Are you planning a bucket list adventure for 2018? There are so many places to see and experience and some are destinations we wait an entire lifetime to visit. But, some places might be better visited in a year other than 2018. Here are five destinations that I do not recommend for 2018 travel. The reasons range from ethical to photographic.
1. Balancing the desire to help oppressed populations with tourism dollars vs the support of questionable regimes with those dollars can be a dilemma for any well-intentioned traveler. Myanmar (Burma) is mysterious, rich in history and has had an uptick in tourism since the country reopened its borders in 2010. While travel is a great bridge between cultures, the current human rights violations go beyond political or cultural injustice. The atrocities committed against the Rohingya by the Myanmar Army is being compared to the genocide of Rwanda.
2. Normally, I don’t dissuade clients from traveling because of potential crime in other countries. Media outlets love to sensationalize criminality in other countries and frequently blow things out of proportion. Of course, judiciousness is important, and you should consider all factors when deciding on a destination. But, would you not visit Chicago because of their murder rate? Of course not. Unfortunately, Honduras is experiencing a crime wave to which local law enforcement is a faction. Not only are they of no assistance, but often are the perpetrators. For the time being, I am recommending that you consider voting with your wallet and withhold your travel dollars until the situation improves. One of my favorite dive sites, I hope it will be soon.
3. Once again, the US government has made traveling to Cuba an exercise in red tape. It’s not that you can’t do it, it’s just they make it so confusing and add so many extra hurdles. I wrote an article a few weeks ago about how the changes might affect you. But, in addition to the hassle factor, the questionable assault against US diplomats is still unsolved and concerning. Until we know more about who, what, when, where, and why, you might want to wait a bit to take a spin in a vintage convertible in this Caribbean hotspot.
4. The Taj Mahal makes the list because it is getting a face lift in 2018. Literally! A mudpack is being applied to remove the yellowing stains and restore the white marble. So, unless you want your once-in-a-lifetime photos of the monument to include scaffolding, mud, and tarpaulins, you might want to wait a year or so before visiting this iconic site.
5. Beautiful, dangerous, a natural wonder. Once pristine, Mt. Everest is now littered with trash and dead bodies. While you may be brave (or foolish) enough and rich enough ($50,000+) to embark on an Everest Climb, consider the damage to the environment. Even if you make it back, your garbage won’t. If it isn’t safe enough to retrieve corpses (over 200), who do you think is going to pick up your trash? Your mother? Consider an Everest Base Camp Trek as an alternative. Not only is it more achievable, it is kinder to the environment.
There you have it. My “naughty list” for 2018. Are any of them on your list for this year? If so, I’d love to help you manage the challenges or find an alternative that will exceed your expectations.
Like this article? Sign up today to stay on top of news, tips, and specials.