Fodor’s Urgent “No List”: 8 Travel Hotspots to Avoid in 2026
UPDATE: Fodor’s Travel Guide has just released its annual “No List,” highlighting eight travel destinations to avoid in 2026 due to alarming levels of overtourism. This urgent announcement comes as tourism surges globally, with international arrivals up 5% in the first half of 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
Travel hotspots such as Antarctica, the Canary Islands, and Montmartre in Paris are facing unsustainable pressures from increasing visitor numbers, raising significant concerns among local communities. Fodor’s aims to draw attention to these issues rather than call for an outright boycott, emphasizing the need for responsible travel practices.
The implications are immediate: as more travelers flock to these locations, locals report rising costs, environmental degradation, and a loss of cultural identity. In the Canary Islands, for example, protests have erupted against overcrowding and rising housing prices, with demonstrators declaring, “Canaries have a limit.”
Here are the eight destinations travelers are urged to reconsider for 2026:
1. Antarctica
Despite its remote location, Antarctica is seeing a dramatic increase in tourists, with numbers soaring tenfold from 1992 to 2020. Experts warn that the high carbon footprint and disturbance to wildlife could jeopardize this pristine environment.
2. Canary Islands
With millions of visitors annually, the Canary Islands are grappling with protests against overtourism. Local residents are voicing concerns over increased traffic, housing costs, and environmental damage.
3. Glacier National Park
In Montana, Glacier National Park welcomed over 3.2 million visitors in 2024, prompting the introduction of a timed reservation system. However, concerns about wildlife disturbance and carbon emissions persist.
4. Isola Sacra
This historic Italian coastal community near Rome is facing controversy over plans to build a new port for large cruise ships. Local protests highlight fears about the ecological impact of increased tourism.
5. Jungfrau Region
In Switzerland, the Jungfrau Region struggles with the balance between attracting visitors and preserving its natural beauty and residents’ quality of life.
6. Mexico City
The bustling capital of Mexico has seen a surge in tourism, but this has led to rising housing costs and cultural displacement. Protests against gentrification and short-term rentals are becoming more common.
7. Mombasa
In Kenya, the coastal city of Mombasa is facing overwhelming tourist traffic from cruise ships, leading to congestion and littered beaches. Local officials are working on measures to combat these issues.
8. Montmartre
The iconic neighborhood in Paris is experiencing the “Disneyfication” effect, with rising prices and a decline in local shops, prompting protests from residents concerned about losing their community identity.
As tourism continues to rebound globally, these destinations are at a critical juncture. Authorities and community leaders are calling for action to mitigate the impacts of overtourism. Travelers are encouraged to consider their choices carefully to preserve the integrity of these beloved locations.
For more updates on travel trends and responsible tourism, stay tuned as we continue to monitor this evolving situation.
