Too hot to handle
Ben Groundwater takes a look at the destinations that probably shouldn’t be top of your travel wishlist this year.
You’ve already been told where you should go. If you’re the sort of person who takes note of lists for travellers, you would already have seen several roll-calls of places to visit in 2019. But what about the places you should avoid, the attractions that are closed, or undergoing renovations, the cities battling over-tourism, and the destinations hit by natural disasters that need time to recover?
If you’re planning a trip for 2019, these are the places to consider avoiding.
Venice, Italy
It’s time to give Venice a break. This floating city is ground zero in the battle against over-tourism, and you get the feeling it’s losing, trampled by millions of sandal-clad touristy feet. Citizens are frustrated.
Visitors are annoyed. In 2019, cast your net a bit wider: try nearby Verona with its Roman amphitheatre, or head over the border to Ljubljana in Slovenia, or Zadar in Croatia.
Washington DC, US
If the spectre of Donald Trump parading around isn’t enough to scare you off, consider this: the National Air and Space Museum, a branch of the Smithsonian and one of the US’ finest and most fascinating institutions, is undergoing major renovations, with many exhibits closed or moved. Not the ideal time to holiday in DC.
Koh Phi Phi Le, Thailand
The Thai island featured in the movie The Beach has long been suffering due to its popularity, and last year it broke under the strain. Maya Bay, its most famous stretch of sand, was closed indefinitely to allow the area to recover from the damage caused by millions of annual visitors. The beach remains closed though there are hopes it will be reopened to limited numbers soon.
Kumamoto, Japan
Kumamoto, on the island of Kyushu, is home to one of Japan’s most famous castles. However, the structure was severely damaged in a 2016 earthquake, and much of it remains closed or covered in scaffolding. The repairs are expected to take decades, though the bulk of rebuilding efforts are hoped to be finished this year. Still, with so many other amazing attractions in Japan, Kumamoto can be put on hold for now.
Barcelona, Spain
Like Venice, Barcelona is on the front line fighting over-tourism. This is a phenomenally popular destination, a city of 1.6 million, which receives an astounding 30 million visitors a year.
There have been protest marches in the streets as residents are forced out of desirable areas, and tourists outnumber locals in many parts of the city. Check out neighbouring cities such as Tarragona, Girona or Zaragoza instead.
London, England
You know when you have friends who are going through a difficult time and you figure it’s best not to call around at the moment? England is like that, as it goes through the Brexit process – in whatever form that eventually takes.
Though the pound will inevitably weaken, this may still not be the best time to visit. In London, Big Ben is also under renovation and covered in scaffolding, and Courtauld Gallery, home to an impressive collection of impressionist and postimpressionist art, is closed for renovations.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
You can thank Game of Thrones for the incredible popularity of Dubrovnik, known as GoT’s Kings Landing. Since the coastal city began doubling as the home of Cersei and the Lannisters, visitor numbers have gone through the roof, with shortstay cruise passengers being a particular concern.
The city has now limited daily visitors to its walled Old Town to 4000. This is all as good a reason as any to go somewhere different: try Budva in Montenegro, or Sarande in Albania.
Cinque Terre, Italy
The five coastal towns of Cinque Terre are famous the world over, not just for the settlements themselves, but for the stunning, rugged pathways that link them. However, those pathways have proved so popular in recent years that some have now been closed for major reconstruction work.
The Riomaggiore to Manarola route, or Path of Love, is a particularly notable closure: it will reopen in April 2021. Not an ideal time to visit.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Though plenty of destinations would love to be named No 1 on Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel list, the honour is also a guarantee that the hordes are about to descend, which may not be good news for potential visitors.
For 2019, the LP’s ‘‘best city’’ badge has been bestowed upon Copenhagen, the Danish capital that has been increasingly popular in recent years even without the guidebook’s nod. To avoid the crush, check out Malmo, Hamburg or Gothenburg instead.
Uluru, Australia
This comes with a caveat: only those who wish to climb Uluru should stay away. In fact, they should stay away for good.
In October this year, the wishes of the local Anangu people will finally be respected, and visitors will officially be banned from climbing Uluru. Don’t take that as an invitation to get in while you can, either. Just stay away.