Barcelona, Spain. Credit: Pixabay, TRAVELKR
Travel publisher Fodor’s has released its annual ‘No List’ highlighting popular destinations where overtourism and environmental strain have become significant concerns.
The ‘No List’ serves as a call for sustainable travel attempts to alleviate pressure on local communities and ecosystems. Below are key highlights from Fodor’s 2025 list, tailored to focus on Europe.
Destinations to avoid in 2025, according to Fodor’s ‘No List’
Many of these locations face challenges such as rising costs of living for locals, environmental degradation, and strained infrastructure, worsened by an influx of visitors. Fodor’s aims to balance tourism’s benefits with the need to preserve cultural and natural heritage.
Bali, Indonesia: plastic apocalypse
Bali, a top tourist destination, faces severe environmental stress due to overtourism. Over 1.6 million tonnes of waste are generated annually, with only 7 per cent of plastic waste being recycled. Beaches like Kuta are buried under trash, and infrastructure struggles to keep pace with the influx of tourists – 3.5 million in the first half of 2024 alone.
The key issues are: rapid urban development threatens natural habitats. Plus, waste management systems are inadequate, with 33,000 tonnes of plastic entering rivers and oceans annually.
Mount Everest, Nepal: waste on the world’s roof
Mount Everest’s allure has drawn unprecedented tourist numbers, with permits for climbers reaching a record 487 in 2023. The result? Over 30 tonnes of trash and human waste remain on its slopes each climbing season, threatening the fragile ecosystem.
Barcelona, Spain: locals protest mass tourism
Spain’s iconic Barcelona sees over 10,000 vacation rentals driving up housing costs by 68 per cent in a decade. Barca residents staged protests this year, demanding stricter regulations. Barcelona plans to revoke all short-term rental licenses by 2028, but many locals argue the timeline is insufficient.
The key issues are: tourism drives housing shortages and higher living costs. Plus, infrastructure is strained by excessive foot traffic and waste.
Lisbon, Portugal: housing crisis
Lisbon’s housing market is overwhelmed by vacation rentals, with 60 per cent of properties listed on platforms like Airbnb. Locals face soaring rents, making the city one of the least affordable places globally.
Venice, Italy: overtourism and entry fees
Venice introduced day-tripper entry fees in 2024 to curb overtourism but continues to face challenges with overcrowded streets and infrastructure.
Scotland’s north coast 500: locals push back
This popular road trip has caused traffic congestion and environmental harm. Wild camping leaves beaches and private properties littered with trash and human waste, prompting locals to call for stricter visitor management.
Sustainable travel hacks
For those who are planning holidays for next year, here are some sustainable travel hacks to consider:
- Off-peak visits: Reduce your footprint by visiting during quieter seasons. Or check out ‘Destination Dupes’.
- Eco-friendly trips: Support businesses prioritising sustainability.
- Respect local cultures: Be mindful of traditions and infrastructure.
Read the full Fodor’s ‘No List’ for 2025.
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