Popular travel destinations can be a trap. Find out which 8 places around the world Fodor’s recommends avoiding in 2026 due to overtourism, environmental risks and social tensions — and what alternatives to choose instead

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The prestigious travel publication Fodor’s publishes not only must-see destination rankings every year, but also the anti-rating No List – places where excessive tourism leads to serious problems for nature and communities. In 2026, this list included eight locations around the world that can no longer withstand the pressure of visitors. Experts emphasize that this is not a call for an absolute boycott, but a “gentle but precise push” towards conscious and responsible tourism.

Read about the places to avoid when traveling in 2026 and a list of their alternatives in this article.

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Antarctica

Antarctica tops the No List 2026. Despite its remoteness, the number of visitors to the continent has increased exponentially in recent decades, putting a lot of pressure on its unique nature. Climate change and tourism routes are raising concerns about the habitat destruction of penguins, seals and other animals. The lack of strict limits on the number of tourists and regular large expeditions increase the carbon footprint and risks to the fragile ecosystem.

- Why is it better to postpone the trip?

Weak infrastructure, risk of damage to environmentally sensitive areas, high CO₂ emissions from transportation.

- Alternative destination for travelers

South Georgia and the Falkland Islands - these sub-Antarctic regions offer similar landscapes - glaciers, penguin colonies, wildlife - but with stricter visitor quotas and better environmental controls.

Why it’s a better choice in 2026: fewer expeditions and tourist ships, stricter disembarkation rules, lower environmental pressure.

Canary Islands, Spain

The Canary Islands are one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe. The problems here are related to the excessive number of tourists, which leads to traffic jams and long queues during the season, rising housing and living prices for locals, pressure on water supply and waste systems - only some of the garbage receives proper treatment.

- Why is it better to postpone the trip?

Social tensions, environmental pressure on beaches and the sea coast.

- Alternative destination for travelers

The Azores (Portugal) are actively developing slow tourism and already have international recognition as a sustainable tourist region.

Advantages: controlled development, fewer mass resorts, focus on ecotourism, trekking and whale watching.

Glacier National Park, USA

This national park in Montana has long been known for its glaciers and panoramic views, but they are rapidly melting due to climate change. Now, more and more tourists are coming here to “see the glaciers before they disappear,” which only adds to traffic, emissions, and pressure on nature.

- Why is it better to postpone your trip?

Melting glaciers, overloading trails and ecosystems, increased problems with visitor management.

- Alternative destination for travelers

North Cascades National Park (Washington State) is one of the least visited national parks in the United States, with mountains, glaciers, and lakes – but without the crowds and constant lines.

Plus in 2026: fewer tourists, similar landscapes, better conditions for hiking and camping.

Sacred Island (Isola Sacra), Italy

Isola Sacra is a picturesque coastal area near Rome with archaeological sites and natural areas. Plans are currently underway to build a deep-sea port for large cruise ships. Local environmentalists and residents fear that this will lead to coastal erosion, water pollution and the destruction of archaeological sites.

- Why is it better to postpone the trip?

Risk of ecosystem and cultural losses due to the scaling of infrastructure.

- Alternative destination for travelers

Less popular regions of Italy with history, sea and authentic atmosphere - without the pressure of cruise tourism.

Why you should choose: lack of large ports, support for local businesses, fewer infrastructure risks.

Jungfrau Region, Switzerland

The Alpine region of Jungfrau is one of the most famous in Europe. Thousands of tourists each year contribute to the overloading of transport and hotel infrastructure, erosion of trails and the general depletion of natural resources. Local residents feel the pressure of rising housing prices and difficulties with the availability of accommodation.

- Why is it better to postpone the trip?

Overcrowding of mountain routes, crowds of tourists, environmental risks.

- Alternative destination for travelers

The Engadin Valley or the canton of Valais (Switzerland) - these Alpine regions are less "Instagrammable" but more balanced in terms of tourism.

Advantages: fewer tourist trains and queues, preserved routes, a better balance between nature and visitors.

Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City is a huge capital with a rich culture, but the increase in tourist traffic has led to gentrification, rising rents and the displacement of local residents. The expansion of short-term rental platforms is also adding to social tensions.

- Why is it better to postpone the trip?

Social protests, high housing prices, pressure on infrastructure.

- Alternative destination for travelers

Puebla or Oaxaca (Mexico) - cultural capitals with gastronomy, colonial architecture and festivals - without large-scale gentrification.

Plus for tourists in 2026: lower accommodation prices, less social tension, authentic experience.

Mombasa, Kenya

Mombasa is a famous resort on the Indian Ocean coast. The problems here are beach littering, overloading with tourist groups and poor waste management. This creates risks for the sea, mangrove forests and the environment in general.

- Why is it better to postpone the trip?

Pollution, poor waste treatment infrastructure, pressure on nature reserves.

- Alternative destination for travelers

Watamu or Lamu coast (Kenya) – less commercialized resorts with natural parks and marine reserves.

Why it’s better: protected coral reefs, limited mass tourism, support for local communities.

Montmartre, Paris

Montmartre is a historic district of Paris, known for its narrow streets, Sacré-Coeur Basilica and artists. Today, there are too many tourists, some streets have turned into “tourist supermarkets”, and locals complain about the lost authenticity and life, which has become difficult due to crowds.

- Why is it better to postpone the trip?

Lost authenticity, crowded streets, high prices for services.

- Alternative destination for travelers

Alternative areas of Paris with an artistic atmosphere, cafes and local life – without tourist overload.

Advantages: vibrant local culture, fewer souvenir shops, comfortable walks without crowds.

Fodor’s emphasizes: No List is not a call for a strict boycott, but a recommendation to reconsider priorities and choose more sustainable travel options that support local communities and reduce the negative impact on nature and culture.

Alternative destinations, remote regions, natural parks or countries with limited infrastructure require increased attention to health insurance. In the event of an emergency, treatment or evacuation can cost thousands of euros.

Choose health insurance that is suitable for active and responsible tourism in 2026.

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Recall! Earlier we talked about Greenland - the largest island in the world, its unique geography, political status, natural resources and strategic importance of the Arctic. Find out what Greenland can interest tourists looking for remote destinations, wildlife and a new format of responsible tourism.

Photo - pixabay.com

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