If you care about the planet and still want to visit beautiful places, you don’t have to choose between the two. Around the world, some amazing spots are taking serious steps to cut back on plastic waste—and they’re doing it without giving up charm, comfort, or unforgettable views.

Here are a few destinations that are leading the way in plastic-free travel.

Sweden:

Sweden has always been big on recycling and protecting the environment. But now, it’s going even further. The country is home to more and more hotels, restaurants, and events that avoid using plastic. In cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg, plastic has been banned in many public areas.

Sweden in Pictures: Beautiful Places to Photograph | PlanetWare[Source - PlanetWare]

Some stores are trying out packaging-free shopping, and even SAS, the national airline, has removed plastic cutlery and wrappers on many of its flights. Want a peaceful getaway? Try places like Stedsans in the Woods, an eco-lodge where everything is reusable and waste is kept to a minimum.

Palau: 

Palau may be small, but when it comes to protecting nature, it’s a giant. It was the first country to ban harmful sunscreens, and since 2020, visitors must sign an eco-pledge to travel responsibly.

Palau Announces 30-Day Visa-Free Entry For Indians[Source - Travel and Leisure Asia]

The country launched the Palau Responsible Tourism Policy Framework in 2021. This policy works to stop the use of single-use plastics like bags, bottles, and straws. Whether it’s a local shop or a scuba diving tour, you’ll notice a strong commitment to keeping the environment clean.

Rwanda: 

You might not expect it, but Rwanda has become a world leader in cutting down plastic. Since 2008, plastic bags have been banned across the country, and it’s made a big difference. Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, is now often called the cleanest city in Africa.

What is Rwanda famous for? Reasons to see more than gorillas | Rough Guides[Source- Rough Guides]

Plastic bags aren’t allowed at all, not even in airport duty-free shops. Hotels near Volcanoes National Park, where travelers go for gorilla trekking, now provide filtered water, biodegradable toiletries, and reusable lunch boxes. Here, being eco-friendly is just a regular part of life.

California, USA: 

California was the first U.S. state to ban plastic shopping bags back in 2016. Since then, more laws have followed, limiting straws, plastic utensils, and those tiny toiletry bottles you see in hotels.

What to do in California: 12 places you cant miss - Tripoto[Source - Tripoto]

Cities like San Francisco and Santa Monica now offer rewards for businesses that avoid plastic. Tourists can refill water bottles at stations across beaches, airports, and parks. Want to stay plastic-free? Try hotels like 1 Hotel West Hollywood or The Ecology Centre in San Juan Capistrano.

These places show that you don’t need plastic to have a great travel experience. Whether you’re hiking through forests, relaxing on a beach, or exploring a busy city, eco-friendly travel is possible, and it can even make your trip more meaningful.

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