Kinder Ways to Visit the World’s Most Endangered Destinations
Across the globe, some of our most beautiful and culturally unique places are under threat due to climate change and other impacts of human behavior. Which is why it’s more important than ever to be a mindful traveler.
The world has become more accessible than ever. Countries that felt dis-
tant, such as Bhutan and Morocco, now top bucket lists, thanks to Instagram popularity and affordable direct flights. But a spike in travelers (the 1.3 billion international tourists in 2017 is predicted to surpass 1.8 billion by 2030), along with the effects of climate change, overdevelopment, and pollution, are harming our planet in ways we never imagined — and the
whitewashed reefs, receding glaciers, and plastic-littered beaches are proof.
While the future of the planet may feel bleak, the solutions lie in all of our hands. “One step we can take is to familiarize ourselves with what it means to travel sustainably,” says Kelley Louise, founder of the Impact Travel Alliance, a nonprofit travel advocacy group. Booking direct flights, going in the off-season, using mass transportation, and supporting local businesses can have positive…
