Category: General

If you’re already dreaming of your next vacation and planning travel for 2025, listen up! A new list of at-risk destinations is highlighting places that are being harmed by over-tourism, and some of these tourist hotspots might already be on your bucket list.

Every year, the travel experts at Fodor’s release a “No List,” which shines a light on destinations suffering from untenable popularity. These spots are breathtakingly beautiful and culturally significant—but the very things that make them so appealing are also putting them at risk.

According to Fodor’s No List, a big part of the problem is that governments often focus on making these places more appealing to tourists, sometimes at the expense of local communities. This can lead to skyrocketing costs of living for residents, environmental damage, and even the destruction of the culture and landscapes that made the destination unique in the first place.

It’s worth noting that Fodor’s doesn’t advocate for boycotting these destinations altogether, as this can hurt local economies and often doesn’t actually address the root issues. Instead, the No List is meant to encourage travellers to think twice about their choices and consider the impact of their trips before taking them.

With that in mind, here’s a closer look at the 15 destinations that made Fodor’s No List for 2025, why they’re so popular, and why you should consider skipping them.

Bali, Indonesia

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Why it’s popular: Bali is a tropical paradise known for its lush rice paddies, golden beaches, and vibrant cultural traditions, making it a dream destination for millions of travellers every year.

Why you should pass: Rapid development and skyrocketing tourism have overwhelmed Bali’s natural and cultural heritage, according to the experts who spoke to Fodor’s. Beaches are buried in trash, water systems are strained, and waste management is struggling to keep up. Experts warn that without major changes, the island’s fragile ecosystems and traditions could disappear entirely.

Lisbon, Portugal

Why it’s popular: With its charming cobblestone streets, incredible food, and historic landmarks, it’s hardly surprising that Lisbon attracts millions of tourists every year.

Why you should pass: The housing crisis has hit locals hard—60% of homes are now vacation rentals, and the cost of living has skyrocketed as a result of over-tourism. The city has lost nearly a third of its population in the last decade due to the impact.

Mallorca, Spain

Why it’s popular: This Balearic Island is an affordable Mediterranean paradise known for its sandy beaches, warm weather, and lively party scene.

Why you should pass: Local people have been protesting against the significant amount of tourists allowed to visit every year, citing overcrowded beaches and rising living costs. The situation has become so tense locals have been seen protesting with signs aimed at tourists reading “your luxury, our misery.”

Venice, Italy

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Why it’s popular: Known as the city of romance, Venice’s canals, gondolas, and historic beauty make it one of Europe’s most famous (and popular) destinations.

Why you should pass: Despite a new entry fee for day-trippers, locals are still protesting the overwhelming crowds and environmental strain caused by over-tourism, particularly from cruises.

The Canary Islands, Spain

Why it’s popular: These volcanic islands boast year-round sunshine, unique landscapes, and an escape from mainland hustle.

Why you should pass: Tourism accounts for 35% of the local GDP, but residents feel the pressure of overcrowded beaches and unaffordable living costs. Protests reflect growing frustration with unsustainable tourism practices.

Barcelona, Spain

Why it’s popular: Barcelona is an undeniably popular tourist hotspot, famous—particularly across Europe— for its stunning Gaudí architecture, city beaches, and vibrant nightlife.

Why you should pass: With over 10,000 vacation rentals exponentially driving up housing costs, locals have had enough. Protests against overtourism have become common, and the city’s infrastructure is buckling under the pressure. Officials plan to revoke short-term rental licenses, but for some it’s too little, too late.

Koh Samui, Thailand

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Why it’s popular: This lush island in the Gulf of Thailand is famous for its luxury resorts, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife. It’s also where numerous famous movies and TV shows have been filmed, including the new season of The White Lotus, set to air in 2025.

Why you should pass: Koh Samui is struggling with waste management issues, unregulated development, and environmental degradation. With 200,000 tons of trash piling up and fragile ecosystems at risk, experts worry that a surge in The White Lotus-inspired visitors could push the island’s resources past their breaking point.

Mount Everest, Nepal

Why it’s popular: Mount Everest, the world’s tallest peak, is unsurprisngly a bucket-list destination for millions of travellers across the globe.

Why you should pass: Overcrowding and waste are taking a serious toll on Everest, according to the experts who spoke to Fodor’s. With record numbers of climbers and trekkers, the mountain is buried under trash and human waste. The safety of local guides is also a growing concern, as inexperienced tourists push limits without proper skills.

Agrigento, Sicily, Italy

Why it’s popular: Agrigento is home to the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring ancient Greek ruins surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. As Italy’s 2025 Capital of Culture, it’s set to draw even more visitors next year.

Why you should pass: The city is grappling with a severe water crisis worsened by climate change and aging infrastructure. Residents face water rationing, and hotels are struggling to meet basic needs like running water. Fodor’s No List warns that increased tourism could further strain the fragile system and threaten what makes it so special to begin with.

British Virgin Islands

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Why it’s popular: With stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and world-class sailing, the British Virgin Islands are a dream destination for luxury travellers all over the world.

Why you should pass: The heavy focus on cruise tourism is straining local resources but leaving little economic benefit for residents as cruise passengers are reluctant to spend off-board. Meanwhile, inadequate infrastructure and environmental issues, including coral reef damage and slow recovery from past hurricanes, highlight the islands’ struggle to balance tourism with sustainability.

Kerala, India

Why it’s popular: Known as “God’s Own Country,” it’s not hard to see why Kerala’s palm-lined beaches, serene backwaters, and lush greenery attract so many tourists.

Why you should pass: Unregulated tourism and overdevelopment have led to landslides, pollution, and shrinking natural landmarks. Houseboat tourism, once eco-friendly, now contributes to severe environmental damage, threatening aquatic life and local livelihoods. The region’s increasing disaster risks continue to cause concern among experts and locals alike.

Oaxaca, Mexico

Why it’s popular: Oaxaca is well known for its vibrant Indigenous culture, mezcal distilleries, and world-famous festivals like Día de Muertos and Guelaguetza, set against a backdrop of colonial architecture and natural beauty.

Why you should pass: Over-tourism is displacing residents and commercializing Oaxaca’s cultural heritage. Skyrocketing rents and overrun public services, like water access, are straining local communities. Tourists also often unknowingly disrupt sacred traditions, creating further tension among locals.

Kyoto and Tokyo, Japan

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Why it’s popular: Tokyo has been dazzling visitors for decades with its futuristic skyline, rich culture, and world-class cuisine, while Kyoto offers serene temples, historic streets, and traditional geisha districts. Together, they’re iconic destinations for any tourists visiting Japan.

Why you should pass: Overcrowding has led to “tourism pollution,” disrupting local life and inflating costs for residents. Kyoto’s landmarks, like Fushimi Inari and Nishiki Market, are so packed experts say it’s becoming harder to appreciate their charm. Meanwhile, Tokyo faces surging hotel prices and a loss of authentic local experiences due to tourism-focused businesses.

Over-tourism in these cities has become so extreme that the Japanese tourism board has worked with Japan Airlines to offer free internal flights to travellers (including those from Canada) to encourage them to explore regions outside of hotspots like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.

Scotland North Coast 500

Why it’s popular: This stunning 500-mile loop through Scotland’s North Highlands features rugged coastlines, ancient castles, tranquil lochs, and charming villages.

Why you should pass: The NC500’s popularity has led to congested roads, inadequate camping facilities, and environmental damage, with trash and human waste now littering the route. Rising living costs are also displacing locals, and small communities along the route are struggling to handle the influx of visitors.

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.

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