UK residents have been warned before planning their next holiday, as 15 countries have been classified as ‘do not visit’ locations.
Christmas has come and gone, but all this means is everyone’s attention turning to the new year, and more specifically, where we might be travelling to in 2025.
The thought of a holiday might be all that keeps us going through the cold months of January and February, and even more so for those taking part in Dry January – but why have people been advised against visiting these popular holiday hotspots?
Brits will be starting to mark their locations of interest next year, though 15 places have been outlined as ones to avoid.
According to English travel guide producer Fodor, even those looking to venture outside of the European Union should look out for a number of places.
Fodor editors explain: “These places are popular for good reason – they’re beautiful, fascinating, and culturally significant. But some of these sought-after tourist spots are buckling under the weight of their own fame.”
Some of these places are Agrigento in Sicily, Tokyo in Japan and the Scotland North Coast 500.
Fodor further highlights: “But we do believe that acknowledging the problem is the first step towards solving it. The No List serves to highlight those destinations where tourism is putting unsustainable pressure on the environment and local communities.”
They add that the overtourism issue should be ‘addressed’ before ‘future generations’ can go and enjoy them too.
Here’s the full ‘do not visit’ list:
- Bali, Indonesia
- Barcelona and Majorca, Spain
- Canary Islands
- Venice, Italy
- Agrigento, Sicily, Italy
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Koh Samui, Thailand
- Britain Virgin Islands
- Kerala, India
- Kyoto and Tokyo, Japan
- Oaxaca, Mexico
- Scotland North Coast 500
Fodor explained: “The destinations featured on the No List deserve the fame and adoration they receive. They are worthy of your time and money,” noting that protests in European countries in particular are rising due to the issue.
Describing the ‘challenges’ of tourism in these locations as ‘real and urgent’, they clarified: “Fodor’s does not advocate for travel boycotts – they harm local economies and fail to bring about meaningful change. But we do believe that the first step to alleviating a problem is recognising there is one.”
They add that the ‘unsustainable pressures on land and local communities’ are issues that must be solved before we start venturing over to them in large numbers.
