Where to find eco-friendly accomodation

Boy holding the seedling for transplanting

To celebrate Earth Day on 22nd April, Booking.com has shared how and why travellers go eco-friendly, and where to find the top six best eco-friendly accommodation.

In a year that the United Nations’ has designated as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, new research from Booking.com’s global Sustainable Travel Report, points to some promising sings when it comes to the eco-considerations weighed by both travellers and accommodations.

Travellers staying in eco-friendly or ‘green’ accomodation at leas once could double this year with 65% of global travellers expressing this intention versus 34% who stayed in one or more last year.

In addition, 68% confirm they are more likely to consider choosing an accomodation knowing that it was eco-friendly, with Chinese (93%), Brazilian (83%) and Spanish (80%) travellers the most likely.

For a large 79%, sustainable considerations also impact their mode of transport when travelling, with 43% taking public transport whenever possible, 42% trying to walk, bike or hike as much as possible and nearly one fifth (18%) flying less to reduce their carbon footprint.

Luxury adjustments travellers would be willing to make to stay somewhere eco-friendly:

Energy saving lightbulbs – 94%
AC/heating units that only run while you’re in the room – 89%
low flow shower heads – 80%
Recycled toilet paper – 79%
Less frequent toiletry replacement – 79%
Linen and towel chances less frequently – 75%
Higher cost for food because its’ all locally produced – 64%

Top 5 reasons global travellers choose eco-friendly accommodations:

To help reduce environmental impact – 52%
They provide a more locally-­‐relevant experience – 36%
They treat the local community better – 31%
They tend to provide more locally-­‐sourced/organic food – 30%
An interest in experiencing new trends in travel accommodations – 24%

Top­ 5 most important green/eco-­‐friendly practices when considering a property to stay in:

Solar Energy – 67%
Sustainable water system – 43%
Low-­‐flow showers/toilets – 36%
Organic restaurants/food options – 31%
Recycling baskets in room – 29%

Six Wild Retreats to Get Closer to Nature

To celebrate Earth Day, Booking.com have found some of the world’s most beautiful places to stay in the heart of nature across the globe. Based on thousands of endorsements from previous travellers for the best places in the world for wildlife, these six destinations are perfect to marvel the beatify of nature and relax.

Try to stay disconnected from any electronic devices to minimise nose and distraction, get a pair of binoculars and discover how much a joy a stay among the worlds’ wild fauna and flora can bring.

1. Halls Gap, Australia

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Located in Victoria, Halls Gap is the gateway into Grampians National Park. Celebrate World Wildlife Day by exploring the local eco-systems and learn about the diverse array of native plants and animals, some of which are unique to the area.

Where to stay: Bordering with the Grampians National Park, the eco-friendly Boroka Downs is an adult only retreat offering bungalows with a fireplace and BB! facilities. A hiking backpack containing binoculars, maps and wildlife reference books is provided to all guests.

2. Drake Bay, Costa Rica

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With its tropical climate and outstanding flora and fauna, Drake Bay in Costa Rica is an explorers’ dreamland and an ideal destination to educate yourself on the world’s wildlife.

Where to stay: Set on Drake Bay, the Copa De Arbol Beach and Rainforest Resort is an eco-friendly resort accessible by boat. This beautiful gem has a jungle setting surrounded by wildlife and tropical plants. Each cabin is constructed from recycled teak, cypress and Melina wood and features a terrace looking the surrounding rainforest.

3. Yellowstone National Park, Montana, USA

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With nearly 3,500 square miles of wilderness, the world’s first national park has a greater number and variety of plants and wild animals live there an anywhere else in the 48 contiguous states.

Where to stay: Situated on the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park and just 90-metres away from the Yellowstone River, the Dreamcatcher Tipi Hotel offers luxurious tipis overlooking the mountains.

Each tent features organic bath products and is decorated with beautiful rugs and chandeliers. Rafting, fishing and hiking are ony some of the activities travellers can enjoy during their stay.

4. Welgevonden Game Reserve, South Africa

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The rich and diverse Waterberg region offers an amazing variety of unspoilt, natural habitats with the savanna area consisting of rolling grasslands and a semi-evergreen forest.

Where to stay: Located inside the Welgevonden Game Reserve and featuring beautiful suites with private terraces and plunge pools surrounded by lush plants, the Clifftop Exclusive Safari Hideaway organises elephant safaris and horse riding trips.

All suites are decorated with hand-made organic fabrics, while the guests can enjoy the beautiful views over Welgevonden Game Reserve and Sterksroom River from their bathtub.

5. Estosadok, Russia

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Estosadok is mountain village surrounded by the beautiful Russian wilderness, including some of the most unique and diverse flora and fauna in the world.

Where to stay: Set 100-metres away from Rosa Khutor Ski Complex, the Cultural and Ethnographic Centre Moya Rossiya Hotel is composed of 11 unique buildings representing different regions of Russia.

Mainly endorsed for wildlife, downhill skiing and relaxation, the family friendly destination of Estosadok is a perfect choice for travellers who want to experience a beautiful alpine scenery.

6. Imatra, Finland

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With Finland’s remote north-eastern European location comes flora and fauna as varied and exclusive as the location. It is a great location for unplugging and appreciating the wild natural wonders this part of the world has to offer.

Where to stay: Situated near the Kruununpuisto Park, the oldest park in Finland, the Rantasipi Imatran Valtionhotelli is set in an elegant castle by the River Vuoksi. Nature lovers can visit the magnificent imatrankoski rapids, which are considered to be part of the National landscapes of Finland, enjoy a cruise on the River Vuoksi or discover the islands on Lake Saimaa.

 

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