The world has a lot to offer in terms of natural wonders and cultural monuments, but not all of them will be there forever. Many travel destinations around the world are changing or may not be there tomorrow thanks to rising sea levels, climate change, pollution and human intervention, so if you have a travel bucket list, then you should give some serious thought to whether you need to move these places to the top of your bucket list.
These ten monuments or natural wonders should be on your list of things to visit before they disappear:
1. The Maldives – The Sinking Paradise
Imagine the postcard-perfect images of the Maldives: overwater bungalows, powdery white sand, and crystal-clear turquoise water. This idyllic island nation is a dream for so many travelers, yet it’s a paradise on the brink. With an average ground level of just 1.5 meters above the sea, it’s one of the most vulnerable countries on Earth.
- Why it’s Disappearing: The existential threat comes from rising sea levels and coastal erosion driven by global warming.
- Must-See Highlights: Snorkeling in Baa Atoll, staying in an overwater bungalow, and simply soaking in the beauty of a place so vulnerable.
2. Venice, Italy – The City of Canals is Submerging
Venice is a city built on water, a romantic labyrinth of canals and historic architecture. But for decades, its very foundation has been under attack. The city is literally sinking, and the problem is getting worse. Acqua alta, or frequent floods, are becoming more common and more severe, threatening to wash away centuries of history.
- Why it’s Disappearing: A combination of a sinking city and accelerated sea-level rise threatens to make Venice unlivable.
- Must-See Highlights: A gondola ride, the grandeur of St. Mark’s Basilica, and the iconic Rialto Bridge—before these cultural monuments are lost.
3. The Great Barrier Reef, Australia – A Dying Wonder
This is a tragedy happening in plain sight. The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system on the planet, a vibrant underwater city teeming with life. But sadly, it’s dying at an alarming rate. It’s a key example of how our planet’s travel destinations are suffering from environmental stress.
- Why it’s Disappearing: Ocean warming is causing devastating coral bleaching events. In fact, a recent report confirmed the world is experiencing its largest bleaching event ever, impacting reefs across the globe.
- Must-See Highlights: Snorkeling or diving to witness the surviving parts of the reef and supporting local marine research centers.
4. Glacier National Park, USA – The Ice Is Melting Fast
Once home to over 150 glaciers, this stunning American park is now left with fewer than 30. The name itself is a heartbreaking reminder of what’s being lost. These natural wonders are a clear signal of how rapidly our planet is warming, with the park itself warming at twice the global average.
- Why it’s Disappearing: Scientists predict that all active glaciers in the park could vanish by 2030 if the current rate of glacial melt continues.
- Must-See Highlights: Hiking the Going-to-the-Sun Road and witnessing the dramatic landscape shaped by the ice before they’re gone.
Must Read: Top 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the US You Can’t Miss
5. The Dead Sea – Shrinking Every Year
Floating effortlessly in the Dead Sea is a bucket-list experience, thanks to its high salt content. Yet, the sea is receding by over a meter every year, and its shores are becoming dotted with dangerous sinkholes. It’s one of the most visible disappearing destinations on Earth.
- Why it’s Disappearing: The primary culprits are human intervention, like water diversion from the Jordan River, and mineral extraction.
- Must-See Highlights: Floating on the buoyant water, getting a mud spa treatment, and visiting the historic Masada fortress nearby.
6. Amazon Rainforest – The Lungs of the Earth Are Burning
The Amazon is a vital part of our planet’s ecosystem, producing a significant portion of our oxygen. It is home to a mind-boggling array of biodiversity, but it’s rapidly being destroyed.
- Why it’s Disappearing: Uncontrolled deforestation, illegal logging, and agriculture are pushing this vital forest to a tipping point.
- Must-See Highlights: Wildlife safaris to see unique species, river cruises, and learning from indigenous communities.
7. Antarctica – A Melting Continent
This isn’t a typical vacation spot, but it is one of the most stunning and important travel destinations around the world. A trip to Antarctica is a chance to see a continent that is literally melting away.
- Why it’s Disappearing: The melting ice caps and warming oceans are causing massive ice shelves to collapse at an unprecedented rate.
- Must-See Highlights: Witnessing towering icebergs, observing vast penguin colonies, and feeling the powerful, humbling silence of a changing world.
8. The Congo Basin – Africa’s Vanishing Green Heart
As the world’s second-largest tropical rainforest, the Congo Basin is a treasure trove of biodiversity. It’s also home to some of the most threatened animal species on the planet, including gorillas.
- Why it’s Disappearing: Illegal logging, mining, and uncontrolled agriculture are leading to rapid habitat loss and deforestation.
- Must-See Highlights: A once-in-a-lifetime experience of gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park and taking a river cruise through the thick jungle.
9. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania – The Disappearing Ice Cap
Known for its iconic snow-capped summit, Africa’s highest peak is a challenging and rewarding travel destination. However, the ice that has defined its peak for centuries may soon be just a memory.
- Why it’s Disappearing: Scientists predict the glaciers atop Kilimanjaro could vanish within decades due to climate change.
- Must-See Highlights: A multi-day hike to the summit, watching the sunrise from Uhuru Peak, and witnessing the sheer beauty of this natural wonder before it’s gone.
10. The Sundarbans, India & Bangladesh – The Drowning Forest
The Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, is a complex and beautiful ecosystem home to the Royal Bengal Tiger. This unique forest acts as a natural buffer against cyclones, but it’s now under a severe threat.
- Why it’s Disappearing: Rising sea levels, saltwater intrusion, and more intense storms are pushing the ecosystem to its limit.
- Must-See Highlights: A thrilling tiger safari and boat cruises through the intricate mangrove waterways.
Must Read: 8 Oldest Man-Made Structures in India You Must Visit
Why You Should Care
Traveling to these places is much more than just tourism, it’s a method of witnessing the fragility and beauty of our planet. It also brings awareness and education around the importance of responsible tourism, which creates an opportunity for us to solicit support for conservation efforts, which may slow down, or even reverse some of the damage.
Responsible Travel Tips
- Offset your carbon footprint when flying, or getting around with fossil-fuel transportation.
- Visit a local business or eco-tourism business.
- Limit your use of plastic, and waste in general.
- Make monetary donations to conservation educational programs that are trying to protect these spaces.
Final Thoughts
Our planet is changing rapidly. The one-in-a-lifetime places we take for granted are disappearing from before our eyes. Melting glaciers, raising sea levels, deforestation–these places deserve your respect, your wonder, and your protection. When you visit, you should not feel like a tourist–you should feel like a traveler who marvels at the delicate wonder of the world.
As you consider where to travel, plan your next trip while these heavenly places are still more than just a memory.
