The Top 5 Eco-Tour Adventures to Take in 2022
See the world as it was meant to be seen, sustainably and safely, on these eco-adventure Culture Trips.
Preserving the world that spurs our wanderlust is not always as easy as it should be. But there are now ever more ways to tread lightly while you travel, thanks to eco-tours, such as these Culture Trip adventures, which actively embrace the environment and connect you with local communities, so you can support and learn from each other. Also on the list are environmentally friendly activities, such as camping on the Galápagos Islands and wildlife-spotting in the jungles of Costa Rica, which allow you to see the world – and safeguard it – all at the same time.
Blissful Bali
Settle into island life and savour the splendour of Indonesia on this 12-day tour of Bali. Appreciate every element of this island from the sea to the sky when you climb Mount Batur and dive to the stone statues beneath the water. Low-impact activities like FlyHighYoga and e-biking through rice fields join other equally eco-friendly excursions on the itinerary, such as snorkelling with sea turtles and picnicking by the Banyumala Twin Waterfalls.
Incredible Thailand and Laos by Train
The simplest way to reduce our individual carbon footprints is by taking less flights, and this overland rail adventure is a perfect example of how you can visit multiple countries in a trip without having to get onboard a plane. Our two-week Southeast Asian adventure starts and ends in Bangkok, with stops including Phitsanulok, Chiang Mai and Lampang in Thailand. You’ll get to learn about local practices during an authentic Thai cooking class, and visit an ethical elephant sanctuary. We’ll explore the luscious bounties of Laos on a cruise down the Mekong, meeting locals in rural villages and learning about old whisky-making techniques. We’ll then take the high-speed train to Vang Vieng, kayak down the Nam Song river and head back to Bangkok via an overnight sleeper train.
Georgia and the Caucasus
This tiny Eurasian nation, high in the Caucasus is as good an argument as any that we need to preserve our planet’s natural splendour. From the verdant forests of Lagodekhi National Park to the jaw-dropping Truso Gorge and the majestic old Gergeti Church, found high in the snow-capped mountains. You’ll explore all of the above on our nine-day Georgia adventure, which also pays close attention to local culture and traditions, so you’ll get to learn about ancient bread and wine-making techniques, take an authentic cooking class and have a guided experience at a local farmer’s market.
Additional words by Gethin Morgan.