WHO WE ARE
We are the Good Travel Guide Institute, an independent offspring of Green Destinations. Our Editors are committed to supporting travel with positive local impact because tourism is becoming increasingly unsustainable. This harms local communities in destinations, while global travel contributes to climate change and global warming. Carbon offsetting and sustainability certification is not enough.
This Guide introduces you to inspiring sustainability leaders who do their best to respect their local community and their environment, to make their destination a better place. You can help by choosing Good Travel Experiences in these destinations.
Good Travel Experiences are authentic activities, tours and events with positive local impact, socially and environmentally. And they give you unique opportunities to experience destinations in a unique way, meeting local people.
OUR G.R.E.E.N. VALUES
The Good Travel Guide is the public channel of the Good Travel Alliance and of the Green Destinations – Good Travel Community. We share the following G.R.E.E.N. values:
Genuine
Supporting the authentic celebration of culture, tradition, and local life.
Responsible
Behaving respectfully to the local community and to local values; avoiding exploitation of people, nuisance, and impacts on residents.
Economically sustainable
Supporting local crafts and businesses and trying to avoid international outlets.
Environment and climate
Limiting the carbon, water and waste footprint of travel by reducing air miles and avoiding large cruise ships; or offset travel CO2..
Nature and scenery
Helping to protect scenic views, landscapes, natural habitats, and wildlife.
GET FEATURED IN THIS GUIDE!
Do you know experiences, destinations and businesses that should be featured in this guide because they provide positive local impact?
We can only do so after a rigorous verification, because we are cautious of greenwashing. Get in contact with us!
SPECIAL FEATURES OF OUR DESTINATION PAGES
Comparison Table of Destinations and Certified Businesses
The comparison table demonstrates the performances of the destination and business on different aspects of sustainable tourism. It provides travellers a quick overview of the sustainable tourism choices, and also an easier way to select the most suitable choice. The comparison includes its sustainability, health & safety, accessibility, nature choice, art & culture, beach & swimming, cycling, and hiking. A fixed standard is set to assess the destination and the businesses, which then will result in very good (bright icon) and good (fade icon). An “x” is shown when the standard is non-applicable or if it isn’t performing well in this category.
The standard used in the destination comparison includes the score of the sustainability report, the GTG website of a destination, and the indicators report. Moreover, external sources are also used as a tool for the comparison, for example, the EEA bathing water quality and the Blue Flag beaches. For certified business comparison, we use their Good Travel Seal sustainability report and their Scorecard.
Please click below for more detailed explanation.
The Good Travel Map
Some of the destination pages in this guide have a map showing the range of responsible activities or accommodations on offer. These interactive maps display attractions, business and travel products that do not compromise sustainability. Businesses certified for sustainability are shown automatically, including ones certified by the Good Travel Seal.
OUR PARTNERS
This Guide features:
- Good Travel Experiences: available after independent verification; GTEs are also promoted on our other Alliance partners’ platforms, such as GoGood Travel, Outdooractive, and Tourism Cares.
- Businesses: only after independent verification with the Good Travel Seal.
- Destinations: participating in one of the Good Travel Alliance programs. A special category will be winners of the Good Travel Experience Award (issued by the Good Travel Alliance), after independent verification applying sustainability performance criteria.
Note: From September 2026, Green Destinations Foundation will no longer publish its certified and awarded destinations in the Good Travel Guide.
MEET THE TEAM
Good Travel Guide is supported by a team of volunteers and interns. Interested to join? Click here to find out more.
ALBERT SALMAN
Netherlands
Founder, Green Destinations – Good Travel Community
DANIELA MIRANDA
Colombia
Website Manager
GINNI KU
Mexico
Website & Database Assistant
AMIT BHATIA
India
Marketing & Communication
Important Notice: Awards, seals, recognitions, and competition results presented on this website do not constitute certification unless explicitly stated as “GSTC-certified against Green Destinations Standard” following independent third-party conformity assessment.
Get in touch
Support
We are a multicultural, creative, and dedicated team working to advance evidence-based, responsible destination management and lower-impact travel. Join us in our fight against the climate crisis, single-use plastics, and over-tourism!
