The beauty of sustainable travel lies in the unforgettable experiences it fosters. Traveling mindfully benefits both you and our planet. By choosing hotels and activities that emphasize sustainability, you can positively impact the destinations you visit.
While eco-resorts and volunteer trips are commonly associated with sustainable travel, they are just a small part of the picture. Sustainable travel can be integrated into any destination, travel style, or budget. At its heart, it’s about protecting the planet and supporting local communities.
Here’s a glimpse of places and experiences that promote mindful exploration. Each destination features two properties: a boutique option and a larger hotel chain, demonstrating that sustainable travel is accessible to all. Plus, find travel tips to enhance your journey.
Connect with me to create a custom, conscious itinerary that matches your preferences.
City: New York
New York City offers plenty of eco-conscious experiences. The abundance of infrastructure allows for sustainable initiatives, and many restaurants proudly embrace the farm-to-table movement.
What to do & where to eat in New York:
WeVenture: Offers immersive walking tours that explore the city’s rich immigrant history and culture. Tours include the Tenements, Tales and Tastes Tour and the Broadway Night Out tour, both supporting local businesses.
Rooftop Reds: An urban vineyard in Brooklyn Navy Yard producing sustainable wines.
Hearth: A neighborhood gem in the East Village known for locally sourced ingredients and biodynamic wines.
Sustainable hotel picks in New York:
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge: This LEED-certified hotel offers stunning Manhattan skyline views and uses reclaimed materials, organic mattresses, and nontoxic linens.
Crosby Street Hotel: Located in SoHo, this LEED-certified hotel features locally sourced materials and energy-efficient systems.
VBS Travel Perks:
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge: $100 food/beverage credit, $25 daily breakfast credit, upgrades, and extended check-in/out.
Crosby Street Hotel: Welcome amenity, daily breakfast, upgrades, and extended check-in/out.
Sustainable travel tips for NYC:
Use public transport or walk to reduce your carbon footprint.
Explore outer boroughs to avoid overtourism and support diverse local businesses.
Visit Black-Owned Brooklyn and Yu & Me Books for unique, underrepresented local experiences.
Mountains: Vail
Vail is a leader in sustainable travel, being the first US destination certified by Green Destinations.
What to do & where to eat in Vail:
Vail Nature Center: Offers hiking trails and activities like snowshoeing and recycling tours.
Sweet Basil: A community-focused bistro with a seasonal, locally sourced menu.
Sustainable hotel picks in Vail:
Sonnenalp Hotel: Engages in green activities like trail maintenance and river clean-up, and uses paperless systems and reusable containers.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail: Offers electric vehicle charging stations, energy-saving systems, and supports local conservation projects.
VBS Travel Perks:
Sonnenalp Hotel: $100 resort credit, daily breakfast, upgrades, and extended check-in/out.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail: Exclusive amenities through the Four Seasons Preferred Partner program.
Sustainable travel tips for Vail:
Support local artists by purchasing directly from them.
Stick to designated trails when hiking and opt for photos instead of souvenirs from nature.
Utilize free ride-share options for transportation.
Beach: Cabo
Cabo San Lucas is evolving into a more sustainable destination with notable eco-friendly options.
What to do & where to eat in Cabo:
Flora Farms: An organic farm with a restaurant, bar, spa, market, and animal rescue program.
Sunset Monalisa: Uses renewable energy and supports local farms and the Los Cabos Children’s Foundation.
Sustainable hotel picks in Cabo:
Esperanza: Partners with local fishing collectives and farms, and supports the Green Scholarship Program for female students.
Viceroy Los Cabos: Features water conservation systems and non-toxic cleaning products.
VBS Travel Perks:
Esperanza: $100 resort credit, daily breakfast for two, upgrades, and extended check-in/out.
Viceroy Los Cabos: Welcome amenity, daily breakfast for two, upgrades, and late check-out.
Sustainable travel tips for Cabo:
Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life.
Opt for wildlife encounters that respect natural environments.
Explore cultural tours, especially those led by Indigenous communities.
Cruise: HX
HX (formerly Hurtigruten) is a leader in eco-friendly cruises, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050.
Sustainable cruise practices:
No single-use plastics onboard.
Supports local communities and invests in Green Tech initiatives globally.
Offers local, immersive offshore tours that benefit small businesses.
This guide is just a taste of what sustainable travel can offer. Connect with me for a personalized trip, tailored to your preferences, complete with VIP perks and exclusive access to the world's best hotels.
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