Here are 7 low-key spots where you can give back to the environment while avoiding the crowds.
Colorful wildlife in Uvita, Costa Rica. Geoff Baker. CC By-NC-SA 2.0.
1. Uvita vs. Puerto Viejo
Costa Rica
As opposed to Puerto Viejo, one of Costa Rica’s most-visited beach destinations, Uvita is a serene getaway nestled amongst the Costa Rican jungle. The town is filled with eco-lodges that are fueled by renewable energy sources and sustainable water systems. Uvita is also home to Marino Ballena National Park, which is a marine sanctuary that allows visitors to donate directly to its conservation initiatives by reinvesting entrance fees. This way, tourists can view the park’s coral reefs and humpback whale migrations while contributing to the longevity of the region.
Historic canals in Treviso, Italy. Kelvin Flores. CC By 2.0
2. Treviso vs. Venice
Italy
If you’re looking for a less-crowded and more sustainable alternative to Venice, the nearby town of Treviso provides an excellent alternative. Like Venice, Treviso is marked by its network of canals and charming medieval architecture. However, Treviso has implemented solar-powered gondolas as opposed to the traditionally fuel-powered vehicles. Treviso has implemented several other initiatives focused on sustainability, earning the city the European Green Leaf Award in 2023.
Tourists cycling on Isla Holbox, Mexico. Bruno Rijsman. CC By-SA 2.0.
3. Isla Holbox vs. Cancun
Mexico
Located on the northern end of the Yucatan Peninsula, Isla Holbox has established itself as a quieter, more environmentally friendly alternative to the bustling tourist center of Cancun. Isla Holbox is home to the same crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches but without the overwhelming crowds and touristy gimmicks. The island can be accessed via ferry from Chiquila and is car-free, encouraging visitors and residents to walk and bike. Isla Holbox is a protected bird sanctuary and is known for its opportunities to swim with whale sharks in the summer months, although strict wildlife protections and sustainability regulations remain in place to preserve the environment.
Sunset over the beach in Amed, Bali. Michael Dolevick. CC By-NC-ND 2.0.
4. Amed vs. Canggu
Bali
An alternative to the busy surf town of Canggu, Amed is a quieter fishing village on the northeast side of Bali that better suits visitors looking to avoid crowds and engage in sustainable travel practices. The town is home to the Amed Dive Center, which focuses on keeping the local waters clean and regenerating lost coral in the area while providing dive and snorkel opportunities for visitors. Amed also houses a small eco-resort called Blue Earth Village, which relies on renewable energy and promotes environmentally friendly hospitality practices.
Waterfall in Faroe Islands, Denmark. Tomas Malik. CC0.
5. Faroe Islands, Denmark vs. Iceland
Located between Iceland and Norway, the Faroe Islands are a less-crowded northern island destination with a major focus on sustainable tourism and engagement. There are strict guidelines for hiking access and nightly “sustainability fees” for visitors, which are used to fund hiking paths, protected spaces and conditions for tourists. The islands are also periodically closed to all visitors except “voluntourists,” who are provided with food and accommodation in exchange for assistance with maintenance projects related to local and environmental upkeep.
Canals in Ghent, Belgium. Magda Ehlers. CC0.
6. Ghent, Belgium vs. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Ghent is a smaller city in northern Belgium and is a quieter alternative to the tourist-crowded streets of Amsterdam and Brussels. Marked by canals, beautiful architecture, Flemish charm and sustainable travel initiatives, Ghent is a proud destination for the eco-conscious traveler. Ghent has been known as the vegetarian capital of Europe since 2009 and the “largest low-traffic pedestrian zone” in Europe since 2017. The city is also home to numerous low-impact lodgings, eateries and shopping, making it a haven for quiet, sustainable tourism.
Hiking path in the Azores, Portugal. Daniel Antunes. CC By-NC-ND 2.0.
7. The Azores, Portugal vs. Canary Islands, Spain
As opposed to the more frequently visited Spanish Canary Islands, the Azores feature similar volcanic sights and pristine blue waters, with the added title of the first island destination in the world to be certified as a sustainable destination by the Global Council for Sustainable Tourism. The Azores prioritize the preservation of wildlife and natural spaces while allowing visitors to still experience the natural wonders of the land. The islands also focus on renewable energy, drawing power from wind farms, hydroelectric power and geothermal energy.
Zoe Lodge
Zoe is a student at the University of California, Berkeley, where she is studying English and Politics, Philosophy, & Law. She combines her passion for writing with her love for travel, interest in combatting climate change, and concern for social justice issues.