WELCOME TO OUR third Green Issue! We introduced our themed issues in 2017, and our annual Green Issue kicks off the year with a look at some of the most eco-friendly destinations and travel providers around the globe. Following a year of back and forth and ups and downs when it comes to the environment, it’s a welcome chance to take a closer look at countries and cities getting it right when it comes to green initiatives and to examine more closely how we can do our part.

Given this month’s theme, it seemed fitting to include one of the world’s most valuable resources in my photo this month — our seas and oceans. Our waterways were of particular focus in the past 12 months as a movement to end the use of single-use plastics gained momentum, even in the travel industry. Plastic straws, in particular, are polluting our oceans. Hotels, airlines and cruise lines made a move to replace them, stirrers and more with eco-friendly alternatives. On board my recent Seabourn cruise — I’m on the veranda of our suite in my photo — all the straws were paper, and I could see a concerted effort to clean up trash and debris and recycle appropriately on the islands we visited. Each time I saw a stray piece of trash or an empty bottle tossed to the side, it hit home a little harder how close that was to ending up in the Atlantic Ocean or the Caribbean Sea.

It reinforced to me I can personally improve my own habits to ensure I leave the world even a little bit better. Join the fight with some of the world’s airlines, hotels and airports; highlighted on page 40 are a few doing what they can to rally against some of the more destructive effects of the travel industry on the environment.

Another important issue is animal conservation. In addition to Susan Barnes’ exploration of the subject on page 46, I was reminded of this when I visited a hawksbill turtle sanctuary on Bequia in St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Orton “Brother” King started the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary after a lifetime as a native skin-diving fisherman. Being one with the ocean led to his mission to save this species of turtle from extinction. It was fascinating to learn more.

Where else in the world should you consider for eco-conscious travel? We highlight Vancouver, Bhutan, Minneapolis, Prague, Hobart, İstanbul, Patagonia, Guatemala and Costa Rica on the following pages. Join us next month when we take a look at up-and-coming MICE destinations worldwide and announce the winners of our Leisure Lifestyle Awards in our annual Leisure Lifestyle Edition.

Until then, travel smarter!