This is a very serious topic, so we’re going to give it to you straight. Travel is now the world’s largest industry, with a trillion-dollar annual footprint. With so many developing destinations fighting it out for international tourists, it’s not surprising that some travellers make a point of avoiding the ones with weak human rights and environmental records. This means you; the traveller, has enormous power. Where we choose to put our footprints has economic and political reverberations that reach far beyond our personal experience.

Every year, non-profit Ethical Traveler (that’s not a typo) releases an annual top 10 list of countries that are doing the most to promote human rights, preserve their environments and support social welfare — all while fostering a lively, community-based tourism industry. “By voting with our wings, choosing our destinations well, and cultivating our roles as citizen diplomats – we promote international goodwill and help change the world for the better”.

We urge you to explore these destinations, and to enjoy the wonderful sights and culture that they have to offer.

The Top 10 List (in alphabetical order):

Cape Verde

Cape Verde: has one of Africa’s highest scores of social welfare, according to the Heritage Foundation’s Economic Freedom Index. It received a perfect score on a Freedom House report on civil and political rights.
Cape Verde: has one of Africa’s highest scores of social welfare, according to the Heritage Foundation’s Economic Freedom Index. It received a perfect score on a Freedom House report on civil and political rights.

 

Chile

Chile: scored the highest in environmental protection among all 10 ethical destinations. It approved the first carbon tax in South America, to take effect in 2018.
Chile: scored the highest in environmental protection among all 10 ethical destinations. It approved the first carbon tax in South America, to take effect in 2018.

 

Dominica

Dominica: received high marks for a clean energy initiative and concern for wildlife, including continued resistance to commercial whaling.
Dominica: received high marks for a clean energy initiative and concern for wildlife, including continued resistance to commercial whaling.

 

Lithuania

Lithuania: its renewable energy use is currently at 22%, well ahead of schedule toward a goal of 23% by 2020. It also scored the highest one this years UN Development Program’s Human Development Index.
Lithuania: its renewable energy use is currently at 22%, well ahead of schedule toward a goal of 23% by 2020. It also scored the highest one this years UN Development Program’s Human Development Index.

 

Mauritius

Mauritius
Mauritius: loved for its white beaches, Mauritius has embarked on a campaign to plant 200,000 trees by the end of 2014. In terms of social services, it’s praised for being the only African country that has comprehensive income security programs for citizens over 60.

 

Palau

Palau: was designated an “Environmental Star” by the Small Island Developing States for its extensive care of marine and terrestrial areas.
Palau: was designated an “Environmental Star” by the Small Island Developing States for its extensive care of marine and terrestrial areas.

 

Samoa

Samoa
Samoa: new to California-based Ethical Traveler’s annual list of most ethical destinations, they recently co-signed a $1 million project for improving biodiversity and managing threats of climate change.

 

Tonga

Tonga: In 2015, Ha’apai will become Tonga’s first island to institute organic farming. It aims to reduce 50% of its diesel importation by 2020.
Tonga: In 2015, Ha’apai will become Tonga’s first island to institute organic farming. It aims to reduce 50% of its diesel importation by 2020.

Uruguay

Uruguay: hopes to see electric buses and taxis on its streets by 2015, says Ethical Traveler. In Colonia del Sacramento, tourists can already cruise the UNESCO World Heritage site by electric car.
Uruguay: hopes to see electric buses and taxis on its streets by 2015, says Ethical Traveler. In Colonia del Sacramento, tourists can already cruise the UNESCO World Heritage site by electric car.

 

Vanuatu

Vanuatu
Vanuatu: Famed for a ritual in which locals with vines tied around their legs jump off platforms, they made progress with land reform that supports indigenous rights.

Vanuatu, Samoa and Tonga are this year’s new entries to the list. Seven of this year’s 10 countries are island nations, “indicating a trend in our winners’ circle,” says the report. “Climate change affects islands dramatically, so they tend to be very aware of the importance of effective environmental policies.”

As in 2014, no developing Asian country qualified this year. “All betrayed too many human rights abuses, and showed too little movement toward sustainability,” says the report.

http://www.ethicaltraveler.org/explore/reports/the-worlds-best-ethical-destinations-2015/