Rethinking Bucket List Trips

Climate change, rising sea levels, and overcrowding are rapidly changing many of the world’s most treasured destinations. These places have become magnets for travellers eager to see them “before it’s too late.” This trend is often called Last Chance Tourism or Doomsday Tourism.

What seems like a harmless or even helpful idea can actually cause serious damage. The effects show up not only in developing countries but also at famous natural parks, historic sites, and communities around the globe.

Impact on Communities and Resources

Access to food, clean water, and affordable housing is becoming more difficult for many communities already facing the effects of climate change. At the same time, growing numbers of tourists arrive, often using the same limited resources locals depend on.

While tourism is promoted as a way to support local economies, the money doesn’t always reach the people who need it most. Rising prices, increased traffic, and everyday challenges make life harder for residents. Visitors can add strain to places already under pressure from environmental and social issues.

Damage to Popular Destinations

Last Chance Tourism isn’t just a problem in poorer countries. Famous glaciers, coral reefs, and historic sites like Machu Picchu and Venice suffer damage from the sheer number of visitors. National parks and natural areas - including many in Canada - face litter, noise, and environmental wear.

Overcrowding harms the environment, disturbs wildlife, and makes it difficult for local workers to maintain safety and cleanliness. This threatens the future of the places people want to visit and the communities that call them home.

The Problem with Travel as a Right

As travel becomes cheaper and more common, many believe it’s a right rather than a privilege. But every trip comes with a cost - especially when it’s about ticking off bucket list destinations without considering the impact on people and nature.

Some travellers think they are helping by spending money locally, but this isn’t always true. Large tour companies often take the majority of profits, while local businesses benefit little or not at all.

The Limits of Sustainable Travel

People often wonder if travel can be truly sustainable. The truth is every journey leaves a footprint. Even local trips use fuel and create waste. Long-haul flights produce significant carbon emissions, and most carbon offset programs don’t fully make up for this pollution.

Still, travellers can make better choices by researching destinations in advance, supporting local guides and businesses, avoiding overcrowded places, and respecting local customs and rules. The shift comes when travellers focus less on what they want to see and more on the effects of their visit.

Social Media’s Role in Last Chance Tourism

Social media has helped fuel Last Chance Tourism by sharing stunning images of glaciers, reefs, and ruins - often without showing the damage these places face.

But social media can also be used to educate travellers about responsible ways to visit. Honest stories about the people and places involved can help visitors understand the impact of their trips.

Finding a Better Balance

There is no simple solution. Limiting visitor numbers can help protect some destinations but risks making travel a luxury for the few. Raising fees, closing sensitive areas, or setting rules may help if done fairly and clearly.

Before booking a trip, travellers should ask themselves if the place is already overcrowded, whether their visit will help or harm, if they are supporting local businesses or large companies, and if there is another way to learn about the place. It is important to consider all aspects of your travels before you make final decisions. In other words, just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.

Travel can still be meaningful - but only when done thoughtfully and with respect for the people and places involved.