These Iconic Destinations Are Disappearing, Here's Why
Global warming, urbanisation and overtourism are causing some of the world’s most iconic destinations to disappear. Visit them while you still can!
The Dead Sea
The world’s most famous sea might not survive another generation. Starved of water by man-made dams along the River Jordan, the Dead Sea is more susceptible than ever to the effects of global warming and it’s estimated the surface level is falling by one metre every year. The salt-rich water has been lauded for millennia for its restorative powers and each year thousands of holidaymakers flock to its shores.
Venice
The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall is one of the largest man-made structures on Earth – but natural erosion and overtourism might soon see to that. In 2015 state media reported as much as 30% of the Great Wall had already been lost, urging people to respect the 2,000 year-old UNESCO Heritage site.
The Everglades
According to researchers, the Florida Everglades are better for the health of our planet than many rainforests, but that hasn’t stopped decades of untempered urbanisation. The Everglades are being starved of freshwater as Lake Okeechobee is diverted towards surrounding towns and cities. Population pressures and agricultural run-off have all contributed to the lake’s shrinking size and the near-extinction of over 60 indigenous species in the Everglades National Forest.
You might also be interested in: Top 10 Disappearing Travel Destinations To Visit Before They’re Gone and The Titanic is Disappearing and Here’s Why
Mount Kilimanjaro
Just 320 kilometres from the equator, it’s incredible that you can find year-round snow on Mount Kilimanjaro. Although that looks likely to change. According to a 2012 report from NASA, 85% of Kilimanjaro’s snow cap melted between 1912 and 2011, and scientists predict it will all be gone by 2060. Global warming is at the heart of this enormous glacial retreat, which could dramatically alter the landscape of one of the world’s most beloved sights.
Maldives
With an average elevation of just around five feet (1.5 metres) above sea level, the Maldives is the lowest lying country on earth, making it especially susceptible to the effects of global warming and rising sea levels. Experts predict the islands could be gone within 50 to 100 years. You know it’s bad when the Maldivian government purchases land in other countries in anticipation of mass displacement.
Machu Picchu
Overtourism has seen Machu Picchu added to UNESCO’s endangered list. Peru and UNESCO have taken measures to protect the ancient Incan citadel by limiting the number of daily visitors. This new wonder of the world is slowly being restored, but many of the original features have already been lost due to years of overcrowding.
Mont Blanc
The glaciers on Europe’s tallest mountain are melting at an alarming rate. This has caused Mont Blanc to shrink by more than a metre in two years. Some experts have predicted the glaciers could completely disappear by 2050.
The Taj Mahal
The world’s most romantic gesture is being destroyed by thick smog that is polluting and eroding its ornate facade. The marble mausoleum, India’s most popular tourist attraction, is also at risk of being totally destroyed unless urgent action is taken to reinforce its ancient foundations. Falling water levels of the nearby Yamuna River are having an impact on the wooden foundations.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.