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As 2024 draws to a close, it’s only right to look ahead to 2025 for your next adventure. This entails two sides of the same coin: where to go and where where you shouldn’t go.
Overtourism is a major problem for many destinations, as hordes of visitors flock to beloved hometowns, disrupting the unique culture that drives a particular place.
In some cities it has been a years-long struggle, while others are just starting to see the first steps of a downward spiral.
Fodor’s is one of the most trusted names in the industry, releasing ‘Go’s and ‘No’s into the world every year. Last year we discussed the same topic and many of you joined in.
We invite you to do the same as we unveil Fodor’s 2025 version of the No listonce again highlighting 9 destinations to avoid.
Bali: Has Indonesia’s shining star gone out?
Bali is called in again as a repeat offender, but this time without corrections.
A storm of controversy recently hit American headlines when popular comedian Tony Hinchcliffe branded Puerto Rico a “mountain of trash” during an election rally.
The punch line may have been more accurate for Bali, as the most popular beaches are often overrun with rubbish.
While dismissing the island as ‘garbage’ is of no value to the delightful locals, what is missed in the hype of Bali as the ultimate Southeast Asian paradise is far too many tourists, rapid environmental erosion, less authentic culture , and yes, ugly piles of plastic waste all the time. wash up on shore.
It seems that Bali has retained its global fame as an icon, but nowadays it is seen more as a status symbol – “look where I am” versus “look what I found”.
Instead of tackling Bali’s problems, why not give Indonesia’s emerging island a chance?
Koh Samui: Has nothing been learned from Phuket’s mistakes?
Phuket was recently crowned the world’s most crowded tourist destinationSo did tourists flock to Koh Samui instead?
Of course, it doesn’t help that the 2025 release of the hit HBO show White Lotus will only attract more visitors.
“Just like in Bali, waste and traffic are major problems. Koh Samui is only 150 square kilometers in size and contains a monstrous 200,000 tons of waste in its landfill, which literally smells like an impending disaster.
In addition to the unsightly smells and sights, rapid development has been an issue that has questioned water purification, as well as the safety of new construction sites, such as villas and resorts.
Maybe try one of Thailand’s many other beach paradises?
Mount Everest: Is it supposed to be inaccessible??
Mount Everest is at the top of many bucket lists; actually too much. Not to be gruesome; These are just facts about what you might encounter on what you think will be the trek of a lifetime, which certainly has its drawbacks:
- Human remains
- Human waste
- Piles of garbage
As great as it would be to have a beer at the highest point above sea level, Mother Nature has thrown in all the obstacles here to say, “Hey, maybe you shouldn’t try this.”
The villages in Nepal have been transformed into tourist centers instead of authentic teahouses and houses.
As the number of tourists has doubled, the extreme risks of injury and death have been pushed aside. Sadly, some may get a first-hand memory as deceased climbers are left behind, a ghostly testament to the powerful elements.
If you want to explore the mountains of Nepal, head to Pokhara, a super cheap city in the Himalayas that is becoming increasingly popular.
Agrigento: the ‘Cultural Capital’ of Italy in 2025
You probably know how to ask for water in Spanish, but can you get by in Italian?
The Sicilian Agrigento has chosen a bad time to take on the title of ‘Cultural Capital’, because there is an extreme water crisis.
Receiving more tourists is therefore a big question mark. No matter who points the finger, the reality is that it is a real problem.
However, Mother Nature is the main culprit as an unprecedented drought has hit water supplies, prompting a state of emergency to be declared last winter.
Some hotel workers already fear that reservations will be canceled if quick solutions are not found.
To play it safe, it might be best to skip the ancient city of Agrigento and opt instead for Italy’s trendiest escape.
Oaxaca: old town meets new tourists
When I first visited the city in 2019 it was lovely to visit, packed with timeless charm, darkly lit mezcaleriasand bustling markets.
Today the sense of authenticity has been lost, indicating local protests. It’s not just Oaxaca City either; it’s spreading throughout the state all the way to the coast, where Puerto Escondido’s problems are nothing to scoff at.
Price spikes have pushed locals to the edge, along with a proliferation of Airbnb properties that are taking away from the city’s unique character.
Oaxaca also faces infrastructure challenges to meet population overload demands. At one point, some locals had been without water for more than a month.
If you want to have a feeling of Real Mexico without the crowds, discover Mexico’s slice of Europe or follow the UN advice to enter one of Oaxaca’s unknown areas pueblo magic.
British Virgin Islands: Cruising on Bruises
Tourism officials in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) appear to be nonchalant about locals’ concerns.
The biggest concern is that cruises are such a big focus that residents don’t see dividends as a trickle-down effect.
That alone is remarkable, but even if cruisers opted for longer stays, the question arises whether the BVI is properly equipped to handle the growing numbers.
For example, when Hurricane Irma destroyed a wastewater treatment plan in 2017, it took years for it to function efficiently again after sewage spilled into the island’s vibrant blue waters.
While $100 million will be invested across the board in necessary upgrades, this is an estimated $600 million short of what is needed.
The ones with the Caribbean on their brains might want to take a look Dominica instead, and they longing for American tourists.
Tokyo: Too cheap or too busy?
Is it possible to be too cheap? Japan thinks so.
One of the most fascinating cities in the world has seen its currency (yen) drop significantly, causing travelers around the world to book trips to stretch their wallets.
Unfortunately, the cheap factor has also led to crowds at sensitive sights like Kamakura in Kanagawa Prefecture.
Tokyo’s biggest natural attraction, Mount Fuji, has new restrictions in places. That said, Tokyo will be tiring to explore, so it’s up to you to decide.
Normally a great alternative, Kyoto also made the ‘No List’. Maybe Osaka in 2025 is better suited for you.
Scotland’s North Coast 500: Road trips not welcome
Scotland has seen a spike in American popularity, with one such place known as the region’s top road trip destination: the North Coast 500.
The problem is that the cats are out of the bag, resulting in headaches for tourists and locals alike, especially higher prices and traffic congestion.
The roads cannot cope with the influx, and the local population is fed up with not buying what the local authorities are selling in terms of solutions.
While it may be tempting to witness the famous Scottish Highlanders with emo hairstyles, it may be best to go elsewhere.
If you’re up for a new thrill, check out the exciting, unique train to Edinburgh!
Spain: know what you are signing up for
Last but certainly not least is Spain. Rather than lump Spain’s overtourism into one destination, it’s important that travelers know what they’re signing up for when they visit one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations.
Fodor is mentioned Barcelona, Mallorca and the Canary Islands as no-go places, mainly for the same reason: the locals don’t want you.
But the same can be said for Madrid and Malaga, among others. Spain has become so popular that it is a challenge to find hidden gems.
Nevertheless, it is likely that you will encounter stinking reactions to your presence as prices rise and cities lose their ethos.
For an undiscovered island escape, discover Spain’s best-kept secret, so to speak, off the traditional tourist path.
Fodor’s 15 ‘No’ Destinations
In total, Fodor’s presented 15 destinations around the world to reconsider their visit in 2025.
Here’s the full list:
- Bali
- Barcelona
- Venice
- Canary Islands
- Mallorca
- Lisbon
- Koh Samui
- Mount Everest
- Agrigento
- British Virgin Islands
- Kerala
- Tokyo
- Kyoto
- Oaxaca
- Scotland North Coast 500
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
