Where Not to Travel in 2025: Fodor’s Perennial No List Destinations

As the global travel industry continues to bounce back, overtourism has become a pressing concern, prompting Fodor’s Travel to release its annual "No List" for 2025. This list identifies destinations under significant strain from tourism, aiming to raise awareness about the environmental, social, and cultural impacts of unsustainable travel.

Fodor’s categorizes the destinations into two groups: “Perennial No List Destinations”, where overtourism has been a long-standing issue, and “Destinations Beginning to Suffer”, where the pressures are now emerging.

Fodor’s Perennial No List Destinations

Bali, Indonesia, headlines the list of perennial destinations grappling with overtourism. In 2023, the island welcomed 5.3 million international visitors, a figure that surged by 22% by mid-2024. While tourism is vital to Bali’s economy, the surge in visitors has taken a toll on its landscapes. Pristine beaches like Kuat and Seminyak are now litter-strewn, and the island’s waste management systems are struggling to keep up.

Other destinations facing similar struggles include European favorites like Barcelona, Venice, and Lisbon, as well as Koh Samui in Thailand and even Mount Everest. Despite efforts to mitigate the effects of overtourism, these places continue to suffer from environmental degradation and strain on local communities.

Fodor’s second category, “Destinations Beginning to Suffer,” shines a spotlight on areas where the effects of tourism are just starting to take hold. Oaxaca, Mexico, is a prime example, with tourism increasing by 77% since 2020. This surge has displaced long-time residents due to soaring rents and overwhelmed public services such as water supply and transport. Locals also report that cultural staples like mezcal and the Guelaguetza festival are being commercialized, diluting their authenticity.

Japan’s Kyoto and Tokyo, Kerala in India, and Scotland’s North Coast 500 route are also included in this category.

Also read: Bali Implements New Tourist Tax: This Paradise Comes With a Price Hike Starting 14 Feb

Fodor hopes the list will encourage travelers to rethink their plans and opt for more sustainable practices. Destinations such as Bali and Oaxaca highlight how unchecked tourism can harm the very landscapes and cultures that make these places special.

As overtourism continues to dominate conversations in the travel industry, Fodor’s “No List” serves as a reminder that responsible travel is more important than ever.

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