Travel Tuesday: Are tourists ruining some of the world’s greatest treasures?

As fires rage across Australia, the despair grows as more of the world’s greatest treasures disappear. Could tourism be to blame for many of these issues?

With a new year, many people make travel plans to see some of the world’s greatest treasures. From the majestic African safari to the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef, the world is full of nature’s grandeur. Although many people want to tick off that bucket list travel destination, is all that tourism actually ruining those natural wonders?

Across various news reports, there seems to be a daily occurrence of another devasting loss. From the canals in Venice flooding to piles of trash washing ashore, that picture-perfect destination has been impacted by tourism. It seems that, sometimes, people’s desire to see the world might have more negative influences than anyone expected.

In some cases, tourism dollars have helped to boost local economies. Some areas saw tourist dollars as a lucrative way to bring much needed capital into the country. While money talks, the impact that all those extra visitors caused was often overlooked.

As discussed in Fodors No List 2020, the travel authority examined 13 locations that tourists should reconsider visiting in the new year. Each year, Fodors publishes this list to remind travelers to think before they book their next vacation.

The Fodors No List brings to light issues of “ethical, environmental, sometimes even political” that give these travel experts pause to consider. While many of these travel destinations might be a dream vacation, there are reasons to travel smart going into the new year.

For example, many people dream of the perfect, romantic vacation in Bali. Lounging in the private bungalow might be the ultimate pleasure, but unfortunately, all the tourism has created a garbage emergency.

Even with the introduction of a tourism tax, the impact on the environment is daunting. From garbage piling up to dwindling water supplies, the beautiful islands might not be meant to host so many people.

For those people who visit Bali, be considerate of the choices made while visiting. Whether it is avoiding single-use plastics or being considerate of local customs, an expensive vacation doesn’t give anyone the right to act inappropriately.

Another one of the world’s greatest-treasures locations that should give people pause is a visit to Angkor Wat. While many people want to visit all the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the increased visitors have caused damage to the historic treasure.

As the historic site begins to crumble from all the extra visitors, it could become an even more coveted location. In order to save this treasure, there needs to be a way to preserve it. While that perfectly snapped photo is a treasure, it shouldn’t come at the expense of ruining a historic site.

While some governments and tourism boards look to ways for preserve the fragile locations, those travel restrictions can make the locales even hotter. Who doesn’t want to check off the uber exclusive location? Finding the right solution is difficult.

For anyone who is planning an epic vacation in 2020, make thoughtful decisions regarding that vacation choice. Sure, an epic destination sounds amazing, but should that locale suffer for the sake of a perfect vacation?

What do you think of tourism’s impact on the world’s greatest treasures? Do you think that tourists should be more thoughtful when they travel?