Everyone has their own travel bucket list, which contains all the places that they want to visit the most at least once in their lifetime. At the top of my travel bucket list is Japan, because I have always been fascinated by the country and its culture, and I also want to put my basic Japanese skills to the test. While there are those who choose to travel in order to immerse into other cultures, there are also those who choose to travel in a green way. In short, they want to try exploring the world in a greener way, one that will put them in closer contact with nature and reiterate the importance of caring for the environment. Here are a couple of places that might be included in their green travel bucket list.

Honolulu, Hawaii

My friend Laine is currently in Hawaii for a leadership program that she feels privileged to be part of. Whenever I see pictures that she shares on Facebook, I feel a little bit envious because they showcase nature in all its majesty. The great thing about Hawaii is that it is not only known for its beautiful white sand beaches, it is also known for its conservation efforts. It is a paradise for green travelers because it allows them to enjoy the outdoors with its many eco-tourist activities. If you were saddened by the plight of dolphins in Japan, you’ll be happy to know that Hawaii has a Wild Dolphin Foundation, which seeks to protect these gentle sea creatures. You can even swim with dolphins or if you’re feeling a little adventurous, you can choose to have an encounter with a shark. The Hawaii Shark Encounters is an organization dedicated to the conservation of sharks, which includes education and research. Other eco-tour activities green travelers may want to partake in is the whale watching and snorkeling with sea turtles. They may also want to participate in coast clean up activities.

Amazon Rainforest

Visiting the Amazon Rainforest is probably one of the most up-close and personal experiences you will ever have with mother nature. Here you will encounter flora and fauna that you will never stumble on in any other place. You will get to know how local indigenous people are able to survive in such wilderness. The amazing thing is that they are able to because the forest provides them with everything from food, shelter, medicine and other materials for their daily needs. This oneness and immersion with nature also feeds their spirituality. This very spirituality is what allows them to see more clearly than other people, our connection to mother nature and why we should try to conserve the environment before it is too late.

Although there are other places that can be included in your green travel bucket list, I think that Hawaii and the Amazon Rainforest should be at the top of your list. These two places should be able to open your eyes and help you learn to appreciate more the natural wonders of the world. If you aren’t a green traveler yet, these two places just might be able to convert you into one. Before you decide to go to these places, always remember to bring travel insurance with you, especially if you decide to travel to the Amazon Rainforest. Since you are exploring a wild and untamed area, it’s best to be prepared for any contingency, including the medical kind.