The Top 5 UK Travel Countries for Going Green

Looking to travel a bit more sustainably this year? Check out our top 5 picks for the most eco-friendly travel destinations in the UK!

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Introduction

In recent years, more and more people are looking for eco-friendly travel options. Whether it’s to reduce their carbon footprint or to support sustainable tourism initiatives, there are a number of reasons why travelers are interested in going green.

If you’re looking for a green travel destination, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to research the country’s environmental policies and whether they align with your own values. Second, look for countries that have implemented sustainable tourism initiatives, such as responsible waste management practices and renewable energy initiatives. And finally, consider the natural beauty of the destination – after all, what’s more scenic than unspoiled nature?

With that in mind, here are the top 5 UK travel countries for going green:

1. Scotland
2. Wales
3. England
4. Northern Ireland
5. The Republic of Ireland

The Top 5 UK Travel Countries for Going Green

The United Kingdom is a great place to visit if you’re looking to get away from it all and explore the great outdoors. With so much green space, it’s no wonder that the UK is one of the top travel destinations for eco-conscious travelers. Here are the five best UK travel destinations for going green:

1. Devon – Devon is a beautiful county in southwest England that is home to stunning beaches, rolling hills, and picturesque villages. The area is also bustling with wildlife. You can spot seals basking on the rocks, dolphins playing in the surf, and even rare birds like the Dartford warbler in the heathlands. Devon is also home to a number of eco-friendly hotels and campsites.

2. Cornwall – Cornwall is another idyllic county in southwest England with plenty of green space to explore. The coastline here is especially beautiful, with towering cliffs, turquoise waters, and sandy beaches. Cornwall is also a great place for wildlife watching. You can see seals at Seal Island, dolphins off Land’s End, and seabirds nesting on cliffs along the coast. There are also numerous eco-friendly hotels and campsites in Cornwall.

3. The Lake District – The Lake District is a stunning national park in northwest England that is renowned for its unspoiled beauty. This popular tourist destination is home to 12 of the largest lakes in England as well as England’s highest mountain peak, Scafell Pike. The Lake District is also great for wildlife watching, with red deer often spotted in the national park and ospreys nesting near some of the lakes. There are several eco-friendly hotels located within the Lake District National Park boundaries as well as several campsites located just outside the park boundaries.

4. Northumberland – Northumberland is a sparsely populated county in northeast England that borders Scotland. This rural area is known for its wild beauty, with rolling hills, heather-covered moors, and pristine coastline. Northumberland is also home to a number of nature reserves where you can see rare bird species like the black Grouse or red Kite. There are several eco-friendly hotels and campsites located within Northumberland National Park boundaries as well as several campsites located just outside the park boundaries.

5 .The Peak District – The Peak District is a national park located in central England that covers parts of Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and Cheshire counties . This popular tourist destination is known for its picturesque villages, sprawling moorlands ,and dramatic limestone cliffs . It’s also home to a number of caves ,with Thor’s Cave being one of the most popular attractions .The Peak District National Park Authority runs several camping sites which are all located close to public transport links so you can easily explore this huge national park without having to drive .

Why these Countries?

The United Kingdom is fortunate to be located near some of the most beautiful and varied countries in the world. But with so many picturesque places to choose from, how do you know which ones are the best for eco-friendly travel? Here are five of the best, based on our criteria of natural beauty, sustainability initiatives, and eco-friendly infrastructure.

1. Norway
With its soaring fjords, pristine glaciers, and picturesque towns, Norway is unsurprisingly one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. What’s more, it’s also one of the most sustainable. In fact, Norway was recently ranked as the most sustainable country in the world by The 2020 Sustainable Development Goals Index. So whether you’re looking to hike through beautiful landscapes or camp under the stars, you can be sure that Norway is a great choice for an eco-friendly vacation.

2. Iceland
Like Norway, Iceland is a nature-lover’s paradise. But what sets it apart is its commitment to renewable energy. In fact, Iceland produces more renewable energy per person than any other country in the world – an impressive feat considering its population of just over 360,000 people. And with its growing number of geothermal pools and spas, as well as its stunningly-long summer days (the sun doesn’t set until late August), Iceland should definitely be on your list of countries to visit if you’re looking for an eco-friendly vacation.

3. Finland
Finland may not be as well-known as some of its Nordic neighbors, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have anything to offer visitors looking for an eco-friendly vacation window does.* On the contrary, Finland has some of the cleanest air in the world and was even ranked as the second most sustainable country in Europe by The 2020 Sustainable Development Goals Index (Norway took first place). So if you’re looking for a breath of fresh air – literally – Finland should definitely be at the top of your list. Note: *The summer months offer visitors up to 20 hours of sunlight per day – making it one of the longest summer days in Europe!

4. Scotland
If you’re looking for a country rich in culture and history, look no further than Scotland. From its majestic castles and rolling hillsides to its charming small towns and idyllic lochs (lakes), Scotland has something for everyone – including those looking for an eco-friendly vacation destination.* Indeed, with over 30% of its land protected from development, Scotland is one of the best places in Europe to experience untouched natural beauty.* And with a heavy focus on renewable energy (it plans to produce all its electricity from renewables by 2020), there’s no doubt that Scotland is serious about sustainability too. *Note: *Sustainable tourism is becoming increasingly important to Scots – In fact,according to VisitScotland , “62% [of Scots] believe that tourism businesses should operate in an environmentally sustainable way.”
/*5*/ Wales

What does Going Green Mean?

Most people have some idea of what going “green” or living a sustainable lifestyle means, but the actual definition can be surprisingly elusive. In its simplest terms, sustainability is the ability to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

However, sustainability is about more than just conserving resources for future generations; it is also about improving the quality of life for all people and all species today. This means creating a world where everyone has access to clean air and water, safe food and shelter, and opportunities to lead a healthy, productive life.

When it comes to travel, going green means making choices that minimize your impact on the environment – whether that means choosing environmentally friendly transportation options, supporting local businesses or taking steps to reduce your waste.

How to Go Green While Traveling

It is easier than ever to travel without harming the environment. Whether you are looking for an eco-friendly country to visit or just want to offset your carbon footprint from flying, these are the top five countries in the UK that you can visit without harming the environment.
1. Scotland
2. Wales
3. England
4. Northern Ireland
5. Republic of Ireland

Tips for Going Green While Traveling

Many people want to do their part to help the environment, but they may not know how to go about it while traveling. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to be more eco-friendly while on vacation. Here are some tips for going green while traveling:

1. Do your research before you go. Find out if your destination has any environmental initiatives in place, such as recycling programs. This will help you make more informed choices about where to stay and what activities to do while you’re there.

2. offset your emissions. If you’re flying to your destination, consider offsetting your carbon emissions by planting trees or investing in other green projects.

3. Bring your own reusable water bottle and coffee mug. This will help reduce the amount of waste you create while on vacation.

4. Choose eco-friendly accommodation. There are a number of hotels and resorts that have implemented green practices, such as using solar power or investing in energy-efficient appliances.

5 splurge on an eco-tour. Many travel companies offer tours that focus on sustainable tourism practices, such as hiking and biking tours, wildlife watching tours, and cultural tours that support local businesses.

The Benefits of Going Green While Traveling

In recent years, there has been growing awareness of the importance of sustainable tourism – that is, tourism that does not have a negative impact on the environment or local communities.

There are many ways to make your travel more sustainable, from choosing eco-friendly accommodation and transport options to supporting local businesses and taking part in volunteering projects.

Sustainable tourism can be beneficial for both the environment and local communities, as it can create employment opportunities and help to preserve natural and cultural heritage.

Here are five of the best countries to visit if you want to travel sustainably:

1. Costa Rica – Costa Rica is a world leader in sustainable tourism, with around 30% of its territory designated as national parks or reserves. The country has a strong commitment to protecting its natural environment, and is working towards becoming carbon-neutral by 2021. There are many eco-friendly accommodation options available, as well as plenty of opportunities to take part in eco-tourism activities such as birdwatching, hiking and surfing.

2. Finland – Finland is an excellent destination for eco-friendly travel, as it has some of the cleanest air in the world and a large proportion of its territory is covered in forests. It also has a long tradition of sustainable forestry management. Finland’s capital city, Helsinki, was recently named the world’s most liveable city by Monocle magazine. You can easily get around using public transport or by bicycle, and there are plenty of green spaces to enjoy.

3. Bhutan – Bhutan is a small country located in the Himalayas, between China and India. It is one of the world’s most sparsely populated countries, and around 72% of its territory is covered in forest. Bhutan has a strong commitment to sustainable development, and aims to maintain its forests through strict conservation measures. The country’s ‘high value, low impact’ tourism policy means that visitors must pay a daily tariff which includes accommodation and meals, but this helps to preserve Bhutan’s unique culture and natural environment.

4. Iceland – Iceland is an increasingly popular destination for sustainable travel, thanks to its unspoiled natural beauty and commitment to renewable energy sources. Around 85% of Iceland’s energy comes from renewable sources such as geothermal power and hydropower, making it one of the most environmentally friendly countries in the world. You can admire Iceland’s stunning landscapes whilst hiking or driving along the country’s many scenic routes, and there are plenty of opportunities to see amazing wildlife such as whales, dolphins and puffins up close. Just be sure to pack your thermals!

5.. Norway – Norway is another great destination for sustainable travel thanks to its vast tracts of unspoiled wilderness, large proportion of protected areas (around 20% of its total land area),and commitmentto reducing greenhouse gas emissions.. muchofNorwayis easilyaccessible by public transportFor those who enjoy outdoor activities , Norway offersplentyofopportunitiesfor hiking , cyclingand campinginits National Parks .Just be preparedfor cold weather– even inthe summer!

The Drawbacks of Going Green While Traveling

As more and more people become environmentally conscious, the trend of “going green” while traveling is on the rise. However, there are some potential drawbacks to this that travelers should be aware of before they embark on their journey.

For one, many eco-friendly travel options, such as taking public transportation or staying in eco-lodges, can be more expensive than their traditional counterparts. This is because green travel often requires special planning and research to find the best deals.

In addition, green travelers may have to forego some of the conveniences that they are used to, such as air conditioning or a daily maid service. And finally, travelers should be prepared for the possibility that not all of the people they meet while on their trip will share their eco-friendly values.

Conclusion

After exploring the top 5 UK travel countries for going green, it is clear that each destination has something unique to offer in terms of its environmental sustainability. From world-famous parks and gardens, to UNESCO sites and cutting-edge green infrastructure, there is plenty to admire and learn from these destinations.

What’s more, with a growing number of people looking to reduce their carbon footprint when travelling, these destinations are well placed to provide an enjoyable and eco-friendly experience for all types of traveller.

Further Reading/Resources

Further Reading/Resources:

-The Top 5 UK Travel Countries for Going Green: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/green-travel/top-5-uk-travel-countries-going-green/

-7 Ways to be a More Ethical Traveler: https://thegoodtrade.com/features/ethical-traveling

-12 Ethical & Sustainable Travel Brands Doing Good: https://thegoodtrade.com/features/sustainable-travel-brands

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