Discover the Most Breathtaking landmarks at Risk of Disappearing—and Why You Need to See Them Now
Written by Kaelie Piscitello
The world has thousands of breathtaking landmarks that capture the imagination. Many of these landmarks have rich histories, cultures, and natural beauty.
Yet, many of these iconic destinations face increasing threats from climate change, over-tourism, and environmental degradation. From ancient cities to natural wonders, rising sea levels, erosion, and human activity push these beloved places toward an uncertain future.
While many of these places hold significant value for the world’s people, they have a risk of disappearing within our lifetimes. From the sun-drenched Maldives to the ancient sandstone of Petra, here are the places you need to add to your bucket list—and why time may be running out to see them.
Venice, Italy
Beautiful Venice has so much to offer tourists that the number of people visiting increases each year. There, travelers stroll through St. Mark’s Basilica, gaze at the Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge, and stare in awe at Doge’s Palace. Venice has wonderful historical sites, glorious architecture, and, of course, incredible food, making it an irresistible city in Italy.
Unfortunately, Venice risks disappearing within our lifetimes. Rising sea levels and groundwater extraction cause more flooding, and wooden foundations and historic architecture deteriorate. As a result, the “floating city” becomes more difficult to live in. To reach Venice before it plunges into the canals, plan your trip for the off-season in the winter to avoid crowds and disruptions.
The Great Barrier Reef, Australia
One of the most mysterious natural wonders, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef stretches for 1400 miles. Tourists often visit to go snorkelling and diving with turtles and other marine animals. Many also go there to explore the Whitsunday Islands, which have beautiful sand and give many people access to the reef. Many also take a helicopter for unmatched views of the heart reef growing in the natural shape of a heart.
As sea temperatures rise, coral dies off from coral bleaching. Furthermore, people overfish and cause ocean acidification, adding to its decline. Coral bleaching and pollution detract from sea life and harm the many species living there.
To see the Great Barrier Reef at the most optimal time of year, travel in November to see the coral spawning season. I also recommend consulting and traveling with eco-certified operators so you do not accidentally harm the ecosystem.
Machu Picchu, Peru
People love hiking to Machu Picchu because of the mystery and daring peaks that lead to a glorious overlook of an ancient civilization. They take the Inca Trail, a several-day trek through the mountains ending in a sunrise view of Machu Picchu at Huayna Picchu, the central peak, 7970 feet above sea level. They love looking at the citadels, terraced fields filled with temples, and Intihuatana Stone with Inca history carved into it.
Unfortunately, overtourism causes erosion because so many people walk through it, causing landslides. As a result, reservationists have capped the number of daily visitors.
To avoid causing further damage when you go, seek permits for climbing the Inca Trail and entrance in advance. Also, travel with a licensed guide to learn about the history and support sustainable tourism.
The Dead Sea in Jordan and Israel
As one of the saltiest bodies of water on earth, people love floating in the ancient Dead Sea, which separates Jordan from Israel. People flock there to experience the healing mud, which is often used in therapeutic properties nearby and in skincare and spa treatments. Many visitors also go to the Masada Fortress nearby to learn about ancient history.
The Dead Sea sinks each day and loses three feet of water each year. The Jordan River flows into it less, and the surrounding industries engage in mineral extraction nearby. As a result, the sea has many sinkholes threatening local infrastructure.
Book your trip between October and April to avoid the intense summer heat to see this historic body of water. When you go, consider staying in one of the many eco-friendly resorts to support sustainable tourism.
The Maldives
Tourists visit The Maldives for their beautiful white sand beaches and access to fresh, turquoise ocean water. They often stay in luxury resorts with direct paths you can take to the ocean. The glorious ocean gives you many great opportunities to engage in sea activities, such as diving with manta rays, whale sharks, coral reefs, and snorkelling!
The Maldives consist of 1190 coral islands and are one of the lowest-lying countries. Rising sea levels by the end of the century will put them at higher risk of submersion. Furthermore, the sea levels cause coastal erosion and coral bleaching, harming the islands’ natural wildlife.
To visit the Maldives before they sink, travel in the dry season from November to April for the best weather and consider staying at resorts that contribute to reef conservation.
Glacier National Park, USA
Glacier National Park has many beautiful trails to hike and ski in the winter. Many love strolling through the Going-to-the-Sun road or enjoying a beautiful drive with great views of mountains, valleys, and wildlife. Many also love hiking through Hidden Lake and admiring the park’s native grizzlies, mountain goats, and elk from afar.
As one of Montana’s gorgeous national parks, Glacier once had close to 150 glaciers to explore and gaze at. Today, only 25 still exist. Furthermore, global warming is melting the remaining ones. If the temperatures continue to rise, the glaciers could melt away and hurt the animals and wildlife around them.
To see Glacier National Park, visit from July to September to enjoy the best hiking. While staying there, explore less-trafficked trails to reduce environmental impact.
Timbuktu, Mali
Known as the “City of 333 Saints,” Timbuktu was once a thriving centre of trade, culture, and education in West Africa. It has a famous Sankore mosque known for its mud-brick architecture and many historical texts dating back to the 13th century, which reflects Islamic scholarship and African heritage. Of course, you can also go to the Sahara desert and ride on a camel.
Today, Timbuktu faces desertification threats harming ancient buildings. Furthermore, armed conflicts and looting have hurt its mosques and manuscripts.
When visiting Timbuktu, check travel advisories and work with local guides to prioritize your safety. Consider donating to organizations safeguarding the manuscripts there to help preserve them.
Easter Island, Chile
Easter Island is famous for its Moai statues and stone carvings created by the Rapa Nui people. The island has a rich cultural history, and you can visit the Orongo village ceremonial site with petroglyphs related to the Birdman Cult. Many also prioritize seeing the Rano Raraku volcanic Quarry, where people carved the statues; some unfinished ones sit on the ground.
Easter Island houses over 900 monolithic stone statues, some on religious ceremonial platforms. Today, the statues face threats from coastal erosion, rising sea levels, and intense storms caused by climate change. Increasing tourism also puts pressure on island ecosystems and archaeology.
When seeing Easter Island, travel during the annual February Tapati festival to get a real sense of the culture. Also, avoid touching the statues or entering restricted areas.
The Amazon Rainforest
As the “lungs of the planet” filled with natural medicines, the world must keep the Amazon Rainforest around. It faces threats from deforestation for agriculture, mining, and logging. Fires also destroy it annually, harming biodiversity and indigenous cultures living there.
It has vast biodiversity, with many animal, plant, and insect species found there. Many Indigenous communities, such as the Yanomami and Ashaninka, have lived there for generations.
When you go, take an Amazon river cruise and see the pink dolphins and vibrant birds living there. Choose ecotourism operators to tour there and respect the wildlife. Consider traveling there between May and October for better access to trails and seeing the wildlife.
Petra, Jordan
The “Rose-red” city of Jordan has gorgeous examples of archaeology with carvings in sandstone cliffs, the Al-khazneh, a famous monument featured in many films, and the Siq, a narrow gorge and dramatic entrance leading to the treasury. Furthermore, it has a historic Monastery, Ad-Deir-Larger, a more secluded monument you can climb to.
Unfortunately, it faces erosion from flash floods and the footsteps of millions of visitors. Salt deposits weaken the ancient architecture, making the world wonder disappear.
To see Petra, avoid crowds by going there in the morning or late afternoon. Also, consider taking the trail to the High Palace of Sacrifice for panoramic views and peace.
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