Top Five Green Travel Ideas for 2022

We’re all about making travel as sustainable as possible – and our TRIPS are no exception. Whether that means cutting out internal flights, supporting local businesses, or booking eco-conscious stays. That even applies to the destinations we offer – we support those that future proof through renewable energy or conservation. If you’re looking for a more sustainable holiday this year, start with one of these.

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The isolated Budir Church, in Snaefellsnes, is gabled, made out of wood and covered in snow

Escape to Iceland’s Frozen Wilderness

Iceland’s resourcefulness and natural geothermal energy make it a no-brainer for an ecofriendly escape. And this whistle-stop five-day tour makes the most of the uniquely natural wonders on the island. You’ll start in the artsy capital of Reykjavik, spending your first evening trying local specialties, before venturing out the following morning to explore the lesser-trodden region of Borgarfjordur. From there it’s on to the legendary Golden Circle route, hopping between waterfalls and geysers, before rounding off with a glacier hike and a soothing dip in the Blue Lagoon.

From US$2369

Next available from 21st Oct 2023

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Reykjavik, Iceland

ENDS AT

Reykjavik, Iceland

DURATION

5

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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A forested valley in Costa Rica on a cloudy yet sunny day

Pura Vida: a Jungle Safari of Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a beacon of sustainable tourism: more than 90 percent of its energy comes from renewable sources, while the country itself is divided into a patchwork of reserves and natural parks. This nine-day adventure kicks off with a local tour of San Jose, followed by a cup of not-so-average joe in a volcanic coffee plantation. From here it’s downhill, or rather downstream, as you speed through the Balsa River rapids in a dinghy, before sloth-spotting on a moonlight hike in Monteverde. You’ll swing from the jungle down to the beach, stopping at surf town Tamarindo for a boarding lesson, before finishing with a well-earned spa date.

From US$2099

Next available from 1st Jan 1970

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

San Jose, Costa Rica

ENDS AT

Tamarindo, Provincia De Guanacaste

DURATION

8

GROUP SIZE

17

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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Tibetan prayer flags hang from a line at Mardi Himal Base Camp

Himalayan Hikes and Wildlife Spotting in Nepal

With Nepal recently making commitments to shifting towards renewable energy sources, and its national parks serving as a refuge for endangered tigers and rhinos, this Himalayan country is geared up for ecofriendly holidays. Our epic 11-day itinerary includes a rickshaw tour of Kathmandu, cookery classes in a refugee camp, rafting the Seti River and wild camping. You’ll also canoe through Chitwan National Park, and head out on safari to look for Bengal tigers and Indian leopards, plus bears, crocodiles and bison. Finish up in the capital, Kathmandu, to meet and share stories with a Mount Everest summiteer.

From US$

Next available from 1st Jan 1970

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Kathmandu, Nepal

ENDS AT

Kathmandu, Nepal

DURATION

9

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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A rope bridge over the jungle in the Golden Triangle in northern Thailand

Jungle Trekking and Elephant Encounters in Northern Thailand

This epic 11-day adventure starts with a bit of pedal power, as you cycle around clamorous Chiang Mai to sample street art and food. From here, you’ll hit the road deep into rural Thailand, stopping at waterfalls, ancient caves and thermal hot springs on your way to mountainous Mae Hong Son. Here, it’s all about exploring under your own steam, with a full-day jungle trek on the agenda, followed by a more demanding mountaintop climb. Your reward? A stop at the Elephant Nature Park, where you’ll get to meet former working elephants that have been rescued to live out their golden years in peace.

From US$1189

Next available from 12th Nov 2023

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Chiang Mai, Thailand

ENDS AT

Chiang Mai, Thailand

DURATION

10

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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Traditional boats dock en masse in Halong Bay, with limestone karsts jutting out of the water

Take it Slow Through Urban and Rural Vietnam

This once-in-a-lifetime 11-day adventure kicks off in the irrepressible capital, Hanoi, before leaving the buzz behind for the serenity of the Mai Chai, where you’ll cycle through rice fields and experience farm life with the locals. Next, steam ahead to La Han Bay on an overnight cruise, awaking to epic views of limestone karsts that rise from the water like giants’ fingers. Here you’ll try tai chi, and swim and kayak in the calm, clear bay waters. A culinary visit to the Imperial city of Hue is next, with a food tour and cooking lesson, before finishing with ancient meditation classes in Hanoi.

From US$1204

Next available from 5th Dec 2023

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Hanoi, Vietnam

ENDS AT

Hoi An, Vietnam

DURATION

12

GROUP SIZE

18

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

STYLE

Discovery

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Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.