5 Ecotourism Destinations to Visit in 2026

While travelling is fun, air travel contributes to global carbon emissions. This transportation method accounted for 2.5% of CO2 emissions in 2023. Meanwhile, energy intensity improvements have yet to counterbalance demand.

Simultaneously, mass tourism often contributes to poor waste management. For example, Mount Everest experiences numerous forms of pollution, from solid waste to human excrement. What once was a natural wonder is now a tourist destination closely resembling a dump. 

Your vacation destination can dictate your environmental impact. How you get there accounts for the largest share of your trip’s emissions, and choosing ecologically fragile environments as a destination can put pressure on local habitats. Where you stay can also make an impact, as upscale accommodations often use significant energy and resources.