Slovenia Joins Costa Rica, UK, Iceland, Colombia, Spain, Japan and Ethiopia At Offering Sustainable Travel with Seven Unique Tourism Experiences: Here Is What You Need To Know

In 2025, the travel industry is moving toward more sustainable travel options. As overtourism continues to impact popular destinations, travelers are shifting their focus to experiences that are not only unique but also meaningful and beneficial to the environment and local communities. From hot springs in Bulgaria to pilgrim paths in Spain, here are seven unusual travel experiences you should consider for a sustainable getaway.

Moreover, the tourism often centered around hot springs also promotes the protection of the environment. Hot springs can aid the tourism industry while serving as a natural and sustainable substitute for contemporary spas, thus contributing to ecotourism.

Apitourism, or visiting beekeepers, has taken off in countries like Slovenia, where the locals have been crafting honey for generations. This niche form of tourism involves not just tasting honey but also visiting beekeepers in rural settings and experiencing the vital role that bees play in maintaining local ecosystems. By supporting beekeepers, travelers contribute to the preservation of rural areas and local livelihoods.

Apitourism has expanded to countries such as Lithuania, the UK, and Belarus, allowing you to learn more about sustainable honey production, the significance of bees, and even apitherapy, a healing method using bee products.

Learning a language is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in a new culture. In rural areas of Spain, for instance, travelers can learn Spanish while also supporting local conservation projects. These schools not only teach you the local language but also give you the opportunity to participate in community-driven projects, such as helping farmers and supporting small local businesses.

Language tourism is becoming an increasing trend in Costa Rica where one can learn Spanish while exploring the rainforests and taking part in conservation activities. This trend allows travelers to immerse themselves in the local culture while enriching their travel experience.

For those interested in astronomy, astrotourism is on the rise. With the solar activity expected to peak in 2025, more travelers are turning to remote destinations to observe celestial wonders. Yorkshire Dales National Park in the UK is one of the largest dark sky reserves in the world, offering a breathtaking view of the night sky far from urban lights.

In the context of your environmentally conscious travel itinerary, dark sky reserves are certainly worth visiting. These places are especially valuable as they are located far from urban centers, thus contributing towards the reduction of light pollution.

Opting for an agritourism experience enables travelers to sustain small farms while enjoying a more authentic and environmentally friendly holiday. Even the UK offers agritourism where farmers manage their land to promote nature conservation.

You will not only witness the process of making coffee from bean to cup, but you will also assist in conserving the forests that cultivate exceptional coffee beans.

For those looking for a meaningful, immersive travel experience, pilgrimage tourism offers a chance to engage deeply with history and spirituality. Walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain is one of the most popular pilgrimage routes, where travelers can reflect on their journey while also supporting small businesses in rural villages along the way.

By embracing these niche travel experiences, you can travel with a purpose, make a difference, and discover a deeper connection to the places and people you encounter.