Hang in there – don’t hit the ‘pay now’ button for that 2025 break.
Not until you’ve read the 2025 Fodor’s Travel ‘Go and No Lists’, which reveal the places you should avoid next year – and 25 ‘amazing’ destinations around the world you should consider visiting instead.
The no-list consists of ‘highly sought-after tourist spots (that) are collapsing under the weight of their own prominence’ and experiencing problems including overcrowding and environmental stress.
Destinations on this list include an island paradise turned ‘plastic apocalypse’, a driving route in Scotland and places in Europe where locals don’t want you.
So, avoid them, says Fodor’s Travel, and instead travel to one of the 25 places on the ‘Go’ list.
Fodor’s Travel says these destinations are ‘for those looking for incredible experiences that prioritize cultural immersion and sustainable practices’.
Recommendations include five US locations, along with an ‘under-the-radar outdoor dub’ Polanda ‘rugged corner of Provence’ and an ‘oasis’ in New Zealand. Read on for the full lists – will you heed the advice?
THE NO LIST
Scotland North Coast 500
Avoid: Scotland’s North Coast 500 route has become ‘too popular’, says Fodor’s Travel
‘What happens if a road trip route becomes too popular, threatens the natural environment and becomes a nuisance for the communities that live next to it?’ said Fodor’s.
“The residents of Scotland’s most scenic road trip route, known as the North Coast 500 (NC500), know only too well.”
The guide explains: ‘Camping in tents or mobile homes is one of the most popular ways for tourists to experience the NC500, but a lack of adequate facilities including campsites, toilets and designated chemical waste areas causes problems along the route. “Wild camping” on beaches, in lay-bys and even on private property is common, and residents report finding burn marks, rubbish, disposable grills and even human excrement in their wake.’
Bali, Indonesia
Avoid: Overtourism has turned Bali into a ‘plastic apocalypse’
Fodor’s says: ‘Rapid, unchecked development fueled by overtourism is encroaching on Bali’s natural habitats, eroding its environmental and cultural heritage and creating a “plastic apocalypse”.’
European destinations where the locals don’t want you – Barcelona, Mallorca, Venice, the Canary Islands and Lisbon
Fodor notes that tourists are no longer so welcome in the European hotspots of Barcelona, Mallorca, the Canary Islands, Venice and Lisbon.
The guide explains that visitors arrive in such numbers that they ‘clog up neighbourhoods’ and ‘change the fabric of society’. How? ‘By raising the cost of living, suppressing infrastructure and natural resources and homogenising cultures,’ says Fodor’s.
It adds: ‘A good tourism management strategy should make immediate improvements to the lives of local residents.’
Koh Samui, Thailand
‘Koh Samui has long suffered from over-tourism,’ says Fodor’s, ‘but when the new season of The White Lotus begins in 2025, many fear what will become of the island.
‘Experts are concerned that the increased traffic will exacerbate existing problems on the island. There is currently 200,000 tonnes of waste in a landfill out of sight of tourist sites and luxury villas, as well as rapid, often unregulated, new development on the mountain face.’
Mount Everest
“Everest, known locally as Sagarmatha, Chomolungma or Qomolangma, is a sacred mountain for the Sherpa community, but over-tourism is adversely affecting local communities,” says Fodor’s. ‘It also degrades the environment and ruins travellers’ experiences.’
British Virgin Islands
Avoid: Locals don’t benefit from tourism in the British Virgin Islands, says Fodor’s
‘The emphasis on cruise tourism is to keep tourist dollars out of residents’ hands,’ writes Fodor’s, ‘and the 13-year wait for a comprehensive tourism plan has left locals skeptical that improvements in development and infrastructure are imminent. ‘
Agrigento, Sicily
Fodor’s says: ‘The city is gearing up to be the Italian Capital of Culture in 2025, which is likely to mean an increase in visitor numbers. However, the area faces a serious water crisis which could be further exacerbated by increased tourism, irrevocably harming its most precious cultural treasures and punishing its permanent residents.’
Kerala, India
Avoid: Tourism in Kerala makes the impact of natural disasters worse, says Fodor’s
There has been a boom in tourism in coastal Kerala which ‘exacerbates the impact of natural disasters’, says Fodor’s, explaining that in some areas ‘development has impeded natural water flow and increased landslide risks’.
What’s more, ‘development is largely unregulated, unsustainable and harmful to communities and ecosystems’.
Oaxaca City, Mexico
Oaxacans complain, Fodor’s says, that their “culture and customs are being commercialized” by overtourism, with “huge wealth gaps and environmental degradation” as a result.
Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan
Avoid: Parts of Tokyo and Kyoto (above) ‘overwhelmed by crowds’
Tokyo and Kyoto are inundated with tourists, with Fodor’s pointing out that the term ‘tourism pollution’ has now emerged in Japanese media.
One of the major problems this has caused is an increase in domestic travel prices, as tourists stay in business hotels which then increase their prices.
What’s more, Fodor’s says, at some Kyoto ‘must-sees’ such as Arashiyama, Kiyomizudera and Fushimi Inari, it is not possible to ‘walk comfortably’ as they are ‘overwhelmed by crowds’.
THE GO LIST
USA
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
“A land of unparalleled beauty.”
Houston, Texas
Go: Houston has “cozy dining” and plenty to attract outdoor enthusiasts
Houston is home to ‘one of (America’s) nation’s largest concentrations of cultural institutions’, has ‘cozy, local eateries’ and outdoor enthusiasts ‘can hike and bike the trails of Buffalo Bayou Park’
Las Vegas, Nevada
‘Bet on this classic destination – with something for divas, daredevils and everyone in between.’
Los Olivos, California
“SoCal meets cowboy chic right outside of Santa Barbara.”
Michigan’s Beach Towns, Michigan
“Beach bliss along Michigan’s coast includes wineries and lighthouse visits at the nation’s largest freshwater lake.”
AFRICA AND THE MIDDLE EAST
Hermanus, South Africaa
Go: Hermanus in South Africa is a must-visit for whale watchers
“A marine destination with the best land-based whale watching in the world.”
Kigali, Rwanda
‘In Rwanda’s capital, culture, history and modernity merge within reach of natural wonders.’
Petra, Jordan
“Jordan’s current tourism slump means that the usually crowded Unesco heritage site – it’s all yours.”
Siwa Oasis, Egypt
‘A timeless desert escape in the majestic dunes of Egypt’s Great Sand Sea.’
ASIA
Koh Ker, Cambodia
“A remote Cambodian archaeological site founded by a rebel royal.”
Meghalaya, India
“A bright, pine-scented hill state where lovers of the outdoors… will be in their element.”
Nikko, Japan
‘As Tokyo and Kyoto become more crowded with tourists every year, a stay in Nikko, loved for its spectacular natural beauty… is just the ticket for a peaceful trip in Japan.’
AUSTRALIA AND THE PACIFIC
The Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia
Go: The Marquesas Islands are ‘captivating’ – put them on your bucket list
“These remote Pacific islands have captivated travelers for centuries.”
Wellington, New Zealand
‘New Zealand’s capital is an oasis surrounded by mountains, sandy beaches and a coastal harbour.’
EUROPE
Camargue, France
“A rugged corner of Provence complete with wild bulls and cowboys.”
Helsinki, Finland
‘The world’s happiest city is also a vibrant cultural hub.’
Meteora, Greece
Go: Meteora in Greece is one of several European locations that Fodor’s recommends for 2025
“A million-year-old natural wonder where heaven meets earth.”
Masurian Lake District, Poland
“An under-the-radar outdoor stunner.”
Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland
“A sanctuary of puffins and beautiful cliffs.”
MEXICO AND CENTRAL AMERICA
Alta Verapaz, Guatemala
‘Clear blue rivers, mountain top cloud forests and underground caves make it a nature lover’s paradise.’
Leon, Nicaragua
“Street Spirits Rebel in the Shadows of Colonial Cathedrals and Cinder Cone Volcanoes.”
Merida, Mexico
“A vibrant, creative capital steeped in Mayan culture.”
Veraguas, Panama
“A lush Panamanian province that offers world-class wildlife tourism opportunities.”
SOUTH AMERICA
Colca Canyon, Peru
“Often missed for its famous neighbor, Machu Picchu, it is one of the deepest canyons in the world with soaring condors and Inca terraces.”
Santa Marta, Colombia
‘A Unesco World Heritage Site with a national park best reached by boat.’
For more visit www.fodors.com/go-list/2025 and www.fodors.com/news/news/fodors-no-list-2025.
