8 Destinations Making Sure Your Future Grandkids Can Visit

Croatia

For more than two decades, Croatia has been focusing on sustainability to preserve its natural, historical, and cultural resources. Its latest projects include a Green Highway dotted with electric-car charging stations that had its international debut last year during the first Nikola Tesla EV Road Rally; and five cities that have earned EDEN (European Destinations of Excellence) recognition, a project that promotes sustainable tourism and development. Croatia is thinking big in its conservation goals, but it's also focusing on local efforts by promoting handmade Croatian souvenirs rather than importing mass-produced items from other countries and hyper-local travel experiences like olive harvesting and truffle hunting.

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The Maldives

The Maldives' quest for sustainability isn't fueled by a far-off future, but by the very real threat of being the first true casualty of climate change: The lowest-lying country in the world is at risk of being underwater by the end of the century. The Maldives' current constitution defines environmental protection as a human right, and the country's immediate goals include carbon neutrality by 2020. Preserving its myriad environmental attractions is a top tourism goal as well, and rules preventing overdevelopment and overuse not only protect the Maldives but also the visitor experience.

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Bristol, England

To earn the designation European Green Capital, a city has to not only have high environmental standards but be committed to ambitious sustainability goals. Bristol, Europe's current Green Capital, is aiming to be a "low carbon city with a high quality of life for all." The UK's greenest city, it has managed to reduce carbon emissions while growing its economy. And it's doing it with a quirky, artistic flair. Travelers coming from the airport will likely ride the methane-powered "poo bus." Visitors can visit one of the four city farms, cycle around one of the world's most bike-friendly cities, and spend with the local currency, the Bristol Pound, which supports local, ethical, and independent businesses.

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Sonoma County, California

The term "terroir" captures the entire natural environment—from the soil to the air—in which a particular wine is produced. So it makes sense that a California county best known for its wine would understand the importance of the environment. Last year, the Sonoma County Winegrowers announced they would become the nation's first 100 percent sustainable wine region by 2019. Defining sustainable as environmentally conscientious, economically viable, and socially responsible, the program ensures that wine produced in Sonoma truly is wine that sustains.

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Costa Rica

Costa Rica is lush rain forests and pristine coastlines, and it's working hard to preserve its greatest asset. The nation's new president recently reaffirmed Costa Rica's ambitious goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2021. Visitors can support the cause by choosing hotels with sustainable practices certified by the Costa Rica Tourism Institute. The country's Blue Flag program—which encourages hotels and coastal communities to work side by side to protect Costa Rica's beaches—is a great resource for finding beach towns dedicated to preserving the environment.

Related: 10 Best Places to Go in Costa Rica

Ljubljana, Slovenia

As it readies itself for the title of European Green Capital 2016, Ljubljana is upping its environmental game in ways that will seriously wow visitors. For the last decade or so, the city has been shifting its transportation focus from cars to excellent public transport as well as pedestrian and cycling networks. Visitors can take advantage of the pedestrianized city center or venture further using the Bicikelj bike-sharing program. As part of its Vision 2025 plan, Ljubljana is also preserving green spaces and aiming to be a zero-waste city in the next decade.

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Bhutan

Bhutan is small but its dedication to sustainability is big. The tiny country tucked into the Himalayas
known for its concept of GNH, or Gross National Happiness, has environmental sustainability built into its constitution and is aiming for carbon neutrality. It is committed to maintaining at least 60 percent of its land as forests, and eschews mass tourism in favor of a "high value, low impact" model that preserves the country and its people, all while offering visitors authenticity in experience.

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Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm makes sustainability look good. The city has had an environmental focus for 40 years, which puts it miles ahead of most places. With efficient public transport and efficient citywide heating long in place, it's now focusing its efforts on sustainable use of energy, land, and water; and further reducing emissions. In fact, the city plans to be fossil-fuel free by 2050. And what's good for the planet is good for both Stockholmers and visitors—walkability, green spaces, and clean air and water make everyone want to stay and play a while.

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