No, the environmental concerns you have at home do not go away when you travel. Depending on where you go and what you plan to do there, you could be dramatically increasing your carbon footprint and undoing much of the good works you are doing in your green home. Here are some vacation spots that minimize negative environmental effects, giving you a real reason to relax.

Belize

If you are looking for a beach vacation, consider this beautiful spot. The combination of thick forests and incredible coastline will remind you how precious our earth is. See the Belize barrier reef to appreciate the value of the ocean, dive with whale sharks or looking out for manatees.

Yucatan, Mexico

Home to the impressive Hacienda Chichen Resort, a green hotel, you can see Mexico without the partiers and booze. This regions incredible cultural history and archaeology comes from the ancient Mayans. The resort features a holistic spa inspired by the health practices of the Mayans, and they serve largely organic food. Flat-bottomed, non-invasive boats can take you on a bird watching trip to see egrets, herons, cormorants, flamingoes and ospreys.

Costa Rica

Visit this island’s incredible national parks on an eco-tourist trip. You can see some of the world’s most endangered sea turtles and volunteer on a conservation project to help ensure that they stay around.

Alaska

This site of unparalleled natural beauty is a great place to remind yourself of why it is important to conserve energy and get away from the use of fossil fuels. Visit the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, where domestic oil companies hope to drill in the near future.

Switzerland

This amazing refuge in the Alps is one of the world’s most environmentally-conscious countries. Hike, bike or ski to see the landscape, and travel by the various high-speed trains to see as much of the protected natural land that makes up a third of the country.

Ecuador

Stay at one of the region’s many eco-friendly lodges to see the rapidly disappearing rainforests and their one-of-a-kind inhabitants. Check out the Napo Wildlife Center in Quito in particular!

New Zealand

Take a lengthy hike or camping trip in the New Zealand wilderness—it will be one of the most stirring experiences in your life. Hike the Great Ocean Road or the Kepler Track if you are more ambitious. If you want to see sea life on the emerald islands, do some whale watching and bird watching at the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch.

All of these are great ways to reconnect with the earth by visiting some of its most beautiful locations and seeing some of its most amazing creatures. You will return home inspired to do even more to ensure that your children—and your children’s children– can experience the world in its fullest splendor.