10 Places in the World You Should Avoid Visiting In 2025 And Why
10 Places in the World You Should Avoid Visiting In 2025 And Why
When planning a trip, we typically look for the most incredible spots to visit. But there are a few places that might be better to skip in 2025, and hereโs why. From environmental concerns and overcrowding to local community impacts, there are valid reasons these spots might not be the best choice for your next travel destination. Have a look at what makes these places less than ideal for visitors in 2025.
1. Venice, Italy: Overcrowding and environmental degradation
Venice is struggling with too many tourists and it’s taking a toll on the city. The narrow lanes and small bridges are often jam-packed, which makes it hard to enjoy the beauty of this unique city. Plus, the large number of visitors is causing water pollution and damage to the historic buildings. The city has even considered putting a cap on the number of tourists who can visit each day to try to manage the situation.
2. Machu Picchu, Peru: Preservation efforts limit visitor numbers
Machu Picchu is a stunning historical site but itโs facing issues from too many visitors. To protect the ancient ruins, the government has had to limit the number of people who can visit each day. This means you might not even get a ticket if you donโt plan way ahead. Plus, the restricted access is aimed at preserving the site for future generations, so while it might be a bummer for tourists, itโs good for the site.
3. Antarctica: Growing tourism threatens fragile ecosystems
Antarctica is a breathtaking place but its environment is very delicate. The increase in tourists visiting the continent is putting pressure on its ecosystems. Things like waste management and fuel spills from ships can harm wildlife and pollute the water. Itโs a tough place to regulate tourism, which makes it harder to protect.
4. Bali, Indonesia: Over-tourism has impacted local communities
Bali is known for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture. However, the island is experiencing the downside of being too popular. Local communities are feeling the pinch as tourism dominates economic activities, often leading to increased living costs and disruption to traditional ways of life. The situation is challenging for both locals and visitors looking for authentic experiences.
5. Barcelona, Spain: Locals protest excessive tourism in the city
Barcelona is another city thatโs loved maybe a bit too much by tourists. The locals have even been protesting because the city feels overrun. This affects the quality of life for residents and the overall atmosphere of the city. When locals arenโt happy, it can affect the overall vibe, making it less welcoming for tourists.
6. Maya Bay, Thailand: Environmental restoration limits visitor access
Maya Bay became famous thanks to a movie, but fame came at a cost. The beach had to be closed to the public to allow the environment to recover from the damages caused by too many visitors. While it has reopened, access is still heavily restricted to prevent further damage. This means you might not be able to visit even if you go all the way to Thailand.
7. The Maldives: Rising sea levels threaten sustainability
The Maldives is known for its beautiful islands and clear blue waters, but it’s also one of the places most threatened by rising sea levels. This not only impacts the natural beauty but also the sustainability of the islands. Some areas are already seeing the effects, which could worsen in the coming years.
8. Santorini, Greece: Overcrowding diminishes the experience
Santorini, with its iconic blue and white buildings, is suffering from its popularity. The island gets so crowded, especially during peak travel seasons, that it can be hard to enjoy the scenic views or even move around comfortably. This overcrowding can make your visit less enjoyable and a lot more stressful.
9. Great Barrier Reef, Australia: Coral bleaching and over-diving damage marine life
The Great Barrier Reef is facing environmental challenges like coral bleaching due to climate change and damage from too many divers and tourists. While efforts are being made to protect this incredible marine habitat, the pressures of tourism are making it hard to maintain its health and beauty.
10. Dubrovnik, Croatia: Too many tourists cause congestion and harm historic sites
Dubrovnik, made famous by its role in a popular TV series, is experiencing the impacts of its fame. The city sees so many tourists that it leads to congestion and can even damage historic sites. This not only affects the preservation of these important places but also the experience of visiting them.
In 2025, it might be worth considering some less known destinations to avoid contributing to these issues and to discover new places that are just as amazing without the downsides.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home. With over 10 years of experience in dating and traveling to romantic places, we share our favorite date ideas and romantic destinations to help couples level up their relationships. Having lived in and traveled through the USA, we also share our favourite things to do in the States.
With 70,000 monthly readers and 16,000 followers on social media, Be Right Back is your go-to resource for romantic trip ideas and couple activities at home and abroad.