Saturday, November 30, 2024 Bali, Barcelona, and other top destinations face travel warnings for 2025, with concerns over overcrowding, environmental damage, and local protests. Fodor’s has unveiled a list of destinations travelers might want to avoid in 2025, with popular spots like Bali and a renowned Scottish road trip featuring among the recommendations to reconsider. Bali, which welcomed 5.
3 million international tourists in 2023, is grappling with an environmental crisis as its once-pristine beaches now struggle under the weight of nearly 303,000 tons of plastic waste. Similarly, Mount Everest has been flagged due to mounting concerns over waste accumulation and the risks faced by local workers supporting adventure tourism. In Europe, Barcelona, Mallorca, and the Canary Islands have seen significant pushback from locals, with protests against overtourism dominating the summer.
Meanwhile, Venice and Lisbon have sparked debates due to a new day-tripper entry fee in Venice and a severe housing shortage in Lisbon. Koh Samui in Thailand has also made the list for the second consecutive year, with experts expressing fears about overcrowding once The White Lotus series, set to air in 2025, draws even more visitors. Issues like waste management and water scarcity are expected to worsen on the island.
Other destinations flagged as “at risk” include the British Virgin Islands, Kerala in India, and cities like Kyoto and Tokyo in Japan, as well as Oaxaca in Mexico. These loca.