25 Places you should not visit in 2018
Usually, we always tell you about places that you cannot afford to miss, especially if you are a travel enthusiast. However, now, we have come up with a strange list. Here are some places that you shouldn’t travel to, in the upcoming year, for various reasons:
The Galapagos Islands
If you are looking for a place with the most exotic species of flora and fauna, Galapagos Islands are the best choice for you. So, why is this place on this list? These species feel they are at risk from a large number of tourists and the Government of Ecuador wants to do all that it can to prevent the rare marine and terrestrial ecosystem of the location, by limiting the number of tourists.
Taj Mahal, India
Yes, it is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. However, you should avoid visiting the marble mausoleum this year because the monument is all set to undergo a mud-pack therapy to reduce the yellowing of its domes. The project is expected to get completed only by the end of this year.
Phang Nga Park, Thailand
Considered to be one of the most beautiful national parks in the world, The Phang Nga Park in Thailand has featured in James Bond movies as well. However, certain embarrassing activities like illegal fishing, destruction of coral reefs and accumulation of waste in the seas from tourists, have made the management restrict tourists this year.
Myanmar
Currently, there is a huge political upheaval going on in Myanmar because the Muslim minority group of Rohingya Muslims is being evacuated from the country. It is advisable not to visit Myanmar until this situation gets under control.
Mount Everest
Hiking enthusiasts may be disappointed to know that the world’s tallest peak, Mount Everest should be avoided in 2018. Due to global warming issues, the ice on the peaks is starting to melt making trekking quite challenging here. Many accidents have been reported in the recent past in this area, due to dangerous terrains.
Missouri
Tourists are strongly advised not to visit Missouri this year because of a large number of racial discrimination activities going on in the city of late. The murder rate is also increasing at an alarming rate, which is why tourists are asked to skip this place for now.
Honduras
If you are a diving lover, you would know that Honduras offers some of the world’s best diving spots. Nevertheless, due to the high murder rates in the islands and no safety for tourists, especially members of LGBT community, you are advised to look for alternate diving spots.
Great Wall of China
Though it is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Wall of China should be avoided in 2018, according to travel experts. Overcrowding, increasing rates of vandalism, instances of erosion and other man-made threats are said to be the reason for the same.
Cuba
There is no doubt that Cuba is a wonderful holiday spot. However, you should avoid visiting it this year because of the strange health hazards that are reported from the place. Most of the people here are affected by the same and are suffering from hearing loss and other ailments.
Machu Picchu
It is one of the most beautiful places in Peru and not surprisingly, it is also one of the Seven Wonders of the World. However, the authorities are facing a problem of plenty in this beautiful place, and they have restricted the number of daily tourists to the famous Inca citadel. So, you would want to give it a miss this year.
Isle of Skye
Scotland’s biggest island, the Isle of Skye is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places on Earth. However, the increasing number of tourists has created uncomfortable traffic snarls in the locality, much to the discomfort of the residents. Hence, the authorities accept only limited tourists during the peak season.
Barcelona
Barcelona, the capital of the newly formed Catalan, has been witnessing a steady increase in the number of tourists over the past few years. This has led to an increase in house rents and overall price increase of essential goods. Due to protests from residents, the Barcelonan Government now accepts only limited tourists every year.
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik in Croatia is a World Heritage Site. However, the quaint little city is at risk of losing this status because of overcrowding of tourists. With no other option left, the Dubrovnik Government has put a cap on the number of daily tourists to 4000 or so.
Venice
Known for its famous canals, Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. However, the residents of Venice were frustrated due to the increasing number of tourists who came in cruise ships and crowded the streets of Venice. Due to protests from the Venetians, tourists laws have become strict in the city.
Santorini
The tiny island of Santorini in Greece is one of the world-famous sunset-viewing points. With over 2 million tourists visiting the island last year, the place is at great risk of losing its tranquility and purity. Therefore, there is a restriction on the number of tourists on this island now.
Bhutan
The Himalayan country of Bhutan is not directly imposing strict laws or caps on tourists, but it is trying out a new way by fixing a hefty fee for tourists per day (around $250 per day). This discourages tourists from coming here, and the Bhutanese Government can protect the purity of its land to a great extent.
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is a scenic village located on the Italian Rivera. The major downside to this place is the overcrowding of tourists. They come in huge cruise ships that are lined along the river, but the tourists don’t spend any money in the village, per se. Therefore, tourism is not helping the economic growth here at all. The Government has imposed strict laws on the number of annual tourists to this place from this year onwards.
Antarctica
Since it is the coldest place on Earth, it is not usually preferred by tourists. However, you have to avoid this place completely in 2018, because the place is in danger of exploitation from tourists.
Afghanistan
Yes, it is a culturally rich place with traditional mosques and minarets. However, travel experts warn tourists against visiting this country this year because of the potential terrorist attacks. The country has witnessed quite a few attacks already this year, with tourist places being the main targets.
Burundi
In spite of brimming with exotic species of flora and fauna in its majestic wildlife parks, Burundi is not a preferred travel destination this year because of the political instability prevailing there currently. Murders and robberies have become quite common on a daily basis in this locality.
Central African Republic
If you are a wildlife lover and had plans to tour to Central Africa to witness some of the rarest species of animals, you have to alter your plans right away. The Central African Republic has been witnessing quite a few upheavals because of ethnic violence everywhere.
Democratic Republic of Congo
Congo’s Garamba National Park is home to the rare species of white rhino. Nevertheless, wildlife lovers are requested not to travel here because of many instances of inter-communal violence in the recent past.
Libya
It is one of the most historic cities in Rome, but Libya is considered to be a dangerous destination. This is because of the large instances of fighting, violence, terrorist attacks, and kidnappings all over the country.
Syria
It is highly unlikely that you would plan to visit Syria anytime soon; however, here is a statutory warning for you. Syria is affected by political instability, and there is widespread fighting all over the nation now. Hence, it is prudent that you avoid visiting Syria not only in 2018 but at least for the next decade or so.
Venezuela
Gone are the days when Venezuela was considered to be a peaceful country. Today, the country is marred by political unrest and instability all over. Travelers are not being treated well in this place anymore.
Stay away from these places for your own good. If you still want to visit one of these places for essential reasons, check with the respective country’s tourism department about the right time to visit and about the cap on maximum tourists, so that you can be sure that you will be welcomed in the foreign land, in the right way.
