British holidaymakers are being urged to reconsider their travel plans for 2026 as Fodor's Travel reveals its influential 'No List'. The guide identifies eight global destinations where tourism is creating unsustainable pressures on local environments and communities.
What is Fodor's No List?
Unlike a traditional boycott, Fodor's describes its No List as a call for conscious travel. The list aims to highlight destinations that desperately need a temporary respite from overwhelming visitor numbers. "Give a rest to any location that clearly needs a breather," travel experts advise, emphasising this is about easing pressure on vulnerable spots "for now–not forever."
The Destinations Under Pressure
Antarctica leads the list, with environmental experts expressing serious concerns about the shift toward mass tourism. Professor Mike Gunter, who studies ecotourism at Rollins College in Florida, warned: "Unfortunately, in the last quarter century, Antarctica has been moving more toward mass tourism." The continent's fragile environment and status as the world's last true wilderness make it particularly vulnerable to visitor impacts.
The Canary Islands face significant challenges from overtourism, with local residents beginning to protest their growing frustrations. John Dale Beckley, founder of sustainability platform CanaryGreen.org, explained how short-term rental regulations have driven up both rental prices and property values, making it "almost impossible" for many young people to rent or buy homes.
Montmartre, Paris experiences such intense tourist pressure that Professor Rémy Knafou describes how "the Place du Tertre is completely invaded by café and restaurant terraces" at night. Local residents are discreetly but firmly protesting the loss of authenticity in their neighbourhood.
Global Hotspots Needing Recovery Time
Other destinations making the 2026 No List include Glacier National Park in Montana, where climate change acts as a "threat multiplier" according to conservation expert Michael Jamison. The park faces unprecedented challenges from wildfires and milder winters affecting wildlife migration and habitats.
Mexico City struggles with the impact of short-term rentals, with local expert Natalia de la Rosa calling for Airbnb to be banned from the city, stating it "incentivizes evictions and tears at the social fabric of communities."
Mombasa, Kenya has seen a dramatic 164% rise in port traffic, while the coastal region now hosts 70% of Kenya's tourist visitors, placing considerable strain on local resources.
Additional locations include Isola Sacra in Italy, where planned cruise port development threatens delicate ecosystems, and Switzerland's Jungfrau Region, where record-breaking visitor numbers to attractions like the Jungfraujoch (over one million in 2024) challenge the balance between tourism and environmental preservation.
The Future of Responsible Travel
Fodor's approach reflects growing awareness about sustainable travel practices among UK tourists. Rather than avoiding these destinations permanently, the list encourages travellers to consider alternative locations or visit during off-peak seasons, allowing overwhelmed communities and environments time to recover and maintain their unique character for future generations.
