If you’re already planning a 2025 vacation, you might want to avoid these places.
Fodor’s has released this 2025 “No List” – A list of destinations where tourists should reconsider visiting because they are “suffering from unsustainable popularity” and “burdening under the weight of their own prominence.”
The travel guide begins with the perennial no-list destinations, which “keep being talked about, but things don’t seem to be getting better.” And in many cases, they are getting worse.”
Topping the perennial list is Bali, Indonesia, where overtourism has created a “plastic apocalypse.”
Fodor said Bali’s tourism industry and environment are trapped in a vicious, “delicate” cycle: the economy thrives on hospitality, which depends on the natural landscape.
The island is expected to receive approximately 5.3 million international tourists in 2023, according to Central Bureau of Statistics for Bali ProvinceThis has boosted the economy but put a strain on infrastructure, leaving once-pristine beaches buried under piles of garbage.
“Overtourism affects the core of Balinese life,” kristin winkaeffA sustainable travel expert focusing on Southeast Asia told Fodor. “Without change, we are not only putting beautiful scenery at risk – we are also at risk of losing cultural identity.”
Also included in the perennial list are “European destinations where the locals don’t want you”.
This summer, protests over tourism broke out in places like Barcelona, Mallorca, the Canary Islands and Venice.
In places like Lisbon and almost all popular European destinations, the cost of accommodation and living has increased due to tourism. According to Fodor, about 60% of housing in Lisbon is now holiday accommodation, reducing supply and increasing demand and costs.
Koh Samui, Thailand also made the list, and although it has always suffered from overtourism, many fear what will happen. when the new season Max’s hit drama “The White Lotus” – which will be established in the country – Premiere in 2025.
Tourism stress on Koh Samui could become “unbearable” if “The White Lotus” has similar impact Which he did in Sicily.
Mount Everest was also cautioned against because of the poor environment and huge safety concerns for local workers, as well as the climbers themselves,
“The crowds, litter and cultural degradation in the Everest region have stopped me from guiding,” says Amit Khadka, a former Everest Base Camp guide who is now associated with KeepSaid. “I couldn’t give my customers a good experience with that litter and crowd. I felt guilty for being there, for contributing to overtourism.
The list continues to a section of “destinations initiating grief”, identified as places that need to be proactive “before it’s too late”.
Those locations include Agrigento in southwestern Sicily, Italy – which is preparing to become the Italian Capital of Culture in 2025 – as well as the British Virgin Islands; Kerala, India; the Japanese cities of Kyoto and Tokyo; Oaxaca, Mexico; and the Scotland North Coast 500 (NC500).
“Although these destinations have not received widespread media attention highlighting their dire conditions, industry insiders have begun to express concern based on their own observations and experiences,” Fodor reported.
The travel guide states that the destinations on the list “deserve fame and praise,” and are worthy of the time and money spent – but the challenges they face are real.
The travel guide says, “The ‘No List’ works to highlight destinations where tourism is placing unsustainable pressure on the land and local communities,” although Fodor clarifies that it does not support a travel boycott because They harm local economies and prevent “meaningful change.”
Fodor’s 2025 no list
Perennials no list:
- Bali, Indonesia
- European destinations where the locals don’t want you – Barcelona, Mallorca, Venice, Canary Islands and Lisbon
- Koh Samui, Thailand
- mount everest
Destinations started suffering:
- Agrigento in Sicily, Italy
- British Virgin Islands
- Kerala, India
- Kyoto and Tokyo, Japan
- oaxaca, mexico
- Scotland North Coast 500
