Across the world are countless wonders crafted by nature that travelers can easily access. As new wonders are discovered and formed, many of the current wonders are increasingly under threat to disappear from climate change and pollution, as well as natural factors like erosion and weather. Though natural evolution is an integral part of life, the threat of climate change speeds up the changes. Unique wonders in the world's vast landscape are constantly being transformed. The following list includes five natural wonders that are deteriorating rapidly and have already altered significantly. Put these on your travel bucket list to see them before they disappear.

Yellowstone National Park, USA 

Yellowstone National Park is currently transforming due to infrastructure issues, air pollution, and the decline of its white bark pines being attacked by beetles. Warmer temperatures are also accelerating glacier melting and snowpack.

How to enjoy it

Yellowstone offers countless natural attractions and activities and is accessible by 5 gate entrances in Montana and Wyoming. You can watch geysers erupt, view the hot springs, observe wild animals, hike, ride horseback, and go rafting or kayaking. You can even spend a night inside the Park by camping at one of its many campsites.

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, USA

Witness over 70 million years of volcanic activity on the Big Island at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. The Park encompasses two of the world's most active volcanoes and serves as a refuge for Hawaii's native plants, animals, and some of the world's most unique geographical and biological landscapes. Due to higher temperatures, drier conditions, and a growing number of invasive species, native plants and animals are becoming more at risk of endangerment.

How to enjoy it 

Stay in Volcano Village, a small village in the middle of a rainforest that is 5 minutes from the Park's entrance, so you can spend multiple days exploring the Park. Or, book a spot on a day tour that takes you from Maui to the Park to experience the volcanoes, waterfalls, and other natural formations. 

Great Barrier Reef, Australia 

The Great Barrier Reef is a 1,200 mile-long ecosystem along Australia's Queensland coast. Conservationists predict it will no longer exist by 2030 due to rising temperatures and acidic water bleaching and killing the reef.

How to enjoy it 

Witness the Great Barrier Reef by a seaplane or helicopter, glass-bottom boat, underwater observatory, or by swimming in it. Most main resorts offer day trips to truly experience the natural beauty of the reef system and the creatures who inhabit it. Or, book a liveaboard dive expedition for an overnight trip with plenty of diving and snorkeling. 

The Dead Sea, Israel 

The Dead Sea is surrounded by Israel, Jordan, and Palestine. Due to mineral mining and the draining of resources by cosmetic companies, the Dead Sea has lost a third of its surface area and dropped 80 feet. Research is being done to explore methods to stabilize the Dead Sea.

How to enjoy it 

Many people visit to float in the therapeutic waters, experience the hot, dry air and nutrient-rich mud. Floating in the healing waters is compared to a spa experience. Some resorts along the shore provide mud buckets that allow you to cover yourself in mud then wash off in the sea. Suppose you're not staying in a hotel nearby. In that case, you can visit one of the public beaches surrounding the sea open to locals and visitors.

Maldives - South Asia, Indian Ocean

The Maldives is an archipelago of islands. Known as the lowest country on Earth, more than 80% of the islands sit no more than three feet above sea level. This puts the Maldives at threat to disappear as the oceans rise. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts the nation could be submerged entirely by 2100. Any rise in sea level could damage homes and agriculture. As a solution, the country is developing a series of man-made floating islands for residents and visitors alike. 

How to enjoy it

The Maldives is a collection of more than a thousand islands, 200 of which are inhabited, so make sure you visit or tour more than one! Book a vacation at a bungalow that hovers over the crystal-clear water. Visit the capital city, Malé, and taste the South Asian cuisine. Book a day trip to a village island to learn about the local culture. Educate yourself on the ongoing environmental initiatives so you are aware of ways to help stabilize the Maldives and preserve its reefs, like bringing only reef-safe sunscreen. 

Visit these places and remember that Global Travel Plus is along with you in your journey to see the natural wonders of the world!

Sources:
https://www.jetsetter.com/magazine/natural-wonders-to-see-before-they-disappear/
https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/island-vacations/maldives-mistakes-tips
https://www.yellowstone.co/entrances.htm
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/a8f8b5b0477f458ea70826756b46a275