British Columbia — All you have to do is look north to find one of the greenest spots on the globe. British Columbia has been named “the greenest province in Canada” many years running. Vancouver is currently working to reduce its carbon footprint by a third — which is working well for them, even as the city grows. The air and water quality in British Columbia is rated among the highest in the world, and you can experience that in Kelowna, a place also renowned for its eco-friendly laws and regulations. Finally, we can’t overlook Victoria, the capital, which is known not just for its “green” culture but also for its high quality of living.

Costa Rica — Mexico may have invented ecotourism but Costa Rica perfected it. The Central American nation became the “capital of ecotourism” thirty years ago and they still proudly hold that distinction today. 5% of all of the world’s flora and fauna originate from Costa Rica, so there are many places you can visit where you can appreciate the wildlife and know they are being protected. So many places here are wonderful for an eco-friendly vacation. You have the Arenal Volcano, the beaches and lush forests of Manuel Antonio National Park, the marine life in Tortuguero National Park, and perhaps the most-recommended ecotourism destination in the country, the breathtaking Osa Peninsula.

Galapagos Islands — The Galapagos Islands have been well-known for its biodiversity ever since the time of Charles Darwin. He of course wrote the “Theory of Evolution” after studying the various native species here. Over 97% of the Galapagos Archipelago is federally protected by the government of Ecuador, with the rest of the land ceded to towns that were already in existence when the area was named a national park in 1959. Your Galapagos vacation will most likely have you based in Puerto Ayora, the main city on Santa Cruz Island. From here you can learn endless facts about the unique biosphere here.

Azores Islands — The Azores, situated in the Atlantic Ocean about 870 miles from Portugal, is home to a vibrant culture and a unique biome. Hundreds of species of animals are native to the Azores, and new animals are being discovered every year. The people of the Azores place a high priority on preserving this biome, but it wasn’t always this way. Conservation efforts started when concerns were voiced regarding the deforestation of the islands. The Azores boasts verdant trees and fields but also deep-water reefs where marine life thrive, as well as a high number of volcanoes, the result of being at the crossroads of the world’s tectonic plates.

Finland — It is at the core of the Finnish identity to be one with nature. So much so, in fact, that there is a law stating that nearly all of the countryside and the nation’s many lakes are public domain, meaning you can hike, sleep, and swim most anywhere. For people who want to experience this for themselves, you won’t go wrong by visiting Lahti (pictured), the most environmentally-sustainable city in the entire country. Then of course there is pristine Lapland, where you can watch the Northern Lights and stay in accommodations that don’t skimp on eco-friendliness or luxury.

Australia — Biodiversity is very integral to the Australian identity, which is no surprise considering as much as 10% of all the world’s flora and fauna are found here. Nearly nine out of ten mammals found in Australia are native to the country and found nowhere else. The most popular ecotours include the Great Barrier Reef (pictured), which will soon be a victim to climate change; Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, home to the famous Uluru (Ayers Rock), one of the country’s most recognizable landmarks; the beautiful sands and rainforests of captivating Fraser Island; and the largest rainforest on the continent, Daintree.