As an adventure traveler, you’re innately attracted to the extraordinary. Only the best food, the most unique landscapes, or the most exciting experiences make it in your exclusive itinerary. What’s worth protecting must be worth experiencing, right? Luckily for you, the world is chock-full of plenty of incredible places to help protect with eco friendly tourism.

Costa Rica. Surf, sustainability, and sheer splendor; this coastal country is considered to be one of the most biodiverse places on earth. This nation is leading the pack when it comes to conservation practices and with over a quarter of the nation’s land set aside as protected area, you won’t have to travel very far to find your next eco adventure. Traverse through dense rainforests, witness rare sea turtle nesting, ascend active volcanoes in Arenal Volcano National Park, or simply enjoy an enriching seaside homestay. In Costa Rica, eco tours are as plentiful as the wildlife.

New Zealand. The North and South Islands of New Zealand are arguably the most ecologically unique and isolated regions in the world; humans have only lived there for 1,000 years. People are certainly making up for lost time now that millions flock annually to explore the many worlds of New Zealand. From a quick whale watching excursion in Kaikoura to an 11 day sea-kayaking tip around the South Pacific islands, you’ll have a variety of eco tours that will ensure your overseas adventure travel is both memorable and beneficial to these fragile environments.

South Africa. A leader in conscientious tourism and home to megadiverse animal, plant, and human life, South Africa is perfect for those wishing to combine adventure and culture. Here, you will tour the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, nature reserves, National Parks, and protected areas designed to ensure the longevity of these natural environments as well as your appreciation of them. Connect with Africa’s most iconic species, such as elephants, wildebeests, and zebras in Kruger National Park, or spend a day climbing up Table Mountain only to paraglide down to the white sand beaches in Cape Town. Every country in the world has their prowess, but South Africa seemingly has it all!

Thailand. You probably at least one friend who’s not only traveled to Thailand but will likely never stop talking about it, right? Well, their enthusiasm is not misplaced. The central jewel of Southeast Asia is a nation full of calm beaches, the loudest markets, and everything in between. Take an immersive journey through one of the oldest evergreen rainforests in the world in Khao Sok National Park, or try your hand at some agrotourism by joining in on a rice harvest or a fish haul. Do yourself a favor and spend an afternoon surveying an ancient temple instead of visiting the inhumane Tiger Temples. There is ALWAYS an eco tour alternative to a low-grade tourist trap no matter where in the world you visit.