Some of the most naturally beautiful places in the world are at risk of disappearing within our lifetime and for this reason, they should leap straight to the top of your travel bucket list. Whether you’re looking for an action packed holiday, in need of a week of ultimate relaxation, or lusting after a romantic city break, we’ve got it covered. Our friends at Quintessentially reveal five ideal places to visit before they disappear.
Great Barrier Reef
If the Great Barrier Reef is your dream destination, we suggest that you go sooner rather than later. In 2016, the reef suffered badly from the largest global coral bleaching event in history, caused by a temperature rise in the ocean waters. In addition to global warming issues, the reef is also subject to human threats, such as over-fishing and shipping accidents, and its idyllic appeal will decrease before we know it.
Venice
Historically named ‘the floating city’, rising sea levels have led Venice to ‘sink’ at an average of 2mm per year. Several factors, both natural and man-made, cause Venice to flood around 100 times a year; a phenomenon known by locals as the acqua alta, or high water. To avoid the flooding season, we recommend visiting between June and the beginning of October.
Kilimanjaro
For those looking to take on a challenge this year, why not climb to ‘the roof of Africa?’ In the last century, 85% of the 10,000 year old glaciers on Africa’s tallest peak have melted away, and it’s predicted that they’ll completely disappear by 2030. Plan your trip soon for a chance to see the legendary glaciers before they disappear.
The Maldives
Whilst we’ve all heard that Venice is sinking, it’s a lesser acknowledged fact that the Maldives are too, and at an alarming rate. The nation is comprised of hundreds of beautiful islands in the Indian Ocean, and most of these are less than a metre above sea level. These exquisite islands are in grave danger of becoming entirely submerged within this century, if sea levels continue to rise at this rate.
Borneo
The once luscious jungle, located on the third largest island in the world, is under serious threat. Half of the annual global tropical timber acquisition comes from the Bornean rainforest, as does a large quantity of palm oil, leading to the Bornean forest shrinking at an alarming rate per year.