As 2024 winds down, it’s only right to look ahead to 2025 for your next adventure. With that comes two sides of the same coin – where to go and where not to go.
Overtourism has been a major concern for numerous destinations as hordes of visitors flock to beloved hometowns, disrupting the unique culture that makes a particular place tick.
In certain cities, it’s been a years-long battle, while others are just beginning to see the first steps of a downward spiral.
Fodor’s is one of the most trusted names in the industry, each year releasing the world’s ‘Go’s and ‘No’s. Last year, we covered the same topic and a lot of you chimed in.
We invite you to do the same as we unveil Fodor’s 2025 rendition of the No List, again highlighting 9 destinations to avoid.
Bali: Has Indonesia’s Shining Star Fizzled Out?
Bali is again being called out as a repeat offender, but this time for no improvements.
A storm of controversy recently took over U.S. headlines when popular roast comedian Tony Hinchcliffe zinged Puerto Rico as a ‘pile of garbage’ at an election rally.
The punchline may have been more accurate for Bali since the most popular beaches are often flooded with rubbish.
While dissing the island as ‘garbage’ holds no weight for their delightful locals, what’s missed in Bali’s hype as the ultimate Southeast Asian paradise is waaaaay too many tourists, rapid environmental erosion, less authentic culture, and yes, unsightly heaps of plastic waste constantly washing ashore.
It seems Bali has held on to its global acclaim as an icon, but nowadays it’s seen more as a status symbol – “look where I am” versus “look what I found”.
Rather than deal with Bali’s headaches, perhaps give Indonesia’s up-and-coming island a chance?
Koh Samui: Was Nothing Learned From Phuket’s Mistakes?
Phuket was recently crowned the world’s most overcrowded tourist destination, so did tourists flock to Koh Samui instead?
Of course, it doesn’t help that the 2025 release of the popular HBO show White Lotus will only entice more visitors.
“Similar to Bali, garbage and traffic are major issues. Koh Samui is only 95 square miles and holds a monstrous 200,000 tons of waste in its landfill, quite literally smelling like a looming disaster.
Besides the unsightly scents and sights, rapid development has been an issue where water treatment has been called into question along with the safety of new construction sites, such as villas and resorts.
Maybe try one of Thailand’s many other beach paradises?
Mount Everest: Is It Supposed To Be Unreachable?
Mount Everest tops many bucket lists; too many, in fact. Not to be gruesome; these are just facts of what you may encounter on what you imagine to be a trek of a lifetime, which certainly has its downsides:
- Human remains
- Human waste
- Piles of garbage
As amazing as it would be to have a beer at the highest point above sea level, Mother Nature has put all the obstacles here to say, “hey, maybe you shouldn’t try this”.
Nepal’s villages have been transformed into tourist hubs rather than authentic teahouses and homes.
As tourism numbers have doubled, extreme risks for injury and death have been pushed aside. Unfortunately, some may get a first-hand reminder as deceased climbers are left behind, a haunting testament to the powerful elements.
If you’d like to explore Nepal’s mountains, check out Pokhara, a super cheap town in the Himalayas gaining popularity.
Agrigento: Italy’s 2025 ‘Capital Of Culture’
You probably know how to ask for water in Spanish, but could you get by in Italian?
Sicily’s Agrigento picked a bad time to take on the title of ‘Capital of Culture’ since there’s an extreme water crisis.
As such, hosting more tourists is a big question mark. No matter who points the finger, the reality is it’s a real issue.
Mother Nature being the main culprit, however, as there’s been an unprecedented drought affecting water supply to the point of issuing a state of emergency last winter.
Some hotel workers are already fearing reservation cancellations if quick solutions are not found.
To play it safe, it might be best to skip the ancient city of Agrigento and opt for Italy’s trendiest escape instead.
Oaxaca: Old City Meets New Tourists
Back when I first visited in 2019, the city was delightful to visit, brimming with timeless charm, dark-lit mezcalerias, and buzzing markets.
Nowadays, it’s lost a sense of authenticity signaling local protests. It’s not just Oaxaca City either; it spreads through the state all the way to the coast, where Puerto Escondido’ problems are nothing to scoff at.
Price spikes have pushed locals to the brink, along with a surge in Airbnb properties taking away from the city’s unique character.
Oaxaca is also dealing with infrastructure issues to meet demands for population overload. At one point, some locals didn’t have water for over a month.
If you’d like a sense of real Mexico without the crowds, check out Mexico’s slice of Europe or follow the UN’s advice to venture into one of Oaxaca’s unknown pueblo magicos.
British Virgin Islands: Cruisin’ For A Bruisin’
Tourism officials in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) seem to be taking a nonchalant approach to locals’ concerns.
The main concern is that cruises are such a focal point that residents aren’t seeing dividends as a trickle-down effect.
That alone is notable, but even if cruisers opted for longer stays, questions arise if the BVI is properly equipped for growing numbers.
For example, when Hurricane Irma wiped out a wastewater treatment plan in 2017, it was years before running efficiently again after causing sewage run-off into the island’s vibrant blue waters.
Although $100 million will be invested for necessary upgrades across the board, it’s estimated to be $600 million short of what’s needed.
Those with the Caribbean on their brains may want to check out Dominica instead, and they are craving American tourists.
Tokyo: Too Cheap Or Too Crowded?
Is it possible to be too cheap? Japan thinks so.
One of the most fascinating cities in the world has seen its currency (yen) drop significantly, triggering travelers worldwide to book trips to stretch their wallets.
Unfortunately, the cheapness factor has also triggered crowds at sensitive sights like Kamakura in Kanagawa Prefecture, among others.
In fact, Tokyo’s biggest natural attraction, Mt. Fuji, has new limitations in places. That being said, Tokyo will be tiring to explore, so it’s up to you to decide.
Normally a great alternative, Kyoto also made the ‘No List’. Perhaps Osaka is better suited for you in 2025.
Scotland’s North Coast 500: Road Trips Not Welcome
Scotland has seen a spike in American popularity, with one such place known as the region’s best road trip destination – the North Coast 500.
The problem is that the cats are out of the bag, resulting in headaches for tourists and locals alike, especially higher prices and traffic congestion.
Roads can’t handle the influx, and locals have had their fill not buying what local authorities are selling as far as solutions go.
While it might be enticing to witness Scotland’s famous Highland cattle with emo haircuts, it might be best to venture elsewhere.
If you’re up for new thrills, check out the exciting first-of-its-kind train to Edinburgh!
Spain: Know What You’re Signing Up For
Last but certainly not least is Spain. Rather than sum up Spain’s overtourism to one destination, it’s important for travelers to know what they’re signing up for when visiting one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations.
Fodor’s mentioned Barcelona, Mallorca, and the Canary Islands as no-go places, primarily for the same reason: locals don’t want you.
But the same can be said for Madrid and Malaga, among others. Spain has become so popular that it’s challenging to find hidden gems.
Nonetheless, it’s likely you may encounter stink-eye reactions to your presence as prices surge and cities lose their ethos.
For an undiscovered island escape, check out Spain’s best kept secret off the traditional tourist path, so to speak.
Fodor’s 15 ‘No’ Destinations
In total, Fodor’s presented 15 destinations across the globe to reconsider visiting in 2025.
Here is the full list:
- Bali
- Barcelona
- Venice
- Canary Islands
- Mallorca
- Lisbon
- Koh Samui
- Mt. Everest
- Agrigento
- British Virgin Islands
- Kerala
- Tokyo
- Kyoto
- Oaxaca
- Scotland North Coast 500
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