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What is destroying the world\u2019s most popular destinations? People, I\u2019d say.<\/p>\n

Komodo Island, a popular destination in Indonesia, has been temporarily closed after \u201cnine men were arrested on suspicion of selling more than 40 Komodo dragons for about $35,000 each\u201d recently reported in the <\/span>Washington Post<\/span><\/a>. Komodo dragons, which have been around for thousands of years, are now listed as a vulnerable population<\/a>.<\/span> Until the Indonesian government sets up proper protections and laws, not only prohibiting contact with the closely endangered species, the island will remain closed.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is not ok to encroach upon a wildlife\u2019s territory and habitat for personal, professional, or monetary gain. Like taking <\/span>selfies and photos of a baby dolphin<\/span><\/a>, separated from its mother, without regard to whether it can breathe above water for more than 15 minutes. Yes, it\u2019s ok to interact with nature, but that doesn\u2019t mean you can damage or intrude on its way of life. Just stop it!<\/span><\/p>\n

But wait, there\u2019s more.<\/p>\n

Is it true that <\/span>Walruses are jumping to their deaths<\/span><\/a> because of Climate Change? Or is it the cause of <\/span>\u201cCatastrophic\u201d Floods<\/span><\/a>? Or making <\/span>allergy season less tolerable<\/span><\/a> year after year?<\/span><\/p>\n

These are valid questions as a result of humans burning carbon-based materials and fossil fuels<\/a>, or worse, the US government skepticism of climate change<\/a>. This isn\u2019t the burden of one government or one people-group, but rather us all. All 7.7 billion of us<\/a>, and especially those with the privilege and opportunity to make laws, create policies, travel, and create awareness around the world.<\/p>\n

With Earth Day around the corner, on Monday, April 22nd, frequent travelers remind us of how overtourism, climate change, pollution and more will cause many destinations to no longer to exist in 10, 20, 50 years or more.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take a look at the world\u2019s dying destinations according to frequent travelers. They’ll examine places they’ve seen and traveled to AND provide recommendations on how we can combat the negative impacts of mass tourism, pollution, and climate change.<\/p>\n

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