Jennifer Kaplan

What makes a destination special isn’t just the sights, but the way we experience them. When we travel responsibly, we’re not only protecting places for the future—we’re also creating more meaningful connections in the moment. The best trips leave us with great memories and the feeling that we gave something back. That balance is what makes travel matter.

Slow food travel resonates with me because it reflects the same values I bring to everyday life: slowing down, being intentional, and making choices that support people and the planet. I’ve seen how cooking with locals, visiting markets, and dining at farm-to-table retreats creates more sustainable connections, ones that hold tradition, reduce waste, and keep money in local economies. Whether it’s learning to make pasta in Tuscany, tasting wines in the Basque Country, or supporting women’s cooperatives in Morocco, these experiences remind us that food is both culture and stewardship. Traveling this way makes the journey more meaningful because it nourishes not only us, but also the communities we touch along the way.

These destinations blend everything I love about travel: a sense of place, a commitment to sustainability, and food that tells a story about the land it comes from. A meal at a Michelin Green Star restaurant isn’t just about the excellence of the food (although that is essential!), it’s about feeling connected to the people, traditions, and ecosystems that make it possible. Every meal feels intentional, shaped by the seasons and the character of the region, so you leave not just well-fed, but inspired.

Berkeley has been my home for the past 15 years, though I arrived here as a transplant from New York City. What struck me immediately, and keeps me here, is how deeply food is woven into daily life, not only as luxury but as community and culture. From Chez Panisse to neighborhood spots where farmers know the chefs by name, farm-to-table isn’t a trend in the Bay—it’s a way of life.

Sustainable travel isn’t about perfection—it’s about making better choices. These five destinations each take their own approach to lowering impact, from wildlife-friendly landscaping to plant-based menus and locally made goods. Together, they prove that you can explore the world, enjoy remarkable experiences, and still tread more lightly than most.

I’m drawn to destinations that show how travel can be both unforgettable and ethical. Watching elephants roam freely, knowing they’re safe from exploitation, is a completely different kind of magic than the old model of rides and performances. Places like the Anantara Golden Triangle in Thailand, Atua Enkop in Kenya, and Wild Horizons in Zimbabwe prove that when tourism puts animal welfare and community benefit first, everyone benefits, humans and elephants alike.