Cool Green Trips

For me, green trips are some of the best ways to travel because they combine unique adventures, eco-conscious choices, and unforgettable memories that I know are good for both me and the planet.

Some people I talk to think sustainability meant giving something up. But on these trips, I found the opposite: more connection, more wonder, more space to breathe. Each place offered a different kind of green, mossy trails, geothermal pools, off-grid cabins, or quiet coastlines, but they all shared the same rhythm: slow down, look closer, live lighter.

I remember standing at the edge of a fjord, wrapped in mist, and thinking, “This isn’t about checking off sights, it’s about feeling the world hum again.” These aren’t just vacations. They’re invitations to engage with nature, with community, with our own footprint.

When I want to travel in a way that feels refreshing and responsible, I always think about cool green trips. For me, they’re some of the best kinds of getaways because they combine unique destinations with eco-friendly choices that make every experience feel meaningful. Honestly, some of my favorite adventures have come from choosing trips that focus on sustainability and nature.

So, what kind of green trip should you take first? To answer that, think about the experiences that feel the best and most meaningful for you.

Best Green Trips:

Rancho La Puerta - Tecate, Mexico

I thought Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico was the ultimate wellness retreat where relaxation, nature, and rejuvenation all come together. Nestled at the base of Mount Kuchumaa, it felt like a hidden sanctuary designed to help us reset mind, body, and spirit. From morning hikes through golden hillsides to evening sound baths under the stars, every day carried a peaceful rhythm that felt restorative and inspiring.

Located just across the border from San Diego, getting there was easy, and once inside the gates, it felt like a completely different world. The property is sprawling and serene, lush gardens, winding walking paths, and casita-style accommodations that blend seamlessly into the landscape. We loved that we could be as active or as relaxed as we wanted, with endless wellness classes, spa treatments, and quiet corners to just breathe it all in.

During our stay, we dove into the full Rancho experience: joining yoga and Pilates classes, trying out cooking lessons with fresh farm-to-table ingredients, lounging by the pools, and then capping the day with live music under the stars. I loved how the resort encouraged balance, whether that meant sweating it out in a fitness class or sitting quietly with a book in the shade. Evenings felt especially magical, with candlelit paths, crisp desert air, and a sense of calm that stayed with us long after we left.

Blue Lagoon, Grindavík, Iceland

The Blue Lagoon in Grindavík, Iceland was like stepping into another world. With its milky-blue geothermal waters set against black lava fields, it felt surreal, equal parts soothing and awe-inspiring. Slipping into the warm water on a chilly day was pure bliss, and with the mineral-rich silica masks and steamy clouds swirling around us, it was unlike anything I’ve experienced before.

Located just 20 minutes from Keflavík International Airport, it was the perfect first or last stop on our Iceland trip. I loved how easy it was to get there, yet once inside the lagoon, it felt remote and otherworldly. The setting is stunning, vast open skies, rugged volcanic landscapes, and water that seems to glow. Whether we wanted to float quietly, sip drinks from the swim-up bar, or explore the spa amenities, everything flowed seamlessly.

Over our visit, we mixed relaxation with exploration: soaking in different corners of the lagoon, enjoying an in-water massage, sampling Icelandic flavors at the Lava Restaurant, and then unwinding in the sauna carved right into the rock. I loved that the experience could be both social and deeply peaceful, depending on how you moved through it. At night, with the sky painted pink from the midnight sun, or dancing with the northern lights, it felt nothing short of magical.

Walking Vacation with The Carter Company, United Kingdom

I set off along a hedgerow path with nothing but a daypack, the sky low and wide, and thought, “This is how I want to travel, one quiet step at a time.”

The Carter Company crafts gentle walking vacations across England, Scotland, and Wales, often following rivers, coastlines, and countryside trails. Luggage is transferred ahead while you stroll at your own pace through meadows, stone villages, and woodland paths. Each night, you stay in charming inns or eco-minded hotels rooted in local character.

My favorite moment? A picnic by the River Thames, locally made cheddar, fresh-baked bread, crisp apple slices, and elderflower soda that smelled like summer hedges. It all tasted like the landscape itself: clean, simple, and quietly nourishing.

Plan your walk:

• Locations: Routes available across England, Wales, and Scotland (Thames Path, Cotswolds, Lake District, coastal Wales)
• Vibe: Slow travel, immersive, eco-conscious
• Don’t Miss: Village bakeries, heritage inns, farm-to-table breakfasts, optional e-bike add-ons
• Cost: Self-guided walking trips from ~$1,000 per person for 4–7 days (includes lodging, breakfasts, luggage transfer, maps)

These walks turn travel into something richer, less about getting there, more about being there. With The Carter Company, sustainability starts with how you move: gently, on foot, fully present.

Relax in Eco-Friendly Comfort at Stanford Inn on the Mendocino Coast

I thought the Stanford Inn on the Mendocino Coast was the definition of cozy, eco-friendly luxury. Nestled on a bluff overlooking the Pacific, it felt both rustic and refined, like a wellness retreat wrapped in coastal charm. From curling up by the fireplace in our room to pedaling bikes along misty coastal trails, every detail was designed to nurture and restore.

Located just outside Mendocino Village, the inn makes it easy to explore redwood forests, dramatic sea cliffs, and small-town galleries, while still feeling like a peaceful hideaway. I loved that it had such a warm, homey vibe , organic gardens, fireplaces everywhere, and a focus on sustainability. It was the kind of place where you could slow down, breathe deeper, and still enjoy the best of Northern California’s rugged beauty.

Over our stay, we blended outdoor adventure with mindful relaxation: hiking coastal trails, joining yoga and wellness classes, biking along scenic backroads, and then retreating to the spa for herbal soaks and massages. Evenings were especially memorable, firelight flickering, the sound of waves in the distance, and hearty, locally inspired meals that made us feel nourished inside and out. It was a retreat that felt both indulgent and grounding, the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave.

Nimmo Bay Resort, British Columbia, Canada

Nimmo Bay Resort in British Columbia was wilderness luxury at its finest. Tucked deep into the Great Bear Rainforest and only accessible by floatplane or boat, it felt like stepping into a secret world where nature takes center stage. From kayaking alongside dolphins to soaking in cedar hot tubs beside a waterfall, every moment felt both wild and wonderfully indulgent.

Located in the remote Broughton Archipelago, the resort gave us the best of both adventure and comfort. I loved that we could spend the day exploring untouched wilderness, fishing in glacier-fed rivers, hiking through old-growth forests, or watching grizzlies in their natural habitat, and then come back to gourmet meals and a cozy cabin right on the water. The mix of rugged surroundings and refined hospitality made it feel completely unique.

Over our stay, we embraced everything the resort had to offer: whale-watching trips, paddleboarding in calm inlets, fly-fishing lessons, and ending the day with storytelling around the fire. I loved how Nimmo Bay blended adventure with serenity, it never felt rushed, and yet there was always something extraordinary waiting for us. At night, the lodge glowed warmly against the wilderness backdrop, with the sound of the waterfall and the stars overhead making it feel like pure magic.

Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort, Costa Rica

I thought Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort in Costa Rica was the definition of natural luxury. Set at the base of the Arenal Volcano, it felt like stepping into a tropical paradise where hot springs flowed through lush gardens.

From sinking into warm mineral pools beneath a canopy of rainforest to watching the volcano peek through the mist, every moment felt restorative and unforgettable.

Located near La Fortuna, the resort made it easy to explore Costa Rica’s adventure capital, ziplining, waterfall hikes, and wildlife encounters, while giving us a serene sanctuary to come back to.

I loved that the springs felt completely natural, with rivers of thermal water weaving through greenery, private nooks to hide away in, and the soothing sounds of the forest all around. It was the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.

Over our stay, we split our time between exploration and pure relaxation: ziplining high above the canopy, hiking to La Fortuna Waterfall, savoring fresh Costa Rican cuisine, and unwinding with spa treatments that used volcanic mud and local botanicals. Evenings were magical, lanterns glowing through the steam, tropical flowers everywhere, and the night sky glittering above. It felt like a retreat where nature itself was the main luxury.

Pikaia Lodge, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Islands

I thought Pikaia Lodge in the Galapagos was eco-luxury at its most adventurous. Perched high on an extinct volcanic crater on Santa Cruz Island, it gave us sweeping views of the Pacific and a front-row seat to one of the most extraordinary ecosystems in the world. From snorkeling with sea lions to returning for sunset cocktails by the infinity pool, every day felt like a balance of exploration and indulgence.

Located in the heart of the Galapagos, the lodge made it easy to blend once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters with comfort and style. I loved how sustainable it felt, solar-powered energy, thoughtful design, and a real focus on preserving the islands. Our suite was modern yet warm, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the landscape. It felt like the perfect base for venturing out by day and retreating in total comfort by night.

During our stay, we joined guided land and sea excursions: hiking across lava fields, spotting giant tortoises, birdwatching on secluded islands, and exploring hidden coves by yacht. Back at the lodge, we enjoyed gourmet meals featuring fresh, locally inspired ingredients and ended our evenings stargazing under the clearest skies. The whole experience felt like an adventure wrapped in luxury, where nature led the way and every day held something unforgettable.

Good Day Out - Wildlife Experiences in Wales

I followed a narrow country lane into the hills, sheep dotting the green slopes, and thought, “This place already feels softer.”

Good Day Out isn’t a traditional resort, it’s a series of small, ethical adventures designed to connect visitors with Welsh landscapes and local life. I spent one morning walking through the Brecon Beacons with a tiny pig named Cinnamon. We wandered meadow paths and forest edges, the air cool and grassy. Other options included herding sheep with a farmer, wildlife sketching in nature reserves, or spending a quiet afternoon learning about rewilding efforts in the hills.

My favorite moment? A picnic of local cheese, warm bread, and blackberry jam, eaten on a hillside as ponies grazed in the distance. The cheese was sharp and creamy, the jam sweet and wild. Everything tasted like it had come from that very valley.

Plan your mindful day out:

• Location: Brecon Beacons, Wales (about 3 hours west of London)
• Vibe: Charming, grounded, animal-loving slow travel
• Don’t Miss: Pig walks, conservation experiences, Welsh countryside picnics
• Cost: Activities from ~$50–$100 per person; proceeds support local farms and wildlife causes

In a world of fast itineraries, Good Day Out reminded me that small, thoughtful moments, especially the kind that involve a pig in hiking boots, leave the biggest impression.

Embark on Epic Polar Expeditions with Arctic Kingdom

I stepped onto the sea ice, bundled in layers, the silence stretching in every direction. As I watched a narwhal surface in the distance, I thought, “This is the edge of the world, and I’ve never felt more awake.”

With Arctic Kingdom, I wasn’t just visiting the North, I was immersed in it. These small-group expeditions focus on wildlife encounters and cultural respect, with Inuit guides leading the way. We traveled by sled and snowmobile, camped on the ice in heated domes, and tracked polar bears and seals with patience and awe. Every part of the experience was low-impact, carefully managed, and designed to preserve the pristine ecosystem we were lucky enough to step into.

My favorite moment? Dinner in the dining dome after a long day on the tundra: wild char, slow-smoked and served with root vegetables and warm bannock bread. The scent was woodsy and rich, the flavors bold and grounding. I ate slowly, watching the sky fade into a thousand stars.

Plan your polar journey:

• Location: Arctic Bay, Pond Inlet, or Nunavut regions (via charter flights from Ottawa)
• Vibe: Remote, respectful, awe-inspiring
• Don’t Miss: Narwhal viewing, polar bear tracking, traditional Inuit storytelling
• Cost: Multi-day expeditions from ~$13,000 per person (all-inclusive)

Traveling with Arctic Kingdom wasn’t about thrill, it was about reverence. The cold, the quiet, the sheer vastness of it all, it asked me to listen more than speak. And I did.

Conclusion

What I love most about cool green trips is how they let me connect with the environment while still having fun. I can stay in eco-lodges powered by renewable energy, explore underrated national parks, or even join tours that give back to local communities. It’s the best mix of adventure and purpose, and it always makes me feel like my travel matters in a unique way.

Whether I’m hiking through lush forests, biking along scenic coastal paths, or discovering one of my favorite farm-to-table restaurants in a small town, I always feel like green travel gives me the best balance of joy and mindfulness. For me, these trips are unique because they’re not just about where I go, but how I choose to experience it.

Hi, I'm Ema. Ready to plan your next weekend getaway? Let me help. I'm a travel professional with 30 years of experience. I have over 400,000 social media followers and I've been featured as a travel expert on abc6 Morning Show, Best of the Web, USAToday, and many other media outlets, government and educational institutions. Click for more.