Top 7 destinations to help you reset & restart your life

With schools shifting to home-based learning, and work and life blending into the same space, COVID-19 has disrupted many aspects of one's life and brought us into a new reality. Our ability to wanderlust has temporarily come to a halt as the pandemic "hit the reset button" for the world, notably for the tourism industry.

Travel has never felt more of luxury until now and we are anticipating travel to restart in the form of sustainable and responsible tourism. From the beaches of Fiji to the wildlife of Africa, read on to find out Vayama's top 7 destinations that will help you reset & restart your life.

• 1.Bhutan
• 2.Switzerland
• 3.Slovenia
• 4.Tajikistan
• 5.Fiji
• 6.Portugal
• 7.Botswana

1. Bhutan

Often referred to as the model of sustainable tourism, Bhutan's 'High Value, Low Impact' tourism strategy has helped to preserve their indigenous culture. It has also secured a reputation of authenticity and crowned 'the land of happiness'.

If you're looking for a genuine local cultural experience, a trip to Bhutan will bring you feelings of peace, calm and happiness, much needed especially in the post-pandemic world.

2. Switzerland

As one of the pioneering countries for eco-tourism, Switzerland is home to several “Green Accommodations”, which include farm stays, hotels, and campsites equipped with plenty of eco-friendly facilities. Known for their remarkable transport system, a train journey around the alpine country generates 20 times less carbon footprint than a car on a comparable road.

Besides, according to the Swiss federal forestry law, forests must occupy at least thirty per cent of the nation’s land. You are bound to enjoy fresh and clean air as you travel around this eco-friendly country!

3. Slovenia

Slovenia was declared as the first Green Country by the Green Destinations organisation, after achieving a 96% success rate against its detailed sustainability indicators. Explore the region on an electric bike or indulge in a local feast with ingredients that are sourced locally.

Whether you’re seeking cultural highs or pursuing your next big hike in the vast greenery of this country, Slovenia has something to offer for all.

4. Tajikistan

Growing in popularity among the bucket list of many travellers, Tajikistan is home to a wide range of historic-cultural tourism. The Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan is the highlight of the country, as the destination promotes sustainable tourism with the creation of fair job opportunities for everyone. If you’re a hiking or biking enthusiast, or simply a nature lover, be sure to put this on your adventure list!

5. Fiji

Located in the heart of the South Pacific, Fiji is home to 333 tropical islands. With most businesses on the islands practising sustainable tourism, a perfect example would be Six Senses Fiji, a 100% solar-powered resort on Fiji islands.

A perfect getaway for the beach lovers, Fiji is less crowded than the Maldives and Bora Bora. This means that it is an ideal destination to escape from the crowd, as you relish at the pristine beaches and crystal clear waters in peace.

6. Portugal

Known for their delicious tarts and home to pristine beaches and historic medieval castles, Portugal is the winner of the Best European Sustainable Tourism Destination in 2019.

With a vision to be one of the most sustainable tourist destinations in the world by 2027, the government is promoting sustainable activities, especially in non-traditional regions of the country. It is time to deviate from the usual tourist crowd, travel beyond the capital city, Lisbon, and explore Portugal's seaside villages and mountaintop towns.

7. Botswana

Sustainable tourism is on the rise in Africa, as many tourists from all over the world flock to the iconic national parks and reserves to see planet Earth's most stunning wildlife in its natural habitat. To preserve its rich natural gifts, Botswana in particular, has long been committed to the preservation of its environmental and cultural heritage, with an impressive 38% of its land officially protected.

There is a wide range of low-impact nature activities for all guests to enjoy the wilderness with sustainable practices. Glide down the many waterways of Okavango delta in a traditional canoe, one of the many 'eco-light' safari activities, which allows tourists to experience the charm of Southern Africa in the 'greenest' way.

Besides finding the cheapest flights, Vayama.ie also offer hotel booking globally. With more than 600,000 hotels with affordable prices, we will be here when you're ready to travel again.

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