In one of our March blog posts, we discussed the different travel trends for 2017. One of these trends is the increase of interest from travelers in ‘vanishing’ destinations. Today, we wanted to take a moment and go in further details regarding this specific trend, also referred to as Last-chance tourism which is intimately tied to recent global news on climate change. 

What is Last-Chance Tourism?

As people all over the world become more aware of the long-term consequences of climate change, they also realize that some of our earth’s most beautiful places are in danger of disappearing. This comes as a wake-up call, pushing many travelers to visit and experience some of the most endangered sites before they vanish or are irrevocably transformed. Last-chance tourism is also the result of tourists becoming more conscious of their mark on the environment and wanting to travel for pleasure, while also doing some good. 

Where are these ‘vanishing’ destinations?

Sadly, there are thousands of vanishing destinations all around the world, with the most famous being the North and South Poles, Venice in Italy and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. We selected five destinations which may not be as renowned for their vanishing condition but which are no less endangered and definitely worth the trip!
 
Tuvalu, Polynesia 
Tuvalu is a small 9-island nation located halfway between Australia and Hawaii. With its highest point at only 15 feet above sea level, this tiny strip of land could be completely drawn under the Pacific Ocean if sea levels continue to rise.
 
Everglades, Florida
The Everglades is the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S. Over the last century, the Everglades have seen their acreage cut in half and 14 animal species native of the swamp are on the brink of extinction. 
 
European Alps
The Alps are at a lower altitude than many other mountains in the world, making them more susceptible to the effect of global warming. Predictions give the Alps only until 2050 before the ice and snow disappear from the mountaintops. 
 
Magdalen Islands, Canada
The Magdalen Islands are an archipelago off the coast of the Quebec province. The islands’ shores are predicted to become very vulnerable to the region’s violent storms. Indeed, experts calculated that the islands’ coasts erode up to 40 inches per year and that the ice, currently sheltering the islands from storms will be completely melted in 75 years. 
  The Dead See 
The Dead Sea, which borders Jordan and Israel, has sunk 80 feet and has been cut by one-third in the past 40 years. Scientists fear that if populations continue to use water from the River Jordan, the Sea’s only water source, it will disappear in as little as 50 years from now.


Last-chance tourism has numerous critics among local, scientists, and environmentalists communities. No matter which side we’re on, we, travelers, should always act consciously and be careful that our trips don’t harm our destinations which earth has generously gifted us with. Before planning our “last-chance” vacation, we must all do some research about specialized travel agents and tour companies to ensure they comply with the strictest environmental and ethical guidelines. 

Long live the Great Reef Barrier!