By Lisa Hoehn
The Active Times
Jetting off this year? Good! But remember, where you touch down affects more than your next Facebook album -- in fact, your travels can have a dramatic effect on the local economy. If you want to spend your hard-earned dough in countries that have values mirroring your own, look no further than this year's installment of Berkley-based non-profit Ethical Traveler, which judges developing nations based on social welfare programs, environmental protection efforts and human rights records.
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| Slideshow: Most Ethical Travel Destinations |
In the slideshow, you'll find this year's top 10 nations to visit -- in alphabetical (not merit-based) order.
The good news: The same sports-psychology tips that help the pros can work for weekend warriors, too. Walker offers a few suggestions below.
Most Ethical Travel Destinations For 2013 Slideshow
Costa Rica
Chosen for: Dramatic drop in crime rates, outstanding social welfare policies and being, overall, a very happy place (Costa Rica was chosen as Happiest Country by the Happy Planet Index of the New Economics Foundation).
Ghana
Chosen for: Proactive environmental policies aimed at reducing natural degradation and a peaceful transition of power to a president known for his interest in the underprivileged and the environment.
Lithuania
Chosen for: Dedication to environmental protection and social welfare.
Mauritius
Chosen for: Improvements in human development, including property rights, monetary freedom and management of government spending, emphasis on “greening their economies and implementing sustainable development programs” and spotlighting responsible tourism.
Palau
Chosen for: Greening their economies, sustainable development and environmental regard.
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