A leading U.S. travel guide publisher, Fodor’s, has released its “No List 2018,” featuring 10 destinations to avoid—among them Beijing and the Great Wall in mainland China.
The guide lists reasons for avoiding Beijing and the Great Wall: While the Wall may be one of the world’s wonders, its extensive disrepair and crumbling structures mean it’s better to steer clear. The same goes for Beijing’s Forbidden City, due to the city’s severe air pollution.
Other places Fodor advises travelers to skip include Missouri in the United States. The reason? A report by the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) states that the state has a discriminatory record against Black people, who are more frequently stopped and questioned by police on the streets than white people.
Also on the list is the Galápagos Islands, famous for inspiring Darwin’s theory of evolution. Fodor notes that the archipelago’s fragile ecosystem still cannot withstand the impact of tourism.
India’s iconic Taj Mahal is set to undergo its first major restoration in 369 years in 2018. Authorities are using mud packs to clean the exterior walls. Fodor says unless you’re keen on taking photos with a mud-covered Taj Mahal, you might as well wait until 2019.
Thailand’s Phang Nga Bay National Park is also on the list. Fodor points out that overwhelming crowds have overrun this paradise, with heavy pollution on local beaches caused by the high volume of tourists.
Myanmar, which has only recently opened up, has made the list. Fodor says that while many were eager to visit just a few years ago, Myanmar is now a “pariah” due to its brutal ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya minority.
Even the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, is on the list. Fodor notes that many people risk everything—or even their lives—for the bragging rights of conquering Everest. Since 2017, six people have died attempting the climb, and the cost is steep, ranging from $25,000 to $45,000.
Honduras is a country to avoid, as it has one of the highest murder rates in the world, despite recent declines. Fodor says that if you have the money and time, there are better and safer places to go.
Cuba is also off the list. Fodor explains that while Americans can still travel to Cuba, the new regulations under the Trump administration are complicated. Additionally, a mysterious outbreak at the U.S. Embassy in Havana serves as a warning—travelers should think twice before heading to Havana.
Other places to avoid include Venice and Amsterdam, where an excessive number of tourists has led to resentment and even xenophobia among locals. Travelers are advised to consider other destinations.
(Want Daily News)
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