Don’t Miss: Fodors’ ‘Travel NO List’ Highlights Cape Town and Bali

Hey there, fellow travelers! I have some exciting news to share with you. Fodors, a renowned travel authority, recently released their exclusive ‘Travel NO List’ and it’s causing quite a stir. Wanna know which popular destinations made the cut? Brace yourselves because Cape Town and Bali didn’t pass the test!

You might be wondering, “Why would these two incredible places be on the ‘NO List’?” Well, let me break it down for you. Fodors has carefully evaluated numerous factors and considers these destinations to be overcrowded, overrated, or facing challenges that affect the overall travel experience.

First up, Cape Town. Now, don’t get me wrong, Cape Town is breathtakingly beautiful with its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. However, the city has been struggling with issues like overcrowding, which has unfortunately resulted in a rise in crime rates. But hey, don’t lose hope! There are still plenty of hidden gems in Cape Town that offer an authentic and unforgettable experience.

Next on the ‘NO List’ is Bali, one of the most-loved destinations by travelers worldwide. Bali’s popularity has surged in recent years, and this sudden influx of tourists has put a strain on the island’s infrastructure and environment. You might encounter traffic snarls and overcrowded attractions, making it harder to truly enjoy the tranquility and beauty for which Bali is known. However, if you’re willing to explore lesser-known areas and venture off the beaten path, Bali can still offer you a slice of paradise.

So, what can we learn from Fodors’ ‘Travel NO List’? It’s a helpful reminder that even bucket-list destinations come with their own challenges. Ultimately, it’s up to us as travelers to make informed choices and seek out alternative experiences that allow us to truly connect with a place.

Remember, my fellow adventurers, the world is vast and full of surprises. So, let’s keep exploring, but let’s also be mindful of the impact of our travels and seek out those hidden gems that aren’t on everyone’s radar. Safe travels!

Every year, Fodors’ Travel comes up with two travel lists – the “Travel GO List” featuring 52 places that are a must-visit and the “Travel NO List” which warns you about places to avoid.

According to Fodors, their No List gives you a heads up on places that make their editors pause due to various issues – ethical, environmental, and sometimes even political – that they think about before, during, and even long after traveling.

This list has flagged two destinations that are loved by South Africans – one local and the other international.

Bali

Bali, the most-visited island in Indonesia, is beloved by many South Africans because of its stunning landscapes and favorable exchange rate. In fact, over 5 million people traveled to Bali in 2017. However, the island has also experienced the downsides of its popularity, known as overtourism.

For instance, the Lempuyang Temple, an incredibly sacred place in Bali, is now a hot spot for tourists looking to capture the perfect Instagram photo. This temple, often referred to as the ‘Gates of Heaven,’ has been featured in over 90,000 posts on the platform. Unfortunately, the desire for that picturesque shot has led some visitors to fake images, making it look like the temple gates are reflecting in a lake.

Indonesia, a country with strict blasphemy laws, is understandably concerned about the behavior of tourists at religious sites. It is common to see visitors in swimming costumes, climbing over sacred areas, and showing a lack of respect towards the local community.

Did you hear the news? According to The Guardian, Bali’s deputy governor, Cok Ace, wants to reassess the rules for visiting temples unaccompanied. It seems the authorities are concerned about keeping everything in order.

There are other problems too, like the heaps of plastic that end up on the beaches. Imagine, back in 2017, it got so bad that they had to declare a “garbage emergency!” And, according to Fodors, the development of fancy villas and golf courses has made water scarce, hurting the profits of local farmers.

As if that wasn’t enough, this year the Bali legislature talked about adding a US$10 “tourist tax” for everyone who visits. They’re trying to find ways to make things better, but it’s not easy.

And just when you thought things couldn’t get more intense, the authorities in charge of the Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, were thinking about stopping tourists from going to Komodo Island altogether. But they changed their minds and decided to limit the number of visitors instead – plus, they raised the entry fee.

Cape Town

I have to be honest, Cape Town is a city that’s been getting a lot of attention lately. People can’t seem to stop talking about it and even calling it the best or top city in the world. But here’s the thing – it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.

If you’re just here for a quick visit, enjoying the beautiful beaches and the amazing winelands, you might never know what’s really going on in this city. You see, Cape Town is a place of contrast. While it may be the ultimate destination for tourists, it can be deadly for the people who call it home.

Fodors, a well-known travel authority, has pointed out some serious issues that tourists often overlook. They mentioned the violence that is plaguing the city, with a recent “wave of crime” that has made Cape Town one of the most dangerous places in the world. It got so bad that the military had to step in and try to stop the gang violence.

Now, here’s a shocking statistic for you – there were over 2,800 murders in Cape Town in just one year! Can you believe that? And if you think about it, that means there were around 66 killings for every 100,000 people living here. It’s definitely not something to take lightly.

So, while Cape Town may have its charm and beauty, it’s important to be aware of the challenges and dangers that come with it. As a visitor, it’s easy to get caught up in the glamour and forget about the reality that the city’s residents face every day.

‘It’s like a tale of two cities,’ says Albert Fritz, the provincial minister for community safety. ‘You can be a tourist in the heart of Cape Town, and you’ll feel completely safe. But little do you know that just 10 kilometers away, people are actually shooting at the police.’

There are other destinations on this list besides Cape Town. Two notable ones are Costa Rica and Mexico, not because of violence, but because of a problem with alcohol. ‘The Costa Rica Ministry of Health issued a nationwide warning about several alcohol brands that were contaminated with methanol. Sadly, 25 people have lost their lives and another 59 have ended up in the hospital due to methanol poisoning.’

Another city that raises concerns is Barcelona, but for a different reason. Forbes points out that, ‘No matter how much they expand the sidewalks or reroute buses, the real issue that needs fixing is that tourism is the leading problem for the city.’

I have some eye-opening information to share with you about two famous landmarks: Angkor Wat and the Matterhorn. These incredible sites attract a lot of visitors, but they’re also struggling with some serious challenges that you may not be aware of.

Let’s start with Angkor Wat, a magnificent temple in Cambodia that has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unfortunately, the constant stream of visitors over the years has taken a toll on the temple’s steps. They have become worn down and now pose a slippery danger for those who attempt to climb them. It’s a sad situation for this 900-year-old treasure that holds so much historical and cultural significance.

Now, let’s talk about the Matterhorn, a famous peak in Switzerland that draws climbers from all over the world. While it may seem like an exciting adventure, experts are warning against attempting to climb this majestic mountain. They even go so far as to say that it “could kill you.” In recent years, tragedy has struck with 11 climbers losing their lives in 2018 and seven falling to their deaths in 2019. It’s a stark reminder of the risks involved in such a daring endeavor.

These stories highlight the delicate balance between preserving and enjoying these remarkable places. As visitors, we must be mindful of our impact and take responsibility for ensuring their longevity. So next time you plan a trip, remember to treat these wonders with the respect they deserve.

Hey there! So, I wanted to let you know about something pretty concerning. It turns out that the coral reefs in the Florida Keys aren’t doing so well. There’s this disease called ‘stony coral tissue loss disease,’ and it’s wreaking havoc on the reefs. Actually, it has a mortality rate of 66-100%! Yikes! The crazy thing is that scientists aren’t exactly sure what causes it, but they think it spreads through touch and water circulation. Scary, right?

The disease has even spread to Mexico’s Cancun and other coastal areas. It’s gotten so bad that Mexico’s National Commission of Natural Protected Areas had to suspend all aquatic activities in the Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel from October 7, 2019, until the end of the year. That’s a long time!

I just read in the Miami Herald that Fodor’s is telling people to avoid the Florida Keys because of this coral disease. But here’s the thing: Fodor’s says that being on their “No list” doesn’t mean the place is terrible. It just means they want to cover these destinations responsibly, showing all the good and the bad. Fair enough, right?