Must-See Travel Spots That Are Facing Extinction in the Next Decade

People like to take vacations to relax, socialize, release stress, and, of course, see new sights or return to beloved places. According to the Tourism Academy, Americans take 2.9 billion domestic trips and 93 billion international trips yearly, and the United States welcomes about 79.3 international visitors each year. But choosing where to go, and when, is not always an easy decision.

The world is home to 195 countries, all of which offer wonderful and unique places to explore. From the tallest mountains of the Himalayas and the Amazon Rainforest, one of the most biodiverse places in the world, to the Galapagos Islands, home to the highest amount of species found nowhere else in the world, the array of what this planet has to offer us is almost limitless.

But these places may not always be around for us to enjoy. Many of these adventure spots are in danger of disappearing, and might soon be added to the list of places we can no longer see, like the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, or the Colossus of Rhodes. From climate change and rising sea levels to erosion or the thoughtless actions of tourists, if we don't take measures soon, these places will become like the once famous Azure Window in Malta, a natural arch and rock formation that has since collapsed.

Even areas like the Caribbean, an area of nations that are slammed with hurricanes every year, like the most recent Hurrican Beryl, are in danger of losing their natural defense systems – coral reefs – that protect against billions of dollars in flood damage. These ecosystems, comprised of polyps, are in danger of vanishing to due rising water temperatures.

To compile a list of must-see travel spots facing extinction in the next decade, 24/7 Tempo consulted numerous sources, including travel guides such as Rough Guides. Then, these destinations were cross-checked with reputable sources such as National Geographic, scientific papers, and National Parks websites. From seas and parks to cities and islands, these areas should be on your to-do list before it's too late.

• Location: between Israel and Jordan in Southwest Asia

The Dead Sea is a landlocked lake that is one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world with the highest mineral count. The inbound lake is so salty that tourists practically float when they sit in it. The shoreline of this salty sea has been steadily receding about three feet every year. Many factors play a part in the sea's receding shoreline, from people who gather minerals to export, thereby shifting freshwater sources away from the area to global warming, which contributes to the lake drying up.

The receding shoreline has caused dangerous sinkholes, one of which swallowed a parking lot. While the Dead Sea may not completely disappear, if something isn't done to preserve it, it may become more challenging for tourists to experience its wonder and history. There are currently no plans underway to address this situation although there has been one proposal calling for the construction of a canal to replenish the Dead Sea with desalinated water from the Red Sea.

• Location: South Florida, United States

Rising sea levels are affecting Florida's coastlines, and if the predictions ring true, then the Everglades National Park is in danger of disappearing altogether. The park covers about 7,800 square miles across the state and this wetland ecosystem has a surplus of wildlife. The effects of global warming are already having dire implications, with the rise of sea levels, warmer water temperatures, and higher salinity.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the water quality has been degrading for decades due to phosphorus in agricultural and stormwater runoff. This coupled with the changing climate is also affecting the wildlife and plants that thrive in the Everglades.

• Location: Western Indian Ocean

This tourist hotspot is known for its gorgeous beaches and landscapes, and clear blue waters. Even better, many of the beaches are not crowded, allowing tourists to enjoy their vacation more comfortably. However, in the future, the Seychelles Islands may become inhabitable, due to global warming which contributes to warmer, and rising, waters, that are causing the islands to sink.

Climate change has led to altered rain patterns which in turn causes a multitude of issues, from erosion to landslides and flooding. In December 2023, the president of Seychelles declared a state of emergency after an explosion and severe flooding on the Island of Mahe resulted in injuries and death.

• Location: Peru, South America

This "lost city of the Incas," a UNESCO World Heritage Site, receives 1.5 million tourists each year but because the Incan citadel is now in a rather fragile state, it is in danger of disappearing. As a result of over-tourism, the government has suspended access to certain parts and has limited the number of tourists who can visit daily, going so far as to close the Inca Trail in February of 2024. The visits are still taking their toll, leading to erosion at a speedy rate. Along with the tourists, Machu Picchu is threatened by erosion and landslides.

• Location: Thailand

This city is known for its culture, nightlife, and incredible architecture but what many might not be aware of is that like Venice, Italy, which is rapidly sinking and predicted to submerge entirely by 2100, Bangkok also faces imminent danger of disappearing. The city is only 5 feet above sea level, and due to an extreme rise in sea levels, it is thought that by 2030, an excess of floods will cause 96% of the city may be below the mean sea level.

• Location: eastern Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Ecuador, South America

Home to some of the most diverse and rare flora and fauna in the world, this volcanic archipelago was put on the map by famed scientist Charles Darwin, who came up with his theory of evolution and natural selection here, and the islands are known for their giant tortoises, among others. But these islands are in jeopardy of disappearing; with some predicting this happening by 2100. As a result of climate change, the influx of tourists, and volcanic activity, the Galapagos Islands are left vulnerable and in 10 years will be significantly impacted.

• Location: Mali, Africa

The Mosques are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is why some strive to conserve their integrity, breathtaking architecture, and structure. Their history dates back to the 14th century when they were made out of mudbricks. These three mosques have been continuously restored but according to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, remain susceptible to desertification. These factors make the remaining Mosques of Timbuktu susceptible and vulnerable to erosion, rainfall, and high temperatures.

• Location: Thailand

This beach, known for its white, sandy beaches and 100-meter cliffs, was featured in the 2000 movie, "The Beach," starring Leonardo Decaprio which prompted an influx of travelers to tour Maya Bay, where the movie was filmed. The problem is that the inflow of tourists has caused damage to the ecosystem. The Thai government has closed the beach several times since then, with the most recent closure from 2020 to 2022, in the hopes that the ecosystem can recover.

• Location: north-central Indian Ocean

The highest point of the Maldives Islands is slightly under eight feet and sits four feet above sea level, but with sea levels rising, these 26 different atolls that comprise the Maldives are at risk of sinking. Around 80% of the Islands are about 3 feet above sea level. The impact of global warming paints a dire future for the Maldives.

Although the government has taken many measures to offset the flooding and erosion, it is believed that the country will be completely underwater by 2100. Many predictions are pointing towards the Islands being completely inhabitable by 2050, but some fear it will be before that.

• Location: Assam, India

Majuli Island holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest river island in the world but it is this same river where it resides that is also in danger of destroying it. The Brahmaputra River is having drastic effects on the island, with flooding and erosion impacting everything in its path. The island once measured around 500 square miles but is now around 136 square miles. Between flooding, erosion, and the ever-changing effects of nature, many experts fear that the island, and its dozens of monasteries, will be submerged entirely, sooner rather than later.

• Location: off the coast of Australia

The reef is home to the largest coral reef system in the world and houses diverse wildlife. The disappearance of the reef, which covers a whopping 133,000 square miles, threatens the many animals and marine life that need it for survival. While many factors play a part in the reef's death, climate change is the top factor, causing water temperatures to rise, and coupled with pollution, has led to horrendous coral bleaching and deadly starfish outbreaks. Although half of the reef has died, many scientists and organizations are working hard to save the rest.

• Location: Montana, United States

The views you can experience while at Glacier National Park are spectacular and offer not only beautiful glaciers but trails, valleys, and lakes. When the park was created in 1910, there was an estimate of around 80 glaciers. Now, there are only 26 glaciers left, and they are rapidly shrinking, with annual mean temperatures on the rise since 1910. Some predict that the glaciers may disappear as soon as 2030 due to their warming at two times the global average, but they may stick around longer.

• Location: Tanzania, East Africa

One of the largest tourist attractions, and the largest mountain, on the continent, Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano that was once beautifully adorned with a snow cap. However, since 1912, it has lost around 85% of its ice caps and its rate of shrinkage has only increased in the last 10 years as a result of global warming. While the mountain will remain, some predict that the caps will disappear sooner rather than later.

• Location: Huairou District, China

The Great Wall of China is one of the world's seven wonders of the modern world. Between its rich history and wonder, it attracts millions of tourists a year. It is the world's largest fortification, measuring just over 13,000 miles in length. As a result of natural erosion and tourism, over 30% of the wall has crumbled completely, leaving only dust in its wake. Other areas are crumbling as well and only a small portion remains, although restoration efforts are ongoing.

• Location: 40% in India, 60% in Bangladesh

This biodiverse forest is home to the royal Bengal tiger but several factors are contributing to its demise. Rising sea levels and erosion play a significant factor in the disappearance of the Sundarbans. Four islands have completely disappeared under water - Suparibhanga, Kabasgadi, Bedford, and Lohachara, which led to the displacement of 6,000 families. Deforestation and pollution also contribute to the disappearance of the Sundarbans Forest.