QUEST

NEXT UP:
GO ECO
As travelers become more
aware of the environmental
impacts of tourism on
destinations, Ker & Downey
recommends more roads
less traveled. Here are
three to see now.
COSTA RICA
A land thick with dense wildlife-packed jungles, otherworldly
cloud forests, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and
uncrowded, unspoiled beaches on the Pacific and Caribbean
sides — Costa Rica is rich with ecozones. Visit and
you’ll often hear the words “pura vida,” the national ethos
of living simply, optimistically and stress free with abiding
gratitude for the country’s prolific natural and cultural
gifts. Think cascading waterfalls, towering volcanic
mountains and steamy thermal spas, as well as the alluring
colonial city of San José. Boasting some of Latin America’s
most innovative environmental policies, Costa Rica has
turned small-scale ecotourism into high art, with luxury
glamping experiences that are at the forefront of water and
wildlife conservation, and even agroforestry.
The canopy
suite at
Pacuare
Lodge
The sunset
from White
Pearl in
Mozambique
MOZAMBIQUE
Off the beaten path, southern Africa’s
remote and sparsely-touristed seaside
marvel gives way to some of the planet’s
most singular experiences and sights,
such as the marine animals, bird species
and wild horses that thrive on the six
islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago.
Traced by the Indian Ocean, the pristine
coastline offers sparkling sand and
views of the sea often dotted with colorful
dhows afloat above vibrant corals
and abundant sea life. While the country
is home to wetlands, forests and
savannahs, underwater safari is where
it’s at, making Mozambique an ideal
place to view sea life in the vast and
purest of blues. The islands and islets
of the seemingly-boundless Quirimbas
Archipelago and Quirimbas National
Park are virtually undiscovered. Beyond
the sea, the sleepy seaside villages of
Nampula Province beckon discovery of
authentic local life.
A polar bear in the
Svalbard islands
NORWAY
As if an arresting, dramatic natural
landscape carved by fjords and
massive, snow-capped mountains
and hidden glassy lakes isn’t reason
enough to visit, this Scandinavian
country is also known for the
world’s highest standard of living
and fair quality of life for its inhabitants.
From quaint fishing villages
to rare and unusual wildlife to the
heritage of Viking sagas, it’s easy
to explore all, leaving a minimal
environmental footprint. A perfect
fit for all levels of sustainable adventure
— kayaking, hiking, arctic
whale watching, glacier viewing,
fishing and foraging, skiing or
chasing the Northern Lights — this
is a bucket list destination that remains
under the radar just enough
that you often feel you have the
whole world to yourself.
Photos courtesy of White Pearl | Pacuare Lodge | iStock
22 KER & DOWNEY