#1: Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park in New Zealand

Aoraki / Mount Cook towers over the Southern Alps of New Zealand, its snow-covered peak reflecting in glacier-fed lakes below. The park is a sanctuary for alpine plants and birds, and a sacred place in Māori tradition. Its dramatic trails and night skies offer an unforgettable connection to both nature and culture.

Experience it for Yourself: Kiwi Complete Explorer

This comprehensive itinerary includes Aoraki/Mount Cook along with other must-see destinations across the North and South Islands. Walk on glaciers, soak in geothermal pools, and connect with Māori culture in a landscape that feels both epic and intimate.

Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts who want to experience New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders with cultural depth.

#2: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda

Hidden in the southwestern hills of Uganda, Bwindi is a dense, ancient rainforest teeming with life. It’s home to nearly half the world’s mountain gorilla population and a sanctuary for hundreds of bird and butterfly species. Trekking here is challenging and humbling, and one of the most meaningful wildlife encounters on Earth.

Experience it for Yourself: Primates & Parrots in Uganda

Join expert trackers to observe gorillas in their natural habitat, bird alongside seasoned guides, and learn how conservation and community efforts are working hand in hand in this biodiverse region.

Best for: Wildlife lovers, birders, and travelers looking for profound connection through nature.

#3: Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica

Located on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, Corcovado is often called the most biologically intense place on the planet. Its lowland rainforests, rivers, and beaches are home to tapirs, scarlet macaws, monkeys, and even elusive jaguars. Remote and rugged, it offers a rare glimpse into one of Earth’s last truly wild places.

Experience it for Yourself: Costa Rica for the Natural Explorer

We’ll work with you to craft a custom journey into this pristine rainforest, complete with guided hikes, wildlife tracking, and eco-lodge stays that support ongoing conservation.

Best for: Nature enthusiasts seeking an immersive, off-the-beaten-path wilderness experience.

#4: Isla Bastimentos in Panama

Isla Bastimentos, part of Panama’s Bocas del Toro archipelago, is where lush rainforest meets crystal-clear Caribbean water. Coral reefs, mangrove forests, and island trails create a playground for wildlife and exploration. It’s a perfect setting for learning through play for both kids and adults.

Experience it for Yourself: Pure Panama for Families

This active, engaging journey includes snorkeling in marine parks, jungle wildlife walks, and cultural experiences designed to spark curiosity in young travelers and their families.

Best for: Families who love discovery, wildlife, and sharing nature-based adventures together.

#5: Torres del Paine in Chilean Patagonia

Torres del Paine is Patagonia at its most dramatic—jagged peaks, sweeping valleys, glacier-fed lakes, and skies that stretch forever. It’s a land shaped by wind and ice, where guanacos graze beneath condors in flight. Every viewpoint feels cinematic, and every moment invites reflection.

Experience it for Yourself: Patagonia Discovery Safari

Explore the park and its surroundings by vehicle and foot, with flexible days, knowledgeable guides, and welcoming lodges that let you experience Patagonia’s majesty without the need for rigorous trekking.

Best for: Active travelers who want to take in Patagonia’s iconic landscapes with some flexibility and comfort.

#6: Udawalawe National Park in Sri Lanka

Udawalawe is one of the best places in Asia to see wild elephants and much more. Open grasslands and forested wetlands provide habitat for hundreds of bird species, crocodiles, water buffalo, and leopards. The park also borders vital community-based conservation work that supports both wildlife and local livelihoods.

Experience it for Yourself: Wild & Sacred Sanctuaries

This itinerary blends safari-style wildlife watching in Udawalawe with visits to ancient temples, hill country towns, and coastal villages—offering a rich mix of ecology, culture, and history.

Best for: Travelers who want to explore the connections between nature, culture, and spiritual tradition.

Every trip with Journeys International contributes to the well-being of the places we visit. We proudly give to 1% for the Planet, and through the Earth Preservation Fund, we support grassroots conservation and community projects led by local partners around the world.

If you’re dreaming of your next adventure, Earth Month is the perfect time to choose a journey that aligns with your values. Whether it’s hiking among glaciers, tracking wildlife through the rainforest, or sharing quiet moments with your family in a place that feels worlds away, the right trip can deepen your connection to the planet, and leave a lasting impact. Our team is here to help you plan an experience that’s not only unforgettable, but meaningful. Please email or call an Adventure Specialist to chat more.

The post Earth Month: Six Inspiring Destinations for Outdoor Adventure appeared first on Journeys International.

Our Conservation Story

The founders of Journeys International, Will and Joan Weber (then Joan Schwartz), first met on a campus organizing committee for the first Earth Day in 1970. In many ways, this momentous global event – the start of Earth Day and the birth of the environmental movement – planted the seed for Journeys International’s eventual creation, although Will and Joan had no idea at the time that they would spend their lives as partners in life, business, and conservation.

After graduating from college, Will and Joan moved to Nepal for work in the Peace Corps and schools. In their final year in Kathmandu, Will helped the team working to establish a National Parks system in Nepal. Upon returning to the United States, they encouraged friends to visit the Himalayas. However, they realized how difficult it was for American travelers to visit Nepal in ways ways that included cultural connection and contributions to conservation and they began planning trips themselves.

When Will and Joan planned their first trips in 1978 and 1979, one of the goals was to support local people and the conservation of their culture through income from tourism. A second goal was to leverage tourism to support conservation. Journeys International has been committed to sustainable travel since the very beginning. Honoring Earth has been one of our company values since the start.

Roots in Ecotourism

Our founders understood the profound impact of culturally-respectful and environmentally-sensitive travel. Rather than merely extracting resources from the places we were visiting, we believed, and continue to believe, in leaving a positive mark. This philosophy laid the groundwork for the concept of ecotourism.

Over the years, the team at Journeys International has worked to identify specific ways to connect across cultures, nurture natural environments, and care for the world around us. We have prioritized partnerships with ground operators owned locally in the destinations where we travel. We craft itineraries intentionally to include as much cultural interaction as possible, and to minimize the negative environmental impact. As collective knowledge improves about how to manage and travel sustainably, we aim to learn and improve.

Alongside Journeys International, Will and Joan started a non-profit grant-making organization called the Earth Preservation Fund (EPF).  The EPF channels contributions from Journeys travelers to projects in our destinations where relatively small amounts of money can go a long way to support conservation and development. This is a prime example of the benefits that travel can deliver to local communities – ecotourism in action.

A Journey Through Time

As we reflect on our journey from the early Nepal trips to our current extensive trip offerings, one thing remains constant—the unwavering commitment to our founding principles. Today, Journeys International stands as a testament to over 45 years of ecotourism evolution in action.

Under the leadership of second-generation owner Robin Weber Pollak, we have expanded our destinations and honed our skills, yet our core values persist. Our growth has been deliberate, with new destinations added only after establishing personal relationships and gaining a deep understanding of the local cultures and environments.

Our team continues to consider how to care for the planet and its people as responsibly as possible. In the past decade, we have eliminated printed marketing and internal printed documents. We have shifted to remote operations and eliminated the carbon footprint of commuting. We offset the full carbon footprint of all travel. We are now embarking on the process to become a B Corporation, but in the meantime….

Another Step: Joining 1% for the Planet

The natural next step for Journeys International is formalizing our commitment to environmental and cultural sustainability and regeneration. 1% for the Planet is a global network of businesses and nonprofits committed to addressing the planet’s challenges. The principle is simple but powerful: participating businesses pledge to donate 1% of their annual sales to conservation causes through the network. This collective effort aims to drive positive change and support organizations actively working towards the conservation and restoration of our planet. By aligning ourselves with 1% for the Planet, Journeys International solidifies its commitment to responsible travel and environmental stewardship, formalizing the commitment that a portion of our proceeds will directly contribute to the well-being of the places we explore and cherish.

This commitment reinforces our dedication to sustainability and environmental conservation. For 2024, 1% of our annual sales will be donated to environmental causes through this global network of businesses and nonprofits. Excitingly, the EPF is now an environmental partner in the network, and we will continue to support and nurture the work of that longstanding partner. We also plan to support our commitment with team volunteer work for environmental partners within the 1% for the Planet network. The International team has pledged to complete a total of 100 volunteer hours in honor of Earth Day and our new partnership.

As you embark on your next adventure with Journeys International, know that you are not only exploring hidden worlds but also contributing to the preservation of our planet. Your goals for exploration align with our commitment to environmental stewardship, and together, we can create a positive impact on the places we visit. Thank you for being a part of the Journeys International family and our vision. Here’s to more adventures, discoveries, and a sustainable future for all.

The post Journeys Joins 1% for the Planet appeared first on Journeys International.

1.  Ask questions about what you see.
2.  Practice mindfulness in taking note of your surroundings.
3.  Notice how your feelings vary in different kinds of environments.
4.  Bring children along and teach appreciation for wild places.
5.  Document the beauty of nature, and share it.
6.  Carry a reusable water bottle.
7.  In places without clean drinking water, carry a lightweight water filtration bottle from a company like LifeStraw.
8.  Keep a reusable shopping bag in your daypack.
9.  Decline plastic straws. If you’re worried about the cleanliness of cups, carry a reusable metal straw with you.
10.  Take shorter showers.
11.  Turn the water off while brushing and showering.
12.  Open your curtains, blinds, and windows. Leave the lights off.
13.  Take stairs instead of elevators.
14.  Say “no” to hotel housekeeping.
15.  Keep to marked trails when hiking to let natural plant life flourish.
16.  When snorkeling or diving, keep your feet off the reef.
17.  Pick up litter along your way.
18.  Eat like a local.
19.  Choose vegetarian meals when they’re readily available.
20.  Buy locally produced food and snacks to reduce the transportation footprint of your purchases.
21.  Choose souvenirs made of reused materials.
22.  Ask questions about lodges’ and tour companies’ sustainability programs, and their support for local communities.
23.  Return maps and brochures to be reused by future travelers.
24.  Use public transportation instead of private cars.
25.  Hike, walk, trek, bike, raft, or otherwise travel by people power.
26.  Give a break to over-visited destinations and try lesser-known gems.
27.  Book non-stop flights whenever possible.
28.  Offset your emissions with a contribution to a carbon reduction project (or if you book through Journeys International, we do this for you!)
29.  Plant some trees along the way.
30.  Rethink the necessity of new gear purchases.
31.  Leave your electronics at home.
32.  Unplug all your home appliances while you’re gone.
33.  Leave your make-up at home.
34.  Never feed the wildlife
35.  Never buy animal products as souvenirs.
36.  Never photograph animals being exploited.
37.  Never pay to participate in activities that exploit animals.
38.  Speak up if someone does something harmful to our planet.
39.  Tell locals and fellow travelers about how you honor the earth.
40.  Make a donation to support conservation projects.

There are many, many small but impactful ways to make a difference when you embark on an adventure abroad, and every action is a step in the right direction. Each time you travel with Journeys International, a portion of your trip goes to the Earth Preservation Fund to fund projects that help local communities and conservation efforts. Additional donations can be made to the EPF through our website link below.

The post 40 Simple Ways to Honor the Earth When You Travel appeared first on Journeys International.