6 Disappearing Destinations to Visit in 2016

January 5, 2016

It is a sad truth that there are some areas of the world under very real threats, from forces such as global warming. In some places, native ways of life are slowly disappearing. In some, increased popularity means limited times to visit for a more natural view. 

All of the six destinations below face challenge and uncertainty. While mass tourism has some unintended affects, it can also help raise awareness of the issues facing these areas as more people are introduced to these threatened wonders of the world. If you decide to visit, and we hope you do, there are many wonderful operators who integrate sustainable travel practices into their tours that can take you there.

1. The Galapagos

Galapagos

Pixabay

The Galapagos with its delicate, historically significant ecosystem is a place to see now, as it makes its way off the endangered list, where it was placed in 2007. The plant and animal population that inspired Darwin's Theory of Evolution are now being carefully preserved, in efforts to prevent extinction.  

3 Tours to Try in The Galapagos

Galapagos Island Hopping
 Galapagos Island Hopping with Intrepid

Galapagos Land & Sea
 Galapagos Islands Cruise with ROW Adventures

Galapagos Safari
 Galapagos Safari with Walking Connection

2. Mongolia

Mongolia

Pixabay

As the generation born after the fall of communist rule comes of age, more and more are moving away from their ancestors nomadic way of life. The population of those who still continue their native traditions is steadily decreasing. Most tours to Mongolia will focus on showcasing the native Mongolian way of life, but even this is becoming more difficult as urbanization expands. 

3 Tours to Try in Mongolia

Mongolia Overland
 Mongolia Overland with Intrepid

Land of the Great Khan
 Land of the Great Khan with Explore!

Local Living Mongolia
 Local Living Mongolia with G Adventures

3. Iceland

Iceland

Pixabay

Iceland may not sound like an inviting place, given its name, but in fact it attracts thousands of visitors every year. Especially with the surging popularity of films and television shows shot in this remote location. The rugged natural landscapes are now dotted with enthusiastic tourists seeking out that exact Game of Thrones shot, and their numbers continue to grow. To see Icelands truly pristine nature, and avoid the crowds, our tip would be to visit during the off season. 

3 Tours to Try in Iceland

Iceland Fjords, Glaciers, and Hot Springs
 Trekking in Iceland with G Adventures

The Best of Iceland
 The Best of Iceland: A Country of Beautiful Contrasts with Road Scholar

Adventure in Iceland
 Adventure in Iceland with Smithsonian Journeys

4. Botswana

Hippo, Botswana

Pixabay

In travel, it is an unfortunate catch-22 that increased popularity can often threaten the natural landscape and wildlife that drew visitors there in the first place. Many efforts are in place to keep the stunning Okavango Delta, where many tours spend time, preserved and safe from poachers and other adverse influences. 

3 Tours to Try in Botswana

Botswana Safari Explorer
 Classic Botswana with Peregrine Adventures

Wild Africa
 Wild Africa: Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia with Road Scholar

Botswana Adventure
 Botswana Adventure with Intrepid

5. Madagascar

Madagascar

Pixabay

Similarly to the Galapagos, Madagascar showcases a number of rare species in need of preservation. The famous lemurs are on the decline as massive deforestion is on the rise. This is especially worrying for the 615 brand new species discovered between 1999 and 2010. Tourism will help as more and more people become aware of the plight faced by the island's several endangered animals.  

3 Tours to Try in Madagascar

Highlights of Madagascar
 Highlights of Madagascar with G Adventures

The Lost Continent Tour
 The Lost Continent with Explore!

Experience Madagascar Tour
 Experience Madagascar with Intrepid

6. The Maldives

Maldives

Pixabay

The inviting pristine blue waters and beckoning white sands found on the Maldives are what continue to draw travelers to this little piece of paradise. But rising water levels and harmful greenhouse gases mean that in a matter of years things could look very different. After positive outcomes from the 2015 Paris Climate Summit, however, things look hopeful. Visit now in order to see a place preserved in time.

3 Tours to Try in The Maldives

Maldives Cruise
 Maldives Island Adventure with Explore!

Holiday Voyage
 Holiday Voyage From Afrcia to Asia with Road Scholar

Maldives Dhoni Cruise
 Maldives Dhoni Cruise with G Adventures


 

Feel Inspired? Search here to find your perfect pre-planned trip: 

How well do you know the world?

Play the game
Compare your travel trivia knowledge with friends. How many can you get right in 1 minute?
Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Connect & Share

Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!