10 Tourist Destinations That Are TERRIBLE Now
Mount Fuji, Japan
From inspiring poetry and art to being a destination of pilgrimage, Mount Fuji has been an enduring symbol of Japan for centuries. But the mighty peaks of the dormant volcano now feature congested trails, accumulated trash, and waste facilities struggling to keep up with tens of thousands of inexperienced and careless hikers. The situation has become so dire that officials have even called it a “garbage mountain.” Amid the noise and litter, Fuji’s spiritual experience has gone missing. Although the Japanese government has introduced new regulations, problems persist. From afar, Fuji remains breathtaking. But upon a closer look, its slopes reveal the downsides of tourism overload.
Santorini, Greece Tourism has its pros and cons. On one side, it brings much needed business to a venue. On the other, when unchecked, it can cause irreversible damage. The island of Santorini in Greece has learned this the hard way. The cliffside villages, whitewashed houses, and spectacular sunsets make it one of the most photographed destinations in the world. But mass tourism has resulted in thousands of passengers overwhelming the narrow streets. Visitors often find themselves stuck in gridlock. Soaring prices have pushed many experiences out of reach for ordinary Greeks. Meanwhile, locals find themselves left behind and their culture sidelined. An undeniably stunning place is now a cautionary tale of beauty overwhelmed by popularity.
The Dead Cities, Syria
Scattered across northwestern Syria are over 700 Byzantine-era settlements. From stone churches to houses and agricultural estates, the settlements now stand as Dead Cities. Despite the passing of centuries, the ruins were so well-preserved that they offered a window into ancient life in the region. Attracting scholars, archaeologists, and adventurous travelers, this once-incredible heritage has now been ravaged by war. Since the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War in 2011, shelling, looting, and instability has made the region dangerous or impossible to visit. Some ruins have been damaged beyond recognition, while others remain neglected. Once a treasure trove in time, the Dead Cities of Syria now symbolize cultural loss and the historical cost of modern conflict.
Varosha, Cyprus
Another resort turned abandoned town, Varosha was once a glamorous Mediterranean hotspot. Attracting global celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor, Varosha’s golden beaches and luxury hotels were the craze of the ‘60s and early ‘70s. Then in 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus. Residents fled overnight. The once-thriving resort town has remained largely empty ever since. Hotels stand frozen in time, windows broken, and streets reclaimed by weeds and silence. Continued political disarray has left Varosha in limbo. This eerie ghost town is no longer the playground of the elite but Europe’s most haunting example of sudden abandonment.
Salton Sea, California
An accidental sea turned resort hot spot is now dead. The Salton Sea was never supposed to exist. It formed by chance in 1905 when the Colorado River flooded irrigation canals. Soon, it became a major vacation destination. However, decades of pollution from agricultural runoff found its way into Salton, causing salinity and toxins to rise. Birds and fish died en masse. The smell of decay and toxic dust continues to permeate the air today. Entire towns around the manmade lake were abandoned. They now stand as eerie ghost towns. Once hailed a “miracle in the desert,” the Salton Sea is in reality an environmental disaster.
Kuta & Seminyak, Bali Another paradise, another venue to disturb. That has been the pattern of modern tourism. Kuta and Seminyak in Bali are the next set of victims to add to this list. Bali has long been associated with tranquility, spirituality, and postcard-perfect beaches. Much of that is now a thing of the past. Beautiful and serene areas like Kuta and Seminyak are now choked with traffic and throngs of nightlife-seeking visitors. Beach pollution, littered streets, and water shortages exacerbate the ongoing environmental damage. Social media has turned sacred ceremonies and traditions into photo ops for influencers. Tourism has changed what was once peaceful into chaos.
Times Square, New York
From jazz clubs to Broadway theaters and neon lights, New York City’s Times Square gives meaning to the word flashy. But flashy does not always translate to a positive. The Square is now the epitome of a tourist trap. Enormous digital billboards tower overhead. Chain restaurants and themed souvenir shops dominate the streets. Costumed characters harass visitors for tips. Crowds have grown so dense that even walking feels more like navigating a human traffic jam. For New Yorkers, the Square no longer exudes the cultural grit and character that made it so iconic. Rather, it represents everything they wish to avoid: a gaudy, overpriced, overcrowded spectacle.
Mount Everest, Nepal
As Earth’s highest peak, Mount Everest has always been viewed as the ultimate challenge for climbers. But in recent years, this challenge has gained a darker reputation. Commercialization of expeditions to the mountains has led to traffic jams in death zones where climbers queue for hours in freezing conditions. The deadly bottleneck has contributed to several accidents and fatalities. Human waste, discarded gear, and oxygen canisters now litter the slopes of the mountain. The bodies of climbers who never made it back also remain frozen along the routes. Once a dream reserved for the boldest adventurers, the summits of Everest have transformed into a disturbing spectacle of overcrowding and exploitation. The mountain’s majesty is now overshadowed by the greater peaks of human negligence.
Maya Bay, Thailand
Global fame arrived on the shores of Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands when its stunning cove, Maya Bay, featured in Leonardo DiCaprio’s “The Beach.” Unfortunately, the same fame would also lead to the site’s downfall. The cove received thousands of daily visitors, with long-tail boats and speedboats dropping anchor directly onto its coral reefs. The result was catastrophic. Elevated coral bleaching, pollution, and erosion pushed the Thai government in 2018 to make a dramatic decision. The bay would be closed indefinitely. It was now a paradise destroyed. Although the cove has since reopened with limited entry, its ecosystem is still in recovery mode. Once a hidden paradise, Maya Bay symbolizes the dangers of loving a natural wonder to death.
Venice, Italy
It’s long been considered one of the most romantic cities in the world. Today, that has been eroded by the overwhelming tide of mass tourism. With every passing year, the fragile lagoon city endures the presence of millions of tourists arriving on cruise ships. Straining the city’s infrastructure, mass tourism has also resulted in notoriously high prices for meals and lodging. Quantity has begun to exceed quality, but that’s not the only problem. Rising sea levels and flooding have compounded environmental pressures on the city. This has resulted in a local exodus of Venetians leaving behind a city that feels more a theme park than a real community.
Which of these once-amazing destinations would you still dare to visit, and which ones are you crossing off your bucket list? Let us know in the comments.
