• Log in
    NewsVoicesExpertsEat & DrinkTravelogueExclusivesTravel TipsPrint IssueVideo
    ADVOCATEOUTPridePLUSADVOCATE CHANNEL
    SubscribeSubscriber ServicesEmail Newsletter Signup
    CONTACTCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
    © 2023 Pride Publishing Inc.
    All Rights reserved
    OutTravelerOutTraveler
    Scroll To Top

    By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.

    Accept

    10 Places to Visit Before They’re Gone

    Desirée Guerrero
    | 05/02/22

    10 Places to Visit Before They’re Gone

    Some of our most treasured sites are also the most endangered.

    10 Places to Visit Before They Are Gone

    Some of the most wonderful destinations in the world are under threat and could be dramatically altered within our lifetimes. The climate crisis is here and now and is making parts of our globe unrecognizable. Unfortunately, over-tourism can have a similarly tragic impact on beloved attractions. Parts of the Great Wall in China are reportedly in ruins due to tourist brick-looting; Iceland’s Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon sustained significant damage after being featured in Game of Thrones; and Indonesia nearly closed Komodo Island after smuggling and tourism greatly impacted the number of the world’s largest living lizards. (Hint: go instead to Rinca Island, where you can still see Komodo dragons as well as pristine beaches and prime dive spots.) We have a responsibility to travel in a way that does not diminish the places and cultures we visit. So while we are sharing our bucket list of threatened destinations, we’re also offering ways to help them recover (in addition to the obvious: Reduce global greenhouse gas emissions).

    • Some of our most treasured sites are also the most endangered.
    • Florida Everglades
    • Glacier National Park, Montana
    • The Dead Sea, Israel
    • Great Barrier Reef, Australia
    • Joshua Tree National Park, California
    • The Poles: Antarctica and the Arctic
    • Miami, Florida
    • Santa Monica Bay, California
    • New Orleans, Louisiana
    • Venice, Italy

    Florida Everglades

    The Florida Everglades is One of 10 Places to Visit Before They\u2019re Gone

    As the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, rich with cypress swamps, mangroves, and sawgrass, the Everglades has long been a magnet for travelers. Increasing development has caused these beautiful wetlands to be cut in half over the last century and 39 plant and animal species are threatened or endangered including panthers, crocodiles, alligators, and manatees. 

    How to Help: Support the Everglades Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring the area through science, advocacy, and education.

    Glacier National Park, Montana

    Glacier National Park is One of 10 Places to Visit Before They\u2019re Gone

    Majestic glaciers, alpine meadows, glassy lakes, and gorgeous wilderness have long drawn travelers to Montana’s Glacier National Park. Due to increasing climate change, the park’s namesake glaciers are fast disappearing. Once home to 150 giants, now only 25 glaciers remain — and experts warn all are likely to fully retreat by 2030. So plan your visit soon to see these beautiful endangered ice structures as well as the park’s 700 miles of trails and the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road.

    How to Help: Donate to the nonprofit Friends of Glacier, which supports general conservation efforts in the park.

    The Dead Sea, Israel

    The Dead Sea is One of 10 Places to Visit Before They\u2019re Gone

    For centuries, this famed body of water has attracted visitors who wish to float in its extra-salty waters (10 times saltier than the ocean), which many believe have therapeutic properties. However, the Dead Sea has lost a third of its surface area since the 1960s (that’s billions of gallons a year) due to mineral mining and cosmetic companies seeking its rich natural resources. The receding shoreline is now also riddled with thousands of sinkholes that can leave behind 80-foot craters. 

    How to Help: Support EcoPeace Middle East, as each donation goes toward its goal of creating a regional development plan for the sea. 

    Great Barrier Reef, Australia

    The Great Barrier Reef is One of 10 Places to Visit Before They\u2019re Gone

    One of the world’s greatest natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef is an underwater ecosystem of coral and sea life that stretches along 1,200 miles of Australia’s Queensland coast. Warming of the ocean have also increased the water’s acidity which is leading to coral bleaching and death. The Great Barrier Reef is made up of 2,900 smaller reefs. According to National Geographic, when researchers surveyed 911 individual reefs they discovered 93 percent had experienced some level of bleaching. Pollution and over-tourism has caused additional damage. Without intervention, some experts fear the reef could be irrevocably harmed by 2030.

    How to Help: Donate to nonprofits like the Great Barrier Reef Foundation. Visitors to the reef who use authorized guides now pay an environmental fee to help monitor and manage the reef. Wear reef-safe sunscreen!

    Joshua Tree National Park, California

    Joshua Tree National Park is One of 10 Places to Visit Before They\u2019re Gone

    With its endless acres of large yucca plants (a.k.a. Joshua trees), unusual cactuses, and majestic boulders (plus just two hours from L.A.), Joshua Tree National Park has long been a meditative escape from city life for many travelers. However, the park’s famous landscape is suffering due to climate change. With annual rainfall down to about one inch (it used to be about five per year) the trees are unable to reproduce, making them truly endangered.

    How to Help: Give to orgs 350, the Environmental Defense Fund, and Joshua Tree National Park Association.

    The Poles: Antarctica and the Arctic

    The North and South Poles are Two of 10 Places to Visit Before They\u2019re Gone

    Though extreme temperatures, rough terrain, and remote locations keep most travelers from visiting the Earth’s poles, Antarctica (pictured) and the Arctic are disproportionately impacted by global climate change. The melting environment is threatening extinction for many local species and the Indigenous communities that depend on them. The South Pole’s (Antarctica’s) wildlife, such as whales, seals, and penguins, is also being threatened due to melting sea ice — which scientists predict could be completely gone within 40 years.

    How to Help: Support Polar Bears International. Its Save Our Sea Ice Campaign details how you can make positive environmental change in your own life and in your community.

    Miami, Florida

    Miami, Florida is One of 10 Places to Visit Before They Are Gone

    Gorgeous weather, beaches, people, and architecture — not to mention, amazing food and nightlife — have made Miami a favorite vacation spot for last century or so. However, as with many coastal regions, the effects of climate change are becoming quite evident in the famed south Florida city. Due to the area’s at-sea level elevation, Miami is especially vulnerable to flooding thanks to rising sea levels from the melting Arctic glaciers. (Starting to see how it’s all connected?)

    How to Help: Check out the Years Project’s “Saving Miami” initiative with correspondent Jack Black to learn how you can help.

    Santa Monica Bay, California

    Santa Monica Bay is One of 10 Places to Visit Before They Are Gone

    The Santa Monica Bay Watershed is an 87-square foot coastal area in Los Angeles County, California, that is currently home to about 2 million humans — and more than 5,000 species of animals, fish, birds, and plants. Rising sea levels due to climate change is threatening to ultimately leave this area underwater, though not likely in our lifetime. Still, pollution and overdevelopment have already caused the watershed its share of problems.

    How to Help: Think about ways you can reduce the use of fossil fuels in your own life and donate to the Bay Foundation.

    New Orleans, Louisiana

    New Orleans, Louisiana is One of 10 Places to Visit Before They Are Gone

    The Big Easy has long attracted travelers due to its rich history, multi-cultural cuisine, and eccentric locals — but it’s also no stranger to environmental disaster. With some areas laying at 15 feet below sea level, New Orleans is especially vulnerable to flooding — like when Hurricane Katrina left the fabled city underwater and devastated in 2005. Though much of the (white) areas have since largely recovered, the socioeconomic impact on Black communities can still be felt.

    How to Help: Support local nonprofits like Green Light New Orleans which helps the city’s environment and residents in need.

    Venice, Italy

    Venice is One of 10 Places to Visit Before They\u2019re Gone

    Considered one of the most romantic cities in the world, thanks to its unique canal system which you can traverse via gondola (and be serenaded in Italian by the gondolier), Venice has always fought back the seas, but in the modern era is facing an existential crisis. Significant damage has already been done to many of its lower-lying structures, including the famed St. Mark’s Basilica. Over-tourism is also a concern, and the city recently unveiled policies aimed at limiting visitors, discouraging one-day tourism, and encouraging slower, more meaningful travel.

    How to Help: Donate to Save Venice to aid with preserving the city’s art and architecture, or to Friends of Venice Italy which focuses on environmental issues.

    Latest Stories

    4 Dead, Several Injured After Helicopters Collide on Australian Beach
    News
    Badge
    gallery

    4 Dead, Several Injured After Helicopters Collide on Australian Beach

    January 02 2023 11:14 AM
    These 8 Destinations Will Have You Dreaming of a Warm Christmas
    Destinations
    Badge
    gallery

    These 8 Destinations Will Have You Dreaming of a Warm Christmas

    December 24 2022 11:12 AM
    Times Square in New York City at night
    Best of Travel
    Badge
    gallery

    Sniffies Reveals Horniest Cities

    December 22 2022 4:15 PM
    Turkish Oil Wrestling: Male Bonding at the Kirkpinar Festival
    Travelogue
    Badge
    gallery

    Turkish Oil Wrestling: Male Bonding at the Kirkpinar Festival

    December 20 2022 2:20 PM
    Sniffies investigates the queerness and homoeroticism inherent in frat culture \u2013 and here are the mouthwatering pics to prove it.
    Events
    Badge
    gallery

    20 Thirsty Pics of #SniffiesRush Campaign Celebrating Frat Life

    December 16 2022 3:19 PM
    Reno Gold and his doctor boyfriend Austin in their new travel show “Boyfriends Big World”
    Exclusives
    Badge
    gallery

    OnlyFans Star Reno Gold on His New Boyfriend and Travel Show

    December 16 2022 3:10 PM
    Intro to Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend January 13-16
    Events
    Badge
    gallery

    Intro to Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend January 13-16

    December 13 2022 3:00 PM
    Making a Case for a Much-Hated Ingredient
    News
    Badge
    gallery

    Making a Case for a Much-Hated Ingredient

    December 13 2022 4:00 AM
    Spend the Holidays in West Hollywood
    News
    Badge
    gallery

    Spend the Holidays in West Hollywood

    December 11 2022 4:30 PM
    50+ Sexy Photos from Provincetown’s 25th-Annual Holly Folly
    Virtual Travel
    Badge
    gallery

    50+ Sexy Photos from Provincetown’s 25th-Annual Holly Folly

    December 11 2022 12:31 PM
    The 7 Most Cringeworthy Moments in ‘The White Lotus’
    News
    Badge
    gallery

    The 7 Most Cringeworthy Moments in The White Lotus

    December 10 2022 1:50 PM
    Gay Couple Finds True Love While Waiting at Airport
    News
    Badge
    gallery

    Gay Couple Finds True Love While Waiting at Airport

    December 06 2022 10:30 AM
    Make the Most of Napa’s ‘Cabernet Season’
    Eat & Drink
    Badge
    gallery

    Make the Most of Napa’s ‘Cabernet Season’

    December 05 2022 4:00 AM
    14 Hotels That Go All Out for Christmas
    Resorts
    Badge
    gallery

    14 Hotels That Go All Out for Christmas

    December 04 2022 4:00 AM
    Pics Show Dueling Eruptions, Lava Flows Threaten Key Hawaiian Highway
    News
    Badge
    gallery

    Pics Show Dueling Eruptions, Lava Flows Threaten Key Hawaiian Highway

    November 30 2022 4:30 PM
    Two New Lava Flows Cascade Down Mauna Loa
    News
    Badge
    gallery

    Two New Lava Flows Cascade Down Mauna Loa

    November 30 2022 7:00 AM
    Plane Crash Survivors Suspended in Power Lines for Over Seven Hours
    News
    Badge
    gallery

    Plane Crash Survivors Suspended in Power Lines for Over Seven Hours

    November 28 2022 4:15 PM
    Jinkx & DeLaCreme Holiday Show Best Yet
    Drag
    Badge
    gallery

    The Queens of Christmas Will Leave You Laughing

    November 26 2022 5:49 PM
    El Coyol is an exclusive, LGBTQ+ welcoming private island on Lake Nicaragua
    Destinations
    Badge
    gallery

    Escape Winter on This Stunning Private Island

    November 25 2022 12:00 PM
    More Black Friday & Cyber Monday Resort Sales
    Resorts
    Badge
    gallery

    More Black Friday  & Cyber Monday Resort Sales 

    November 25 2022 11:24 AM