The Dark Side of Tourism: People who read travel blogs and Instagram feeds full of beautiful pictures and happy people rarely talk about the less-than-glamorous side of things. The glamor of excitement and exoticism conceals destinations that are controversial, dangerous, and morally questionable.
Many people visit these places looking for adventure or to learn about other cultures, but others get caught up in a web of abuse, environmental damage, or political unrest without meaning to.
Know The Dark Side of Tourism
This series, as the name suggests, tries to reveal places where you should be very careful and where the thrill of adventure may cost you very dearly.
Domestic Destinations To Avoid Visiting
Chamba
Despite being in the beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh, people often overlook Chamba due to its remote location and lack of facilities. Its beautiful scenery and old temples draw tourists, but it’s hard to get to and from because there aren’t many good lodging and transportation choices.
Chamba has also had problems with too many tourists. In the last five years alone, the number of tourists has grown by 25%. This increase has hurt the environment and put a lot of stress on local resources, which affects the area’s fragile ecosystem.
Lahaul and Spiti
Lahaul and Spiti are well-known for their beautiful scenery and Tibetan Buddhist culture, but their fame has hurt them. Over the last ten years, the number of tourists has grown by an amazing 30%, which has put too much pressure on the area’s limited infrastructure. There are not many places to stay, and public transportation is not always dependable, which makes traveling here difficult.
Too many tourists have negatively impacted the fragile mountain environment, leading to issues such as trash management and water shortages. Also, there aren’t many medical services, which makes emergencies much more dangerous.
Aksai Chin
Aksai Chin is disputed land between China and India. There are many reasons why you shouldn’t go there. In the past, there have been a lot of armed standoffs and border disputes between the two countries in this area. Travelers face the risk of encountering military patrols and potential security threats due to the unresolved territorial conflict.
Aksai Chin is also not a good place for casual tourism because of its hard desert landscape and extreme weather. Stay away from Aksai Chin and go to safer places in India until the political situation gets better and travel warnings are lifted.
Silent Valley National Park
Despite having a lot of different kinds of plants and animals, as well as pristine woods, Silent Valley National Park in Kerala is suffering from too many visitors. Since 2000, there have been 40% more visitors to the park, which is putting stress on its already fragile environment.
Limited infrastructure and inadequate garbage management facilities make the problem worse and threaten the park’s delicate balance. Additionally, the park’s remote location and lack of infrastructure make it hard to get to, necessitating careful planning and organization.
Chambal River Basin
The Chambal River Basin, which is in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, is a unique but possibly dangerous place to visit. People love the area for its wildlife, but it also has a history of crime and lawlessness.
Even though there have been new efforts to make places safer and promote ecotourism, crime is still a big problem, especially along rivers and in remote villages. Before visiting the Chambal River Basin, tourists should be careful and get help from locals.
Manas National Park
Once full of animals, UNESCO World Heritage Site Manas National Park now has problems like hunting and habitat loss. Unfortunately, overtourism has made these issues worse in recent years, with over 50,000 tourists a year on average.
Unfortunately, this has upset the park’s natural environment and thrown off its delicate balance. Although Manas is still a treasure trove with over 20 species of mammals and a wide range of birds, safety worries make it less appealing.
Tura
In the Garo Hills of Meghalaya, Tura gives a peaceful atmosphere and a look into tribal culture. However, its appeal has attracted a large number of tourists, putting strain on its small infrastructure. The town doesn’t have good methods for dealing with trash, which hurts the environment.
The large number of tourists has also changed the way the Garo tribe used to live. Over 30,000 tourists visit Tura every year, making it hard to balance protection and tourism. Until the infrastructure changes, Tura may not be the ideal destination for all travelers.
Haflong
Assam only has one hill station, Haflong. It has a lively culture. However, in the last few years, it has become much more famous, making attractions crowded and resources stretched thin. The town’s infrastructure isn’t ready for all the tourists, which causes problems like traffic jams and trash to pile up.
Too many tourists have also made the town more commercialized, which takes away from its natural beauty. Over 50,000 people visit Haflong every year, but the town is suffering because of bad tourist practices.
Bastar
Bastar, known for its tribal history, has become too famous. Extreme tourism has ruined the area’s native way of life and harmed its already weak ecosystem. Every year, over 100,000 tourists arrive, causing problems such as pollution, forest loss, and the conversion of culture into a commodity.
Security concerns also persist due to random acts of violence in the area. Practicing responsible tourism and exploring other tribal areas can help Bastar handle more visitors without compromising its rich cultural heritage.
Phulbani
Phulbani, located in the Eastern Ghats of Odisha, offers stunning views and a glimpse into the daily lives of the locals. ls. Unfortunately, its growing fame has caused it to become overcrowded and damage the environment.
Over-tourism has led to the dumping of trash, destruction of habitats, and challenges to local resources. The yearly influx of over 40,000 tourists during peak seasons strains the town’s infrastructure. Additionally, Phulbani has seen racial conflicts in the past, which makes visitors worry about their safety.
Nicobar Islands
Due to limited access and the need for special permits, tourists should stay away from the Nicobar Islands, even though they are amazing. There isn’t much contact between the islands’ native tribes and the rest of the world, and tourism could change their way of life and put their health at risk by exposing them to diseases from other places.
Tourist overcrowding could also harm the fragile environment of the Nicobar Islands. An estimated 10,000 tourists visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands every month, putting a lot of stress on the islands’ resources and facilities. This disturbs nature’s delicate balance in the area.
Barren Islands
India’s only active volcano is on the Barren Islands. They sound interesting, but it’s best to look at them from afar. Concerns about safety on the island because of volcanic activity make it hard to get there.
The volcano has been erupting on and off since 1991, which makes it dangerous for tourists. The island is also unsafe for tourists because it doesn’t have enough infrastructure or emergency services. Only authorized scientific expeditions can access the island.
Kullu
Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh is known for its exciting activities, but it’s becoming more and more crowded with tourists. Every year, more than 1.5 million people visit the valley, which puts a lot of stress on its fragile ecosystem.
Unchecked tourism has damaged the environment, slowed down traffic, and put a strain on the area’s resources. The building of too many hotels and resorts is also destroying the valley’s natural beauty, making the culture less authentic.
Kinnaur
Kinnaur is in the northeastern part of Himachal Pradesh. Recent tensions along the border between India and China have made it harder to get to some parts of Kinnaur, increasing the military presence there. Tourists worry about their safety because the area is close to sensitive border areas, especially when tensions are high.
Travelers also face problems because the land is rough and there isn’t enough infrastructure. Even though Kinnaur is still a picture-perfect place to visit, it’s important to know what’s going on and be careful when making plans.
International Destinations to Avoid Visiting
Cancun, Mexico
Cancun has a colorful nightlife, but it’s getting too busy, which is bad for the environment and safety. Polluted water, sites with too many people, and a strain on local resources. Over 20.5 million people visited Cancun in 2023, which made problems like traffic jams and tourism worse.
Also, more crimes target tourists, making safety a major concern. one, there were more than 200 murders in the state of Quintana Roo, which is where Cancun is located.
Las Vegas, USA
It may seem like a tourist’s paradise when you hear that Las Vegas is known as the “Entertainment Capital of the World.” However, it’s important to remember the big risks that come with gambling and drinking too much.
Studies show that more than 32 million tourists visit Las Vegas every year, which makes problems like traffic jams, air pollution, and a lack of water in the desert region worse. Also, there are a lot of homeless people in the city, which can make public places less safe and less clean.
Niagara Falls, USA/Canada
Even though Niagara Falls is a natural beauty, too many people have damaged the area around it. Tourists are always coming to the area, which has caused waste, pollution, and habitat loss. Over 12 million people visited Niagara Falls in 2023, which put a lot of stress on the area’s fragile environment.
Tourism has also led to the loss of the falls’ natural beauty. show that the tourism industry has put a lot of stress on the area’s infrastructure and ecosystem, which has raised worries about water pollution and the loss of wildlife habitat in the Niagara region.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai is famous for its modern buildings, high-end shopping, and lavish lifestyle. However, new studies have brought up problems like the fact that it gets very hot in the summer, with temperatures rising above 40°C (104°F).
Reports of exploitation of migrant workers and poor working conditions have raised concerns about the treatment of these workers during the building boom. Also, the strict rules about behavior and clothing, as well as the high cost of living, may not suit everyone’s tastes.
The city of Moscow
Millions of tourists visit Moscow every year to see its famous landmarks and learn about its long history. However, tourists should be aware that there are some issues, such as the fact that many people don’t speak English and that there is a lot of crime on the streets.
According to new data, Moscow has one of the highest crime rates among big European cities. Tourists are often the targets of theft and scams. Political unrest and diplomatic issues can impact travel, and protests and gatherings can exacerbate the uncertainty.
Orlando, Florida
Orlando is famous for its theme parks, like DisneyWorld and Universal Studios. It’s also known for having busy streets, long lines, and unbearably hot weather, especially during the busiest tourist times. Often booked up, attractions such as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios result in lengthy waits and a less enjoyable experience.
New data shows that wait times at sites can be as long as two hours for some rides, with an average of 45 minutes. Also, because the area is so famous, it tends to have pretty high prices for places to stay and eat, making it less budget-friendly for tourists.
Roma, Italy
Rome, also known as “the eternal city,” is a place with a lot of history and culture. Its fame, on the other hand, has made it too crowded, especially at famous places like the Colosseum, Vatican City, and the Trevi Fountain.
Pickpocketing and tourist scams are also common. Over 7,000 pickpocketings happen in the city every year, according to reports. Tourist attractions are the most common places for these crimes to happen.
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Many people want to visit HaLong Bay, Vietnam, because of its emerald waters. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pollution and overfishing, on the other hand, have made the environment worse because of how famous they are.
In 2023, over 11.6 million tourists came to HaLong Bay, which put a huge amount of stress on its natural beauty and raised worries about its long-term viability. There are so many cruise boats that people often have to fight for the room, which takes away from the peaceful feeling of the experience.
Philippine
Boracay used to be a secret gem in the Philippines because of its pure white beaches and lively nightlife. But as it became more famous, it caused problems like overcrowding, pollution, and stress on the area’s resources.
To fix the environment, the Philippine government closed Boracay in 2018 as an example of the negative effects of too many tourists. Despite protecting the island’s beauty and limiting guest numbers since its reopening, Boracay welcomes over two million tourists annually.
Maldives
The Maldives are famous for their luxurious overwater cabins and clear, blue waters full of marine life. The country is, however, in danger of extinction because of climate change, which includes rising sea levels and coral bleaching.
Recent studies show that the Maldives might be one of the first countries to sink because of climate change. This is because more than 80% of its land area is less than one meter above sea level. The Maldives’ economy depends on tourism, but it also puts more stress on the environment, making it a somewhat mixed place to visit.
Santorini, Greece
The beautiful sunsets and whitewashed buildings in Santorini, Greece, make it a dream vacation spot for many people. But there are big problems with how popular it is. During the busy summer months, the island is full of tourists, which drives up costs, creates long lines, and makes it hard to find a place to stay.
Overcrowding has also caused damage to the island’s facilities and natural resources. Recently, the island implemented tourist rules to safeguard its beauty and long-term sustainability.
Netherlands, Amsterdam
People come to Amsterdam from all over the world to see its beautiful canals and rich cultural history. However, the city’s success has led to issues such as overpopulation and excessive tourism. In 2023, over 20 million people visited Amsterdam, putting a huge strain on the city’s infrastructure and the people who live there.
The sheer number of tourists can make the historic city center feel crowded, which takes away from the experience. Additionally, some places are known for having loud behavior, especially late at night. Amsterdam is one of the most visited towns in Europe, but it’s hard to meet the needs of both tourists and locals.
Conclusion
It is important to be aware of the darker side of tourism, even though travel is a great way to find new things. Some places are extremely dangerous for people, the environment, and society. We can make sure our trips have a positive effect by choosing wisely and supporting tourism that doesn’t harm the environment.