From a ‘plastic apocalypse’ in Asia to a driving route in SCOTLAND – Fodor’s travel guide reveals where NOT to go in 2025 (along with 25 top destinations to try instead)
Hang on – don’t hit the ‘pay now’ button for that 2025 getaway just yet.
Only after you read Fodor’s Travel 2025’s ‘Go and No Lists’, which reveal the places you should avoid next year – and 25 ‘incredible’ destinations worldwide you should consider visiting instead.
The no list includes ‘highly coveted tourist spots’ [that] succumb to the burden of their own fame and face problems such as overpopulation and environmental stress.
Destinations on this list include an island paradise turned ‘plastic apocalypse’, a driving route in Scotland and places in Europe where the locals don’t want you.
So avoid them, says Fodor’s Travel, and travel to one of the 25 places on the ‘Go’ list instead.
Fodor’s Travel notes that these destinations are “for those seeking incredible experiences that prioritize cultural immersion and sustainable practices.”
Recommendations include five spots in the US, along with an ‘off-radar stunner’ in Poland, a ‘rugged corner of Provence’ and an ‘oasis’ in New Zealand. Read on for the full lists. Will you follow 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 when a road trip route becomes too popular, threatening the natural environment and becoming a nuisance to the communities living along it?” says Fodor.
‘The residents of Scotland’s most scenic road trip route, known as the North Coast 500 (NC500), know it only too well.’
The guide explains: ‘Camping in tents or campervans is one of the most popular ways for tourists to experience the NC500, but a lack of adequate facilities, including camping pitches, toilets and designated chemical waste areas, is causing problems along the route. “Wild camping” on beaches, residential areas and even on private property is common, and residents report finding scorch marks, trash, disposable grills and even human feces in their wake.”
Bali, Indonesia
Avoid: Overtourism has turned Bali into a ‘plastic apocalypse’
Fodor’s says: ‘Rapid, uncontrolled development, fueled by overtourism, is degrading 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 in the European hotspots of Barcelona, Mallorca, the Canary Islands, Venice and Lisbon are no longer so welcome.
The guide explains that so many visitors come that they “clog neighborhoods” and “change the structure of society.” How? “By raising the cost of living, putting pressure on infrastructure and natural resources, and homogenizing cultures,” Fodor’s says.
It adds: ‘A good tourism management strategy should deliver immediate improvements in the lives of local people.’
Koh Samui, Thailand
“Koh Samui has long suffered from overtourism,” says Fodor’s, “but when the new season of The White Lotus premieres in 2025, many fear what will happen to the island.
‘Experts fear that the increased traffic will worsen existing problems on the island. There are currently 200,000 tonnes of waste in a landfill out of sight of tourist sites and luxury villas, as well as fast-paced, often unregulated new construction on the mountainside.”
Mount Everest
“Everest, locally known as Sagarmatha, Chomolungma or Qomolangma, is a sacred mountain for the Sherpa community, but overtourism has negative impacts on local communities,” says Fodor’s. “It also degrades the environment and ruins travelers’ experiences.”
British Virgin Islands
Avoid: Locals do not benefit from tourism in the British Virgin Islands, says Fodor’s
“The emphasis on cruise tourism is keeping tourism dollars out of the hands of residents,” Fodor’s writes, “and the thirteen-year wait for a comprehensive tourism plan has left locals skeptical that improvements in development and infrastructure are on the way are.’
Agrigento, Sicily
Fodor’s says: ‘The city is preparing to be Italy’s Capital of Culture in 2025, which will likely mean an increase in the number of visitors. However, the area faces a serious water crisis that could be further exacerbated by increasing tourism, irreversibly damaging its most valuable cultural treasures and punishing permanent residents.”
Kerala, India
Avoid: Tourism in Kerala worsens the impact of natural disasters, says Fodor’s
There has been an increase in tourism in coastal areas of Kerala which has “exacerbated the impact of natural disasters”, says Fodor’s, explaining that in some areas “development has hampered natural water flows and increased the risk of landslides”.
In fact, “development is largely unregulated, unsustainable and harmful to communities and ecosystems.”
Oaxaca City, Mexico
The people of Oaxaca complain, Fodor says, that their “culture and customs are being commercialized” by overtourism, resulting in “major wealth gaps and environmental degradation.”
Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan
Avoid: Parts of Tokyo and Kyoto (above) are ‘overwhelmed by crowds’
Tokyo and Kyoto are flooded with tourists, with Fodor pointing out that the term ‘tourist pollution’ has now surfaced in the Japanese media.
One of the biggest problems it has caused is an increase in domestic travel prices, as tourists stay in business hotels and then increase their prices.
Additionally, says Fodor’s, some of Kyoto’s “must-sees,” such as Arashiyama, Kiyomizudera and Fushimi Inari, are not possible to “walk comfortably” because they are “overwhelmed by the crowds.”
THE GO LIST
USA
bAdlands National Park, South Dakota
‘A land of unparalleled beauty.’
Houston, Texas
Go: Houston has “nice dining options” and plenty to tempt outdoor enthusiasts
Houston is home to ‘one of [America’s] the nation’s largest concentrations of cultural institutions,” has “friendly, local dining options,” 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 just outside Santa Barbara.’
Beach towns of michigan, michigan
“Beach fun along the Michigan coast includes winery hopping and lighthouse visits to 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 seaside destination with the best whale watching in the world on land.’
Kigali, Rwanda
‘In the capital of Rwanda, culture, history and modernity merge within the reach of natural wonders.’
Petra, Jordan
‘The current tourism crisis in Jordan means that the usually overcrowded UNESCO heritage is 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 rebellious royal family.’
Meghalaya, India
‘A fresh, pine-scented hill state where outdoor enthusiasts… will be in their element.’
Nikko, Japan
‘With Tokyo and Kyoto becoming busier with tourists every year, a stay in Nikko, loved for its spectacular natural beauty… is just the ticket for a peaceful trip to 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 fascinated travelers for centuries.’
Wellington, New Zealand
‘New Zealand’s capital is an oasis surrounded by mountains, sandy beaches and a seaside harbour.’
EUROPE
Camargue, France
‘A rugged corner of Provence, complete with wild bulls and cowboys.’
Helsinki, Finland
‘The happiest city in the world is also a vibrant cultural centre.’
Meteora, Greece
Go: Meteora in Greece is one of many European spots Fodor’s recommends for 2025
‘A million-year-old natural wonder where heaven meets earth.’
Masurian Lake District, Poland
‘An under-the-radar stunner.’
Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland
‘A haven of puffins and beautiful cliffs.’
MEXICO AND CENTRAL AMERICA
Alta Verapaz, Guatemala
‘Clear blue rivers, mountaintop cloud forests and underground caves make this a nature lover’s paradise.’
Leon, Nicaragua
‘Street ghosts rise 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 offering world-class nature tourism opportunities.’
SOUTH AMERICA
Colca canyon, Peru
‘Often missed for its famous neighbor, Machu Picchu, this is one of the deepest canyons in the world with towering condors and Inca terraces.’
Santa Martha, Colombia
‘A UNESCO World Heritage Site with a national park that is best reached by boat.’
For more visits www.fodors.com/go-list/2025 And www.fodors.com/news/news/fodors-no-list-2025.