Published on
August 27, 2025
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.
1. Soak in Hot Springs for a Cultural Experience
The traditional spa experience is often associated with luxury, but hot spring tourism offers a deeper connection to the culture and history of the places you visit. Bulgaria’s hot springs, for example, have been used for thousands of years, and local people still frequent them for relaxation and healing. Instead of opting for expensive spa treatments, explore the geothermal regions of Japan, Iceland, and Hungary, where these natural wonders have become cultural hubs.
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.
2. Support Rural Areas with Apitourism
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.
3. Learn a New Language and Support Local Conservation
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.
4. Stargaze in Dark Sky Reserves
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.
5. Experience the Charm of Agritourism
Agritourism has been around since the 1980s, offering travelers the opportunity to stay on farms and experience rural life. It’s a fantastic way to support farmers and help preserve the environment. In Italy, agritourism remains a major part of the tourism industry, where you can stay in sunflower fields or vineyards, enjoy farm-to-table meals, and even participate in activities such as grape picking.
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.
6. Indulge in Coffee Tourism
If coffee is your drink of choice, consider traveling to the source. Coffee tourism takes travelers to regions like Colombia’s Zona Cafetera or the coffee-growing mountains of Ethiopia. Here, you can visit small coffee farms, participate in coffee cupping sessions, and even learn about sustainable farming practices. By engaging directly with the growers, travelers can help support fair wages and environmental practices in the coffee industry.
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.
7. Walk in the Footsteps of Pilgrims
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.
Pilgrimages allow travelers to engage with places in an exceptional manner— traversing on foot along trails that revive local economies. Such journeys are not reserved solely for the fervent believers but also appeal to individuals keen on sustainable tourism that has mutual benefits for both the traveler and the local community.
Bottom Line: Embrace Sustainable Travel for 2025
In 2025, it’s clear that travelers are looking for more than just Instagram-worthy destinations. They want experiences that are meaningful, eco-friendly, and beneficial to the places they visit. Whether it’s soaking in hot springs, helping with beekeeping, or walking the Camino de Santiago, these unique forms of sustainable travel offer not only a chance to explore new cultures but also an opportunity to contribute positively to local communities and the environment.
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.
