British holidaymakers are being urged to reconsider their travel plans for 2026, with a leading travel publication highlighting seven destinations that should be avoided to protect their environment and communities.
The Growing Problem of Overtourism
While exploring the world remains a beloved pastime, the impact of mass tourism is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. From overcrowded streets and strained public services to rising living costs for locals and significant environmental damage, the footprint of modern travel is heavy. In response, the American travel guide Fodor's has released its annual 'No List' for 2026. This list is not a permanent boycott but a call for travellers to give overburdened locations a temporary respite.
1. Isola Sacra, Italy
Just 20 miles from Rome, the coastal area known as Isola Sacra, or Sacred Island, is famed for its ancient Roman Necropolis. This small community of around 15,000 residents has become a magnet for tourists due to its proximity to Fiumicino Airport and beautiful coastline. The approval in November of a massive new port project, the Fiumicino Waterfront, has sparked major controversy. The port will include moorings for about 1,000 small boats and a 350-metre jetty for large cruise ships carrying up to 6,000 passengers, cementing its place on the avoid list.
2. The Canary Islands, Spain
A firm favourite for British sun-seekers, the Canary Islands welcomed nearly 18 million visitors last year. However, this reliance on tourism is causing severe strain. In May, thousands protested across Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote under the slogan "Canarias tiene un límite" (The Canaries have a limit). Locals are vocal about the negative effects, from overtourism protests to pressures on infrastructure, signalling that the islands desperately need a break.
3. Antarctica
The world's last great wilderness is facing an unprecedented influx of visitors. From 2023 to 2024, the continent saw 120,000 tourists, a number expected to double. While operators follow strict guidelines to minimise impact, the sheer volume of travel and the threat of diseases like avian flu to penguin colonies raise serious concerns. With the ice receding due to climate change, the question of whether Antarctica can sustain this level of tourism is growing louder.
4. Glacier National Park, USA
Home to the Blackfeet tribe, this US national park is a stark example of 'last-chance tourism'. The park is warming at twice the global average, and only 27 of its original 150 glaciers remain, likely to vanish by 2030. The rush to see them before they disappear has overwhelmed the park, causing traffic jams on iconic roads, increasing litter, and disturbing wildlife.
5. Jungfrau Region, Switzerland
This picturesque Alpine area, famous for villages like Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen, is struggling under the weight of its own beauty. Coaches clog mountain roads, delicate hiking paths are eroding, and once-tranquil waterfalls are crowded with tour groups. The region exemplifies the difficult balance between economic gain and preserving local life and nature.
6. Mexico City, Mexico
Similar to European cities, Mexico's capital is experiencing a significant backlash against tourism-led gentrification and rising rents. On July 4, 2025, large protests turned violent, with tourists harassed and businesses looted. The sentiment, captured in chants against foreign influence, has been labelled xenophobic by President Claudia Sheinbaum, highlighting the deep social tensions fuelled by rapid tourist growth.
7. Mombasa, Kenya
Kenya's tourism is booming, with a record 2.4 million international arrivals last year. The historic coastal city of Mombasa is bearing the brunt. Cruise traffic surged by 164% in 2024, exacerbating problems of overcrowding, waste management, and coastal erosion. Official surveys now warn that the city's very appeal is in danger due to these unsustainable pressures.
A Call for Conscious Travel
Fodor's 2026 No List serves as a crucial reminder that travel is a privilege with consequences. The listed destinations, from the icy plains of Antarctica to the sunny shores of the Canaries, are clear examples where the industry is straining local ecosystems and communities. For British travellers looking to explore in 2026, considering alternative, less-visited locations or travelling off-peak could be key to ensuring the world's wonders remain for generations to come.
