How to Spot Sustainable Destinations: 6 Simple Tips
Finding sustainable destinations as a traveller isn’t always easy. Research can feel overwhelming, so I’ve included examples and sources that are easy to find and help you clearly visualise the destinations themselves.
Before we dive in, just a note: this isn’t an exhaustive list of what makes a place ‘sustainable,’ but it highlights some key things to look out for — with links to websites that showcase these destinations and locations
Also, let’s remember that sustainability is a journey — one that’s rooted in learning, adapting and staying committed. It’s not about perfection, especially when you consider the complex realities that exist globally. We’re all at different points in that journey and that’s completely okay - all within our means.
For destinations, sustainability comes down to three interconnected pillars: people, the planet and the local economy.
It’s not a one-size-fits-all. What sustainability looks like in Iceland won’t be the same as in Italy, Costa Rica or Singapore. As travellers our choices really do matter — we’re part of the picture too.
Here are six ways to spot (and better understand) which destinations are sustainable – or at least on that journey.
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1. Accredited Certifications
Let’s first look at the GSTC: The Global Standards for Sustainable Travel and Tourism. They are the benchmark to helping us identify sustainable destinations and they establish and manage global standards for sustainable travel and tourism, known as the GSTC Standards.
By focusing on destination management, socio-economic, cultural and environmental impact, the GSTC offers a well-rounded framework for responsible tourism.
The interactive map below features destinations which have been certified as sustainable tourist destinations by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body.
Let’s note that the GSTC recognise and understand that “sustainability” is a journey and that work to implement the GSTC Criteria is never complete – and this doesn’t mean this is only it. However, it’s a good base to start from and the following locations are certainly worthy of travellers’ support!
On their website, they have an interactive Google map which identifies certified destinations! The GSTC accredits the following 3 certified bodies:
1. EarthCheck
3. Vireo Srl
Then there’s the GDS-Movement — it grew out of the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index), one of the most trusted tools out there for helping destinations improve their sustainability performance. It measures and benchmarks how well cities and tourism bodies are doing when it comes to embedding sustainability into their strategy, operations and wider supply chains.
Originally created by 15 Scandinavian cities, it was co-founded in 2016 by organisations like ICCA, CityDNA, IMEX Group and MCI. It’s now a brilliant resource - not just for cities and event organisers, but also for travellers looking to better understand how seriously a destination is taking sustainability.
They’ve spotlighted the Top 40 Cities globally making serious moves towards regeneration. These destinations aren’t just talking the talk - they’re actively embedding sustainability into how their cities function, with real impact for both locals and travellers.
Click here, to view the 40 Cities.
GSTC Vs GDS?
While the GSTC sets the global standards for sustainable tourism, the GDS-Movement helps cities improve and track their sustainability efforts over time. Both offer valuable insight - but they serve different purposes:
GSTC = sets the criteria and accredits certification bodies for destinations, hotels and tour operators.
GDS-Movement = focuses on urban destinations, offering benchmarking and guidance to help cities become more sustainable and regenerative.
I'm including both because they provide two sides:
→ GSTC shows which destinations have been certified
→ The GDS-Movement highlights cities making significant progress in sustainability, whether they’re certified or working towards it
2. Low Impact Transportation
If you’re able to get around easily — and enjoyably — that’s a great sign. Destinations that are able to prioritise low-impact transport put accessibility, cleaner air and a better quality of life at the forefront – for both locals and travellers.
Look for places where there are varied transport options: dedicated bike lanes, car-free zones, walkable neighbourhoods and efficient buses and trains.
Some questions to consider:
Are there national or regional bus routes that make exploring easier?
Can you take train journeys between towns?
Are there shuttle services to key sites or locations?
A few standout examples:
✨ Amsterdam, Netherlands – Often dubbed the cycling capital of the world, it boasts over 500km of bike lanes, with around 40% of all commutes made by bike.
✨ Copenhagen, Denmark – Known for its pioneering bike-sharing schemes, more bikes than people, and climate-resilient design. Over 60% of residents commute by bike year-round — even in winter!
✨ Ljubljana, Slovenia – One of Europe’s greenest capitals. Its entire centre is pedestrianised, and free electric Kavalir shuttles are offered for those who need a lift. Quiet, clean and people-first, it’s won multiple awards for sustainable mobility.
✨ Hong Kong SAR - An impressive 98% of locals say they’re happy with Hong Kong’s public transport – from the 10-line MTR that stretches across the city to the border, to the air-conditioned buses, minibuses and iconic double-decker trams. Singapore and Taipei are also great examples of cities in the region with efficient, well-loved public transport systems.
🌍 Helpful transport platforms by region:
Europe
– Eurail / Interrail : Flexible train passes across Europe
– Trainline : Trains and buses across Europe
– FlixBus : Coach travel across major cities
– National Express (UK) : Intercity bus travel
– Megabus : Coach travel in the UK and mainland Europe
North America
– Greyhound : Intercity bus routes across the US, Canada and Mexico
– Megabus : Affordable city-to-city bus travel
– Amtrak : Long-distance and regional trains in the US
- VIA Rail: National train service in Canada
Central America and South America
– Interbus, Ticabus, Trasnica, Transporte del Sol : Popular Central American bus lines
– Metro de Panamá : The region’s first metro system
– Horizon Guides – Free PDF for bus travel in South America
– Busbud – Easy comparison and booking of bus and train tickets globally
Asia
– 12Go Asia - Book trains, buses, ferries across Southeast Asia
– FlixBus Global - Expanding coach service across parts of Asia
- Easybook : Bus and ferry bookings
3. Celebrating and Preserving Culture & Heritage
Culture is the heart of a place. Cultural tourism can support local livelihoods, keep traditions alive and bring genuine value to communities. However, if not managed properly, it can drive up living costs, making it unaffordable for locals and diminish the identities, traditions and legacies that make a place with history and unique.
So what should we be looking for as travellers?
Destinations doing this well are:
– Protecting cultural sites and spaces
– Supporting local artisans and craftspeople
– Involving communities in how culture is shared
– Putting long-term policies in place to preserve identity
UNESCO’s Cultural Tourism Policy Guidelines offer a solid framework and there are also things we can all notice.
🧵 A few helpful questions to ask:
– Are cultural experiences led by locals?
– Are crafts and products made locally?
– Are neighbourhoods still lived in — or just designed for visitors?
– Are traditions being celebrated?
Companies like Intrepid Travel and Responsible Travel already build trips with this in mind — led by community voices and focused on heritage.
Example Destinations:
Luang Prabang, Laos
UNESCO-listed and still deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions, the city has protected its temples, morning alms rituals, and traditional wooden homes through zoning laws and local involvement in tourism.
Medellín, Colombia
Once known for conflict, Medellín has become a model for urban transformation by investing in public art, libraries and cable cars connecting underserved communities. Local-led tours now showcase neighbourhood stories with pride and honesty
Lake Atitlán, Guatemala has locally-led weaving co-ops where travellers can learn directly from Mayan women artisans, with income going straight back to the community.
Tartu, Estonia
Europe’s 2024 Capital of Culture, Tartu has embraced its literary and student roots while promoting cultural regeneration through grassroots arts spaces, sustainable tourism, and heritage conservation.
Graz, Austria
A UNESCO City of Design and one of Europe’s most walkable cities. Graz supports local creatives, protects historic architecture, and nurtures food culture that celebrates Styrian identity and traditions.
4. Is there Real Investment in Nature and Wildlife
Nature and wildlife are incredibly valuable, contributing over US$125 trillion each year through everything from farming to tourism. When we take them for granted and overexploit them, we risk creating long-term costs that far outweigh any short-term gains. Ultimately, to sustain our own lives and Life on Earth - we must prioritise the preservation of nature and wildlife.
Ever wondered who’s actually doing the best job at protecting nature?
According to the latest Nature Conservation Index — Luxembourg’s topping the list. Yes! The tiny country is making some serious progress, with protected areas across the country acting as safe havens for plants, wildlife and entire ecosystems.
The Nature Conservation Index is one of the most thorough tools out there, looking at how well countries are preserving biodiversity. It pulls data from 25 indicators – including conservation laws, protected land, and species at risk – to get a full picture of what’s really happening on the ground.
To build the 2024 Index, researchers used trusted data from sources like the IUCN, the World Bank, and Yale’s Environmental Performance Index — also factoring in how well countries are following global conservation agreements like the CBD and CITES.
The top 10?
Luxembourg
Estonia
Denmark
Finland
United Kingdom
Zimbabwe
Australia
Switzerland
Romania
Costa Rica
5. What's Powering the Country?
The Electricity Map shows live CO₂ emissions from electricity use around the world. It’s a great way to spot which countries are actually walking the walk when it comes to clean energy.
If most of a country’s electricity comes from renewables, it’s usually a good sign they’ve got long-term thinking, solid infrastructure and a greener path ahead.
A few countries doing it really well:
Iceland – 100% geothermal and hydro.
Bhutan – Actually carbon-negative. Its forests and hydropower absorb more carbon than the country produces. Unreal.
🚨 What about nuclear?
It’s often grouped with low-carbon energy sources because it doesn’t emit CO₂ when producing electricity. But it’s still very controversial — not renewable, it’s dangerous, unsafe and the waste stays radioactive for thousands of years. Therefore, make sure to look at countries that are using renewables.
6. How are they tackling mass tourism?
Mass tourism can put a serious strain on a destination—overcrowded streets, environmental damage, and locals being pushed out of their own communities. It's an issue many places are working to address and here's how:
Visitor caps and daily limits – If a destination you know is suffering from overtourism or implementing fees or restrictions like Venice, consider visiting during the off-season. You could also look for alternative destinations that offer similar experiences but with fewer crowds. Is it worth battling overwhelming tourist numbers when you could explore somewhere quieter?
Sustainable tourism initiatives – Many destinations are investing in infrastructure that helps distribute tourism more evenly and promote sustainable travel:
Costa Rica has pioneered eco-tourism with its world-renowned certification system for sustainable businesses. Many national parks and reserves work closely with local communities, encouraging tourists to use local transport, stay in eco-lodges and participate in conservation activities.
The Galápagos Islands enforce strict regulations to prevent over-exploitation. The local government limits visitor numbers, closely monitors wildlife interactions, and enforces a “Leave No Trace” policy to preserve the unique biodiversity. Tourists must pay an entrance fee, and their activities are carefully monitored to ensure minimal environmental impact.
How to know if a destination is suffering from over tourism?
If a place feels overcrowded, with long queues, rising prices,and visible environmental damage like eroded landscapes or pollution, it’s likely dealing with overtourism. Locals may voice concerns about displacement and restrictions like visitor caps or entrance fees may be put in place.
How to avoid contributing to overtourism – Take a more responsible approach by travelling during off-peak times or seeking alternative destinations. For example, rather than enduring the crowds in Barcelona, explore Spain’s villages or mountains for a more authentic experience with less strain on the environment and local communities.
Also, ensure your travel supports local economies and conservation efforts. Opt for locally owned accommodations, eat at family-run restaurants, and book tours with local guides. This helps sustain the communities and the environment for the long term.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there’s no simple answer when it comes to defining a “sustainable destination,” but there are definitely key things to look out for. These are just a few ways to spot them.
At the end of the day, sustainable travel is all about being mindful of how and where you travel. Look for destinations that genuinely protect their environment, support local communities and respect their cultural heritage.
And remember — how you travel is just as important as where you go. If in doubt, try visiting off-season or exploring quieter or less travelled areas to help reduce your impact.