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Last Updated on June 16, 2025 by Jeremy
They’re tiny, tireless, and keep our ecosystems alive—and yet, bees are in crisis. From pesticide use to vanishing wildflower habitats, pollinators are disappearing at alarming rates. But here’s the good news: you can do something about it. And it involves traveling.
More and more eco-conscious destinations are stepping up to protect the planet’s smallest farmers. From certified bee sanctuaries to regenerative farms and educational homestays, travelers can now roll up their sleeves, learn from local beekeepers, and even sponsor hives—without sacrificing adventure or comfort.
So if you’re the kind of nomad who wants to give back to nature while exploring the world, here’s where to go and how to do it.
Why Bee Sanctuaries Matter More Than Ever
Bees don’t just make honey—they pollinate more than 70% of the crops that feed us. Without them, we lose fruits, vegetables, nuts, and the plants that keep soil fertile. Traveling to bee-friendly destinations is one way we can support the preservation of native habitats, promote regenerative agriculture, and even help local economies thrive.
1. The Lavender Fields of Provence, France
In Southern France, the lavender fields aren’t just for Instagram—they’re a haven for bees. Local farms often run bee-friendly certification programs and allow guests to tour apiaries, learn extraction methods, and even adopt a hive.
Why it’s a sanctuary:
These farms grow without pesticides and time their harvests around pollinator patterns.
How to experience it:
- Take a lavender and honey tour with Viator.
- Stay in a rustic stone villa in Avignon via VRBO.
- Book flights and local stays using Expedia or Orbitz.
2. The Azores, Portugal
A lush island chain in the Atlantic, the Azores are known for geothermal springs and green pastures—but did you know they also harbor endemic bee species? Local apiaries welcome volunteers and offer day tours.
Why it’s a sanctuary:
Low pesticide use and an isolated ecosystem make it a paradise for bees and beekeepers.
How to experience it:
- Join a full-day eco-farm tour with GetYourGuide, where bees are part of the regenerative system.
- Use Booking.com to stay in charming farm stays.
- Book nature-based activities via Life Happens Outdoors.
3. Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, Canada
Closer to home, this off-grid haven is buzzing—literally. Known for its permaculture farms and alternative energy use, Salt Spring is a magnet for bee-friendly retreats.
Why it’s a sanctuary:
Organic farms offer pollinator corridors and workshops in apiculture and wild bee conservation.
How to experience it:
- Stay with a local homesteading family through Homestay.com.
- Book a bee workshop and forest honey tasting with Viator.
- Find eco-lodges and cabin rentals through Trivago Canada.
4. Chiang Mai, Thailand
This cultural capital in Northern Thailand is also home to organic hill farms where bees help grow medicinal plants and heirloom fruits.
Why it’s a sanctuary:
Ethical farms integrate bees into permaculture systems while offering educational tourism.
How to experience it:
- Try a farm-to-table tour with herbal bee tea through Travelocity.
- Crash in a bamboo cottage or herbalist’s homestay via Homestay.com.
- Book eco-luxe lodges using Booking.com.
5. Iceland’s Black Bee Project
Iceland’s bee population is small but mighty. There’s a push to preserve Nordic black bees—native pollinators adapted to the country’s cool climate.
Why it’s a sanctuary:
Strict import laws and isolation help preserve the genetic integrity of local bee populations.
How to experience it:
- Visit a geothermal greenhouse and black bee hive via GetYourGuide.
- Stay in modern eco-cabins near Akureyri with VRBO.
- Book your northern lights flights and lodges through Expedia or Orbitz.
Final Thoughts: Travel With a Buzz
Bees don’t ask for much—just clean air, wildflowers, and a little peace. When we travel to support bee sanctuaries, we’re voting with our footsteps. We’re showing that adventure can have purpose. That even while exploring, we can protect the delicate wings that keep the world spinning.
Ready to support the bees on your next journey?
Book sustainable experiences through Viator, cozy up at eco-stays with Booking.com and Trivago, or live like a local through Homestay.com. The planet’s smallest farmers are counting on us.
To explore all the brands, tours, and tools mentioned in this article — and a few more we personally trust — head over to the Our Trusted Travel Partners section on our homepage for a full list of links and offers curated for fellow travelers like you.
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