euro nuclear reactor near the Dutch border. Instead, in the 1990s, it was repurposed into Wunderland Kalkar, an amusement park which includes a swing ride located inside the reactor’s cooling tower, making for a unique attraction.
Vena Cava Winery in Mexico: Constructed from Recycled Materials
Vena Cava boasts the title of the hippest winery in Mexico, and upon visiting this all-organic Baja winery—made from reclaimed fishing boats and other recycled materials—it’s easy to see why. The winery’s cellar door is open for tastings every day of the week, showcasing its commitment to sustainable practices.
Minimize Your Impact When Bird-Watching from Tij Observatory, Netherlands
Tij Observatory, shaped like a tern’s egg, serves as a stunning public birdwatching facility in Scheelhoek Nature Reserve, designed to have minimal impact on the surrounding environment. Built with sustainable wood and adorned with thatched reeds, this observatory is accessed through a tunnel constructed from recycled materials, ensuring minimal disruption to local wildlife.
Jubileumsparken: A Major Park Project in Gothenburg, Sweden
The city of Lund may soon introduce a bicycle-powered museum, but there’s already a remarkable eco-friendly attraction in Gothenburg. Jubileumsparken represents the redevelopment of a port area into a sustainable leisure hub, responding to residents’ calls for enhanced river access and green spaces. The park features baths and saunas, with plans for children’s play areas, and has been recognized multiple times as a sustainable destination.
